Okotoks becomes a leader in sustainability

[John Zeger]

The Town of Okotoks became one of the first municipalities in the world to establish growth targets linked to environmental carrying capacity (specifically in relation to water availability) when it adopted a plan in 1998 to limit the population of the city to a level of between 25,000 and 30,000 which was estimated to be the maximum capacity of the Sheep River water basin. The present population of the city is approximately 16,500. In taking such a bold step Okotoks has become a leader in sustainability in Canada and the world and can serve as a planning model for Kelowna and the Okanagan. More detail on the Okotoks plan and their vision of sustainability can be found by going to this link.

www.okotoks.ca/sustainable/overview.asp

More analysis and comments on the Okotoks model will be forthcoming.

[John Zeger]

From the preface to the Okotoks Municipal Development Plan (MPD):

"The sustainabile vision is not anti-growth, but a means of managing growth towards a destiny that acknowledges that there is a limit to the capacity of the environment. ... There are alternative options to Sustainable Okotoks, including continuous growth without limits....Many communities choose to react to the market and the world around them -- even in today's times. Some may prosper, some may falter, but what might bring fear to the hearts of many in these communities is a sense of unknown. In this 'c'est la vie' (it is life) kind of world, what may happen to your home investment, down your street, or to your community are like rolling the dice. Alternatively, in this MDP we describe an 'ideal' Okotoks we wish to pursue, and begin a journey down that path with a focused effort to achieve what we have set out for us. ... Town Council is advocating a 'Sustainable Okotoks' path that will lead us into a future that pursues destiny rather than accepts fate."