April 17 Lamont Leader

Lamont Housing Foundation shutters Mundare manor

BY JOHN MATHER

Father Filas Manor, the 38-unit seniors facility in Mundare run by Lamont County Housing Foundation, will be shuttered at the end of the year.

The foundation sent out a news release last week stating the facility would close Dec. 31, 2024.

“It was with heavy hearts that we felt this was the best decision to be made. The foundation will provide the necessary support to help the residents, staff and community during this difficult time,” said Housing Foundation chair Shana McIntyre.

In the release, the foundation stated it made the decision to close the facility because it had struggled filling vacan-

cies for the past seven years.

Right now, it reported, there are only 14 residents living in the facility and despite efforts by the Foundation, it felt the need for the facility didn’t exist any longer.

In addition, the foundation said the building didn’t meet current standards and was running a gross deficit of $500,000 per year before the Municipal

Requisitions and Lodge Assistance Grant were applied.

Residents in the Manor have been offered spaces in Lamont’s Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge. There are more than five other lodges within a 30-minute drive from Mundare. If residents decide they want to go to a Lodge outside of the Foundation, the board said they would work with resi-

dents and their families to relocate them.

Alberta Seniors, Community and Social Services Ministry and their officials will also provide support during the transition.

In the release, it stated the decision would also impact 14 staff. It said the foundation would work with them and the AUPE to ensure any staff displacements are handled respectfully and are offered positions at other lodges in Lamont in accordance with the current agreement between the union and the Foundation.

A decision on what will be done with the building in Mundare once it is vacant is currently being explored.

Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer adds another world gold medal to her collection

BY JOHN MATHER

Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer added another world championship gold medal to her growing collection as the Canadian Women’s Hockey Team defeated the U.S.A. in overtime to claim the world title April 14.

In a surprisingly high scoring game it took an overtime goal from Danielle Serdachny to put Canada on the winning end of a 6-5 score.

Marie-Pillip Poulin scored twice for the Canadians during regular play in a game that saw the lead change often. Other Canadian goals were potted by Julia Gosling, Emily Clark, and Erin Ambrose.

Ann Renee Desbiens faced 24 shots during the game.

Maschmeyer got the win in Canada’s first playoff game against Sweden, 5 - 1.

Canada’s goals were scored by Renata Fast with a pair and singles from Laura Stacey, Natalie Spooner, and Jaimie Bourbonnais.

Maschmeyer faced 18 during the game.

In the semi finals Canada shut out Czechia 4-0 with Desbiens stopping nine shots to get the shut out.

Goals were scored by Blayre Turnbull, Jocelyne Larocque, Emily Clark, and Sarah Fillier.

Maschmeyer now returns to her Ottawa squad in the Professional Women’s Hockey League April 20 when the squad hosts Minnesota. The team will then host Boston on April 24.

Lamont County institutes fire bans county-wide

BY JOHN MATHER

It’s a sure sign of spring.

A fire ban has been imposed on Lamont County.

The County-wide ban was issued April 11 and includes the communities of Bruderheim, Lamont, Andrew, Chipman and all the hamlets within the County.

The ban prohibits any or all uncontained burning activities (open-air burning), including the issuance of fire permits, the discharge of fireworks and the use of exploding targets.

It rescinds all previously issued fire permits and fireworks discharge permits.

It does allow safe fires in burning barrels provided they are equipped with metal mesh screens, located on a non-combustible surface a minimum of 3 metres from any combustible materi-

al including buildings .

The ban also allows fire pits contained by non-combustible material with a metal mesh screen, as well as charcoal briquette barbecues, propane/gas barbecue, and propane/gas fire pits.

All fire pits must be supervised and extinguished before leaving unattended.

In a press release, the County asked all residents to take care with all other activities around your property that could produce a fire hazard such as riding All-Terrain Vehicles and cutting tall grass.  This fire restriction will continue until further notice. Fire Restrictions can escalate into Fire Bans with little notice and, therefore, please check the website frequently for updates.

Other tips the County offers to assist in preventing wildfires this

spring include: regularly maintain your vehicles (on and off-road) to prevent sparks from chains or exhaust systems; clear off pine needles, dead leaves and anything that can burn from your rooftops, gutters, decks, patios & along fence lines – falling embers will have nothing to burn; trim back any shrubs or tree branches that come closer than five feet to the house and attachments; trim any overhanging branches; always monitor barbecues and campfires.

Leaving these fires unattended may result in accidental spread. When done with a campfire, douse it with water, stir and repeat.

Walk around your house and remove anything within 30 feet of it that could burn – such as woodpiles, spare lumber, vehicles, and boats: anything that can act as a large fuel source.

The County urges residents to develop, discuss, and practice an

with everyone in your home. Include details for

Lamont County’s new brush truck is now in service to assist with wildfire/brush fires and in preparation for the dry season. Lamont County has issued a county wide fire ban as of April 11 until further notice.

New Lamont restaurant opened by couple who had a restaurant at the same location 30 years ago

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Restaurateurs Allan and Alisa Ma opened Lamont’s newest restaurant, Ruby, on Mar. 15 serving western food in addition to Chinese.

The couple were very familiar with the building, nestled beneath the 7 days Inn hotel, as they operated a different establishment, Rainbow Restaurant, at the same location from 1990-1994.

“It hasn’t changed much. Just a little bit,” said Allan. “So far everything is really good.”

Allan said he and Alisa ran the Rainbow Restaurant in Lamont for four years before deciding to sell in 1994.

Although they were only here a few years, the Mas made an impression on their customers. As a parting gift, a group of customers gave the couple a silver tray with ‘Best Wishes; The Lamont Coffee Gang 1994’ engraved on it, which Allan still proudly displays in his new Ruby Restaurant.

Alisa said their new customers are friendly and she is enjoying getting to know them.

“I feel the customers (are) so nice,” she said. “When I come here it’s like my own family here.”

Allan said after leaving Lamont, the couple spent the next three

years opening ‘Jade Gardens’ restaurant in Andrew before moving on to Jasper to help out Alisa’s sister who also owned a restaurant there.

Allan said after they helped his sister-in-law sell her restaurant, the family, now with two little boys in the mix, moved to Onoway where they stayed for 27 years running another restaurant.

Allan said he experienced health problems a few years ago forcing him to retire early while Alisa remained working at the family’s restaurant.

Allan said they looked

into coming back to Lamont after selling the Onoway restaurant.

He said his health was improving and he was tired of sitting at home.

“We looked into it and there was nothing like this place,” he said. “I had cancer and I had to do treatments and chemo. My health is under control (now). It’s better to work. If you stay home, you die.”

Allan said his last surgery was in 2021 and he intends to stay at the Ruby restaurant as long as his health remains good.

“Right now, I only have a short-term lease, depending on my health.

It will be year by year,” he said.

In terms of the restaurant’s name, Allan said it has no special meaning and is not the name of a loved one. It’s simply a colour he has grown to love.

“It’s a nice colour. Not

red, it’s more of a light pink. It’s like a Rangoon Ruby,” he said. “It’s a cocktail using cranberry juice. When I saw a bartender make it (once) I asked what it was and they said Rangoon Ruby.”

Allan said he is hoping his restaurant will be a welcome addition to Lamont and looks forward to serving their customers.

“I hope to give to this area,” he said. “And I hope they enjoy my cooking.”

Allan and Alisa Ma inside their new Ruby Restaurant which opened in Lamont last month. Their new restaurant is in the exact same location as another restaurant they owned in town 30 years ago.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Opinion

Province right to reject Trudeau municipal bucks

BY JOHN MATHER

What would you say if someone came along and offered you money to renovate your house?

You would probably be tempted to take it, but might ask, “Tell me more.”

And that’s when your home renovation benefactor would say, “well you must add a mother-in-law suite and a hot tub because I may want to drop by for a soak once in a while.”

So now you have a dilemma.

Do you take the money and proceed with the upgrades? They look pretty attractive. They could increase the value of your home. But are they legal under existing zoning bylaws in your municipality?

Well that is essentially what Justin Trudeau just said to Alberta municipalities.

“I’ll give you lots of money to build new houses to meet increasing demands, but you must also adhere to my zoning rules and any green bylaws I may want to impose.”

Well two Alberta municipalities, Calgary and Edmonton, have jumped at this. They don’t seem to mind the Federal government imposing its will in areas of municipal jurisdiction.

Premier Danielle Smith has raised objections. And for good reason.

Trudeau’s end run is another example of the Feds trying to impose its will outside its jurisdiction. It’s not the first time this has happened in Alberta and until Trudeau is turfed it probably won’t be the last.

Danielle opponents say she’s overreacting and out to lunch, by promoting a bill which would mandate all Federal monies flowing to municipalities first meet with provincial approval.

And in some areas they may have a case, but let’s look at the bigger picture.

Firstly, why does our government encourage mass immigration to Canada and then allow the immigrants to settle in the large urban centres?

Why not stipulate a location policy which would encourage a more even population density across the country and encourage economic development away from urban centres that are having troubles battling job creation, unemployment issues, social issues, crime and the list goes on.

CONTINUED

Both Calgary and Edmonton are dumping massive tax hikes on their residents.

Allowing Trudeau and his minions to dole out great sums of housing money as long as you relax zoning to allow population density increase willy-nilly across the municipality, isn’t going to improve things.

Take it a step further.

Climate zealot and our environment minister Steven Guilbeault doesn’t want to build any more roads.

Does that mean when he deals out transportation grants to municipalities it can only be if it's used to build light rails and bus routes to increase the use of public transportation and curtail the use of individual vehicles?

We know that is what he wants. And if you have a heavy population density, public transit is a viable tool, but in less densified neighbourhoods it's just a cash sinkhole.

And will that sell in rural centres like Lacombe, or Olds, or Morinville. Of course not.

Smith is saying give the Federal money to the Province and we’ll dole it out not only to the large urban centres, but also to the smaller communities in Alberta which also have housing and infrastructure needs.

She explains this is how Quebec receives Federal grant dollars and she wants the same level playing field for Alberta.

I say good for her.

Does Trudeau or any of his minions, with the possible exceptions of George Chahal in Calgary and Randy Boissonnault in Edmonton, care what happens in Alberta.

They get no votes from here. And the only two cities that seem to be chomping at the bit to accept Trudeau housing money with conditions attached are run by left leaning councils.

Edmonton, with cost overruns on bridge projects, money losing electric buses and LRT projects, can’t manage its money.

Calgary is in a very similar situation where they elected a mayor who’s public support has plummeted to record lows since gaining the helm.

Smith has already suggested to Edmonton that the Province could help it with its management issues, but the city, despite losing several senior managers during the past 15 months, seems determined to muddle ahead.

Smith, despite all the catcalls and whining about her incompetence or lack of control of her government, has the Province's best interest at heart.

Alberta doesn’t need senseless interference from the Federal government.

It doesn’t care about Alberta’s primary industry. It continues to impose ridiculous carbon taxes despite Alberta leading the way in carbon capture projects and the development of hydrogen projects.

Premier Smith has our backs.

BY HAZEL ANAKA

It’s mid-April and so far, I haven’t been gutsy enough to walk around the yard and look for signs of life among the perennials, grasses, and ornamental trees we planted in the last year or so. Through a window, I thought I saw a green blade of grass but I can’t be entirely sure. It may have been a mirage.

It is indeed scary to see how dry things are. That coupled with spring winds make for a risky situation, fire-wise. We know from watching TV that the province has hired several hundred firefighters for the season. They are finishing up their training at the fire school in Hinton. Between the heaviness of the turnout gear they wear and the equipment they need to carry, it looked pretty grueling. And they weren’t in the heightened physiological

FROM WHERE I SIT: Both Require Vigilance

and psychological state of duress that accompanies an actual wildfire. While I didn’t understand every word they said regarding modifications to the fire fighting strategy for 2024, I took comfort in knowing that the fire service has been actively looking at improving the MO used in the past. After last year’s catastrophic fire season, it would have been negligent and foolhardy not to have modified whatever factors were in their control: equipment, personnel, and operating procedures.

So, what as regular citizens do we have in our control to help the situation? Given that the vast majority of fires are human caused, apparently there’s a lot we can do and much we shouldn’t do. Obeying fire ban declarations by municipal governments is a nobrainer. If fire permits are eventually issued, complying fully with the letter of the law is critical. Driving through tinder dry fields with regular or recreational vehicles with poor exhaust systems is asking for a deadly spark. Fire pits, garbage burn barrels, camp fires even if fitted

with screened covers are very risky. Cigarette butts should never be flicked anywhere. Not only are they unsightly and dangerous to animals and children, they routinely cause both wildfires and residential tragedies. And unless we were absent from school that day, we should all remember that fire causes its own wind. Don’t be fooled by what seems like calm conditions. It can and does change in a nanosecond.

Ensuring that we carry adequate insurance for our property is a must. It may be tempting to let policies lapse when money is tight but this is exactly the wrong thing to do. Most insurance companies have payment schedules if an annual premium is too

onerous. In addition, farmers should make sure they have the firefighting rider on their policy that will help pay for a multi-department response to a grass fire tearing through their land and putting neighbouring properties at risk. It’s simply not worth the burden of a firefighting bill in the thousands of dollars on top of all the property damage caused.

And on that cheery note, let’s switch gears and talk about eye health. The other day I had to return to the optometrist for the more sophisticated tests available to check for glaucoma. Because my pupils were to be dilated, Roy had to drive me to the appointment. And as you can probably guess,

From the files of The Lamont Leader

SHARP

SHOOTER

May 6: 2014: Lamont’s Ben Marshall, grade 8, won silver at the Knights of Columbus free throw championships in Sh. Park.

it was the brightest, sunshine-iest day we’ve seen in a while. Everyone is familiar with the puff of air test that somehow checks for glaucoma. Glaucoma can be defined as a buildup of fluid within the eye that presses on the retina and optic nerve. Untreated, and even with treatment, it can lead to the loss of peripheral vision. It’s been described as ‘looking through a straw’ and is the world’s second leading cause of blindness.

Having one’s pupils dilated is not fun. But, hey neither is blindness so we buck up and do what needs to be done. I was tested on two different machines. With the first machine, I wore a patch over one eye at a time just like a pirate. Arrgh, ahoy matey. While focusing on a green dot and using a remote, I had to click each time I detected a flash of light in my field of vision. Easier said than done. Some of the flashes were incredibly subtle. The location of the light flashes varied as did the timing between flashes. Apparently, I did very well though it didn’t feel like it at the time. I asked the doc if

the machine was intuitive enough to retest a certain area in the field of vision if there had been missed clicks in that location. Yes, it is, he said. It will also flash a brighter light if it thinks the subject has ‘zoned out.’ The next test on another machine was much quicker and reminded me of strobe lights in an unfortunate shade of green.

Through the miracle of technology, I was able to see full colour pictures of the interior of my eye on the doctor’s computer. Using both a medical model and the pictures, he pointed out the optic nerve. He also compared Friday’s results to baseline tests done as far back as 2018. All good, very healthy eyes was the verdict. The lesson here is to stay on top of the exams recommended by health providers whether they be pap smears, bone density, mammograms, dental check-ups, vision screening, or any other patientspecific recommendations. Having consecutive test results to compare can provide the early warning system for something going awry. Preventing fires and safeguarding one’s health both require vigilance from where I sit.

Results tabulated for the Lamont Leader readership survey

The weekly readers of the Lamont Leader were recently asked to fill out a survey regarding the integrity of the reporting of the local newspaper. Here are the results of the survey:

1) The journalism creed is to cover news without fear or favour. Our goal is to follow this conviction. When thinking about local political news from our county, towns and villages, police or education system, do you feel the Leader presents the news as it happened without fear of municipal retribution or without favouring one area over another?

• Yes85.3%

• No 14.3%

2) The Lamont Leader, though located in the town of Lamont, has always strived to be fair to all towns and villages in Lamont County. Thinking about local coverage, and keeping in mind some towns are larger than others so have more activity, do you feel the Lamont Leader is fair when covering news from place to place?

• Yes92.9%

• No7.1%

3) Often the squeaky wheel gets the grease, in other words some people, councillors, teachers, etc. get hold of The Leader more often than others with story ideas. Even so, we always try to get the other side of the story as well.

When thinking of Lamont Leader stories, do you feel we do a good job of presenting both sides of the story to readers and then let them decide?

• Yes85%

• No15%

4) Our opinion page is separate from the news in the Leader, in that it is the only page other than Hazel Anaka’s column that presents an opinion. The remainder of the Leader is news as it happened. John Mather’s editorial is generally his way of thinking when it comes to mostly national news that affects us all as Canadians. When thinking of the Editorial, are John’s opinions well thought out whether or not you agree?

• Yes81.1%

• No18.9%

5) Our opinion page also welcomes other opinions, whether they agree with the editorial or not. You may write your own opinion and send it by letter or email to the Leader as long as it is local, has your real name attached, and doesn’t libel another person.

When thinking of letters to the editor, would you consider making your opinion public through the Lamont Leader?

• Yes76.2%

• No23.8%

6) The Lamont Leader is published in print at all rural mail boxes and in stores; and is also available online at lamontleader.com or on our Facebook page.

When thinking about the availability of the Lamont Leader, which version do you typically read?

• Print newspaper100%

• Online newspaper0

• Both5%

7) Because our readership has varied interests, we try to deliver the news as it happens, when it happens and where it happens.

When thinking about Leader news, which types of stories would you like to read more of?

• Local government stories 62.5%

• More sports stories15%

• More feature stories about people, their hobbies and special interests 82.5%

8) Many feel the Lamont Leader is a large part of all our rural communities. Without the Leader; our local politics would not be reported on, worthwhile achievements of locals would not get recognition, and crime and punishment would not be called out.

When thinking of the Lamont Leader, do you feel our reporting without fear and favour is important to the health of our communities?

• Yes92.7%

• No7.3%

9) Advertising pays for the news in the Lamont Leader. Without our advertising revenue our business would not be able to afford to pay reporters to drive to events, write stories and take pictures of events; and would not be able to purchase printing and postage to get the news to our readers.

When thinking about promoting events and also wanting news coverage, do you consider the “one hand washes the other” saying and do you consider how paid advertising supports our local news coverage?

• Yes (Leader supports me, so...) 92.5%

• No (Never considered the 2 were related) 7.5%

10) Generally the towns and villages and the County of Lamont itself, have let the Lamont Leader cover events both good and bad without fear or favour. However sometimes local authorities (councillors, board members, school trustees, and even police) make things difficult for reporters trying to present the facts to readers honestly for fear it makes them look bad. When thinking about the Leader’s ability to get news from councillors, board members, trustees or police and discover them being evasive or uncooperative, should the Leader expose them to the public and let them decide if it is acceptable?

• Yes87.5%

• No12.5%

Under the comments section of the survey, most of the comments were positive. But there were negative comments also, mostly stating they did not want John Mather’s conservative views expressed on our Opinion page. Even with detractors, over 81 percent agreed John’s opinions were well researched and thought out. We welcome Liberal viewpoints on the Opinion page as well. That is what it is for - opinions. But we did receive some other ideas that were good, like getting youth involvement which we will be looking for more school input down the road. As well, we will be looking for feature story ideas, so if you know anyone with a great hobby, or accomplishment please email your suggestions.

Some of the meaner comments went a little something like this:

• “Appears to be a UCP biased paper. What a shame.”

• “Two sides of a story are rarely presented by John Mather. The other reporters attempt to, but there appears to be censorship from higher authorities.”

• “As of late you have been pro to the rebels in the County of Lamont.”

• Very poor reporting of county and small town events.”

• “I no longer, reluctantly, read the Leader because of the one-sided, hateful opinion page.”

• “A published lie has ruined more than one person’s life in this community.”

• “All we read about is the County of Lamont, Town of Andrew, Bruderheim and Chipman. Does that mean that the town of Lamont has no news and is boring?”

• “Mr. Trudeau is one of the most highly respected leaders of the free world; fighting for democracy, human rights, climate change, affordable housing, etc. etc, Fantastic Job Justin!”

But there were also more comments that were actually positive. Three times as many in fact.

• “Keep up the good work. Don’t close!”

• “You put out a great paper week in and week out. I find your coverage of the county good from one end to the other.”

• “I am a former resident. My cousin gifted me with a subscription years ago and I happily renew every year... advertise in the Leader for current subscribers to purchase a subscription for a friend.”

• “Keep up the good work John Mather.”

• “If I am not at Mudare early, they’re (Lamont Leader) often gone. Could you put a few more copies there?”

• “The Lamont Leader is doing a great job and is quite refreshing in its open reporting. There doesn’t appear to be a woke or paid for agenda.”

• “Keep up the good work to all involved.”

• “Leader doing a great job. Much better than the Fort Record.”

• “It is encouraging to see local support for a real newspaper... Mather Rocks!”

• “Love the Lamont Leader. Better than the Edmonton Journal. John Mather - great writer.:”

• “It is my way of keeping informed about what is happening in the communities around us (Andrew). Keep up the good work.”

• “Advertising is important to the whole county. Learning of events and small businesses showing what they can provide (in the Lamont Leader) to locals. Buy local if possible. We would not even know of these services (except in the Leader). An absolute must for local events and council issues.”

• “I wish the paper would be bigger, maybe double or triple the size.”

• “I really respect your newspaper as it is on the correct side of journalism.”

Thanks to everyone who took the time to fill out the survey and to give us their suggestions, praise and yes even criticism.

“I disagree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it.”

- Evelyn Beatrice Hall

Top 10 reasons to advertise in

Number 10

Number 9

Number 8

Number 7

Number 6

Number 5 Number 4 Number 3 Number 2

Number 1

Because if I want The Leader to cover my event or provide space for my event, I know they need revenue to pay for it! One hand washes the other. I never take without giving back.

I like the idea of having an independent news agency in our area, because I don’t want to just be fed propaganda from municipalities, police and school boards just to appease me!

For years there was no media in the Lamont County area, just leaching media from other areas covering events here only for advertising dollars and no vested interest.

I don’t just advertise with The Leader to make sales but also to fend off competition from other businesses in the area and from other towns and cities in the area too.

I know if I don’t advertise with The Leader, that my event will not be covered when it happens mostly because they don’t know about it, but also because I didn’t support them so why would I expect them to support me.

The Leader is a local business, employing local people, donating to local charities, and involved with local causes. Tech giants do nothing for my family, my neighbours or my community.

The Leader covers all of Lamont County. These are my friends and neighbours and we support one another.

I try to buy all my printing from The Leader, or at least get a quote. They are honest and good to deal with. When I have a problem they look after it for me from printing to advertising.

I budget a portion of my revenue to advertising with The Leader. It’s smart business to re-invest in promoting my business.

I see other successful businesses advertising in The Leader. Great minds think alike!

Andrew to use public input in deciding number of councillors

JANA SEMENIUK

The Village of Andrew will be looking for input from the residents in the form of a survey when they decide on the number of councillors the Village should have.

In addition, council will have to decide whether the mayor should be appointed each fall by the council, as it is presently, or elected to a four-year term during the municipal elections.

The recent municipal inspection conducted on the Village of Andrew governance, revealed several items needing attention, including the need for a bylaw stipulating the number of councillors sitting on the village council.

While the Village has had five councillors for several years, the Municipal Governance Act (MGA), states a village consists of only three councillors unless the council passes a bylaw specifying an odd number of five or more.

Chief Administrative Officer Kylie Rude said, during the April 10 council meeting, that no such bylaw was found in the inspection process.

Rude brought forward a bylaw for first reading stating that council would remain at five members, but said passing the first reading would only get the process started and that council were not bound to staying at five members. Bylaws must endure a second and third reading to pass.

“Giving first reading doesn't commit council to five members, it just kind of starts the process,” she said.

Rude outlined the options for council when it comes to deciding on next steps for the bylaw.

“The options for Council were either to pass a bylaw for a fivemember council or to inform the ministry that

they will remain with three. So (to) remain with three, meaning there was never a bylaw, or there was a bylaw and it was lost.

As far as record keeping is concerned, technically the village is a three-member council,” she said. “So it's either staying that or making a bylaw to make it five.”

Rude said she researched statistics on the number of council members for villages in the area and discovered they were evenly split as to having a five or threemember council. She said some of the benefits of reducing the councillors to three were a slight cost savings to the village, as currently councillor remuneration is $315 per month with the mayor receiving $420, although charges to the Village per committee meeting would not change.

“So, councillor Haight attends three meetings, and if there are only three councillors he would have to attend six meetings,” she said. “So there are still going to be costs for meetings and commitments outside the remuneration.”

Rude said another benefit would be having enough candidates to run for elections.

“The Village has had some difficulty over the years (with) having enough candidates to run in both elections and byelections, with the most recent example, being in 2023, when the byelection timeframe was expanded because no candidate nominations were received,” she said.

Rude said some benefits to keeping the council numbers at five are having well-rounded decision making with five different ideas which could be viewed as ‘better governance’.

Continued on Page 19

Survival from winter ticks improved by warmer weather

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Lamont County residents are welcoming the warmer spring weather, and could see emerging wildlife that look a little rough.

Winter ticks, a large species of tick, prefer moose as their hosts although they will also attach themselves to elk and deer.

Young moose will often be seen with patches of hair missing and infested with thousands of the itchy pests.

According to information from Alberta Fish and Wildlife, the reason moose are more attractive to the ticks, is that moose are lazy in licking to rid themselves of the pests while deer and elk spend much more time grooming the ticks off their bodies, as discovered by a research team. They discovered moose regularly accumulate thousands of ticks while the deer had very few.

The ticks lay eggs in June with their larvae feeding and maturing on the moose all winter long, according to the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC).

In late winter or early spring, the young ticks mature and mate on their host before the engorged females drop off to lay eggs and start the cycle over again.

Severe infestations can cause health issues and sometimes death with young animals more severely affected.

Dr. Margo Pybus, Provincial Wildlife Disease Specialist with Alberta Fish and Wildlife, told the Lamont Leader why.

“Some moose likely die each year in association with winter ticks, particularly calves that do not have as much reserve energy to get them through a long winter,” she said by email.

“Seems the winter tick populations are fairly high this year across much of central and northern Alta. Winter ticks are a natural part of the ongoing relationships among moose, ticks, vegetation, and weather.

Warm dry spring and fall in 2023 likely contributed to improved survival of the ticks last year and that are on moose now.”

One young female moose, spotted and photographed by the Lamont Leader on Apr. 10, appeared to be affected by winter ticks, with several patches of hair missing. Dr. Pybus, however, predicted the calf may survive and thrive.

“The white or ruffled hair patches are indications that she has been rubbing and scratching herself to remove the ticks (moose must be very itchy when the female ticks are actively feeding in late spring),”

she said.

“This calf looks to me like she may survive –the damaged hair is not very extensive (compared to some other calves) so she likely expended less energy than those that have much more damaged hair. And now that green-up is starting, the new spring growth should help this calf improve her fitness and condition.”

The CWHC stated on an information page that winter ticks pose a negligible risk to humans or domestic animal health as they do not carry diseases transmittable to humans and the meat of affected animals is suitable for eating.

Reports indicate Alberta Environment and Parks issued an annual warning last weekend stating ticks are active once the snow melts with temperatures above 4 C.

According to the

province’s website, Alta. is home to several species of tick, and most do not carry the bacteria that causes Lyme disease. Statistics show that

the risk of contracting Lyme disease in Alta. is low with only 149 human cases reported in the province between 1991 and 2021.

This

DOW CENTENNIAL CENTRE Fort Saskatchewan

young female moose, photographed near Andrew on Apr. 10, is suffering from winter ticks with several patches of hair missing from scratching herself to get rid of the itchy pests. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

County students at EIPS’s largest Young Author’s Conference ever

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The 33rd year for the Young Author’s Conference, held on April 13 at Lakeland Ridge School in Sherwood Park, was the event’s biggest year ever with 23 speakers and at least 400 students attending.

The conference joins students from both Elk Island Catholic and Elk Island Public schools including 24 students from Lamont County in grades 4-12; nine students from Bruderheim School, nine from Lamont Elementary and six from Lamont High School.

Information shared on the EIPS webpage said students could attend the conference by invite only.

“Students who show special interest or aptitude in the areas of writing and illustration are invited by their teacher to attend the conference,” stated the webpage. “Attendance is teacher selected and there is no open registration, however, every attempt is made to give opportunities to those students who would value most from this experience.”

The speakers held onehour sessions, ranging in topics from how to be a great storyteller, to graphic writing behind the scenes and also writing for plays. Students pre-registered for three sessions that interested

them most.

Bruderheim grade 4/5 teacher Brian Christie said the conference is a great way to help kids learn the fundamentals about story telling from real published authors.

“The Young Author's Conference provides a wonderful opportunity for our young writers to learn from published authors. They provide rich and meaningful real-life experiences through the personalized ways in which they approach their craft,” said Christie, in a quote provided by EIPS.

“Our students get to benefit from this expertise and find it inspiring and rewarding."

Principal for Lamont Elementary, Paul McKay, agreed with Christie.

“Strong literacy skills are absolutely fundamental, and not just for language-based subjects like social studies and language arts,” said McKay, in a quote provided by EIPS. “A pas-

sion for reading, which is what events like this foster, provides students with the ability to read for understanding, to grow vocabulary and grammar skills, and to explain and explore complicated concepts in all subject areas.”

Included in the list of speakers was retired Global news anchor Gord Steinke. Steinke’s bio stated he has spent more than 36 years as a journalist. His author session shared with students his passion for Canadian history, giving tips on the research and writing of his recent book, ‘Mobsters and Rumrunners of Canada’.

Meanwhile, EIPS Communications Director Laura McNabb said the conference began as an EIPS initiative aimed at encouraging young writers.

“It was started and led by EIPS as a literacy initiative, specifically intended to foster a love of writing,” she said. “It

is our hope that students will be inspired by the various authors they meet, and the different kinds of stories they tell, and look for opportunities to express themselves creatively in their own work.”

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of David Twardowski on Friday, April 5, 2024, at the age of 75 years.

David is survived by his wife, Sharon;

sisters, Anne (Bert) Mahan and Rose; and nephews, Michael and Tim, along with their families. He was predeceased by his parents, Joe and Eva; sister, Phyllis; and infant brother, Edward.

Thank you to the Lamont Health Care Centre, and in particular, Doctors Iordache and Slanina – the family will always appreciate their care and attentiveness.

Additionally, thank you to the Knights of Columbus Our Lady of Lourdes Council #6382 for their broth-

erhood and friendship.

In lieu of other tributes, donations may be made to Our Lady of Good Counsel Roman Catholic Church or Lamont Health Care Centre.

Photos, memories, and condolences may be shared through www.parkmemorial.com.

Park Memorial Lamont

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McKenna Bonner (L) and  Cassie Renneberg (R) from Bruderheim School wait to go to their first session at the Young Author's Conference on April 13.

Photo: Brian Christie

Vanessa Semeniuk from Bruderheim School sits with a special bag gifted to each attendee of the Young Author's Conference. Photo: Brian Christie.

Tempers flare at Lamont County Council on wrong gravel hauler payments

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Lamont County councillor Roy Anaka had questions for the Director of Public Works Darby Dietz around a reoccurring issue with over-payments to the county contracted gravel haulers during the Apr. 9 County council meeting.

The issue has been raised before with council, including at the Sept. 26 council meeting and again Feb. 27 when longtime gravel haulers Michael Hrycyk and Brian Scraba, came before the council as delegates to raised their concerns.

A council-requested review last fall revealed that the gravel haulers were substantially overpaid by $14,000. Hrycyk and Scraba insisted at the Feb. 27 meeting that the payment amounts were still wrong.

Anaka asked Dietz for an update to the delega-

tion presentation in Feb. Dietz said he sent letters to both delegates and had a meeting with Scraba.

“The summary of that meeting was looking at his tickets versus our recalculations. There's a handful that he’s owed one to three miles. At this point, he's not looking for any further reimbursement,” said Dietz. “We did have probably an hour to an hour and a half discussion on the 2023 program versus our proposed 2024 program. At this point, he's not looking for any further reimbursement.”

Councillor Neil Woitas said he spoke to Scraba the day before who told Woitas he was out a few hundred dollars.

“(He said) he is just waiting for replies and wondering if we’ll fix it,” he said.

Anaka expressed frustration that the problem

still wasn’t fixed.

“When we can't get the mileage right, and I keep getting the phone calls it upsets me. There's only one correct mileage and I would like to see administration follow up and get the correct mileage,” he said.

“At the delegation it was said that it won’t take much staff time to correct this, so maybe we should correct this now for 2023 because we’re three months away from this year’s program. Nothing’s changed with the cell phone reception on the towers where we’re gravelling. The only difference is people that are running programs. So I would like to make a motion that we get 2023 figured out.”

Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky offered to respond and said only two of the truckers complained about the payments.

“He (Dietz) met with Mr. Scraba, his understanding when Mr. Scraba left was that there was nothing further. Clearly Mr. Scraba continues to have a concern, so we will call him,” he said.

“We had two people who expressed a concern with the 2023 program, and we're happy to meet with them to work it out.”

Councillor Woitas stated that most of the gravel haulers were overpaid and would not speak up about it.

“It's not that they had less money, it's more money. Their (Hrycyk and Scraba) concern was for the county,” said Woitas. “We got one guy that had two trucks going, and if he's overpaid, he is going to sit quiet.”

Reeve David Diduck stepped in and said if people aren’t complaining mistakes can’t be fixed.

“If people aren’t complaining we can’t fix a mistake,” he said. “So the two we are dealing with here are Mr. Scraba and Mr. Hrycyk and the indication is that a phone call be made to Mr. Scraba again, and one will be made to Mr. Hrycyk to see if there are still issues.”

The motion for administration to contact Hrycyk and Scraba was passed by council.

Lamont County Councillor Roy Anaka questioned repeated issues with incorrect payments to the county's contracted gravel haulers during the Apr. 9 county council meeting. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

BY JOHN MATHER

As we mark volunteer week across Lamont County we should take a look at a small group of unsung heroes in Mundare who have amassed more than 50 years of volunteering amongst them.

They form the Mary Immaculate Mundare Hospital Foundation.

“I can remember we started out as an advisory board,” said chair Sylvia Zacharkiw.

Zacharkiw has been the chair for the past 20 years.

“I keep telling people I stay on the board so that the facility exists so when I need to move in it’s still there,” she says with a chuckle.

She states there are currently nine members on the board including Jo Ann Dubyk, vice chair; Sharon Dembicki, Linda Dubyk, Faye Ewanchysyn, Sister Laura Prokop, Milene Rozmahel, Cathy Rakchaev, Jason Kowal and town councillor Rick Patrie.

Zacharkiw said the original organization was an advisory board, “but when the sisters gave up the hospital in 2005 we had to register with the Federal government as a charity so we became the foundation.”

When Alberta Catholic Health took over the facility we had to form a formal board,” she added. “Then we had to report to the government.”

“I think all of us feel someone has to be an advocate for the residents there and provide stuff that there's just no budget for.”

She adds they provide things such as tables, chairs, the three season room, lots of landscaping, refurbishment of the chapel, the hairdressing lounge, put in a fireplace, the new bus and a garage for that bus.

“We spent more than $750,000 for the residents over the years.”

She said when the doctor was at the facility they provided an examination table for him to

see the patients. “If it would help him with improving the quality of life for our residents, we said why not.”

Half of the funds raised has come from the Sisters and from grant money.

“The Sisters were very good stewards of their money and when they gave up the hospital, they had some resources and they owned a house, which they sold,” explains Zacharkiw. “They turned all that money over to us and we invested it.

“We had a good rate and had good interest on it. The government mandated we had to spend some of the money so when we had a good project then we spent the money on it.”

She said the group met every two months between the foundation board and the community board for just a couple of hours.

“Unless we had a project going, then we would meet more often.”

She said the group doesn’t ever really fundraise. The exception was the creation of a cookbook, but Zacharkiw said she didn’t think they made much money from that and “we still have some left over.”

She said the majority of their money for projects comes from donors. “We get memorial donations and we approach different levels of gov-

ernment and we get donations and grants.”

She said now a lot of the money is going towards interactive programs for the residents such as the Abbi unit, recently installed at the facility in Mundare.

“We also have money so the residents can go on more bus trips to see Christmas lights or the farmers fields during growing season and things like that.”

At the beginning of April the foundation was turned over to the Covenant Health Foundation in Edmonton and that “means our work here is done.”

Zacharkiw said they will still be volunteering as a community board, but any funding projects will be done a year or more in advance and then rolled into Covenant Health’s annual budget process.

“It will be up to the site administrator to request funds for whatever he wants and then a request will be sent to Covenant Health for a decision,” stated Zacharkiw.

“The fly in the ointment there is that  he has to know a year ahead of time what the needs will be.

“When we operated, if he needed something he would come to us and we would get it done.

“We were a board of doers,” she states.

The community board

will continue with the membership which acts as a sounding board for the administration .

“I think the satisfaction is what we’ve left there are things that are going to last,” said Cathy Rakchaev, a former nurse at the facility. “We can go back and say we did that.”

For Sister Laura, her motivation to be part of the foundation began when she was transferred from Calgary to Mundare.

“Sylvia approached me to sit on the board and I didn’t hesitate because I still feel very attached to the facility,” she said. “It’s a facility our sisters had started.”

After Covenant Health took over, the sisters backed away from the administration of the facility although there generally is still a sister in residence.

Rakchaev worked at the facility from 1967 in the original facility and continued when the newer hospital opened.

“Just knowing we can provide those little extras for the residents makes it all worthwhile,” she said. “I’m happy to be part of that.”

Faye Ewanchyshyn is

on the board through a sense of volunteerism.

“I think it’s important to have the long-term facility in our community,” she said. “I know it's important to have the people there and their children can visit. It’s run from the heart.”

Continued on Page 19

FCSS marks 20 years in Lamont County says director

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Lamont County Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) director Sara Rindero gave a presentation to the Lamont County council during their regular meeting on April 9, sharing an update on their activities over the past year. She also said the department is in its 20th year of operation in the county.

Rindero, who has been director with the organization for the past 16 years, said the group is very ‘hearty’ and advocates strongly for the residents.

“The reason why our department is so hearty, is because we have been assertive in locating and advocating for gaps and services to be addressed over the years,” she said, adding when she started with FCSS their total budget was $111,000 while today it’s just over $600,000.

Rindero presented other statistics on the non-profit’s financials as well as some of their activities providing supports to local families over the past year.

She said the county provides $86,901 to FCSS which accounts for 14 percent of the department’s overall budget.

She said that one of the ways FCSS supports the county is providing a staff member one day a week to help with the Lamont County Food Bank.

“She meets with each of the individuals, completes intake and supports them to access other services that they may require,” she said.

Rindero said the food bank distributed 696 hampers last year to 455 unique individuals with 169 of them brand new to the food bank.

“That accounts for 5.4 percent of the entire population, including our

towns and villages,” she said.

Additionally, Rindero said the FCSS home visitation coordinator completed 395 home visits in addition to 266 hours of one-to-one service to Lamont County residents.

Rindero added that the elder abuse case manager cited 26 cases of elder abuse within the five counties she works in, with six of those cases happening in Lamont.

She said the FCSS senior coordinator also meets with seniors to ensure their needs are met.

and the Aging in Place program.”

Rindero said the Aging in Place program has grant funding to carry it until March of 2025 which allows their senior coordinator to add an additional day of service to work in Lamont

County, Village of Andrew and the Town of Mundare.

As a thank you to all volunteers, FCSS is hosting several volunteer appreciation free evenings this week including dinner and entertainment with comedy magician Louis Pezzani. The events are being held April 16-19 in Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew and Lamont.

Police still seeking tips on missing County woman

BY JOHN MATHER Fort Saskatchewan

RCMP are still seeking any help from the public to try and locate a missing Lamont County woman.

Janine Ellen Bott was first reported missing March 30.

The 37-year-old was last seen walking in the area of Township Road 534 and Range Road 185. Police say she may have been headed to Mundare along the township road.

“One hundred and fifteen seniors came to access assistance and meet and be supported by our senior’s coordinator,” she said. “This large percentage of seniors that we do support throughout the county is one of the reasons why we're pursuing additional financial services which include an inclusion education program

She had previously lived in Mundare and often frequented the Vegreville area.

Police conducted a complete search for Bott during the past weekend and offered their appreciation to local landowners who allowed then to search their property.

The Edmonton and Parkland Search and Rescue organization also assisted in the search for the missing woman.

Bott has been known to

hitchhike and it is possible someone may have seen her walking in the area or gave her a ride.

She is described as: medium complexion; five feet one and a half inches tall; 110 pounds; with straight brown hair and hazel eyes. Bott has a flower tattoo on left wrist and healing symbol tattoo on right wrist.

She also has a tattoo of angel wings with names Ashton and Taylor on her upper back.

FCSS Director Sara Rindero

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Community Futures’ Lemonade Day coming to Lamont

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Kids in the town of Lamont will have the chance to participate in the Community Futures’ annual Lemonade Day this June 15 and learn what it takes to be an entrepreneur.

Kids will follow the process of owning and running a business by operating their own lemonade stands.

Lamont Deputy Mayor Jody Foulds, who is also employed with Community Futures, explained the idea at the April 9 regular town council meeting. He said he is volunteering to assist the Elk Island region in adding Lamont to their Lemonade Day program.

“Essentially, we work with kids in the kindergarten to grade six age brackets, where we help them set up a small business plan on the concept of a lemonade stand,” he said.

Foulds said they will help the kids prepare and operate a Lemonade Stand on one day of the year, June 15, with volunteers judging the quality and taste of the lemonade in addition to their stands.

“We have awards for the best that we see of those areas of taste and stands, and basically what we see as a future entrepreneur,” he said.

Councillor Al Harvey said he was in favour of the initiative.

“I’m very much in favour. Extreme new innovation to entrepreneurial thinking is very solid and it’s something they certainly will not see in any standard education at school,” he said.

Kathy Dmytriw, Project Coordinator for Community Futures, sent a letter to the Town of Lamont requesting the use of space for three one-hour sessions of their Lemmy University, Taste Test competition in addition to a wind up for the participants and sponsors.

“Community Futures Elk Island Region is excited to bring this entrepreneurial program to Lamont for our youth to learn and experience what it is like to run their own business,” she said in the letter.

“We require the participants to purchase a Business License (I will provide administration with this), sign Lease

Chipman traffic stop leads to RCMP return of sentimental items after 14 years

On Aug. 20, 2022, RCMP Capital East Integrated Traffic Unit arrested two males following a traffic stop near Chipman, Alta., for providing false names to police.

Subsequent to arrest, police searched the vehicle and located drugs, a replica firearm and stolen property, including stamps, coins and letters.

Following the conclusion of the file in court, the lead investigator, Cst. Kornicki continued investigating the origin of the stamps and old letters dating back to the 1940s.

After a lengthy search, Cst. Kornicki was able to locate the surviving fam-

Agreements with which place they choose to set up their stand and complete a business plan with financial projections and final outcomes.

The participants are taught to Spend some, Save some and Share some.”

Deputy Mayor Foulds said local schools will be asked to hand out brochures and families will be asked to register their kids who are interested in the program. He said the program started

support to Community Futures for the event. The

six years ago and is growing, adding that the Town of St. Paul began with six and are now up to 40 stands.

“It's growing exponentially,” he said. “As kids start to learn more about it, they want to help, they want to do it and they want to go through (it), which is great because they learn some financial literacy as well as the entrepreneurial concepts.”

The council voted in favour of providing the town meeting room for three one-hour sessions in addition to providing

who died on March 14, 2024.

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ily members in Edmonton, Alta. It was determined that these letters were stolen from a break-and-enter 14 years ago from their Edmonton residence and they held great sentimental value.

On April 12, 2024, Cst. Kornicki met with family members and returned these items to them.

“I am thrilled to have the opportunity to return these stolen items to the family, knowing how precious and sentimental that are to them.” Cst.

Kornicki states.

“It brings me joy to be able to be a part of restoring something so valuable to their rightful owners.”

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New Chipman public works foreman learning the job with newer staff

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Village of Chipman’s new public works foreman, Jamie McDavid, gave an update to the council members during their regular council meeting Apr. 8.

He said he and public works staff have been busy culling Village equipment, fixing what they can or sending items to auction.

“We have sent some stuff to the auction across 16, because it’s either too expensive to fix, or we don't need it,” he said. “We're still in the process of weeding out some of the equipment that we never use.”

McDavid said some of the smaller items would need to be replaced, such as lawn equipment, in addition to fixing up run-down Village buildings.

“There are some dilapidated buildings around.

One is over by the water reservoir that used to be an old well shack. The shiplap on it is all rotten and it's starting to look like an eyesore,” he said.

“We're thinking to just put it on our job list and when we get time, go in there, take it apart and clean it up.”

McDavid said one of the challenges the public works department is facing is that all the staff have only been at the Village for one year and less.

“We’ve got a very green public works department. The most senior guy here has only been here a year,” he said.

“Myself and Mike have only been here for two months so it's a learning curve. For me, I'm kind of leaning on Don for his one year of experience

because I haven't done public works for a long time.”

Despite the short amount of time public works staff have been working at the Village, McDavid said he is happy with the progress they’ve made, as he concluded his report.

“I think so far we're making quite a bit of headway and I think the town looks pretty good,” he said. Mayor Morris Langevin agreed.

“It’s coming around for sure,” said Langevin. “You guys have done a good job.”

Bruderheim Minor Sports looking for four more players and two coaches for U13 team

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Bruderheim

Minor

Sports Association (BMSA) has put out the call for two coaches and four more players looking to join the U13 soccer team for the 2024 year.

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“It is the first year we've had enough to even consider trying to build a team out of them,” she said. “We're excited to see what we can build from what we have going already.”

McDonald-Tipton said registration for all teams

Soccer Director Fiona McDonald-Tipton said the U13 team didn’t have enough players to run last year, but this year they have almost enough players and are hoping to fill the spots in addition to finding two coaches.

are going well with nearly 100 children registered so far.

McDonald-Tipton has asked that U13 players be registered by Apr. 19 so they can evaluate whether they can proceed with the team.

Anyone interested in registering their under 13 year old child can visit bmsasoccer.rampregistrations.com

780-449-5622

Lauren Hill Steven Hill Norman Hill

Elk Island Catholic Schools Division attended the ACSTA / MLA reception in Edmonton on April 15. Premier Danielle Smith, Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely and Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk had a good conversation with the team.

New Chipman Public Works foreman Jamie McDavid.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

More renters coming to Chipman Fire Training Centre

BY JOHN MATHER

After several years, the Lamont Fire Training Centre is getting busier attracting outside companies to utilize the facility near Chipman.

Lamont Regional Fire Chief Bo Moore updated council April 9 regarding the facility.

“We have secured some municipalities who are renting the facility,” he said.

Mary Immaculate

Continued from Page 12

Sharon Dembicki worked at the care centre and served on the Mary Immaculate Auxiliary for many years.

“I already had my toe in the water so to speak, and I wanted to get a global view of the facility,” she explains as to

“So we’re starting to see some good exterior traction on the Regional Training Centre usages,” he added.

He added the facility is generally booked for 20 hours of use internally and eight hours monthly of external use.

“We have dates booked in June and Lloydminster has also booked some dates for May and June and we have some additional tentative dates booked in September and October.

“We’re looking to expand on that,” he said. Lamont County Emergency

why she has been a volunteer for so many years.

“We can make the best purchases and provide the best direction for our funds to help the care centre. She said she could meet the needs from a variety of perspectives after joining the Foundation.

Zacharkiw said as the community board they will now become more of a sounding board liais-

ing between the administration and the community.

JoAnn Dubyk’s affiliation with the care centre goes back to when she worked as a candy striper at the facility.

Another reason for ending their volunteer efforts at this time is because there are no younger people stepping up to take over.

“We have a couple of

younger people, but they are appointed by the Town,” said Zacharkiw. “But other than that we’ve asked for volunteers but nobody wants to step forward. It’s hard to get the younger people involved these days.”

The volunteers agreed that they had an excellent working relationship with the Hospital Auxiliary when they had been part of the facility.

Andrew Council

Continued from Page 8

“In a nutshell, I think council should consider making a decision on what's best for the continuity of the village, so whatever decision that is, hopefully it's in mind of consistency,” she said.

Rude said another decision the council might want to consider is whether to keep the mayor as being chosen by council each Oct. during the organizational meeting, or as a voted in position by the public during the elections.

Councillor Merwin Haight suggested gathering public input before making a decision.

“I think having a

mayor elect should be decided by or at least have input from the public. So I'm really in favour of a survey,” he said, with councillor Chris Lupul and Mayor Barry Goertz agreeing.

Deputy Mayor Tammy Pickett and councillor John Van Vyfeyken were absent from the meeting.

The council voted in favour of passing first reading to the number of councillors bylaw in addition to directing administration to include options for an elected mayor in the survey to go out to village residents. Both the motion and the first reading were passed unanimously.

Andrew’s next village council meeting is scheduled for April 24 at 7 p.m.

COUNCIL UPDATE – March 27 & April 9 Meetings

Council has directed administration to publish a summary of decisions from the past two Council meetings each month. Meeting highlights are also summarized on the Lamont County website, and social media after each Council meeting. Once approved at the next Council meeting, all directions, approvals, and items discussed are posted in the approved minutes.

The following are updates from the past two meetings, including important initiatives and activities that were discussed, debated, reviewed, and what Council has directed Administration to complete and implement.

March 27 Council meeting (minutes are approved next Council meeting). Highlights from this meeting include: Municipal Development Plan (Bylaw 849.22)

o version incorporated the February 5 Workshop & all public submissions. Surveillance Video - Lamont County Buildings Policy (4203.24)

o Council discussed and approved its camera usage to regulate and monitor the use of surveillance video at and around Lamont County buildings to 2024 Dust Abatement and Gravelling Programs

o Council reviewed and provided feedback on the proposed dust abatement program. Any updates will be brought forward to a future council meeting -up, touch-up, or are outside of the current three-year rotation that may need maintenance as part of the 2024 program. This plan will be approved at a future council meeting.

o Council reviewed and provided feedback on the proposed gravelling program, including identifying proposed roads to also include in the 2024 program, as well as the reduced spread rates to increase the number of miles completed each year. This plan will be approved at a future council meeting.

Reeve’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament

o Council accepted the proposed date for the annual Reeve’s Charity Golf Tournament on August 22 at Mundare’s Whitetail Crossing Golf Course.

o Council Councillor sessions

social media. These sessions are intended for informal discussions to identify challenges, ask questions and hear from the public in a one-on-one

directly.

2023 Financial Reporting

o

-site Levy Open House – April 30

o Council set the date for a drop-in style open house for those interested in -site levy information as it relates to Heartland Infrastructure. Council also heard from its contracted development engineer regarding the Infrastructure

April 9 Council meeting (minutes are approved next Council meeting). Highlights from this meeting include:

Independent (Third-Party) Financial Audit

o Council received its annual delegation from The Metrix Group, Lamont County’s The Metrix Group’s approximately 100 municipal clients across western Canada due to strong adherence to policy and early adoption of required standards.

o

o disciplined practices and procedures. The Auditor’s report and will be provided for approval at the April 23 Council meeting.

o Council discussed its hours of work policy and an amendment for on-call work to ensure week-night coverage during high-

Municipal Inspection Status Update

o conduct an inspection.

County Business and Information

o Council approved the 2024 Gravelling Program based on adjustments requested at the 236 miles of road Council approved in the 2024 program).

o 2024 Tax Bylaw which includes the budgeted four per cent increase for residential and farm taxes determined during budget discussions

Waste Commission and School allowances, which are beyond the control of Council. The municipal portion of property taxes will fund the 2024 Budget and ensure the committed levels of service for residents approved by Council.

o Council reviewed and discussed an updated Tax Incentive Bylaw to attract investment in Lamont County's Industrial Heartland area. Stimulating additional Industrial taxes helps Lamont County provide a higher standard of services and quality of life for residents.

o -site Levy balances that will be required for -site Levy’s are funded by industry.

-site Levy Bylaw

o Council planned a discussion to gain a stronger understanding of the Organization Chart and the delegation of duties through a workshop on April 15.

Training Centre facility located near Chipman.