🌄 Foothills Scoop

👋 Happy New Year, Foothills!
We’re easing into 2026 with a warm winter welcome. As the first full weekend of January arrives, our communities are buzzing with fresh beginnings – from new local businesses and volunteer initiatives to a Chinook blowing in some balmy temperatures. Grab a cozy beverage and read on for the latest news, events, and chatter around Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley and beyond. Let’s make the most of this beautiful Foothills weekend together!

✨ In Today’s Edition:
🏞️ Have Your Say on Okotoks’ Next Big Development
📰 Food Bank Demand Surges Amid Rising Costs
🎉 Weekend Events: Curling Championships, Concerts & Family Fun

Okotoks Invites Feedback on North-End Development Plan: The Town of Okotoks is seeking public input on the draft Thunder Stone Junction Area Structure Plan, a major blueprint for ~470 acres of future commercial/industrial lands in north Okotoks. The Town-driven plan outlines new roads, business parks, and open spaces to spur local job growth and broaden the tax base. Residents can review the draft and submit feedback through mid-January. Following community consultation, the plan will be refined and brought to Town Council for approval in early 2026. Town officials emphasize this is a chance for locals to help shape Okotoks’ next economic hub and ensure it fits the community’s vision. (Have your say on the Town’s website or at the upcoming open house – your input matters!)

Foothills Food Bank Usage Hits Record High: Soaring living costs have more families turning to local food banks. The Okotoks Food Bank reports unprecedented demand through 2025, with monthly hampers and the “Help Yourself” shelf program seeing heavy use. Executive Director Bente Yanota noted the charity delivered hundreds of extra Christmas hampers in December and even had to limit how often clients can access regular hampers. Community support is rising to meet the need – a fall food drive in Okotoks and High River brought in over 30,000 lbs of donations in a single day. Still, shelves are running low on high-protein items and essentials, and the Food Bank welcomes donations year-round. Local volunteers and businesses have stepped up, but with demand up and inflation squeezing budgets, food security remains a pressing conversation in the Foothills.

🌟 Community Spotlight

Local Butcher Returns to High River: There’s mouthwatering news for High River carnivores – Cut & Co. butcher shop has officially opened its doors at 701 Centre Street SE. This family-run shop prides itself on high-quality meats and friendly service, bringing an old-fashioned butcher experience back to downtown. Owners (and longtime locals) say they’re excited to serve the community, sourcing local beef, pork and poultry and even offering custom cuts. The store saw a steady stream of curious customers over the holidays, and early reviews highlight the top-notch product and personal touch. It’s a welcome addition to High River’s business scene, supporting local producers and giving residents another reason to shop on Centre Street. Pop in Tues–Sat (10am–7pm) to say hello and maybe take home a prime cut for dinner. 🍖✨

Friday, Jan 9:

Saturday, Jan 10:

Sunday, Jan 11:

Hope you didn’t pack away those sunglasses! A mild Chinook is sweeping through, bringing unseasonably warm temps. Friday will be mostly sunny with a high around 0 °C (wind chills in the morning make it feel colder). By Saturday, we’re expecting glorious sunshine and highs near +10 °C – patio weather in January, anyone? Sunday stays bright and warm at about 9 °C, although some clouds roll in Sunday night. It’s a far cry from the usual -5/–15 °C January averages, so get outside and enjoy it while it lasts. (And don’t worry, ski hills – winter will be back soon enough!)

• “January Thaw” Has Everyone Smiling: The number one topic on local lips (and social media) this week is the weather – specifically, our mini heatwave. Folks from Okotoks to Longview are joking about BBQing in T-shirts and the mystery of disappearing snowdrifts. With temperatures cresting the high single-digits (and possibly hitting double digits) this weekend, you’ll hear the word “Chinook” almost as often as “Happy New Year.” Enjoy it, but drive safe – warm days can mean icy mornings! 🌞😎

• Gearing Up for Mayor’s Town Hall: Okotokians are buzzing about the upcoming Mayor’s Town Update on Jan 15. Mayor Tanya Thorn and town council will host an evening chat at the Viking Rentals Centre (7:00 PM) to discuss the town’s fiscal health and 2026 priorities. Many locals plan to attend or watch for the recap, eager to hear about everything from budget plans to new community projects. It’s the first town hall of the year, and coffee & cookies are usually on hand – plus a chance to meet council members one-on-one. Mark your calendars if you want the inside scoop on what’s ahead for Okotoks. Civic engagement is in the air! 🗣️☕

👉 Thanks for reading the Foothills Scoop Weekend Edition!
We hope it helps you get out there and enjoy all our region has to offer. If you found this guide handy, please share it with friends and neighbours. Let’s spread the word and grow our community of readers. Got an event or local story for us? Hit reply and let us know – we love hearing from you. Have a fantastic weekend, stay warm (or cool, given the Chinook!), and we’ll see you next week. ☺️ Happy weekend, Foothills!

– The Foothills Scoop Team