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Category: Town Council

  • Okotoks Council Streamlines Transportation Programs to Support Healthcare Access

    "Riding into a brighter future, one bus stop at a time."

    Okotoks residents will see changes to the town’s transportation programs in the new year. The Community Access Program (CAP) will conclude on December 31, 2026, and will be replaced by the Community Access Rides to Essential Healthcare (CARE) program, which will launch on January 1, 2027. The CARE program will focus on helping eligible residents reach essential medical appointments outside of Okotoks.

    The changes were approved by Okotoks Council after a review of how local and out-of-town transportation services work together. The goal is to reduce overlaps between programs, keep local transit available to all residents, and focus additional support on those facing financial or disability-related barriers to accessing healthcare.

    “Transportation helps residents stay connected to their community and access the care they need,” said Deputy Mayor Gord Lang. “This approach keeps local transit open to everyone while directing additional support to those who face the greatest barriers to essential medical appointments.”

    Current CAP cardholders can use Okotoks Transit until the end of the year, free of charge. The fixed-route and on-demand services are available to all residents and are not affected by this review.

    Residents can learn more about the changes and upcoming information sessions at okotoks.ca/care and read the FAQ at okotoks.ca/okotoks-care-community-access.

  • Okotoks residents invited to candid conversations on new podcast

    "Agenda ahead" for Okotoks residents, indeed!

    The Town of Okotoks has launched a new podcast, “Beyond the Agenda,” aiming to provide residents with a deeper understanding of the decisions, challenges, and opportunities shaping the community.

    Through conversations with council members, town staff, and local guests, listeners will gain insight into the experiences and priorities of Okotoks, as well as the choices that influence the town’s growth and development.

    Deputy Mayor Gord Lang notes, “There is always more to the story than what appears on an agenda.” The podcast aims to give residents a more nuanced understanding of the town’s operations and the trade-offs involved in its decision-making process.

    Hosted by Logan Coutts, with occasional guest hosts, the podcast will feature episodes on various topics, including the Town’s budget, community growth, and major projects. The first episode explores the Town’s 2027-2030 Strategic Plan, while the second episode begins a three-part series on growth in the community.

    Residents are encouraged to suggest questions, topics, and guests as the podcast evolves, reflecting the diverse perspectives that make Okotoks unique. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

  • Okotoks Council Opens Up in New Podcast Series

    "Agenda" ahead for Okotoks residents, as they tune in to the new podcast series.

    The Town of Okotoks has launched a new podcast series, Beyond the Agenda, aiming to provide residents with a deeper understanding of the decisions and challenges shaping the community. The podcast features candid conversations with Council members, Town staff, and local guests, offering different perspectives on various topics.

    Deputy Mayor Gord Lang explained that the podcast seeks to go beyond the surface-level information presented in Council agendas, providing listeners with a more nuanced understanding of the town’s growth, budgeting, and community development.

    The podcast’s first three-part series explores Okotoks’ growth and development, featuring former Councillor Ed Sands and former Town Chief Administrative Officer Rick Quail. Future episodes will cover topics such as budgeting, community support, and major projects.

    Residents are encouraged to suggest questions, topics, and guests for the podcast, which will feature a diverse range of voices from the community.

    The podcast is available on the Town of Okotoks’ website and YouTube channel.

  • Okotoks athlete Victoria Halbert earns All-American status at Nike Outdoor Nationals

    Halbert's finish was a "step" in the right direction for her athletic career.

    Okotoks Town Council recently recognized local athlete Victoria Halbert for her outstanding performance at the 2026 Nike Outdoor Nationals in Oregon. Halbert, a talented runner, finished eighth in the 800-metre championship with a time of 2:08.49, earning her All-American status.

    Halbert also competed in the one-mile championship, completing the course in 4:50.75. Her impressive results were a testament to her dedication and hard work in the sport.

    Halbert’s love for running began in elementary school, and she has been actively involved in the sport ever since. She joined the Okotoks Track and Cross Country Club in Grade 7 before moving to a Calgary-based club.

    Looking ahead, Halbert is now focused on the next stage of her athletic career. She has started the recruiting process for universities in the States, with the goal of securing scholarship opportunities to continue running.

    During the council meeting, Halbert received a certificate of sports recognition, celebrating her success. Mayor Tanya Thorn congratulated Halbert and acknowledged the hard work and dedication that went into reaching the national competition.

    Halbert’s achievement is a source of pride for the Okotoks community, and her dedication to the sport is an inspiration to young athletes in the area.

    For more information on the Nike Outdoor Nationals, visit https://nikeoutdoornationals.runnerspace.com/.

  • Okotoks council votes to pave way for 200-site campground near iitopatopa Park

    It looks like Okotoks is about to get a "camping" ground for growth.

    Okotoks Town Council has given the green light to a land-use redesignation that could lead to the development of a new campground in the southeast part of town. The proposed campground would feature approximately 200 campsites, including RV, trailer, and tenting areas, near iitopatopa Park.

    The redesignation, which was approved 5-1, changes the land use from a Natural Areas District to a Recreation and Open Space District. According to Colton Nickel, senior planner and intergovernmental liaison, the campground would provide connections to nature and allow for increased enjoyment of the natural areas for visitors to the town.

    Ahead of the public hearing, the town received one phone call and one written submission from an adjacent resident, raising concerns about traffic, public safety, flood risk, emergency access, servicing, future storm water management, and separation between properties.

    Nickel noted that the site is appropriate for redesignation based on the town’s planning documents and technical flood and transportation reviews. However, Councillor Stefan Dykema opposed the redesignation, citing concerns about protecting the natural areas and assets within the municipality.

    Councillor Michelle Walther agreed that the Sheep River area should be protected but pointed to the potential benefits of having additional camping opportunities in Okotoks, including the ability to house out-of-town sports teams during summer events.

    Mayor Tanya Thorn noted that the proposal would include gravel pathways and integration into iitopatopa Park, which would allow more members of the community to use the pathway system and enjoy the river valley.

  • 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 to Update Flood Hazard Policies Following New Sheep River Mapping

    The town is taking a "flood" of new information into consideration when updating its policies.

    The Town of Okotoks is taking a closer look at its flood hazard policies in light of updated provincial mapping of the Sheep River. The Government of Alberta completed the Sheep River Flood Study in 2025, which included updated flood hazard mapping and identified areas that could be affected by flooding.

    According to Logan Coutts, communications and community engagement adviser, the updated provincial flood maps show a larger area that could be impacted by flooding, with new properties now identified within a flood hazard area.

    The town is reviewing its Municipal Development Plan and Land Use Bylaw to ensure the policies align with the updated provincial mapping, while guiding future development. The review will consider public safety, environmental impacts, expert advice, provincial requirements, and community feedback.

    • Public safety: how development is regulated and requirements for flood protection
    • Environmental impacts: how flood hazard areas are managed
    • Expert advice: provincial requirements and community feedback

    The town’s goal is to support safe, responsible growth, while helping Okotoks remain a strong and resilient community for years to come.

    Potential policy amendments are expected to be presented to Okotoks Town Council in September, with a public hearing expected in October.

  • Okotoks Council Considers Regulations for E-Bikes and E-Scooters

    The wheels are in motion for Okotoks to regulate e-bikes and e-scooters.

    The Town of Okotoks is taking steps to regulate the use of e-bikes, e-scooters, and other electric mobility devices on public municipal land. At the August 17 council meeting, Coun. Ryan Nix made a motion to direct administration to review and prepare a bylaw regulating the operation of electric bicycles and other electric mobility devices within Okotoks.

    The proposed bylaw could cover the use of these devices on roadways, sidewalks, pathways, parks, and other municipal property. Nix stated that his intention is to align the municipal bylaw with Alberta regulations.

    Council also asked administration to consider regulatory approaches used by other Alberta municipalities, including the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. Wood Buffalo’s Road and Transportation Bylaw prohibits e-scooters in public spaces, while e-bikes are classified as “power bicycles” and are subject to provincial laws under Alberta’s Traffic Safety Act.

    Mayor Tanya Thorn noted that there is a gap in the Traffic Safety Act that allows for some municipal control, and that the province is not currently prioritizing changes to the act. Thorn stated that a municipal bylaw would be necessary to address this gap until the province makes changes.

    Recommendations and a proposed bylaw are expected to return to council for consideration by the fourth quarter of 2026.

  • Okotoks Council Approves Budget Increase for River’s Edge Project, Eyes Federal Grant Funding

    Looks like Okotoks is on the right track with this budget boost.

    Okotoks council has given the green light to an $800,000 increase in the 2026 capital budget for the River's Edge Infrastructure Improvement project. The project aims to enhance the town’s infrastructure, including the installation of a pedestrian railway grade crossing without active warning devices.

    The budget amendment, approved during the August 17 council meeting, will enable the town to pursue federal grant funding through Transport Canada’s Rail Safety Improvement Program. The grant would cover up to 80% of the project’s costs, allowing for the inclusion of flashing lights, bells, and gates at the proposed pedestrian crossing.

    Jeff Greene, Community Growth and Identity Director, explained that the grant application requires a demonstration of committed funds. “The budget authority would only be used if the grant is successful,” Greene said. “If the grant is unsuccessful, then the project budget would not proceed.”

    Councillor Stefan Dykema expressed his support for the proposal, calling it a “no-brainer.” He emphasized the opportunity to leverage federal resources to enhance community safety and potentially reduce the frequency of train whistles.