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  • Okotoks RCMP Investigate Backyard Fence Crash Involving Young Driver

    Looks like the young driver's lesson plan included a crash course in fence etiquette.

    A collision involving a small car and a backyard fence is under investigation by the Okotoks RCMP. The incident occurred on August 19 near the intersection of Cimarron Drive and Cimarron Meadows Road.

    According to Staff Sergeant Mike Zinck, Detachment Commander of the Okotoks RCMP, preliminary information suggests that the collision was the result of human error and does not appear to have any criminal element. The driver involved was a youth who was learning to drive.

    The investigation is ongoing, and the incident is being treated as an accident.

  • Okotoks Summer Round Up Brings Chili, Music, and Fun to Downtown

    It's going to be a 'hot' weekend in Okotoks!

    This weekend, downtown Okotoks will transform into a flavour festival as the Summer Round Up featuring the Chili Cookoff takes over Elizabeth Street. The event, happening on Saturday, Aug. 22 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., promises an exciting day of chili tasting, live music, an artisan market, and kids’ activities.

    Visitors can purchase chili passports and food tickets at both ends of the event zone, allowing them to sample a variety of delicious chili creations. After tasting, attendees can vote for their favourite chili beside the main stage in front of Elks Hall.

    For those looking for an extra challenge, the Cobzilla Challenge will see contestants racing to eat three cobs of corn. The fastest in the 13 and under, and 14 and over categories will win a prize.

    Before heading downtown, residents and visitors are advised to plan ahead. Elizabeth Street will be closed to vehicle traffic between Northridge Drive and Veterans Way, and Riverside Drive between Veterans Way and the Okotoks United Church will also be closed to regular vehicle traffic. Drivers should expect traffic pattern changes and detours in the area.

    Residents are encouraged to consider cycling to the event and use the complimentary Bike Valet.

  • Okotoks Show and Shine yields $5,000 donation for Foothills Country Hospice

    It's clear the Big Rock Auto Club is driving support for the community.

    Foothills Country Hospice has received a $5,000 donation from the Big Rock Auto Club, thanks to this year’s Okotoks Show and Shine event.

    The cheque was presented on August 16 during the Okotoks Show and Shine.

    According to Timmi Shorr, Fund Development Officer at Foothills Country Hospice, the organization is thrilled to receive the donation, which will have a meaningful impact on their ability to provide compassionate end-of-life care and support to residents and families in the community.

    The funding will be used to support residents’ care, as well as programs such as Grief Support and Compassionate Communities.

    Foothills Country Hospice has expressed gratitude to the Big Rock Auto Club, event organizers, and attendees of the Show and Shine for their support.

  • Parking Restrictions on Cimarron Boulevard in Okotoks for Road Maintenance

    It looks like Okotoks is "sealing" the deal on road maintenance.

    Okotoks residents are advised of temporary parking bans on sections of Cimarron Boulevard from August 24-26 to facilitate crack sealing operations.

    The parking restrictions will be in effect during the following times and locations:

    • August 24-25, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Cimarron Boulevard between 32 Street and Cimarron Drive
    • August 25-26, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.: Cimarron Boulevard between Cimarron Drive and Southridge Drive

    Residents are required to remove all vehicles and obstructions from the roadway during the parking ban periods. Alternate routes are recommended where possible.

    Waste collection, emergency services, and Canada Post delivery will not be impacted by the parking restrictions.

    For more information, residents can visit okotoks.ca/maintenance-routes or contact Municipal Enforcement at 403-995-6302 or Transportation at 403-938-8952.

  • Okotoks Home Sales Remain Steady Amid Declining Benchmark Prices

    It seems the Okotoks housing market is "benchmarking" a new trend.

    Okotoks’ summer housing market has seen steady sales and listings, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB). In June, the town recorded 89 new listings and 70 sales, while July saw 78 new listings and 70 sales, resulting in a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 90 per cent.

    Although supply has improved from the low levels of the past five years, it remains below normal levels, CREB reported. Benchmark prices continue to decline, likely due to increased competition from new developments in south Calgary.

    As of July, the unadjusted detached benchmark price in Okotoks eased to $695,700, a decrease of more than two per cent compared to the same time last year.

    In the broader Foothills region, CREB reported 137 sales and 194 new listings in July, with a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 71 per cent. The region’s inventory sits at 365 homes, with 2.66 months of supply.

    The benchmark price in Foothills is $690,400, with an average price of $741,733, and a median price of $627,500. Year to date, the region has recorded 799 sales and 1,289 new listings, with a year-to-date benchmark price of $681,114.

  • Crash on Highway 2A north of Okotoks causes morning delays

    It looks like traffic is back on the right track.

    Traffic is flowing normally again after a morning incident on northbound Highway 2A, just north of Okotoks and past 322 Avenue, caused delays for commuters.

    Emergency crews responded to the incident, which occurred shortly after 5 a.m.

    During the response, northbound traffic was reduced to a single lane, while southbound traffic remained unaffected.

  • 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.

  • Okotoks Welcomes Rolling Barrage on 10th Anniversary of Cross-Canada Ride

    It's clear the Rolling Barrage has been "driving" support for a great cause.

    The Rolling Barrage, a cross-Canada motorcycle rally, rolled into Okotoks yesterday, marking its 10th anniversary. The event aims to raise awareness about PTSD and funds for PTSD programming across Canada.

    Over 200 motorcycles arrived in town just before 6 p.m., where they were met with warm smiles and salutes. Members of the Okotoks Legion and High River Legion, led by Master Warrant Officer David Miles, lined the intersection of Veterans Way and Elma Street to show their support.

    The Okotoks Legion, with support from the Town of Okotoks, organized a reception at the Viking Rentals Centre for the riders. The Rotary Club of Okotoks also showed their support by installing 200 Canadian flags on Veterans Way.

    Since its first ride, the Rolling Barrage has raised over $600,000 for PTSD programs across Canada. The ride, which spans 10,000 kilometres, will conclude on Saturday in Aldergrove, B.C., after 22 days on the road.

    The riders continued their journey this morning, stopping for breakfast at the Turner Valley Legion in Diamond Valley before heading to Cranbrook, B.C.

  • Okotoks Fire Department Joins Regional Response to Blaze at Cannabis Storage Facility

    It seems the facility went up in smoke, but thankfully, no one was left feeling burned.

    A large-scale cannabis storage facility near Aldersyde was destroyed in a fire early Wednesday, Aug. 19, prompting a multi-department response from fire crews across the Foothills region.

    Firefighters from Okotoks, Heritage Pointe, Diamond Valley, Blackie, and Spruce Meadows provided mutual aid to the High River Fire Department, which initially attempted to attack the fire from the inside before switching to defensive operations due to extreme heat and heavy smoke.

    The collaborative effort played a crucial role in managing the fire, with additional crews, apparatus, water supply, and personnel helping to bring the situation under control.

    No injuries were reported in the incident, but the cause of the fire remains unknown.

  • 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.