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  • Okotoks Council Streamlines Transportation Programs to Support Healthcare Access

    "Riding into a brighter future, one bus stop at a time."

    Okotoks residents will see changes to the town’s transportation programs in the new year. The Community Access Program (CAP) will conclude on December 31, 2026, and will be replaced by the Community Access Rides to Essential Healthcare (CARE) program, which will launch on January 1, 2027. The CARE program will focus on helping eligible residents reach essential medical appointments outside of Okotoks.

    The changes were approved by Okotoks Council after a review of how local and out-of-town transportation services work together. The goal is to reduce overlaps between programs, keep local transit available to all residents, and focus additional support on those facing financial or disability-related barriers to accessing healthcare.

    “Transportation helps residents stay connected to their community and access the care they need,” said Deputy Mayor Gord Lang. “This approach keeps local transit open to everyone while directing additional support to those who face the greatest barriers to essential medical appointments.”

    Current CAP cardholders can use Okotoks Transit until the end of the year, free of charge. The fixed-route and on-demand services are available to all residents and are not affected by this review.

    Residents can learn more about the changes and upcoming information sessions at okotoks.ca/care and read the FAQ at okotoks.ca/okotoks-care-community-access.

  • Okotoks Families Invited to Explore Local Health and Wellness Services at Upcoming Expo

    It's time to "grow" your knowledge of local health and wellness services!

    A new community event is aiming to connect Okotoks families with local businesses focused on health and wellness. The first annual Strong Women, Healthy Children: The Foothills Health Expo is coming up on October 3 at the Okotoks Alliance Church from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

    The Expo will feature 40 local vendors offering health and wellness services focused on women, children, and families. This event was inspired by the need to showcase local businesses that cater to families, as many residents often turn to Calgary-based services despite having similar options available in Okotoks.

    Event organizer Nicole Fernell, a local business owner, hopes to bring the community together to discover the many health and wellness services available in Okotoks. In addition to health and wellness vendors, the Expo will also feature face painters, a bakery, and activities for youth such as sensory kits.

    The Millarville Mutts and Mustangs 4H Club will host a 50/50 draw and a barbecue lunch during the event. Fernell’s goal is to ensure that Okotoks families have access to the local businesses that can help them achieve their wellness goals and support their children’s growth and development.

  • 100 Years of Curling Community in Okotoks Celebrated with Events and Reflections

    "Rocking" a century of curling in Okotoks!

    Okotoks’ rich curling history dates back to the early days of the sport, when local curlers would gather on the frozen Sheep River to play the game. The Oilfields Curling Club (OCC), formerly the Turner Valley Oilfields Curling Association, has been a cornerstone of the community for nearly a century.

    From its humble beginnings, the club has grown and evolved, with members adapting to changing times and technologies. In the early days, curlers would bring their own rocks to the rink, made from handmade wooden materials with iron handles. The club’s first home was built near the Turner Valley Gas Plant, featuring three sheets of natural ice.

    Over the years, the OCC has hosted numerous provincial championships and has produced many talented curlers, including those who have gone on to compete at the national level. The club’s junior curling program has also been a source of pride, with several young athletes developing their skills and competing in provincial and national championships.

    Today, the OCC is a thriving community hub, with over 166 registered curlers and a variety of leagues available for players of all skill levels. The club’s 100th anniversary celebrations are underway, featuring events such as an open house, Learn to Curl program, and special edition of the Little Brown Jug Bonspiel.

    “This club has been a great place to get to know the community,” said OCC 100 Year Committee member Judy Price. “It’s a welcoming place, with any skill level welcome to join the league.”

    The OCC’s commitment to community and curling is evident in its many achievements and milestones. As the club looks to the future, it remains a vital part of Okotoks’ cultural fabric, providing a space for people to come together and enjoy the sport they love.

  • Okotoks-area barrel racer, 74, set to compete at Canadian Finals Rodeo for fifth time

    She's corralled her passion for rodeo and is still lassoing the competition.

    At 74 years old, Suzanne DePaoli is heading to her fifth Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) this October, a testament to her enduring passion for barrel racing.

    DePaoli, who grew up on a farm just east of Okotoks, has been involved in rodeo since she was a teenager. She first attended the CFR in 1989 and has qualified for the event four more times, including this year, when she finished fifth in Canada with $37,065 in earnings.

    DePaoli credits her active lifestyle and dedication to physical conditioning for her ability to continue competing at a high level. She lifts weights regularly and spends nearly every day on the back of a horse, thanks to her ranching work west of Longview.

    Since she started racing as a teen, DePaoli has seen significant changes in the sport. Barrel racing was once considered less competitive and less serious than other rodeo events, but it has since gained recognition and respect. The sport has also become more inclusive, with the addition of breakaway roping and other female sports.

    DePaoli will attend the CFR with two horses, Redtag and Steven, both of which she believes have the potential to excel in the competition.

    “I still feel pretty young,” DePaoli said, reflecting on her age and her continued involvement in the sport. “I’m lucky to be healthy, and so I don’t have any health issues right now, so that’s exciting.”

  • Okotoks-area woman missing since August, RCMP seek public assistance

    Missing Daw, but not missing the point – stay vigilant, Okotoks!

    The High River RCMP is seeking the public’s assistance to locate a missing 38-year-old woman who has ties to the Okotoks area.

    Jodi Daw was last heard from on August 23 and could be in the Calgary area, but is known to frequent the High River and Okotoks areas.

    She is described as having a fair complexion, with brown hair, and hazel eyes.

    Anyone with information on Daw’s whereabouts is asked to call High River RCMP at 403-652-2357 or local police.

  • Okotoks honours residential school victims and survivors with Pipe Ceremony

    Filling the pipe with prayers, and filling hearts with understanding.

    To mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Town of Okotoks is hosting a Pipe Ceremony and gathering at the Viking Rentals Centre Events Hall. The ceremony, led by Blackfoot Elders, ceremonialists, and residential school survivors Reg and Rose Crowshoe from the Piikani First Nation, will take place tomorrow from 10 a.m. to noon.

    Town of Okotoks Indigenous Relations Advisor Desmond Jackson encourages community members to attend and experience the ceremony, which will include the filling of a pipe and prayers for those affected by the Indian residential school system. Following the ceremony, berry soup and bannock will be served.

    Attendees are also encouraged to wear orange and visit the memorial site in Ethel Tucker Park, dedicated to residential school victims and survivors, as well as missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls. Community members are welcome to bring meaningful offerings to place at the site to pay respect and reflect.

    Jackson also encourages community members to spend the day reflecting through education, taking a moment to learn about the history of the Indian residential school system in Canada.

    The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day, is observed annually on Sept. 30. The day was established in 2013 to honour residential school survivors and serve as a powerful reminder of the lasting impacts of the residential school system.

    The orange shirt symbolizes the loss of culture, freedom, and self-esteem, reminding everyone that “Every Child Matters.”

  • Okotoks Community to Honour National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with Pipe Ceremony

    The pipe ceremony is a "smoking" success in promoting reconciliation in Okotoks!

    The Town of Okotoks is inviting the community to join in a Pipe Ceremony on September 30, 2026, to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This important day honours the Victims, Survivors, and all those affected by the Residential School system.

    The ceremony will take place at the Viking Rentals Centre Events Hall at 10 a.m. and will feature a Pipe Ceremony led by Blackfoot Elders, Ceremonialists, and Residential School Survivors Doctors Reg and Rose Crowshoe from the Piikani First Nation. The event will also include traditional food, such as berry soup and bannock.

    The Town of Okotoks recognizes the journey to reconciliation is ongoing and deeply rooted in respect, understanding, and action. By observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, the Town is taking an important step in acknowledging its role in this process and strengthening relationships with the Indigenous community. The Town is committed to reconciliation and building a relationship through dialogue with the Indigenous community, fostering an inclusive community that values the history, traditions, and cultures of Indigenous peoples.

    For more information, please visit okotoks.ca/truth-and-reconciliation.

    Date: September 30, 2026

    Time: 10 a.m.

    Location: Viking Rentals Centre, 204 Community Way, Okotoks

  • Okotoks residents invited to candid conversations on new podcast

    "Agenda ahead" for Okotoks residents, indeed!

    The Town of Okotoks has launched a new podcast, “Beyond the Agenda,” aiming to provide residents with a deeper understanding of the decisions, challenges, and opportunities shaping the community.

    Through conversations with council members, town staff, and local guests, listeners will gain insight into the experiences and priorities of Okotoks, as well as the choices that influence the town’s growth and development.

    Deputy Mayor Gord Lang notes, “There is always more to the story than what appears on an agenda.” The podcast aims to give residents a more nuanced understanding of the town’s operations and the trade-offs involved in its decision-making process.

    Hosted by Logan Coutts, with occasional guest hosts, the podcast will feature episodes on various topics, including the Town’s budget, community growth, and major projects. The first episode explores the Town’s 2027-2030 Strategic Plan, while the second episode begins a three-part series on growth in the community.

    Residents are encouraged to suggest questions, topics, and guests as the podcast evolves, reflecting the diverse perspectives that make Okotoks unique. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music, and YouTube.

  • Okotoks Railway Street construction underway with temporary closures

    "Construction is a 'pipe' dream, but it's a necessary one for Okotoks' growth!"

    Construction on South Railway Street in Okotoks has started, with crews working to install new underground water and sanitary infrastructure. The project, part of the River's Edge Infrastructure Improvements project, aims to improve long-term reliability, increase capacity, and support future growth in the area.

    The construction will occur in two stages. Stage 1, which began on September 28, involves installing a new deep watermain along South Railway Street at the intersection of Lineham Avenue. This stage is expected to be completed by October 13, weather permitting.

    During Stage 1, the westbound lane of South Railway Street will be closed, as will the Lineham Avenue and South Railway Street intersection. However, access to East Lineham, Summit West School, nearby properties, and the river valley pathway system will be maintained through temporary access routes and signed detours.

    Stage 2, which will start on October 14 and progress into early November, will see crews install a new deep sanitary sewer. Work will start near the Lineham Avenue intersection and progress west along South Railway Street. During this time, through traffic from Lineham Avenue will reopen, as will South Railway Street to eastbound traffic.

    It’s worth noting that Riverside Drive remains closed between Veterans Way and the Okotoks United Church as part of the same project. Work on sanitary sewer replacement and upsizing, roadway improvements, and new on-street parking has been underway since last August and will continue through late October.

    Motorists should expect temporary detours, lane closures, and parking restrictions throughout the construction period. The project team will maintain access for residents, businesses, school traffic, and pedestrians throughout construction.

  • Okotoks Town Buildings Observe National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

    We're taking a day to reflect on the past, but we're looking forward to a brighter future.

    The Town of Okotoks is observing the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, a day marked by the Government of Canada in 2021 to recognize and reflect on the history and ongoing effects of Residential Schools. While not a statutory holiday in Alberta, the Town acknowledges this day to promote reconciliation and understanding.

    Most Town buildings will be closed on Wednesday, September 30, with some exceptions. Fire and emergency services will remain fully operational.

    Facility hours for September 30 are as follows:

    • Okotoks Recreation Centre: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm
    • Viking Rentals Centre: 2:30 pm – 10:00 pm

    The following facilities will be closed:

    • Municipal Centre & Operations Centre
    • Fire Station No. 1 (administrative offices)
    • RCMP / Municipal Enforcement
    • Okotoks Eco Centre
    • Okotoks Art Gallery & Okotoks Museum and Archives
    • Okotoks Family Resource Centre

    For more information on the Town’s commitment to reconciliation, visit this webpage.