We have turned the page and now we are into the New Year some two and one-half months after the municipal elections.
I cannot but wonder how the new council will deal with the persistent issue of sustainability.
Once again the return of a question of whether or not we are willing to accept and able to embrace the economic and social growth that is looming on the horizon of our town.
Now is the time to move forward.
It is a good time to analyze the results of the election and what conclusions can be drawn. It is also time to review what pre-election promises were made. Should Okotoks move away from a myopic view of our surroundings and not create a “brick wall”, so to speak, around the town?
Those who were proponents of the cap on the size and the population of our town and not researching further water sources were quoted as saying they were on side with the vast majority of residents on those contentious issues. In effect, it would appear they were the true voice of the public. By what means or measures, now that they have been elected to council, will they make solid decisions for us? Or will they sit on the fence, as some councillors have been reputed to do.
To begin with, a direction for water should be discussed. Several who are now on council were firmly opposed to seeking water sources from options open to us.
Why, one would wonder? Their theory, I would suspect, is that no new water equates to no increase in population — period. Now, the prevailing town government is frantically searching for more water licences. The licences that were secured recently were hardly enough to supply water for another 3,000 people.
These events give one reason to come to the conclusion — a water pipeline from Calgary may become necessary.
Some of the candidates for council were adamant a pipeline was not to happen. They even used scare tactics, selling many on the theory Okotoks would lose its autonomy if a pipeline were to be installed from the Bow River to Okotoks. They were quoted as saying it would cost the taxpayers of Okotoks $59 million. Nothing could be further from the truth.
The Alberta government would be responsible for the installation of such a pipeline, and the Town of Okotoks would be obligated to pay approximately 10 per cent of the cost, amounting to about $5.9 million.
With the installation of the pipeline, we would not lose our autonomy at all. Ponoka and Redwater, who draw their water from Edmonton, and Airdrie and Strathmore, who draw their water from Calgary, have not had any such problems.
Approximately six weeks ago, during question period in the Alberta Legislature, our MLA George Groeneveld asked the Minister of Environment, Ronald Renner what plans the department had for the future water system and supply for the Town of Okotoks. Renner had to answer that a pipeline is being planned.
Of course there is another option that could be pursued for water for Okotoks, a reservoir on the Sheep River. The benefits of such a reservoir would not only be enlarged and improved water assets for Okotoks and possibly Turner Valley and Black Diamond, but a vast improvement in the living environment for aquatic life, fish and birds.
During the election, some candidates gave the impression there could be an athletic facility constructed within the borders of Okotoks. Many of us were aware there is not, at present, room for such a facility. It is now learned there is a proposed complex being planned near Aldersyde. This would be a joint venture with the Municipal District of Foothills, Town of Okotoks and the Province. This is definitely great news for the athletes and their patrons, perhaps, but not the best way of politicking before an election.
During the course of the election campaign, many platforms advocated solutions to the water problem, continued measured growth, expanded satellite options to post secondary education, good dialogue with the surrounding towns and the City of Calgary, as well as the MD of Foothills. All of the above displayed intelligent and sensible thinking.
Upon analyzing the final results of the election, some things became apparent. I would suggest it is abundantly clear the ballots that supported the candidates who favoured the cap on the size of the perimeters and the population of Okotoks amounted to 11,775. Ballots cast for those candidates who want growth and available water and/or waster issues resolved amounted to 21,830. These results could, therefore, be interpreted as 35 per cent supporting the cap versus 65 per cent favouring growth.
Several of the members now on council stated during the election campaign they would do what “The People” wanted. I would argue between the available numbers and the general opinion of the majority of Okotoks residents, Okotoks, were its growth allowed to continue and its development managed accordingly, could become a hub for the evolution of the entire south Calgary region.
The question now is whether council recognizes this and acts in what most believe to be in our best interests. We have a new council and we wish them every success for their election term.
