2015 saw it all from new school debates to an Okotoks monument go up in smoke.

Here's our look at the Top 5 news stories of the calendar year.

1. Barlow/Anderson elected locally, New NDP regime begins.

It was a big year for this province and local politics at the provincial and federal level.

Our story begins in late 2014 with then Wildrose MLA for the Highwood riding Danielle Smith crossed the floor over to the then majority PC government with Jim Prentice at the helm.

But in February Okotoks Town Councillor Carrie Fischer would  beat out Smith for the PC nomination in March of 2015 and would represent them in the May provincial election where new Wildrose candidate Wayne Anderson would win the seat at the Legislature.

But that story would soon be swept under the rug as, for the first time in 44 years, there would be a be a new party leading the province as the NDP government lead by leader and now Premier Rachel Notley would win a majority government.

That wasn't the only election that local voters would endure that year as the 2015 federal election was called in August and was the longest campaign in Canadian history lasting 11 weeks. Another surpris came as Liberal Leader Justin Trudeau and the Liberals would win 184 seats becoming a majority government and ending a 10 year reign held by the Conservatives.

Locally John Barlow would win the new Foothills seat in the House of Commons in a landslide victory on Oct. 19, representing the riding for the first time being elected in a federal election vote, as he won the MP nomination when Ted Menzies stepped down, then winning the by-election that followed before officially campaigning for the third time in three and a half years.

2. Okotoks Landmark Goes Up In Flames

May 8 was a dark day for historians in Okotoks, as the Bullpen Pub, otherwise known as the old creamery building, went up in flames early that morning causing extensive damage that eventually lead to the shutdown of the businesses located there.

Arson was deemed the cause of the fire and a suspect was identified, but no one has been charged in connection to the fire.

The building was built in the early 1900s and the Town was hoping to save the building but after finding Asbestos it was suggested that the building be torn down, which happened late this year.

The Town was able to salvage beams from the tear down and will use them in historical exhibits to keep the building's legacy alive.

3. New Okotoks School Stays In Town

One of the most debated stories of 2015 had to come involving the plan for a new school for the Okotoks area.

First a new high school was to be built outside of the Town limits next to the Crescent Point Field House, but then the Town purchased 40 acres of  the Wedderburn land next to Holy Trinity Academy to sway the Foothills School Division back to building a school closer to town.

After weeks of debate, complaints from parents, education representatives and the local government came to an agreement that was finally approved to build a K-9 school on the 32 Street site, taking the field house location out of the question.

The new school will begin construction in 2016 and will take two approximately two years to complete. At the same time Foothills Composite High School will go through major modernization renovations.

4. Farmers Fight Back

With the NDP government in power and beginning to lay out its plans for Alberta's future, many farmers and ranchers were rubbed the wrong way with the proposed Bill 6 legislation that would force farms to provide WCB to employees and farms would have to operate Occupational Health and Safety regulations like other industries in the province.

That didn't sit well with local producers as convoys of tractors, trucks, livestock would flock to numerous information sessions on the new Bill including one in Okotoks where new Agriculture Minister Oneil Carlier and Jobs Minister Lori Sigurdson would feel the heat of many who crowded the Best Western parking lot.

The controversial Bill has been amended and pushed through the Legislature but the NDP government hasn't heard the last of it from the farming community.


5. Okotoks Slows Down

The Town of Okotoks implemented a new bylaw that would lower the speed limits on all community streets in early October to 40 km/h.

The speed limit will take effect in 2016 and only major roadways will stay at 50 km/h, or higher, depending on the street.

Municipal Enforcement will be soon issuing tickets when all signs have been posted for those who choose to speed in those areas.

Questions, comments, or story ideas? Email us at news@okotoksonline.com