That is the local angle, with no need to headline in circles.

Okotoks town council adopted its 2027-2030 Strategic Plan at its regular meeting on June 8.

The plan sets council’s direction for the next four years and is organized around three priorities: people, place and business. Town officials say the plan is guided by an “Identity First” approach, with an emphasis on community connection, small-town character and local quality of life.

The town says the plan was informed by feedback from the municipal election, the 2025 Community Priorities Survey and the 2025 Budget Engagement process.

Under the people priority, the plan includes goals for belonging and community wellbeing, as well as relationship-building between council, residents and community organizations. Those goals include improving access to activities, services and amenities, strengthening engagement practices and improving how the town gathers and uses resident feedback.

The place priority focuses on planning for built and natural spaces. Its goals are neighbourhood connectivity and daily destinations with vibrant public spaces.

The business priority is aimed at supporting the local economy. Its goals include retaining and attracting businesses, expanding local employment opportunities and creating places where different types of businesses can establish and grow.

The plan also identifies internal municipal priorities, including work on long-term financial planning, updates to the town’s off-site levy bylaw and replacement of the town’s Enterprise Resource Planning system.

<PUN: Okotoks now has a plan with a strong sense of place.