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  • Seniors’ Week events planned in Okotoks and High River

    The Foothills celebrations are shaping up to be a senior moment worth remembering.

    Seniors’ Week is underway in the Foothills, with activities scheduled In Okotoks and High River.

    Okotoks events begin June 1 with a free pancake breakfast from 8 a.m. to noon at the Viking Rentals Centre. The event includes entertainment, line dancing and door prizes.

    The Okotoks Public Library will host several activities:

    • June 2: An Age-Friendly Speaker Series session with home care physician Dr. Charles Wong and a Sit and Knit gathering.
    • June 3: Coffee and Conversation.
    • June 4: A financial wellness session facilitated by ATB Wealth and an evening screening of A Beautiful Day in the Neighbourhood.

    Okotoks events conclude June 6 with the Heartland Community Tailgate Party from 1 to 4 p.m., featuring food, entertainment and activities.

    In High River, Music in the Park runs June 3 from 1 to 3 p.m. at George Lane Park. The free event includes music by the High River Jammers and a barbecue lunch fundraiser organized by the High River Hospital Auxiliary.

    On June 5, seniors can pick up fresh flowers at the High River Family and Community Support Services Resources Centre at 251 9th Ave. SW. The High River and District Seniors Friendship Centre is also hosting an afternoon high tea for members.

    The Seniors Showcase runs June 6 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. It will bring together local organizations, wellness groups, emergency services, museums and retirement organizations to provide information about summer programs, events and services.

    The Town of High River and Foothills County are also presenting free movies at the Wales Theatre at 1:30 p.m. The first 50 seniors at each screening will receive a small popcorn and pop:

    • June 2: Rio Bravo
    • June 3: The Odd Couple, followed by a Seniors Movie and Film Tour at the Museum of the Highwood at 4 p.m.
    • June 4: Grease

  • Goats to help control invasive weeds at Okotoks off-leash park

    The town is putting its weed-control plan out to pasture.

    Goats will graze in a fenced section of the Off-Leash Dog Park from June 2 to 20, weather permitting, as part of the Town of Okotoks‘ efforts to manage invasive weeds.

    Crews will install fencing before the goats arrive. The town is asking visitors to:

    • Keep dogs leashed until they enter the designated off-leash area.
    • Keep dogs away from the fencing.
    • Stay outside the fenced areas.
    • Not feed or touch the goats.

    Questions can be directed to Okotoks Parks at 403-938-8958.

  • Tributes shared for Okotoks teen Jasper DeBoer after fatal collision

    The community is stepping up to the plate for the DeBoer family.

    Okotoks residents and local organizations are sharing condolences following the death of 19-year-old Jasper DeBoer in a motorcycle collision on May 26.

    A GoFundMe organized by Carlin Lutzer to help the DeBoer family raised more than $14,000 within two days.

    The Foothills Minor Baseball Association shared condolences and noted the family’s long-standing involvement in Okotoks minor baseball. The association also remembered DeBoer as a member of the Okotoks Outlaws.

    Yooneek Books also posted a message of support for the family and shared the fundraiser.

    A celebration of life is scheduled for June 10 at 1 p.m. at the Viking Rentals Centre Events Hall. The family has asked that, instead of sending flowers, people consider donating in DeBoer’s memory to a charity of their choice or an organization supporting youth sports or outdoor activities.

    DeBoer is survived by his parents, Scott and Jen, and his brothers, Kruz, Rocky and Sonny.

  • Wind warning covers Okotoks area as gusts near 90 km/h expected

    With heavy rain and strong gusts in the forecast, it is a good time to leaf trees plenty of room.

    A Yellow Level Wind Warning is in effect for Foothills County and parts of southern Alberta, including areas near Okotoks and De Winton.

    Environment Canada issued the warning on Monday, June 1, at 10:53 a.m. Winds gusting near 90 km/h are expected to continue through the evening.

    The warning includes areas near:

    • Blackie
    • Cayley
    • Diamond Valley
    • High River and Aldersyde
    • Longview and Eden Valley Reserve
    • Okotoks and De Winton
    • Claresholm and Stavely in the M.D. of Willow Creek
    • Several Vulcan County communities, including Vulcan, Milo, Champion and Carmangay

    A Rainfall Warning is also in effect for the Foothills. An additional 30 to 70 mm of rain is expected through Tuesday, June 2.

    Environment Canada says rain-soaked ground increases the risk of trees falling during strong winds.

  • Okotoks begins Stage 1 emergency preparations as Sheep River levels may rise

    Residents are being asked to stay current on Sheep River conditions.

    The Town of Okotoks activated Stage 1 of its Emergency Management Plan on Sunday, May 31, while a high streamflow advisory remains in effect for the Sheep River.

    The town said heavy rain, strong winds and colder temperatures are forecast across southern Alberta. Rainfall is expected to continue into Wednesday morning, with total amounts of 50 to 100 millimetres. Sheep River flows could reach 65 to 150 cubic metres per second.

    A high streamflow advisory means water levels are rising or could rise quickly. Major flooding is not expected, although minor flooding is possible in low-lying areas.

    Officials said there is no immediate threat to public safety. Town staff are monitoring conditions and working with regional and provincial partners.

    Residents are advised to:

    • Stay away from riverbanks and fast-moving water.
    • Clear eavestroughs and downspouts.
    • Direct drainage away from foundations.
    • Watch for pooling water, particularly in low-lying areas where storm drains may be overwhelmed.

    Free sandbags are available at the Okotoks Operations Centre parking lot, 1118 North Railway St. Updates will be posted on the town’s social media channels and at okotoks.ca.

  • Okotoks hosts second annual competition powwow

    The weekend gave Okotoks plenty to drum up community spirit.

    Hundreds of people gathered at the Viking Rentals Centre in Okotoks for the town’s second annual competition powwow.

    The two-day event featured dance and drum contests celebrating Indigenous culture and identity. Dance categories ranged from Tiny Tots to Golden Age competitors 55 and older.

    The drum competition awarded $12,000 for first place, $9,000 for second place and $7,000 for third place. Motown from Red Lake, Minnesota, served as the host drum for the weekend.

    During Saturday’s supper break, an Indigenous high school graduation ceremony was held in partnership with the Foothills School Division. An Indigenous auction was also held Sunday before the second day’s grand entry.

    The Town of Okotoks said the powwow, held shortly before National Indigenous History Month begins in June, reflects its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation.

  • High streamflow advisory in effect

    Residents should keep current with updates as the Sheep River current rises.

    The Town of Okotoks activated stage one of its Emergency Management Plan on Sunday, May 31, in response to a high streamflow advisory for the Sheep River.

    Environment Canada issued a special weather statement for central and southern Alberta due to strong winds, heavy rain and colder temperatures. Rain is expected to continue until Wednesday morning, with totals of 50 to 100 mm and a possible river flow rate of 65 to 150 m³/s.

    A high streamflow advisory means stream levels are rising or expected to rise rapidly. Major flooding is not expected, but minor flooding in low-lying areas is possible. The Town said there is no immediate threat to public safety.

    The emergency management team is monitoring conditions, coordinating with regional and provincial partners, and preparing in case conditions change. Heavy rain may also overwhelm storm drains and cause overland flooding.

    Residents are advised to:

    • Clear eavestroughs and downspouts.
    • Direct water away from foundations.
    • Watch for pooling water in low-lying areas.
    • Stay away from riverbanks and fast-moving water, as banks may become unstable and conditions can change quickly.

    Free sandbags are available at the Okotoks Operations Centre parking lot, 1118 N. Railway St. Residents are asked to leave some for their neighbours.

    Updates will be posted on the Town’s social media channels and at okotoks.ca.

  • The Town’s Annual Powwow, Tipi Camp & All-Indigenous Artisan Market return to Okotoks this weekend!

    The artisan market is a fitting place to drum up support for Indigenous creators.

    Indigenous culture, art, music and tradition are taking centre stage in Okotoks this weekend as the Town’s annual Powwow, Tipi Camp and All-Indigenous Artisan Market continues through Sunday, May 31.

    The free event is being held at the Viking Rentals Centre, 204 Community Way. The Powwow and artisan market are indoors in the Infinity Paving Arena and Events Hall. The Tipi Camp is behind the facility in Howard Park, 229 Woodhaven Drive.

    Sunday’s schedule includes the All-Indigenous Artisan Market from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and the Competition Powwow, with Grand Entry at 1 p.m.

    The event reflects the Town’s Truth and Reconciliation efforts and honours the ceremonial transfer of a Blackfoot-style painted lodge to Mayor Tanya Thorn and Chief Administrative Officer Elaine Vincent by Blackfoot Elders and Knowledge Keepers on June 3, 2023. That transfer also marked the introduction of the Town’s first Tipi Camp and All-Indigenous Artisan Market, known as Iitohpoom’op, a Blackfoot word meaning “store.” The program expanded to include a competition Powwow in 2025.

    Visitors can watch dancers and drummers, hear live music, shop for handcrafted goods from Indigenous artisans and purchase food and beverages inside the facility or from food trucks at the north end of the parking lot.

    On-site parking is available in front of the arena and events hall. Overflow parking is available at Foothills Composite High School.

  • Environment Week in Okotoks: Learn, repair, swap and explore

    Okotoks residents have plenty of opportunities to turn over a new leaf during Environment Week.

    Okotoks residents can take part in free activities for all ages during Environment Week from June 1 to 8, with events focused on nature, waste reduction, reuse and repair.

    The Town of Okotoks is hosting the following activities:

    Trash to Treasure – Recycled Art Creations runs June 3 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Environmental Education Centre, 1118 North Railway Street. Participants will create mixed-media artwork using recycled materials while learning how to keep resources in use longer. Space is limited and registration is required.

    Nature Friday takes place June 5 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Residents can celebrate World Environment Day by making nature-inspired letters from compostable materials.

    Document Shredding is available June 6 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Okotoks Operations Centre parking lot at 1118 North Railway Street. Residents can securely shred and recycle sensitive documents, with a limit of three boxes per household.

    A Repair Café runs June 6 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Olympic Room at the Viking Rentals Centre, 204 Community Way. Volunteers will help repair household items, small appliances, electronics, clothing and other items to extend their useful life and keep them out of the landfill.

    A Clothing and Sports Equipment Swap will be held June 7 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Environmental Education Centre. Residents can bring clean, gently used clothing, shoes and accessories for all ages. The swap has expanded this year to include sports equipment such as sticks, bats, racquets, skates, bikes, skis and snowboards. Undergarments, intimates, helmets and protective gear will not be accepted. Advance drop-off is available from June 2 to 6 at the Eco Centre.

    Throughout the week, residents can join the Environment Week BioBlitz by photographing animals, insects, plants or fungi in Okotoks and sharing their observations through the iNaturalist app. The records will help the scientific community better understand local biodiversity and support nature protection.

    Full details are available at okotoks.ca/Environment-Week.

    Canadian Environment Week was established in 1971 to celebrate environmental accomplishments and encourage conservation.

  • McHappy Day returns May 6 to support Ronald McDonald House and local charities

    Every order on McHappy Day can help serve up support for families.

    McHappy Day returns Wednesday, May 6, with a portion of all McDonald’s food and beverage sales supporting Ronald McDonald House Charities and other local children’s charities.

    Orders placed in person, online or through delivery services will count. McDelivery orders made through the McDonald’s app, DoorDash, Skip and Uber Eats will have a $0 delivery fee across Canada that day, although service fees still apply.

    Terry Van Veen with The Eagle 100.9 will broadcast live from the McDonald’s location at 600 Big Rock Lane in Okotoks from 9 a.m. to noon.

    Okotoks staff raised more than $36,000 during last year’s event.

    Ronald McDonald House Alberta operates houses in Calgary, Edmonton, Medicine Hat and Red Deer. The organization supported families from nearly 345 communities last year. The Calgary House expanded in 2025 to 91 bedrooms, making it the largest Ronald McDonald House in Canada.

    Across 32 McHappy Day events, more than $111.3 million has been raised to support families accessing medical care for their children.