okotoks.news

Business Community Local News Public Safety Sports Town Council Utilities Weather

  • Okotoks residents flock to Sheep River for charity rubber duck race

    It looks like the ducks had a "fowl" time at the race!

    The Sheep River in Okotoks played host to a unique event on September 12, as hundreds of rubber ducks made their way downstream in the Simpora Foundation‘s fourth annual Rubber Duck Race and Family Fun Carnival.

    The event, which took place at Ethel Tucker Centennial Park, brought together residents for an afternoon of duck racing and carnival games in support of the Simpora Foundation, a local non-profit that supports athletes and sports teams in the community.

    Each rubber duck represented a ticket purchased in support of the foundation, with volunteers stationed along the river to ensure none were left behind. The ducks were released into the Sheep River at noon, near the Sheep River Bridge, and floated downstream toward the Laurie Boyd Bridge.

    The fastest duck won a prize of $2,000, while the second- and third-place ducks took home $1,000 and $500, respectively. Even the slowest duck had a chance to win, with a $500 prize going to the last duck pulled from the river.

    The event was part of a larger Family Fun Carnival, which took place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. and featured games, local mascots, and food trucks. The funds raised from the event will support the Simpora Foundation‘s mission to encourage local athletes to give back to their community.

    Learn more about the Simpora Foundation.

  • Downtown Okotoks Revitalized: North Railway Street Reopens After Major Upgrades

    The streets of Okotoks are finally "on track" after the major downtown upgrades.

    After two years of construction, North Railway Street in downtown Okotoks has finally reopened, boasting a revitalized streetscape and improved infrastructure. The project, which began in 2025 and continued in 2026, focused on renewing critical underground infrastructure, enhancing accessibility, and creating inviting public spaces.

    • The construction spanned two seasons, with the first phase taking place between Elm Place and Alberta Avenue in 2025, and the second phase extending from Alberta Avenue to McRae Street in 2026.
    • The project aimed to create a more accessible and vibrant downtown area, supporting local businesses and encouraging community connection.

    According to Chris MacIsaac, Community Identity Manager, the improvements represent a significant investment in the heart of the community. “The renewed infrastructure and public spaces create a more inviting environment for residents and visitors, while supporting the continued vibrancy of the area’s business community,” he said.

    The project’s success is attributed to the partnership and resilience of downtown businesses and residents, as well as the ongoing support of visitors who continued to shop and dine in the area during construction.

    The reopening of North Railway Street marks an important milestone in the Town’s efforts to renew downtown infrastructure and strengthen the area as a welcoming destination for residents, businesses, and visitors.

    Learn more about the project at: https://shapeourtown.okotoks.ca/downtown

  • Okotoks residents invited to a weekend of art, adventure, and community fun

    It's a "duck"ing good time in Okotoks this weekend!

    Okotoks is buzzing with activity this weekend, offering a diverse range of events that cater to all interests. From arts and culture to BMX racing and fantasy-themed adventures, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

    Friday, Sept. 11

    Nature Fridays returns to the Environmental Education Centre until 4 p.m., focusing on the fall harvest and how plants and animals prepare for the changing season.

    The Friends of the Okotoks Public Library are hosting a book sale until 5 p.m., while the Okotoks Public Library is hosting Fun Fridays, featuring games, crafts, and activities for youth, from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

    Saturday, Sept. 12

    Downtown Okotoks comes alive on Saturday with several events. The Elma Street Art Walk, hosted by the Okotoks Arts Council (OAC), will feature local artists and performers from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    The Friends of the Library book sale continues from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., while Enchanted Okotoks transforms downtown into a fantasy-themed adventure from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    The Alberta BMX Provincial Finals Championship gets underway at the Okotoks BMX Track at noon, featuring the best riders from across the province competing for titles.

    The Rubber Duck Race and Family Fun Carnival is also on Saturday, with the duck race beginning at noon near the Sheep River Bridge and ending at Laurie Boyd Bridge, in support of the Simpora Foundation.

    The Family Fun Carnival runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Ethel Tucker Centennial Park, with games, dunk tank, and food trucks.

    Sunday, Sept. 13

    The Alberta BMX Provincial Finals Championship wraps up, with racing beginning at 10 a.m.

    Enchanted Okotoks continues for a second day, running from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    The Friends of the Okotoks Public Library book sale will have its final day from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

  • Okotoks Residents Invited to Join Committees Shaping Community’s Future

    Joining a committee is a "board" way to get involved in your community!

    Okotoks residents have a unique opportunity to contribute to the town’s growth and development by joining one of several committees and boards seeking members. A total of 13 positions are available across five committees of council, offering a chance to make a lasting impact on the community.

    According to Mayor Tanya Thorn, serving on a committee or board is not just volunteering, but a chance to shape the future of Okotoks. “These provide a unique chance to bring your perspective to the table, influence decisions that matter, and strengthen the connections that make our town thrive,” she said.

    The committees and boards with openings include the Okotoks Public Library Board, Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), United Way/Okotoks Partnership, Subdivision and Development Appeal Board, and Foothills-Okotoks Recreation Society. Each group has distinct responsibilities, such as setting policies for the library, building a safe and welcoming community, supporting fundraising efforts, hearing subdivision and development appeals, and overseeing regional recreational facilities.

    Residents interested in joining one of these committees can submit their applications until September 27 at 11:59 p.m. through the town’s website at shapeourtown.okotoks.ca/committees.

  • Downtown Okotoks Transforms into Immersive Fantasy Realm This Weekend

    It's a "level up" experience for downtown Okotoks this weekend!

    Fantasy and reality are about to collide in downtown Okotoks this weekend, as the town hosts Enchanted Okotoks, an immersive gaming experience designed for fans of online games like World of Warcraft and Final Fantasy.

    Organizer Katie Fournell describes Enchanted Okotoks as a “real-life video game” where players use their phones as an access point to interact with actors around town who assign them different tasks to complete.

    Players will need to solve puzzles, complete quests, and slay monsters, all while navigating the downtown core. Fournell encourages players to dress up in character, as reality is infiltrated by the fantasy world.

    The event, which runs from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, starts at Okotoks Plaza, where players are given their first task. The technology behind the event has been rewritten to improve the user experience, with Brendan Rose, the brains behind the operation, ensuring that players’ phones can survive the demands of the game.

    Enchanted Okotoks is open to all ages and skill levels, with a variety of RPG elements to explore. Actors will be on hand to help new players learn the ropes, and a vendor market will feature local artisans and crafters selling magical trinkets and handcrafted items.

    Themed food and drinks will be available at local restaurants and food trucks throughout downtown, and players are encouraged to take part in trinket trading with other players to build friendships through the magical exchange.

  • Okotoks Toyota Partners with Variety for Inclusive Ride-on Car Build

    Wheels of kindness are in motion in Okotoks.

    Children with mobility challenges in Okotoks will gain greater independence this weekend thanks to a unique partnership between Okotoks Toyota and Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta. The organizations are teaming up for a Go Baby Go event, which brings together volunteers, community partners, and local families to build battery-powered ride-on cars tailored to the needs of participating children.

    “We are excited to welcome Okotoks Toyota as a community partner and host for this Go Baby Go build,” said Kari Richardson, Director of Partnerships with Variety – the Children’s Charity of Alberta. “These events are about so much more than building cars. They give children an opportunity to move, explore and play more independently, while bringing the community together around the families we serve.”

    The event will take place on Saturday, Sept. 12, starting at 10 a.m. Volunteers and partners will modify the cars to meet the specific needs of each child, including accessible switches, seating support, and other necessary modifications.

    The day will conclude with a Go Baby Go car parade at 1:30 p.m., where the children will get to test their new cars for the first time.

  • Okotoks’ North Railway Street Set to Open Ahead of Schedule

    The town is "rail"-ly excited to open the street!

    Construction on North Railway Street in Okotoks is nearing completion, with the Town of Okotoks preparing to open the road in the next few days. According to a recent social media post by Mayor Tanya Thorn, the town is expecting to meet its deadline more than a month ahead of schedule.

    The upgrades to the street include new landscaping, lighting, and seating, which aim to improve pedestrian accessibility and introduce more public space. While parking may be slightly narrower, it will remain in the same manner as the first phase.

    The North Railway Street improvements are part of the Downtown Improvement project, with Phase 2 commencing in the spring and closing the street from Alberta Avenue to McRae Street. In addition to the above-ground enhancements, underground utility work was also completed.

  • Okotoks Rubber Duck Race Returns for Fourth Year

    It's a quack-tastic way to support local sports!

    The Rubber Duck Race and Family Fun Carnival is back in Okotoks this weekend, bringing with it hundreds of rubber ducks racing down the Sheep River to raise funds for the Simpora Foundation.

    The Simpora Foundation, a local non-profit that supports local athletes and sports teams, will benefit from the event. The foundation provides grants to local sports teams and athletes, with recipients asked to give back and support the community in return.

    The Duck Race gets underway at 12 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 12, launching near Sheep River Bridge and ending at Laurie Boyd Bridge. Last year, over 1,500 rubber ducks participated in the event.

    Adopt-a-Duck tickets are available, with solo ducks costing $10, Quack Packs of six ducks available for $50, and a Flock of 12 Ducks available for $100. Community members can cheer on their ducks as they float down the river, with Simpora Foundation volunteers making sure no duck is left behind.

    Four winners will be chosen, with first, second, third, and last place prizes available. The first-place winner will receive the grand prize of $2,000, while the second-place winner takes home $1,000, the third-place winner takes home $500, and the very last duck to be plucked from the river gets $500.

    The Family Fun Carnival runs from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Ethel Tucker Centennial Park, featuring games, a dunk tank, food trucks, and more. All proceeds raised at the carnival and duck race support the Simpora Foundation in its mission to uplift local sports programs.

    Adopt-a-Duck sales end at 11:15 a.m. on Saturday. For more information, visit the Rubber Duck Race and Family Fun Carnival website.

  • Okotoks Food Bank Prepares for Annual Community Food Drive

    "Food for thought" is being collected, but the real food is for those in need.

    Residents of Okotoks can expect to see donation bags arriving at their homes on September 12, as part of the annual Community Food Drive. The initiative, hosted by the Okotoks Food Bank with support from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, aims to collect essential items for those in need.

    “We’re honestly a supporting body. Bente and her crew at the Okotoks Food Bank do year-round heavy lifting,” said Arielle Quinton, Communications Director for the Okotoks Stake of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

    Residents are asked to leave their donations on their doorstep by 9 a.m. on September 19 for volunteers to collect. Alternatively, they can drop off their donations at the Okotoks Food Bank, where volunteers will help unload their vehicles.

    The Okotoks Food Bank has seen an increase in demand throughout the year, with many residents struggling to make ends meet due to rising grocery costs. Quinton encourages anyone who is able to donate to take part, highlighting the significant impact it can have on those utilizing the food bank.

    The collected donations will support the food hamper program and help fill shelves ahead of the holiday season, alleviating food pressure for those in need.

  • Okotoks rodeo queen aims for Miss Rodeo Canada title

    Mangone is lassoin' her dreams, one rodeo at a time.

    Outgoing Miss Rodeo Okotoks Karina Mangone is taking her passion for rodeo to the next level by competing for the Miss Rodeo Canada 2027 title.

    Mangone, who wore the Okotoks crown for the past year, fell in love with being a rodeo queen and the community connections she built during her tenure.

    “I thought to myself, ‘I don’t want to end this,’” said Mangone. “I want to keep going, I want to make more connections, I want to meet more people, and I want to represent rodeo on a bigger scale.”

    To become Miss Rodeo Canada, Mangone will be evaluated in various judging categories, including public speaking, modelling, a written exam, a personal interview, and horsemanship. The winner will be crowned at the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) in Edmonton on Oct. 9.

    Mangone is competing against five other contestants, and she is looking forward to getting to know them and celebrating rodeo during the CFR.

    Mangone’s journey to becoming a rodeo queen began two years ago when she purchased her first horse, Clifford. She was encouraged to apply for Miss Rodeo Okotoks, and although she initially thought it was impossible, she eventually submitted her application and won the title.

    During her year as Miss Rodeo Okotoks, Mangone learned valuable skills, including public speaking, which has helped her in her career as a Grade 2 teacher.

    The CFR gets underway in Edmonton from Oct. 7 to 10.