LEGISLATURE OFFICE:

501 Legislature Annex

9718 107 Street
Edmonton, AB T5K 1E4
Phone: (780) 643-9110
Fax: (780) 638-3506












Danielle Smith, MLA
Highwood
Leader of the Official
Opposition




CONSTITUENCY OFFICE:
High River:
#4, 28 12
th
Avenue SE
High River, AB T1V 1T2
Phone: (403) 652-7100
Fax: (403) 652-7757

Okotoks:
Unit 5, 49 Elizabeth Street
Box 568 Main
Okotoks, AB T1S 1A7
Phone: (403) 995-5488
Fax: (403) 995-5490

July 29, 2014
Honourable Wayne Drysdale
Minister of Transportation
324 Legislature Building
10800 - 97 Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta
T5K 2B6

Dear Minister Drysdale:
Mayor Bill Robertson of Okotoks has advised my office that the Okotoks Town Council received a letter
from you dated April 30, 2014. The letter stated that it would be several years before the Town of
Okotoks would even be considered for funding under the Water for Life program. The reason indicated
for this decision was that there are several other multi-phase projects in process throughout the
province.
I am sympathetic to your challenges but it is very troubling that Okotoks Town Council has not been
given greater certainty. Okotoks has spent years lobbying the government for assistance with the lack of
water, and this crisis has come to a head with the removal of the population cap. Though the Calgary
Regional Partnership is continuing work on this, Okotoks still faces critical struggles with water in the
interim.
The Town of Okotoks continues to grow at an impressive rate, and without provincial cost sharing of this
vital project, it would be difficult to fund it from the local property tax base. The already overcapacity
services the town offers will continue to be burdened by the ever increasing population. The
ramifications of continuing forward in this manner will fall directly on Okotoks residents.


highwood@assembly.ab.ca

The Okotoks Town Councilors are looking for a clear understanding on the status of the town in the
funding queue for this water pipeline project. As Im sure you can understand with the town expanding
at the rate that it is, an awareness of projected funding dollars and timelines is of the utmost
importance.
As always, I am happy to discuss these or any other issues with you regarding the water problems in
Okotoks.
Thank-you for your consideration of these matter and I look forward to your response.
Sincerely,

Danielle Smith
MLA, Highwood
Leader of the Official Opposition


CC. Mr. Bill Robertson, Mayor, Town of Okotoks
Ms. Carrie Fischer, Councillor, Town Of Okotoks
Mr. Ken Heemeryck, Councillor, Town Of Okotoks
Mr. Matt Rockley, Councillor, Town Of Okotoks
Ms. Tanya Thorn, Councillor, Town Of Okotoks
Mr. Ed Sands, Councillor, Town Of Okotoks
Mr. Ray Watrin, Councillor, Town Of Okotoks




highwood@assembly.ab.ca