OKOTOKS

Chatelaine Magazine is a Toronto-based national publication that put Okotoks on the map back in 1992 by choosing this city as one of the top 10 places in Canada to live. Here is what they said about Okotoks, Alberta!

"Picturesque Okotoks, which straddles the Sheep River, has tree-lined streets and wide boulevards, and a young population: 85 percent of its residents are under 45. Maybe that's because Okotoks is within commuting distance -- 34 kilometres -- of Calgary and provides a safe affordable environment in which to raise a family. And jobs -- in energy, technology, manufacturing, agriculture and tourism -- abound in the area which has an employment rate of 97.2 percent, compared to the national average of 89.7 percent.

Sheep River Valley It's hard to beat Okotoks for small-town friendliness and community pride. The youth are so committed to the beautiful Rocky Mountain environment that their local high school, Foothills Composite, has been designated one of Canada's "green" schools.

Since that article, however, Okotoks has grown to be virtually a self contained small city. With large shopping facilities archored for retailers such as Home Depot, Canadian Tire, numerous office developments and various new subdivisions, Okotoks real estate is almost par with Calgary for suburban homes. High end communities such as the lake community of Crystal Ridge, Air Range and others also offer very high quality homes in the $750,000 + range.

Prices for acreages in the outlying areas of Okotoks range from $600,000 for smaller acreages up to $1.5M+ for estate acreages in areas like Willowside and Rusty Spurs.

Norris Coulee a 320 acre estate acreage development to the east of Okotoks along Highway 552 is the Springbank of the south with virtually all acreages over $1.3M up to $3M. This community also has its own new school.

Generally prices of smaller acreages to the north of Okotoks are somewhat higher than those south of Okotoks, but lately with the expansion of Okotoks and its many amenities, and the Deerfoot Extension, properties to the south are catching up in value.

Okotoks has a strong reutation for schools with many to choose from. Listed below are some of the options:

Public Schools:

• Public school System - Foothills School Division (403) 652 3001
• Big Rock Elementary School (Grades 1 - 6) (403) 938 6666
• Dr. Morris Gibson Elmentary School (Grades 1-6 (403) 938 6221
• Percy Pegler Elementary School (Grades 1-6) (403) 938 4449
• Okotoks Junior High School (Grades 1-7 (403) 938 4426
• Foothills Composite High School (Grades 10 -12) (403) 938 6116 (Includes Alberta High School Of Fine Arts)
• Seperate School System - Christ The Redeemer Catholic School Division (403) 938 2659
• Good Shepherd School (Grades K - 8) (403) 938 4318
• Holy Trinity Academy (Grades 9 - 12) (403) 938 4600
• St. Mary's School (Grades K-8) (403) 838 8048
• Private Schools:
• Edison Private School (403) 938 7670
• Strathcona Tweedsmuir School (403) 938 4431

Enjoy the new recreation centre, with ample programmes for all ages, including hockey arenas and swimming pools. For the golfer, enjoy the 3 established couses, Crystal Ridge, D'Arcy Ranch and River's Edge.