Council directs significant investment into Community Health and Safety for first four-year budget

Council approved the first four-year budget at the December 13 regular meeting, providing continued high-quality programs and service levels while addressing operational and inflationary pressure.

The $66M operating budget represents an overall 2.5% increase in the property tax amount, with the average homeowner in Okotoks paying an approximate $58.95 increase per year or $4.91 a month in municipal taxes.

Find out more about the significant investment in service level enhancements and more at the link below, including public participation.

Info on the 2022-2025 Budget

Okotoks Transit expanding service to seven days a week

As part of the 2022 budget that was approved on December 13, the Town of Okotoks is pleased to announce that Okotoks Transit service will be expanding to seven days a week beginning January 1, 2022. This will allow Okotoks residents more mobility options and also aligns with the Town’s Social Wellness Framework to ensure Okotoks is a safe and connected community.

Monday to Friday service hours will be 5:30 a.m. - 11:30 p.m., increasing the service window by 30 minutes each day. Sunday and stat holiday service (except Christmas Day) will also be implemented. The hours for Saturday, Sunday and holidays will be 6 a.m. - 11:30 p.m.

The Transit team wishes users happy holidays and would like to remind you that there is no transit service on Saturday, December 25. All transit info is available at okotokstransit.ca.

More info

Santa is coming to Town!

Once again Santa will be taking a break from delivering presents to make an escorted tour of Okotoks this Christmas Eve with Okotoks Emergency Services, as part of the annual Santa’s Christmas Eve Parade. This year’s event marks the 20th anniversary of the parade and will depart from Fire Station No. 1 at 132 Milligan Drive at 5 p.m on December 24.

Track Santa at santa.okotoks.ca as he makes his way through Town. Santa requests that you abide by the current AHS guidelines and stay safe!

Event details

Charity Check Stop

Okotoks Municipal Enforcement will be hosting a virtual Charity Check Stop event again this December. The event offers support to the Rowan House Society and the Okotoks Food Bank who provide vital service to those less fortunate in our community. 

How you can help

Facility holiday hours & closures

Please make note of the following holiday closures:

Municipal Centre, Operations Centre & Fire Station No. 1
Closed Dec. 24-28 & Jan. 3
RCMP/Municipal Enforcement
Closed Dec. 25 & 26 & Jan. 1
Okotoks Eco Centre
Closed Dec. 24-25 & Jan. 1 
Open Dec. 28-30 & 31
Okotoks Recreation Centre*
Closed Dec. 25, 26 & Jan. 1
Pason Centennial Arenas*
Closed Dec. 24-27 & Jan. 1
Okotoks Family Resource Centre
Closed Dec. 23-28 & Jan. 3
Okotoks Art Gallery, Okotoks Museum & Archives
Closed Dec 24 - Jan 11
*The modified drop-in schedule for both recreation facilities runs from Dec. 20 to
Jan. 1. Visit activeokotoks.ca for the full schedule.

Put holiday waste in its place

With the holidays just around the corner, here are a few helpful reminders to keep holiday waste in its place:

• Styrofoam does not go in the garbage! Bring it to the Eco Centre for recycling
• Ribbons and bows go in your black garbage cart
• If your blue recycling cart is full, break down cardboard boxes and bring them to the Eco Centre for recycling or store until your next scheduled collection
• Bring electronics, batteries, Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFL) and tubes, paints and aerosols to the Eco Centre for recycling

Reminder that there is no change to the waste collection schedule over the holidays. The Okotoks Eco Centre will be closed Dec. 24-25 & Jan. 1, (normal operating hours in effect December 28-31). Happy holidays from Waste Services!

More info

2022 assessment notices coming soon!

Town assessment notices are being mailed in early January, 2022. Assessed value reflects the value of your property as of July 1, 2021. The residential single-family market in Okotoks is very strong—a typical residential home is expected to have a median increase in value of five percent. The assessment inquiry period lasts until March 14, 2022, and provides an opportunity for owners to review their assessment. Property owners can contact an assessor to discuss their assessment during the inquiry period by calling 403.995.6313 or emailing assessment@okotoks.ca. 

More info

Friday is Kindness Day!

Participate in Kindness Day this Friday by signing up to be a Community Champion. Welcome new neighbours – or connect with existing ones – and show that Okotoks is welcoming!

You can also get involved with Gift It Forward and say thanks to a kind neighbour for being a Snow Angel, show a family member you care, or support friends with a FREE surprise gift from the Town! Sign up before Friday and we'll drop your freebies at your door on December 17.

Get involved

Winter driving tips
Know when to go and when to say no!

If you must drive in snowy conditions, make sure your car is prepared, and that you know how to handle road conditions. Make sure that you clean ALL the snow and ice off your car. This includes the windshield, back window, headlights, and taillights! Check out the quick reminders in the link below on when to go and when to say no!

Winter driving tips

Make room for the snowplow

In the wintery months, snowplows clear and sand the roads to ensure they are safe for pedestrians and motorists.

Pedestrians: A reminder to keep back from Town snowplows and other equipment. For your safety, do not approach the Operators. Please direct any Transportation inquiries to 403-938-8952.

Motorists: Snowplows require ample room to turn and maneuver safely. Always reduce your speed and give yourself a safe distance when following behind a snowplow.

While clearing the roadways of snow, operators are working as quickly and as safely as they can to get the road clear for drivers. Thank you for giving them the space they need to get the job done! 

More info

Countdown to the Holidays with Okotoks Fire Dept.

Join the Okotoks Fire Department for fire safety advice and cheer as their crews countdown to Christmas Day with the Countdown to the Holidays video advent calendar!

Tune in to the Fire Department’s Twitter channel, @Okotoksfiredept, every day until December 25 to see seasonal safety messages – and maybe a few festive jokes - so that everyone in the community can celebrate the season safely.

Countdown with OFD