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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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • Northridge Drive Lane Closures and Detours in Okotoks Continue until October 14

    It's a "road" to improvement, but for now, drivers will have to take the detour.

    Residents of Okotoks can expect ongoing lane closures and detours on Northridge Drive between Banister Gate and 338 Avenue until October 14, 2026, as part of the Northridge Drive Urbanization project.

    The project, which aims to improve safety, traffic flow, and connectivity in the area, involves upgrading the road with road widening, new curbs and gutters, stormwater infrastructure, intersection upgrades, landscaping, and new pathways and connections for people walking, rolling, and cycling.

    The work is being completed in five phases, with each phase taking place at different locations along Northridge Drive. Lane closures and traffic patterns will change as crews move from one section to the next, with some phases requiring traffic control changes on a near-daily basis.

    During one phase, northbound traffic will be temporarily shifted onto the southbound side of Northridge Drive while work is completed. Traffic control measures may remain in place outside construction hours, and drivers are encouraged to watch for changing signs, lane shifts, and detours throughout the project area and allow extra travel time.

    Construction crews, heavy equipment, and noise can be expected during working hours, with reduced lanes and changing traffic patterns throughout the work area. Traffic-control signs, barriers, and detours may be repositioned as work progresses, and possible delays at nearby intersections and traffic signals should be anticipated.

    For the latest updates on traffic arrangements, drivers who regularly travel through the area are advised to check the construction webpage.

  • Okotoks witches paddle raises over $1,000 for local food bank

    It's a spell-binding way to give back to the community!

    More than 60 witches gathered at Crystal Shores Lake in Okotoks on October 3 for the third annual Witches Paddle, raising $1,146 for the Okotoks Food Bank.

    Event organizer Tamara Royal reported a successful day, with donations doubling from last year’s total. The event featured a variety of activities, including a witch-themed yoga session on the beach and trick-or-treating on the lake.

    • Participants were encouraged to dress in their best witchy attire.
    • A giant unicorn floaty was available for those who didn’t have a paddleboard but wanted to join in.
    • A new addition to the event was a witchy market table, featuring products from local makers.

    Royal emphasized that the Witches Paddle is about more than just fundraising – it’s also an opportunity for residents to meet and connect with others in the community.

    The event’s success has organizers already looking ahead to next year’s event, with plans to potentially restructure the schedule to allow for more time on the water.

  • Okotoks residents rally to save Dr. Lander Memorial Pool

    It's time to dive into the conversation about the pool's future.

    A community meeting is planned in Okotoks to discuss the future of the Dr. Lander Memorial Pool, a facility that has been a staple in the community for over 60 years. The meeting, organized by community members, is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Griffiths Memorial Centre.

    The group aims to explore options for keeping the pool open until alternative recreational facilities are available. Potential solutions could include community support with maintenance and staffing, corporate and community sponsorships, as well as events and family activities aimed at increasing revenue.

    The Town of Okotoks has previously raised concerns about the long-term viability of the facility, citing operational and financial challenges, significant capital costs, and possible tax implications. Mayor Brendan Kelly noted that the pool’s aging infrastructure and the end of the current operating arrangement with the Town of Okotoks make it unlikely that the pool will continue to operate beyond 2026.

    However, the Diamond Valley Community Association has started planning work on the future of recreation in Diamond Valley, including funding and grant opportunities. Residents are encouraged to get involved with the association to contribute to the discussion.

    The Town of Okotoks will revisit the future of the Dr. Lander Memorial Pool as part of the 2027 budget process, with budget meetings scheduled for Nov. 4 and 18.

  • Okotoks seniors club brings generations together through community art project

    Brushing up on community connections, one stroke at a time.

    The Okotoks and District Seniors Club recently hosted a community mural event, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to create a new piece of art and foster connections between generations and cultures.

    The event, organized in partnership with Foothills Community Immigrant Services (FCIS) and the Foothills Local Immigration Partnership (FLIP), aimed to encourage interaction between different age groups and cultural backgrounds through art.

    High River-based artist Russell Thomas, who also designed the first community mural in June, helped plan and guide participants as they added their own touch to the larger piece.

    Attendees were encouraged to bond over shared activities, including painting and icebreaker question cards that prompted participants to talk about their childhoods, families, and cultural backgrounds.

    According to Jennielyn Galope, FCIS community resource worker, the event was designed to create a unique environment for interaction, where participants could meet new people and share experiences.

    Sharon Anderson, president of the Okotoks and District Seniors Club, said the event offered the club’s members a rare opportunity to spend an afternoon alongside younger generations.

    The finished mural will hang in the Okotoks and District Seniors Club, where it was created, and organizers hope that the connections made during the event will continue beyond the project.

  • Okotoks Fire & Rescue Hosts Open House to Promote Fire Safety

    Sparking interest in fire safety, one Open House at a time.

    Okotoks residents are invited to learn about fire safety and meet local firefighters during an Open House at Fire Station #1 this weekend. The event is part of Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4 to 10.

    On Sunday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Okotoks Fire & Rescue will host the Open House, featuring a range of activities, including story time with the Fire Chief, fire scenarios and safety demonstrations, and a best-dressed firefighter competition with prizes.

    Other activities include firefighting skills and games, as well as photos with Sparky. The event aims to promote fire safety and encourage residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families.

    For more information about the Open House and Fire Prevention Week, visit the Town of Okotoks’ community event calendar at www.okotoks.ca/your-community/living-okotoks/community-event-calendar/fpw.