Town moves to Alberta Emergency Alert for all emergency notifications 

Due to the advancements in emergency mass notification technologies available for municipalities, the Town will be moving away from the Safe Communities Alert Network (SCAN) broadcasting system, to focus on the Alberta Emergency Alert (AEA) system for all future emergency notifications as of May 1, 2021. Be sure to download the AEA app or sign up to receive notifications!

How to sign up for AEA

Temporary fencing approved for 2021 growing season

Recommendations from the Urban Deer Task Force will be incorporated into a pilot project to protect Okotoks gardens this season. Council approved the task force’s suggestion to allow fencing to be temporarily extended to a height of 2.3 m (7.5ft) as a deterrent to deer at the regular meeting April 12.

Guidelines and information on acceptable extensions are available the Town’s website.

Find more information

Weekly organics collection returns

Curbside collection of the green organics cart returns to its weekly pick-up schedule on April 13th for all households, just in time for spring clean up! We encourage you to download the Town’s Waste App to get reminders of your collection schedule. 

Extra bags of yard waste or leaves and grass left outside of the cart will not be collected. If your green cart is full, here are a few options:
• Store your yard waste or leaves and grass on your property until your next collection day
• Bring yard waste or leaves/grass to the Eco Centre
• Upsize your green cart to 240-litres - visit okotoks.ca/WasteForms

Download the app

Today is Kindness Day: Okotoks is family!

The third Friday of every month is Kindness Day, a chance to spread kindness and recognize the caring acts that are making a difference for our Okotoks family!

Meet Justin, Michelle, Lyla, Liam, Abigail and Jack – together, the Johnston family received Kindness Currency for helping to strengthen their connections with their neighbours. They have gone out of their way to create a sense of community with thoughtful surprises, kind letters and by joining the Community Champion Program to help brighten the spirit of their neighbourhood. 

Read more about the Johnston family

Council invites you to a virtual conversation!

Mark your calendar! Join Okotoks Town Council for the virtual Council Community Connector, a Zoom webinar, on April 19 at 6:00pm. The focus of the event is to provide an opportunity for citizens to chat with councilors about initiatives, projects and activities happening in the community. Council will present information on the following timely topics:
• Regional Water Pipeline
• CMRB Regional Growth Plan
• Affordable Housing

Pre-registration is required and questions can be submitted in advance.

Get the details

Volunteers needed for Annual Cleanup and Tree Planting

The Town is looking for volunteers for the annual Okotoks Community Cleanup and Tree Planting event on Saturday, May 8.

Register online for one of 20 cleanup zones until zones are filled. If a zone is greyed out, the maximum number of registrants has been reached.

Due to AHS guidelines, only 18 tree planting spots will be available this year.

Register for tree planting

Volunteer for Community Cleanup

Stay tuned for Downtown Vitalization engagement

Phase two of public participation for this project will be coming soon! Find project details on the Town website, and be sure to stay up to date. 

Stay up to date

Construction reminders

Please be aware of pathway repairs near Good Shepherd School, curb paving at Carr Crescent and Banister Drive and some work along Northridge Dr as part of the Urbanization project occurring the week of April 19. Please watch for signage and crews and use caution in these areas. More info at okotoks.ca/construction.

More info

Parking lot closure

As part of the construction on the Okotoks Arts and Learning Campus, the parking lot of the existing Okotoks Public Library will be permanently closed effective April 20, 2021. This closure is necessary to accommodate work on the outdoor plaza and the front of the campus building. Library access for book drop off/curbside pick-up will still be available. To ensure safety, pedestrians and cyclists are encouraged to use the Sheep River pathway to travel east/west. 

Get details about the project

Rich’s Playground upgrade

The Town is seeking input for upgrades to Rich’s Playground. Rich’s Playground at Sheep River Park is one of the most beloved playgrounds in Okotoks and now it’s time for us to show it a little more love!

Take the survey until noon, April 28. Your input will help us determine the theme for the upgrades - thank you for your feedback!

Learn more & take the survey

Wayfinding signage webinar

Wed, April 28 | 7-8pm
Join us for the second and final phase of public participation for this project. The goal of this session is to gain a better understanding of your thoughts on what Okotoks’ character is and how that can be represented in the materials that will make up the signage. Registration is required to attend. See you there!

Learn more & register

Thank you volunteers!

April 18-24 is National Volunteer Week, a time to celebrate and say thank you to the volunteers who continue to make a difference in our community. Watch for daily stories next week about the impact of local volunteers on the Town’s social media!

In partnership with McDonald’s, we’re saying thanks to volunteers with a free coffee and cookie on us! Visit the Okotoks McDonald’s by Safeway or Home Depot on Wed. April 21 between 7 - 11 a.m for your free coffee and cookie. While quantities last.

Learn about volunteering

Protect our trees from Emerald Ash Borer

Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) is an invasive insect that threatens ash trees. Properly pruning deadwood, applying mulch to roots and watering during dry periods will improve health and help trees resist attack.

To prevent the spread, do not transport firewood/branches of ash (or any tree species) as beetles may be living in the bark. The best practice for firewood - use local supplies.
Contact the Horticulture Hotline if you need more information. Call the Horticulture Hotline for more info at 403-995-6333 or email horticulture@okotoks.ca.

Learn what to watch out for