Alberta Town of 33,000 Declared Most Livable
In recent rankings by The Globe and Mail, a town in Alberta, south of Calgary, has been named the most livable in the province. Okotoks ranked 29th overall among 454 assessed cities in Canada. The study evaluated cities using 58 variables spread across ten categories, including economy, housing, safety, and more.
Factors Influencing Livability Rankings
The assessment focused on multiple categories, which included:
- Economy
- Housing
- Demographics
- Health Care
- Safety
- Education
- Community Engagement
- Amenities
- Transportation
- Climate Conditions
The Globe and Mail introduced new climate variables this year. These metrics evaluate how extreme weather impacts energy costs and infrastructure. Additionally, the health care category received three new variables to enhance the ranking system.
Okotoks: A Growing Community
Okotoks, which translates to “rock” from the Blackfoot language, has a rich history. The Blackfoot people originally named the area “Okatok,” referring to the Big Rock that served as a landmark. The town was incorporated as a village in 1893, achieving town status on June 1, 1904.
Okotoks has experienced remarkable growth. The population doubled from 12,187 in 2004 to over 27,000 in 2014. With ongoing expansion, the town is projected to house over 33,000 residents by 2025, according to the Alberta Regional Dashboard.
Conclusion
Recognized for its livability, Okotoks stands out due to its growing economy, community spirit, and natural beauty. As more people discover this charming town, its appeal continues to rise.
