Okotoks, Alberta is a growing Canadian town that's located just outside the cosmopolitan city of Calgary. It is a unique community that real estate buyers should take note of due to its strong commitment to environmental sustainability and responsible economic growth.
With newcomers moving to Okotoks every year, the residents and City Council decided to work together to ensure that the community continues to expand in a smart way. Their goal is to encourage growth, but with consideration for the so-called carrying capacity of the local environment. Determined to build an environmentally responsible community, "About 10 years ago, the folks there decided they were going to live within their local environmental means. Today Okotoks can fairly call itself the greenest community in Canada." -Prime Minister Stephen Harper
As part of their commitment to environmental stewardship, the town of Okotoks challenged the nearby city of Airdrie to a 'battle of the green.' Through the One Million Acts of Green, One Act at a Time movement, residents of both towns post details about their eco-friendly acts online. The town who commits the most green acts by the end of three months will win the contest, but by simply participating, both communities are setting their sights on environmental victory.
In addition to the Green Acts challenge, the town of Okotoks has also set up a Long Term Sustainable & Environmental Reward Program to acknowledge residents who have become more environmentally responsible.
The town itself has received several awards as well, including the Leadership in Sustainability Award, a silver medal for 'Communities under 20,000' and a gold medal for 'Solar Initiatives' through the International Awards for Livable Communities.
With thoughtful planning and fiscal responsibility, Okotoks is walking the walk of being an eco-friendly community. Housing density, open space, and water consumption are all factors in their plan to manage the city's predicted future population of 30,000 people. There are approximately 20,000 residents living there today.
In addition to managing infrastructure, Okotoks is also committed to keeping urban forest and green spaces as vital and respected parts of the community. An example of this is can be found in Okotoks Air Ranch, which is one of the few airpark communities in Canada. The homes in this very special neighborhood not only have access to a private grass runway and their own airplane hangars, but they're also surrounded by an abundance of open space and a 23-acre reserve of protected land. Here, local plants and wildlife are free to thrive in their natural habitat-and residents can enjoy the view.
Okotoks is a wonderful example of how communities can satisfy the needs of residents and local businesses, as well as take care of the environment. By taking steps now to monitor growth and encourage sustainable practices, the community of Okotoks is preserving its environmental heritage-and its future.
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