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  • Okotoks Residents Face Lane Closure on Northridge Drive for Streetlight Work

    Looks like Okotoks residents will be 'illuminated' to the fact that they'll need to slow down on Northridge Drive for a few days.

    Okotoks residents can expect a lane closure on Northridge Drive from August 24 to 26, 2026, as FortisAlberta completes streetlight improvements in the area.

    The southbound lane closure will be in place south of D’Arcy Ranch Drive and Banister Gate, and drivers can expect reduced traffic capacity and potential delays.

    Motorists are advised to slow down and follow all posted signage while travelling through the construction zone. Traffic will be maintained through the area, but minor delays are possible.

    According to FortisAlberta, the streetlight improvements are necessary to support and maintain the area’s electrical infrastructure.

    Drivers are encouraged to use extra caution when travelling through the construction zone and to plan their routes accordingly.

  • Okotoks Residents to See Helicopter Patrols Overhead as AltaLink Inspects Transmission Lines

    Looks like AltaLink is taking a high-flying approach to keeping the lights on.

    Between August 24th and 28, AltaLink will be conducting aerial patrols of its electric transmission facilities across the Foothills, including areas in and around Okotoks, High River, and Diamond Valley.

    The helicopter patrols, weather permitting, will collect visual data of transmission lines and surrounding vegetation to help maintain the reliability of the grid through proactive maintenance.

    AltaLink aims to minimize disruptions to residences, area users, livestock, and wildlife during the annual patrol.

  • Okotoks to Welcome Rolling Barrage Motorcycle Rally Tonight

    It's a "wheel" good cause.

    The Rolling Barrage, a cross-country motorcycle rally, is set to arrive in Okotoks this evening, albeit later than initially expected due to an incident on Highway 93.

    The procession of around 200 motorcycles will now travel down Veterans Way in Okotoks between 5:30 and 6 p.m. The event is part of the Rolling Barrage‘s 10th anniversary celebration, which has raised over $600,000 for PTSD programs across Canada since its inception.

    A community reception will be held at the Viking Rentals Centre, hosted with support from the Town of Okotoks. Town officials and Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson are also expected to attend the event.

    The Rolling Barrage began its journey on August 1, departing from St. John’s, Newfoundland and Labrador.

  • Okotoks Fire & Rescue Earns Prestigious International Accreditation

    Okotoks Fire & Rescue is now "fired up" to serve the community with even greater excellence.

    Okotoks Fire & Rescue has achieved Accredited Agency status from the Commission on Fire Accreditation International (CFAI), a prestigious international designation recognizing the department’s commitment to excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement in emergency service delivery.

    Okotoks is now the ninth Canadian municipality and the second in Alberta to earn this accreditation, joining a select group of over 300 accredited agencies worldwide. This achievement is a testament to the professionalism, dedication, and determination of everyone involved in the department.

    The accreditation process involved a rigorous voluntary review of all aspects of the fire service, including governance, community risk, emergency response, training, workforce development, infrastructure, financial resources, and performance measurement. Okotoks Fire & Rescue completed a comprehensive self-assessment, which was independently reviewed and validated by a team of fire-service professionals.

    As part of the process, the department completed a Community Risk Assessment and Standards of Cover, which uses local risks, response data, and service demands to guide planning and set clear performance expectations. This resulted in an evidence-based roadmap for serving a growing and increasingly complex community.

    Accreditation establishes an ongoing framework for measuring performance, addressing opportunities for improvement, and adapting services as community needs evolve. It confirms that the department’s decisions are grounded in evidence, its service levels respond to community risk, and the organization is committed to learning and improving.

    Learn more about Okotoks Fire & Rescue at okotoks.ca/fire

  • Okotoks Residents Can Learn to Build DIY Air Purifiers at Free Workshop

    It's a breath of fresh air that Okotoks residents can learn to build their own air purifiers.

    This Wednesday, Aug. 19, the Environmental Education Centre in Okotoks will host a free Green Living Workshop, where residents can learn how to improve their indoor air quality. The event, delivered in partnership with the Calgary Regional Airshed Zone, will run from 6:30 to 9 p.m.

    During the workshop, attendees will learn about the science behind air quality, the impact of wildfire smoke on health, and simple steps to improve air quality inside their homes. Local resources and programs, including DIY Home Energy Audit Kits, will also be discussed.

    A hands-on tutorial will teach participants how to build a low-cost DIY air purifier, which can help reduce airborne particles from wildfire smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander, and mould spores. The team will demonstrate a highly effective four-filter box purifier and provide instructions for a simpler single-filter version.

    Those interested in building their own purifier during the workshop are asked to bring a 20-by-20-inch box fan, the box it came in, and either one or four 20-by-20-inch MERV 13 furnace filters. As an added bonus, all registered attendees will be entered into a draw to win a fully assembled four-filter DIY air purifier.

    Pre-registration is required to attend the event. For more information and to register, visit the Town of Okotoks website.

  • Severe Thunderstorm Watch Issued for Okotoks Area

    Looks like the forecast is "shocking" for the Okotoks area tonight.

    A Yellow Level Severe Thunderstorm Watch has been issued for parts of Foothills County, including the Okotoks area.

    Environment Canada issued the Watch today, Aug. 17, at 12:20 p.m., due to favourable conditions for the development of severe thunderstorms.

    Residents in the affected areas can expect severe thunderstorms to develop late this afternoon and continue into the evening, potentially producing strong wind gusts and large hail.

    The Watch also includes areas near Priddis, Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, Diamond Valley, Longview, Eden Valley Reservoir, De Winton, Aldersyde, and Blackie.

  • Okotoks to Install Protected Bike Lane on North Railway Street

    Looks like Okotoks is "paving" the way for safer cycling.

    The Town of Okotoks is set to begin installing a protected two-way bike lane along North Railway Street, from Poplar Avenue to west of 32 Street East, starting the week of August 24. The project aims to improve safety and connectivity for all users, including pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers.

    The construction work will include pavement markings, signage, barrier installation, and roadway modifications. The project is expected to take approximately three weeks to complete, weather permitting.

    During construction, residents and businesses in the area can expect temporary lane restrictions, traffic adjustments, and parking restrictions along sections of the north side of the street. Pedestrian and cycling detours may also be required. However, the Town will work to minimize disruptions and maintain safe access throughout construction.

    The project supports the Town’s Active Transportation Implementation Plan, which aims to improve safety, connectivity, and access along key corridors. The bike lane will connect existing pathway infrastructure, creating safer travel options for people walking, rolling, cycling, and driving. It will also improve access to downtown and surrounding areas, completing an important link in Okotoks’ pathway network.

  • Brief Severe Thunderstorm Warning Issued for Okotoks Area Sunday Night

    Stormy weather didn't 'rain' on Okotoks residents for long.

    A severe thunderstorm warning was briefly issued for the Okotoks area on Sunday night before being ended.

    Environment Canada issued the yellow-level severe thunderstorm warning for Foothills County near Okotoks and De Winton after a storm began moving southeast from Calgary.

    At 10:07 p.m., the storm was located over the Glenmore Reservoir and moving southeast at approximately 35 km/h.

    Residents were warned of potential damaging wind gusts, heavy rain, and hail up to the size of quarters, with De Winton among the areas that could have been impacted.

    However, the warning was ended just 35 minutes later at 10:42 p.m. after the severe thunderstorms associated with the alert weakened or moved out of the area.

  • Dense Fog Advisory Issued for Okotoks and Surrounding Areas

    It's a real pea-souper out there.

    Residents of Okotoks and surrounding areas are being warned to exercise caution while driving due to dense fog in the region.

    Environment Canada has issued a yellow-level fog advisory for Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley, Longview, Cayley, Blackie, and surrounding areas.

    The dense fog is expected to persist until later this morning, with near-zero visibility possible in some locations.

    Travel may be hazardous, and drivers are advised to allow extra time to reach their destination, turn on their lights, slow down, and maintain a safe following distance.

    The advisory also affects areas south of Okotoks, including the M.D. of Willow Creek, Vulcan County, the M.D. of Ranchland, and the M.D. of Pincher Creek.

  • Okotoks Residents Face Temporary Parking Bans on Cimarron Boulevard

    It seems like the Town of Okotoks is "sealing the deal" on road maintenance.

    Residents in Okotoks can expect temporary parking bans along portions of Cimarron Boulevard next week as the Town of Okotoks completes crack sealing maintenance along the roadway.

    The parking bans will be in effect in two stages: the first from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 17 and 18, affecting the section of Cimarron Boulevard from 32 Street to Cimarron Drive.

    The second ban will be in place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. on August 18 and 19, covering the area from Cimarron Drive to Southridge Drive.

    During these periods, all vehicles and obstructions must be removed from the roadway. Residents are advised to use alternative routes to avoid disruptions.

    According to the Town of Okotoks, other essential services such as waste collection, emergency response, and Canada Post delivery will not be impacted by the maintenance work.