Okotoks town council can no longer delay a decision on the fate of its controversial population cap.
In his year in review Okotoks Mayor Bill Robertson stated council will make a decision on the population cap sometime in 2012, likely in the fall.
In the interim, Robertson said the Town will host a survey and possibly open houses regarding the population cap.
Leading up to this decision council has held surveys, public meetings and even a speaker series in an effort to help with its decision. The previous council was unable or unwilling to make a decision and essentially passed the buck to the current group saying council will revisit the issue in 2012.
Council is out of stall tactics and it is time to take a stand one way or another.
There are three options open to council: either stick to the 30,000 population cap; remove the cap and allow unfettered growth; or remove the cap and move ahead with controlled growth.
Controlled growth is likely the best alternative as Okotoks’ population cap could be moot without securing additional water sources. The Town’s current water licences will service a population of about 27,000 people.
If Okotoks residents support growth and new water licences cannot be secured council will have to look at other options such as water lines to High River or Calgary. A water line is something Okotoks council has not been comfortable with to this point preferring to purchase new water licences.
Robertson was adamant a decision has to be made so Okotoks can move ahead.
Therefore, it is now up to residents to ensure they are informed on the ramifications of a cap or no cap and make sure their voices are heard so council can make a decision — finally.
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