About Okotoks

The picturesque town of Okotoks is located just 20 kms south of Calgary, along the Sheep River Valley of the Alberta Foothills.

The word ‘Okotoks’ is derived from the word “ohkotok”, which is the Blackfoot First Nation word for ‘rock’. The rock in reference is located about 8 km’s outside of Okotoks and is the world’s largest glacial erratic which is now a very popular tourist attraction.

As of 2010, the Okotoks population was 23,201. It had the fastest population growth for mid-size urban centres in all of Canada from 2001-2006.

Because of the close proximity to Calgary, approximately 50% of the workforce is employed in Calgary, and the other 50% are employed either in Okotoks or the surrounding Foothills region. 591 home-based businesses were in operation in 2010.

Okotoks is known as a young community, with the median age being 32.4. The average number of people per household is 3. Okotokians are more educated and more prosperous than provincial and national averages.

There are 13 pre-schools, 5 elementary schools, 2 junior high schools, 2 high schools and 2 private schools.

Shopping is extremely convenient as more and more retail chains open up. Costco, Winners, Michaels, Chatters are just a few of the new retail businesses opening their doors in this great community.

There is a multitude of local activities one can enjoy. Two 18 hole golf courses, one 9 hole golf course, a recreation centre with 2 indoor arenas and two pools, 91 parks, 48 parks, 10 ball diamonds, 13 soccer pitches, 3 tennis courts, 5 football fields, 1 BMX bike track, 1 skateboard park, a performing arts centre and 61 site campground along the Sheep River are just a few amenities Okotoks offers.

For more information on Okotoks, visit www.okotoks.ca