UPDATE: The Town of Okotoks has provided an update to clarify that town council has not approved the pilot.

The Town of Okotoks is planning a pilot project for an Entertainment District.

In late 2021, the province’s Red Tape Reduction Implementation Act passed, which included amendments to the Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis Act allowing for the creation of Entertainment Districts.

Entertainment Districts are areas where alcohol can be consumed in public, outside of licensed premises.

The town’s planned Entertainment District would span from Elizabeth Street and Northridge Drive to North Railway Street at Lineham Avenue and would allow for alcoholic drinks to be purchased and consumed anywhere within that boundary.

There would be a timeframe of June 17 to November 17 (starting the day of the Okotoks Parade and ending after Light Up Okotoks), seven days a week from 11 am p.m. to 11 p.m. 

According to the town, the pilot would support local businesses and promote tourism in the downtown area.

A public survey has been launched to gauge public feedback, which can be found here.