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Tag: Okotoks

  • Okotoks crews flushing about 500 hydrants this spring

    This maintenance work is all about keeping Okotoks' hydrants in the flow.

    Okotoks has started flushing about 500 fire hydrants as part of the town’s twice-yearly maintenance program.

    The work began in May and is expected to continue in neighbourhoods across the community over the next couple of months, according to the Town of Okotoks.

    The town says residents may see water running along streets during the work. The flushing is used to check that hydrants are operating properly and to clear sediment that can collect in water lines.

    Water released during the process is dechlorinated at the hydrant, with most of it entering the storm drain system and returning to the Sheep River. Water Services staff are also checking water clarity and chlorine levels while the program is underway.

    Residents may temporarily notice reduced water pressure or slight discolouration from minerals and deposits stirred up in the lines. The town says the water remains safe to use.

    If tap water appears discoloured, residents are advised to run a cold water tap for about five minutes. If it does not clear, they should contact Water Services.

  • Okotoks-area representatives comment after child exploitation charge

    For Okotoks residents looking for answers, this case has put bail reform back on the docket.

    Local elected officials have issued statements after an Okotoks man was charged in a child exploitation investigation.

    Corey Airhart was charged on May 26 with possession of child pornography and accessing child pornography. After his arrest, he was held for a judicial interim release hearing and was later released from custody by the court.

    The arrest and release became public on June 3. Statements from the Town of Okotoks, Okotoks RCMP, Highwood MLA RJ Sigurdson and Foothills MP John Barlow followed on June 4.

    Sigurdson said he has heard concerns from residents about safety and security, particularly in a smaller community. He encouraged residents with questions to contact his office.

    Sigurdson said he would not comment on the specific case while it is before the courts, but said he supports broader changes to the justice system and stronger bail measures. He noted that bail legislation is under federal jurisdiction and said he wants residents’ concerns in Highwood reflected in federal law.

    Barlow said he and his office were disturbed by the allegations. He said people charged and convicted of such offences should be held accountable under the law.

    Barlow criticized federal justice legislation, including Bills C-5 and C-75, saying he believes they weakened bail and sentencing rules. He also pointed to a Conservative proposal called the “Jail Not Bail” act, which he said would have made public safety the main consideration in bail decisions and required violent offenders to show why they should be released.

    Barlow also referenced Bill C-291, a Conservative bill dealing with child sexual abuse and exploitation material that passed in 2024. He encouraged residents with questions or concerns to contact his office.

  • Highwood and Sheep rivers still under advisory as flows ease

    For now, Okotoks residents should let caution flow downstream.

    The Highwood River and Sheep River remained under a high streamflow advisory Friday morning, with water levels still above normal but continuing to decline as rainfall eased in the region.

    According to Alberta River Basins preliminary reports, the Highwood River below the Little Bow Canal was flowing at 100 cubic metres per second at 10:05 a.m. Friday, down from 109 cubic metres per second at 6 p.m. Thursday. Its level was 2.355 metres at 10 a.m.

    The Sheep River at Okotoks was reported at 60.88 cubic metres per second at 10:30 a.m. Friday, compared with 66.19 cubic metres per second Thursday evening.

    Okotoks remained in Stage 1, High Stream Advisory, under its Emergency Management Plan. The town’s emergency management team was continuing to monitor river levels.

    Residents were advised to avoid the rivers and nearby areas while water remains high and fast-moving. Unstable riverbanks and downstream debris can pose hazards.

    Some high streamflow advisories elsewhere in Alberta were being lifted gradually. Alberta River Basins forecasters expected a fast-moving weather system to bring 10 to 30 millimetres of precipitation this weekend to an area between Sundre and Edmonton, with scattered showers possible across much of the province.

  • Okotoks swap event offers second use for clothing and sports gear

    This swap gives old gear a sporting chance.

    Okotoks residents can take part in a clothing and sports equipment swap on Sunday, June 7, as part of Environment Week.

    The event runs from noon to 4 p.m. at the Environmental Education Centre. Residents may drop off clean, gently used clothing and sports accessories at the Eco Centre until Saturday, June 6.

    Accepted clothing items include all sizes of outerwear, footwear, jewelry, bags, purses, backpacks and belts.

    Non-protective sports equipment can also be donated, including sticks, clubs, bats, racquets, balls, skates, cleats, bikes, gloves and snowboards.

    The town will not accept intimate items such as undergarments, socks or jock straps. Hockey pads, helmets and other protective equipment will also not be accepted.

    Items left after the swap will be donated to support local residents in need.

  • Heel & Hoof fundraiser market planned southwest of Okotoks

    Organizers are hoping the fundraiser gets plenty of neigh-bourly support.

    Heel & Hoof Horse Rescue is holding its second annual Spring Market on Saturday, June 6, to raise money for its horse rescue work southwest of Okotoks.

    The market runs from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 418113 16 St. W. The event will include local vendors, a garage and plant sale, a silent auction and opportunities to take photos with rescued horses.

    The non-profit, founded by Ruth McDonald, works with unwanted horses, including animals that were headed to slaughterhouses. The rescue helps horses regain health and become more comfortable around people before they are rehomed.

    Funds raised at the market will go toward the costs of feeding, housing, rehabilitating and rehoming horses in the rescue’s care.

    Vendors are expected to offer items such as homemade bread, candles, books, greeting cards, metal work, crystals, canned goods, horse-themed treats, shopping bags, jerky and pepperoni, essential oils, floral photo art, leather goods and equine supplements.

    Wild Rose Rabbit Rescue, which helps feral rabbits find homes, is also scheduled to attend.

  • Wolf Crescent Closing Temporarily for Wedderburn Utility Work

    This project is tying up traffic now so future homes can flow smoothly.

    A section of Wolf Crescent in Wedderburn will be closed from May 25 to June 5, 2026, while crews complete underground utility tie-ins for a new housing complex.

    The work is taking place at 75 Wolf Crescent, west of Banister Drive and east of Northridge Drive. Crews will connect the development to main water, sanitary sewer and storm sewer lines.

    Work is scheduled daily, Monday through Sunday, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.

    • Wolf Crescent will be fully closed along its north-south stretch.
    • Detours will be in place around the clock.
    • Residential access is not expected to be affected.

    Residents should expect construction crews, heavy equipment and noise during working hours, along with traffic signs directing drivers through the detour route.

  • Okotoks property tax payments due by June 30

    Paying on time is a good way to keep penalties off the property line.

    Okotoks property owners have until June 30, 2026, to pay their 2026 property taxes in full before late penalties apply.

    The Town of Okotoks is sending tax notices by mail and email during the last week of May. Anyone who has not received a bill by June 5 should contact the town’s tax administrator through the online finance contact form or call 403-938-8919 to request a copy.

    Residents who want to join the monthly Tax Installment Payment Plan, also known as TIPP, must complete enrolment by June 23 to avoid a late penalty.

    Property taxes can be paid through several methods:

    1. TIPP
    2. Mail
    3. 24-hour drop-off box
    4. In person
    5. Local banks, credit unions or any TD Canada Trust
    6. Online through banks or credit unions

    The town says payments must be received by June 30, not just sent by that date. Payments made through financial institutions may take five to seven business days to process.

    More information is available on the town’s tax payment options page.

    The town also notes that property owners remain responsible for paying on time even if mail service is delayed or interrupted.

  • Landscaping underway at Tower Hill reservoir entrance

    Crews are working to make the site reservoir-ready and lawn-lasting.

    Landscaping work is underway at the Tower Hill reservoir site entrance as crews complete final restoration around the upgraded water infrastructure.

    The Town says the work includes topsoil grading, sod installation and seeding around the reservoir site. It is expected to be finished in early June, weather permitting.

    Roads remain open, and the Tower Hill tennis court parking lot is open. Work zones will be clearly marked.

    Pedestrian access may be temporarily affected near the immediate work area. Residents may also notice construction equipment, minor noise and restricted access close to the reservoir site.

    The project supports site restoration and accessibility improvements following recent water infrastructure upgrades at the reservoir.

  • Okotoks crews begin seasonal hydrant flushing program

    The town is keeping residents in the flow.

    Okotoks residents may see water crews flushing fire hydrants in neighbourhoods over the next couple of months as the town carries out its spring hydrant maintenance program.

    The work began in May and is done twice each year, in spring and fall. The town says flushing helps confirm hydrants are working for firefighting and supports water quality for homes and businesses.

    During the work, residents may see water running onto streets. Each flush usually takes a few minutes. The town says the water is dechlorinated at the hydrant, with most of it entering the storm drain system and returning to the Sheep River.

    Water Services staff also check water clarity and chlorine levels during the process.

    Temporary changes to tap water may occur while flushing is underway, including lower water pressure or slight discolouration caused by minerals and deposits being stirred up. The town says the water remains safe to use.

    If discolouration occurs, residents are advised to run a cold water tap for about five minutes. If the water does not clear, Water Services can be reached at 403-938-1230 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.

    More information is available on the town’s Hydrant Flushing & Safety page and Water Services page.

  • Okotoks council recognizes milestone basketball season for Holy Trinity Academy

    HTA's teams gave council plenty of reasons to take a shot at celebrating.

    Okotoks council recently recognized the Holy Trinity Academy senior girls and senior boys basketball teams following a season of firsts for both programs.

    The girls won the school’s first 4A zone basketball banner and advanced to provincials for the first time. Co-captain Sierra Dudar credited the coaching staff and the team’s consistent work in the gym. The players set early goals of reaching provincials and defeating cross-town rival Foothills Composite High School.

    The boys captured HTA’s first 5A zone championship and provincial banner. Noah Barlow said the team chose to move up from 4A, where it competed last year, to take on a new challenge. The 5A classification is for schools with more than 1,400 students, while 4A includes schools with enrolments of 700 to 1,399.

    The boys roster included twins Enzo and Nicholas Diaz, who transferred to HTA for their senior year, as well as the Barlow twins. Enzo Diaz said the team shared a memorable tournament experience in Edmonton on the Diaz twins’ birthday.

    Four players are graduating from the girls team and seven are graduating from the boys team.

    Council also honoured senior boys coach Sam Aiello for 29 years of volunteer coaching at HTA. Mayor Tanya Thorn recognized the time Aiello has dedicated to players and the Okotoks community.