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By Cindy Ballance
Editor
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 Okotoks has once again proven itself a leader
in projects which protect, preserve and enhance the environment.
Okotoks has been named the winner of the 1999 Emerald Award, which recognizes Albertans
for their outstanding achievement with environmental initiatives.
Twenty-nine Alberta individuals, businesses and organizations from around the province
had been selected as finalists.
In the government institutions category, Okotoks was up against the City of St. Albert
and the County of Barrhead, but came out on top.
Okotoks was honored at an awards celebration held June 7 at the Jack Singer Concert
Hall.
Councillor Wayne Meikle accepted the award on behalf of the town.
'This is a very prestigious award in Alberta for environmental service. It does say
that sustainable development is a worthwhile process and is something we should pursue,'
said Meikle, obviously excited about the award.
For the Emerald Award, Okotoks submitted a summation of the sustainability concept,
entitled 'Sustainable Okotoks -- Leaving a Legacy.'
The town explained its recognition of its environmental limits to growth when the
town adopted its Municipal Development Plan in 1998.
Since then the town has taken unprecedented steps to ensuring the community could
live within the carrying capacity of the Sheep River's watershed through various
programs such as 'For Future's Sake.'
'Others are looking to Okotoks as a leader,' said Meikle of the various environmental
projects such as the urban reforestation the town has initiated.
'Sustainability is more than just capping the population,' said Meikle of the town's
efforts to bring environmental awareness to the community.
Meikle, who has been instrumental in getting some of the environmental projects under
way, added that the Emerald Award symbolizes a realization that other communities
are recognizing what the community of Okotoks is trying to do.
'(It tells us) we are on the right track,' he added.
The award truly acts as an incentive to keep the progress going.
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