Dear Editor,
Once again, an apprehensive citizen of our fair town has voiced their concern about the dwindling water supply that Okotokians may experience again this year.
When our family first moved to Okotoks back in 1989 (population around 3,500), Town council cried poor mouth when it came to the town’s water supply and that rationing was immediately required and implemented.
For the eight years that we resided in Okotoks, we were badgered every week to adhere to the water use restrictions for the good of Okotoks and its residents.
We moved from Okotoks in 1997 (population 10,000) and moved back here in 2019 and, much to our surprise and chagrin, realized that the water supply issues and restrictions were still in place yet both residential and commercial development had skyrocketed.
Could it be that Town councillors were not wise enough to realize the ramifications of their approval votes or were somehow ‘motivated’ to do so? In my mind, it is appalling and highly unethical for our Town council members to have passed so many of these developments considering our water supply shortage issues.
Now, as large communities are still being developed, I understand that our council is notifying us that further water restrictions and rationing may be imposed. What, for washing our clothes, showering, etc.?
The call for Okotokians to be vigilant in water conservation is a wise decision but first our council must demonstrate better judgment and responsibility with regard to our town, its residents and business owners when it comes to approving any further developments.
Jim Tabor
Okotoks
