Balancing Change and Community with Mayor Tanya Thorn
Is small-town charm slipping away as Okotoks grows? That’s one of the big questions tackled
in Episode 1 of The Okotoks Podcast, hosted by Carlin Lutzer. And who better to kick things off
than Mayor Tanya Thorn? In this honest, wide-ranging conversation, Mayor Thorn shares her
personal path to public service, the evolving identity of Okotoks, and the practical realities of
running a growing town—all while holding onto what makes it special.
Mayor Thorn’s political journey started around the dinner table, where politics were never off-
limits. Though she once envisioned herself working federally in Ottawa, life—and
wisdom—steered her toward municipal politics, where she could make meaningful, daily impact
close to home. And that’s what she’s done since being elected to town council in 2013 and
becoming mayor in 2021.
A major theme of this episode is growth. Okotoks isn’t growing as quickly as other towns like
Cochrane or Airdrie, and Tanya explains why: water access. She dives deep into the town’s water
allocation policy and the game-changing Bow River pipeline set to flow in 2026. But this new
infrastructure doesn’t mean endless green lawns—Mayor Thorn reminds us that conservation is
part of the town’s DNA.
The conversation shifts to community connection—how do we keep the “Okotoks feel” as new
residents pour in? For Mayor Thorn, small-town living isn’t about population size; it’s about how
we treat each other. Waving at neighbours, shopping local, and volunteering are what keep the
charm alive. “Government can’t create small-town feel,” she says. “But we can—together.”
Garbage collection gets its time in the spotlight too. The switch to bi-weekly black bin pickup
has some residents riled up, but Mayor Thorn encourages patience. An audit revealed 60% of
black bin contents are organics—items that could (and should) be composted. The change isn’t
just about cost, it’s about sustainability and longevity.
Carlin and Tanya also touch on public engagement—or the lack of it. She stresses that key
decisions like the town’s Municipal Development Plan aren’t made overnight. “Sometimes
people miss the boat on input,” she says, “because they’re not engaged when it matters.” And
while social media gives people a platform, real dialogue happens face-to-face—or podcast-to-
podcast.
To close, Tanya issues a challenge to every resident: Take ownership of your community.
Whether it’s saying hi to a new neighbour, volunteering at a local event, or just painting your
fence—you help shape the spirit of Okotoks.
Episode 1 of The Okotoks Podcast is a blueprint for how we talk about growth, leadership, and
community—with heart, humour, and hope. Listen in, and be part of building the Okotoks you
want to live in.