Town of Okotoks 2014-2017 Business Plan

2Town of Okotoks

Town of Okotoks

Business Plan 2014-2017

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Okotoks Town Council Back, L to R: Ray Watrin, Tanya Thorn, Ken Heemeryck, Ed Sands Front, L to R: Matt Rockley, Mayor Bill Robertson, Carrie Fischer

Introduction 3

Vision & Mission 4

Values 5

Commitment 6-8

Strategic Direction 9 Strategy 1: Manage Community Growth 10

Strategy 2: Foster Economic Vitality 12

Strategy 3: Provide Quality Community Infrastructure 14

Strategy 4: Promote Environmental Stewardship 16

Strategy 5: Provide Strong Governance 18

Strategy 6: Healthy & Safe Community 20

Strategy 7: Maintain Organizational Excellence 22

Core Services 24-31

table of contents

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Town of Okotoks Business Plan 2014-2017

Introduction 3

Vision & Mission 4

Values 5

Commitment 6-8

Strategic Direction 9Strategy 1: Manage Community Growth 10

Strategy 2: Foster Economic Vitality 12

Strategy 3: Provide Quality Community Infrastructure 14

Strategy 4: Promote Environmental Stewardship 16

Strategy 5: Provide Strong Governance 18

Strategy 6: Healthy & Safe Community 20

Strategy 7: Maintain Organizational Excellence 22

Core Services 24-31

Corporate Business plan

The Town of Okotoks Corporate Business Plan (2014-2017) establishes the business direction of the Corporation for the 4-year elected mandate of Council. The Business plan sets out the Corporation’s key result areas, establishing the framework for annual tactical plans, cites Council’s vision for the community, and states the Corporation’s mission and values.

The Corporate Business Plan (2014-2017) is based on strategic priorities established by Council in February 2014 reflecting the input of our citizens through surveys, the electoral process, and many other means. The Business Plan cites the priority actions necessary to move towards the community vision.

This Plan reflects Council’s commitment to deliver corporate services, which are in the best interest of our citizens of today and our future citizens of tomorrow.

implementation

The Corporate Business Plan (2014-2017) is implemented through the actions of dedicated staff, volunteers and community members. Staff direction is established through creation of annual Tactical Plans that align with the Business Plan. The Tactical Plans articulate specific deliverables for each business centre that collectively contribute to achievement of Council’s strategic direction. Annual Tactical Plans are established in conjunction with preparation of operating budget submissions. The annual performance appraisal process also aligns Business Plan and Tactical Plan objectives to specific individual work plans.

An annual Progress Report is provided to Council that reports on achievements towards the Business Plan outcomes, prior to the start of the annual operating budget cycle. Additionally, regular progress updates and milestone achievements are reported to Council through various reports to Council. Council meets annually in the fall to review corporate progress, provide direction on following year priorities within the context of the Business Plan, direct necessary updates reflecting current community expectations, and set budget guidelines for the coming fiscal cycle.

introduction

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visionIn the year 2030, Okotoks is a leader in sustainability,

driven by an involved connected and creative

community. Through visionary leadership, citizens

are engaged in maintaining a safe, caring and vital

community that honours our culture, heritage and

environment.

missionThe mission of the Town of Okotoks is to create and nurture an environment in which people are able to pursue the fulfillment of their values, in harmony with the community.

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The high quality and value of services delivered in Okotoks comes directly from Town employees. We provide a foundation of strength that is critical to preserving and enhancing the qualities that make Okotoks a special place to live. Because of what we do for the residents of Okotoks, it is important that we do it well, with sensitivity to the needs and interests of the public, and with pride in our abilities.

W e va l u e :

Quality Service We strive to provide the best service in the most efficient, effective and economical manner. Employees are empowered to meet customer requirements and communicate in a timely manner, while considering our sustainable vision, acting responsibly, thinking long term, and responding to our changing customer’s needs.

Integrity We act with honesty and openness in all activities. We support actions that build trust and accept the views of others. We treat others fairly, with compassion, respect and dignity.

Teamwork We support and help one another to build a unified organization. We encourage candid communication. We share decision-making and accept responsibility and accountability for our actions.

Excellence We strive to achieve organizational excellence by focusing our efforts on corporate goals. We continually improve through learning, creativity, innovation and responsible risk taking, and regularly recognize valuable contributions.

Wellness We care about our health, safety, social and economic well-being. We provide fair compensation and benefits, challenging work and continuous learning, an enjoyable and safe work environment, and promote a balanced lifestyle.

values

values

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Council, and the Administration under Council’s policy direction, will do their utmost to meet the following commitments to our residents, ratepayers and businesses:

Customer serviCe

• The Corporation will strive to deliver all services in a manner that respects the customer. • Customers will be provided service in a prompt and courteous manner, and shall not be referred more

than once.

• Services are based on Council priorities reflecting the municipal needs of our citizens. • Customers will be encouraged to provide feedback and will be provided a range of formal and informal

means to do so.

Business approaCh

• Our services will be delivered in a market competitive manner, as a customer centered business. • The Corporation will follow sound financial practices to ensure responsible fiscal management and long- term affordability. • The Corporation will deliver priority municipal services, protect the long-term integrity of its assets and

work within ability to pay.

• The Town will pursue reasonable alternative business approaches and funding sources to minimizecurrent direct operating costs to our customers, project capital costs and debt, while maintaining deliveryof quality services.

• Council determined priorities will drive the Corporation’s operating and capital budget processes, andservice priorities.

• The Corporation will pursue innovative and creative approaches to effective and efficient service delivery.6

commitment

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steWardship

• The Corporation recognizes its obligations to both current citizens and future generationsand accepts that priorities must often balance competing responsibilities.

• Council is committed to take a leadership role in protecting our invaluable naturalresources – the quality of our river water, the purity of our air, the beauty of our riparianand aquatic ecosystems, and urban forest.

• Council is committed to protecting the quality of life, safety, and security enjoyed by ourcitizens.

leadership

• While fostering this community’s unique character, Council will assume a leadershiprole in regional partnerships and collaborative relationships, which contribute to effectivemunicipal services delivery, economic prosperity and environmental protection.

• Council will conduct its business within established protocols and procedures and withmutual respect to individual members and our citizens.

• Decisions of Council will be timely, sound, and based on careful analysis with dueconsideration of outcomes and alternatives.

• Council will embrace the leadership role vested in it by the electors, providing a clearvision for our community and the resolve to achieve even the most difficult and challenging goals.

CommuniCation

• The Town of Okotoks will pursue open, timely and pertinent public communication ofCouncil decisions, direction, community programs and municipal services.

• The Town will invite, encourage and provide the means for customer’s input on importantissues. Customer input will be provided to Council and service providers to ensureawareness and sensitive decision-making.

commitment

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• Proud and dedicated staff are the Corporation’s most valued resourceand most effective means to deliver municipal services.

• The Corporation is committed to individual growth and developmentthrough continuous learning. A learning organization has the capacityand capability to remain leading edge, innovative and creative.

• Staff will be empowered and have the authority and responsibility todeliver effective, timely services to our customers. Staff will also beaccountable.

• Staff will be encouraged, and have the opportunity to participatein policy development regarding programs, services and the workenvironment.

• Compensation will be fair, market sensitive and encourage individualinitiative.

• The Corporation strives to be an ‘employer of choice’ and will attractand retain highly skilled employees.

human resources

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Council has identified and broadly defined 7 key strategic directions for the Town for their four-year term of 2014-2017. These directions will be reviewed annually and may be periodically amended by Council as community needs and business environment demands evolve. The 7 strategic directions are:

MANAGE COMMUNITY GROWTHThe Town of Okotoks will build a complete community that provides economic, social, and environmental sustainability for people to live, work and play.

FOSTER ECONOMIC VITALITYThe Town of Okotoks will facilitate a healthy economy where quality jobs and business opportunities are abundant.

PROVIDE QUALITY COMMUNITY INFRASTRUCTUREThe Town of Okotoks will strategically manage, invest and plan for municipal infrastructure to meet the community’s current and future needs.

PROMOTE ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIPThe Town of Okotoks will be a leader in environmental protection and preservation.

PROVIDE STRONG GOVERNANCEThe Town of Okotoks will provide strong governance including fiscal responsibility, open communication and strong inter-governmental relationships.

HEALTHY AND SAFE COMMUNITYThe Town of Okotoks will strengthen our social fabric and enhance the safety of our residents.

MAINTAIN ORGANIZATIONAL EXCELLENCEThe Town of Okotoks will be recognized as leaders in public service.

strategic direction

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manage community growth

The Town of Okotoks will build

a complete community that

provides economic, social, and

environmental sustainability for

people to live, work and play.

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K e Y r e s u lt a r e a s 1. Coordinate the annexation process to secure lands for population growth over the next 60 years:• Facilitate the annexation consultation and application process with landowners, the MD of Foothills and senior government agencies (2014)• Ensure adequate land is secured that will meet future growth needs, including school sites• Engage the public in visioning and design principles planning sessions for the growth areas as a part of the long range Community Sustainability Plan (2014)• Partner with developers to design and build new communities that align with our vision

2. Update all master plans to align with the Okotoks growth model, including:• Interim adjustments to the Municipal Development Plan (2015)• Municipal Development Plan (2016)• Intermunicipal Development Plan (2016)• Land Use Bylaw (2017)

3. Secure a long term Water Supply Agreement with the City of Calgary to provide water to meet growth projections for at least the next 60 years:• Create and execute a Water Supply Agreement (2014)• Participate in the plan and construction of the pipeline (2015)• Pipeline construction completion (2017)

4. Secure adequate interim water supply (water license transfers, etc.) to meet the community’s needs until a long term supply is constructed:• Seek out water license transfers and other means of obtaining temporary water supply

5. Identify and plan for wastewater capacity solution options and costs to accommodate growth.

6. Manage community growth to maintain Okotoks’ performance as a leader in sustainable development and our sense of community with smaller town characteristics.

7. Monitor growth rates to ensure that our capacity to deliver quality services is maintained.


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The Town of Okotoks will facilitate

a healthy economy where quality

jobs and business opportunities

are abundant.

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KeY result areas

1. Develop a progressive Economic Development Strategic Plan that will attract and retain local businesses including an investment attraction and implementation strategy (2014). 2. Promote Okotoks as a place that is business-friendly, open for business and investment, and ready to compete on a regional basis:• Develop strategies to increase light industrial and commercial development to further diversify our tax base and provide diverse employment opportunities.

3. Develop progressive business attraction and retention solutions to foster a resilient business community:• Facilitate a variety of local Economic Development workshops for Council to increase knowledge on economic development fundamentals, investment strategies & a downtown assessment (2014)• Implementation of technology sector attraction strategy (2014)• Identify and select targeted industries for business attraction that will provide quality living wage job opportunities (2014)• Engage the business community in providing input to develop local strategies and initiatives to help businesses succeed and grow (2014)• Regularly visit local businesses to gain input and develop action plans to enhance business and facilitate connections (2015)• Review policies and practices to encourage contractors to consider using more local businesses• Review current business-related processes and create welcoming and friendly business-friendly processes that are streamlined and clearly communicated (2014)• Support and develop creative responses to economic development issues• Continue to attract and promote events, sports and cultural tourism • Create bold new strategies to attract entrepreneurs and small businesses

4. Plan and prioritize future regional economic development initiatives, encouraging partnerships and alliances for a stable economically viable region.

5. Create a long-term plan to ensure the downtown area remains attractive as a destination and a place for gathering in the community (2016):• Work with business owners and developers to align new and revitalized buildings with the downtown plan (2016)

foster economic vitality

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The Town of Okotoks will

strategically manage, invest and

plan for municipal infrastructure

to meet the community’s current

and future needs.

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KeY result areas

1. Plan for new infrastructure based on innovative and sustainable approaches that maximize financial support from senior governments.

2. Construct a new Operations Centre: • Review design to ensure it meets growth needs (2014)• Construct new Administration and fleet buildings (2015)• Complete construction on remaining Operations Centre facilities (2016/2017)

3. Provide recreation and cultural facilities to meet current and future growth needs:• Complete business case analysis on twinning of the Pason Centennial Arena (2014)• Update business case analysis on options for a new Performing Arts Centre (2014)• Update the Recreation Facilities Master Plan to plan for the outdoor, indoor and recreation needs for a continued growth model (2015)• Incorporate costs of recreation and cultural facilities into prioritized capital plans (2015)• Conduct a recreation facility capacity review to look for opportunities to accommodate more community needs (2015):

- Review programming needs during primary hours and space allocation to balance opportunities for competitive and non-competitive sports and leisure activities - Seek partnerships within the community to meet needs through creative multi-use of facilities

4. Provide an effective and well-maintained road network system: • Review and update Master Transportation Plan to consider the impact of growth on traffic flow and improvement needs as a result of growth (2015)• Implement traffic management improvements, including consideration of traffic circles and other less traditional options• Develop effective snow removal and temporary storage strategies (2015)• Consider active transportation needs in a long term plan• Create contemporary road/infrastructure design standards and incorporate innovative construction methods including materials selection and lifecycle costing

5. Develop a long-term plan for public transit for both in-town and regional service that balances the need for service with taxpayer’s ability to pay (2016).

6. Develop a comprehensive corporate Asset Management Action Plan that includes: • Inventory, valuations and condition of current assets (2014)• Risk assessment and management (2015)• Maintenance and lifecycle replacement plans that maximize the useful life of the Town’s assets to protect the investment (2016)• Update estimates of annualized replacement costs and prioritize (2017)• A long-term funding strategy that enables the community to protect the integrity of valuable municipal assets (2017)

provide quality community infrastructure

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The Town of Okotoks will be

a leader in environmental

protection and preservation.

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KeY result areas

1. Create an Environmental Protection Plan as an overarching plan that will protect our ecosystem for current and future generations (2016):

• Update the Resource Recovery Plan to include progressive strategies to reduce our waste, including organic waste collection, rebranding to an Eco Centre, etc. (2014)

• Create a Water Conservation, Efficiency and Productivity (CEP) Plan that includes detailed annualwater management strategies (2014)

• Create the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Reduction Plan that includes detailed biannual GHG strategies(2017)

• Create policies and bylaws to support the Environmental Protection Plan• Continue to preserve and secure river valley lands for all to enjoy

2. Continue to advocate for watershed stewardship in our region.• Activity participate and leadership with the Foothills Regional Water & Wastewater Collaborative

(FRWWC)

3. Work with developers and builders to increase new building construction standards thatprotect the environment (e.g. renewable energy leaders, decrease waste and use of newwater conservation methods).

4. Increase public involvement in preserving and caring for our environment:• Increased participation in River Valley clean-up and other environmental events, preservation of

urban forest, parks and pathways, water, energy and waste reduction etc.

5. Continue to lead the region with environmentally responsible actions:• Implement the Corporate Environmental Stewardship Plan (CESP)• Research new initiatives and technologies that reduce the impact on the environment such as

increased solar use, increased xeriscaping to reduce irrigation, grey water recycling, etc.

promote environmental stewardship

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Strong governance includes fiscal

responsibility, open communication

and strong inter-governmental

relationships.

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KeY result areas

1. Provide an effective governance model whereby Council and Administration are a strong team working together to accomplish the community vision:• Review and implement recommendations in the Governance Review (2014/2015)

2. Provide responsible financial management to maintain a solid financial position:• Effectively manage public funds to balance available resources with core service delivery and priority needs• Develop multi-year budget process and plan (2015)• Create a 10-year capital plan (2015-2025) that will be updated annually • Search for new revenues such as corporate sponsorship and grant funding• Maintain adequate operating and capital reserves to meet our needs• Annual rate/fee/residential and non-residential tax rate reviews• Update the capital plan to incorporate the impact of future annexed lands

3. Build strong partnerships with other governments and stakeholders and corporations to deliver services, programs and infrastructure needed by our current and future residents and businesses, such as:• with senior governments and seek grant funding opportunities for priority projects• with Foothills communities to promote regional and sub-regional collaboration• for effective and efficient service delivery:

- Negotiate renewal of Epcor Water Services contract (2015) - Evaluate external contracts versus internal provision of service as contracts expire and as needs change due to trends or growth - Form allegiances with the business community to encourage greater involvement in and contributions to civic events

4. Increase public engagement in municipal and community issues by utilizing a wide variety of methods to engage diverse groups of residents:• Broad involvement in community visioning (2014)• Redesign Town’s website (2014)• Create a Corporate Communications Plan (2015)

provide strong governance

2020

The Town of Okotoks will

strengthen our social fabric

and enhance the safety of our

residents.

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KeY result areas

1. Continue to implement the recommendations contained in the Social Wellness Framework, including:• Conduct a survey to monitor social wellness indicators (2014)• Strengthen the sense of community at the neighborhood level• Enhance preschool and after-school programming opportunities• Develop strategies to address issues identified by youth• Monitor and advocate for diverse housing needs including multifamily, seniors, transitional and

affordable, low cost housing

2. Build a strong community that supports the needs of our residents:• Provide opportunities for all residents to engage in active, healthy lifestyles, including competitive and

non-competitive sports and leisure activities• Facilitate a sense of community by providing and supporting community events• Promote and support volunteers as vital contributors to help make our community a better place for all• Maintain vibrant arts, culture and heritage that provide a variety of opportunities to inspire and connect • Plan for neighbourhood designs and introduce strategies that help connect residents and facilitate a

walkable community• Continue to promote active transportation

3. Advocate for increased health access, including extended health service hours, physicianattraction and related medical services.

4. Advocate for post-secondary education opportunities in our community.

5. Develop and implement community-based crime prevention strategies and initiatives tomaintain a safe community:

• Access the crime reduction unit as necessary• Increase policing presence in parks and pathways during peak times• Encourage residents to be actively involved in crime prevention• Provide public education for safety and fire prevention

6. Ensure the Town is ready to respond to potential major emergencies and disasters:• Conduct annual mock disaster training• Update the Flood Action Plan, including enhancing plans for flood prone areas in the downtown core

(2014)• Complete 2013 flood remediation and mitigation projects (2014)• Update the Emergency Response Plan (2015)

7. Work with property owners and builders to ensure that residential, commercial, industrialand institutional properties are constructed to meet or exceed Alberta Building Code andrelated regulations.

healthy & safe community

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The Town of Okotoks will be

recognized as leaders in public

service.

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KeY result areas

1. Continue to pursue organizational excellence in public service certification to furtherdevelop into a high performance, innovative, organization:

• Maintain a culture of continuous improvement by seeking out best practices, taking responsiblerisks, and implementing new ideas to ensure each business centre remains progressive:

- Continue to participate in the regional benchmarking initiative - Ensure best management practices are used to cost effectively deliver all core services and programs as mandated

2. Implement the Human Resources Strategic Plan, including:• Conduct an Organizational Design Review (2014)• Complete Workforce & Succession Planning (2015)• Develop comprehensive employee attraction and retention strategies• Provide a healthy and safe work environment that recognizes the need for work-life balance• Ensure the organization has the capacity to deliver core services and programs, as well as to

achieve the future vision for the community

3. Ensure all staff are trained and committed to providing exceptional customer service:• Continue to introduce and enhance online services• Develop consistent standards and procedures for customer service delivery• Review systems and processes to increase efficiencies while improving customer service and

reducing red tape

4. Implement the Information Technology Strategic Plan.

maintain organizational excellence

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core servicesThe Corporation of the Town of Okotoks is organized into a number of Business Centres. These Business Centres operate like a small business in a competitive market and are charged with the delivery of core services, under the policy direction of Council. Core services are the businesses that the Corporation will deliver to the best of its ability within the resources approved by Council. Available resources will focus on the delivery of core services. The Business Centres have relative independence recognizing they operate under the corporate umbrella, take their direction from the Corporate Business Plan, and are also interdependent in order to be successful.

Core services as approved by Council, within each Business Centre are outlined on the following pages.

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TRANSPORTATION • Provide maintenance and repair services to the Town’s transportation networkincluding: all streets, lanes and sidewalks, traffic and pedestrian signage, streetlights and traffic control devices. • Monitor, repair and maintain the Town’s storm water collection and treatment systems; keep streets clean to reduce silt loading in storm water; support Fire Services with hazardous materials spills, and monitor storm water runoff quality.

RESOURCE RECOVERY • Provide weekly residential solid waste pickup and transport to regional landfill. Participate on Foothills Regional Services Commission management team for efficient operation of regional landfill (joint ownership with area municipalities). • Operate a comprehensive recycling program, including the Recycling Centre, processing of two drop off areas (main depot and south side bins), a contracted curbside pick-up service, the community compost area and support regional recycling in cooperation with regional landfill. Recoup maximum return through strategically timed sales of recyclables on world markets.

OPEN SPACES • Provide, manage and maintain public parks and open spaces, including sports fields, passive parks, playgrounds, regional and local public pathways, outdoor rinks and natural areas. • Manage and maintain local urban forest.• Manage and maintain public cemetery providing a broad range of interment options. • Provide horticultural information services focusing on disease control, weed control, wise water use and integrated pest management.

BUILDING MAINTENANCE • Manage the regular maintenance, repair and upkeep of all Town buildings • Provide asset management and lifecycle maintenance for building systems.

core services

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COMMON SERVICES • Provide leadership and direction for the Corporation in the area of operational management, ensuring operations are run efficiently and effectively, as well as, providing administrative support services to all Operations Business Centres. • Manage, maintain and repair corporate vehicle fleet, large mechanical equipment and small equipment, including the equipment lifecycle replacement program. Manage operation of central yards including storage of bulk materials. • Co-manage Town’s energy and environmental initiatives related to corporate facilities. • Administer the utilities contract through Epcor Water Services Inc., who are responsible for providing safe, reliable potable water to residents, businesses and institutions, as well as, efficient operation of the wastewater treatment system, wastewater collection system and wastewater effluent discharge. Okotoks continues to own the infrastructure.

AQUATIC SERVICES • Manage, operate and maintain the aquatics centre, providing public swim opportunities, aquatics skill development, health and lifestyle programs. • Promote and provide pool facility for use by swim clubs, schools, private rentals, and swim competitions. • Provide aquatic liaison services to support aquatic user groups. • Manage and operate the Water Spray Park.

RECREATION FACILITIES • Manage, operate and maintain public arenas (Okotoks Recreation Centre and Pason Centennial Arena). • Manage, operate and maintain the common areas at the Recreation Centre and Pason Centennial Arena (including community meeting rooms, lobbies, change rooms, gymnasium, Youth Centre, leased areas as identified in agreements (concession, fitness centre and physiotherapy business), offices for Community Services and all support areas) and the Curling Rink (by agreement). • Provide public and private ice and dry pad recreation opportunities for a broad array of user groups, balancing needs, demands and accessibility in alignment with service delivery objectives and priorities.

core services


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COMMUNITY PROGRAMS • Provide and/or facilitate delivery of life-long learning and skill development opportunities for children, youth, adults and seniors, encouraging a healthy lifestyle and active mind. • Manage the Youth Centre and KinderCare facilities and deliver youth-oriented programming, including day camp and other programs to meet community needs. • Assist community groups in the delivery of life-long learning and skill development opportunities. • Participate in relevant community program delivery organizations, including the Foothills Continuing Education Council.

CULTURAL & HISTORICAL SERVICES • Manage and operate the Okotoks Art Gallery, Okotoks Museum & Archives and the Rotary Performing Arts Centre, including common facility booking and program registration. • Provide curatorial development and presentation of art and historical exhibitions to the public and support to local and regional artists through facility provision, promotion and sale of their work. • Coordinate and manage delivery of Youth Festival; develop and deliver special events; provide administrative support to the Arts Council and Historical Society; coordinate and manage required volunteer services. • Deliver visitor information services in cooperation with the Chamber of Commerce and Economic Development.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY SUPPORT SERVICES (FCSS) • Assess social needs in the community and support affordable preventative programs that enhance social well-being of individuals and families. • Ensure sustainability of the Okotoks Family Resource Centre, a community-based program providing comprehensive referrals to support services for those in need. • Facilitate community volunteer involvement through promotion, recruiting, interviewing, screening, placing, referring, supporting and recognizing volunteers. • Administer the community access (transportation) program for seniors and persons with disabilities to facilitate independent active lifestyles. • Maintain and promote current information about community resources and consult with community organizations to ensure coordination of services and efficient use of funding (e.g. FCSS, United Way, etc).

core services

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CLIENT SERVICES • Manage and operate a Customer Services and Information Centre at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, providing common booking, registration, and admissions services for indoor and outdoor recreation, community programs, and school facility recreation programs. • Provide comprehensive recreation services information and town/community information to clients and liaison services between public and various Business Centres. • Provide financial and administrative support services to all Community Services Business Centres.

PLANNING SERVICES • Ensure responsible community development consistent with Council policy direction and Legacy Plan (Municipal Development Plan). • Administer and provide assistance on planning and development related applications including Subdivision Plans, development permit and variance applications, and certificates of compliance. • Develop and administer servicing and construction/development agreements. • Promote community involvement through open houses, public participation and stakeholder workshops and manage and support development of community planning projects such as the River Valley Plan, Floodplain Policy, Outdoor Facilities Recreation Master Plan, etc. • Manage and facilitate the land use planning process through support and advice to the Municipal Planning Commission, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, residents, stakeholders and Town approving authorities.

ENGINEERING SERVICES • Provide leadership and direction in the planning, design, construction and rehabilitation of the Town’s transportation and utility infrastructure to ensure these systems are safe, efficient, cost effective and customer oriented, and constructed in accordance with engineering standards and practices. • Review and approve engineering related to new development and subdivision applications. • Administer the means to fund utility and transportation system growth through offsite levies and acreage assessments in support of new development.

core services


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SAFETY CODES SERVICES & ASSESSMENT • Coordinate and administer safety codes program for accredited disciplines including convenient one-stop shopping for permits, inspections and compliance activity to ensure compliance with appropriate codes and statutes and the development and enforcement of safe structures. • Administer and enforce safety codes regulatory compliance. • Provide timely property and business assessment in accordance with governing legislation.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT • Support and facilitate desired commercial and light industrial development consistent with Council policy direction and the Municipal Development Plan. • In consultation with Economic Development Committee develop and implement an economic development strategy. • Identify, encourage and deliver, in partnership with local businesses, targeted business promotion and community marketing campaign in conjunction with administering business licences. • Facilitate effective communications and working protocols among key economic development stakeholders and agencies such as the Okotoks & District Chamber of Commerce. Support and facilitate regional economic development with Calgary Regional Partnership, Community Futures Highwood and other related organizations.

POLICE PROTECTION / MUNICIPAL ENFORCEMENT SERVICES • Through the contracted services of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and municipal peace officers, constables provide public safety and protective services. RCMP focuses on criminal code incidents. • Enforce provincial statutes (e.g. Traffic Safety Act), municipal bylaws, federal and provincial statutes as appointed. • Maintain peace and good order within the community, mediate neighbour disputes and encourage reasonable tolerance and respect for one another.

core services

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FIRE SERVICES • Provide protection to our community by ensuring adequate staff and volunteers are capable of delivering quality fire suppression, rescue services, basic life support first response capabilities and environmental protection by response to hazardous spills. • Provide public education by delivering community awareness programs, in-school programs and safety codes inspections to businesses on an annual basis. • Coordinate planning and provision of Emergency Management in cooperation with all protective and support services, Emergency Management Alberta and mutual aid partners, including corporate business continuation planning.

FINANCIAL SERVICES • Provide leadership and direction for the Corporation in the area of financial and insurance matters, ensuring that the Corporation implements modern financial systems and administration practices. • Provide corporate financial and general accounting services, taxation services, utility billing, licensing and permitting in accordance with generally accepted accounting practices for the public sector, requirements for the Municipal Government Act, Council’s fiscal policies and Town bylaws. • Facilitate short and long term fiscal planning for Council direction and ensure information is communicated to stakeholders. Coordinate budget processes and assist Business Centre Leaders in budget management and financial administration. • Provide Municipal Centre reception, mail and information services and corporate banking services.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY (IT) • Provide hardware and software support and IT solutions to internal clients, prepare and administer IT disaster recovery plan, implement appropriate IT security systems, including development and administration of Virtual Town Hall, maintain and expand the corporate intranet/network. • Develop, update and deliver geospatial information systems supporting core service of corporate business centres (e.g. planning, open spaces). • Develop, update and provide geographical information services and mapping services for corporate business centres. • Maintain electronic voice telecommunications (not including radio communications).

core services


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HUMAN RESOURCES & COMMUNICATIONS • Provide leadership and direction for the Corporation in human resource management including organizational design, function, development and effectiveness. • Guide the development of a high performance learning organization that is committed to continual evolution to meet and exceed current and future business needs, ensuring a quality work environment for all employees is maintained within the context of corporate values, philosophies and Council goals. • Develop progressive personnel policies and practices; effective recruitment and retention programs; OH&S and employee wellness programs; and maintain competitive compensation and benefit programs. • Provide priority information to residents, businesses and other stakeholders in a variety of means to inform, engage and encourage residents to participate in good governance, policy development and to adopt actions that support sustainable community lifestyle choices.• Support all business centre core services by providing information on Town programs and services in a variety of media including print, radio, corporate website, social media and e-newsletters. • Provide legislative and support services to Council and the Corporation. Provide and maintain corporate records management systems and administer F.O.I.P. Act.

CORPORATE STRATEGY • Provide overall leadership to the Corporation, creating a collaborative environment where a common vision and organizational excellence is pursued. • Provide advice and support to Council in development of corporate policy and overall strategic direction and communicate and implement Council’s direction. • Promote and facilitate inter-municipal and inter-governmental partnerships and relations in pursuit of Council policy and direction. • Guide and administer the corporation consistent with Council policy direction and expectations. • Provide community special event coordination and liaison services supporting a wide range of corporate initiatives (e.g. events that build community spirit and intra-organization communication; public input facilitation, etc.). • Provide leadership and oversight in corporate environmental stewardship programs and initiatives.

core services

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Town of Okotoks

Business Plan 2014-2017

Documents

Town of Okotoks 2014-2017 Business Plan