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Tag: Okotoks

  • Okotoks RCMP assist Foothills County stop that led to $6,751 in minimum fines

    That stop put the brakes on more than just speeding.

    A Foothills County traffic stop on Highway 2A earlier this month ended with a vehicle impounded and a driver facing several Traffic Safety Act charges.

    Foothills County Peace Officers said they stopped the vehicle in July after seeing it travelling 107 km/h in an 80 km/h zone.

    With help from Okotoks RCMP, officers determined the vehicle had a fictitious licence plate that had been bought online, a forged insurance card, no valid registration, and a driver who did not have a valid driver’s licence.

    The charges include speeding, operating an uninsured motor vehicle, operating an unregistered vehicle, driving without a valid driver’s licence, displaying unauthorized plates, and producing a false insurance card.

    Foothills County said the offences carry minimum fines totalling $6,751, along with required court appearances and any further penalties ordered by the courts.

    Foothills County Enforcement said it was the seventh time the driver had been stopped while not holding a valid driver’s licence.

  • Diamond Valley car show draws hundreds of classic vehicles, with Okotoks DJ on stage

    Diamond Valley kept the day in high gear.

    Hundreds of classic cars, trucks and motorcycles filled Diamond Valley on Sunday for the fourth annual Diamond Valley Show and Shine.

    The event ran from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and brought vehicles from across Alberta into the community. Spectators attended for free, while vehicle owners paid a $20 registration fee to take part in the show.

    The day included local vendors, food trucks and live music on the Teamsters Local 362 stage. Aaron the DJ from Okotoks provided entertainment throughout the event.

    A display called Electric Avenue, supported by presenting sponsor Foothills Energy Co-op, gave visitors a look at newer electric vehicles alongside the classic models.

    The Diamond Valley Car Club, founded in 2023, organizes car shows, cruises and other community events for car, truck and motorcycle enthusiasts.

    Photo gallery by Codie Longley.

  • Heat warning remains in effect for Okotoks-area Foothills County

    With temperatures climbing, it is a good week to keep cool heads in the Foothills.

    A heat warning remains in effect for Foothills County near Okotoks and De Winton, with daytime highs expected to reach 30 C to 34 C this week.

    Environment Canada says the hot conditions are expected to continue throughout the week across parts of Foothills County, Vulcan County, the M.D. of Willow Creek and Siksika Nation.

    People in affected areas are advised to reduce heat risks by moving outdoor activities to cooler parts of the day when possible, taking regular breaks in cooled indoor spaces, and drinking plenty of water or other non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated drinks.

    Officials also remind drivers to check vehicles before leaving and never leave children or pets inside a parked vehicle, even briefly.

    Environment Canada says residents should watch for signs of heat-related illness, including heat exhaustion and heat stroke. Symptoms can include high body temperature, confusion, fainting, unconsciousness and a lack of sweating.

    People who may be more vulnerable in hot weather include infants, children, seniors, outdoor workers, people who are socially isolated, and those with pre-existing lung, heart, kidney, nervous system, mental health or diabetic conditions.

    The warning also applies to several nearby and regional areas, including Foothills County near High River and Aldersyde, Diamond Valley, Longview and Eden Valley, Cayley, Blackie, Priddis and Brown-Lowery Provincial Park, as well as communities in Vulcan County and the M.D. of Willow Creek.

    heat warnings are issued when very high temperatures are expected to increase the risk of heat-related illness.

  • Okotoks cooling stations open through Aug. 4 during heat warning

    Okotoks is giving residents a cool way to weather the heat.

    The Town of Okotoks has opened several cooling stations to help residents during the ongoing heat wave.

    The stations are available until Aug. 4 at the Okotoks Recreation Centre, Okotoks Municipal Centre, Viking Rentals Centre, Okotoks Public Library, Okotoks Art Gallery, and Okotoks Museum & Archives.

    The facilities are open during regular business hours and will have bottled water available. The town says they can also provide indoor relief when outdoor air quality is poor.

    The town said the stations were opened in response to an Environment and Climate Change Canada heat warning. It is continuing to monitor conditions and may adjust availability if needed.

    Okotoks Spray Park hours have also been extended to 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. during the heat wave, though hours may change. Residents are encouraged to check the town’s recreation updates before going.

    The town is advising residents to limit strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, drink plenty of water, wear loose-fitting clothing and sun protection, and check on people who may be more vulnerable to extreme heat.

    Residents should never leave people or pets in parked vehicles. Anyone who sees an animal left in a vehicle is asked to call 9-1-1.

    People who feel overheated should stop what they are doing, move to shade or a cool indoor space, and drink fluids. Medical help should be sought immediately if someone faints or loses consciousness.

    The town is also reminding residents to use caution around rivers, wear a properly fitted lifejacket or personal flotation device, and avoid storm ponds, where swimming and recreation are not allowed. More river safety information is available online.

    Outdoor watering rules remain in effect, and residents can find their assigned watering days at okotoks.ca/water.

  • Okotoks Food Bank volunteer program gets FCSS grant support

    This support helps volunteers keep a lid on hunger, one hat at a time.

    The Okotoks Food Bank has received grant funding from the Town of Okotoks Family and Community Support Services program to support its volunteers.

    FCSS awarded $192,000 in 2026 to 13 community programs focused on social well-being in Okotoks and the Foothills.

    The food bank used its funding to buy new T-shirts and hats for its volunteer team.

    The organization said volunteering helps people stay active, connected and included while building relationships in the community. It also thanked its volunteers for their ongoing work and FCSS for supporting programs that recognize volunteer contributions.

  • Nanton joins FlixBus route that also stops in Okotoks

    With Okotoks on the route, this service is making all the right stops.

    Nanton has been added to FlixBus’s intercity bus network, giving passengers another travel option on a route that also includes Okotoks, Claresholm and Fort Macleod.

    Service began Thursday, July 30, with pick-up and drop-off at the Nanton Visitor Information Centre. From Nanton, travellers can access up to four daily departures with connections to Calgary, Calgary International Airport, Red Deer, Edmonton, Lethbridge, Medicine Hat, Regina and Winnipeg.

    The Town of Nanton said the timing lines up with Nanton Round-Up Days, which run July 31 to Aug. 3. The town also noted the Visitor Information Centre does not provide day or overnight parking, so passengers need to arrange parking elsewhere.

    FlixBus says passengers can expect fares, seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets and luggage allowance typical of its intercity service. Tickets are available through the FlixBus website.

  • High River murder case scheduled for Okotoks court appearance

    The case now moves from High River to Okotoks court, where the next steps will be heard.

    A High River man charged with second-degree murder is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on July 31.

    High River RCMP responded at 9:24 p.m. on Tuesday, July 28, to a disturbance at a residence on 112 Street E. Officers found 36-year-old Cayla Bleeker of High River suffering from gunshot wounds.

    EMS took Bleeker to High River General Hospital, where she was pronounced dead.

    RCMP said a male suspect was arrested immediately. The Alberta RCMP Major Crimes Unit later took over the investigation.

    Police charged 36-year-old Jarrett Stobbe of High River with second-degree murder. He was remanded into custody after a judicial interim release hearing.

    RCMP said officers had also been called to the same residence earlier that evening, at 5:54 p.m., after the suspect made allegations involving the victim. Police said they investigated and found the allegations were unfounded.

    Alberta RCMP offered condolences to Bleeker’s loved ones.

  • High River homicide suspect due in Okotoks court as fundraiser supports victim’s family

    The community is helping carry the weight, one High River ripple at a time.

    A fundraiser has been started for the family of Cayla Bleeker, a High River mother of two who died after a domestic homicide on July 28.

    The GoFundMe was created by close friend Cory Rockley to help Bleeker’s family with expenses, including possible legal costs.

    Bleeker leaves behind two daughters, ages 10 months and six years. Rockley described her as a single mother and sole provider whose children were central to her life.

    The fundraiser had raised more than $7,000 within 18 hours toward a $24,000 goal.

    Jarrett Stobbe, 36, of High River has been charged with second-degree murder in Bleeker’s death. Police said Stobbe called 911 at 9:24 p.m. on July 28. Officers found Bleeker with gunshot wounds, and she later died at High River General Hospital.

    Stobbe was remanded into custody after being held for a judicial interim release hearing. He is scheduled to appear in Alberta Court of Justice in Okotoks on July 31.

  • Air quality warning includes Foothills County near Okotoks as wildfire smoke arrives

    This smoky forecast is a clear reminder to keep the air care front and centre.

    An air quality warning has been issued for parts of the Foothills, including Foothills County near Okotoks and De Winton, as wildfire smoke from British Columbia moves into the region.

    Environment Canada says smoke conditions can change quickly, with air quality and visibility varying over short distances and from hour to hour.

    Residents are being advised to limit time outdoors and consider reducing or rescheduling outdoor sports, activities and events as smoke levels rise.

    Officials say mild symptoms can include irritation of the eyes, nose and throat, headaches or a mild cough. More serious symptoms can include wheezing, chest pain or a severe cough. Anyone who believes they are having a medical emergency should seek immediate medical help.

    People at higher risk from wildfire smoke include seniors, pregnant people, infants and young children, people with existing illnesses or chronic health conditions, and those who work outdoors.

    Environment Canada recommends keeping windows and doors closed where possible. If extreme heat occurs at the same time as poor air quality, staying cool should take priority.

    Residents are also encouraged to improve indoor air quality by using the best air filter their ventilation system can handle or a certified portable air cleaner that filters fine particles, and to check on neighbours, relatives and others who may be more vulnerable.

    The warning covers several areas, including Kananaskis Improvement District near Highwood House, multiple parts of Foothills County, the M.D. of Willow Creek, the M.D. of Ranchland and the M.D. of Pincher Creek.

  • Okotoks events anchor Heritage Day weekend plans across the Foothills

    With art, baseball and rodeo on deck, the Foothills weekend has all its bases covered.

    Okotoks residents have several local and regional options for the Heritage Day long weekend, with events running from Saturday, Aug. 1, through Monday, Aug. 3.

    In downtown Okotoks, the Nooks and Crannies Festival continues through the weekend with nine installations by local artists using discarded and repurposed materials.

    Families can also try Mouse Adventures, a self-guided scavenger hunt with seven downtown stops inspired by Okotoks author Laurie Carmichael’s The Longtail Brothers Misadventures book series.

    The Okotoks Art Gallery is hosting two family-friendly shows: Colour Your World, where visitors can add to oversized colouring pages, and the annual Members Show and Sale, featuring original work by local gallery members.

    Saturday’s Okotoks events include the free Okotoks Cemetery Tour at 10 a.m. Karen Petres will lead the walk through the older section of the cemetery, with this year’s theme focused on Chinook Country influences and icons.

    The Okotoks Dawgs host the Cactus Rats at Seaman Stadium on Saturday at 7 p.m. as the Western Canadian Baseball League regular season nears its close. The Dawgs are back at Seaman Stadium Sunday at 2 p.m. against the 57’s.

    Other weekend events in the region include the Millarville Farmers’ Market on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Millarville Racing and Agriculture Society, with more than 100 vendors.

    Nanton Round-Up Days runs all weekend with rodeo events, entertainment and family activities. Saturday includes a morning farmers’ market, a children’s festival from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., open swim and Nite Rodeo at 5 p.m. Sunday features a free pancake breakfast, festival activities, a chili cook-off, family dance and fireworks. Monday includes parade day, with a pancake breakfast, the Nanton Boosters Parade at 10 a.m., the Bomber Command Museum Engine Run at 2 p.m. and Nanton Nite Rodeo Finals at 3 p.m.

    On Sunday, a backyard concert in Crystalridge will feature musicians Celin and Regina Espina. Tickets are $40 and include desserts and refreshments, with proceeds supporting the performers. More information is available by emailing [email protected].

    On Monday, High River will mark Heritage Day at Sheppard Family Park. Admission is by donation, with a vintage sale, live music, old-time games, blacksmith demonstrations, a barbecue lunch and other activities planned.