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Okotoks business owners have mixed views on Wal-mart and Canadian Tire
By Editor
Many Okotoks business owners are expressing mixed feelings over the proposed construction of two major commercial businesses in the southeast corner of town.
The 110,500-square-foot Wal-mart retail centre has been conditionally approved.
Wal-mart representatives were unavailable for comment on expected construction dates prior to press time.
Another large scale development has also been conditionally approved for the area. A 28,000-square-foot Canadian Tire retail store is planned. The application also includes a garden centre and a 10-bay automotive repair and service shop.
According to Tara O'Donnell, spokesperson for Canadian Tire, if development permits are issued as expected construction will take place this fall with a spring 2003 opening. O'Donnell added that Okotoks was chosen due to its booming population and not only to service the Okotoks residents but the surrounding communities as well.
Both developments are a part of the South Okotoks Area Structure Plan which includes a 27-acre parcel zoned gateway commercial at the northeast corner of the Highway 2A and Highway 7 intersection.
While the two large-scale developments are largely anticipated by some, they have garnered mixed feelings from the existing business community.
Bill Rogers, president of the Downtown Okotoks Business Association (DOBA), said that while some businesses will be impacted more directly than others, many are optimistic they will reap the rewards of the influx in population.
'I think the majority (of businesses) are cautiously optimistic,' said Rogers.
Rogers said the downtown businesses plan to respond to the new development by further enticing people to the downtown core.
'If the downtown businesses react by providing reasons to shop downtown. . . this may be something they can capitalize on,' he said.
But while optimism is high among many downtown businesses, those more directly impacted by the developments may have to rethink their product line, said Rogers.
'There is no doubt some businesses will be dramatically affected,' he said.
But until Wal-mart and Canadian Tire confirm what services they will be offering, Rogers said the extent of the impact is not yet determined.
While the downtown businesses attempt to deal with the fact that two major companies are coming to town, Rogers said that this may be an opportunity to further promote Okotoks' unique downtown shopping experience.
'We have this excellent facility downtown. It is time for us to use it. It is time for us to create a vibrant downtown where people want to come,' he said.
Rogers added that over the next six months DOBA will be working on ways to better promote downtown shopping and will be planning a number of themed events for next summer.
Sandi Kennedy, president of the Okotoks and District Chamber of Commerce, said there are many positive spin-offs from the development of Wal-mart and Canadian Tire.
'I think it will be good for Okotoks. It will create more jobs,' she said. 'Anything that brings jobs will help down the road. People who work in town spend in town.'
Beth Kish, who is part of DOBA's executive, agreed that the development will have positive effects on the community.
'(Wal-mart and Canadian Tire) are going to be a huge asset,' she said.
Kish explained that the businesses will help keep residents in town on the weekends and will promote healthy competition with other businesses.
'We (the downtown businesses) will have to rise to the occasion and be great business people. Customer service is a priority more so now than ever,' she said.
'After going to Wal-mart and Canadian Tire (shoppers) will likely take a drive around or take a stroll to see what there is or to get something to eat or just see what the town has to offer,' said Kish. 'A lot of restaurants and coffee shops will do really well. There will be a trickling effect for other businesses.'
One business most obviously affected by the coming of Canadian Tire will be Okotoks' Home Hardware, but owner Ryan Wolfe is not concerned.
Even though Wolfe said the developments will have an impact on his business, he said Okotoks' loyalty will keep the business thriving.
'I'm not really worried. We do a lot of business in the city as well,' said Wolfe.
He explained that while sales may go down past history has proved it only lasts about a year, then customers tend to come back.
Collision course
Sam Kelts of Millarville rides Intercept to 80 points on Friday at the Calgary Stampede which qualified the Millarville cowboy for Saturday's saddle bronc semi-final. Unfortunately, Kelts was bucked off in the Saturday's first go-around and did not advance to Sunday's $50,000 final. For a complete run-down on how the local cowboys fared at the Stampede see pages 21 and 22.
- photo by John Barlow
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Wolfe said that even though the development of Wal-mart and Canadian Tire are not a huge concern for him, he is extremely concerned the developments may push up taxes.
'More business should reduce taxes not bring them up,' he said, adding that the only way the town should allow the two companies to develop in town is if they are self-supportive.
(With notes from staff reporter Darlene Casten).
