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  • Okotoks Residents Advised to Prepare for Heavy Rainfall

    It's time for Okotoks residents to "weather the storm" and take necessary precautions to stay safe.

    Okotoks residents are advised to prepare for heavy rainfall overnight as Environment Canada issues a yellow rainfall warning for the area.

    According to Environment Canada, an additional 30 to 60 mm of rain is expected by Friday morning, which may cause water to pool on roads and in low-lying areas, leading to potential travel delays.

    The warning cautions residents that fast-moving and rapidly rising water can sweep vehicles away or damage infrastructure, and advises against driving through flooded roadways.

    Drivers are also recommended to avoid low-lying areas and watch for washouts near rivers, creeks, and culverts.

    Residents can stay updated on the weather conditions through Environment Canada’s website.

  • Okotoks Prepares for Riverside Drive Construction Starting August 19

    It looks like Okotoks residents will have to "drive" around the issue for a while.

    Residents of Okotoks can expect significant traffic disruptions starting August 19, as the first stage of construction on Riverside Drive gets underway. The River’s Edge Infrastructure Improvements project will see crews replacing and upgrading sanitary sewer infrastructure, as well as completing roadway and parking improvements.

    The initial stage of construction, scheduled to run from August 19-24, will close the Veterans Way/Riverside Drive intersection to regular vehicle traffic. Access to local businesses, the Okotoks Public Library, and the Okotoks United Church will be maintained, but drivers can expect significant traffic pattern changes, detours, and delays in the area.

    A second phase of construction is planned to continue from late August to late October 2026. For more information, including maps, detour information, and updates, residents can visit www.okotoks.ca/construction.

  • Okotoks’ South Railway Street to See Infrastructure Upgrades Until End of August

    It seems like Okotoks is "paving" the way for a brighter future.

    The Town of Okotoks is undertaking a significant infrastructure upgrade project along South Railway Street, between Lineham Avenue and Oak Avenue, as part of the River’s Edge Infrastructure Improvements project. The project involves replacing and upgrading sanitary sewer pipes and manholes, reconstructing the road, and constructing a temporary gravel access road to maintain local access during construction.

    The project is divided into four stages, with site preparation and mobilization already underway. The sewer and street restoration work is scheduled to take place from July 27 to the end of August, weather permitting. Working hours will be from Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Residents and businesses in the East Lineham area can expect temporary road closures and detours, traffic routed through a temporary gravel access road and designated detour routes, and no on-street parking within active construction areas. There may also be temporary parking changes, relocation of community mailboxes, and temporary water service connections.

    The project aims to increase the capacity of the existing sanitary sewer system, support future growth, and improve the long-term reliability of underground infrastructure in the area. The River’s Edge Infrastructure Improvements project is funded in part through a $5 million grant from the Government of Alberta’s Local Growth and Sustainability Grant.

    For more information about the project, visit Shape Our Town – River’s Edge.

  • Okotoks Pro Rodeo Returns with Fan Favourites and New Rising Stars Night

    It's time to saddle up for a wild ride in Okotoks.

    The Okotoks Pro Rodeo is set to return for its annual three-day event, running from August 21 to 23 at the Millarville Racetrack. Following a sold-out event last year, officials are expecting another busy weekend.

    The rodeo will feature a range of fan favourite events, including mutton bustin’, wild pony races, barrel racing, tie down roping, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, saddle bronc, and bull riding. A new addition to the lineup is “Rising Stars Night” on August 21, which will showcase novice competitors in events such as bareback and saddle bronc riding.

    According to Jennifer Taylor, Okotoks Pro Rodeo V.P., the new event is aimed at encouraging sustainability in rodeo by giving young competitors a chance to gain experience. “We want to encourage sustainability in rodeo, and that is in our youth,” Taylor said.

    Live entertainment will also be a key part of the weekend, with the Alicyn Campbell Band from Longview performing on Friday night and Foxx Worthee headlining on Saturday. Karina Mangone, Miss Rodeo Okotoks, will also be in attendance as she wraps up her year representing the rodeo community.

    Mangone expressed her pride in representing the rodeo community, saying, “I’m very, very proud and I’m very honoured to represent Okotoks.”

  • Okotoks Pilot Project Achieves 21% Construction Waste Diversion Rate

    It looks like Okotoks is building a better future, one recycled brick at a time.

    A new pilot project in Okotoks has shown promising results in reducing construction waste and improving recycling practices. The Town of Okotoks partnered with Azimuth Builders and Wilco Disposal on the Pop-Up Landfill Pilot Project, which aimed to recover and recycle materials typically discarded during construction and demolition activities.

    According to Wasan Jema, Environmental Specialist and Project Lead, construction and demolition activities account for approximately 45% of landfill waste, making it essential for the town to find new ways to reduce waste. The pilot project achieved a 21% diversion rate, keeping nearly one-quarter of construction waste out of the landfill.

    The project also identified ways to increase diversion rates beyond 50% through improved sorting practices and operational adjustments. The town plans to develop practical tools and best practices for future construction projects, making it easier to implement and scale construction waste diversion across Okotoks and potentially other municipalities.

    Beyond the environmental benefits, the pilot demonstrated that on-site sorting can be integrated into construction projects without disrupting work, reducing disposal costs. James Savage, Vice-President of Business Development, noted that sustainability and practical construction can go hand-in-hand without adding unnecessary cost or complexity.

    With Phase I complete, future projects will expand into residential construction, working with builders in Okotoks and exploring opportunities with neighbouring communities to identify practices for commercial and residential construction projects.

  • Okotoks Hosts Japanese Students for Cultural Exchange Program

    It seems the students "chipped" away at their cultural differences and found common ground in Okotoks.

    A group of 26 Japanese high school students, aged 14 to 16, recently spent nearly two weeks in Okotoks as part of an educational and cultural exchange program. The students, accompanied by three chaperones, visited Okotoks from July 25 to Aug. 6 and stayed with local host families.

    The program, organized by the Muskoka Learning Institute (MLI) Education Group, included an ESL program at Viking Rentals Centre and various community activities. The students also learned about Canadian culture and history, including Okotoks landmarks and local First Nation stories.

    During their stay, the students participated in a farewell ceremony, where they thanked their host families, performed traditional Japanese songs and dances, and shared what they learned throughout the program. The students also received thank-you cards from MLI.

    For many of the students, the experience was a memorable one. Yuki Nakaya was surprised by the beauty of Lake Louise, while Shiori Kira appreciated the friendliness of the people in Okotoks. The students also enjoyed trying new foods, including ketchup chips, which became a hit among the group.

    The program has been running since 2013 and provides an opportunity for cultural exchange between Japanese students and Okotoks residents. After the farewell ceremony, the students spent their final night with their host families before returning to Japan with a new perspective on Canadian culture.

  • Okotoks Show and Shine Returns with New Attractions and Classic Favorites

    It's time to "rev up" for the Okotoks Show and Shine!

    The Okotoks Show & Shine is set to return to downtown Okotoks on Sunday, Aug. 16, bringing hundreds of unique cars and trucks to the streets. The event, now in its 15th year, is expected to draw an estimated 15,000 to 20,000 spectators and will run from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. along Elizabeth Street.

    Organizers are promising a fun-filled day with a range of activities, including a brand-new pancake breakfast hosted by the Okotoks Elks, live bands and a DJ, and a new engine rebuild competition featuring young people from local garages and shops.

    Other attractions include local food trucks, vendors, and non-profit groups, as well as a 50/50 raffle with sales ending on Aug. 18. Participants can still register their cars for the show online or at the entrance gate on Veterans Way on the day of the event.

    All proceeds from the event will go directly to local charities, supporting the community that makes the annual Show and Shine possible. Admission is free, with a $20 entry fee for participants.

  • 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 intersection work at Crystal Green Lane and 32nd Street begins August 5

    This project is a real pipe dream come true for Ridgemont.

    Utility construction at the intersection of Crystal Green Lane and 32nd Street in Okotoks is scheduled to start August 5, 2026, and run through August 31. Crews will be completing underground water and sanitary sewer connections for the first phase of the Ridgemont subdivision.

    Work will take place Monday to Saturday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. The Town of Okotoks says no road closures or traffic disruptions are expected, though construction activity will occur close to 32nd Street. Drivers may encounter reduced lane widths or lower speed limits on 32nd Street, and signage will direct Crystal Green Lane traffic via a gravel access road.

    Access to all properties using Crystal Green Lane will be maintained throughout the project. Residents and commuters should expect construction crews, heavy equipment, and noise during working hours.

  • 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.