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Category: Community

  • Okotoks Pickleball Centre Readies for Soft Launch and Grand Opening

    It looks like Okotoks is about to serve up a pickleball paradise!

    The Okotoks Pickleball & Tennis Centre is nearing completion, with plans to soft-launch its new 5.5-acre facility on October 1. The centre’s director, Greg Auld, notes that the soft opening will allow a limited number of people to play at a low cost, with memberships expected to begin on November 1st.

    The facility’s official grand opening is tentatively scheduled for late October, although an exact date has not been set. In the meantime, an inaugural game is planned for September 23, featuring local celebrities and dignitaries.

    Auld reports that the majority of construction is complete, including painted court lines, billboards, and sponsorship markings. However, a few final details, such as fencing around the courts, remain to be completed.

    The centre will utilize the Court Reserve app, allowing both members and non-members to book court time. Auld also mentions that the centre is working with local schools to host students before the end of the school year, catering to players of all skill levels.

    For more information on the Okotoks Pickleball & Tennis Centre, visit their website at okptc.ca or learn more about the Court Reserve app at courtreserve.com.

  • Okotoks residents rally behind Rolling Barrage’s 10th anniversary ride

    The Rolling Barrage is shifting gears to support those in need.

    Last month, the Rolling Barrage made its way through Okotoks as part of a cross-Canada ride to raise awareness and funds for PTSD programs. The ride, which took place from August 19 to 22, was the organization’s 10th anniversary event.

    Okotoks reception co-coordinator Rob Calvert expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating that the town’s reception was “by far the best” among all the stops on the ride. The event saw over 200 motorcycles ride into Okotoks, where they were welcomed by community members, local emergency services, and other organizations.

    The Rolling Barrage has raised over $600,000 for PTSD programs across Canada in the past nine years. This year’s fundraiser is expected to reach new heights, with Calvert noting that the organization is still tallying the final fundraising dollars.

    During the ride, the Rolling Barrage covered approximately 1,434,000 cumulative kilometres, injecting more than $600,000 into the Canadian economy. The organization also visited 27 Royal Canadian Legion branches, received police escorts from 96 police officers, and connected with thousands of veterans.

    The Rolling Barrage‘s efforts have been well-received by the community, with Calvert praising the town’s support for the organization’s mission to help first responders, emergency workers, and military personnel with PTSD.

  • Okotoks Council Approves Path Forward for Recreation Centre Improvements

    It looks like Okotoks is making a splash with its new recreation centre plans!

    Okotoks town council has made a significant decision regarding the future of the town’s recreation centre. After carefully considering three investment options, council has chosen a plan that includes new leisure water amenities, the renewal of the existing leisure pool, new change room facilities, and supporting infrastructure that will allow for additional amenities to be added in future phases.

    The chosen option, which has a preliminary planning estimate of approximately $76.4 million, reflects council’s commitment to investing in recreation while planning for Okotoks’ future. According to Mayor Tanya Thorn, council carefully considered the information available and selected the option that best balances community needs, long-term flexibility, and fiscal responsibility.

    Leisure water amenities were identified as the community’s highest recreation priority through previous community engagement. The Recreation, Parks and Leisure Master Plan, which gathered input from over 1,000 residents and recreation users, also identified leisure water as the community’s highest recreation priority.

    The next phase of the project will focus on detailed design work, including updated capital and operating cost estimates, phasing, constructability, and procurement readiness. Community engagement opportunities may occur in the future as council considers topics such as project funding, tax implications, debt levels, project phasing, or other significant decisions.

    Construction funding and approvals will be considered by council at a future date, with no funding strategy or construction timeline approved.

  • Okotoks Council Approves Next Step in Recreation Centre Improvements

    It's time to dive into the details of Okotoks' recreation centre improvements!

    Okotoks residents can look forward to improved recreation facilities, following a recent decision by Town Council to advance detailed design work for future recreation centre improvements. After considering three investment options, Council has chosen a path forward that will enhance leisure water amenities while laying the groundwork for future expansion opportunities.

    The selected option includes planning for new leisure water amenities, renewal of the existing leisure pool, new change room facilities, and supporting infrastructure that will allow for additional amenities to be added in future phases with less rework. This decision reflects Council’s commitment to investing in recreation while planning for the town’s future, according to Mayor Thorn.

    The three options presented to Council were based on priorities identified through the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Master Plan, which gathered input from over 1,000 residents and recreation users. Leisure water was identified as the community’s highest recreation priority, and the selected option aims to address this need.

    While construction has not been approved, the next phase will focus on detailed design work, including updated cost estimates, phasing, and procurement readiness. This will ensure the project is shovel-ready and well-positioned for future grant funding opportunities.

    Residents can learn more about the selected option, future engagement opportunities, and frequently asked questions on the Town of Okotoks’ website at okotoks.ca/rec-centre-next-steps.

  • Okotoks Food Bank volunteer reflects on 11 years of giving back to the community

    She's been a "can-do" volunteer for the Okotoks Food Bank!

    For over a decade, Bev Matheson has been a dedicated volunteer at the Okotoks Food Bank, making a significant impact on the lives of community members in need. Every Thursday morning, she spends two hours working alongside other volunteers, sorting and preparing food and essential items for those in need.

    Matheson’s journey with the food bank began in 2015, after her sister encouraged her to get involved. She started by sorting can donations, but over time, her role evolved to include preparing donated produce for food hampers and the Help Yourself Shelf Program.

    As part of her duties, Matheson ensures the warehouse is stocked with essential items for hampers, including flour, rice, oatmeal, sugar, and coffee. She also prepares snack bags for children and ensures other necessities are available for volunteers to include in hampers.

    Throughout the years, Matheson has played a crucial role in the Community Food Drive, helping to sort donations and make a difference in the community.

    As Matheson prepares to move to Edmonton at the end of September, she will be leaving behind over 11 years of dedicated service to the Okotoks Food Bank. While she is unsure where she will volunteer next, she is hopeful to continue finding ways to give back to her new community.

    For Matheson, the people she has met along the way have been one of the most meaningful parts of her volunteer experience. “The most important thing is making friends,” she said. “The people are good people, and there are social events to show appreciation to the people who volunteer.”

  • Downtown Okotoks Revitalized: North Railway Street Reopens After Two-Year Construction Project

    The town's downtown area is now "on track" for success.

    After two construction seasons, North Railway Street in downtown Okotoks has finally reopened to the public. The Town of Okotoks has officially announced the completion of the Downtown Improvement Project, which aimed to revitalize the area by replacing aging infrastructure, moving utilities underground, and enhancing the streetscape.

    The project, which began in 2025 and continued this year, involved replacing water and sewer infrastructure, relocating overhead power lines, and making various above-ground improvements throughout the downtown corridor. Crews also widened sidewalks, upgraded street lighting, and added seating areas and new boulevard trees.

    Additionally, Triangle Park and nearby public spaces received landscaping and pedestrian connection improvements as part of the project. The Town of Okotoks’ community identity manager, Chris MacIsaac, praised the work, stating that it represents a significant investment in the downtown core.

    “The improvements create a more accessible and inviting environment for residents and visitors while supporting the continued vibrancy of the area’s business community,” MacIsaac said.

    Despite the construction, which brought road closures, detours, and changes to parking and access, businesses along the corridor remained open. MacIsaac thanked downtown businesses and residents for their patience and partnership throughout the project.

    For more information about the Downtown Improvement Project, visit the Town of Okotoks’ Shape Our Town website page.

  • Okotoks residents flock to Sheep River for charity rubber duck race

    It looks like the ducks had a "fowl" time at the race!

    The Sheep River in Okotoks played host to a unique event on September 12, as hundreds of rubber ducks made their way downstream in the Simpora Foundation‘s fourth annual Rubber Duck Race and Family Fun Carnival.

    The event, which took place at Ethel Tucker Centennial Park, brought together residents for an afternoon of duck racing and carnival games in support of the Simpora Foundation, a local non-profit that supports athletes and sports teams in the community.

    Each rubber duck represented a ticket purchased in support of the foundation, with volunteers stationed along the river to ensure none were left behind. The ducks were released into the Sheep River at noon, near the Sheep River Bridge, and floated downstream toward the Laurie Boyd Bridge.

    The fastest duck won a prize of $2,000, while the second- and third-place ducks took home $1,000 and $500, respectively. Even the slowest duck had a chance to win, with a $500 prize going to the last duck pulled from the river.

    The event was part of a larger Family Fun Carnival, which took place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and featured games, local mascots, and food trucks. The funds raised from the event will support the Simpora Foundation‘s mission to encourage local athletes to give back to their community.

    Learn more about the Simpora Foundation.

  • Downtown Okotoks Revitalized: North Railway Street Reopens After Major Upgrades

    The streets of Okotoks are finally "on track" after the major downtown upgrades.

    After two years of construction, North Railway Street in downtown Okotoks has finally reopened, boasting a revitalized streetscape and improved infrastructure. The project, which began in 2025 and continued in 2026, focused on renewing critical underground infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, and creating inviting public spaces.

    • The construction spanned two seasons, with the first phase taking place between Elm Place and Alberta Avenue in 2025, and the second phase extending from Alberta Avenue to McRae Street in 2026.
    • The project aimed to create a more accessible and vibrant downtown area, supporting local businesses and encouraging community connection.

    According to Chris MacIsaac, Community Identity Manager, the improvements represent a significant investment in the heart of the community. “The renewed infrastructure and public spaces create a more inviting environment for residents and visitors, while supporting the continued vibrancy of the area’s business community,” he said.

    The project’s success is attributed to the partnership and resilience of downtown businesses and residents, as well as the ongoing support of visitors who continued to shop and dine in the area during construction.

    The reopening of North Railway Street marks an important milestone in the Town’s efforts to renew downtown infrastructure and strengthen the area as a welcoming destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.

    Learn more about the project at: https://shapeourtown.okotoks.ca/downtown

  • Okotoks residents invited to a weekend of art, adventure, and community fun

    It's a "duck"ing good time in Okotoks this weekend!

    Okotoks is buzzing with activity this weekend, offering a diverse range of events that cater to all interests. From arts and culture to BMX racing and fantasy-themed adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    Friday, Sept. 11

    Nature Fridays returns to the Environmental Education Centre until 4 p.m., focusing on the fall harvest and how plants and animals prepare for the changing season.

    The Friends of the Okotoks Public Library are hosting a book sale until 5 p.m., while the Okotoks Public Library is hosting Fun Fridays, featuring games, crafts, and activities for youth, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Saturday, Sept. 12

    Downtown Okotoks comes alive on Saturday with several events. The Elma Street Art Walk, hosted by the Okotoks Arts Council (OAC), will feature local artists and performers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    The Friends of the Library book sale continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while Enchanted Okotoks transforms downtown into a fantasy-themed adventure from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    The Alberta BMX Provincial Finals Championship gets underway at the Okotoks BMX Track at noon, featuring the best riders from across the province competing for titles.

    The Rubber Duck Race and Family Fun Carnival is also on Saturday, with the duck race beginning at noon near the Sheep River Bridge and ending at Laurie Boyd Bridge, in support of the Simpora Foundation.

    The Family Fun Carnival runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ethel Tucker Centennial Park, with games, dunk tank, and food trucks.

    Sunday, Sept. 13

    The Alberta BMX Provincial Finals Championship wraps up, with racing beginning at 10 a.m.

    Enchanted Okotoks continues for a second day, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    The Friends of the Okotoks Public Library book sale will have its final day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Okotoks Residents Invited to Join Committees Shaping Community’s Future

    Joining a committee is a "board" way to get involved in your community!

    Okotoks residents have a unique opportunity to contribute to the town’s growth and development by joining one of several committees and boards seeking members. A total of 13 positions are available across five committees of council, offering a chance to make a lasting impact on the community.

    According to Mayor Tanya Thorn, serving on a committee or board is not just volunteering, but a chance to shape the future of Okotoks. “These provide a unique chance to bring your perspective to the table, influence decisions that matter, and strengthen the connections that make our town thrive,” she said.

    The committees and boards with openings include the Okotoks Public Library Board, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), United Way/Okotoks Partnership, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, and Foothills-Okotoks Recreation Society. Each group has distinct responsibilities, such as setting policies for the library, building a safe and welcoming community, supporting fundraising efforts, hearing subdivision and development appeals, and overseeing regional recreational facilities.

    Residents interested in joining one of these committees can submit their applications until September 27 at 11:59 p.m. through the town’s website at shapeourtown.okotoks.ca/committees.