Following a marathon council session, Okotoks Town Council and Foothills County Council came to an agreement to allow for some additional time for the Foothills Council to look over the numbers proposed in the "Foothills-Okotoks Sub-Regional Water Project".

The project would have the two counties join together to build a $34.23 Million dollar raw water pipeline that would draw water from the Bow River.

In order for the project to get underway, both councils had to agree to 4 motions set in place for work to begin.

Motion one created an agreement between the two Councils to have the project begin and allowed both Okotoks and Foothills County to see the project plans.

Motion one received an amendment removing section 4.5 (b) of the Memorandum of Understanding & Interim Agreement.

This motion was passed by both councils after the amendment.

Before Motion two could be brought to vote, the Foothills County Council requested a temporary postponement to allow them to get more time to discuss the numbers as the council had only just received the information on Friday, August 28th.

Foothills County voted in favour of the postponement.

Okotoks Town Council voted against the postponement by a vote of 4-3.

Motion two created the agreement for the cost of the project with the total of $34.23 Million being split between the two councils with the town of Okotoks paying approximately $24.473 Million and Foothills County paying the remaining $9.756 Million.

Motion two received an amendment that would add public consultation and feedback.

Okotoks Town Council voted in favour of the amended motion.

Motion three suggested a detailed design be put in place with the two councils needing to put forth a total amount of $ 1.481 Million.

This will allow the project to get closer to starting, and allow project managers to apply for grants that could cover a large portion of the costs.

Motion three received amendments that would have the Town of Okotoks commit the $1.041 Million to the project while giving Foothills County more time.

Motion three was passed with the amendments by the Okotoks Town Council.

Motion four would set the project into motion committing both councils to the construction and management of the new raw-water pipeline.

Motion four was quickly established to be postponed until Foothills County could rejoin Okotoks Town Council as they would need both councils to approve the project.

The two councils will meet again at an undecided date.

 

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