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  • 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.

  • 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.”