okotoks.news

Business Community Local News Public Safety Sports Town Council Utilities Weather

Category: Local News

  • Okotoks Terry Fox Run draws record crowd, raises funds for cancer research

    "Running" with a purpose, one step at a time.

    The annual Okotoks Terry Fox Run took place at Sheep River Park on Sunday, bringing together over 200 participants to raise funds for cancer research. The event offered various distances, including 1.5, three, and five kilometres, allowing participants to run, walk, or roll.

    Organizer Steve Preece reported that this year’s run was the largest to date, with almost double the normal number of participants. While the total funds raised are still being counted, Preece stated that the event has already surpassed last year’s total of $21,000, with approximately $25,000 raised so far.

    The event route was modified this year to be completely level, making it more accessible to participants. Don Cowie, a 83-year-old guest starter and cancer survivor, completed the three-kilometre course in his wheelchair, having participated in the run for 46 years and raising over $100,000 for cancer research.

    Following the event, participants enjoyed a free barbecue courtesy of local businesses Sobeys, Save-On-Foods, and Fountain Tire.

    This year’s run saw 17 teams participate, including “Team Milly,” a group of young women who ran in support of Milara “Milly” Okabe, a 22-year-old Okotoks skating coach recently diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer.

    Organizer Steve Preece highlighted the importance of team participation, stating that it brings a warm and supportive energy to the event. He hopes to increase the number of teams participating next year, encouraging more locals to come together to raise funds for cancer research.

  • Okotoks animal rescue helps local farmer create safe haven for barn cats

    It's purr-fectly clear that these cats have found their feline paradise.

    Okotoks-based animal rescue Pound Rescue has made a significant impact on the way a local farmer views his barn cats. The organization shared a story of a farmer who initially held common misconceptions about the cats, including their potential to wander away, fall prey to predators, or be too costly to care for.

    After a conversation with Pound Rescue, the farmer began to see the cats in a new light. He realized the dangers they faced and the benefits of having them around. This newfound understanding led him to build a safe and comfortable space for the cats, complete with a catio where they can play and spend time outside.

    The cats now have the freedom to roam around the shop while the farmer works, or enjoy the safety of their own catio. Most importantly, they have someone who truly cares about their well-being.

    Pound Rescue sees this story as a testament to the power of education, understanding, and compassion in changing the way animals are viewed in the region.

  • Okotoks Off-Leash Dog Park to Get Safety Upgrades and New Trees

    It looks like the dog park is going to the "paws" of perfection!

    The Town of Okotoks is investing in improvements to the Okotoks Off-Leash Dog Park in Drake Landing, with a focus on safety and accessibility.

    Double-gated entry areas will be installed at the north and south entrances of the park in September, providing an added layer of safety to prevent dogs from accidentally escaping. A larger vehicle access gate will also be installed at the south gate to improve accessibility for maintenance and operations staff.

    In October, the town will plant native tree species in the southwest corner of the park, providing additional shade for visitors and their pets. The native species will naturally spread over time, enhancing the park’s natural beauty.

    During the tree-planting process, the south access road will be temporarily closed for deliveries, and visitors are asked to use the north entrances. Tree-planting areas will be closed off with construction fencing to ensure safe working conditions.

    Learn more about the dog park improvements.

  • Northridge Drive Roadwork to Bring Smooth Ride to Okotoks Residents

    We're paving the way for a smoother ride in Okotoks!

    Residents of Okotoks can expect some minor traffic delays as roadwork begins on Northridge Drive. The project, which involves milling and pavement rehabilitation, will take place in the right lane of Northridge Drive southbound between Sandstone Gate and Elizabeth Street.

    The work is aimed at restoring a smooth, safe driving surface and improving water drainage on the road. By removing only the damaged top layer of asphalt and preserving the solid base underneath, the Town of Okotoks can extend the lifespan of the road.

    Construction crews will be working in the area, and drivers can expect some slowdowns of traffic. However, the Town of Okotoks has not provided a specific timeline for the completion of the project.

  • Okotoks Residents Gear Up for 20th Annual Terry Fox Run

    We're running with a record-breaking spirit!

    The Okotoks Terry Fox Run is set to return on Sunday, September 20, with the goal of raising funds for cancer research. Last year’s event saw a record-breaking fundraising total of over $21,000, with 120 participants taking part.

    Organizer Steve Preece is hoping to see an increase in participation this year, aiming for around 200 runners. The event offers a range of distances, from 1.5 to 10 kilometers, and is accessible to walkers, runners, and participants with mobility aids.

    Registration is available online or on the day of the event, and participants can choose to fundraise in addition to registering. The run will take place at Sheep River Park, starting at the Lions Campground (99 Woodhaven Drive).

    Following the run, a free barbecue will be provided by Sobeys Save-On-Foods and Fountain Tire.

    For more information and to register, visit the Okotoks Terry Fox Run website.

  • Okotoks housing market sees decline in listings and sales

    It looks like the Okotoks housing market is having a "down" month.

    Okotoks residents are seeing a decrease in new listings and sales activity in the local housing market, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB). In August, there were 55 sales and 68 new listings, resulting in an elevated sales-to-new-listings ratio of 81 per cent.

    Okotoks has struggled with low supply levels since 2021, but the additional supply choice in competing markets is helping to prevent further price increases, according to market analysts with CREB.

    The total residential benchmark price in Okotoks as of August was $608,400, a decrease of nearly two per cent from last year’s levels. The town’s inventory of 133 units is trending slightly upward, with just over two months of supply.

    For comparison, Foothills County recorded 116 sales and 156 new listings in August, bringing inventory to 360 units and just over three months of supply. The benchmark price in the county is higher than in Okotoks at $679,600.

    High River saw 22 sales and 32 new listings in August, holding just three months of supply. The total residential benchmark price has trended downward to $499,100, just over one per cent lower than last year.

    Learn more about the August 2026 stats from CREB.

  • North Railway Street Revitalization Takes Shape in Downtown Okotoks

    The downtown area is shaping up to be a real gem.

    Residents and visitors to downtown Okotoks can now enjoy the newly reopened North Railway Street, which has been transformed as part of the ongoing Downtown Improvement project. The street, previously closed for construction, is now open to traffic, with crews working to complete the finishing touches.

    • Landscaping and streetscape improvements are underway to enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal.
    • The Triangle Park is also being upgraded as part of the project.

    While some minor traffic delays and the presence of construction crews may be noticeable, access to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the construction process.

    The Downtown Improvement project aims to create a more accessible and vibrant downtown area, and the completion of North Railway Street is a significant step towards achieving this goal. For more information on the project, visit https://shapeourtown.okotoks.ca/downtown.

  • Downtown Okotoks Transforms into Immersive Fantasy Realm This Weekend

    It's a "level up" experience for downtown Okotoks this weekend!

    Fantasy and reality are about to collide in downtown Okotoks this weekend, as the town hosts Enchanted Okotoks, an immersive gaming experience designed for fans of online games like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy.

    Organizer Katie Fournell describes Enchanted Okotoks as a “real-life video game” where players use their phones as an access point to interact with actors around town who assign them different tasks to complete.

    Players will need to solve puzzles, complete quests, and slay monsters, all while navigating the downtown core. Fournell encourages players to dress up in character, as reality is infiltrated by the fantasy world.

    The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, starts at Okotoks Plaza, where players are given their first task. The technology behind the event has been rewritten to improve the user experience, with Brendan Rose, the brains behind the operation, ensuring that players’ phones can survive the demands of the game.

    Enchanted Okotoks is open to all ages and skill levels, with a variety of RPG elements to explore. Actors will be on hand to help new players learn the ropes, and a vendor market will feature local artisans and crafters selling magical trinkets and handcrafted items.

    Themed food and drinks will be available at local restaurants and food trucks throughout downtown, and players are encouraged to take part in trinket trading with other players to build friendships through the magical exchange.

  • Lane closure planned for Big Rock Trail pathway construction in Okotoks

    It's a rock-solid plan for a smoother commute!

    A section of Big Rock Trail in Okotoks will be reduced to one lane this week as crews begin working on a new pathway connection.

    The closure will affect the south side of Big Rock Trail between Southridge Drive and Westland Road, starting today (Sept. 8).

    The project involves building a new pathway extension along the south side of Big Rock Trail near the Ford dealership, connecting the existing pathway from Westland Road to Westland Street.

    • Crews will be on site weekdays from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    • Residents should expect traffic delays during peak travel times.

    The Town of Okotoks notes that pedestrians will not be impacted due to an existing connection along the north side.

    The pathway extension is part of ongoing work to connect the existing Tillotson Phase 1 pathway along Big Rock Trail, making a full connection from Southridge Drive to Sheep River Boulevard.

    Drivers are reminded to slow down, use caution while in the area, and follow posted signs and detours.

    The project is expected to be completed by Oct. 3.

  • Cimarron Boulevard Parking Bans in Effect for Median Tree Maintenance

    It's time to branch out and find a new parking spot!

    Residents of Okotoks are advised that temporary parking bans will be in place on sections of Cimarron Boulevard to facilitate median tree maintenance operations. The parking bans will be in effect on the following days and times:

    • September 9, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Cimarron Boulevard between Southridge Drive and Cimarron Drive
    • September 10, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Cimarron Boulevard between Cimarron Drive and 32 Street

    During the parking ban periods, all vehicles and obstructions must be removed from the roadway. Traffic accommodations will be in place to direct vehicles around the work area. Residents are encouraged to use alternate routes where possible.

    Waste collection, emergency services, and Canada Post delivery will not be impacted by the parking bans. For more information, visit okotoks.ca/maintenance-routes or contact Municipal Enforcement at 403-995-6302 or Transportation at 403-938-8952.