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  • Okotoks to Receive Final Water Pipe Installations by 2027

    It's a pipe dream come true for Okotoks residents, who will soon have a reliable water supply.

    Foothills County is making significant progress on the Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project, with the final section of pipe installation set to begin this week. The county’s portion of the project, Pipe D, will connect to the existing water main infrastructure and continue south to the Aldersyde Raw Water Reservoir, where the water will be treated at the new water treatment plant.

    The main pipe installation is scheduled to be completed by January 25, 2027, with localized finishing and landscape rehabilitation work taking place in April and expected to be completed by May 3, 2027. The raw water reservoir will provide water storage for emergency situations and allow water to be available during seasonal variations in river flows.

    A midline pump station on site will boost water in the pipeline to reach both municipal treatment facilities and maintain water quality in the reservoir. As of April, 25 kilometres of watermain had been laid from the raw water intake and intake pump station at the Bow River, bringing the start of interim seasonal water delivery to Okotoks.

    In June, a ceremonial valve turning was held to celebrate the milestone, attended by representatives from the Town of Okotoks, county, regional, and provincial leaders. The project aims to provide a reliable water supply to Okotoks and surrounding areas.

    Foothills County is overseeing the project, which is part of the broader Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project. For more information on the project, visit the Foothills Okotoks Regional Water Project website.

  • Okotoks residents rally to save Dr. Lander Memorial Pool

    It's time to dive into the conversation about the pool's future.

    A community meeting is planned in Okotoks to discuss the future of the Dr. Lander Memorial Pool, a facility that has been a staple in the community for over 60 years. The meeting, organized by community members, is scheduled for Thursday, Oct. 8, at 7 p.m. at the Griffiths Memorial Centre.

    The group aims to explore options for keeping the pool open until alternative recreational facilities are available. Potential solutions could include community support with maintenance and staffing, corporate and community sponsorships, as well as events and family activities aimed at increasing revenue.

    The Town of Okotoks has previously raised concerns about the long-term viability of the facility, citing operational and financial challenges, significant capital costs, and possible tax implications. Mayor Brendan Kelly noted that the pool’s aging infrastructure and the end of the current operating arrangement with the Town of Okotoks make it unlikely that the pool will continue to operate beyond 2026.

    However, the Diamond Valley Community Association has started planning work on the future of recreation in Diamond Valley, including funding and grant opportunities. Residents are encouraged to get involved with the association to contribute to the discussion.

    The Town of Okotoks will revisit the future of the Dr. Lander Memorial Pool as part of the 2027 budget process, with budget meetings scheduled for Nov. 4 and 18.

  • Okotoks Food Bank’s truck targeted in catalytic converter theft

    It looks like the food bank's truck was a "hot" target for thieves.

    Volunteers at the Okotoks Food Bank were left stunned after discovering that their truck’s catalytic converter had been stolen from a secure facility on October 1. According to executive director Bente Yanota, the truck was being kept at a secure location with security measures in place, but the thief was still able to saw off the converter in two places.

    The theft has left the food bank to navigate the process of filing a police report and working through insurance to resolve the issue. In the meantime, the food bank has arranged to rent another truck to continue its regular pickups, which are essential to its operations.

    The catalytic converter, which is typically worth between $100 and $1,800 in Calgary, depending on the vehicle make and model, was stolen despite the food bank’s efforts to keep it secure. Yanota has since had to learn more about catalytic converters and is exploring preventative measures, such as etching a vehicle’s VIN into the converter.

    The Okotoks Food Bank will continue to operate as usual while it waits for its truck to be fixed and will receive a rented replacement truck next week. The food bank will also continue collecting donations as it prepares for its Christmas hamper campaigns.

  • Okotoks seniors club brings generations together through community art project

    Brushing up on community connections, one stroke at a time.

    The Okotoks and District Seniors Club recently hosted a community mural event, bringing together people of all ages and backgrounds to create a new piece of art and foster connections between generations and cultures.

    The event, organized in partnership with Foothills Community Immigrant Services (FCIS) and the Foothills Local Immigration Partnership (FLIP), aimed to encourage interaction between different age groups and cultural backgrounds through art.

    High River-based artist Russell Thomas, who also designed the first community mural in June, helped plan and guide participants as they added their own touch to the larger piece.

    Attendees were encouraged to bond over shared activities, including painting and icebreaker question cards that prompted participants to talk about their childhoods, families, and cultural backgrounds.

    According to Jennielyn Galope, FCIS community resource worker, the event was designed to create a unique environment for interaction, where participants could meet new people and share experiences.

    Sharon Anderson, president of the Okotoks and District Seniors Club, said the event offered the club’s members a rare opportunity to spend an afternoon alongside younger generations.

    The finished mural will hang in the Okotoks and District Seniors Club, where it was created, and organizers hope that the connections made during the event will continue beyond the project.

  • Okotoks Fire & Rescue Hosts Open House to Promote Fire Safety

    Sparking interest in fire safety, one Open House at a time.

    Okotoks residents are invited to learn about fire safety and meet local firefighters during an Open House at Fire Station #1 this weekend. The event is part of Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4 to 10.

    On Sunday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Okotoks Fire & Rescue will host the Open House, featuring a range of activities, including story time with the Fire Chief, fire scenarios and safety demonstrations, and a best-dressed firefighter competition with prizes.

    Other activities include firefighting skills and games, as well as photos with Sparky. The event aims to promote fire safety and encourage residents to take steps to protect themselves and their families.

    For more information about the Open House and Fire Prevention Week, visit the Town of Okotoks’ community event calendar at www.okotoks.ca/your-community/living-okotoks/community-event-calendar/fpw.

  • Okotoks Fire & Rescue Hosts Fire Prevention Week Open House

    Sparking interest in fire safety is a burning ambition.

    Residents of Okotoks are invited to join Okotoks Fire & Rescue for a free, family-friendly event celebrating Fire Prevention Week. The open house will take place on Sunday, October 4, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Fire Station 1, located at 132 Milligan Drive.

    Attendees can expect a range of activities, including story time with the Fire Chief, live fire scenarios and demonstrations, and a best-dressed firefighter competition with prizes. Refreshments will also be available on site. Visitors can check out the fire trucks and meet the firefighters while learning more about fire prevention and safety.

    The event coincides with National Fire Prevention Week, which runs from October 4 to 10, 2026. This year’s theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe charging is a superpower,” focuses on helping families understand how to safely use and charge battery-powered devices in their homes.

    For more information about Fire Prevention Week, visit okotoks.ca/fpw. Please note that visitors are encouraged to park across the street at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, and that fire crews may need to leave the event if emergency calls are received.

  • Okotoks Town Addresses Long-Standing Issues at 50 McRae Street

    It looks like the Town is trying to "site" down the issues at 50 McRae Street.

    The Town of Okotoks has been working to resolve ongoing issues at 50 McRae Street, which began in mid-2025 with a series of complaints against the property owner. Following investigations by the Town, most of these complaints were found to be unfounded.

    However, some issues related to historic and current site conditions remained, prompting the Town to invite the property owner to participate in mediation. The mediation process started in June 2026 and will continue through the summer.

    The Town is encouraging the community to support this mediation process, aiming for a positive resolution to the outstanding issues.

  • Okotoks gas prices drop after Alberta fuel tax suspension

    Fuel for thought – prices are dropping, but for how long?

    Alberta’s suspension of the 13-cent-per-litre provincial fuel tax came into effect yesterday, and Okotoks residents are already seeing the effects. As of October 1, the average price of regular gas in Okotoks was 166.9 cents per litre, down from 176.2 cents per litre on September 30.

    According to Patrick De Haan, head of petroleum analysis at GasBuddy, prices may continue to drop as stations sell through their existing fuel supplies and purchase untaxed fuel. “You’re not going to necessarily see a 13-cent drop all at once,” De Haan said. “Stations that bought fuel yesterday have potentially thousands of liters that they paid tax on and are unlikely to want to pass the full drop along.”

    As of yesterday, the provincial average gas price in Alberta was 162.2 cents per litre, down 5 cents from the previous week. De Haan noted that it’s difficult to predict where prices will be when the tax break lifts on December 31, citing ongoing geopolitical tensions.

    It’s worth noting that the suspension of the fuel tax will remain in place until the end of the year, and it’s possible to see some price changes in the grocery store due to lower transportation costs during the tax break.

  • Bike Lane Installation Underway on North Railway Street in Okotoks

    We're "pedaling" towards a safer, more connected Okotoks!

    Project Location

    North Railway Street from Poplar Avenue to west of 32 Street East.

    Type of Work

    The Town of Okotoks is installing a protected two-way bike lane along the south side of North Railway Street. Work includes pavement markings, signage, barrier installation and roadway modifications to improve safety and connectivity for all users.

    Schedule

    Construction started the week of August 24, 2026, and is expected to be completed by mid-October.

    Impacts

    • Temporary lane restrictions and traffic adjustments may be required.
    • Parking will be restricted along sections of the north side of the street.
    • Temporary pedestrian and cycling detours may be required during construction.
    • Residents and businesses in the area can expect short-term impacts such as construction noise, equipment activity and temporary access adjustments.

    What to Expect During Construction

    • Vehicle access will be maintained whenever possible.
    • Access to homes and businesses will be maintained whenever possible.
    • Businesses will remain open during construction.
    • Access for people walking, rolling and cycling will be maintained wherever possible.
    • The Town of Okotoks will work to minimize disruptions and maintain safe access throughout construction.

    Why This Work Is Happening

    This project supports the Town’s Active Transportation Implementation Plan by improving safety, connectivity and access along a key east-west corridor. The bike lane will connect existing pathway infrastructure and help create safer travel options for people walking, rolling, cycling and driving. The project also improves access to downtown and surrounding areas while completing an important link in Okotoks’ pathway network.

    The Town aims to minimize disruptions and maintain safe access throughout construction. For more information, visit this webpage for a map of the project area.

  • Okotoks Pathfinders and Rangers Receive Grant for Enhanced Camping Experiences

    It looks like the Okotoks Pathfinders and Rangers are "pitching" in to make their camping experiences even better!

    The 1st Okotoks Pathfinders and 1st Okotoks Rangers have been awarded a $1,000 grant from the Canada Post Community Foundation to support their camping activities. The funding will be used to purchase a bell tent, which will provide a space for youth to gather and connect during camping events.

    According to Lisa Penzo, guide leader for the group, the bell tent is a valuable addition to their camping equipment. “We’re quite excited because the 1st Okotoks Pathfinders and Rangers are a youth-driven organization in that they have a lot of say and choice in what we do,” she said. “The nice thing about this contribution to that specific piece of equipment is that we wouldn’t be able to do it without it.”

    The bell tent has been on the group’s wish list since last year, when the youth borrowed a similar tent. “The feedback from the youth was that they were very excited if we could get one,” Penzo said. “It was certainly something they were seeking, and this will help go towards that.”

    The funds were raised through various donations and fundraising efforts, including special stamp booklets, collection envelopes, postcards, and a silent auction at the Canada Post office in Okotoks.

    Missy Henderson, Canada Post area manager, noted that the funds raised through the Canada Post Community Foundation stay within the province and territory in which they were received. Carolyn Gutowski, co-leader of the group, expressed her gratitude to the community for their support in helping raise funds.

    The Canada Post Community Foundation awarded a total of $1.3 million to charities and organizations supporting children and youth across the country this year.