Nestled in the SheepRiverValley of the Alberta Foothills, 20 kms south of Calgary on Highway 2/2A, the town of Okotoks is a young, vibrant and friendly community of 19,996 residents (as of 2008 Municipal Census). Okotoks is the second fastest growing community in Canada with a 46% growth rate between 2001- 2006. The name Okotoks comes from the First Nations – Blackfoot word “Okatoks”, which means “rock”. This is in relation to the Big Rock located 7 km west of Okotoks. A Really Big Rock! North America’s largest glacial erratic. It measures 40 meters by 18 meters by 9 meters and weighs 18,000 tonnes. The Big rock is the biggest among thousands in a 650 km chain of boulders left by the retreat of the glaciers during the last ice age 10,000 years ago. The big Rock comes from the Jasper area. Okotoks was incorporated as a town in 1904. While much of its history and old town charm has been preserved, the community offers exceptional services and amenities for all ages that are second to none for a community its size. Once labelled as a bedroom community with the majority of its residents commuting to Calgary to work, the towns workforce is diversified with 35% working in Okotoks, 48% commute to Calgary and the remainder have alternative work arrangements.
There are many amenities such as the recently upgraded recreation centre which features twin arenas, a curling rink, swimming pool and exercise facility. There are numerous ball diamonds and soccer pitches, a skateboard park, BMX track and an extensive river valley pathway system. One 9 hole and two 18 hole golf courses. 70 site campground right beside the Sheep river, cultural center and library, the 2,000 seat Seaman baseball stadium and field house and the new 22 acre off-leash dog park.
Okotoks has a superior education system catering to approximately 3,500 students. There are 3 nursery schools, 5 ECS schools, 5 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools, 2 regional high schools and 2 private schools. The town has a full range of medical service clinics, and the Okotoks Health and Wellness Centre. 15 minutes south is the HighRiverHospital and 15 minutes west is the Black Diamond Hospital.
Okotoks prides itself on offering a wide range of housing choices. It is home to North America’s first solar-powered residential subdivision; Drake Landing. A lake community; CrystalShores, and Okotoks Air Ranch with its own airport. The town operates award-winning recycling/composting facility. Sustainable Okotoks – world leading and award-winning; cited by the Real Estate Network as one reason Okotoks is a good real estate investment. Rated 6th best place to invest in real estate in 2006 as per the Real Estate Network. Natural beauty, ideal location and a commitment to sustainability....
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