🌄 Foothills Scoop

Happy weekend, Foothills. This one’s got a little bit of everything—hands-on kids’ programs, an art gallery double-opening, community help sessions, and live music options that don’t require a Calgary drive. Here’s your confirmed Friday–Sunday plan for Jan 16–18, 2026.

✨ In Today’s Edition:
🏘️ Property assessment notices + local “to-do” reminders
🎨 Two new gallery shows open in Okotoks
🎶 Live music + community events across Okotoks, High River, and Diamond Valley

🏠 Okotoks property assessment notices are landing in mailboxes
Okotoks mailed 2026 property assessment notices on Jan 12, and residents should start seeing them arrive now. Assessments are based on market conditions as of July 1, 2025 and the physical state of the property as of Dec 31, 2025. If something looks off, the Town encourages property owners to review early and connect with the assessment team before tax bills are calculated. The key takeaway: don’t ignore it—this is the document that sets the foundation for your 2026 property taxes.

🎄 Diamond Valley has changed how Christmas trees get disposed of
If you were expecting curbside tree pickup in Diamond Valley, that service is no longer happening. The Town has shifted to a centralized drop-off approach, citing budget and staffing capacity. If you still have a tree waiting by the garage, it’s worth checking the Town’s notice so you don’t miss the new process. This is one of those small changes that can catch people off guard until it’s too late.

🎭 Two fresh exhibitions open at the Okotoks Art Gallery (and both have receptions Saturday)
The Okotoks Art Gallery is doing a double feature: two exhibitions launch with an opening reception on Saturday, Jan 17 (1–3 PM). It’s an easy, local afternoon outing—drop in, take in the new work, and make it a quick coffee-and-culture day. If you’ve been meaning to get into the habit of checking out local arts programming, this is a perfect “start here” weekend. Bonus: it’s also a great excuse to wander downtown after.

🎶 Winter nights, warmer vibes: local live music options
If you’re looking for something fun after dinner without committing to a late night, there are a couple of strong picks: live music at Eau Claire Distillery’s Speakeasy on Friday, and an Okotoks live set Saturday night at Tribal Connection Market. These kinds of shows are exactly what make winter weekends feel less like hibernation. Support local venues, grab a drink, and call it a win.

• 🦖 Nature Fridays: Dinosaurs — Fri, 10 AM–4 PM, Environmental Education Centre (Okotoks)
Hands-on nature learning with a dinosaur theme—great for curious kids and an easy daytime outing.

• 🎨 UPSTART ART (Ages 7–13) — Fri, 2–4 PM, McMan (New Okotoks Office, 72 N Railway St)
A free creative session for kids who want to make something bright, messy, and cool.

• 📚 Fun Fridays (Tweens) — Fri, 3:30 PM, Okotoks Public Library
A tween-friendly after-school hang with library-style fun (and a nice parent breather built in).

• 🎶 Live Music (Toni Vere) — Fri, 6–9 PM, Eau Claire Distillery Speakeasy (Turner Valley)
Kick off the weekend with a warm room, a good pour, and live tunes in the Foothills.

• 🎻 Cameron Crozman & Meagan Milatz (High River Gift of Music) — Fri, 7:30 PM, High River United Church
An evening concert with standout classical talent—great “real night out” energy without the big-city hassle.

• 🛠️ Repair Café — Sat, 12–4 PM, Viking Rentals Centre (Okotoks)
Bring broken small items and learn repair skills (or get help) instead of tossing things out.

• 🎨 Okotoks Art Gallery Opening Reception (2 exhibitions) — Sat, 1–3 PM, Okotoks Art Gallery
Pop in for the opening of two new shows—an easy Saturday afternoon plan that feels a little special.

• 🧊 Teen Winter Workshop (Ages 12–15) — Sat, 1–3:30 PM, Okotoks Public Library
A teen-focused winter activity session—good energy, low pressure, and something different than screens.

• ⚖️ Free Legal Clinic (Divorce & Family Law) — Sat, 10 AM–2 PM, Sheep River Library (Diamond Valley)
A scheduled clinic (appointments required)—a valuable local support option for those who need it. Appointments must be made prior to coming.

• 🎤 Live Music (Aline Deanna) — Sat, 8 PM, Tribal Connection Market (Okotoks)
A Saturday-night local show option—great if you want live music without leaving town.

• 🥌 Outdoor Curling League — Sun, 12–3 PM, Hub Town Brewing (Okotoks)
Fresh air, fun competition, and a brewery backdrop—spectating is also totally acceptable.

• ⛸️ Public Skate — Sun, 11:15AM –12:15PM, Oilfields Regional Arena (Diamond Valley)
A classic winter activity—bring the family, or go full nostalgia and skate like it’s 1999.

Friday: mix of sun and cloud, around 4°C, low -6°C.
Saturday: milder—mix of sun and cloud, up to 12°C, low -5°C.
Sunday: colder but sunny, around -1°C, low -8°C.

• 🏛️ Okotoks’ 2026 priorities + financial health — The Mayor’s Town Update event is getting attention as a good “here’s what’s coming” moment for residents who want a clearer picture of plans and priorities.
• 💰 High River budget discussions — Budget meetings and “have your say” posts are circulating—people are watching where costs land and what gets prioritized in 2026.

👉 Enjoy your weekend! As always, thank you for reading The Foothills Scoop. If you’re loving this newsletter, please share it with a friend or neighbor – it’s the best way to support our local community news. Got events, stories, or good-news tips? Send them our way. Have a safe and happy weekend, and we’ll see you next week!

– The Foothills Scoop Team