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Category: Community

  • Okotoks Summer Round Up Brings Chili, Music, and Fun to Downtown

    It's going to be a 'hot' weekend in Okotoks!

    This weekend, downtown Okotoks will transform into a flavour festival as the Summer Round Up featuring the Chili Cookoff takes over Elizabeth Street. The event, happening on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., promises an exciting day of chili tasting, live music, an artisan market, and kids’ activities.

    Visitors can purchase chili passports and food tickets at both ends of the event zone, allowing them to sample a variety of delicious chili creations. After tasting, attendees can vote for their favourite chili beside the main stage in front of Elks Hall.

    For those looking for an extra challenge, the Cobzilla Challenge will see contestants racing to eat three cobs of corn. The fastest in the 13 and under, and 14 and over categories will win a prize.

    Before heading downtown, residents and visitors are advised to plan ahead. Elizabeth Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Northridge Drive and Veterans Way, and Riverside Drive between Veterans Way and the Okotoks United Church will also be closed to regular vehicle traffic. Drivers should expect traffic pattern changes and detours in the area.

    Residents are encouraged to consider cycling to the event and use the complimentary Bike Valet.

  • Okotoks Show and Shine yields $5,000 donation for Foothills Country Hospice

    It's clear the Big Rock Auto Club is driving support for the community.

    Foothills Country Hospice has received a $5,000 donation from the Big Rock Auto Club, thanks to this year’s Okotoks Show and Shine event.

    The cheque was presented on August 16 during the Okotoks Show and Shine.

    According to Timmi Shorr, Fund Development Officer at Foothills Country Hospice, the organization is thrilled to receive the donation, which will have a meaningful impact on their ability to provide compassionate end-of-life care and support to residents and families in the community.

    The funding will be used to support residents’ care, as well as programs such as Grief Support and Compassionate Communities.

    Foothills Country Hospice has expressed gratitude to the Big Rock Auto Club, event organizers, and attendees of the Show and Shine for their support.

  • Okotoks Council Approves Budget Increase for River’s Edge Project, Eyes Federal Grant Funding

    Looks like Okotoks is on the right track with this budget boost.

    Okotoks council has given the green light to an $800,000 increase in the 2026 capital budget for the River's Edge Infrastructure Improvement project. The project aims to enhance the town’s infrastructure, including the installation of a pedestrian railway grade crossing without active warning devices.

    The budget amendment, approved during the August 17 council meeting, will enable the town to pursue federal grant funding through Transport Canada’s Rail Safety Improvement Program. The grant would cover up to 80% of the project’s costs, allowing for the inclusion of flashing lights, bells, and gates at the proposed pedestrian crossing.

    Jeff Greene, Community Growth and Identity Director, explained that the grant application requires a demonstration of committed funds. “The budget authority would only be used if the grant is successful,” Greene said. “If the grant is unsuccessful, then the project budget would not proceed.”

    Councillor Stefan Dykema expressed his support for the proposal, calling it a “no-brainer.” He emphasized the opportunity to leverage federal resources to enhance community safety and potentially reduce the frequency of train whistles.

  • Okotoks to Welcome Rolling Barrage Motorcycle Rally Tonight

    It's a "wheel" good cause.

    The Rolling Barrage, a cross-country motorcycle rally, is set to arrive in Okotoks this evening, albeit later than initially expected due to an incident on Highway 93.

    The procession of around 200 motorcycles will now travel down Veterans Way in Okotoks between 5:30 and 6 p.m. The event is part of the Rolling Barrage‘s 10th anniversary celebration, which has raised over $600,000 for PTSD programs across Canada since its inception.

    A community reception will be held at the Viking Rentals Centre, hosted with support from the Town of Okotoks. Town officials and Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson are also expected to attend the event.

    The Rolling Barrage began its journey on August 1, departing from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

  • Okotoks Fire & Rescue Earns Prestigious International Accreditation

    Okotoks Fire & Rescue is now "fired up" to serve the community with even greater excellence.

    Okotoks Fire & Rescue has achieved Accredited Agency status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), a prestigious international designation recognizing the department’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement in emergency service delivery.

    Okotoks is now the ninth Canadian municipality and the second in Alberta to earn this accreditation, joining a select group of over 300 accredited agencies worldwide. This achievement is a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and determination of everyone involved in the department.

    The accreditation process involved a rigorous voluntary review of all aspects of the fire service, including governance, community risk, emergency response, training, workforce development, infrastructure, financial resources, and performance measurement. Okotoks Fire & Rescue completed a comprehensive self-assessment, which was independently reviewed and validated by a team of fire-service professionals.

    As part of the process, the department completed a Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover, which uses local risks, response data, and service demands to guide planning and set clear performance expectations. This resulted in an evidence-based roadmap for serving a growing and increasingly complex community.

    Accreditation establishes an ongoing framework for measuring performance, addressing opportunities for improvement, and adapting services as community needs evolve. It confirms that the department’s decisions are grounded in evidence, its service levels respond to community risk, and the organization is committed to learning and improving.

    Learn more about Okotoks Fire & Rescue at okotoks.ca/fire

  • Okotoks Prepares for Riverside Drive Construction Starting August 19

    It looks like Okotoks residents will have to "drive" around the issue for a while.

    Residents of Okotoks can expect significant traffic disruptions starting August 19, as the first stage of construction on Riverside Drive gets underway. The River’s Edge Infrastructure Improvements project will see crews replacing and upgrading sanitary sewer infrastructure, as well as completing roadway and parking improvements.

    The initial stage of construction, scheduled to run from August 19-24, will close the Veterans Way/Riverside Drive intersection to regular vehicle traffic. Access to local businesses, the Okotoks Public Library, and the Okotoks United Church will be maintained, but drivers can expect significant traffic pattern changes, detours, and delays in the area.

    A second phase of construction is planned to continue from late August to late October 2026. For more information, including maps, detour information, and updates, residents can visit www.okotoks.ca/construction.

  • Okotoks’ South Railway Street to See Infrastructure Upgrades Until End of August

    It seems like Okotoks is "paving" the way for a brighter future.

    The Town of Okotoks is undertaking a significant infrastructure upgrade project along South Railway Street, between Lineham Avenue and Oak Avenue, as part of the River’s Edge Infrastructure Improvements project. The project involves replacing and upgrading sanitary sewer pipes and manholes, reconstructing the road, and constructing a temporary gravel access road to maintain local access during construction.

    The project is divided into four stages, with site preparation and mobilization already underway. The sewer and street restoration work is scheduled to take place from July 27 to the end of August, weather permitting. Working hours will be from Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Residents and businesses in the East Lineham area can expect temporary road closures and detours, traffic routed through a temporary gravel access road and designated detour routes, and no on-street parking within active construction areas. There may also be temporary parking changes, relocation of community mailboxes, and temporary water service connections.

    The project aims to increase the capacity of the existing sanitary sewer system, support future growth, and improve the long-term reliability of underground infrastructure in the area. The River’s Edge Infrastructure Improvements project is funded in part through a $5 million grant from the Government of Alberta’s Local Growth and Sustainability Grant.

    For more information about the project, visit Shape Our Town – River’s Edge.

  • Okotoks Pro Rodeo Returns with Fan Favourites and New Rising Stars Night

    It's time to saddle up for a wild ride in Okotoks.

    The Okotoks Pro Rodeo is set to return for its annual three-day event, running from August 21 to 23 at the Millarville Racetrack. Following a sold-out event last year, officials are expecting another busy weekend.

    The rodeo will feature a range of fan favourite events, including mutton bustin’, wild pony races, barrel racing, tie down roping, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, saddle bronc, and bull riding. A new addition to the lineup is “Rising Stars Night” on August 21, which will showcase novice competitors in events such as bareback and saddle bronc riding.

    According to Jennifer Taylor, Okotoks Pro Rodeo V.P., the new event is aimed at encouraging sustainability in rodeo by giving young competitors a chance to gain experience. “We want to encourage sustainability in rodeo, and that is in our youth,” Taylor said.

    Live entertainment will also be a key part of the weekend, with the Alicyn Campbell Band from Longview performing on Friday night and Foxx Worthee headlining on Saturday. Karina Mangone, Miss Rodeo Okotoks, will also be in attendance as she wraps up her year representing the rodeo community.

    Mangone expressed her pride in representing the rodeo community, saying, “I’m very, very proud and I’m very honoured to represent Okotoks.”

  • Okotoks Hosts Japanese Students for Cultural Exchange Program

    It seems the students "chipped" away at their cultural differences and found common ground in Okotoks.

    A group of 26 Japanese high school students, aged 14 to 16, recently spent nearly two weeks in Okotoks as part of an educational and cultural exchange program. The students, accompanied by three chaperones, visited Okotoks from July 25 to Aug. 6 and stayed with local host families.

    The program, organized by the Muskoka Learning Institute (MLI) Education Group, included an ESL program at Viking Rentals Centre and various community activities. The students also learned about Canadian culture and history, including Okotoks landmarks and local First Nation stories.

    During their stay, the students participated in a farewell ceremony, where they thanked their host families, performed traditional Japanese songs and dances, and shared what they learned throughout the program. The students also received thank-you cards from MLI.

    For many of the students, the experience was a memorable one. Yuki Nakaya was surprised by the beauty of Lake Louise, while Shiori Kira appreciated the friendliness of the people in Okotoks. The students also enjoyed trying new foods, including ketchup chips, which became a hit among the group.

    The program has been running since 2013 and provides an opportunity for cultural exchange between Japanese students and Okotoks residents. After the farewell ceremony, the students spent their final night with their host families before returning to Japan with a new perspective on Canadian culture.

  • Okotoks Show and Shine Returns with New Attractions and Classic Favorites

    It's time to "rev up" for the Okotoks Show and Shine!

    The Okotoks Show & Shine is set to return to downtown Okotoks on Sunday, Aug. 16, bringing hundreds of unique cars and trucks to the streets. The event, now in its 15th year, is expected to draw an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Elizabeth Street.

    Organizers are promising a fun-filled day with a range of activities, including a brand-new pancake breakfast hosted by the Okotoks Elks, live bands and a DJ, and a new engine rebuild competition featuring young people from local garages and shops.

    Other attractions include local food trucks, vendors, and non-profit groups, as well as a 50/50 raffle with sales ending on Aug. 18. Participants can still register their cars for the show online or at the entrance gate on Veterans Way on the day of the event.

    All proceeds from the event will go directly to local charities, supporting the community that makes the annual Show and Shine possible. Admission is free, with a $20 entry fee for participants.