okotoks.news

Business Community Local News Public Safety Sports Town Council Utilities Weather

  • Temporary Pedestrian Detour in Place Near Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks

    It looks like students will have to "dig" a little deeper to find their way to school this year.

    Students and parents walking to Holy Trinity Academy in Okotoks will need to take a temporary detour when classes resume Monday due to ongoing construction in the area.

    The Town of Okotoks has set up a temporary pedestrian detour near the intersection of 32 Street and Crystal Green Lane, where underground water and sanitary sewer utilities are being completed.

    • Pedestrian access to Holy Trinity Academy and St. James Church remains open.
    • A temporary signed route directs pedestrians north along the pathway beside 32 Street, then through a gravel access road near Crystal Green Lane, before cutting back towards the path.

    The town is asking pedestrians to watch for posted signs and remain on the designated route while construction is underway.

    The lane closure at 32 Street and Crystal Green Lane began around August 5, with an initial estimated completion date of August 28. However, the temporary pedestrian detour is now expected to remain in place until mid-September.

    No traffic disruptions are anticipated in the area, although reduced speed zones will be in effect.

    For more information, including a map of the affected area, visit the Town of Okotoks’ lane closure map.

  • Southbound Highway 2A lane closure near Wedderburn Drive begins in Okotoks

    It's a stormy situation on Highway 2A, but don't get caught in a drain of frustration – plan ahead!

    Motorists travelling southbound on Highway 2A into Okotoks should expect traffic disruptions this week due to a lane closure.

    Starting today, Aug. 31, the southbound lane on the west side of Highway 2A will be closed near the Wedderburn Drive intersection, allowing crews to install a new storm sewer manhole and construct an access road into D’Arcy Phase 18.

    The intersection will remain open, and access will be maintained. Crews will be on site Monday through Saturday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m.

    While work is underway, drivers should expect delays during peak times, as traffic capacity will be reduced. Motorists are reminded to slow down, follow signs, and use caution when travelling through the area.

    The lane closure is expected to be completed by Sept. 3.

    Learn more about the lane closure on the Town of Okotoks website.

  • Okotoks RCMP Emphasize School Bus Safety as New School Year Begins

    "Bus-iness as usual" requires a little extra caution this time of year.

    As the new school year gets underway, Okotoks RCMP are urging motorists to exercise caution when encountering school buses on the roads. The police force is reminding drivers that school bus safety is a top priority, especially during early morning hours when roads can be busy and distractions are common.

    Children can be unpredictable near roadways, particularly when entering or exiting a bus, making it crucial for motorists to remain vigilant and aware of bus stop procedures and passing laws. According to the RCMP, drivers must stop for school buses with red flashing lights and an extended stop arm, unless the roadway is physically divided by a median.

    Here are some key school bus laws to keep in mind:

    • When a bus is stopped with red flashing lights and an extended stop arm, drivers in both directions must stop, unless the roadway is physically divided by a median.
    • On divided highways, only vehicles approaching the rear of the bus are required to stop.
    • Motorists must not proceed until the red lights have stopped flashing and the stop arm has been retracted.
    • Flashing yellow lights mean the bus is preparing to stop, and drivers must slow down and prepare to stop.

    Failing to stop for a school bus can result in a fine of up to $567 and six demerit points.

  • New Emergency Vet Clinic Coming to Okotoks After Closure of SAVE

    It looks like Okotoks is paws-itive about its new vet clinic!

    The Okotoks community is in for a welcome surprise as some staff members from the recently closed Southern Alberta Veterinary Emergency (SAVE) clinic have announced plans to open a new emergency veterinary clinic in the area.

    The news was shared at SAVE’s farewell event, “Paws in the Park(ing) Lot,” held on Sunday, Aug. 30, which served as a final send-off for the clinic.

    According to practice manager Cheryl Brown, the new clinic will operate from a yet-to-be-revealed location, with a confirmed timeline for its opening still pending.

    Despite the uncertainty surrounding the new clinic’s details, SAVE has confirmed that the financial support it has received will ensure the new operation moves forward.

    The farewell event also featured a variety of activities, including multiple rescues showcasing adoptable animals, local vendors, and food trucks offering specialty treats, such as pup cups and wood-fired pizzas.

    The permanent closure of SAVE, located at 322233 15 St. E. in the Foothills, took place on Sunday, Aug. 30.

  • Okotoks residents advised to prepare for severe thunderstorm

    Stormy weather ahead, but don't get rained on by bad planning!

    A severe thunderstorm warning has been issued for parts of Foothills County, including areas near Okotoks, on Sunday, August 30. Environment Canada issued the yellow-level warning for areas near Okotoks and De Winton, as well as Blackie.

    As of 5:19 p.m., a severe thunderstorm was located over Indus and was moving slowly south. Environment Canada warns that hail up to the size of a quarter and heavy rainfall are possible, which could lead to flash flooding and significantly reduced visibility.

    Motorists are advised not to drive through flooded roadways. The warning carries a moderate impact level, with Environment Canada listing its forecast confidence as high.

    Environment Canada’s latest forecast also calls for showers and a risk of thunderstorms early Sunday evening.

    • Hail up to the size of a quarter is possible.
    • Heavy rainfall could lead to flash flooding and reduced visibility.
    • Motorists should avoid driving through flooded roadways.

  • 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.

  • Okotoks Celebrates Alberta’s 121st Anniversary with Movies and Old West Showdown

    The "shootout" at the Movies in the Park was a "blast" from the past!

    Okotoks residents kicked off the Alberta Day celebrations on August 28th with a fun-filled evening of movies, history, and entertainment at Ethel Tucker Park.

    The Town of Okotoks hosted its Alberta Day edition of Movies in the Park, featuring a range of activities throughout the afternoon and evening leading up to Alberta Day on September 1st.

    The festivities began at 4 p.m. with face painting and food trucks, followed by a historical performance by the Guns of the Golden West, a Calgary-based troupe that brought Alberta’s frontier history to life with Fur Trade and Old West-era characters.

    The troupe’s performance culminated in an Old West-style theatrical shootout using non-lethal props, which drew a crowd of enthusiastic spectators.

    Attendees were also treated to free barbequed smokies and burgers, adding to the festive atmosphere.

    As the evening drew to a close, the focus shifted to the big screen, where a double feature of Cool Runnings and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off was screened under the stars.

    The special edition of Movies in the Park was held in recognition of Alberta’s official birthday on September 1, 1905, which has been designated as Alberta Day by the provincial government.

    This year marked Alberta’s 121st anniversary, and the Town of Okotoks celebrated with a range of activities, including historical performances, free food, games, and community connection.

  • Okotoks Food Bank harvests bounty from Community Learning Garden

    The garden's harvest was a "rooting" success for the Okotoks Food Bank!

    Members of the Rotary Club of Okotoks recently lent a hand to the Okotoks Food Bank by harvesting a bountiful crop from the Community Learning Garden. The evening effort yielded 229 pounds of fresh carrots and garlic, which will be used to support local families in need.

    The Community Learning Garden, established in 2017 through a partnership with the Healthy Okotoks Coalition, has been a vital source of fresh produce for the Okotoks Food Bank. Volunteers and community groups have played a crucial role in maintaining the garden, providing gardening advice and assisting with various tasks throughout the growing season.

    The Okotoks Food Bank expressed gratitude to the volunteers for their hard work, ensuring a successful harvest. The garden’s produce is used to create food hampers, providing essential support to local families.

    The garden’s success is a testament to the community’s dedication to supporting those in need. The Okotoks Food Bank‘s efforts, combined with the Community Learning Garden, demonstrate the power of collaboration and community spirit.

  • Local Teen Sensation Amelia Paquette to Open Seaman Stadium Concert

    Paquette's performance is sure to be a "country" mile ahead of the rest!

    The Seaman Stadium Concert returns to Okotoks this Saturday, Aug. 29, with a lineup of talented performers.

    Headlining the third annual end-of-summer concert celebration is Centerfield, a tribute band to John Fogerty and Creedence Clearwater Revival, recreating the band’s timeless classics and solo hits.

    Opening the event is local country singer-songwriter and 2025 Okotoks Got Talent winner, Amelia Paquette. Paquette will take the stage at 6 p.m. with her band, The Back 40, performing a variety of country tunes, including an original song.

    Paquette, a 14-year-old singer, has been busy performing at events throughout the summer, including the Strathmore Stampede Emerging Artist Showcase and the Okotoks Show and Shine. She expressed her excitement about performing at the Seaman Stadium Concert, stating that it will be her largest performance to date.

    Stadium gates open at 5 p.m., with music starting at 6 p.m. Centerfield takes the stage at 9 p.m. General admission and grandstand tickets are available, with grandstand tickets priced at $53.

  • Okotoks playgrounds reopen with fresh upgrades and new play equipment

    The town's playground upgrades are a "step" in the right direction for Okotoks families.

    The Town of Okotoks has completed upgrades at the Ardiel and Kinsmen Park playgrounds, making them officially open for play as of August 28.

    The refreshed playgrounds feature new playground structures, wood-chip surfacing, and landing pads under the existing swings.

    Community members were asked for input on the refreshed playground designs, with the Ardiel Park playground collecting feedback in April and the Kinsmen Park playground collecting feedback in April and May.

    The Ardiel Park playground, built in 1999, features a variety of play equipment for children aged two to five and five to 12, including a duo spinner, stainless steel straight chute slide, and trillium climber.

    The Kinsmen Park playground, built in 2007, includes a variety of similar features, such as a tic-tac-toe panel, duo spinner, and two stainless steel chute slides.

    The town thanked residents for their patience while improvements were made and encouraged families to enjoy the refreshed spaces for climbing, swinging, sliding, and making memories.

    For more information on the playground upgrades, visit the Town of Okotoks‘ website at www.okotoks.ca.