So much in Okotoks

Town offers country-style living with room for plenty of recreation

Situated on the banks of the Sheep River, approximately 18 kilometres south of Calgary, Okotoks offers country-style living just a short drive from the big city.

Charlie-Mae Marlatt, an Okotoks resident of three years said, "I like living in Okotoks because it is family oriented, family focused, has a small town community feel and it is 10 to 15 minutes away from the city." Marlatt's favourite pastimes include running on the pathway system, going to the coffee shops in Olde Towne Okotoks and shopping on Elizabeth Street.

Olde Towne Okotoks is in the heart of Okotoks and features unique shops and services for residents and visitors to stroll through. A variety of annual events are often hosted in Olde Towne from outdoor markets to live entertainment.

"There's so much to do here; fishing, rafting and camping. A person can go on and on," said Marlatt. Even though Okotoks has a larger population, the town prides itself on offering a small-town, community feeling.

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According to their 2013 Municipal Census, Okotoks has a population of 26,319, which increased 5.1 per cent from 2012. CREB®'s March 2014 town and country statistics shows Okotoks has a housing inventory of 99, the number of sales are 54 and new houses total 84. The average list price of a house in Okotoks is $443,518 and the average sale price is $437,787.

The Towns Quarterly Report released by CREB® for the first quarter
of 2014 showed sales activity in the town totaled 149 units, which was the best first quarter performance since 2009.

The amount of new listings have declined, which has resulted in tighter market conditions. The report explains that as a result of the tightening market conditions
there have been price gains.

The single- family benchmark price totaled $391,867, an unadjusted increase of 1.3 per cent over the previous quarter and 4.5 per cent over the first quarter
of last year. Unadjusted prices gained speed throughout the quarter moving
from $385,400 in January and rising to $399,400 in March.

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Riverbend Campground

In the heart of Alberta's ranchlands, Riverbend Campground is located on the Sheep River near Okotoks at 48033 370 Ave E. The campground offers utility hook-ups, fire pits, picnic tables, washrooms and shower facilities.

It's the perfect site for the entire family to enjoy a weekend camping getaway. There are three children's playgrounds, horseshoe pits, mini-golf, paddle boats, a nature trail and swimming for everyone's enjoyment.Visit their site to view their rates and make a reservation for a weekend camping trip.

Kayben Farms

Offering a wide range of services, Kayben Farms is the place to visit. The Kayben's
Sunshine Adventure Park will open for the season on May 2 and offers great
activities for little ones such as a climbing wall, wheat wonderland, a four lane
slide, a pedal kart track and much more. JoJo's Café also opens in May and offers
a menu of locally produced food. Produce and herbs are grown onsite and some
fruit comes from the farm orchard while all other products come from local farms.

The garden centre and gift store have something for everyone's needs, and landscaping and construction services are also available. Kayben Farms is located just past the Okotoks overpass, visit their website for more information.

Bistro Provence

Located at 52 North Railway Street, Bistro Provence was the Sheep Creek Post Office from 1882 to 1942. After sitting vacant for many years, the building was renovated into a restaurant.

Features from the original post office such as; the pressed tin siding
that looks like stone, the unusual angle of the building, the details on the corners
and the cornice molding were preserved. Bistro Provence specializes in fine French
cuisine with a casual atmosphere.

Okotoks Erratic

Transported by glacial ice, "The Big Rock", is a massive glacial erratic weighing
an estimated 16,500 tonnes. The erratic is about nine metres high, 41 metres long and 18 metres wide, and it has a large split down the middle. Over 10,000 years ago a group of rocks were carried by ice along the mountain front and let down as the glacier melted.

Erratics can be found in a narrow band extending from Jasper National Park all the way to Montana. The name of this erratic came from the Blackfoot word for rock, "okatok", as the site has spiritual significance to the Blackfoot people. The big rock
can be found 10 kilometres southwest of Okotoks on Highway 7.

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