Water-Smart Living: What Calgary's Neighbor Okotoks Can Teach Us

Okotoks' Water Journey: From Growth Cap to Sustainable Expansion

Let me tell you about a small Alberta town that made a bold move—Okotoks. Just south of Calgary, this community once said "no thanks" to unlimited growth because of one big issue: water. Yup, you heard that right. Water, or the lack of it, shaped everything from housing to infrastructure. But now? Things are changing in a big way.

For years, Okotoks had the slowest growth in the Calgary metro area, sitting at around 1.43%. Compare that to Airdrie (4.5%), Cochrane (5.6%), and Chestermere (4.8%), and it becomes clear: this was a deliberate choice. As one former town councillor put it, "totally driven by our water policy."

Fast forward to today, and a once far-off idea—the Foothills-Okotoks Regional Water Pipeline—is finally becoming a reality. This isn’t just about more water; it's about opening the door to sustainable, well-planned growth.

The Growth Cap Era: Limits That Sparked Innovation

Back in the day, Okotoks made a strategic decision to cap its population at around 25,000 based on its Sheep River water license. This wasn’t just talk. The town built a culture around smart water use: fixing leaks, managing water main breaks, and sticking to strict summer watering schedules.

They even shifted away from sprawling single-family (R1) homes and focused on R2 and R3 zoning to boost density without draining more water. That shift helped them hit a population of 30,000. But despite the success, the town still faced growing pains.

How Okotoks Became a Leader in Water Management

Let’s break down what made Okotoks stand out in the water conservation game.

Smart Infrastructure with Real Results 

• Smart Meters (AMI): 90% of properties in Okotoks now use Sensus iPERL smart meters with FlexNet. These give real-time data, making it easier to catch leaks and manage usage.

• Leakage Reduced to 5%: That’s a big win when you consider most municipalities average around 15%.

• Empowering Homeowners: These tools allow residents to track their own usage and adjust behaviors instantly.

Strategic Planning = Measurable Impact

Okotoks started water planning early with strategies dating back to 2002, updated again in 2014.

• Reduced Consumption: By 2013, per-capita use dropped to just 285 L/day.

• Huge Cost Savings: These efforts saved the town over $11 million in outside water purchases. That’s not just eco-friendly, it’s budget-friendly too.

Pricing That Promotes Conservation

• Tiered Billing System: Use more, pay more. The rates? $1.70/m³ for Tier 1, $2.10/m³ for Tier 2, and $3.10/m³ for Tier 3.

• Wastewater Billing Accuracy: Instead of using winter averages, wastewater is now billed year-round based on 90% of actual usage. That’s more precise and encourages smarter consumption.

Programs That Back Up the Policy

• Outdoor Watering Schedule: Four-stage summer watering limits, possibly moving to just one day a week.

• Rebate Program: Homeowners can get cash back for drought-resistant landscaping, rain barrels, and WaterSense toilets.

• Drought Planning: Since 2017, Okotoks has had a drought shortage plan in place and watches Sheep River flow levels like a hawk.

Building with Water in Mind

Even new builds follow suit. Homes are required to have at least 12 inches of topsoil to improve water retention. Less watering needed, more conservation built right in.

The Pipeline: A Game-Changer for Growth

Now for the big news. The new Foothills-Okotoks Regional Water Pipeline will stretch 25 kilometers and tap into the Bow River, connecting to Okotoks and its Aldersyde water treatment plant. 

This isn't just about water security; it’s about finally unlocking controlled, sustainable growth. Mayor Tanya Thorn sees it as the key to attracting industry and business, aiming for that long-sought 80/20 residential to non-residential development split.

Even better? The entire project is fully funded by grants and developer contributions. That’s smart growth, done responsibly.

What’s Next: Bigger Population, Bigger Conversations

With the pipeline, Okotoks expects to grow at 3 to 4% annually, potentially reaching 70,000 people in the next 25 years. Naturally, this brings up concerns about losing that "small town feel."

But as the mayor puts it, maintaining that vibe is a shared community responsibility. The town’s planning process is dynamic, evolving alongside the needs and voices of its residents. Yes, infrastructure sometimes lags behind, but that’s the reality of growth anywhere: you build as the need arises.

Takeaways: Lessons from Okotoks

There’s a lot other communities can learn from Okotoks:

• Make Water Central to Planning: It’s not just a utility—it’s a foundation.

• Invest in Smart Tech: Real-time data creates real savings.

• Encourage Conservation with Pricing: Tiered rates work.

• Get the Community Onboard: Cultural buy-in is key.

• Partner Regionally: Big problems often need regional solutions.

• Think Long-Term: Flexibility matters more than rigid caps.

Looking Forward

Okotoks proves that you can grow without sacrificing sustainability. With smart planning, tech-forward infrastructure, and a community-first mindset, the town is turning limitations into opportunities.

Looking to buy, sell, or invest in Calgary or surrounding areas like Okotoks? Let’s chat! I’ll help you navigate growth, sustainability, and everything in between.

Want to Dive Deeper?

• Check out the Foothills-Okotoks Regional Water Project updates.

• Sign up for water meter portal to see your real time water consumption.

• Explore rebate programs to make your home more water-smart.

Thinking of moving to Okotoks or the Calgary region? Call me at 403-988-0033 or shoot me an email at dusko@repyyc.com. And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram @DuskoSremac_REPYYC for market updates and real estate tips!

Dusko Sremac – Calgary & Area REALTOR®

With over 1,500 families served since 2020 and a reputation built on trust and local knowledge, Dusko Sremac brings clarity to complex markets like Okotoks. His insights into regional growth, infrastructure shifts, and sustainable planning make him a go-to advisor for buyers and sellers navigating Calgary and Calgary's neighbours like the town of Okotoks.

Cell: 403-988-0033   |   Email: dusko@repyyc.com   |   Instagram: @DuskoSremac_REPYYC