Okotoks Rocks

What a theme! It used to be "the Spirit of Youth". Both are unquestionably appropriate. This is one of the youngest communities demographically in Alberta. We are slowly growing older as few of us wish to leave the community voluntarily. Our last census had 80 % of the population under the age of 45 and growing in size at an astounding rate, but the demographics are slowly changing.

Each new year brings over 400 new homes in town alone and an abundance of small subdivisions in the surrounding area that still call Okotoks home. Why? Well we are nestled in the Sheep River Valley just 10 minutes south of Calgary. That’s brings every amenity offered in Calgary right to our doorstep. It’s a beautiful commute with spectacular mountain views along the way to sooth your nerves before or after work. Just ten minutes of highway driving instead of the bumper to bumper, light after light traffic within the city. We even have a bus service for those who wish to relax and let someone else do the driving.

Photos Courtesy of
Stone Photographics of Okotoks

Now with the twinning of the 2A highway and the Deerfoot extension complete the market is stronger than ever. Eight minutes from Okotoks limits to Calgary's city limits. If you think Okotoks was booming last year,  Just wait!

Chatelaine magazine named Okotoks as one of the top ten communities in Canada back in 1992, and things are even better now. Many of their comments centered on safety and "peace of mind" issues. Today we still feel that way. We feel safe walking around the community, even early mornings or evenings. Yes, there is still vandalism but nothing relative to what the city experiences. There are a few "bad apples" in every basket, at least in Okotoks we know who they are.

Economically, Okotoks has the best of both worlds. While about 60% of employed adults still commute to Calgary, the percentage is dropping as more and more people find employment at the many new business’ racing to be part of this community, We have been recognized by the large chains and franchises as a place to be and the trend shows no sign of changing. Wal-Mart, Staples, Shopper's, Canadian Tire, Starbuck's and Tim Hortons are all presently operating here. Small business still appears to thrive here due to the "shop at home" attitude promoted of the Chamber of Commerce and the lack of business taxes. Many other Southern Albertans now shop in Okotoks rather than go all the way to Calgary.

The recreation facilities in Okotoks are second to none for a community this size. We have two indoor arenas, one outdoor arena, six sheets of curling ice, a four-lane pool with children’s pool, sauna and hot tub all encompassed at the Okotoks Recreation Center which has just  undergone a six million dollar renovation. The center is located on 34 acres of prime land that includes ball diamonds, soccer pitch’s, running track, football field and a schools playground too. Our new 2000 seat arena is now open to house our Okotoks Oilers Junior "A hockey team and both boy's and girls junior lacrosse teams. The Okotoks Dawg's of the Western Major baseball league are coming to town in 2007 with the new Seaman Stadium, offering 2000 permanent seat and capacity of 4500 patrons, already under construction.

Photos Courtesy of
Stone Photographics of Okotoks

Okotoks was well planned and features, 30 parks and playgrounds, 11 ball diamonds, 12 soccer fields, 2 tennis courts, 50 kilometers of interconnected hiking and biking trails that pass everything from the Sheep River Valley to spectacular mountain views to parks and finely manicured yards. From the heritage of the Elma Street Historical walk to "The Station" and its fine displays for local artists and artisans to the new Foothills Community Center that is now complete with a thriving seniors center, we really do have it all. Private enterprise has shone on us as well with two theatres, six 5 pin bowling lanes, a commercial indoor playground, gymnastics facility, dance academy and several music schools and a new emergent care health clinic just opened all within our town. During the summer months the Sheep River is our most popular attraction, young and old alike can choose to float their tubes along the lazy river or find that fishing hole around the bend and try fly-fishing for trout or whitefish. The D’Arcy Ranch Golf course borders the town on the northwest corner. Although it’s a Public course their attitude is you are a member for the day from the smiling faces at the drive–thru club drop-off to the clubhouse facility and fine dining to the complimentary club cleaning after your round it is a world class facility. River’s Edge is one of the more picturesque courses  around and the new nine is open now for a very challenging eighteen hole layout. The narrow fairways, undulating greens and natural setting along the Sheep River present a great challenge for even the low handicappers, but it’s great for young and old alike, as it is open to the public. Crystalridge Golf Course is open to the public with nine very challenging holes, lots of water and fabulous restaurants upstairs and down in the clubhouse open year round. Don't forget the Highwood, Heritage Point, Carnmoney and Cottonwood Golf Courses all within 20 minutes.

Okotoks is not only located close to the city of Calgary but also within 30 minutes of the pristine wilderness offered in Kananaskis Country. Local recreation areas like Sandy McNabb and Blue Rock offer some of the most beautiful hiking, biking, camping, cross country skiing, equestrian or trail riding you will ever find. The local hunting and fishing is excellent, and talk about the wildlife. From the deer and coyotes we see almost every day to the bear and cougars spotted occasionally and the bald eagles constantly circling overhead, I believe we have the best of everything, except water sports which are a short two hour drive away at Little Bow Resort.

Photos Courtesy of
Stone Photographics of Okotoks

Schools are exceptional, and plentiful. We have five elementary, two junior high and two senior high if you combine the public and separate school systems within the town limits. Both the separate school system and the public system have new schools under construction. Add to that several private and specialty schools in the immediate area and we can certainly suit your needs in education too.  Given that our population is just over 17,000 that is pretty exceptional. What it really means is you can safely choose any area of Okotoks to live in, be walking distance from a school and know that there will be lots of children in your neighborhood.

Which Subdivision Should You Buy In?

There is no wrong place or bad part of town, each has its own attributes. Many have similarities but usually the distinguishing factors relate to the age, price and location you desire. You may choose the mature trees of Woodhaven over the newer homes with less natural foliage, or the privacy provided by alleys over the common fence with a neighbor. Call me to help you decide which area suits you best.

Here we had two developers working simultaneously. Both offered a wide array of sizes, prices and builders. The original homes in the area were built in 1990 with construction completed in 2002. You can find distinctly different homes by checking out Westridge Close and the new Westland Street. Prices $350,000 to $500,000

Located just on the south-west fringe of Okotoks with four new showhomes just opened. Four new builders to add to Okotoks already diversified communities. There are also townhouse and villa style condominium available here. Prices range from $375,000 to $500,000 plus.  

This subdivision is owned by Tristar Developments. It is presently developing phase 18 with many more to come. Strong architectural controls are in place to insure the continuity from phase to phase and the Sheep River Pathway is great for strolling biking or running. The location of St. Mary’s Elementary and Holy Trinity Academy in this area is certainly an advantage. Prices from $350,000 to $900,000

This area offers more affordable homes on slightly smaller lots with less building restrictions, yet remains close to both the Catholic schools. Construction started in 1997 and will continue for some time to come. Prices from $300,000 to $400,000. Many feature alley access for future garages.

This is a very diverse area with many high-end properties backing to the environmental reserve along the river and some smaller single family homes without garages as you approach the Big Rock Trail. The walking path along the river is a very popular attraction. Prices from $330,000 to $750,000.

Hunters offers the close proximity of the Sheep River with a wide variety of sizes and prices. The cul-de-sacs and crescents offer a quiet neighborhood with its own school, Big Rock Elementary. The age of the homes vary from 12 to 25, with sizes from 1000 sq.ft. to 2200. Prices from $300,000 to $400,000.

A mature area with lots of trees and parkland along the Sheep River Valley. The homes were constructed between 1979 and 1990. Many still feature the cedar that was popular at the time, with earth-tone accents of the brick or rock fascia. Garages were not mandatory so there is a wide variety of pricing. Prices from $300,000 to $450,000.

One of our more mature areas, with lots of trees. They still had large lots, detached garages, alleys and the schools were close at hand. Many of these home have had extensive renovations while others are still waiting. Prices from $290,000 to $390,000.

This is one of our most exclusive of neighborhoods. Many feature mountain views, most have extensive upgrades such as stucco siding, architecturally controlled shingles with many featuring walkout basements. The area also features villa style housing for those looking for a carefree lifestyle. Prices range from $320,000 to $750,000.

This was our finest subdivision throughout the late 70’s and 80’s. The attention to detail of the homes and the pride of ownership was and is evident with many of the original owners still there. The mature trees, large lots, mountain views and walking paths has always kept re-sale prices very strong. Prices from $325,000 to $550,000.

Phase two of the village, All the cul-de-sacs and crescents are connected with a series of walking paths and parks. The large lots still exist, but most of the larger homes will fill them up. A limited number of walkout basements, some great mountain views, and great continuity of construction without repetition are some of the attributes. Prices from $350,000 to $500,000.

Excellent access to schools and the recreation center have always kept re-sales strong. Many homes have mountain views with some backing to walking paths or parkland. The sizes and ages vary dramatically depending on the location. Most homes have attached double garages. Prices range from $320,000 to $550,000.

Excellent starter home neighborhood with the Good Shepherd Elementary, Percy Peglar Elementary, Okotoks Junior High and the Recreation Center in the area. Most homes are built on the property line, creating a zero lot line subdivision. This allows for access to the rear yard for the homes to have a rear detached garage. Prices from $280,000 to $375,000.

Our fastest growing subdivision at this time. The man-made lake is a wonderful addition to the area with lake privileges limited to Crystalridge/Shores residents only. There is an abundant supply of lots and four showhome builders to choose from. The large lots of phase one, Crystalaire, have been downsized to soften pricing and allow for more price-point building. The youngest public Elementary, Dr. Morris Gibson is situated within the district and is a great selling feature. Prices range from $310,000 to $1,000,000+ if you prefer to be on the "Lake".

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