🌾 The Foothills Scoop

Spring is trying its best — though Mother Nature had other plans for the start of this week. A significant snowfall blew through the Foothills overnight Wednesday into Thursday, with Environment Canada warning of 5–20 cm in parts of the region and reduced visibility on the roads. Conditions improved by Thursday evening, and the forecast is looking more like spring from here on out with highs climbing into the low-to-mid single digits Celsius through the weekend. After all, this is Alberta — and April snow is practically a rite of passage.

The good news? There's still plenty happening to get you out of the house and into the community this week, including a Good Friday long weekend to kick things off.

100 Women Who Care Foothills Gives $10,000 to Habitat for Humanity At their March 12th quarterly meeting, 100 Women Who Care Foothills voted to direct their Q2-2026 donation — a collective $10,000 — to Habitat for Humanity Southern Alberta's Foothills chapter. The funds will go toward landscaping at a new affordable housing duplex currently under construction at 831 6th Street SW in High River: fencing, trees, and sod for two families getting ready to move in. It's the organization's first time hitting the $10,000 quarterly target since August 2023, and brings their total community giving over 10 years to an impressive $325,000. As chair Terri Perrin put it: "When members drive by that duplex in years to come, they can say — we helped build that." The group is currently at 97 members and is looking to crack 100 in 2026 — new members are always welcome at 100womenfoothills.ca.

High River Rotary's Annual Lobster Boil Won't Be Happening This June After nearly four decades, the Rotary Club of High River's beloved Lobster Boil Fundraiser is sitting this year out. Rising costs for catering, venue rental, and event logistics would have pushed ticket prices from $125 last year to $225 — a jump the club felt would undermine its value as a fundraiser. "Cancelling was not a decision we took lightly," says Lobster Boil Committee chair Lee Ann Lyness. But don't count the High River Rotarians out — they've got a packed season ahead, including the Canada Flag Fundraiser (flags going up May 9), the Little Britches Parade on May 16, an Annual Gun, Knife & Antique Arms Show on June 6–7, and their signature Golf Tournament at Highwood Golf Course on July 23. You can support them now by sponsoring a Canada flag for your lawn this summer at rotaryclubofhighriver.com.

Early Wildfire Season Warning It's been a dry winter across the Foothills, and that has fire officials on alert earlier than usual. Foothills County is asking residents to be especially mindful of fire safety this spring — avoid burning on windy days, check for any active burn restrictions before lighting any outdoor fires, and make sure defensible space around your property is clear. It's only April, but conditions are already calling for vigilance.

North Railway Street Closure — Heads Up, Okotoks If you're heading to Seaman Stadium or the ball diamonds, plan your route. North Railway Street is closed from 32 Street to 40 Street East — near the stadium — through April 22 for construction of the Foothills-Okotoks Regional Water Project. Detour signage is in place 24 hours a day, and access to Seaman Stadium parking comes from Don Seaman Way off 32 Street. Parking at Bill Robertson Park, Tourmaline Field, and Conrad Field is not available during this time.

Foothills-Okotoks Regional Water Project on Track Speaking of that pipeline — the 25-kilometre Bow River water project is progressing, with crews currently working along 370 Avenue between Okotoks and Highway 2. The project, which includes a new reservoir and pump station, is expected to be operational by August 2026. It's a big deal for Okotoks' long-term growth, and the whole region has been waiting on this one for a while.

Property Tax Reality Check Okotoks homeowners will want to brace for their 2026 assessment notices: the provincial education levy collected through local property taxes is rising by 19 per cent this year — part of a 60 per cent increase over the last three years. The increases reflect provincial decisions outside of the Town's control. If you have questions about your assessment, contact the Town at okotoks.ca.

Oilers Season Wraps — Playoffs Begin April 10 The 2025–26 Okotoks Oilers regular season is in the books. The Green and Gold wrapped up their home schedule with Volunteer Appreciation Night and Fan Appreciation Night in late March. The team now heads into the BCHL Interior playoffs — their first home playoff game at Viking Rentals Centre is set for Friday, April 10 against the Spruce Grove Saints. Puck drop at 7 p.m. Grab your tickets and get ready to cheer — the playoff run is just getting started.

Hub Town Busker Night 📅 Saturday, April 4 📍 Hub Town Brewing, Okotoks

No tickets. No stage. Just live music happening all around you while you enjoy a cold craft beer. Hub Town's Busker Nights feature rotating local amateur musicians in a casual, come-as-you-are atmosphere. It's the kind of evening that sneaks up on you and ends up being the best part of your Saturday. Hub Town is family-friendly and dog-friendly, and the taproom is open from noon. Free event — no cover.

Acoustic Night at Old Church Theatre 📅 Tuesday, April 7 | 7:00–9:00 p.m. 📍 Old Church Theatre, Okotoks

Twice a month, the Old Church Theatre opens its doors for Acoustic Night — a free, open-to-all jam session where musicians of every level are welcome to pick up an instrument or simply pull up a chair and listen. Whether you're a seasoned player or just curious about the local music scene, this is one of the most welcoming events in Okotoks. Hosted by the Okotoks Arts Council and the Town of Okotoks. Free, no registration required.

🎙️ Coming Up Next Weekend — High River Red Barn Concert 📅 Sunday, April 12 | Doors 2:20 p.m., Show 3:00 p.m. 📍 Sheppard Family Park Red Barn, High River

Just outside this week's window but worth getting on your radar now — this intimate concert at the Red Barn features Toni Vere opening, followed by headliners Tommy Charles and Kaylin Kowalyshyn. Think front-porch country meets Nashville soul, with Toni's folk-blues roots setting the mood. Complimentary desserts and refreshments included. $40 tickets via e-transfer to [email protected] or call/text 403-601-9063. Seating is limited — don't wait.

Good Friday — Library & Some Services Closed 📅 Friday, April 3 The Okotoks Public Library is closed Friday, April 3 for Good Friday. Online resources remain available at okotokslibrary.ca. Check ahead with other town facilities and businesses for any adjusted holiday hours over the long weekend.

Sheep River Parkrun 📅 Saturday, April 5 | 9:00 a.m. 📍 Sheep River Park, Okotoks (picnic shelter)

The free weekly 5K run/walk is on rain, shine, or surprise April snow. The loop begins and ends at the picnic shelter in Sheep River Park and is open to all ages and fitness levels. It's a great way to start a Saturday — and a lovely way to see the river valley as it (slowly) greens up.

A New Vision of Wellness 📅 Tuesday, April 7 | 9:45–11:30 a.m. 📍 Okotoks Public Library A free drop-in program at the library for adults looking to explore wellness topics in a supportive, open environment. No registration required.

Tech Talk Café — First Session (High River) 📅 Tuesday, April 7 | 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 📍 High River Library Do your devices leave you feeling lost? Tech Talk Café is a relaxed, question-and-answer format program designed to help adults build confidence with laptops, tablets, and smartphones. This six-week series runs Tuesdays from April 7 to May 12. Space is very limited and registration is required — call 403-652-5090. Fee: $60 for the series, with fee assistance available for those who need it.

Ozbots — Coding Fun for Kids 📅 Wednesday, April 8 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 📅 Thursday, April 9 | 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. 📍 Okotoks Public Library Ages 6–12 are invited to explore the fun world of coding using Ozbots — adorable little robots that are programmed through colour! No coding experience needed, just curiosity and a sense of adventure. Pre-registration required.

Paper Mâché Workshop (Kids) 📅 Wednesday, April 8 & Thursday, April 9 (must attend both sessions) 📍 Okotoks Public Library Kids dive into the wonderfully messy world of paper mâché to build and decorate their own 3D creations across two consecutive sessions. Pre-registration is required and spots fill fast.

After last week's snowfall (up to 20 cm in some parts of the Foothills!), the forecast is looking more cooperative for the long weekend. Highs near 6°C on Friday, warming to around 7°C on Saturday with only a 10% chance of any precipitation. Sunday brings a slight dip to about 4°C, still dry. Typical Foothills spring: cold but sunny. Dress in layers and enjoy it — the mud season is officially here.

Weather based on forecast for Okotoks. Always check Environment Canada for the latest.

The early snowstorm that swept through overnight April 1–2 had Foothills residents swapping road reports and commiseration online — a solid 5–20 cm in spots made for a slippery Thursday morning. The silver side? The Sheep River looked absolutely stunning under a fresh coat of white.

There's also been buzz around the start of BCHL playoff season, with the Oilers heading into the post-season after a tough regular year. The Green Army is rallying — first home playoff game is April 10 and the energy around Viking Rentals Centre is picking up.

And if you haven't heard: the Okotoks Trade & Lifestyle Show is confirmed for April 18–19 at the Okotoks Recreation Centre this year (Easter's early timing pushed it back from its usual slot). Something to look forward to in the weeks ahead.

Have an event or story tip? Reply to this email or send us a note at [email protected]. We'd love to hear from you.

— The Foothills Scoop | Serving Okotoks, High River, Diamond Valley, Millarville, Longview & the Foothills