Local News

Fort McMurray evacuees are finding support and refuge in Okotoks, from access to Town facilities to free camping. Lions Park Campground has opened its gates to Fort McMurray evacuees, saving 15 spots specifically for those fleeing the wildfire.

As flames continue to wreak havoc in northern Alberta, Okotoks and MD Foothills crews are on standby.

Foothills residents looking to donate to Fort McMurray can fill a truck with non-perishable and personal items this weekend.

A fire ban was issued for the town of Okotoks at 8 a.m. on May 5. Dry conditions in the area had fire services considering reinstating its fire advisory, which was lifted last week, but the situation in northern Alberta led to a full fire ban.

Taxpayers can expect a double hit when the carbon tax rolls out in 2017 as municipalities and school boards bear increased costs for fuel and energy costs.

Closure of the Okotoks Air Ranch Airport runway has caused business to take off at its neighbour to the south. Activity at the High River Regional Airport has risen three-fold since the Air Ranch announced its temporary closure April 6.

There were more bells and whistles than usual around the train tracks in Okotoks last week.

Housing starts have slowed in Okotoks after the first quarter of 2016, but the value of construction projects in town have increased and homes are still selling.

Each step of the way, Foothills firefighters had friends and former colleagues on their minds as they climbed all 1,204 steps of the Bow Building in downtown Calgary Sunday.

Foothills residents will soon have online access to aerial images of the region.