A group of Okotoks residents is pushing for the new 32nd St. bridge to be named in honour of the man who relentlessly dogged the various levels of government to secure funding for the project.
There should be little debate among Okotoks town council that the corridor on Okotoks’ east side should be named in honour of former mayor Bill McAlpine.
McAlpine was instrumental in getting the bridge built in Okotoks. Highwood MLA George Groeneveld and Macleod MP Ted Menzies often joked McAlpine was phoning their offices daily to ensure Okotoks’ bridge was a top priority with the provincial and federal governments. McAlpine’s persistence paid off and the bridge opened in late 2010.
Having a second bridge across the Sheep River was integral to a growing community. It provided a second crossing for emergency services, alleviated some of the traffic on Southridge/Northridge Drive and will facilitate commercial and industrial growth on Okotoks’ east side.
However, it is not only McAlpine’s role in securing the bridge which is why he is deserving of such an honour.
The former Okotoks mayor successfully led council through a time of unprecedented growth.
McAlpine was mayor for 12 years and Okotoks’ population almost doubled in that time. Under his guidance the community not only managed its growth, but earned international recognition for its Sustainable Okotoks initiatives.
During his tenure McAlpine and council convinced residents to buy into the town’s aggressive water conservation initiatives which have Okotokians using 65 gallons of water per person per day.
In addition, Okotoks embraced new technology which attracted such projects as Drake Landing.
Also, key infrastructure such as the Okotoks Recreation Centre, the library, the Rotary Performing Arts Centre, the recycling centre and the water treatment plant were expanded. Also, new facilities were also completed such as the Centennial Arena, the Foothills Centennial Centre, Seaman Stadium and Heritage House Museum.
It has not been common practice for Okotoks town council to name facilities or infrastructure in honour of local people or families. However, it has been done in the past. For example, the Murray and Piper arenas as well as some downtown streets carry the names of Okotoks’ founding families.
Many Okotokians fear the community is losing its small town feel as a result of the incredible growth.
This is a perfect opportunity to connect new infrastructure with Okotoks’ roots and McAlpine Crossing rings quaint, welcoming community much better than 32nd Street bridge.
Okotoks council should seize this opportunity to honour its former mayor and start a new trend of honouring the next generation of integral members of the community.
