Okotoks

One person died in a collision involving over a dozen vehicles near Strathmore today (Nov. 18).

Gleichen, Bassano, and Brooks RCMP responded to the collision, which happened in the westbound lanes of Highway 1.

A 51-year-old man from Redcliff was pronounced deceased at the scene, and no other injuries were reported.

The road was closed for over six hours, and it's since been reopened with all affected vehicles having been towed.

Road conditions are believed to have played a role in the collision.

The snow that fell overnight greeted motorists this morning leaving many in the ditch.

The sand plows were out aplenty since the early morning hours however the driving conditions caused by the snow caused many motorist's trouble.

From school buses running late or being cancelled there were many motorists who were late getting to work this morning.

Okotoks RCMP are advising of very poor driving conditions on Highway 2 at Dunbow Road.  

They are advising motorists to avoid the area.

The outdoor but covered Scott Seaman Rink in Diamond Valley temporarily closed this morning.

It's due to all the snow from last night.  The rink attendants are busy clearing the snow off anticipating the rink opening later this morning or early this afternoon.

In a media release the Town says if you're a paid user your organization ice scheduler will be notified, and they will update you if it affects your ice time.

With all the snow and grossness outside, I thought another installment of My Billet Designs is exactly what you need to put a smile on your face! 

High River Town Council provided funding to a trio of local projects at their latest meeting.

On Nov.  12, they were presented with recommendations from the Community Vitality Advisory Committee.

The Community Vitality Fund supports local initiatives and community projects that might not be possible without a funding boost.

One of the three projects approved for funding is a documentary series called "High River Chronicles - Stories of a Prairie Town," to be produced by the Unity Film Festival.

The most wonderful night of the year in High River is just a few weeks away now.

The Santa Claus Parade and Christmas Market will be filling up the town with the spirit of giving.

Orvella Small with Inclusion Foothills says the market this year is free, but any donations would be greatly appreciated.

"Yes, and maybe it's important to know that what you do contribute to or donate to Inclusion Foothills, for which we're very really grateful, goes towards and support the programs we offer for our kids, for parents and for the community as a whole."

If no political party is willing to say uncle, the drawn-out stalemate in the House of Commons is heading for an unprecedented situation that could amount to a tacit lack of confidence in the government, without anyone in Parliament casting a vote. 

The Conservatives and Bloc Québécois have already announced plans to try to bring down the government and trigger an election with a non-confidence motion at the next opportunity. But there's no telling when that opportunity will come, because the House has been gridlocked in a filibuster for more than a month.

The Town of Okotoks has invited the public to attend the upcoming annual budget meeting.

Over the summer there was budget engagement with the public, where community members were able to share their thoughts on Town services levels.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau says the federal government could have acted faster on reining in immigration programs, after blaming "bad actors" for gaming the system.

Trudeau released a nearly seven-minute video on YouTube Sunday talking about the recent reduction in permanent residents being admitted to Canada and changes to the temporary foreign worker program. 

Over the next two years, the permanent residency stream is being reduced by about 20 per cent to 365,000 in 2027.

What a difference a day makes.

Residents of the Foothills woke up Monday morning to a blanket of snow covering everything.

At least 5 cm fell overnight, starting around 1 a.m., with more still falling.

According to Environment Canada we're supposed to get between 5 and 10 cm of the white stuff today.

It looks like it's here to stay as well because the highs this week won't get above zero.

Stay up to date with the changing conditions on our weather page.