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Category: Local News

  • Cimarron Boulevard Crack Sealing Continues, Parking Restrictions in Place

    It seems like the town is "sealing" the deal on road maintenance.

    Residents of Okotoks are advised that Temporary parking bans are in effect on sections of Cimarron Boulevard this week as crack sealing operations continue.

    On August 24 and 25, parking will be prohibited from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Cimarron Boulevard between 32 Street and Cimarron Drive. The following days, August 25 and 26, the parking ban will shift to the section between Cimarron Drive and Southridge Drive, also from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    During these periods, all vehicles and obstructions must be removed from the roadway. Motorists are encouraged to use alternate routes to avoid the construction area.

    The Town of Okotoks has confirmed that waste collection, emergency services, and Canada Post deliveries will not be impacted by the parking bans.

    The work is weather dependent, and the town will provide notice if the parking bans are extended.

    This is the second phase of crack sealing on Cimarron Boulevard, following last week’s closure of sections of Cimarron Drive from August 17 to 19.

  • Okotoks Names New Rodeo Queen: Sadie Finnebraaten Takes the Reins

    It looks like Finnebraaten is 'reining' in a new era for Okotoks rodeo.

    Okotoks has a new rodeo queen. Sadie Finnebraaten was crowned Miss Rodeo Okotoks 2027 at the Okotoks Pro Rodeo on Saturday, Aug. 22.

    Finnebraaten, a Grande Prairie native and third-generation horsewoman, was presented with an official belt buckle during a ceremony held between mutton busting and wild pony racing events.

    With experience in National Reining Horse Association-sanctioned reining, breakaway, and team roping, Finnebraaten is well-equipped to serve as an ambassador for rodeo at various western events over the coming year.

    She takes the torch from reigning queen Karina Mangone, who was honored with a tribute video and a final set of laps as Miss Rodeo Okotoks before welcoming Finnebraaten as the new queen.

    Mangone shared her well wishes for Finnebraaten on the Miss Rodeo Okotoks Facebook page, expressing her excitement to watch Finnebraaten’s year unfold.

  • Local Riders Shine at Okotoks Pro Rodeo

    It's clear the local riders were "roping" in the applause at the Okotoks Pro Rodeo.

    The Okotoks Pro Rodeo returned to the Millarville Racing & Agricultural Society grounds this weekend, featuring a strong lineup of local talent. On Saturday, 12 local riders took part in the competition, including five from Nanton, two from Cayley, and one each from High River, Foothills, Longview, Vulcan, and Granum.

    Several local cowboys and cowgirls delivered standout performances in front of a packed grandstand. Nanton’s Ty Taypotat posted an 83-point ride in bareback, while Carter Sandberg battled through a tough ride in saddle bronc. Clay Elliott and Josh Eirikson also represented Nanton in tie-down roping, with Eirikson putting together a clean run.

    Other local competitors included Tatum Wilson and Quinn Leslie in breakaway roping, Steele DePaoli and his partner Ty Cahoon in team roping, and Austin Kroeker in bull riding. The event also featured mutton bustin’ and the crowning of a new Miss Rodeo Okotoks, Sadie Finnebraaten.

    The Okotoks Pro Rodeo continues on Sunday, with 14 local competitors set to take part in the competition. The action is scheduled to start at 1 p.m.

  • Parking Restrictions on Cimarron Boulevard in Okotoks for Road Maintenance

    It looks like Okotoks is "sealing" the deal on road maintenance.

    Okotoks residents are advised of temporary parking bans on sections of Cimarron Boulevard from August 24-26 to facilitate crack sealing operations.

    The parking restrictions will be in effect during the following times and locations:

    • August 24-25, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Cimarron Boulevard between 32 Street and Cimarron Drive
    • August 25-26, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Cimarron Boulevard between Cimarron Drive and Southridge Drive

    Residents are required to remove all vehicles and obstructions from the roadway during the parking ban periods. Alternate routes are recommended where possible.

    Waste collection, emergency services, and Canada Post delivery will not be impacted by the parking restrictions.

    For more information, residents can visit okotoks.ca/maintenance-routes or contact Municipal Enforcement at 403-995-6302 or Transportation at 403-938-8952.

  • Okotoks Home Sales Remain Steady Amid Declining Benchmark Prices

    It seems the Okotoks housing market is "benchmarking" a new trend.

    Okotoks’ summer housing market has seen steady sales and listings, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB). In June, the town recorded 89 new listings and 70 sales, while July saw 78 new listings and 70 sales, resulting in a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 90 per cent.

    Although supply has improved from the low levels of the past five years, it remains below normal levels, CREB reported. Benchmark prices continue to decline, likely due to increased competition from new developments in south Calgary.

    As of July, the unadjusted detached benchmark price in Okotoks eased to $695,700, a decrease of more than two per cent compared to the same time last year.

    In the broader Foothills region, CREB reported 137 sales and 194 new listings in July, with a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 71 per cent. The region’s inventory sits at 365 homes, with 2.66 months of supply.

    The benchmark price in Foothills is $690,400, with an average price of $741,733, and a median price of $627,500. Year to date, the region has recorded 799 sales and 1,289 new listings, with a year-to-date benchmark price of $681,114.

  • Okotoks Welcomes Rolling Barrage on 10th Anniversary of Cross-Canada Ride

    It's clear the Rolling Barrage has been "driving" support for a great cause.

    The Rolling Barrage, a cross-Canada motorcycle rally, rolled into Okotoks yesterday, marking its 10th anniversary. The event aims to raise awareness about PTSD and funds for PTSD programming across Canada.

    Over 200 motorcycles arrived in town just before 6 p.m., where they were met with warm smiles and salutes. Members of the Okotoks Legion and High River Legion, led by Master Warrant Officer David Miles, lined the intersection of Veterans Way and Elma Street to show their support.

    The Okotoks Legion, with support from the Town of Okotoks, organized a reception at the Viking Rentals Centre for the riders. The Rotary Club of Okotoks also showed their support by installing 200 Canadian flags on Veterans Way.

    Since its first ride, the Rolling Barrage has raised over $600,000 for PTSD programs across Canada. The ride, which spans 10,000 kilometres, will conclude on Saturday in Aldergrove, B.C., after 22 days on the road.

    The riders continued their journey this morning, stopping for breakfast at the Turner Valley Legion in Diamond Valley before heading to Cranbrook, B.C.

  • Okotoks Residents Face Lane Closure on Northridge Drive for Streetlight Work

    Looks like Okotoks residents will be 'illuminated' to the fact that they'll need to slow down on Northridge Drive for a few days.

    Okotoks residents can expect a lane closure on Northridge Drive from August 24 to 26, 2026, as FortisAlberta completes streetlight improvements in the area.

    The southbound lane closure will be in place south of D’Arcy Ranch Drive and Banister Gate, and drivers can expect reduced traffic capacity and potential delays.

    Motorists are advised to slow down and follow all posted signage while travelling through the construction zone. Traffic will be maintained through the area, but minor delays are possible.

    According to FortisAlberta, the streetlight improvements are necessary to support and maintain the area’s electrical infrastructure.

    Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution when travelling through the construction zone and to plan their routes accordingly.

  • Okotoks Residents to See Helicopter Patrols Overhead as AltaLink Inspects Transmission Lines

    Looks like AltaLink is taking a high-flying approach to keeping the lights on.

    Between August 24th and 28, AltaLink will be conducting aerial patrols of its electric transmission facilities across the Foothills, including areas in and around Okotoks, High River, and Diamond Valley.

    The helicopter patrols, weather permitting, will collect visual data of transmission lines and surrounding vegetation to help maintain the reliability of the grid through proactive maintenance.

    AltaLink aims to minimize disruptions to residences, area users, livestock, and wildlife during the annual patrol.

  • Okotoks Residents Can Learn to Build DIY Air Purifiers at Free Workshop

    It's a breath of fresh air that Okotoks residents can learn to build their own air purifiers.

    This Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Environmental Education Centre in Okotoks will host a free Green Living Workshop, where residents can learn how to improve their indoor air quality. The event, delivered in partnership with the Calgary Regional Airshed Zone, will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

    During the workshop, attendees will learn about the science behind air quality, the impact of wildfire smoke on health, and simple steps to improve air quality inside their homes. Local resources and programs, including DIY Home Energy Audit Kits, will also be discussed.

    A hands-on tutorial will teach participants how to build a low-cost DIY air purifier, which can help reduce airborne particles from wildfire smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, and mould spores. The team will demonstrate a highly effective four-filter box purifier and provide instructions for a simpler single-filter version.

    Those interested in building their own purifier during the workshop are asked to bring a 20-by-20-inch box fan, the box it came in, and either one or four 20-by-20-inch MERV 13 furnace filters. As an added bonus, all registered attendees will be entered into a draw to win a fully assembled four-filter DIY air purifier.

    Pre-registration is required to attend the event. For more information and to register, visit the Town of Okotoks website.

  • Okotoks to Install Protected Bike Lane on North Railway Street

    Looks like Okotoks is "paving" the way for safer cycling.

    The Town of Okotoks is set to begin installing a protected two-way bike lane along North Railway Street, from Poplar Avenue to west of 32 Street East, starting the week of August 24. The project aims to improve safety and connectivity for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

    The construction work will include pavement markings, signage, barrier installation, and roadway modifications. The project is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete, weather permitting.

    During construction, residents and businesses in the area can expect temporary lane restrictions, traffic adjustments, and parking restrictions along sections of the north side of the street. Pedestrian and cycling detours may also be required. However, the Town will work to minimize disruptions and maintain safe access throughout construction.

    The project supports the Town’s Active Transportation Implementation Plan, which aims to improve safety, connectivity, and access along key corridors. The bike lane will connect existing pathway infrastructure, creating safer travel options for people walking, rolling, cycling, and driving. It will also improve access to downtown and surrounding areas, completing an important link in Okotoks’ pathway network.