Public feedback on the Town's Homestead Project is being taken at the Okotoks Rec Centre this week.

The Town has placed a display in the front area of the Rec Centre, where residents can read up on the project before providing a general opinion on the proposal, including the Tiny Home development.

Town Councillor Tanya Thorn expanded the conversation when she asked residents for their opinions through her public Facebook page.

Thorn says though she loves the Tiny Homes concept, she is uncertain about the financials of the current proposal.

"Where I'm struggling right now is what the value proposition is for the Okotoks taxpayers," Thorn said. "We've got a $2.6 million cash investment. We're also putting up a piece of land... if you factor in the value of the land at about $2.5 million, we're now at an over-$5 million investment on it."

Thorn says she's not certain whether the long-term benefit to the Town will be worth such a large investment. She also believes the price tag could prohibit the Town from completing other future projects.

"I think (the Homestead Project) is definitely on the innovative side, which is something (Council) wants to do," Thorn said. "But if we're spending that kind of money to turn that around to a value proposition for our community, I'm struggling coming up with what that (value proposition) is."

The current proposal scope for the project includes the Tiny Homes development and a community building. Thorn says the timeline to complete the rest of the project hasn't been released yet.

"I think that (timeline) is an important piece in terms of true viability, and community value of that whole piece of property," she said.

Answers to those questions should become clearer at Council's May 27 meeting. An updated land-lease agreement and financial analysis on the Homestead Project will be heard.

Thorn says the information presented will play a big part in determining the forward movement of the project, and what the pay-back on the Town's initial investment might be.

Residents have until May 21st to give feedback on the public display at the Rec Centre.

More information can be found at the Town's website.

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