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Category: Community

  • Okotoks Fire & Rescue Hosts Fire Prevention Week Open House

    Sparking interest in fire safety is a burning ambition.

    Residents of Okotoks are invited to join Okotoks Fire & Rescue for a free, family-friendly event celebrating Fire Prevention Week. The open house will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 1, located at 132 Milligan Drive.

    Attendees can expect a range of activities, including story time with the Fire Chief, live fire scenarios and demonstrations, and a best-dressed firefighter competition with prizes. Refreshments will also be available on site. Visitors can check out the fire trucks and meet the firefighters while learning more about fire prevention and safety.

    The event coincides with National Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4 to 10, 2026. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe charging is a superpower,” focuses on helping families understand how to safely use and charge battery-powered devices in their homes.

    For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit okotoks.ca/fpw. Please note that visitors are encouraged to park across the street at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, and that fire crews may need to leave the event if emergency calls are received.

  • Okotoks Town Addresses Long-Standing Issues at 50 McRae Street

    It looks like the Town is trying to "site" down the issues at 50 McRae Street.

    The Town of Okotoks has been working to resolve ongoing issues at 50 McRae Street, which began in mid-2025 with a series of complaints against the property owner. Following investigations by the Town, most of these complaints were found to be unfounded.

    However, some issues related to historic and current site conditions remained, prompting the Town to invite the property owner to participate in mediation. The mediation process started in June 2026 and will continue through the summer.

    The Town is encouraging the community to support this mediation process, aiming for a positive resolution to the outstanding issues.

  • Okotoks Pathfinders and Rangers Receive Grant for Enhanced Camping Experiences

    It looks like the Okotoks Pathfinders and Rangers are "pitching" in to make their camping experiences even better!

    The 1st Okotoks Pathfinders and 1st Okotoks Rangers have been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Canada Post Community Foundation to support their camping activities. The funding will be used to purchase a bell tent, which will provide a space for youth to gather and connect during camping events.

    According to Lisa Penzo, guide leader for the group, the bell tent is a valuable addition to their camping equipment. “We’re quite excited because the 1st Okotoks Pathfinders and Rangers are a youth-driven organization in that they have a lot of say and choice in what we do,” she said. “The nice thing about this contribution to that specific piece of equipment is that we wouldn’t be able to do it without it.”

    The bell tent has been on the group’s wish list since last year, when the youth borrowed a similar tent. “The feedback from the youth was that they were very excited if we could get one,” Penzo said. “It was certainly something they were seeking, and this will help go towards that.”

    The funds were raised through various donations and fundraising efforts, including special stamp booklets, collection envelopes, postcards, and a silent auction at the Canada Post office in Okotoks.

    Missy Henderson, Canada Post area manager, noted that the funds raised through the Canada Post Community Foundation stay within the province and territory in which they were received. Carolyn Gutowski, co-leader of the group, expressed her gratitude to the community for their support in helping raise funds.

    The Canada Post Community Foundation awarded a total of $1.3 million to charities and organizations supporting children and youth across the country this year.

  • Erratic Players Bring Beloved Tale of Robin Hood to Okotoks Stage

    The Erratic Players are "hoodwinking" audiences with their unique take on the classic tale.

    A local theatre company is bringing its unique take on the classic tale of Robin Hood to Okotoks. The Erratic Players, a theatre company known for its innovative productions, will present The Adventures of Robin Hood at the Old Church Theatre starting October 2.

    The production features a small cast, including Logan Coutts and Jeff Hoffman, who will take audiences on a thrilling adventure through the story of Robin Hood as he robs from the rich, dodges the Sheriff, and fights for justice.

    “It’s an hour of quick-paced fast comedy, sword fights, daring rescues, and a healthy dose of just wacky anarchy,” Coutts said, describing the show’s unique blend of humor and action.

    The Erratic Players‘ production of Robin Hood was originally performed at the Edmonton International Fringe Theatre Festival, where it received overwhelming positive reviews and sold out. The company is now bringing the show to Okotoks for the first time, and the cast is excited to perform in front of their friends, family, and community.

    The show will have six performances at the Old Church Theatre, with matinee performances on October 3 and October 10. Tickets are available online, and free crafts will be available before the shows.

  • Okotoks Food Bank to Benefit from Witches Paddle Event

    "Paddling for a spell of a good time!"

    Okotoks residents are invited to join in on the fun at the third annual Witches Paddle, taking place at Crystal Shores Lake on October 3. The event, which encourages participants to dress in their best witchy attire and bring their own paddle board, kayak, or floating device, aims to raise funds for the Okotoks Food Bank.

    Event organizer Tamara Royal explained that the idea for the Witches Paddle came about in 2024 after she saw similar events in other communities across Canada. The event has grown in popularity since its inception, with last year’s event raising over $500 for the Okotoks Food Bank.

    This year’s event will feature a witchy market table with products from local makers, as well as a competition for the best-dressed and best-decorated board. Participants are encouraged to join in on the festivities, even if they’re not experienced paddlers.

    “A lot of us are really missing that social connection,” Royal said. “If you’re into paddle boarding, being outside, or dressing up, this is a great way to find people with similar interests.”

    Tickets are available online, and the event runs from 1:30 to 3:30 pm on October 3. For those who are nervous about the cooler temperatures, Royal encourages them to simply sit down and enjoy the experience, or to dress up and join in on the festivities on the dock.

    For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the event’s Eventbrite page.

  • Okotoks-born artist’s unconventional sound wins over Calgary music scene

    Raine's music is the "tweet" sound of innovation.

    An Okotoks-born artist has made a name for herself in the Calgary music scene with her unique sound, earning the People’s Choice Award at the 2026 YYC Music Awards.

    Kelsey Raine, known by her musical alias Alice Awake, won the Award for her single Silly Alice, released in December 2025.

    Raine’s music often incorporates unconventional sounds, such as birds recorded in Crystal Shores and the hum of a broken freezer from Main Street Market, into her songs. This experimental approach has become a defining part of her work.

    From playing small shows at the Royal Duke in Okotoks to becoming an Award-winning artist, Raine’s journey has been marked by a willingness to take creative risks. She recalls the challenges of pushing new sounds in Okotoks, where there was initially hesitation around introducing different kinds of music.

    However, Raine’s perseverance paid off, and she was able to create a thriving music scene in Okotoks. She notes that the community has grown and become more inclusive, with a greater appreciation for diverse cultural events.

    Raine’s approach to music has always been about finding a balance between pushing the boundaries of what is considered “normal” and creating something accessible to a wider audience. Her recent project with Alice Awake was no exception, as she sought to incorporate her experimental style into a more mainstream sound.

    With the help of producer Brenden Hiebert, Raine was able to create a song that was both unique and catchy. The result was Silly Alice, which won over the hearts of the YYC Music Awards audience and earned Raine the People’s Choice Award.

    Raine’s win is a testament to her dedication to her craft and her willingness to take risks. As she continues to create music that pushes the boundaries of what is possible, she remains true to her Okotoks roots and the community that has supported her along the way.

  • Pipe Ceremony in Okotoks Honours National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    "Healing is freedom" – a message that resonates deeply in Okotoks and beyond.

    A pipe ceremony was held in Okotoks on September 30 to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The ceremony, led by Blackfoot Elders and residential school Survivors Drs. Reg and Rose Crowshoe of Piikani Nation, took place at the Viking Rentals Centre Events Hall.

    Town of Okotoks Indigenous Relations Advisor Desmond Jackson spoke ahead of the ceremony, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Indigenous ways of life. Dr. Reg Crowshoe then shared his experiences with residential schools and the healing journey that followed.

    Crowshoe attended St. Cyprian’s Anglican Residential School on the Peigan Reserve at the age of five and later attended several other schools, including residential schools and schools in nearby towns. He recalled feeling that people did not believe him when he shared his experiences, which made it difficult for him to heal.

    However, with the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada in 2008 and its subsequent work, Crowshoe began to feel a sense of freedom and healing. He noted that the recognition of what happened in residential schools has helped him in his own healing journey.

    Following the pipe ceremony, berry soup and bannock were offered to those in attendance, who were invited to take a berry and join in a ceremonial prayer. Community members were also encouraged to bring meaningful offerings to place at the memorial site in Ethel Tucker Park dedicated to Residential School Victims and Survivors, as well as Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls.

  • Okotoks facilities adjust hours for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation

    It's a day to reflect on the truth, and the Town of Okotoks is taking a step in the right direction.

    Tomorrow, several Town of Okotoks facilities will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation by adjusting their hours or closing entirely.

    The Municipal Centre, Operations Centre, Fire Station No. 1 administrative offices, RCMP/Municipal Enforcement offices, Okotoks Eco Centre, Okotoks Art Gallery, Okotoks Museum and Archives, and Okotoks Family Resource Centre will be closed.

    The Okotoks Recreation Centre will be open from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., while the Viking Rentals Centre will have reduced hours from 2:30 to 10 p.m.

    The Town of Okotoks has chosen to officially acknowledge the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, despite it not being a legislated statutory holiday in Alberta.

    The Town is also hosting a Pipe Ceremony and gathering at the Viking Rentals Centre Events Hall tomorrow from 10 a.m. to noon to acknowledge the day.

    For more information on Town of Okotoks facilities and hours, visit this link.

  • Okotoks driver faces six charges after fleeing from traffic stop on Milligan Drive

    Speeding through life, but not through the speed limit.

    A 31-year-old Okotoks resident is in trouble with the law after a high-speed incident on Milligan Drive last week.

    On September 25, at approximately 11 p.m., an Okotoks Municipal Enforcement Peace Officer spotted a vehicle speeding at 140 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone near the Okotoks Recreation Centre.

    When the officer attempted to pull the driver over, they fled the scene. The Okotoks RCMP were called in to assist, and the driver was eventually apprehended.

    The driver is facing six charges, including excessive speeding, which could result in fines over $700, and a mandatory court summons.

    According to Vik Kulkarni, municipal enforcement manager, the incident highlights the importance of cooperation between Municipal Enforcement and RCMP in responding to dangerous driving.

    “The diligence of our Peace Officer and the prompt RCMP response helped bring this situation to a safe conclusion,” Kulkarni said.

    Cpl. Ryan Edwards with the Okotoks RCMP warned that fleeing from an officer who has activated their emergency lights can result in a Flight from Peace Officer charge.

    “Those driving behaviours put everyone on the road at risk,” Edwards said. “This incident highlights the work being done by our members and Municipal Enforcement in keeping our community safe.”

    Municipal Enforcement and Okotoks RCMP will continue to monitor local roads and respond to dangerous driving incidents.

  • Okotoks resident faces six charges after fleeing traffic stop on Milligan Drive

    Speeding through life, one ticket at a time.

    A 31-year-old Okotoks resident is facing six charges following a dangerous driving incident on Milligan Drive on Friday, September 25. At approximately 11 p.m., an Okotoks Municipal Enforcement Peace Officer observed a vehicle travelling approximately 140 km/h in a posted 50 km/h zone near the Okotoks Recreation Centre. When the officer initiated a traffic stop, the driver fled, prompting the officer to contact the Okotoks RCMP, who responded and assisted in apprehending the driver.

    The charges include excessive speeding, fines totalling more than $700, and the matter will proceed to mandatory court. Driving at nearly three times the posted speed limit puts the driver, passengers, and everyone else using the road at significant risk, with consequences that can be life-changing.

    “Travelling at this speed is extremely dangerous and leaves little room to react if something unexpected happens,” said Vik Kulkarni, municipal enforcement manager. “This incident shows why proactive enforcement, strong partnerships, and effective communication between agencies are so important. The diligence of our Peace Officer and the prompt RCMP response helped bring this situation to a safe conclusion.”

    “Aside from the significant safety risk and financial repercussions of driving carelessly, choosing to take off from a police officer who has their emergency lights activated can also lead to facing charges for Flight from Peace Officer, which is a Criminal Code offence. If convicted of those charges, it means you could start building yourself a Criminal Record,” said Cpl. Ryan Edwards with the Okotoks RCMP. “Those driving behaviours put everyone on the road at risk. This incident highlights the work being done by our members and Municipal Enforcement in keeping our community safe.”

    Traffic safety remains a top community priority with Municipal Enforcement and RCMP continuing to actively monitor Okotoks roads and respond to dangerous driving. Drivers can help protect everyone on the road by obeying posted speed limits, staying focused, and driving for the conditions.

    Residents can report speeding or unsafe driving to Municipal Enforcement at 403-938-8913. If you witness dangerous driving or there is an immediate risk to public safety, call 911. To learn more, visit okotoks.ca/traffic-safety.