Tanya Thorn

Okotoks Mayor

Leadership with Heart. Vision in Action.

2021-2025

Accomplishments

When I was elected Mayor in 2021, I brought forward four key ideas:

  • Develop new community investment opportunities
  • Enhance housing diversity and affordability
  • Strengthen Okotoks’ value proposition
  • Foster and build community relationships

Working closely with Council, these ideas were incorporated into the Town’s Strategic Plan under five pillars: Okotoks Strategic Plan. Over the past four years, we have made meaningful progress in every area. Through collaboration, strong advocacy, and a focus on results, Okotoks has achieved significant milestones that position our community for a strong and sustainable future.

Responsibly Managing Growth
  • Secured $30M in Provincial grants and $5M in federal funding for the Regional Water Pipeline, ensuring long-term water security and Town of Okotoks ownership (with Foothills County) of its water resource.
  • Invested over $100M in underground infrastructure – modernizing essential services for residents and businesses, and contributing to long-term fiscal health via strong asset management.
  • Re-designed the Off-Site Levy Bylaw to include recreation amenities, ensuring growth supports community lifestyle.
  • Approved the first commercial/light industrial-only Area Structure Plan:  North Point Okotoks, paving the way for new non-residential development that enhances Okotoks’ ability to pay for desired services/amenities and infrastructure re-investment.
  • Launched Okotoks’ first Growth Management Strategy, guiding decisions on financial impacts, infrastructure requirements, and capital investment priorities.
  • Completed a Social Needs Assessment & Strategy to plan for housing diversity, affordability, and overall community well-being.
  • Delivered 239 purpose-built rental units, 68 below-market rental units, and 49 secondary suites, expanding housing options.
Strong Local Economy
  • Increased the number of active business licenses by 234.
  • Achieved a $48M increase in industrial, commercial, and institutional construction.
  • Introduced an online permitting portal, significantly reducing wait times for residents and businesses.
  • Advanced the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan, improving infrastructure, resilience, and accessibility.
  • Added 15 new downtown events, strengthening Okotoks as a hub for business and community.
  • Expanded downtown parking capacity to support local businesses and visitors.
  • Secured $5M Provincial funding for the River’s Edge Development Project  –  funding essential deep utility and road infrastructure, laying the foundation for new economic development.
  • Developed an Economic Development Strategy focused on advanced manufacturing, creative industries, and tourism.
Demonstrated Environmental Leadership
  • Implemented storm water irrigation pilots for sports fields.
  • Increased raw water well capacity through a horizontal well installation.
  • Installed solar PRV roofs, reducing electricity consumption by 90% at the Fire Hall and 50% at the Operations Centre.
  • Launched the Clean Energy Improvement Program to support sustainability initiatives.
  • Introduced a Grading & Landscaping Bylaw requiring drought-tolerant turf in new homes, supporting water conservation that additionally reduces per capita infrastructure costs.
Enhanced Community Culture & Health
  • Created the Awesome Kids Program, recognizing over 170 kids for contributions that enhance our community connections and well-being.
  • Expanded the Recreation Fee Assistance Program, ensuring access for all residents.
  • Invested in Public Safety with the addition of 12 Firefighters and 2.5 Municipal Enforcement Officers
  • Grew Age-Friendly Community Information Sessions, supporting seniors and caregivers.
  • Strengthened community identity through expanded arts, culture, and recreation programming.
  • Fostered partnerships to bring residents together and build lasting community connections.
  • Added ten new free-to-use parks and recreation amenities, including:
    • Hartley Hub Outdoor Water Feature at Ethel Tucker Park
    • 18-hole Disc Golf Course
    • Pump Track
    • Howard Park Accessible Playground (opening Nov. 2025)
    • Howard Park Skatepark (opening Nov. 2025)
    • Outdoor Rink
    • Iitopatopa Park
    • Beach Volleyball Courts
    • Two new Community Gardens
    • Ethel Tucker Playground Renewal
  • Introduced Fixed Route Transit, improving accessibility and reducing reliance on cars.
Organizational Excellence
  • Published all municipal services and service levels, creating transparency and accountability.
  • Hosted a Yearly Mayor’s Update and maintained consistent engagement on social media to keep residents informed.
  • Operationalized the Asset Management Program, improving understanding of infrastructure life cycles and capital planning needs.
  • Acknowledged challenges as they arose and implemented clear corrective plans.
  • Improved resident satisfaction with Town staff interactions by 8% and response times by 19%.
  • Quality of life in Okotoks is among the best—99% of survey respondents rated it good or very good in the 2025 Citizen Satisfaction Survey.
A Record of Results

These accomplishments reflect a community working together — residents, businesses, Council, and administration — to make Okotoks stronger, more resilient, and more connected. We’ve built a solid foundation, and with your continued support, we can continue this momentum over the next four years.

Results Matter – Vote Thorn October 20, 2025

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