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  • Okotoks families sought to host Japanese students for cultural exchange

    “Rocking” the cultural exchange with Okotoks hospitality!

    110 grade 9 students arriving in October for a 7-day cultural exchange

    More than 110 Japanese students will visit the Foothills region this fall, and organizers are looking for local families to open their homes as part of a week-long cultural exchange program. The grade 9 students, ages 14 and 15, are scheduled to arrive Oct. 20 and remain in the region until Oct. 27.

    The students come from a school system that encompasses large portions of Japan, and many will be meeting each other for the first time when they arrive in Canada. As a result, organizers are seeking host families in Okotoks, High River, and Diamond Valley to provide a private room, breakfast and supper, transportation to a central pickup location, and an opportunity for students to experience everyday Canadian family life.

    Hosts do not need to have children of a similar age to participate, and retirees and older residents are also encouraged to apply, particularly if grandchildren or other family members can be involved in activities during the students’ stay.

    The itinerary includes visits to Banff and Lake Louise, the University of Calgary, Stephen Avenue, the Calgary Tower, and the Big Rock near Okotoks. One activity requested by the students this year is a chance to learn curling, which will be held at the Okotoks Curling Club.

    The main goal of the trip is to provide students with an authentic Canadian community experience, including helping prepare meals, learning household routines, and taking part in community events and family activities.

    Those interested in hosting a student can contact Jeannine Tucker at [email protected] or at 403 969 3951.

  • 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 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 family’s front yard water station quenches thirst of neighbourhood pets

    The family's water station is the "paw-fect" solution for thirsty pets in the neighbourhood.

    An Okotoks family has taken initiative to provide a refreshing oasis for pets in the community. Kyla Taylor-Lacroix and her children created a pet-friendly water station in their front yard, inspired by local restaurants offering water bowls for dogs.

    The family, residing in the Sheep River neighbourhood, noticed the high foot traffic of dog owners walking their pets past their home, especially during the hot summer months. They decided to set up a water station to provide a convenient spot for dogs to quench their thirst.

    The project became a fun family activity, with Taylor-Lacroix’s children helping with the design and decoration of the homemade station. They used materials from Home Depot’s scrap area and added a touch of colour to make it visually appealing.

    The water station has been a hit, with one of Taylor-Lacroix’s neighbours reporting that their dog regularly drinks from it. The station has also attracted other thirsty pets, including a curious cat that was spotted drinking from the bowl.

    Taylor-Lacroix plans to keep the water station out as long as the weather permits, but will likely bring it inside once winter arrives. She encourages pet owners to take advantage of the station and provide their pets with a refreshing drink.

  • Okotoks residents invited to shape the future of local transit services

    The town is "on the right track" by seeking resident input to shape the future of local transit services.

    The Town of Okotoks is seeking input from residents to inform the next phase of transit planning, as the community continues to grow. A fixed-route transit service was introduced in 2025, following a feasibility study, community engagement, and council approval.

    Residents are being asked to share their thoughts on their current transit experience, service priorities, and challenges, as well as suggestions for future improvements, such as extended hours and weekend service, and accessibility enhancements. The feedback will be used to identify priorities and inform future investments and service improvements.

    Residents can participate in the survey online until September 16, or attend one of several pop-up sessions scheduled throughout the town. The sessions will take place at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, Okotoks Public Library, Okotoks Recreation Centre, and Okotoks Seniors Centre on different dates and times.

    For more information and to access the survey, visit the Town of Okotoks’ website at www.okotoks.ca/your-government/newsroom/news/help-shape-future-transit-okotoks.

  • Bear euthanized in Diamond Valley after repeated garbage bin access

    It looks like the bear had a "gut" feeling about the garbage.

    A black bear that had been frequenting the Diamond Valley area has been euthanized after Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement determined it could not be safely managed.

    According to Alberta Public Safety and Emergency Services, Alberta Fish and Wildlife Enforcement officers responded throughout the summer to reports of the bear repeatedly accessing residential garbage and other human food sources.

    The bear was observed to be undeterred by people and, in some cases, approached individuals, posing a risk to public safety and property.

    Officers assessed the incidents using Alberta’s Black Bear Response Guide, which considers factors including the animal’s behaviour, history, health, and the likelihood of future conflict.

    The bear was euthanized on Aug. 26, after a trap was initially placed in a green space behind the Bailey Ridge subdivision on Aug. 20, and later relocated to Okalta Road on the Youth Mission property on Aug. 24.

    The Town of Diamond Valley noted that the bear had been attracted to the residential area by garbage, compost, and other household attractants.

    Residents are reminded to properly secure garbage, recycling and compost, remove bird feeders while bears are active, and keep barbecues clean and free of food residue to reduce the likelihood of habituation and future conflicts.

    For more information on preventing bear encounters, visit alberta.ca/bears.

  • 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.

  • Okotoks bus drivers build relationships and keep students safe on the road

    "Route" to a safer school year!

    Moving over 3,000 students to and from school each day is a significant task, but Foothills School Division’s transportation department makes it happen using 91 buses and 77 routes across the region. The division operates its own transportation system, employing 77 regular drivers and maintaining a roster of spare drivers to cover absences and route changes.

    The department’s director, Sandy Stewart, notes that recruiting new drivers has changed significantly over the years. Traditionally, many drivers came from farm families or were retirees looking for part-time work, but this is no longer the norm. In response, the division has opened the door to younger parents by allowing drivers to bring children aged 3 and older on a trial basis, subject to safety requirements.

    Becoming a school bus driver requires extensive training, which typically takes between four and six weeks and includes first aid, fire safety, and S endorsement certification. Drivers must also obtain a Class 2 licence. The division conducts all training in-house and evaluates each candidate individually.

    Safety remains the top priority for the department, with a focus on reinforcing safety culture in the community. One of the department’s biggest concerns involves motorists ignoring school bus stop signs and flashing red lights, which Stewart believes stems from differences in school bus operating procedures between Calgary and surrounding areas.

    Bus drivers wear many hats, building strong relationships with students and having a significant impact on their day. Drivers often become a trusted adult figure for students, and their role extends beyond simply providing transportation. The department aims to build a school bus safety culture in the community, and is asking motorists, parents, and community members to play a role in keeping children safe.

    Despite the challenges, the division is benefiting from a stable workforce, with low driver turnover and some employees remaining behind the wheel for decades. One example is Darlene Malin, who drives Route 19 in Okotoks and is entering her 30th year with the division.

    Operating a transportation department involves careful planning and maintenance, with rising costs for fuel, parts, and vehicles adding pressure to transportation budgets. The department’s success comes from experienced support staff, mechanics, and route planners who work together to keep the system running efficiently.

    As students head back to school, Stewart is emphasizing the importance of community support in keeping children safe. “Bus safety is not just about the bus driver and the students,” she said. “It’s about bus drivers, school administration, community, and other motorists. It’s a big community.”

  • Okotoks Municipal Centre to Shine Bright for Local Awareness Campaigns

    The town is shining a light on these important causes.

    The Town of Okotoks is showing its support for several important awareness campaigns this month by illuminating the municipal centre in a variety of colours.

    On September 1, the municipal centre will be bathed in gold to recognize Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, a cause close to the hearts of many Okotoks residents.

    Later in the week, the centre will be lit up in light teal on September 4 to raise awareness for National Polycystic Kidney Disease Awareness Day, and in blue on September 7 to support Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

    The Town of Okotoks has a tradition of using the municipal centre’s lighting to celebrate community contributions, commemorate losses, and participate in positive global initiatives.

  • Okotoks Residents Invited to Shape Future of Local Transit Services

    The town is "on the right track" by seeking resident feedback to improve its transit services.

    Okotoks residents are being asked to share their thoughts on the town’s public transit system as part of a community engagement process to inform future planning and improvements.

    The Town of Okotoks launched fixed-route transit in 2025, complementing its existing on-demand service, to provide residents with a reliable and convenient public transit option during peak travel periods. As the town continues to grow, the Town is seeking input from current transit customers, potential future riders, and residents to help guide the next phase of transit planning.

    “We want to better understand how residents use transit today and what improvements would make the service more convenient, accessible, and effective,” said Chris MacIsaac, Community Identity Manager. “Whether you ride transit regularly, occasionally, or not at all, your feedback is valuable.”

    The online survey, which runs from August 31 to September 16, asks participants about their experiences with transit services, service priorities and challenges, and potential future service expansions. Feedback gathered through the survey will help identify priorities and inform future investments and service improvements.

    Residents can complete the online survey at ShapeOurTown.ca/Okotoks, participate by phone by calling 403-842-2515, or attend one of the pop-up sessions listed below:

    • September 8, from 9 to 11 a.m. at the Okotoks Recreation Centre
    • September 9, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Okotoks Public Library
    • September 9, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the Okotoks Recreation Centre
    • September 14, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at the Okotoks Seniors Centre