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  • Okotoks residents rally behind Rolling Barrage’s 10th anniversary ride

    The Rolling Barrage is shifting gears to support those in need.

    Last month, the Rolling Barrage made its way through Okotoks as part of a cross-Canada ride to raise awareness and funds for PTSD programs. The ride, which took place from August 19 to 22, was the organization’s 10th anniversary event.

    Okotoks reception co-coordinator Rob Calvert expressed gratitude for the community’s support, stating that the town’s reception was “by far the best” among all the stops on the ride. The event saw over 200 motorcycles ride into Okotoks, where they were welcomed by community members, local emergency services, and other organizations.

    The Rolling Barrage has raised over $600,000 for PTSD programs across Canada in the past nine years. This year’s fundraiser is expected to reach new heights, with Calvert noting that the organization is still tallying the final fundraising dollars.

    During the ride, the Rolling Barrage covered approximately 1,434,000 cumulative kilometres, injecting more than $600,000 into the Canadian economy. The organization also visited 27 Royal Canadian Legion branches, received police escorts from 96 police officers, and connected with thousands of veterans.

    The Rolling Barrage‘s efforts have been well-received by the community, with Calvert praising the town’s support for the organization’s mission to help first responders, emergency workers, and military personnel with PTSD.

  • Okotoks Council Approves Path Forward for Recreation Centre Improvements

    It looks like Okotoks is making a splash with its new recreation centre plans!

    Okotoks town council has made a significant decision regarding the future of the town’s recreation centre. After carefully considering three investment options, council has chosen a plan that includes new leisure water amenities, the renewal of the existing leisure pool, new change room facilities, and supporting infrastructure that will allow for additional amenities to be added in future phases.

    The chosen option, which has a preliminary planning estimate of approximately $76.4 million, reflects council’s commitment to investing in recreation while planning for Okotoks’ future. According to Mayor Tanya Thorn, council carefully considered the information available and selected the option that best balances community needs, long-term flexibility, and fiscal responsibility.

    Leisure water amenities were identified as the community’s highest recreation priority through previous community engagement. The Recreation, Parks and Leisure Master Plan, which gathered input from over 1,000 residents and recreation users, also identified leisure water as the community’s highest recreation priority.

    The next phase of the project will focus on detailed design work, including updated capital and operating cost estimates, phasing, constructability, and procurement readiness. Community engagement opportunities may occur in the future as council considers topics such as project funding, tax implications, debt levels, project phasing, or other significant decisions.

    Construction funding and approvals will be considered by council at a future date, with no funding strategy or construction timeline approved.

  • Okotoks and surrounding areas under Frost Advisory

    It's time to frost-bite the chill with a warm cup of coffee!

    A Frost Advisory has been issued for Okotoks and surrounding areas in the Foothills. Environment Canada issued a Yellow Level Frost Advisory on Tuesday, September 15 at 3:38 p.m.

    The Advisory is in effect for several areas, including Okotoks and De Winton, as well as other nearby communities. The affected areas are:

    • Foothills Co. near Diamond Valley
    • Foothills Co. near Longview and Eden Valley Res.
    • Foothills Co. near Okotoks and De Winton
    • Foothills Co. near High River and Aldersyde
    • Foothills Co. near Cayley
    • M.D. of Willow Creek near Nanton and Parkland
    • M.D. of Willow Creek near Claresholm and Stavely

    Residents can expect temperatures to drop to or below zero, but temperatures will moderate mid-morning on Wednesday.

  • Okotoks Council Approves Next Step in Recreation Centre Improvements

    It's time to dive into the details of Okotoks' recreation centre improvements!

    Okotoks residents can look forward to improved recreation facilities, following a recent decision by Town Council to advance detailed design work for future recreation centre improvements. After considering three investment options, Council has chosen a path forward that will enhance leisure water amenities while laying the groundwork for future expansion opportunities.

    The selected option includes planning for new leisure water amenities, renewal of the existing leisure pool, new change room facilities, and supporting infrastructure that will allow for additional amenities to be added in future phases with less rework. This decision reflects Council’s commitment to investing in recreation while planning for the town’s future, according to Mayor Thorn.

    The three options presented to Council were based on priorities identified through the Recreation, Parks and Leisure Master Plan, which gathered input from over 1,000 residents and recreation users. Leisure water was identified as the community’s highest recreation priority, and the selected option aims to address this need.

    While construction has not been approved, the next phase will focus on detailed design work, including updated cost estimates, phasing, and procurement readiness. This will ensure the project is shovel-ready and well-positioned for future grant funding opportunities.

    Residents can learn more about the selected option, future engagement opportunities, and frequently asked questions on the Town of Okotoks’ website at okotoks.ca/rec-centre-next-steps.

  • Lane Closure on Highway 2A near Okotoks for D’Arcy Development Work

    It's a stormy road ahead for commuters on Highway 2A.

    Project Location

    West side of Highway 2A near Wedderburn Drive heading south into Okotoks

    Type of Work

    Installation of a new storm sewer manhole and construction of a new access road into D’Arcy development (Phase 18)

    Schedule

    • Start Date: September 8, 2026
    • End Date: September 18, 2026
    • Hours: Monday to Saturday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    Impacts

    • The southbound lane on west side of Highway 2A is closed, but the intersection remains open and access is maintained.
    • Digital message boards will be in place.
    • Traffic delays are expected, particularly during peak travel times.
    • Traffic-control guides will be on site as required.

    What to Expect

    • Construction crews, heavy equipment and construction-related noise during working hours.
    • Reduced traffic capacity through work zone.
    • Motorists are asked to slow down, follow all posted signage and traffic-control measures and use caution when travelling through the area.

    For more information, please refer to the Town of Okotoks’ website for a map of the work area: D’Arcy subdivision work area map.

  • Okotoks Residents Gear Up for 20th Annual Terry Fox Run

    We're running with a record-breaking spirit!

    The Okotoks Terry Fox Run is set to return on Sunday, September 20, with the goal of raising funds for cancer research. Last year’s event saw a record-breaking fundraising total of over $21,000, with 120 participants taking part.

    Organizer Steve Preece is hoping to see an increase in participation this year, aiming for around 200 runners. The event offers a range of distances, from 1.5 to 10 kilometers, and is accessible to walkers, runners, and participants with mobility aids.

    Registration is available online or on the day of the event, and participants can choose to fundraise in addition to registering. The run will take place at Sheep River Park, starting at the Lions Campground (99 Woodhaven Drive).

    Following the run, a free barbecue will be provided by Sobeys Save-On-Foods and Fountain Tire.

    For more information and to register, visit the Okotoks Terry Fox Run website.

  • Okotoks housing market sees decline in listings and sales

    It looks like the Okotoks housing market is having a "down" month.

    Okotoks residents are seeing a decrease in new listings and sales activity in the local housing market, according to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB). In August, there were 55 sales and 68 new listings, resulting in an elevated sales-to-new-listings ratio of 81 per cent.

    Okotoks has struggled with low supply levels since 2021, but the additional supply choice in competing markets is helping to prevent further price increases, according to market analysts with CREB.

    The total residential benchmark price in Okotoks as of August was $608,400, a decrease of nearly two per cent from last year’s levels. The town’s inventory of 133 units is trending slightly upward, with just over two months of supply.

    For comparison, Foothills County recorded 116 sales and 156 new listings in August, bringing inventory to 360 units and just over three months of supply. The benchmark price in the county is higher than in Okotoks at $679,600.

    High River saw 22 sales and 32 new listings in August, holding just three months of supply. The total residential benchmark price has trended downward to $499,100, just over one per cent lower than last year.

    Learn more about the August 2026 stats from CREB.

  • Okotoks Food Bank volunteer reflects on 11 years of giving back to the community

    She's been a "can-do" volunteer for the Okotoks Food Bank!

    For over a decade, Bev Matheson has been a dedicated volunteer at the Okotoks Food Bank, making a significant impact on the lives of community members in need. Every Thursday morning, she spends two hours working alongside other volunteers, sorting and preparing food and essential items for those in need.

    Matheson’s journey with the food bank began in 2015, after her sister encouraged her to get involved. She started by sorting can donations, but over time, her role evolved to include preparing donated produce for food hampers and the Help Yourself Shelf Program.

    As part of her duties, Matheson ensures the warehouse is stocked with essential items for hampers, including flour, rice, oatmeal, sugar, and coffee. She also prepares snack bags for children and ensures other necessities are available for volunteers to include in hampers.

    Throughout the years, Matheson has played a crucial role in the Community Food Drive, helping to sort donations and make a difference in the community.

    As Matheson prepares to move to Edmonton at the end of September, she will be leaving behind over 11 years of dedicated service to the Okotoks Food Bank. While she is unsure where she will volunteer next, she is hopeful to continue finding ways to give back to her new community.

    For Matheson, the people she has met along the way have been one of the most meaningful parts of her volunteer experience. “The most important thing is making friends,” she said. “The people are good people, and there are social events to show appreciation to the people who volunteer.”

  • Downtown Okotoks Revitalized: North Railway Street Reopens After Two-Year Construction Project

    The town's downtown area is now "on track" for success.

    After two construction seasons, North Railway Street in downtown Okotoks has finally reopened to the public. The Town of Okotoks has officially announced the completion of the Downtown Improvement Project, which aimed to revitalize the area by replacing aging infrastructure, moving utilities underground, and enhancing the streetscape.

    The project, which began in 2025 and continued this year, involved replacing water and sewer infrastructure, relocating overhead power lines, and making various above-ground improvements throughout the downtown corridor. Crews also widened sidewalks, upgraded street lighting, and added seating areas and new boulevard trees.

    Additionally, Triangle Park and nearby public spaces received landscaping and pedestrian connection improvements as part of the project. The Town of Okotoks’ community identity manager, Chris MacIsaac, praised the work, stating that it represents a significant investment in the downtown core.

    “The improvements create a more accessible and inviting environment for residents and visitors while supporting the continued vibrancy of the area’s business community,” MacIsaac said.

    Despite the construction, which brought road closures, detours, and changes to parking and access, businesses along the corridor remained open. MacIsaac thanked downtown businesses and residents for their patience and partnership throughout the project.

    For more information about the Downtown Improvement Project, visit the Town of Okotoks’ Shape Our Town website page.

  • North Railway Street Revitalization Takes Shape in Downtown Okotoks

    The downtown area is shaping up to be a real gem.

    Residents and visitors to downtown Okotoks can now enjoy the newly reopened North Railway Street, which has been transformed as part of the ongoing Downtown Improvement project. The street, previously closed for construction, is now open to traffic, with crews working to complete the finishing touches.

    • Landscaping and streetscape improvements are underway to enhance the area’s aesthetic appeal.
    • The Triangle Park is also being upgraded as part of the project.

    While some minor traffic delays and the presence of construction crews may be noticeable, access to homes and businesses will be maintained throughout the construction process.

    The Downtown Improvement project aims to create a more accessible and vibrant downtown area, and the completion of North Railway Street is a significant step towards achieving this goal. For more information on the project, visit https://shapeourtown.okotoks.ca/downtown.