Okotoks

A Special Weather Statement has been issued for most of Alberta, due to the high temperatures forecasted over the next seven days.

According to Environment Canada, daytime temperatures are expected to be between 29 and 33 degrees Celsius, beginning today, for central and northern Alberta.

Those temperatures are expected to expand and include parts of southern Alberta, beginning Monday.

The Special Weather Statement has been issued for:

The Town of Okotoks was taken over by chili enthusiasts today (Saturday, Aug 23).

This was part of the Town's Summer Round Up and Chili Cookoff.

At the event, there was a competition to see whose chili would reign supreme, as well as music, vendors, and entertainment for all.

There was also the Cobzilla Challenge, which saw contestants compete to see who could eat corn on the cob the fastest.

As part of the Chili Cookoff, there was the People's Choice and Judge's Award.

The Okotoks Pro Rodeo is back for a weekend full of action. 

Rodeo action kicked off yesterday (Aug. 22) at the Millarville Racetrack. 

The rodeo features barrel racing, bareback, tie down roping, steer wrestling, breakaway roping, saddle bronc, team roping, bull riding, a wild pony race, and mutton busting. 

Through the rodeo, contestants are able to earn spots at either the Canadian Finals Rodeo (CFR) or the National Finals Rodeo (NFR). 

The action continues tomorrow (Aug. 24) at 1 p.m. 

Those heading to Banff this weekend, beware of the heightened risk of wildfires.

Recently, Parks Canada upgraded the Fire Danger risk to High, but there is still no fire ban in effect for the Town of Banff or Banff National Park.

The risk was increased to High, due to the current and forecasted weather conditions, the amount of moisture the vegetation has, the regional wildfire situation, and the availability of responders and equipment.

Currently, campfires are permitted in campgrounds and day-use areas with designated metal fire pits.

Diamond Valley’s Dr. Lander Memorial Pool is about to get a new look.  

In July, the town called on local artists to submit proposal applications to create a brand-new mural at the pool entrance.  

The project has been awarded to local artist Jasmine Randle.  

She has extensive painting experience, with past work with the Oilfields High School students and local businesses.  

There’s an upcoming road closure on Banister Gate Road in Okotoks for construction.   

Banister Gate Road will be closed from Northridge Drive to Banister Drive starting tomorrow (Aug. 23).  

The work includes adding a new lift of asphalt, reconfiguring the road surface, and painting traffic lines.  

High River’s fieldhouse, walking track, and small arena at the Bob Snodgrass Recreation Complex (BSRC) will be closed to facilitate work on the expansion project.  

The facilities will be closed from Aug. 25 until Aug. 29 at 5 p.m.  

The work includes electrical upgrades in the fieldhouse and installing equipment in the small arena, which will service the expanded pool space.   

Those driving through Nanton will have to slow down, starting next week.

School zone signs will be installed on Highway 2 southbound on Monday, Aug. 25.

The signs will be installed in the Bomber Command Museum area, from approximately 16 St. to 18 St., and the United Church area, approximately from 20 St. to 22 St.

Once the signs are in place, those areas will become a 30 km/hr school zone.

This speed limit change is part of the school decanting process and is intended to keep students safe.

Both sunshine and fun are taking over the Foothills this weekend.

Let's see what's happening in the Foothills this weekend:

Friday, August 22:

At this week's Nature Fridays event at the Environmental Education Centre in Okotoks, youth will learn about Tee-Rific Upcycle from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. At this event, they are helping to give old t-shirts a new life.

Alberta Premier Danielle Smith said Thursday her government's sudden shift in COVID-19 vaccination policy was prompted by union demands. 

Earlier this week, her health ministry said COVID-19 vaccine coverage would be extended to all health-care workers this fall under the first phase of the province’s rollout.

That came two months after the government said most Albertans, including health workers, would have to pay for a COVID-19 shot — potentially a cost of $110.