It looks like Okotoks is about to get a "camping" ground for growth.
Okotoks Town Council has given the green light to a land-use redesignation that could lead to the development of a new campground in the southeast part of town. The proposed campground would feature approximately 200 campsites, including RV, trailer, and tenting areas, near iitopatopa Park.
The redesignation, which was approved 5-1, changes the land use from a Natural Areas District to a Recreation and Open Space District. According to Colton Nickel, senior planner and intergovernmental liaison, the campground would provide connections to nature and allow for increased enjoyment of the natural areas for visitors to the town.
Ahead of the public hearing, the town received one phone call and one written submission from an adjacent resident, raising concerns about traffic, public safety, flood risk, emergency access, servicing, future storm water management, and separation between properties.
Nickel noted that the site is appropriate for redesignation based on the town’s planning documents and technical flood and transportation reviews. However, Councillor Stefan Dykema opposed the redesignation, citing concerns about protecting the natural areas and assets within the municipality.
Councillor Michelle Walther agreed that the Sheep River area should be protected but pointed to the potential benefits of having additional camping opportunities in Okotoks, including the ability to house out-of-town sports teams during summer events.
Mayor Tanya Thorn noted that the proposal would include gravel pathways and integration into iitopatopa Park, which would allow more members of the community to use the pathway system and enjoy the river valley.
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