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Region seeing population shift

There’s been a shift in demographics across the Foothills region.

There’s been a shift in demographics across the Foothills region.

According to data released by Statistics Canada last week, young people 15 years and under make up just under one-quarter of the current population in Okotoks, with more than one-third of the town’s residents spanning from age 30 to 50. Okotoks’ population is recorded as 28,881.

Mayor Bill Robertson said it’s not too surprising.

“I think we’ve tried to get a diversity of housing in particular, and trying to create a cradle-to-death community, so somebody could be born in Okotoks and live out their life here,” said Robertson. “So, we’re seeing and older population, percentage-wise, than we might have in the past.”

He said an increase in seniors’ housing and retirement facilities have allowed more people to stay in Okotoks as they age. In addition, he said Town amenities are attractive to adults with children, who likely make up the bulk of the 10,000 people 30-50 years of age.

The Town is bucking national trends seen in census results which show there are more seniors than children living in Canada. There are 5.9 million people in Canada over the age of 65 and 5.8 million under the age of 14.

Okotoks realtor Ryck Flemmer, with Century 21 Foothills, also credits the Town’s offerings for Okotoks’ changing demographics.

“I’ve always seen families and young families coming to Okotoks, more from the perspective of it’s a great place to raise their families,” said Flemmer. “I’ve always felt it was that middle-age group, so that doesn’t surprise me to see that age group up, because that’s what appeals to people here and draws them to move into town.”

He said the bulk of his business has always involved young families moving to Okotoks to take advantage of what the town has to offer, from natural amenities to recreation opportunities and a large commercial sector.

“I can always sell them based on how good it was for me moving here at that age with my young family and things like that,” said Flemmer. “It’s always been my bread and butter, this age group coming to town.”

There could be a certain level of “If you build it they will come” philosophy involved. From 2011 to 2016 the town saw more than 1,000 new homes.

Rob Mueller, Okotoks permit/inspection/assessment manager, said development has been fairly steady leading up to 2016, with close to 200 homes built every year except 2016, which saw just 116 starts.

“That’s no surprise with what happened in the economy in that time,” said Mueller.

He said the Town’s 2017 budget projected 150 starts for the year, which would be a 30 per cent increase over 2016. If activity continues as Mueller has seen so far this year, he said it’s possible the Town could end up closer to its 2015 numbers, at 183 new homes.

“The growth is still there and the construction is still there, it’s just not as vibrant as it used to be, which reflects what’s going on in the economy,” said Mueller. “We’re very similar to what’s happening province-wide.”

MD of Foothills

The MD of Foothills has also seen its population change, moving from an older to a younger demographic with an increase of 1,000 homes over the past five years.

Mayor Larry Spilak said one of the reasons of the large increase in homes was the development of Artesia and Heritage Pointe Lake in the north end of the MD. With a number of development applications anticipated in the next month or two, there could be an influx in the home count by the next federal census in 2021, he said.

“If some of those or any of those are approved, then you will see a continued growth of single-family homes,” said Spilak.

There is demand for homes as more residents are moving to the country in search for a quieter setting and a peaceful place to raise their families, he said.

It has also resulted in a trend toward a younger population in the Foothills, he said, which is evidenced by the registration numbers in schools throughout the MD.

“It seems all of our rural school are more than filled, and there’s a reason for that,” said Spilak. “People do reflect back, and many people were raised in the country and would like to see their children experience the same standard of life.”

He said the MD is seeing an increase in the number of young professionals and smaller acreages or housing developments to accommodate the demand. According to the 2016 census approximately one-third of the MD’s total population of 22,766 are between ages 25 and 50.

There have already been quite a few new housing starts on acreages in 2017, he said.

“They’re leaving the big city, and you can’t blame them,” said Spilak. “Once they get a taste for the smaller town or the country there’s just no going back.”

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