Today is Kindness Day!
Meet Kindness Currency recipient Hannahlynn Clifford

The third Friday of every month is Kindness Day, a chance to get involved in the Okotoks Stronger Together programs and spread the kindness that makes Okotoks a great place.

Kindness Currency recipient Hannahlynn Clifford is spreading kindness through her initiative Hannahlynn’s Backpacks. Hannahlynn, an active community volunteer, collects donations and fundraises to make backpacks full of supplies for the homeless. To date, she has made up 300 backpacks to help those in need!

Read more about Hannahlynn

Calgary Metro Region Board launches public engagement for growth plan

The third and final phase of public engagement for the Calgary Metro Region’s growth plan launched March 18 and lasts until April 8, and includes online engagement and virtual open houses. This regional growth plan will impact Okotoks’ future growth and so it is important to provide feedback to ensure it reflects the needs of the Okotoks’ community.

Join the conversation online

Okotoks Arts & Learning Campus virtual tour

Take a virtual reality tour of Okotoks Arts & Learning Campus - this awesome video captures the vision of what the campus could look like!

Check out the project

Read new stories of seniors’ resilience every Wednesday

What does it take to make it through the experiences of being a prisoner of war, surviving a flood or thriving after childhood trauma? This week in Project SOS: Share Our Stories, Helga, Norman and Helen relate how faith, friends and the kindness of others helped them through difficult times in their lives. Read new stories of resiliency from seniors in the communities of Okotoks, Black Diamond, Turner Valley, High River, Foothills County and Longview every Wednesday!

Read the stories

We’re melting!

And that increases dangers around the ice. With the warmer temperatures, the Okotoks Fire Department reminds you to keep ice safety in mind when around frozen rivers, ponds and lakes. Keep a safe distance from the river banks as ice thickness can be deceiving – this includes your pets. If you see someone in trouble call 9-1-1 and do not attempt to rescue them yourself. Encourage the person to stay calm, kick their legs while trying to pull themselves out. If you can, safely reach or throw an aid such as a branch or rope.

Learn about river safety

Elm firewood can be deadly!

Please do not transport or store: just one piece of elm firewood in the trunk of your car, or stored in your back yard, could cause the death of elm trees in a community. Storing or transporting elm wood can spread Dutch Elm Disease (DED), as the beetles that carry DED fungus hide under the bark. Call the Horticulture Hotline immediately if suspect DED at 403-995-6333 or email horticulture@okotoks.ca.

Learn about prevention measures

Tips to help keep storm drains and catch basins clear

The main purpose of the storm sewer system is to drain surface water and prevent flooding. Water pooling next to a storm drain is normal, as they are equipped with devices that allow the water to drain slowly and not overload the storm water system. Here are a few tips to help keep storm drains clear and keep you safe:

• Clear snow away from storm drains once snow begins to melt and the drain is visible.
• If you find the storm drain is iced over, do not try to remove the ice yourself as you may cause damage to the infrastructure or injure yourself. Instead, report concerns to Operations at 403-938-8952.

Info on storm drainage

This spring, don’t let your swale fail!

Property owners are responsible for keeping swales located on their property clear of snow and ice, especially prior to spring runoff. Failure to do so could cause overland flooding and potential property damage to you and your neighbour.

Swale information

Don’t mix chemicals when you are spring cleaning!

The Okotoks Fire Department wants to remind you that chemicals in your home can be dangerous to your health and the environment. Do not mix cleaning products when disinfecting your home as this can lead to irritated airways, respiratory problems or serious burns to your skin, eyes, throat, nose, and lungs.

DO NOT MIX:
Bleach & Vinegar = Toxic Chlorine Gas
Bleach & Ammonia = Toxic Chloramine Vapors
Bleach & Rubbing Alcohol = Chloroform
Hydrogen Peroxide & Vinegar = Peracetic Acid

How to safely store chemicals

Bylaw relaxed to allow front yard fire pits

The Okotoks Fire Department is supporting the community with more variety in outdoor recreation by permitting front yard fire pits. Don’t forget that fires need to be contained in an approved gas or wood burning fire pit under adult supervision while maintaining at least two metres from any structure or combustibles. Please follow the current Alberta Health Services direction for outdoor gatherings which can be found on their website.

Watch the video to learn more

Don't forget to buckle up!

Okotoks Municipal Enforcement reminds you that the most effective way to reduce the chance of injury or death in a motor vehicle collision is by wearing a seatbelt. The penalty for seatbelt infractions is a fine of $162. It’s also the driver’s responsibility to ensure that passengers under the age of 16 are buckled up. Young children under six years of age and 18 kilograms or less must travel in the appropriate child safety seats. If a child is not correctly restrained, the driver can be issued fines under the Vehicle Equipment Regulations.

Learn about traffic safety