Skip to content

Town increases density for housing

Future development in Okotoks will see more homes built in new communities. Council approved amendments to the Town of Okotoks municipal development plan on June 27 that will see the density nearly double, to a minimum of eight units per acre.

Future development in Okotoks will see more homes built in new communities.

Council approved amendments to the Town of Okotoks municipal development plan on June 27 that will see the density nearly double, to a minimum of eight units per acre.

Senior planner Colin Gainer said the current density varies throughout town, ranging from four to five units per acre in some areas to communities like Crystal Ridge where minimum density is 6.5 units per acre.

“This reduces the overall consumption of land in town, which is something that has been identified by the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan,” said Gainer. “It aligns with the Calgary municipal development plan and the new growth direction of the Town and ensures efficiency of servicing.”

The major difference will be more variety in the types of housing in town, he said.

He expects to see an increase in multi-family housing and attached housing in order for developers to achieve the minimum density.

“We’ll likely still see a lot of single-detached product going forward too,” said Gainer. “We’ll still have a variety in the types of lots but a greater mix of styles.”

Jill Huber, vice-president of land for Apex Developments, which established the Mountainview community, said she was pleased to hear the town was increasing its minimum residential density.

“I think it’s excellent news,” said Huber. “It will make the Town of Okotoks much more competitive with the Calgary market as far as development goes.”

She said the opportunity to have a range of product types to sell in a community will be good for developers and builders, because it can make new homes more affordable for buyers.

“Currently, Okotoks doesn’t have a lot of freehold product or smaller lot sizes, and those can really make owning your own home more affordable,” said Huber. “Including smaller product like townhomes, semi-detached homes, will make it more attractive for people to buy and own in town.”

Mountainview is nearly built-out, she said. Homes in the area average about $450,000, which she said is toward the upper threshold of what people are willing to spend at the moment.

“With this decision, combined with the potential of an annexation being accepted by the Province, we might be able to buy land in Okotoks again,” said Huber. “We’ll be able to buy land with the intent to build smaller product, and in this depressed economy it’s the lower price points selling.”

push icon
Be the first to read breaking stories. Enable push notifications on your device. Disable anytime.
No thanks