Rivers Edge Infrastructure Improvements

Sewer and Road Upgrades on Riverside Drive 

Timeline: approximate start August 19 - late October

Stage 1 

Timeline: approximately Aug 19-24

• Construction begins with sewer upgrades at the Riverside Drive and Veterans Way intersection. This phase includes a temporary intersection closure to complete underground work as quickly as possible.
• Veterans Way south of Daggett Street will be closed to vehicle traffic, and access between Veterans Way and South Railway Street will not be available. South Railway Street will remain accessible via Lineham Avenue.
• Expect significant traffic impacts during this stage, including detours, delays and congestion on surrounding routes and intersections, particularly at Elizabeth Street and Northridge Drive.
• Pedestrian access through the area will be maintained

Stage 2

Timeline: approximately late August to late October

• Veterans Way will reopen, but Riverside Drive within the construction area will remain closed to regular vehicle traffic while sewer, road and parking improvements continue.
• Drivers should expect changing traffic patterns and localized detours, and on-street parking along Riverside Drive within the construction area will be temporarily unavailable.
• Access to businesses, the Okotoks Public Library and the Okotoks United Church (via temporary connection between the church and library parking lots), as well as pedestrian access through the area, will be maintained.

Sewer and Road Rehabilitation on South Railway St.

(from east of Lineham Avenue to Oak Avenue )

Timeline: July 27-August 31

• Upgrading sanitary sewer infrastructure and reconstructing South Railway Street between Lineham Avenue and Oak Avenue. 
• Work will be completed in stages to maintain access where possible:
  • Stage 1: Temporary gravel access road
  • Stage 2: Oak Avenue to Elm Avenue
  • Stage 3: Elm Avenue to Morrison Street
  • Stage 4: Morrison Street to Lineham Avenue

Work includes:

• Deep Utility and road upgrades from west of the Okotoks Public Library to Lineham Avenue
• Road upgrades from west of the Okotoks Public Library to Lineham Avenue
• Flood protection improvements
• Site grading and stormwater infrastructure improvements
• Active transportation and public realm improvements
• Upgraded intersection at Veterans Way from existing T-intersection to roundabout
• Burying overhead power and installation of streetlights and utility boxes
• CPKC crossing improvements near Library and at Veterans Way 

Some of this work may begin in the late fall of 2026 depending on weather, mostly within the vacant lands between Veterans Way and Lineham Avenue

We understand construction can be disruptive and challenging. All work is being planned carefully to minimize impacts, maintain access and support business operations. The Town’s contractor will communicate schedule details and other critical information with those directly impacted prior to construction. Construction schedule information and project updates will be shared on this project webpage.

Here’s how we’re reducing impacts wherever possible:

• Maintaining access for businesses, residents, and visitors throughout construction
• Carefully phasing work to reduce congestion and shorten disruptions
• Enhanced parking solutions: Parking on Daggett Street (Northridge Drive to Veterans Way) to be completed in conjunction with other project works to offset parking interruptions
• Anticipated Power Impacts: As part of the work along Riverside Drive, Fortis will be completing required infrastructure upgrades. Temporary power interruptions may be necessary during this work. Advance notice will be provided to affected residents and businesses before any planned outages occur.
• Tree Impacts: Site preparation will include some impacts to tress, including some tree removals. A detailed assessment is currently underway to determine how many trees will be removed and how many new trees will be replanted as part of mitigation efforts.
  • All work will follow applicable Town bylaws and regulations. The assessment includes trees within the Rivers Edge area, and measures have already been incorporated into project planning to reduce impacts where possible. Additional information will be shared as the assessment is completed.
• Pathway and Trail Closures: Temporary pathway closures near the Veterans Way intersection are anticipated during construction. More information, including timing and detour options where applicable, will be provided as plans are finalized.
• Continuous communication with community members and businesses as the project progresses.

• During each phase of construction, crews will implement detours to provide all road users with an alternative route around the construction zone.
• Detours play a vital role in keeping pedestrians, motorists, cyclists, and construction crews safe.
• Construction crews will provide detour notices with more specific dates.

• Upgrading essential infrastructure: The primary objective of this project is to upgrade utility infrastructure by replacing outdated systems, addressing current capacity constraints, and supporting the future needs of the community.
   
• Enhancing downtown: The Town’s upgrades are guided by the objective to enhance the downtown Okotoks experience by developing an all-user friendly corridor and fostering a welcoming community. These improvements reflect the Town’s commitment to modernizing the downtown area, informed by extensive community feedback gathered during the 2020 and 2024 Main Street public and business engagement sessions, as well as community engagement, policy and planning work that went into creating the Downtown Area Redevelopment Plan (Downtown ARP).
   
• Vibrant economy: Supporting economic development in the downtown and enhancing connections between Main Street and the Riverfront area

Phase 1 of the project began last spring, with the completion of a waterline upgrade on Riverside Drive, east of Northridge Drive.

Parking along Daggett Street:

• Parking improvements along Daggett Street will be completed in advance of the other project works to offset parking interruptions.
• There will be approximately 44 painted parallel parking stalls added along south side of Daggett Street

Parking along Riverside Drive and South Railway Street:

• Approximately 100 additional parking stalls will be added to this section of the project.

Overall parking improvements:

• The new parking stalls are being designed with extra width to provide greater comfort and safety, making the spaces more convenient for all users.
• Accessible parking stalls will be provided in key areas.