Okotoks Living Summer 2013

6 OkOtOks Living summer 2013 sOurCe meDIA GrOuP: CeLeBrATING ITs 10TH YeAr

CULTURE & HISTORY13 Block by block Community parties great

way to meet the neighbours

DInIng16 Here’s the scoop Five hot shops for

cool desserts

fEaTURE19 Sheer tenacity Local rider leaps to

new heights

COmmUnITY30 Camping season Embrace outdoor

living with Okotoks campgrounds

SpORTS & RECREaTIOn35 On the Court Okotoks Tennis Centre

gears up for summer

HOmES38 Sunny side up Solar power an alternative

for home energy

Okotoks 911 Fire chief on the job 24/7

Cover photography by Don Molyneaux24

35

pEOpLE

30

19

sOurCe meDIA GrOuP: CeLeBrATING ITs 10TH YeAr summer 2013 OkOtOks Living 7

contentsS u m m e r 2 0 1 3

ITEmS

8 editor’s message10 Town of Okotoks

message47 events48 map

SUSTaInabILITY42 Dark Sky at night M.D. aims to reduce light

pollution with educational initiative

bUSInESS45 New in town Okotoks welcomes

new businesses

YOU SaID IT …

50 Are you in favour of public transit between Okotoks and Calgary?

Follow us on twitter:www.twitter.com/OkotoksLiving

Become a fan of Okotoks Living on facebook

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42

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Sweepin’ the clouds awayFinally, summer.

In this issue, we decided to explore Alberta’s most fleeting season in depth, all from

an Okotokian perspective. From camping, to stargazing, to summer events, we’ve got

it all.

Fire Chief Ken Thevenot is on the cover of this issue. One of Okotoks’s unsung

heroes, Thevenot has been on the job since 2008. Read more about this hard working

individual on page 24.

We start our summer theme off with Kerri Ann Day’s story on block parties, which

is a great way to meet your neighbours and a good excuse

to throw a barbecue. For those of you with a sweet tooth,

we feature our top five favourite places for ice cream,

gelato or frozen yogurt in Okotoks on page 16.

With many sunny days to come, read about harnessing

the power of the sun for your home’s energy needs in

Aaliya Essa’s story on page 38. And, from sunny skies to

dark, clear nights, summer is a great season for stargazing.

Turn your eyes to the skies June 23, for the biggest full

moon of the year, and again on August 12 for the Perseid

meteor shower. We offer some tips on keeping those

skies dark, with a story on the M.D. of Foothills’ Dark Sky

Initiative and the value of full cut-off lights.

Rounding out our summer theme, writer Stephen Smith serves up an article on

tennis, a sport that seems made for summer, and then takes a look at outdoor living

with a piece on campgrounds in and near Okotoks.

And, finally, our little magazine wouldn’t be complete without a great feature on an

emerging equestrian talent, our summer events listing, maps, and your favourite You

Said It.

In your travels this summer, take a copy of Okotoks Living with you. You never

know where you’ll end up. We invite you to send your photos, as you read Okotoks

Living in various locations around Alberta, Canada and the world — and we’ll publish

them in our fall edition.

Until then, have a great summer!

editor’s note

Jessica Patterson, [email protected]

P U B L I S H E R | Source media [email protected]

A S S O c I At E P U B L I S H E R | Jim [email protected]

E D I t O R | Jessica [email protected]

A R t D I R E c t O R | Jean Faye [email protected]

g R A P H I c D E S I g n E R S

Lama [email protected]

Dave [email protected]

megan [email protected]

P R O D U c t I O n c O - O R D I n At O R | Colleen [email protected]

A D v E R t I S I n g S A L E S | Janice [email protected]

A c c O U n t I n g | Donna [email protected]

E D I t O R I A L

Alyssa Burnham, Kerri Ann Day, Aaliya essa, Kelsey Gilchrist, Stephen Smith

P H O t O g R A P H Y

Don molyneaux, Jessica Patterson,

t O w n O f O k O t O k S L I A I S O n

Shane Olson

D I S t R I B U t E D B Y

media Classified, Town of Okotoks,Okotoks Welcome Wagon, Source media Group,

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mayor’s message

Along with warm weather, the summer brings with it many seasonal activities and events to

our community.

We encourage residents and visitors alike to check out our scenic pathway system, pristine

golf courses and captivating cultural offerings at the Museum, Art Gallery, Rotary Performing Arts

Centre and Olde Towne Okotoks.

There are many fun-filled summer events to take in as well including the Spirit of Okotoks Parade

& Children’s Festival, Canada Day celebrations, BuskerFest, Foothills Highland Games, Chili Fest and

Okotoks Pro Rodeo to name a few. See page 47 for event listings

or visit www.okotoks.ca.

Summer is also a time to enjoy our yards. Use Cut ‘n’ Call to

dispose of your grass clippings. Nature’s cycle provides most

of the required moisture to sustain plant life. Our climate is

semi-arid, which can require additional moisture. Please be

conscious of our precious resources and conserving water.

The Town’s Outdoor Watering Schedule is in effect from May

1 – October 31 and our Conservation Educators will be visiting

residents and providing information and tips throughout

the summer. We also began our Water Conservation Rebate

Program for residents on May 1. It continues to be a very

popular program and is distributed on a first come, first serve

basis. For more information on any of our programs, please visit www.okotoks.ca.

Our warm, inviting and vibrant town also offers many dining, shopping and recreational

experiences. If you’re visiting Okotoks, we have charming accommodation options including hotels,

bed & breakfasts and camping to extend your stay.

We hope this summer gives you a chance to immerse yourself in the appeal and attractions that

await you in hip, happening, historic Okotoks!

Message from Mayor and Town Council

Councillors Stephen Clark, Laurie Hodson, ray Watrin, mayor Bill robertson (seated), Councillors matt rockley, Florence Christophers and edward Sands.

Mayor WM. (Bill) Robertson On behalf of Town Council

Follow us on twitter: www.twitter.com/ town_of_okotoks

Become a fan of Town of Okotoks


SUMMER IS THE perfect time to get to know your neighbours and a

block party is a great way to start. It’s a fun and easy way for residents

to meet and begin what could be relationships that last for years.

Charmaine Reiber, a resident on Rancher’s Rise, credits a block party

two years ago with the level of connectedness in her cul-de-sac today.

“It was a potluck barbecue with some sidewalk chalk and bubbles for

the kids but some early connections were made there that make us

more like friends than neighbours now,” she says.

We might be more conected today through digital technology, but

that isn’t everything.

“I think what people are craving is a personal connection that we

can only get from this kind of back-to-basics contact,” Reiber says. “We

now have the kind of camaraderie here where it’s second nature to

borrow a cup of sugar or cut someone’s lawn while they’re away.”

“We now have the kind of camaraderie here where it’s second nature to borrow a cup of sugar or cut someone’s lawn while they’re away.”

Okotokians Charmaine reiber, Darlene Auld and mark rowed help organize neighbourhood parties each year.

cultureStory by Kerri Ann Day

Photos by Don Molyneaux

BlockBlock

By

Community parties foster relationships

»


A & B Suntree’s annual

neighbourhood

party has allowed

residents to come

together and build

friendships.

culture

Organizing a block party is not the same as inviting a few neighbours over for a drink on the patio. To host

a community party, the Town of Okotoks requires that you have the approval of 75 per cent of the property

owners affected by the event. You must apply for a special permit. There are also noise and alcohol restric-

tions to be considered. Check out the comprehensive Block Party Planning Guide at www.okotoks.ca.

Good to Know

On Crystal Green Drive, approximately 60 homeown-

ers also share that kind of connection. Darlene Auld, a

resident since 2008, spearheads a community newsletter

and three social events a month for the area. She says

the block party, now in its fourth year, is the highlight of

the year for the neighbourhood.

“The block party is where everyone got to know

everyone,” Auld says. “And now we have a street where

everyone watches out for each other. It’s what makes it a

nice place to live.”

In Suntree, an older Okotoks community north of

Milligan, the neighbourhood celebration has been taken

one step further, with the Suntree Music Festival. The

annual event is planned start-to-finish by neighbours

and features musicians living in Suntree. According to

Suntree’s Residents Association president, Mark Rowed,

planned social events are an important staring point for

developing rapport.

“The social event gets people out of their houses and

builds a connected neighbourhood,” he says. “But, it’s

when those neighbours become friends that the real

benefits happen.” OL

BA

“The social event gets people out of their houses and builds a connect neighbourhood … but it’s when those neighbours become friends that the real benefits happen.”

“The block party is where everyone got to know everyone … and now we have a street where everyone watches out for each other. It’s what makes it a nice place to live.”


dining

OkOtOkS CaNDy SHOppe The Okotoks Candy Shoppe,

located on 20 McRae Street in the

Olde Towne, offers Chapman’s ice

cream to help cool you down over the

summer. Though, they serve between 12

and 20 flavours of ice cream all through the

year, says owner Tracy Rebelato. The one-of-a-

kind destination in the Olde Towne also carries

a variety of popsicles, fudgesicles, rocket pops

and lots of vintage and retro candy to satisfy

that sweet tooth.

“The maple walnut and black cherry are the

most popular flavours,” Rebelato says. “We try to

offer a really good variety for everybody, so every-

one can find something they like.”

Customers are spoiled for choice at the Okotoks

Candy Shoppe, and that applies to their dogs,

too. “If people are out for a walk with their dog,

we offer doggie cones, so their dog can get an

ice cream cone,” Rebelato says.

Visitors should try the strawberry, caramel and choco-

late toppings, as well as the store’s waffle cones and sugar

cones, for an extra sugar hit.

“We do free ice cream on birthdays,” Rebelato says. “Usu-

ally, a lot of kids come in with their parents.”

Here’s the scoop

IT’S OFFICIALLY SUMMER, and for many, thoughts

turn to cool desserts on hot, sunny days.

Okotokians now can enjoy half a dozen places in

town to satisfy their sweet teeth over the summer.

Frozen desserts include ice cream, frozen yogurt,

gelato, sorbet and tofulati. So where’s the best place

in Okotoks to pick up a cone? We’re sharing our top

spots to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Five hot shops for cool desserts

tHe Big Dipper iCe Cream SHOpThe Big Dipper Ice Cream

shop, located off McRae

Street, has been serving Foot-

hills Creamery ice cream for the

last 11 years. Owner Sheila Belsher

(McKinlay) has lived in town for 43

years, and started her ice cream business

after being inspired by a similar shop in Cranbrook.

“I started with one freezer and 15 flavours,” she says.

“We ran the shop until 10 p.m. at night and all day Satur-

day, for three and a half years.”

The range of Big Dipper frozen desserts have expanded

over the years. They serve milkshakes, floats and sundaes,

but the most popular item on The Big Dipper menu is ice

cream. The ice cream shop offers four flavours of gelato

and 35 flavours of Foothills Creamery ice cream.

“I try and have something for everyone,” Belsher says.

“I carry a sugarless ice cream, I carry no-dairy and no fat

gelatos.”

Belsher says cookie dough is the most popular flavour for

her Okotoks crowd. Visitors and locals alike throng to this

popular Okotoks ice cream shop for it’s friendly customer

service and quiet and off the beaten path location. It’s

become a destination in the Olde Towne.

Story and photos by Jessica Patterson

Banana and bubblegum ice cream

Superman ice cream cone


the Big Dipper ice Cream Shop 67 mcrae Street

Okotoks Candy Shoppe 20 mcrae Street

menchies 34 Southridge Drive

Chinook Honey Company Highway 7 and 16 Street

amato gelato 18 Southridge Drive

Frozen desserts include ice cream, frozen yogurt,

gelato, sorbet and tofulati.Dulce de leche and black currant ice cream.

meNCHieSMenchies in Okotoks opened January 17, in the

heart of winter, says co-owner Cory Edwards.

While the weather was colder than the store’s

frozen yogurt, the decision to open in Okotoks

was just right.

Stepping into the store, located at 18 - 34

Southridge Drive, can be a bit overwhelming

for the uninitiated. Customers get to choose

their own frozen dessert, from the second

they walk in the door, Edwards explains.

“They grab a cup or waffle bowl, and then can

mix and match any of the 16 flavours on display,

pick any dry toppings they want.”

Menchies takes the idea of a sundae to the

next level. Menchies has 130 frozen yogurt flavours

in rotation, so while you might try their popular red velvet or cake

batter flavour one day, there might be something in it’s place the next.

“We usually keep out approximately 40 dry toppings and 12 to 16 cold

toppings, and five sauces, but we’re always changing them,” Edwards

says.

All of the frozen yogurt is sourced from a Canadian dairy out of Van-

couver. And after building your sugar-mountain on top of your Skor-bit

cone, everything is priced by weight, at 55 cents per ounce.

CHiNOOk HONey COmpaNyAt Chinook Honey Company,

located just west of Okotoks on

Highway 7, ice cream is a popular

product at this farm store desti-

nation. Cherie Andrews, co-owner of

Chinook Honey Company, has been selling

ice cream for six years.

“I have a suspicion it was a suggestion from

a customer, when we first began selling ice cream,” she says.

The store offers five core ice creams, two sorbets, and a couple of new

flavours each season. “Our incoming seasonal ice cream for the sum-

mer, it might be lavender,” Andrews says.

Chinook Honey Company’s ice cream is handmade by the folks at

Evelyn’s Memory Lane Cafe in High River. It’s all custom and exclusive

to Chinook Honey Company. And, if you haven’t tried honey ice cream,

you should buzz on over.

The most popular flavour, especially with children is the honey ripple,

Andrews says. The next most popular flavours are honey and maple

syrup and dulce de leche. What makes honey ice cream special is the

rich flavour honey gives the ice cream, Andrews explains. “And the way

Evelyn’s makes the ice cream, it’s very creamy,” she says. “They make it

by hand, and it’s dense because there’s no extra air in the product.”

amatO gelatOThe popular Italian

ice cream company in

Calgary’s Kensington ex-

panded over the last year, to

include a brand new Okotoks

location, much to our delight.

Owner Moe Khawaja opened

Okotoks’ Amato Gelato location

at 9-18 Southridge Drive, in

October 2012. “My friends, who

own the Kensington location, were

looking for someone to get involved in

Okotoks,” he explains.

Ten months later, Amato Gelato has

become a destination in Okotoks, where customers can find

the dense and flavourful Italian ice cream known as gelato as

well as sorbetto, yogurt and tofulati, which is a delicious non-

dairy, soy-based frozen dessert.

Amato Gelato has over 72 flavours on display, which are

rotated, based on public support. “Sometimes we have bubble-

gum, other times, we run out of the popular flavour,” Khawaja

says, adding that the gelato is made in Vancouver.

Gelato is a richly flavoured ice cream. Gelato is milk-based

and made with less butterfat than regular ice cream, whereas

sorbetto is water-based and made with fruit. Whether you

choose to try it in a cone or a bowl, check out Amato Gelato

this summer. OL

Cheesecake ice cream, red velvet ice cream and toppings

mango, cranberry sorbetto, rocky

road gelato


IT’S eArLY ON a Sunday morning, but Shelby

edwards is already hard at work in the arena

training with her horse, Addie, at Willow Grove

Stables northeast of Okotoks.

edwards, 17, graduates from Foothills

Composite High School in June and will be

spending her summer doing what she loves

most: show jumping. With her young face and

shy smile, at first glance edwards seems like

any teenage girl. What makes her unique

is how completely focused she is on her

riding. edwards has the kind of drive and

determination that is rare in a girl barely out

of high school. even during the school year,

she works with her horses six days a week to

train for competitions.

“It takes a lot of practice, and when you start

jumping bigger it gets a little harder to stay on,”

says edwards, but she grins when she talks about

riding. She explains that she does not mind the hard

work or the occasional fall because she loves what

she is doing. “I would never want to quit,” she says.

Story by Kelsey GilchristPhotos by Jessica Patterson

sheer tenacityLocal rider leaps to new heights

feature

»



feature

Growing up, edwards can’t remember a time when she wasn’t

around horses. She started riding on her family acreage in

Dewinton pretty much from the time she could walk when she was

two-years-old, and started riding english style and jumping over

rails when she was just five.

Her mother, Lori, who works for SGI Insurance, and her father,

Wade, who is a salesman for Kraft, both ride and have always

encouraged Shelby’s equestrian exploits. This is fortunate, because

she is almost constantly riding.

“riding kind of takes over my life,” she says with a laugh. “It’s

really exciting. You get a connection with your horse.”

edwards’ coach, Trish mrakawa says that the connection edwards

makes with the horses she rides is what makes this young rider so

unique. “Shelby has a very good way of communicating with the

horses,” she says. “Horses like her. They really connect with her.”

edwards works with two different horses, and like any horse

enthusiast, she could talk about them for hours. Addie, who belongs

to mrakawa, is a little seven-year-old chestnut mare with a lot of

attitude. rupert, edwards’ own horse, is a big, laidback 15-year-old

gelding whom edwards fondly refers to as her “special guy.”

“He’s such a teddy bear. my grandma makes ginger

cookies just for him,” she says. edwards rides both

horses in competition, but she takes rupert to the

biggest shows because he can jump the highest.

edwards has fun with her horses, but she is all

business when competing with them. She has been

competing heavily in horse shows since she was

11-years-old, and recently she has had some big

success. In 2011, she qualified for the medal finals at

the royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, where

she placed second in the gymnastic phase, which is a

tricky course involving a combination of ground poles

and bigger jumps. edwards then went on to place

seventh overall, in spite of competing against riders

older than herself.

Last year brought even more success for the Okotoks

rider when edwards won the Jump Alberta Western

Canadian Championship. Not only was the win huge

achievement in itself, but it also qualified her for

a provincial team that went on to compete in the

“Riding kind of takes over my life... It’s really exciting. you get a connection with your horse.”

Shelby and rupert Shelby and addie

feature

she has been competing heavily in horse shows since she was 11-years-old, and recently she has had some big success in a few major contests.

Sacramento International Horse Show in California that October.

Competing at the murieta equestrian Center in Sacramento

was a new challenge for edwards because she was part of a team.

“There was pressure because I didn’t want to let the team down.

most of the time in normal competitions there’s not too much

pressure,” she says.

In Sacramento, in the second round, she needed to complete her

routine with absolutely no faults in order for the team to advance

to the finals. She says that was the most pressure she had ever

felt in a competition. “It all depended on me. I didn’t want to let

the team down.”

With pressure mounting, edwards rode a clean round and her

team won the finals. It was one of edward’s biggest achievements

so far, her coach says.

Horses aside, edwards plans to attend mount royal university

in Calgary, for environmental sciences. Though, what she dreams

of doing is riding professionally.

For now, edwards is planning on a busy competition season,

including competing in The masters at Spruce meadows from

September 4 to 8.

Dreaming big, edwards is aiming to secure a spot at a

prestigious international competition called Young riders in

the next couple of years, where she would be jumping at much

higher heights and competing with teams from many different

countries.

These are big goals, but edwards has the determination to

match. At Willow Grove Stables, mrakawa explains that is what

makes this young rider so special.

“When she puts her mind to it, she can pretty much achieve

anything, this girl,” she says.

Sheer tenacity. OL

Shelby and renaissance in California, February 2012.




Okotoks

Story by Jessica PattersonPhotos by Don Molyneaux

people

911


There’s a muffled murmur of voices

coming from a radio attached to

Ken Thevenot’s belt.

Thevenot’s constant companion,

his radio, is as much a part of his

life as his family. It’s on all the

time. When he’s at work, when he’s at home,

when he’s on the ice at the Pason Centennial

arena, playing hockey with the firefighters on

Friday nights.

Thevenot, 46, is Okotoks’ Fire Chief.

And firefighting isn’t just a job for Thevenot,

it’s his life. “For me, helping people is all part

of the job,” he says.

The Chief is on call 24/7. It’s a lot of work, but

he loves it. His second home is the fire station on

milligan Drive. There, Thevenot has an easy

rapport with his team of volunteer and full time

firefighters, with whom he’s logged countless

hours and thousands of calls. This close-knit

band of brothers is tied together by a

common goal of keeping Okotokians

safe.

“It is a second family,” he says of the

department. “We have extra events

we do here with our staff. We have

our kids Christmas party and our

Christmas parade, we’ve gone

out ice fishing and played road

hockey games.”

Firefighting is a dangerous

job. Over his career, Thevenot

has been put in perilous

situations, including being

trapped in flashovers. He’s

cut people from cars, he’s

rescued people and saved

lives. He’s sees things on a

regular basis, most people »

Fire chief on the job 24/7

watch on television. Life as a firefighter means facing

danger and the unknown, risking life and limb, every

day, to help people in times of crisis.

“I’m proud to be a firefighter,” Thevenot says.

“There’s something about not knowing what’s next,

going on different calls every day. We can be sitting

here doing an interview and I could be out on a call,

doing a water rescue, or a motor vehicle accident.”

Deputy Fire Chief Pat macIsaac first met Thevenot

in 2003, when they worked on the provincial urban

search and rescue team in manitoba. Two years later,

macIsaac applied to be Thevenot’s deputy chief in

Thompson and that’s when they started working

together, full time, side by side.

“I like working with Ken,” macIsaac says. “Ken is

very passionate about the fire service. He’s everyman’s

chief. He started as a volunteer, he was a medic, he

was an officer and a full-time firefighter.”

macIsaac says Thevenot has vision for Okotoks

fire department and is always striving to improve

service. “Given all the different aspects of the job

he’s done, he’s really able to take a good look and

move the department forward,” macIsaac says,

noting that there’s been positive changes in staffing

and deployment since Thevenot came on board in

Okotoks.

It’s been 25 years in the fire service for Thevenot,

who grew up in Thompson, manitoba, a small

mining town 740 kilometres north of Winnipeg.

In 1988, 21-year-old Thevenot was doing a welding

apprenticeship, when an ad in the newspaper caught

his eye. The Thompson Fire department was looking

for volunteers.

“I knew a couple of the firefighters there, and I went

down to talk to them and the next day I was on the

team,” Thevenot recalls.

Of the seven Thevenot siblings, Ken was the first to

be a volunteer firefighter. Within the same year, he

went to work in the Vale nickel mine, like his father

people



people

and three brothers. He was also on

the mine rescue team, because of his

experience as a volunteer firefighter. “I

was underground as a miner for a year

and a half,” Thevenot says. “It was a whole

different world under there, but it was a

great experience. It taught me how to work

hard and why to work hard.”

Thevenot began as a volunteer

firefighter in 1988, and in 1990 started

as a full-time EMT firefighter. He

advanced to lieutenant in 1998, was

promoted to deputy fire chief in 2002,

and in 2003 was promoted to chief.

As chief, Thevenot was responsible for

the firefighters under him, for training and

operations, and up to 5,000 calls a year. He

was the Thompson Fire Department chief

for five years, before his wife Faye Lian, a

nurse, retired in 2008. At that time, both

of their kids were grown up. One was in

Brandon, the other was playing Junior A

hockey. Both of them had left home. The

Thevenots wanted to move somewhere a

bit warmer and closer to a larger centre,

the fire chief recalls.

Okotoks was looking for a fire chief at

that time.

Thevenot started October 14, 2008

as Okotoks’ fire chief. It was a bit of a

“One captain told me when I first started,

‘Don’t ever stop being scared when you go on calls.’ What he meant was don’t ever stop being cautious, don’t ever stop being prepared, because that’s when you get hurt.”

challenge to get used to the agricultural-

related fires that could happen here,

Thevenot says. “In Thompson, agricultural

areas were 300 miles away from us.

Growing up in a mining community

with huge amounts of forest, the biggest

disaster in Thompson was forest fires.

Here in Okotoks, flooding is the biggest

priority.”

But the responsibilities as fire chief

were the same. In Okotoks, Thevenot

oversees 17 full-time firefighters,

32 volunteer firefighters, two

administrative assistants, and loves

being part of the fire services team.

These days, Thevenot’s son Ben, 25,

still lives in Brandon with his girlfriend

and stepson, where he works at a liquid

fertilizer company and Max, 23, is a full-

time firefighter at Heritage Pointe.

“If I didn’t have the support from my

family, I couldn’t do it,” Thevenot says. “My

family and my parents were a huge part

of my career. They were always willing to

lend an ear or support, when I needed it.”

“I remember one time we did a 9/11

march, and I was marching at the one year

anniversary. My dad watched it from the

side, and he was so proud. It was so cool.”

Being a firefighter has its sacrifices.

A Chief Ken Thevenot, top centre, Deputy Chief Pat maclsaac, top right, and members of the Okotoks Fire Department.

B Ken and son max in a parade in Thompson, manitoba, in 1992.

C Thevenot’s first year as deputy chief in Thompson began in April 2002.

D Ken’s first job in Thompson, 1990.

e Thevenot and his family: wife Faye Lian and sons Ben and max.

F Thevenot regularly plays hockey with the firefighters in Okotoks.

A


During Thevenot’s first Christmas in Okotoks, he spent 12

hours at a fire. He’s had to leave family functions, birthday

parties and hockey games because of calls.

“There are sacrifices you and your family make,

understanding the reward is worth a lot as well,” Thevenot

says. “When you go out on calls and see you’ve made a

difference, even if it’s small, you have made things safer,

better for the community.”

The Okotoks Fire department goes to almost 900

calls a year, from fires, to carbon monoxide calls,

to motor vehicle accidents, and medical support

for the Alberta Health Services paramedic team

housed at the station on Milligan Drive.

“A lot of people think, as a firefighter, you’re out

fighting fires all of the time,” Thevenot says. “Fires

are just a small portion of what we do. We also do

prevention, education and medical support.”

At the station on Milligan Drive, there are maps outlining

Okotoks hydrant locations in three different locations. Three

newer trucks rest in the bays, a 500-gallon ladder truck, a

600-gallon pumper truck and one rescue truck. In the back,

there’s a yellow 2,000-gallon water carrier with the Okotoks

Fire department logo on it. That one’s about to be replaced,

Thevenot says. It’s a backup truck, dating from the 1980s.

He gestures to the back of a second yellow truck. It’s old-

fashioned, with a pump control panel exposed to the open air.

Thevenot rode the tailboard of the truck for seven years. In

1995, they stopped riding the tailboards of the truck.

Suddenly, there’s a high-pitched long dash squealing over

Thevenot’s radio. It’s a call from dispatch. There’s a report of

a structural fire in the Drake Landing area.

Duty calls. OL

people

B C

D

FE



community

embrace outdoor living with local camping destinationskick off

camping season

Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground about 20 minutes northeast of Okotoks, adjacent to the Highwood river, you will find Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground. the campground has about 135 sites in a truly beautiful natural setting. No service sites are $30 a day, water and power is $35. power, water and sewer is $40.

“you get out here and there are these great giant old poplars,” says owner Stacey mcHugh. “they are over 1000-years-old. the campground is well-treed and the river horseshoes around three sides of the land.”

mcHugh reveals the “family” in the campground’s title is there for good reason. “We really try to create this family atmosphere,” she explains. “We have herds of children around here.”

keeping smiles on young faces, kids are treated to special activities like face painting and magic shows on select weekends at Nature’s Hideaway.

» For more information go to www.naturesfamilycampground.com

let tHe trailerS roll in and the tents go up. it’s time to take a break from our hectic urban existences with some camping. after a long winter, we’ve all earned some fun in the sun time.

there are three appealing campground choices in the Okotoks area, all with unique features. Daily rates are included in these descriptions and discounts may apply for longer stays.


Story by Stephen W. Smith

Okotoks Lions Sheep River CampgroundFound smack dab in the middle of Okotoks, off

Woodhaven Drive, this local institution boasts location as a prime selling point to visiting campers.

“it’s close to all the amenities they need,” campground operator pauline krause explains. “We have beautiful walking paths. Campers can walk into town, do their shopping walk back. the grocery stores and everything else are pretty close.”

the Sheep river Campground has 55 full sites and six tent sites. little seasonal camping is done here, as the owners cater mostly to weekly and weekend guests. the nightly rate with full hook ups including cable tV is $38. tent sites are $25.

With a large adjacent playground and instant access to wading in the Sheep river, this campground gets a lot of repeat business.

“We get US travelers,” krause says of visitors. “We also get a lot of europeans who rent motor homes and come down here to spend a couple of days. We also get a lot of local people and city people because it’s so close by.”

Riverbend Campground Up the hill, east of downtown Okotoks is where you’ll find riverbend Campground. located in the scenic river valley, riverbend Campground has been in operation since the mid-1980s.

“We get a lot of compliments about how we’re a quiet and family-oriented campground,” says owner Dwayne Couture.

riverbend Campground offers fun and activities for the whole family. kids can try their skills at mini golf, while parents can enjoy a leisurely paddleboat ride on the gentle Sheep river. Cool off on those hot summer days with a swim or take the family tubing.

riverbend Campground has more than 200 campsites. tenting is $25 a night, power and water sites are $35, with higher fees for 40 and 50 amp service sites. most of the trailer sites have sewer services, as well. OL

» For more information go to www.okotokslionscampground.com

» For more information go to www.riverbendcampground.ca


community



sports

the Okotoks tennis club gears up for summer

TeNNIS IS BIrGITTe Leblic’s passion.

She’s been a part of the Okotoks Tennis Club since it was estab-

lished in 2000, but her love affair with the game reaches back into

the 1970s. It was a time when the game’s popularity was elevated

by the televised greatness of superstar players like Bjorn Borg,

Jimmy Connors, evonne Cawley, and Chris everett.

“I started playing tennis at age nine, growing up in the

Netherlands, on good old clay courts,” Leblic explains. “That’s

quite different from what the surfaces are here.”

Now in her early fifties, she has long adapted to the North

American hard court game. Leblic enjoys being a fixture of

Okotoks Tennis Centre league play and tournaments.

Often she willingly reigns in her hard-earned tennis proficiency

when playing against novice opponents, choosing to encourage

their skill development rather than humbling them with precise

game-winning shots.

It’s no fun being shown up by a superior player for anyone.

“The beauty of tennis is that you can go full out

or you can slow down and have a

good social time with

On the courtStory by Stephen W. Smith

Birgitte leblic


“The beauty of tennis is that you can go full out or you can slow down and have a good social time with other players.”

sports

year-old tennis player has also seen his seven-year-old younger

sister, Amelia, take up the sport as well.

Kids aren’t the only ones benefitting from modified tennis.

Dam says he encourages seniors to try out the sport. “As long

as they’re physically capable, able to stand and hold a 19-inch

racquet and rally, they can play.”

The benefits of club membership include access to a pro-

fessional ball machine and specialized programs like cardio

tennis, where high energy-instructor led tennis exercises are

accompanied by music.

The Okotoks Tennis Centre

continues to thrive 13 years

after it was established. It

began with a local news-

paper ad placed by the

town appealing to local

tennis enthusiasts to get

organized.

“There were the three

tennis courts on top of the water

reservoir in Tower Hill that were in

bad shape due to vandalism,” Leblic recalls. “Before investing

funds to repair the court surface and surrounding fence, there

needed to be assurance that the courts were going to be used

by tennis players only, maintained, and protected.”

The volunteer-driven Okotoks Tennis Centre continues to do

the many things necessary to maintain the facilities required

to pursue the sport they love. OL

other players,” Leblic explains.

“The other beauty of it is a family

can play together.”

moms, dads and kids send balls

flying, back and forth, across the

nets at three Tower Hill Courts on

Waldron Avenue. The club also

utilizes the Wilson Street courts,

for drop-in play booked through

the Okotoks recreation Centre.

Last year, over 200 members swung racquets with the Oko-

toks Tennis Centre. Tennis Centre president David Dam feels

there’s room for many more. Word just has to spread.

“Some people go to Calgary to play, because they don’t know

there are courts here in town,” he says.

The tennis club is an ideal training ground for children with

mini-court play, which involves playing on a half sized sur-

face, a lower net, smaller racquets and larger foam balls.

“It’s so much easier to learn tennis that way,” Leblic says. “I

started out with a big heavy wooden racket and a humongous

court when I was younger. This way is more kid-friendly.”

Nine-year-old erik mcDougall

is a member of the club and an

emerging young player.

While mcDougall has had many

good days on the courts, there’s

one that remains his favourite.

“When I turned nine last year,

I decided to take my friends to

the court for my birthday to play,”

mcDougall says. “It was lots of fun.

I think I was the only who had

played tennis before. ”

Besides introducing his friends

to the game he loves, the nine-

David Dam, club president.

» For more information go to www.okotokstennis.com

erik mcDougall, club member.

Some club members out to play tennis on a nice Saturday morning. photo by Jessica patterson



homes

sunny side upSolar power an alternative for home energy

“TURN OFF THOSE LIGHTS!”

It’s a refrain heard every day in thousands

of homes across the country, and rightly so, as

homeowners become more and more sensitive

to both the financial and environmental costs of

excessive energy consumption.

One way many homeowners are dealing with the

situation is to turn to solar power as their primary

source of energy. After all, Calgary and surrounding

area has approximately 2,400

hours, or 332 sunny days each

year, the most of any major city

in Canada.

And the good news is that

now you can do so without

breaking the bank, as

technology and production

advances have made these

systems an economically viable

alternative both for new home

construction and retrofitting

older homes.

Solar power utilizes an energy source that doesn’t

leave a large carbon footprint like coal or other

fossil fuels, and is affordable over the long-term.

That’s why, for many, it’s becoming a more and more

reasonable energy solution in terms of both being

environmentally responsible and reducing power bills.

“People are starting to wake up to the fact that

grid connected solar power is an excellent option

for generating clean energy for the home,”says Colin

Dumais, Enmax technology

specialist. “When you see

companies such as Enmax

jumping on board, you know

you’ve hit a turning point, this

is a very exciting time to be

apart of solar energy.

“More and more people are

realizing grid-connected solar

systems are the clear leaders of

one of the renewable energies

for the home, this is the

frontrunner at the moment.”

“people are starting to wake up to the fact that grid connected solar power is an excellent option for generating clean energy for the home.”

Story by Aaliya Essa


homes

sunny side up

The real beauty of solar energy is that it has no

negative effects on the environment. Panels pull

in sunlight, and convert it into a direct current. It’s

green energy at its finest.

The cost of acquiring solar energy is based on

the number of modules you can have on your roof.

Solar panels attached to a building or garage are

considered part of the structure and acceptable

under the Town’s land use bylaw, according to

Steve Hanhart, community planner for the Town

of Okotoks. However, a stand alone solar module in

someone’s backyard is not permissible under the

current land use bylaw.

“The average family of four uses 650 kilowatt

hours per month,” says David Kelly, CEO of Calgary-

green energy at its finest: solar panels convert sunlight into aC. photo courtesy SkyFire energy.

For one kilowatt of Dc you would require 75 square-feet of space for four modules that would produce 1,000-1,300 kilowatts per hour.

based SkyFire Energy Solar Energy Systems. Per year, the

average family would use about 7,800 kilowatt hours.

With SkyFire Energy’s systems, for one kilowatt of

DC you would require 75 square-feet of space for four

modules that would produce 1,000-1,300 kilowatts per

hour. The approximate cost for this system would be

about $5,500. »



homes

solar energy continues to grow in popularity, with some home builders offering their clients the option of including the modules and installation to their new homes.

While the benefits for the environment are plenty,

homeowners that choose to embark on solar energy can

expect little assistance from the Government of Alberta.

Unlike neighbouring provinces, there are no government

incentives, rebates or discounts encouraging homeowners

in Alberta to either build with solar or retrofit.

“There is not much for incentive in the province,

any time any one wants to make the investment into

solar technology, its because they want to reduce their

footprint,” says Marty King for Vantage Electric.

Still, solar energy continues to grow in popularity, with

some home builders offering their clients the option

of including the modules and installation to their new

homes. While any home is eligible, new or old, this is a

great way to start your green energy journey. OL

Solar energy is captured by the solar photovoltaic

modules (solar panels), that are installed on the roof

or in the yard where they have maximum exposure

to the sun. The inverters convert the direct current

(DC) electricity into alternating current (AC), which

is the common electricity found in homes and

commercial buildings.

“When sunlight hits the module it generates an HO

W

electric current, which is electricity, and all modules

produce DC electricity. We then need to convert

the DC into AC for houses,” says David Kelly, CeO of

SkyFireenergy Solar energy Systems in Calgary.

“The inverter then backfeeds electricity into

the electrical panel through a new breaker,” says

Kelly. The meter which calculates the energy both

generated by the modules and what is used from

the grid, indicates the amounts for both, and the

possible savings for any solar energy that was

exported to the grid. These numbers are listed on

the following electricity bill from your provider.

it works

sustainabilityStory and photo by Jessica Patterson

Dark sky at nightiN tHe DayligHt, the effect isn’t as glaring, but when the sun goes down, an orange glow emanates into the sky above Okotoks.

it’s light pollution. and in april 2006, the m.D. of Foothills council

started work on a bylaw and initiative that sought to minimize the light pollution in the m.D. of Foothills, called the Dark Sky initiative.

the bylaw was adopted by council in 2010 and updated in 2011, says Spencer Croil, a planner with the m.D. of Foothills.

“there are very few initiatives like this in Canada, in rural Canada anyway,” Croil says. “there are some examples in larger urban centres, but this was the first of its kind in alberta.”

the Dark Sky bylaw, which seeks to curb light pollution in the municipal district, was based off a similar bylaw in Flagstaff, arizona, and in pima County near phoenix.

the environment in the night time can be adversely affected by light pollution, Croil says. light pollution throws off

the ecological balance, affects astronomers and scientists, and wildlife. light pollution has also been shown to disrupt circadian rhythms in animals and people.

“the Dark Sky initiative has social benefits, and economic and environmental benefits,” he explains. “it aims to reduce light pollution which benefits wildlife and habitat. Socially, it’s a little bit of a stretch, other than it’s a positive, inexpensive way to get everyone on board with the initiative. economically, there are definite benefits to shielding light properly, to reduce costs of lighting and electricity charges.”

and while the m.D.’s bylaw is enforceable, the Dark Sky initiative is more focused on education. “We had been explicit at the beginning of the project that the Dark Sky initiative was going to be more

“We had been explicit at the beginning of the project that the Dark sky Initiative was going to be more focused on education, to inform people on what they can do and why it’s important.”


Dark sky at night m.D. aims to reduce

light pollution with

educational initiative

focused on education, to inform people on what they can do and why it’s important,” Croil says.

the biggest challenge to the Dark Sky initiative are nearby urban centres — because they have so many lights already, which aren’t shielded properly, he says.

“it’s unrealistic to come into an urban centre and say everyone has to change their lights, so there have been incentive programs for fixtures,” Croil explains. “municipalities would offer 50 per cent rebate for compliant light fixtures, if you wanted to replace them on your home or business.”

One of the biggest challenges the initiative has faced since the program started, Croil says, was getting local businesses to help. “in 2011, we sent letters out to all of the home retailers in the area, from Black Diamond to Blackie, and we didn’t get a single response, not even a call.”

Being compliant with the m.D.’s Dark Sky initiative is as easy as changing a lightbulb and fixture.

“From a small retail business or residential perspective, it would be relatively easy,” Croil explains. Homeowners could have a maintenance plan that said when it came time to update or replace a light fixture, “make that the time to become compliant.” a full cut-off light fixture directs light down. (Home Depot carries two options.)

the m.D. of Foothills has partnered with Fortis and alberta transportation, who’ve formally agreed to support the Dark Sky initiative. “they’ve agreed to install full cut-off light fixtures when they need replacement, on any street light in the m.D. or on the highways through the m.D.,” Croil says.

the City of Calgary has also jumped onboard with their Bright Skies initiative, which was adopted in april. the city’s initiative to dim light pollution aims to use light more efficiently in new developments.

light pollution is something that municipalities are looking at all over the world. in paris, for example, the city has banned lighting monuments like the eiffel tower, churches, bridges and fountains overnight, to help cut back light pollution and improve energy efficiency. OL

The M.D. of Foothills has partnered with Fortis and Alberta Transportation, who’ve formally agreed to support the Dark sky Initiative.



okotoks has seen a 24 per cent increase in the number of business licences issued in the first three months of 2013 when compared to 2012.

businessStory by Alyssa Burnham

Photos by Don Molyneaux

WITH A STRONG economy and a steadily

growing population, Okotoks is proving to

be an attractive location for both new and

existing businesses.

“The economy is picking up, and there’s

quite a bit going on in town,” says Shane

Olson, economic development team leader

with the Town of Okotoks.

New construction in the southeast and

Westmount areas has drawn several large

retailers to town. Carter’s & OshKosh

B’gosh, Sport Chek, Ardene, Visions and

PetSmart have all announced their plans

to open new stores in Okotoks, as have

GoodLife Fitness and Best Western, both of

which are currently under construction.

The town’s recent business growth is not

limited to large national brands, however.

On the whole, Okotoks has seen a 24 per

cent increase in the number of business

licences issued in the first three months

of 2013 when compared to 2012. The

new businesses make up an impressive

diversity, ranging from boutiques to oil

and gas, construction and IT companies.

Cheryl Sawin opened The Laser Room on

Elma Street in January and says coming

to Okotoks was the best business decision

she’s ever made. Sawin took over the space

previously occupied by Bella Vita Day

Spa where she offers many of the same

esthetic services in addition to special

laser treatments.

“I absolutely love it out here (in

Okotoks),” says Sawin, who commutes

to Okotoks from her home in southeast

New in townOkotoks welcomes new businesses

Calgary. “People I know out here told me

that I could work 12 hours a day seven

days a week because there’s so much

demand, and they were right.”

Sawin says Okotoks has proven more

than large enough to support her

new business and the environment is

exceptionally friendly.

Patty Tuttle and her husband Don have

operated their business, Miles Display &

Design, out of their De Winton property for

many years but have recently purchased

a space in the Okotoks Business Park,

which is currently

undergoing an

expansion.

“We have looked

for industrial space

to rent before,

and there wasn’t

much available...

we thought that

it was a good

place to make an

investment,” Tuttle

explained, citing

convenient access

and sustained

population growth

as factors in their

decision to come to Okotoks.

Another trend, according to Olson, is

the growth of home-based businesses

— something that the Town’s economic

development office actively encourages.

More and more, photographers,

accountants, and

other independent

entrepreneurs are

choosing to take

advantage of the

flexibility and

convenience of working

from home.

Ultimately, whether

you’re a small home-

based company or a big

box retail store, what’s

drawing business to Okotoks is the real

opportunity for success.

“We have over 8,000 houses, more than

26,000 people,” Olson says. “With Okotoks

being the largest community between

Calgary and Lethbridge in Southern

Alberta, it’s where people want to be.”

And, a healthy business environment

is good for residents too. With new

business comes new jobs, services and

conveniences, driving Okotoks to be a

community where families can truly live,

work and play. OL

Cheryl Sawin

(from left) alex Stelmach, patty and Don tuttle.



Okotoks’ Annual Show and Shine rolls

into the Olde Towne.

The Foothills Highland Games takes place

at the Foothills Composite High School

field. Piping, drumming, dancing and

heavy events competitions take place over

the day, with plenty of food, fun and live

entertainment for the whole family. Grab

ceili tickets for the best party in town!

www.foothillshighlandgames.com

Harvest Festival at Kayben Farms. Celebrate

the harvest with with fun and activities for

the whole family including a corn maze, live music,

entertainment.

Okotoks Pro Rodeo starts at 7 p.m. This annual

event is celebrating it’s 22nd year. Events include

bareback and barrel racing, bull riding,

team and tie down roping and more.

www.okotoksprorodeo.com

The 4th Annual Okotoks Kids’ Rodeo,

presented by Miss Rodeo Okotoks

alumni at the Murray Arena.

Chili Fest features various

family events all day long

downtown.

Canada Day celebrations at Ethel

Tucker Park. There’ll be food, dance, and music at

this multi-cultural celebration from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Get reading this summer with the Summer Reading

Club 2013 at the Okotoks Library, open for ages 3-12.

Calgary Stampede Penning qualifiers take place at

the Okotoks Ag Society.

Buskerfest!

The Young Canadian Simmental Association Show,

happening at the Okotoks Ag Society grounds.

10th Annual Teddy Bear Picnic

Come test your taste buds with Taste of Okotoks,

from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. in Okotoks’ Olde Towne.

Summer Celebration Barbecue at the Okotoks

Library, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Drop by to stock

up on great summer reads at the book sale or have a

barbecued lunch at this library fundraiser.

events

what’s happeningjune

july august

1

7

2

15

21

22-23

29

1

3

3-4

6

16-18

17

22

20

11

24

24

31

31

31

For information on Town of Okotoks events contact:Mark Doherty, Community Events Co-ordinator403-938-8950 or [email protected] or visit www.okotoks.ca

24th annual Rotary Soap Box Derby. Rain date

June 2, 2013

Kinsmen Show & Shine

Every Thursday night this summer, indulge in

Okotoks’ classic film series at 7 p.m. at the RPAC.

Watch movies from Stanley Kubrick, Tim Burton

and independent Canadian films. $2/person

Okotoks Parade “Okotoks, past present and

future” & Children’s Festival. Activities for

the whole family in downtown and Ethel Tucker

park. Crafts, games and live entertainment

from Norman Foote and Natasha Platt.

{ }First saturdaysJune 1, July 6, August 3, August 31. A festival celebrating arts and culture in Okotoks’ Olde Towne. Runs the first Saturday each month, including an artists’ market on the OAG lawn.

Western Chic III at the Okotoks Art Gallery.

Fundraiser and tent-covered exhibit features live

music, food & drink and one-of-a-kind silent auction.

$20/tickets.

Enbridge Ride to Conquer Cancer

benefiting the Alberta Cancer

Foundation. The riders start off

in Calgary then head west before

making their way down south to camp in Okotoks.

“O Canada” Party at the Okotoks Library,

1 - 2:30 p.m.

you said it…By Jessica Patterson

I’d like it if it was fast. We go to school in Calgary. Transit would

save us having to drive all the way.Alexandra H.,

resident

As a business owner, I feel the idea

certainly warrants further investigation and could bring many benefits to Olde Towne.

Mary-Anne Zahaur-HiscockHome Ground, Owner

A mode of public transportation would help Okotokians greatly,

especially students. If there’s a communal way people can get around, that would be great.

Victoria Kuefler, resident

For sure, I think it would be great to

have transit in place, making it accessible for everyone.

Blair Fasan, resident

I think a train would be beneficial to

Okotoks. It would fit more people than bus service, it would be more energy efficient and cut down on the number of people commuting by car.

Liam Doerksen, resident

I’m in favour of a system that would be cost-effective,

environmentally friendly, and help relieve congestion

on Highway 2.

Pat McIsaacOkotoks Fire Department, Deputy Chief

Yes, I want to be able to take a train up to the city,

to college or to the mall or something. It would be easier and more cost-efficient.

Loureen Anthony, resident

I understand that infrastructure like that is expensive. Transit would expand our mobility so much, especially as

the kids get older. We’re becoming a satellite town to Calgary and I can see the need for transit going into the future.

Annette Hartman, resident

“

“

“

“ “

“

““

Are you in favour of public transit between okotoks and calgary?


Documents

Okotoks Living Summer 2013