The Okotoks Podcast

Stories and Strategies
Stories and Strategies

The Okotoks Podcast is your ultimate guide to life in Okotoks! Hosted by Carlin Lutzer, a professional realtor and proud Okotokian, this podcast brings you stories, insights, and conversations about what makes this town just south of Calgary such a special place to live. Whether you’ve called Okotoks home for years or you’re just getting to know the community, this podcast is your connection to everything happening in town. From local businesses and real estate trends to community events and hidden gems, The Okotoks Podcast celebrates the people, places, and experiences that define life here. We talk about what it truly means to be an Okotokian, cheering for the Dawgs and Okotoks Oilers, sharing firsthand perspectives from those who shape the town’s unique identity.  And, of course, we can’t talk about Okotoks without mentioning the legendary Big Rock, an iconic landmark that serves as a symbol of our strong, growing community. Join Carlin Lutzer as he explores the heart and soul of Okotoks, bringing you engaging interviews, local insights, and everything you need to stay connected to the place we proudly call home. Whether you’re looking for the latest news, local recommendations, or just a reason to love Okotoks even more, this podcast has something for you!

  1. 1h ago

    Data Centres In Alberta: Are the Benefits Worth the Cost?

    Send us Fan Mail Are data centres a major economic opportunity for Alberta—or do the demands on electricity, water and local infrastructure outweigh the benefits? In this episode of The Okotoks Podcast, Carlin sits down with Jasona Rondeau to explore Alberta’s growing interest in attracting large-scale data centres. They discuss the potential for investment, jobs and economic diversification, while also examining concerns surrounding energy consumption, water use, noise, environmental impact and the pressure these developments could place on nearby communities. Jasona also helps explain how modern data centres operate, including closed-loop cooling systems, evolving technology and the trade-offs communities should consider before welcoming these projects. This is a balanced conversation about growth, responsibility and whether data centres truly make sense for Alberta. Episode title: Data Centres in Alberta: Are the Benefits Worth the Cost? with Jasona Rondeau

    Data Centres In Alberta: Are the Benefits Worth the Cost?

  2. Jul 14

    High River Unfiltered with Mayor Craig Snodgrass

    Send us Fan Mail       What happens when you sit down with a mayor who doesn't speak in political talking points? In this episode of The Okotoks Podcast, I sit down with Mayor Craig Snodgrass for one of the most open and candid municipal conversations I've had. Craig has earned a reputation for saying exactly what he believes, and whether you agree with him or not, you always know where he stands. We dive into some of the biggest topics shaping High River today, including: The new aquatic centre and how the town made the project a reality.Why High River continues to attract new residents and businesses.The lessons learned from the devastating 2013 flood and how flood mitigation has transformed the community.High River's growing film industry and the economic opportunities it creates.The "Water Not Coal" movement and why protecting Alberta's Eastern Slopes has become such a passionate issue for Craig and many southern Albertans.What it takes to lead a community through both opportunity and controversy.Throughout the conversation, Craig answers every question directly, without dancing around the issues. It's a refreshing discussion about leadership, community building, transparency, and making decisions that will shape High River for decades to come. Whether you live in High River, Okotoks, or anywhere in Alberta, this episode offers valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities facing municipalities today. 🎙️ The Okotoks Podcast is available on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major podcast platforms. If you enjoy these long-form community conversations, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with someone who cares about the future of our towns.

    High River Unfiltered with Mayor Craig Snodgrass

  3. Jul 9

    5 Questions 5 Minutes Part 2

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Okotoks Podcast, Carlin Lutzer is joined once again by Brent Robinson, Executive Director of Lacrosse Alberta, and Curtis Armstrong, Publisher of The Western Wheel, for another round of fast-paced conversation on topics that are making people think in Okotoks and across Canada. With just five minutes allocated to each question, the conversation moves quickly, giving three different perspectives without scripts or rehearsed answers. This episode covers: • Where can you find the best burger, coffee, and dining experience in Okotoks? • Should social media be banned for children under 16? • Is Canada's justice system doing enough to protect the public from serious repeat offenders? • Are e-bikes becoming a growing safety concern in our community? • Fascinating and little-known facts from Okotoks' history. Not every opinion will be the same, and that's exactly the point. The goal isn't to convince you who's right, but to encourage respectful conversation and critical thinking about the issues affecting our community. We'd love to hear what you think. Which answers did you agree with? Which topics should we tackle next? Leave a comment on YouTube or reach out through social media. Thank you for listening and for supporting the Okotoks Podcast. If you enjoy these conversations, please subscribe, leave a review, and share the episode with a friend. Every share helps us continue bringing local conversations to the community.

    5 Questions 5 Minutes Part 2

  4. Jul 2

    Too Much Too Fast? Part 2 The Future of Okotoks Growth

    Send us Fan Mail Since our first conversation on growth in Okotoks, a lot has happened. If you'd like to share your thoughts with Town Council, please take a few minutes to reach out. Visit the link below and select "Mayor & Council" from the drop-down menu to send your comments or questions: https://www.okotoks.ca/form/contact-us-mayor-and-council Town Council has approved higher-density developments, residents have organized community meetings, hundreds of people have participated in a citizen-led survey, and new questions continue to emerge about the future direction of our community. In this episode, I welcome Paul Howarth back to the podcast to unpack the events of the past several weeks and discuss some of the biggest issues facing Okotoks today. We discuss: * What has happened since our first episode * Recent Town Council decisions * Higher-density development and what it could mean for future neighbourhoods * The Town's projected population growth to nearly 96,000 residents by 2049 * Infrastructure, traffic, schools, recreation, and community planning * The Town's reported debt and the role growth plays in future finances * Why citizen engagement matters, regardless of where you stand This conversation explores questions and perspectives that many residents have raised. The goal isn't to tell listeners what to think, but to encourage informed, respectful dialogue about the future of Okotoks. Whether you support the current growth strategy, have concerns about its pace, or simply want to better understand the issues, this episode aims to add context to an important community conversation. As always, I welcome respectful discussion and would be happy to host Town Council members, Administration, developers, or other community voices who would like to share their perspectives. Connect with The Okotoks Podcast 🎙️ New episodes every week featuring local news, community leaders, business owners, and conversations that matter in Okotoks and the Foothills. If you enjoy the show, please follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who cares about the future of our community.

    Too Much Too Fast? Part 2 The Future of Okotoks Growth

  5. Jun 30

    What's Next for the Okotoks Air Ranch Airport?

    Send us Fan Mail What happens to a community when a beloved local landmark is given a second life?  For years, many Okotokians worried that the Okotoks Air Ranch Airport (CFX2) might disappear into yet another housing development.  Carlin Lutzer sits down with airport manager Rob Grover, a lifelong aviator who soloed on this very field back in 2003, to explore the new ownership group's exciting vision for the airport's future.  From terminal renovations and a future restaurant to charter flights, hangars, and community fly-in events, this conversation celebrates a piece of Okotoks that residents see every day but know very little about.  It's a warm, insightful look at how one local asset connects our community to the wider world and why its revival matters to everyone who loves life in Okotoks.   Listen For: 2:54 How did Rob Grover's aviation journey lead him to Okotoks? 4:08 What is the new vision for the Okotoks Air Ranch Airport? 5:34 Which aircraft and charter flights already land in Okotoks? 7:19 Could a restaurant be coming to the Okotoks air ranch? 11:17 How can the airport connect pilots with local Okotoks businesses?   Guest: Rob Grover, Airport Manager, Okotoks Air Ranch Airport (CFX2) Website  Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    What's Next for the Okotoks Air Ranch Airport?

  6. Jun 23

    The Check-In That Could Save a Life

    Send us Fan Mail What does it really take for a man to admit he's not okay…and what can a community like Okotoks do to make that conversation easier?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with Melanie Taylor, therapist and owner of Connected Therapy Services in Okotoks, Alberta, for an honest conversation about men's mental health.  Recorded for Men's Mental Health Awareness Month, this episode digs into why men account for roughly 75% of suicide deaths in Canada, the cultural pressure to "tough it out," the warning signs loved ones should watch for, and the practical first steps toward support.  With warmth, candor, and real local heart, Carlin and Melanie explore how stronger connections and simple check-ins can change lives.  It's an inspiring, deeply human discussion that reminds our community that reaching out is a sign of strength and that no one has to carry the weight alone.   Listen For: 2:30 Why do men account for 75% of suicide deaths in Canada? 6:01 How is society reshaping what it means to be a man today? 18:16 What warning signs should Okotoks families watch for in the men they love? 20:00 How do you actually check in on a friend who's struggling? 23:02 What first steps can someone in Okotoks take to find mental health support?   Guest: Melanie Taylor | Therapist and Owner, Connected Therapy Services LinkedIn| Website | Email | Facebook Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    The Check-In That Could Save a Life

  7. Jun 16

    Coal Mining Risk or Opportunity?

    Send us Fan Mail What does responsible mining actually look like and is it even possible on Alberta's eastern slopes?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with Amanda Desjardins, a professional mining consultant who has called Okotoks home for 14 years and whose work spans mine projects across Canada and around the world.  Together they unpack one of Alberta's most contentious issues: the push to restart coal mining near the Crowsnest Pass.  Amanda explains the difference between thermal and metallurgical coal, why selenium worries so many people, how land reclamation actually works, and what it could all mean for the Sheep River and the communities downstream.  It's a grounded, refreshingly balanced conversation about mining, land, and life in Okotoks… and a reminder that local voices carry real expertise.   Listen For: 2:30 What is the difference between thermal coal and metallurgical coal? 6:39 Why is selenium the biggest environmental concern in coal mining? 09:00 How does land reclamation restore mined areas in the Rocky Mountains? 20:30 Could Grassy Mountain mining impact the Sheep River near Okotoks?   Guest: Amanda Desjardins, Mining Engineer LinkedIn Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    Coal Mining Risk or Opportunity?

  8. Jun 9

    Why Are Insurance Rates So High In Alberta?

    Send us Fan Mail Why are Albertans paying so much more for insurance, and is there any relief in sight?  Carlin Lutzer sits down with local insurance broker Brayden Vellenoweth to unpack the complex forces driving insurance costs across Alberta. From devastating hailstorms, floods, and wildfires to rising litigation expenses and vehicle repair costs, Brayden explains why premiums continue to climb and why insurance is about far more than finding the cheapest rate.  The conversation explores Alberta's upcoming Care-First auto insurance reforms set for 2027, the impact of natural disasters on insurers, misconceptions about good drivers subsidizing bad drivers, and the importance of understanding insurance as a personal financial risk management strategy.  Whether you're a homeowner, driver, business owner, or simply frustrated by rising premiums, this episode offers practical insights into how insurance really works and what Albertans can expect in the years ahead. Listen For: :06 Why Does Alberta Have Some of Canada's Most Expensive Insurance Rates? 6:41 How Have Alberta's Natural Disasters Reshaped the Insurance Industry? 13:05 Why Are Legal Costs Driving Auto Insurance Premiums Higher? 32:48 What Will Alberta's New Care-First Insurance Model Change in 2027? 45:58 Is Insurance Really a Requirement or a Personal Financial Strategy?   Guest: Brayden Vellenoweth  | LinkedIn  Connect with Carlin Email | Website | LinkedIn | Facebook

    Why Are Insurance Rates So High In Alberta?
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About

The Okotoks Podcast is your ultimate guide to life in Okotoks! Hosted by Carlin Lutzer, a professional realtor and proud Okotokian, this podcast brings you stories, insights, and conversations about what makes this town just south of Calgary such a special place to live. Whether you’ve called Okotoks home for years or you’re just getting to know the community, this podcast is your connection to everything happening in town. From local businesses and real estate trends to community events and hidden gems, The Okotoks Podcast celebrates the people, places, and experiences that define life here. We talk about what it truly means to be an Okotokian, cheering for the Dawgs and Okotoks Oilers, sharing firsthand perspectives from those who shape the town’s unique identity.  And, of course, we can’t talk about Okotoks without mentioning the legendary Big Rock, an iconic landmark that serves as a symbol of our strong, growing community. Join Carlin Lutzer as he explores the heart and soul of Okotoks, bringing you engaging interviews, local insights, and everything you need to stay connected to the place we proudly call home. Whether you’re looking for the latest news, local recommendations, or just a reason to love Okotoks even more, this podcast has something for you!

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