Last week, the Government of Alberta tabled their 2024 budget, with funding for a few Okotoks projects already announced.

In a written statement, Thorn highlighted some of the items that stood out to her so far.

"It is clear that the province has heard that Okotoks is growing," reads the statement.

Thorn points specifically to design funding both for a new intersection at Highway 2 and 338 Ave and for a new high school in Okotoks.

"While this is good news for Okotoks, we will be looking for capital dollars for construction of these two projects in the next provincial budget."

Funding for both projects was requested by the town in a letter addressed to Finance Minister Nate Horner late last year.

Thorn is also pleased to see a $125 million commitment to a new Drought and Flood Protection Program.

She's one of six members of the recently-formed Water Advisory Committee, formed in anticipation of severe drought conditions in Alberta this year.

With that said, Thorn still stresses the need for immediate preparation from municipalities.

"While this funding will help in the long term, we know that this coming year will be a challenge for Okotoks as drought conditions are imminent. The Town of Okotoks is proactively accelerating our plans, procedures and communications efforts to educate and prepare businesses and residents about the likelihood of a severe drought and to see that water remains available for essential use."

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