The future is bright economically in Okotoks, even with the recent turn in the economy.

The Town's Economic Development team presented their 2015 year in review to council on Monday and gave a forecast on some of their goals for 2016.

Economic Development Manager Shane Olson says the number of jobs created is higher than the number of jobs lost.

"We had 393 new jobs declared on our forms last year adding to the local economy and increasing prosperity," he says. "We did have 262 jobs with businesses that closed or ended their license so we were still net ahead a positive 130 jobs."

Olson says the Town has received and granted numerous business licenses already just months into the year.

"Early indications are that we're going to see a fairly strong year for major development despite what's happening in the provincial economy. We've had 45 business licenses approved to date in Okotoks in 2016 with many of those being home-based but also about 10 of them being storefront businesses as well."

Olson says he believes the Town's dedication to helping local business has also shined in tough economic times.

"A lot of people know Okotoks is a good place to do business with a low cost environment in terms of our lower business property taxes than the Calgary region is maybe another reason businesses are starting here."

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