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  • Northridge Drive construction in Okotoks to wrap up next Wednesday

    It's time to "pave" the way for smoother commutes in Okotoks!

    Upgrades on Northridge Drive in Okotoks are nearing completion, with crews working to finish the project by next Wednesday, October 14. The work, part of the Northridge Drive Urbanization project for Anthem United, involves concrete and asphalt work between Banister Gate and 338 Avenue.

    The Town of Okotoks has outlined a five-phase plan for the work, with lane closures and traffic patterns changing as crews move from one phase to the next. Drivers are advised to watch for changing signs, lane shifts, and detours throughout the project area and to allow extra travel time.

    Additionally, a pathway closure will be in place on the west side of Northridge Drive at the D’Arcy Heights rental complex, starting Monday, October 12, until the end of the month. This closure will affect north-south pedestrian traffic as crews work on an emergency access road to Northridge Drive from the parking lot.

    Residents may also want to be aware that 32 Street, another main roadway to leave town heading north, is also under construction. Utility work along the east side of 32 Street and Crystal Green Lane began in August and is expected to wrap up next Wednesday, October 14. While 32 Street remains open to traffic, pedestrian detours are in place for access to Holy Trinity Academy.

    For the latest information on traffic and construction in Okotoks, visit the Town of Okotoks website.

    Learn more about the Northridge Drive Urbanization project.

  • Northridge Drive Pathway Closure for Emergency Access Construction Set for October

    It's a "detour" from normal life, but it's for a good cause!

    The Town of Okotoks has announced a pathway closure on the west side of Northridge Drive to facilitate emergency roadway access construction. The project is scheduled to begin on October 12, 2026, and is expected to be completed by October 30, 2026.

    During the construction period, the regional pathway will be closed, and pedestrians will be directed to use the east Northridge Drive regional pathway for north to south traffic. Vehicle traffic is not expected to be impacted.

    The pathway closure is necessary to allow for the construction of emergency access to Northridge Drive.

  • Northridge Drive Lane Closures and Detours in Okotoks Continue until October 14

    It's a "road" to improvement, but for now, drivers will have to take the detour.

    Residents of Okotoks can expect ongoing lane closures and detours on Northridge Drive between Banister Gate and 338 Avenue until October 14, 2026, as part of the Northridge Drive Urbanization project.

    The project, which aims to improve safety, traffic flow, and connectivity in the area, involves upgrading the road with road widening, new curbs and gutters, stormwater infrastructure, intersection upgrades, landscaping, and new pathways and connections for people walking, rolling, and cycling.

    The work is being completed in five phases, with each phase taking place at different locations along Northridge Drive. Lane closures and traffic patterns will change as crews move from one section to the next, with some phases requiring traffic control changes on a near-daily basis.

    During one phase, northbound traffic will be temporarily shifted onto the southbound side of Northridge Drive while work is completed. Traffic control measures may remain in place outside construction hours, and drivers are encouraged to watch for changing signs, lane shifts, and detours throughout the project area and allow extra travel time.

    Construction crews, heavy equipment, and noise can be expected during working hours, with reduced lanes and changing traffic patterns throughout the work area. Traffic-control signs, barriers, and detours may be repositioned as work progresses, and possible delays at nearby intersections and traffic signals should be anticipated.

    For the latest updates on traffic arrangements, drivers who regularly travel through the area are advised to check the construction webpage.

  • Okotoks-area driver faces charges after reaching 195 km/h on Hwy. 2

    Speeding through life, but not through the fine print.

    Foothills County Enforcement Services recently stopped a driver travelling at an excessive speed on Highway 2 near Okotoks. The incident began when an officer observed the vehicle merging onto southbound Highway 2 from Highway 2A at an estimated 150 km/h.

    As the officer attempted to catch up, the vehicle accelerated to 178 km/h, which was confirmed by radar. The driver continued to increase speed, ultimately reaching a maximum speed of 195 km/h in heavy traffic.

    The driver was issued a court summons for speeding and a $243 fine for failing to produce a valid certificate of registration. Foothills County emphasized the dangers of excessive speed, particularly in heavy traffic, and the importance of speed limits in protecting road users.

    According to Foothills County, excessive speed significantly increases the risk of serious collisions, and at high speeds, there is little room for error. The consequences of speeding can be devastating, and the County encourages drivers to adhere to speed limits.

    For those who wish to report excessive speeding or other traffic concerns, the Foothills Enforcement 24-hour complaint line is available at 403-603-6300.

  • Northridge Drive Upgrade Work to Impact Traffic in Okotoks Until October 21

    It's time to "pave" the way for a smoother commute in Okotoks!

    Residents of Okotoks can expect disruptions to traffic on Northridge Drive between Banister Gate and 338 Avenue as part of the ongoing Northridge Drive upgrade work. The project, which involves both concrete and asphalt work, is scheduled to start on October 7 and is expected to be completed by October 21.

    The work will take place from Monday to Saturday, between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m., with traffic patterns changing as crews complete sections of work. Motorists are advised to pay close attention to signs and be patient as traffic may be slower at times. Detours will be in place 24/7.

    Residents can expect to see construction crews, heavy equipment, and noise during working hours. Traffic detours will be in place, and delays at traffic lights in the area are also anticipated.

    The Northridge Drive upgrade work is aimed at completing the necessary roadwork as part of the overall upgrade project.

  • Okotoks’ Ardiel Residence mediation ends without resolution

    It seems the Ardiel Residence's fate is still up for debate.

    Mediation efforts between the Town of Okotoks and the owner of the historic Ardiel Residence, located at 50 McRae Street, have come to an end without a successful resolution. The town announced the termination of the mediation process in September, after failing to reach an agreement.

    The dispute began in mid-2025, when the property owner faced a series of complaints that led to town investigations. Although most of the complaints were deemed unfounded, the town anticipated that issues related to the historic and current site conditions would be addressed through mediation.

    Despite entering mediation in June, the parties were unable to come to a mutually acceptable agreement. A demolition permit for the century-old building was issued in the spring, which may have contributed to the lack of progress in the mediation talks.

    For more information on the town’s statement regarding the 50 McRae Street property, visit the Town of Okotoks’ website.

  • Okotoks Off-Leash Dog Park Undergoes Improvements, South Entrance Temporarily Closed

    It looks like the park is digging itself a better future.

    Okotoks residents with furry friends in tow will need to adjust their off-leash dog park routine this week. The south entrance of the Okotoks Off-Leash Dog Park, located at 51 Drake Landing Loop, is currently closed due to ongoing landscape improvements.

    The town is working to enhance the park with new double-gated entrances at both the north and south access points, as well as the planting of native tree species at the southwest corner. However, before the trees can take root, crews need to bring in a significant amount of soil, necessitating the closure of the south entrance and southwest area of the park.

    Residents are thanked for their patience as the town works to make the park an even better destination for dogs and their owners.

  • Lethbridge pair charged with first-degree murder of Calgary man found in Foothills County

    It looks like justice is burning a hole in the suspects' alibis.

    Two Lethbridge residents have been charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of a Calgary man whose human remains were found in a burned vehicle in Foothills County last winter.

    On February 4, 2026, emergency crews responded to a grass fire south of Eden Valley, where responders found a burned vehicle containing unidentified human remains. The vehicle was later identified as belonging to 24-year-old Frans Faras, a Calgary resident.

    Thirty-seven-year-old Vance Pidborochynski and 30-year-old Shelby Filkowski, both residents of Lethbridge, have been charged with the first-degree murder of Faras. Following judicial interim release hearings and a first appearance in court on October 5, both have been remanded into custody.

    The burned vehicle was discovered after Foothills, Diamond Valley, and High River fire departments responded to a grass fire south of Eden Valley around 8:30 p.m. on February 4, 2026. RCMP Major Crimes took charge of the investigation and asked anyone with information regarding the case to contact local RCMP.

    RCMP previously sought assistance in the investigation, looking for anyone who had surveillance or dashcam footage from February 4, 2026, between 7 and 8:30 p.m. in Foothills County on roads near the intersection of Highway 22 and 540, south of Longview, near the Bar U Ranch National Historic Site.

    Specifically, RCMP was looking for footage of a blue/grey 2022 Dodge Ram pickup with a tonneau cover.

  • Okotoks witches paddle raises over $1,000 for local food bank

    It's a spell-binding way to give back to the community!

    More than 60 witches gathered at Crystal Shores Lake in Okotoks on October 3 for the third annual Witches Paddle, raising $1,146 for the Okotoks Food Bank.

    Event organizer Tamara Royal reported a successful day, with donations doubling from last year’s total. The event featured a variety of activities, including a witch-themed yoga session on the beach and trick-or-treating on the lake.

    • Participants were encouraged to dress in their best witchy attire.
    • A giant unicorn floaty was available for those who didn’t have a paddleboard but wanted to join in.
    • A new addition to the event was a witchy market table, featuring products from local makers.

    Royal emphasized that the Witches Paddle is about more than just fundraising – it’s also an opportunity for residents to meet and connect with others in the community.

    The event’s success has organizers already looking ahead to next year’s event, with plans to potentially restructure the schedule to allow for more time on the water.

  • Okotoks Residents Can Recycle More Starting October 1

    It's time to "recycle" your old recycling habits!

    Okotoks residents will soon have more opportunities to recycle, thanks to the province’s new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program, which takes effect on October 1, 2026.

    The expanded program will accept a wider range of materials, including plastic bags, overwrap, foam packaging, food and body aerosols, foam containers, flexible plastics, and other packaging materials that were previously not collected through the residential recycling program.

    Residents with questions or concerns about the blue cart service can contact T&T Disposal Services at 403-938-7930 or [email protected].

    The expanded list of accepted materials includes:

    • Food spray, whipping cream, hairspray, air fresheners, shaving cream, and deodorant
    • Bags used for dry cleaning, bread, newspapers, and flyers, as well as overwrap, coffee bags, deli pouches, chip bags, bubble wrap, snack wrappers, cereal liner bags, and plastic gift bags
    • Deodorant, toothpaste, and lotion or hand cream tubes
    • Meat trays, takeout containers, cups, plates, bowls, and foam packaging