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Okotoks has a bright, diversified future ahead

Dear editor, Re. “Career fair a hit with job hopefuls” by Western Wheels, published on March 04, 2016.

Dear editor,

Re. “Career fair a hit with job hopefuls” by Western Wheels, published on March 04, 2016.

Time and time again history shows how small towns are increasingly vulnerable to population decline caused by industrial layoffs, large-scale operation shutdowns and economic activity decline. Therefore families reluctantly relocate to the cities to find work.

Many ghost towns exist in Alberta, which leave the eerie memory of towns once vibrant that fell victim to the overwhelming pressures of depopulation. Okotoks however, will not follow the same ghost town fate due to community initiatives and agencies.

Recently, Okotoks hosted a career and employment expo, which had the highest job seeker turn out in the seven years its been running. This shows the determination of community members to fight the pressures of relocating and to be persistent in finding new employment within the community. Along with the job seekers showing determination, employers are also providing the opportunities to create a diversified community, including a push for the tourism industry.

With many job seekers considering post-secondary studies and many employers encouraging job retraining and a diversification of skills, a resilient and vibrant community can be predicted for the town of Okotoks in the future. Of course, layoffs and economic activity decline are not ideal in small towns. But in this case a opportunity has been created that may actually bring long term benefits and security that will leave the town better off than it was before.

Okotoks has a bright and secure future ahead, which is all thanks to the collective efforts of community members and employers to keep the town they love alive.

Charlotte Dawe

Sherwood Park




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