November 2015

Home owners in Okotoks need to get ready for higher utility bills from the Town next year.

Recycling fees will apply to the new mandatory pick up of organic waste and other recycling beginning Fall 2016.

With fees for waste collection at the town’s landfill operation, the cost will go up by $1 per household beginning this January.

Not everyone will see such a small increase in their waste collection bill.  Those residents of Okotoks who are not registered for the Town’s recycling pick up program may actually see fees double.

Beginning in January, homes already on the roster for curbside recycling pick up will be $20.50 each month for recycling as well as garbage collection.  Those households who not subscribed to this program will have to

Lawn games are a great way to enjoy the warmth of the summer. They give a family a reason to get outside and enjoy time together, as well. Here are some of the top lawn games you can enjoy as a family this summer.

Bean Bag Toss

This game is place with bags on both sides and a board on both sides. The boards can be decorated however you choose and come with a hole in them. Each team tosses the bags trying to land them on the board and through the hole until one team gets to 21 points. This is a fun game for all ages.

Outdoor Bowling

An outdoor bowling set can be quite a bit of fun. Since you don't want to go inside to a bowling lane, you can get an outdoor set and enjoy some fun on your lawn.

Lawn Scrabble

A very fun game that is

Mold and mildew is unsightly, stinky, and most importantly, dangerous. It's crucial to remove mold and mildew as soon as you find it. Here are the best ways to find and remove mold and mildew from your home to get it looking fresh and clean again.

Where to Find Mold and Mildew

To know where to find mold and mildew, you need to know how and why it grows. The best catalyst for mold growth is moisture. So the most likely place it will grow is in your bathroom and basement. Look for any discolorations, such as black spots on tiles. Once you see mold and mildew it is essential to remove it quickly.

So How Do You Remove Mold and Mildew?

The amount of mold determines the best method to remove it. If you see a large amount of mold it is best to call a

Your home's exterior is extremely important for keeping your entire home safe and protected. There are many different things you can do to keep your home's exterior in the best condition possible for the longevity of your home and also for the appearance of your home. Here are a few tasks to consider.

Clean Your Gutters

Some people neglect their gutters which can be a big mistake. Your gutters can become clogged and overflow causing damages such as flooding. Clean your gutters by hand and then use a hose to rinse out any leftover debris while also making sure the water flows through possibly. Also, check your gutters for damage and promptly fix any that are damaged.

Check Your Roof

Inspect your roof for any damage or debris. Check for curling

Light Up Okotoks has become a much-anticipated event that kicks off the holidays in a most brilliant way.

Celebrate the season with a few thousand of your closest friends at Light Up Okotoks on Nov 20.

Residents will gather downtown on Friday night when the streets of Okotoks will become a virtual winter wonderland.   Activities for young and old are planned for the evening.

About Parking

As in past years, residents are encouraged to come early because parking is limited.  However, downtown Okotoks on a balmy evening in late fall is not that far away from many Okotoks communities.

Elizabeth Street, McRae and North Railway will be closed to traffic from 5:30 pm to 9:00 pm.

Scheduled Events

• There will be lots of merriment for

If you are looking to eat a great meal while enjoying a spectacular view then look no farther than The Ridge House. They offer a full menu ranging from delicious appetizers to mouth-watering seafood. There is something for the entire family to enjoy and the atmosphere is like none other. Here's what you can expect when you dine at The Ridge House.

The View

The Ridge House is nestled on the Crystal Ridge Golf Course with jaw dropping views of the beautiful Rocky Mountains and the rustic terrain of Crystal Ridge. When you are not enjoying the views of the mountains, you can enjoy watching the lush green golf course where you can sometimes watch golfers in action.

The Restaurant

Not many restaurants offer versatile seating arrangements for large

Based in Alberta, The Canadian Brewhouse has several locations throughout Alberta as well as in Saskatchewan and British Columbia. Aside from their normal menu, they offer brunch and seasonal menus. They are also home to one of the most diverse menus of beer and alcohol.

Unwind at the Brewhouse

Nothing beats good food, good friends, and good drinks! Eat, drink, and be merry by visiting The Canadian Brewhouse. Their menu really does have something for everyone. Patron favourites include the:

• Braised Beef Grilled Cheese Sandwich: It’s a best seller that comes in a healthy portion and uses the restaurant’s famous braised beef. BBQ sauce and cheese top this Texas toast sandwich off with perfection.
• Alexander Keith’s Bluenose Fish: Craving

Acting on complaints from Okotoks gardeners concerned with the large numbers of urban deer munching on valuable plants, town officials conducted a deer count earlier this fall.

On September 15, more than 50 volunteers fanned out across town to see how many deer were within town limits. Okotoks was divided into districts, with each team of volunteers counting within a set boundary.  The count was quick in a bid to avoid counting the quick-moving deer herd twice.

During the one hour count, the teams discovered 51 deer within the town limits with another 15 just outside for a total of 66 deer. Deer are found in every neighbourhood in Okotoks, not just in the outlying neighbourhoods.

This number will act as a baseline number so the town can monitor