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Category: Local News

  • Okotoks pool reopens after summer maintenance

    The pool is now "dive"ing back into action.

    After a brief closure for annual maintenance, the Riley Minue Lap Pool, Swindells Pool, hot tub, and sauna in Okotoks are once again open to the public. The facilities closed in mid-August to allow crews to complete scheduled maintenance and ensure they remain safe, clean, and operating efficiently.

    The maintenance work has now been completed, and the facility is open with drop-in schedules resuming. For those looking to plan their visit, the Town of Okotoks provides a drop-in schedule on their website, which can be accessed here.

  • Deer in Okotoks Entangled in Tomato Cage Under Watchful Eyes

    It looks like this deer is in a bit of a "wire" situation!

    Residents in Okotoks recently spotted a deer in distress at Beatrice Windham Park, its neck tangled in what appeared to be a tomato cage. The incident occurred on Tuesday, September 1st, in the evening.

    According to Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services, this is not an uncommon occurrence. Deer often feed on plants supported by tomato cages, which can lead to entanglement.

    Fortunately, the deer’s mobility is not affected, and wildlife officers have deemed it not necessary to intervene. Instead, they will continue to monitor the situation.

    Experts note that in most cases, deer are able to free themselves from this type of wire within a few days without issue.

    Read more about wildlife encounters in the area.

  • Okotoks Pathway Extension Work to Close One Lane of Big Rock Trail

    It looks like Big Rock Trail is taking a step in the right direction with this pathway extension!

    The Town of Okotoks has announced a one-lane closure on Big Rock Trail between Southridge Drive and Westland Street, starting September 8 and running until October 3. The closure is necessary for the construction of a new pathway extension along the south side of the trail.

    The pathway extension will connect to the existing pathway from Westland Road to Westland Street, creating a full connection from Southridge Drive to Sheep River Boulevard. The work is expected to take place Monday to Saturday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Residents can expect traffic delays, particularly during peak travel times, and are advised to slow down, follow all posted signage and traffic-control measures, and use caution when travelling through the construction area.

    Construction crews, heavy equipment, and construction-related noise will be present during working hours, and flaggers will be in place when required. Traffic and pedestrian detours will also be in place in the area.

    For more information, including a map of the affected area, visit the Town of Okotoks website at https://www.okotoks.ca/sites/default/files/2026-09/Big%20Rock%20Trail%20lane_pathway%20closure%20area%20map.png.

  • Seaman Stadium Concert Brings Decades of Music to Okotoks

    It was a "pitch-perfect" evening of music at Seaman Stadium.

    This year’s Seaman Stadium Concert in Okotoks featured a diverse lineup of local and regional performers, entertaining a crowd with a wide range of songs spanning several decades.

    The annual concert, now in its third year, showcased local talent and beyond, covering everything from 1960s rock classics to modern country hits.

    Okotoks-based artist Amelia Paquette kicked off the evening with a country set, performing covers of songs such as Sara Evans’ “Suds in the Bucket” and Ella Langley’s “Choosin’ Texas.”

    Paquette’s performance was met with enthusiasm from the crowd, who chanted for an encore, which she delivered with a rendition of 4 Non Blondes’ “What’s Up?”

    Calgary-based, female-fronted cover band Girl Crush took the stage next, covering hits from the B-52s’ “Love Shack” to ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” with several attendees even getting out of their seats to dance.

    Girl Crush also featured a special guest performance from a Shania Twain tribute artist.

    As the evening drew to a close, Centerfield, starring Dan Hare, took the stage to perform Creedence Clearwater Revival cover songs, transporting the crowd back to the late 1960s.

  • North Railway Street Bike Lane Construction: Cyclists Asked to Wait

    It's a "lane" to go before the bike lane is ready!

    Bike lanes are taking shape on North Railway Street in Okotoks, but the Town of Okotoks is urging cyclists to hold off on using the new lanes until they are officially open. The construction, which began the week of August 24, is progressing, and the new lanes are being installed along the south side of the street. However, the town says final signage and safety features are still being installed.

    Once the construction is complete, the town will announce when the bike lane is ready for public use. The town has thanked cyclists and motorists for their patience and cooperation during the project.

    The new bike lane will run from Poplar Avenue to west of 32 Street East and is part of the Town of Okotoks’ Active Transportation Implementation Plan. The protected two-way bike lane will include pavement markings, signage, barriers, and roadway modifications designed to improve safety and connectivity for all users.

    During construction, motorists can expect temporary lane restrictions and traffic adjustments, as well as restricted parking along sections of the north side of the street. Temporary pedestrian and cycling detours may also be required.

    For more information on the project, visit the Town of Okotoks’ website.

  • Bear warning issued for West Wells Field in Okotoks after sighting

    We're paws-itive the town will keep residents safe from bears.

    A bear sighting in the West Wells Field area of Okotoks has prompted a warning from local authorities, advising residents and visitors to exercise caution in the area.

    The bear was spotted along the river below Sheep River Cove, prompting the town to ask people to avoid the area.

    As a precautionary measure, the town is reminding everyone in the area to travel in groups, make plenty of noise, keep pets on a leash, and give wildlife space.

    For those who encounter a bear, the Alberta government provides a reporting line through Report A Poacher at 1-800-642-3800.

  • 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.