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  • Okotoks Residents Can Cast Ballots in Advance for Oct. 19 Referendum

    It's time to "mark" your calendars for the referendum.

    With the Oct. 19 referendum approaching, Okotoks voters will have several opportunities to cast their ballots in advance. Advance voting is open from Oct. 13 through Oct. 17 at the Viking Rentals Centre and the Turner Valley Legion Branch #78, both located outside of Okotoks. However, Okotoks residents can vote at these locations during the specified hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

    To vote, electors must be a Canadian citizen, at least 18 years of age, and an ordinary resident of Alberta. Okotoks residents must provide one piece of government-issued photo ID, which includes their full name, current address, and photo, to cast their vote. Alternatively, voters can provide two pieces of identification showing their full name, with at least one document showing their current physical address.

    On Election Day, Oct. 19, Okotoks residents can vote at the Okotoks Recreation Centre from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Diamond Valley residents can cast their vote at the Oilfields High School between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. Voters must cast their ballot at their assigned voting location.

  • Modified hours and closures for Okotoks facilities on Thanksgiving Monday

    We're thankful for the modified hours, but not for the closures!

    The long weekend has arrived, and several Okotoks facilities will have modified hours or be closed on Thanksgiving Monday. The closures include the Municipal Centre, Operations Centre, Fire Station #1, RCMP and Municipal administration offices, Okotoks Eco Centre, Okotoks Art Gallery, Okotoks Museum & Archives, the Okotoks Family Resource Centre, and the Okotoks Public Library.

    However, there will be no disruptions to emergency services during the closure. Some facilities will operate with modified hours, including the Okotoks Recreation Centre and the Fitness Centre, which will be open between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m.

    The walking track at the Viking Rental Centre will be open from 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. For those looking to stay active, the drop-in schedule is available here.

  • Foothills residents prepare for Thanksgiving travel disruptions due to snow

    It's time to "fall" into winter mode.

    Residents in Okotoks and surrounding areas are advised to prepare for deteriorating travel conditions over the Thanksgiving long weekend as the region braces for its first snowfall of the season.

    A special weather statement issued by Environment Canada covers Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley, Longview, and several surrounding communities, warning of changing and deteriorating travel conditions.

    According to Environment Canada, rain is expected to gradually transition into snow across much of Alberta on Saturday, with the system moving south toward the Foothills Saturday night.

    While the Foothills region is expected to see only light snow, more significant snowfall may occur against the Southern Alberta foothills.

    Residents are advised to continue monitoring forecasts and weather alerts as the system approaches, and can view the latest updates on Environment Canada’s website.

  • Ridgemont Subdivision Construction to Impact 32 Street and Crystal Shores Road Intersection

    It's a "pipe" dream come true for Ridgemont residents, but for drivers, it's a "drain" on their commute.

    The intersection of 32 Street and Crystal Shores Road in Okotoks will be impacted by construction work starting October 22, 2026, and lasting until October 27, 2026. The project involves a developer-led connection of the sanitary trunk main, installation of a new manhole, and paving back to the existing roadway.

    • Major delays and large impacts to multiple directions of travel through the intersection are expected.
    • No southbound access on 32 Street at Crystal Shores Road, no left turn onto Crystal Green Way, no left turn onto Crystal Shores Road via northbound 32 Street, and no westbound access to Crystal Shores Road via Crystal Green Way will be in place.
    • Alternate routes should be followed, and digital message boards, traffic-control measures, and construction signage will guide motorists and pedestrians through the area.
    • Reduced speeds will be in effect near the construction area, and traffic and pedestrian detours may remain in place 24 hours a day, as required, throughout construction.

    Construction crews, heavy equipment, and increased noise during working hours can be expected. Temporary traffic pattern changes and pedestrian detours will be in place throughout the work area, and flag people will help with traffic flow.

    The work is required to extend the existing sanitary trunk main and connect the first phase of the Ridgemont subdivision to existing Town sanitary service.

    For more information, contact Lamont Land at [email protected] or 403-252-7575.

  • Okotoks Town Offices Closed for Thanksgiving, Recreation Facilities Open with Modified Hours

    We're thankful for the town's efforts to make the holiday weekend a little more accessible!

    Town of Okotoks residents can enjoy a relaxing Thanksgiving long weekend, with some adjustments to town services. While town administrative buildings will be closed on Monday, October 12, emergency services will remain fully operational, and select recreation facilities will open with modified hours.

    • The Okotoks Recreation Centre will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • The Fitness Centre will also be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
    • The Viking Rentals Centre and Arenas will have their walking track open from 2:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. You can check the drop-in schedule for more information.

    The following facilities will be closed on Monday, October 12:

    • Municipal Centre, Operations Centre, and Fire Station No. 1
    • RCMP / Municipal Enforcement
    • Okotoks Eco Centre
    • Okotoks Art Gallery and Okotoks Museum and Archives
    • Okotoks Family Resource Centre

  • Foothills residents may see first snowfall of season over Thanksgiving weekend

    It's time to "chill" out and enjoy the snow!

    The Foothills region is in for a chilly Thanksgiving long weekend, with the first snowfall of the season expected to hit the area.

    According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, rain will move into the region on Saturday morning, with a good chance of transitioning to snow by the afternoon.

    • Highway 2 from Okotoks to Claresholm can expect 2-4 cm of snow
    • Longview and Stavely may see up to 10 cm of snow

    While the snowfall may feel early, it’s not unusual for the Foothills at this time of year. Low-pressure systems can bring cold air and decent snowfall, with the average first snowfall in the Calgary area typically occurring around this time.

    The cold weather and snow are expected to be short-lived, with temperatures forecast to rebound on Monday and warm up again next week.

    For the latest weather updates, visit Environment and Climate Change Canada’s website.

  • Veterans Way Repairs Scheduled for October 14 in Okotoks

    "Water" you waiting for? The repairs are coming!

    Residents of Okotoks can expect roadwork on Veterans Way at Elma Street West on October 14, 2026, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The project involves underground water utility repair work aimed at improving the town’s water distribution system.

    During the repair work, parking on Elma Street West may be affected, and traffic delays are expected on Veterans Way. However, access to nearby businesses will be maintained, and flaggers will be directing traffic to ensure safety.

    Residents can expect to see construction crews, heavy equipment, and noise during work hours. Directional signage will be in place to guide vehicles through the area.

    The Town of Okotoks appreciates the public’s cooperation during this time and asks everyone to watch for flaggers, use caution, and obey all signage.

    • Parking on Elma Street West may be affected.
    • Access to nearby businesses will be maintained.
    • Veterans Way will remain open, but traffic delays are expected.

  • Northridge Drive Lane Closures Continue Through October 14 in Okotoks

    We're paving the way for a smoother commute.

    We understand that the ongoing lane closures on Northridge Drive in Okotoks have caused significant delays and frustration for residents commuting to work, school, and other commitments.

    The lane closures are necessary for the Northridge Drive Upgrade Project, which involves concrete and asphalt work, and are expected to remain in place until October 14. Motorists are advised to plan their trips accordingly, follow posted signage and traffic controls, and consider alternative routes when possible.

    With construction also taking place in other areas of town, including 32 Street, some delays can be expected during peak travel periods. While these projects may cause temporary disruptions, they are aimed at improving Okotoks’ roads, utilities, and transportation infrastructure to support the community’s long-term needs.

    The Town of Okotoks is committed to keeping residents informed about significant traffic impacts and is exploring ways to enhance construction communications throughout the season.

    For the latest information on road and lane closures, visit the Town’s interactive construction map at okotoks.ca/construction

  • Okotoks Community Campus Site Prep Work Scheduled for October 16-17

    We're digging into the future of Okotoks' Community Campus!

    The Town of Okotoks has announced that site servicing work will take place at the Community Campus site on October 16 and 17, 2026. The work will involve shallow utility locates with a hydrovac truck and survey crew at the intersection of 32nd Street and 338 Avenue, as well as a small amount of work at the 32nd Street and Holy Trinity Academy access intersection.

    During the work, 32nd Street and 338 Avenue will remain open, but traffic delays are expected, particularly during peak travel times. Reduced speeds will be in effect near the construction area, and traffic control measures and construction signage will guide motorists through the area.

    Residents can expect to see construction crews, hydrovac trucks, and increased noise during working hours. Temporary traffic pattern changes and possible delays are also anticipated. The Town advises motorists to slow down, follow all posted signage, and use extra caution when traveling through the construction zone.

    The site servicing work is being done in preparation for further construction in the area next year, which will involve intersection improvements. The goal of this initial work is to locate and identify shallow utilities and potential conflicts with the design.

  • Foothills residents prepare for possible first accumulating snow of the year this holiday weekend

    It's time to "chill" out and prepare for winter weather.

    A special weather statement is in effect for the region, warning of possible accumulating snowfall this holiday weekend.

    Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement for the Foothills area, including Okotoks and surrounding communities, as rain is expected to spread across northern Alberta today, with precipitation changing to snow on Friday and Saturday.

    The highest snowfall amounts are expected in the west, including Grande Cache, Hinton, and Jasper National Park, with snowfall that could exceed 20 centimeters.

    Motorists are advised to prepare for quickly changing and deteriorating travel conditions over the weekend, with snow expected to taper off from north to south on Sunday.

    The affected areas include:

    • Foothills County near Priddis and Brown-Lowery Provincial Park
    • Foothills County near Diamond Valley
    • Foothills County near Longview and Eden Valley Reserve
    • Foothills County near Okotoks and De Winton
    • Foothills County near High River and Aldersyde
    • Foothills County near Cayley
    • M.D. of Willow Creek near Nanton and Parkland
    • M.D. of Willow Creek near Claresholm and Stavely
    • Foothills County near Blackie
    • Siksika Reserve 146
    • Vulcan County near Arrowwood, Herronton, and Queenstown
    • Vulcan County near Vulcan and Ensign
    • Vulcan County near Carmangay and Champion
    • Vulcan County near Lomond, Travers, and Little Bow Reservoirs
    • Vulcan County near Milo
    • M.D. of Ranchland
    • M.D. of Pincher Creek near Cowley, Burmis, and Maycroft
    • M.D. of Willow Creek near Granum and Peigan Timber Limit

    For more information, visit Environment Canada’s website.