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Category: Public Safety

  • Okotoks RCMP Investigate Backyard Fence Crash Involving Young Driver

    Looks like the young driver's lesson plan included a crash course in fence etiquette.

    A collision involving a small car and a backyard fence is under investigation by the Okotoks RCMP. The incident occurred on August 19 near the intersection of Cimarron Drive and Cimarron Meadows Road.

    According to Staff Sergeant Mike Zinck, Detachment Commander of the Okotoks RCMP, preliminary information suggests that the collision was the result of human error and does not appear to have any criminal element. The driver involved was a youth who was learning to drive.

    The investigation is ongoing, and the incident is being treated as an accident.

  • Crash on Highway 2A north of Okotoks causes morning delays

    It looks like traffic is back on the right track.

    Traffic is flowing normally again after a morning incident on northbound Highway 2A, just north of Okotoks and past 322 Avenue, caused delays for commuters.

    Emergency crews responded to the incident, which occurred shortly after 5 a.m.

    During the response, northbound traffic was reduced to a single lane, while southbound traffic remained unaffected.

  • Okotoks Fire Department Joins Regional Response to Blaze at Cannabis Storage Facility

    It seems the facility went up in smoke, but thankfully, no one was left feeling burned.

    A large-scale cannabis storage facility near Aldersyde was destroyed in a fire early Wednesday, Aug. 19, prompting a multi-department response from fire crews across the Foothills region.

    Firefighters from Okotoks, Heritage Pointe, Diamond Valley, Blackie, and Spruce Meadows provided mutual aid to the High River Fire Department, which initially attempted to attack the fire from the inside before switching to defensive operations due to extreme heat and heavy smoke.

    The collaborative effort played a crucial role in managing the fire, with additional crews, apparatus, water supply, and personnel helping to bring the situation under control.

    No injuries were reported in the incident, but the cause of the fire remains unknown.

  • Rowan House urges Okotoks-area residents to seek support after domestic homicide of woman who grew up near town

    They’re saddling up support for those who need a stable place to turn.

    Rowan House Society is reminding residents of Okotoks and surrounding Foothills communities that help is available for anyone experiencing domestic violence, following the death of a woman who grew up in the area.

    Cayla Bleeker, 36, died July 28 in what police describe as a domestic homicide at a High River residence. She was the mother of two young daughters and their sole provider. Bleeker grew up in the Foothills around Okotoks, where her love of horses and country life helped shape her, according to her obituary.

    A celebration of life is being held at the DeWinton Riding Club on Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to an animal welfare organization or a domestic violence support service.

    Jarrett Stobbe, 36, of High River has been charged with second-degree murder. Police say Stobbe called 911 at 9:24 p.m. on July 28, and responding officers found Bleeker suffering from gunshot wounds. She later died at High River General Hospital.

    Rowan House Society said the tragedy is a reminder that domestic violence can affect any family, in any neighbourhood, at any time. The organization stressed that safety begins with awareness, and that recognizing the signs of abuse, knowing where to turn for help, and having access to supportive resources can save lives.

    The society offers emergency shelter, a 24-hour support line at 403-652-3311, safety planning, outreach programs, children’s supports, and community education. It serves communities across southern Alberta, including the Okotoks area.

    “While we cannot change what has happened, we can work together to prevent future tragedies through education, awareness, early intervention, and accessible support services,” the society said.

  • Okotoks RCMP respond to fatal drowning near Foothills County campground

    These tragedies are a sobering reminder that cliff jumping can be a leap of no faith.

    A 35-year-old man from Mexico drowned Saturday afternoon after jumping from a cliff into the water near Nature’s Hideaway Family Campground in Foothills County, according to Okotoks RCMP.

    Police were called at about 12:23 p.m. on Aug. 1 following a report of a missing swimmer. Witnesses said the man jumped from a cliff and did not resurface.

    Okotoks RCMP and Foothills Fire and Emergency Services responded, with assistance from a Calgary Police Service helicopter. The man was located in the water and pronounced dead at the scene. His body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner.

    RCMP warned against cliff jumping, citing strong currents and submerged rock hazards that may not be visible from the surface.

    In a separate incident the same day, a 33-year-old Rocky View County man drowned at Quarry Lake in Canmore. Canmore RCMP said the man was swimming without a life jacket when he went under and did not resurface. His body was also taken to the medical examiner.

    Police extended condolences to the families and friends of both victims and reminded the public to make water safety a priority.

  • Okotoks Recreation Centre and local rivers offer ways to beat the Heritage Day heat

    Hope everyone has a splashing good long weekend.

    With Heritage Day weekend temperatures expected to hit the mid-30s on Saturday, Okotoks residents have several nearby options to cool off, from local pools to the Sheep River.

    The Okotoks Recreation Centre is running public swim sessions throughout the long weekend. Saturday hours are 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. and 3:30 to 6 p.m., Sunday from 12:30 to 5 p.m., and Monday from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and 1:30 to 4 p.m. A Public Toonie Swim is also available earlier in the day.

    For those who prefer the outdoors, the Sheep River in Okotoks provides wading spots along local pathways. However, the High River Fire Department cautions that rivers can be unpredictable after recent high water levels. They advise checking conditions before entering, wearing a lifejacket regardless of swimming ability, and closely supervising children.

    Other nearby outdoor options include the Dr. Lander Memorial Swimming Pool and Spray Park in Diamond Valley, with public swim from 1 to 7 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday and holiday hours on Monday. The Tom Hornecker Recreation Centre in Nanton is also offering open swim times, including a free public swim from 1 to 8 p.m. on Heritage Day Monday.

    For a beach experience, Little Bow Provincial Park is just over an hour from Okotoks, with a sandy beach on Travers Reservoir. In Calgary, the Sikome Aquatic Facility at Fish Creek Provincial Park offers a supervised beach for a fee.

    Wading areas are available at Lake McGregor, Ghost Lake Provincial Recreation Area, Chain Lakes Provincial Park, and Pine Coulee Reservoir, though these locations do not have designated swimming beaches.

  • Okotoks RCMP confirm drowning death of 35-year-old man at Nature’s Hideaway Campground

    This tragedy is a sobering reminder that cliff jumping can be a leap of faith with no safety net.

    A 35-year-old man from Mexico died Saturday after jumping from a cliff into the water at Nature’s Hideaway Campground in Foothills County.

    Okotoks RCMP responded to a report of a missing swimmer around 12:23 p.m. Witnesses told police the man did not resurface after the jump.

    Okotoks RCMP, Foothills Fire and Emergency Services, and the Calgary Police Service HAWCS helicopter searched the area and located the man in the water. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

    The body was transported to the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner. RCMP offered condolences to the man’s family, friends, and community.

    Police are warning the public to avoid cliff jumping, citing dangers such as submerged rocks that may not be visible from the surface and strong water currents.