'Why not Okotoks': Town looks to woo Duke and Duchess of Sussex

There are a number of things for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to do in Okotoks, Alta. Like, stop by the chippy on Elizabeth Street or take home some sausage rolls from The British Banger Company.

But owners Tim and Tracey Worsley say Meghan Markle and Prince Harry would have to pay, and wait in line like everyone else. Though they're always welcome to come for a cuppa.

"Okotoks is just as good as any other town," Worsley said. "We're not a big city but we still have a lot to offer, so why not?"

This week, the Town of Okotoks officially invited the couple to put down roots in the prairies. Mayor Bill Robertson put forward a notice of motion, which passed unanimously on the council floor. And now a letter is in the mail on its way to Her Royal Highness, and Robertson hopes she will forward along the message.

Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, stepped away from their senior roles within the Royal Family with the intent of spending more time in North America.

Then, a statement from the Buckingham Palace confirmed they were no longer working members of the Royal Family and would no longer use their titles or taxpayer money. 

Since then, the couple has been looking for homes in Canada — and rumoured to be eyeing properties in British Columbia or Ontario.

And so, Okotoks wants them to know the town welcomes them with open arms.

Robertson said it was partly in response to some of the negative press and critiques being levelled in the media about the couple.

"I think it's fantastic that they would consider moving to Canada," he said. "I thought, why not Okotoks because there are a number of things to do in Okotoks."

That's the town's marketing slogan. And, for the Brits, Robertson said it rings true. With a population of 30,000 and a relatively high number of British expats already calling the town home, Robertson said it's a phenomenal place to consider.

'Understanding compassionate people'

First, there's the town's commitment to environmental stewardship. He proudly points out the town has enough sunshine to have a solar community.

And, not unlike a royal carriage, he said the couple can take Okotoks transit — an on-demand service that brings passengers from curb to curb.

Or, maybe they want to hitch a ride on something with a little history.

"I drive the antique fire truck in the parade," said Robertson. "Little Archie could come in the fire truck, of course with the Duke and Duchess."

Mayor committed to honouring privacy

Robertson said he understands the couple are looking for privacy, a life outside of the routines of royal life.

"I'd like to think that we're a very understanding and compassionate people in Okotoks," he said. "Certainly I would do my best to make sure that they could live out a private style of life as much as could be accomplished."

Even so, businesses like Hub Town Brewing are ready to welcome Megan and Harry. The pub brews English-style beer. They have a beer it forward wall, where patrons can buy a beer for a friend.

"I remember there being a little bit of conversation online about, about the Royals and that they will be moving to Canada and there was so much negative press around it," said owner Lisa Watts. "We thought, why don't we just throw their names up on the beer it forward wall. So they know they're actually welcome to come here."

Those free beers aren't on a time limit either, Watts said the couple is welcome to come and collect at any time. 

Of course, there's the matter of where the couple would live. Mayor Robertson has some ideas. 

But in times of speculation it's best to consult a real estate expert like Royal Lepage's Bob Kentch. He told CBC no matter the budget or the size Harry and Meghan are looking for — they can find it in Okotoks. 

"We have a private lake, we have great walking trails, we have all the amenities as far as shopping is concerned and we're also so close enough to Calgary if need be," Kentch said. "But to put roots down, in the only community Canada's got two OKs in its name, my vote is for Okotoks."

Calgary's mayor chimes in

And, being so close to Calgary, the city's Mayor Naheed Nenshi had to take a look at the notice too. It seems Calgary's mayor won't try to steal the couple away.

"I'm sure the former Duke and Duchess will find this to be a beautiful homebase," wrote Nenshi in a statement to CBC. "I have to mention, though, the Notice of Motion leaves out the best thing about living in Okotoks – it's right next to Calgary!"

At the end of the day, Robertson says even if the couple doesn't settle in Okotoks, he hopes others will see what a great and welcoming community the town is and consider it home.

"If they don't want to settle here, come and visit. We'll show them a good time."