March 20 Lamont Leader

Lamont County sends letter to Minister to stymie inspection brought on by 900 name taxpayers’ petition

BY JANA SEMENIUK AND JOHN MATHER Lamont County Councillor

Neil Woitas spoke out against a letter by Lamont County Council sent to the Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIvor last week, attempting to stymie the possibility of an inspection on the county.

The 11-page letter was published on the county’s website Mar. 13 after it was sent to the minister.

Earlier this year, residents unhappy with the governance of Lamont County collected 900 signatures, more than the required 778, urging the minister to consider a municipal inspection on the county.

Upon receiving the petition on Feb. 12, a member of the minister’s office was designated to review the petition and will declare it’s sufficiency within 45 days; March 28. If sufficient, the minister will determine the next steps in regard to a possible municipal inspection on the County.

In the meantime, during their Mar. 12 regular council meeting, Lamont County voted in favour of a motion to send the letter to Alberta Municipal Affairs Minister Ric McIvor voicing their displeasure with a petition asking for a municipal audit of the County.

The letter was discussed in closed session before council came and presented a motion to vote on sending it to McIver.

In a recorded vote, Division Five Councillor Neil Woitas opposed the motion and sent out an email to all councillors and to the Minister’s office disassociating himself from the letter publicly.

“As I read this letter, I was not comfortable with the content. When it came to having the motion for sending this letter and putting it on the website I asked for a recorded vote. Result was;

Woitas against,” said Woitas in his email. “Please do not include councillor Woitas on this letter.”

In their letter, Lamont County, under the signature of Reeve David Diduck, stated “based on reporting within our community, it is our understanding that this petition makes allegations regarding the governance and administrative leadership of Lamont County. Specifically, we understand these matters to be: 1. Allegations that staffing costs are not reasonable; 2. Allegations that mill rates are not reasonable; and 3. Concerns with proposed changes to the County's Land Use Bylaw.”

The County stated they are presenting, “a detailed position paper to provide the Minister of Municipal Affairs clarity on these matters, in the hope that the Minister will determine that the cost and disruption of an inspection are unwarranted, regardless of the sufficiency of the petition.”

It added the inspection would adversely impact timely progress towards the priorities established for the community by Council.

“We wish to reinforce that the purpose of an Inspection is to investigate matters that are irregular, improper, or improvident in nature,” said the County’s letter. “They are not intended to be a mechanism for disgruntled citizens, representing a minority of residents, to take political action in response to misinformation or disagreements with County decisions.”

According to the government’s municipal statistics on Lamont County, a total population of 3,890 people was recorded in 2022 with 829 of them under the age of 19.

Graeme McElheran, Alberta Municipal Affairs director of communications, said his department is not aware of another municipality submitting a letter, such as the one Lamont

County has written, but said municipalities frequently share their perspectives on other issues.

“The ministry is not aware of a similar situation in recent memory. However, there is nothing in the legislation that prevents a municipality from doing this, and municipal councils frequently write to the Minister to share their perspectives as locally elected leaders on local and provincial issues,” he said.

“The Minister received Lamont County’s letter and position paper, and it will be reviewed and considered. The Minister awaits the determination of the petition’s sufficiency before deciding on next steps.”

Meanwhile, representatives of Lamont County’s petition, Sada Gagnon and Sylvia Holowach, issued a statement to the Lamont Leader with their views regarding Lamont

County’s letter to the minister.

“We are disappointed but not surprised that the county would take it upon themselves to attempt to quash a democratic process that Lamont County residents are entitled to exercise,” they said. “Over 900 ratepayers signed the petition which, in our opinion, appears to be a pretty strong message.”

Gagnon and Holowach added that they trust the process set out by the minister’s office and believe the County has only raised more questions by prematurely issuing a letter speaking out against a possible inspection.

“One cannot help but surmise that something must be amiss to prematurely submit a letter to the minister prior to sufficiency of the petition being determined. Without having seen the actual petition or supporting documents Lamont County has addressed three items based on “community information’. It was very presumptuous of the County to assume that those items were the only issues. Their letter actually raises the question of Why?” they said. “We are optimistic and trust the minister will base his decision with careful consideration to determine the criteria and rationale for the need and requirement for a municipal inspection of Lamont County. We believe due process will be followed.”

Reeve David Diduck was attending the Rural Municipalities Conference in Edmonton early this week and wasn’t available for comment by press deadline. Lamont Leader will give Lamont County Council and/or the CAO further time to comment on the letter prior to the decision March 28.

Lamont Councillor Neil Woitas stated officially that he was opposed to sending the letter.

Alberta Municipalities attendees learn about municipal abuse

BY JOHN MATHER

Attendees at the spring

Alberta Municipalities conference at the Westin Hotel in Edmonton, March 14 heard a panel discussion titled “Bridge over Troubled Waters: Fostering Respect in Polarized Communities.”

Former Coutts, AB.  Mayor Jim Willett,  Alieyah Gulamhusein from Brownlee LLP, and Benjamin Proulx, from Catalyst Communications shared the stage during the panel discussion.

The introduction to the panel discussion touted the session stating “healthy debate is central to democracy, but too often political discourse crosses the line into vitriol and personal attacks. The degradation of public discourse is taking its toll on municipal officials’ mental health and pushing moderate voices to the sidelines.”

Willett described his experiences in being the Mayor of the southern bordertown during the border blockade of 2022.

“I feel like I’m telling this story over and over when I talk about what happened in Coutts,” Willett said.

“What happened in Coutts, a demonstration turned into an occupation,” he said. “It turned from a protest into acts of terrorism.”

He said the truckers were impeding commerce and stepping on the rights of Coutts’ residents.

Willett said with only two entrances to the town, access for emergency services such as fire and ambulances was blocked.

He said some residents were comfortable with the truckers blockading around the town while others “were trembling in their boots.”

Willett said when he wanted to put out a letter advising residents of the protest and what precautions hey should take he got pushback both from

his council and from residents.

Willett got quite emotional as he related his experience of trying to navigate his municipality through the blockade.

He said he got phone calls offering rude remarks of just getting hangups.

a certain decision made in the direction you want it to be made.”

It’s an opportunity to educate both themselves and the public on what the expectations of the council are.

The public wants to see you having the debate. They don’t want to see you agreeing with each other all the time.

Willett said the RCMP told him to start staying away from his windows.

“It affected me mentally,” he said. “I found I wasn’t able to think as quickly, but in a way I had a mind fog after and I wasn’t myself.”

He said the council decided they didn’t need him as mayor after the blockade as the Coutts council selects the Mayor from amongst themselves on an annual basis.

“We don’t discuss politics on council,” he said. “We agree to disagree on some topics and we just go on.”

He said they were all on council to make Coutts better.

Willett said you sometimes get people on councils who don’t necessarily have the experience of others in terms of life and you have to keep personal issues separate and approach it as “this is council and this is life.”

“Keep it respectful,” he said when asked what advice he would give to the assembled elected officials at the conference.

Gulamhusein gave an excellent presentation on codes of conducts and municipal laws governing council procedures.

She focussed her discussion on how council functions during meetings and how they do their jobs as a municipal government.

She said a code of conduct was, “not a tool to be weaponized or take revenge on a colleague or a tool to be used to get

She agreed with Willett that most councillors are there to serve their communities but sometimes when they get elected they find the rules quite different from their original expectations and the code of conduct was there to help guide their behaviour.

She said each municipality’s code of conduct was created to set the standard that the council should portray to the community.

“It’s the standard for yourselves,” she said.

She said the second tool for council was the procedure bylaw.

“All of you have one,” she said. “It outlines the rules for how the council meeting will work.”

She said it was laid out in the Municipal Government Act that the meetings must be public and the “public has the

right to attend and watch you do your work.

“The public wants to see you having the debate,” she said. “They don’t want to see you

agreeing with each other all the time.”

She said the councillor had to listen to the ratepayers and convey their opinions on issues,

but then vote for what was in the best interest of the community as a whole.

Continued on Page 19

Haying in the 30’s another success

BY JOHN MATHER

It was a good sized crowd that filled St. Michael Community Hall March 16 to raise funds for Haying in the 30’s, an organization which raises funds for people suffering from cancer.

The evening consists of a meal, auction both live and silent, a dance and several draws.

According to Mae Adamyk of the St. Michael Agricultural

Society which hosted the event for the 17th year, the Saturday night gala raised $34,515 with more donations expected to come in over the next week.

“It was a good night,” said Adamyk. “Everybody is already asking for tickets to next year’s event.”

She said the sum raised was down a small amount from the previous year but did admit money is tighter this

year.

Surprisingly the auction for the first two tables to be able to line up for food brought in good amounts with the first table selling for $1,500 while the second table to get up and eat was sold for $750.

Last year the main Haying In the 30’s event which is held annually at Mallaig, Alta. on the August long weekend raised $351,000.

“To date we have

Lamont to honour centenarians

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The town of Lamont will continue their centenarian program this year after identifying two eligible residents for 2024.

The program, which began in 2022, recognizes residents who turn 100 years old with a tree planted in their name at Hillside Park, in addition

to their name on a commemorative leaf placed on the recognition tree painted on the side of the park pavilion.

The centenarians are traditionally honoured during the town’s picnic in the park celebration which interim Chief Administrative Officer Dawn Nielson said will

be held this year in Sept.

During the town’s first year of the program in 2022, six centenarians were recognized.

Nielson confirmed there were no centenarians identified in 2023, and names for this year’s centenarian program have not yet been released to the public.

helped over 7,400 people who have suffered from cancer,” said Haying in the 30’s Cancer Support Society volunteer Albert Boratynez.

“To date since we started Haying in the 30s in 1999, we have raised $6,347,179.

“We thank you for

helping us help people who are undergoing cancer treatment.”

He added more than 6,000 people attended the event in Mallaig last year.

Community groups from around the Lamont region contributed to the St. Michael gala.

Donations included $500 from the Lamont Lion Club, Vegreville Elks, $500; Lamont Value Drug Mart, $500; the Knights of Columbus in the Skaro region donated $2,000; the Chipman Players $500; and many other groups, individuals and organizations.

Bill Skinner from the Lamont Lions Club presents St. Michael Agricultural Society member Mae Adamyk with a cheque for $500 which will go towards the Haying in the 30’s initiative to raise funds for people undergoing cancer treatments. The popular event in St. Michael March 16, raised more than $34,000 for the organization.

Opinion

Bozo eruptions out of Calgary last week

BY JOHN MATHER

So my expertise as a political prognosticator took a direct hit in the past week when both Alberta Federation of Labour president Gil McGowan and former Calgary mayor Naheed Nenshi both threw their hats into the ring to replace outgoing Alberta NDP Leader Rachel Notley.

But my thoughts are that neither will win the leadership. McGowan after announcing he would be the best leader to head up the Workers’ Paradise party because he is the chief ringleader of the Workers’ Paradise known as a union, promptly dropped out of sight because he has Covid.

I can’t wait for McGowan to share a stage with Nenshi so they can share the best ways to make the Workers’ Paradise they want for Alberta to occur. Three debates are scheduled for April 25, May 11, and June 2.

But Nenshi has been stroking all the pundits with his name-calling and cutting down of Premier Danielle Smith to date and not offering any ideas.

He made a tour of the legislature and was feted by the mainstream media and given a huge soapbox to further call out Smith.

He likened her battles standing up for Alberta against overzealous intrusions by Ottawa as watching a “particularly irritating playground fight.”

And he went on, stating her fights with Liberal Environment and Climate Change Minister Steven Guilbeault are like “Godzilla vs. Mothra – two monsters you don’t particularly like, and we’re the ones who suffer. I think we need some grown-ups in the room on both sides here.”

Although he did choose to call Smith immoral this week, stealing the word from Guilbeault’s criticism of Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe a week earlier.

Maybe immoral is the new buzzword for politicians to chastise each other with?

They could use corrupt, bad, wicked, evil, iniquitous, sinful, impure, unethical, unprincipled, or one of many other words from a Thesaurus, but I guess they’re just too lazy to look them up.

Nenshi knew Smith at the University of Calgary but now believes “the premier is not the person I used to know 30 years ago, but rather someone who is just concerned with manipulation and triangulation to see how she can stay in power. We deserve better than that.”

CONTINUED

In announcing his candidacy, Nenshi said he believes the entire constitution of the NDP needs a modernization, including its relationship with the federal NDP, adding his analysis was that the costs vastly outweighed the benefits of being affiliated with the party. Working with those party backroomers isn’t the way an independent Nenshi wants to move the party.

And an alliance with Jagmeet Singh the Supreme Leader and wannabe prime minster of the Federal NDP.

Well, Nenshi isn’t alone in wanting to sever ties with him.

But will the grass roots want a Nenshi?

He certainly has name recognition in the southern city. But Edmonton is the power base of the provincial dippers. Will they want to cede control to a southerner?

Especially a southerner with a high independent streak and no NDP ties whatsoever. Nenshi will be seen as only a political opportunist seeking to gain a big title based on his name and somewhat spotty mayoral reputation.

And speaking of political opportunism.

Trudeau, the younger (Justin), came to Calgary and allowed the Premier the luxury of gracing his presence.

Well Smith had a couple of things on her mind and in her own bluntly straight speak-

ing way told Trudeau he should fire his puppet Environmental and Climate Minister Guilbeault and listen to the voices of seven provincial Premiers, the Federal Conservatives and the majority of Canadians and not raise the federal Carbon Tax on April 1.

Trudeau then snidely talked to the assembled mainstream media to blurt out he fully supported the loose-lipped Guilbeault and he wasn’t going anywhere.

Further he wouldn’t be altering plans to advance the Carbon Tax hike April 1.

It certainly was a “Let Them Eat Cake” moment for our Prime Minister.

I guess he needs that additional carbon tax to pay for the hefty 4.2 per cent pay raises he and all parliamentarians in Ottawa are lining their pockets with also as of April 1.

A backbench MP’s salary is currently $194,600. A minister collects $287,400, while the prime minister takes home a $389,200 annual salary.

After this year’s pay raise, backbench MPs will receive a $202,700 annual salary, according to Canadian Taxpayer Federation estimates. A minister will collect $299,300, while Trudeau will take home $405,400.

The average annual salary among all fulltime workers is about $67,000, according to Statistics Canada.

The only joke this April Fool’s Day will be on regular Canadians pocket books!

BY HAZEL ANAKA

For the last few days, I’ve been engrossed by a Netflix documentary series. I am sufficiently impressed to make this recommendation to you. If you’re a subscriber run, don’t walk to watch all nine parts of Turning Point: The Bomb and the Cold War.

Normally, I’d drive miles to avoid a program like this but given the current political climate in the world, I thought I’d give it a look. I’m not interested in studying history for its own sake but this series provided this kid with some information I either never knew or have forgotten.

With Vladimir Putin routinely hinting that he’s willing to nuke the world, someone must have decided that the world needs a refresher on horrors like the Cold War and the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. I was shocked

FROM WHERE I SIT: Foolhardy

to learn of the number of close calls and near misses over the past several decades. It is also clear to me that civilization would not survive a nuclear war because the weapons have become bigger and even more deadly. There are also far more such weapons scattered around the world and under the control of unstable leaders with their own agendas.

I am also reminded of how fallible human beings are. Of how politicians, military leaders, strategists and advisors are driven by blind ambition, personal failings, pride, personality disorders, troubled upbringings.

If you’re like me, you didn’t fully understand these world events when they were occurring never mind decades later. Perhaps, we were too young or not yet born. The fact is, truly monumental events can only be fully understood by looking backwards. Chances are pretty good you and I haven’t been thinking about things like the Cold War, Warsaw Pact, the Cuban Missile Crisis, the Manhattan Project, the KGB, despots like Stalin,

or the formation of NATO (North American Treaty Organization) after World War II. I was reminded of the parade of Russian presidents and prime ministers like Nikita Khrushchev, Leonid Brezhnev, Mikhail Gorbachev, Boris Yeltsin, and the current psychopath Vladimir Putin. Likewise, I learned about the role US Presidents Truman, Eisenhower, Kennedy, Regan, and the Bushes played during these fraught years.

I defy you to look at the images of Japanese victims of the atomic bomb and remained unmoved. Or to hear survivors of that time talk about the blocking of the sun and the acid rain that killed everything it touched. The multi-part series is a tapestry of TV footage, media interviews, recollections from survivors, journalists, ambassadors, operatives, authors, academics, and experts.

As a young kid I remember the wide spread talk of bomb or fallout shelters. I remember seeing building plans. As resourceful and creative as my dad was, he never built one for us.

Roy remembers an assembly in the gym where the student body was instructed to hide under their desks if there was an atomic bomb. The special showed footage of such practice drills. Clearly, all that desk may have prevented is a head injury from a collapsing ceiling.

I’ve heard that the award-winning Oppenheimer movie is excellent. Apparently, it’s based on the autobiography of J Robert Oppenheimer, known as the father of the atomic bomb. This would not be the first time that scientific research and discovery would raise ethical and philosophical questions. We only need think of the mixed blessings of artificial intelligence, social media, the internet itself.

All of the detail, dates, timelines, personalities, and unintended outcomes covered in this series are mind boggling. But the dots are being connected to the current war in Ukraine, the risk to world peace, and the recent “democratic” reelection of Putin (try saying that with a straight face). This is truly the most dangerous time in

our lifetimes. To pretend otherwise, is foolhardy, from where I sit.

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Resident benefits from Foundation funded gardens

BY JOHN MATHER

The Mary Immaculate Foundation in Mundare will be merging with the Covenant Health Foundation on April 1,

This will allow the Centre to expand its fundraising opportunities using the resources of the larger foundation.

One of the projects that the local foundation supported and which will continue to be supported is the gardening program at Mary Immaculate.

About three years ago, Laurie Kadatz, a resident at Mary Immaculate Hospital decided to work in the gardens outside during the summer months.

The gardens were all provided through fundraising efforts of the Mary Immaculate Foundation.

But for Laurie just working in the gardens is what it’s all about.

“Working in the gardens keeps me busy,” she said. “Planting the seeds, mixing the right amount of dirt and peat moss. It’s what it’s all about.”

She mentioned last year she had a bumper crop of peas and beets and other vegetables.

When they are ready for harvest, they go right to the kitchen at Mary Immaculate Hospital in Mundare where they are prepared as part of the residents’ meals.

“I think the residents here are happy with the fresh vegetables,” she added. “Such things as carrots, beets and peas are popular.”

She said, working with recreation employee Jackie Yakubow, last year they grew potatoes and when they came prepared out of the kitchen “they were absolutely delicious.”

“I like doing this sort of thing,” she added. “When I grew up my dad taught me how to check the soil and measure using your finger the depth at which you should plant the seeds.

“When I get up and it’s planting time, I have breakfast and I’m out the

door.

“I have the tools and I am always checking on how things are growing.”

She said last year two additional smaller planters were added that are used for beets and that sort of thing.

“I’d like to try cylinder beets and yellow beets,” she said.

She was hoping she and Jackie would be able to go out and get strawberries to plant this year. She’d also like to try growing some sunflowers.

She added they have an abundant source of raspberries which go to the kitchen for a variety of desserts.

Kadatz said prior to getting outside they do have a room where there are some seed pots and those are planted just around this time of year.

“As soon as they get high enough, they go outside to the planters for final planting.

”It’s wonderful when the seniors come outside and see all the different types of plants growing,” she added. “They ask me ‘what is this or what is this’?”

She said she may try tricolour carrots this year in green, yellow and purple.

“It’s a joy when people come out to see and ask, ‘what am I planting’?”

“I love the garden,” she said. “It gives me something to do and I’ve been doing it for three years.

“I like to be left alone when I’m in the garden.”

“It’s a pleasure to see everyone’s eyes brighten up when they see the garden vegetables on their dinner plates,” she said.

She said she gets great support from Jackie and Thomas in running the garden.

“If I need something, I can ask Thomas and if he can get it it usually comes through the foundation.”

She said he can always help her with her questions.

She said ideally, she

would like to see other Covenant facilities and if they had a garden club, she would like to network with them.

“I really appreciate the tools this facility has given me to work the garden.

“I do it with pride.”

Administrator Metlin added the hospital does have access to a teams systems which could possibly link Kadatz with other gardeners across the Covenant Health network.

Yakubow adds that on the recreational calendar at the hospital they do have a horticulture block and residents are invited to take part in the planting of the gardens from the seedlings to the final harvest.

“We usually try to work in a group and then Laurie is more able to take care of it than some of our other residents,” she said.

She mentioned Laurie does use a wheelchair for mobility issues but when she is in the gardens she can manage with a walker.

“She can make sure the weeds are pulled,” added Yakubow.

“This year we’ll have a

garden club meeting to get our ladies more involved so they can all take part in the decision making of what we’ll be planting,” she said. She added this should be getting underway by the end of the month.

“We’ll start our seedlings and then move them out to the planters.”

She added the Mary Immaculate Foundation has funded the entire garden program.

“They provide everything from the seeds, to the dirt to the gloves,” she said. “I will make the purchases but we apply and the foundation supplies the money.”

Wheat:

CWRS - AAC Brandon - Improved Rated MR for FHB resistance

- Most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years

CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB

-Wheat Midge tolerant

- Very good lodging resistance

CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option

-In demand by milling and ethanol industries

Yellow Peas:

CDC Canary - Improved standability

-Early maturity

-Higher Yielding

Faba Beans:

CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin

- Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop

6-Row Feed Barley:

AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight

- Smooth awned

-High grain and forage yield

2-Row Malt Barley:

CDC Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies

Mary Immaculate Hospital resident Laurie Kadatz, left, loves talking about the gardens supported by the Mary Immaculate Foundation. Working with recreation employee Jackie Yakubow, right, the hospital uses funds raised by the Mary Immaculate Foundation to get top soil, seeds and garden boxes to make the garden a success for the residents each year.

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A new scam could convince even more people to part with their money by impersonating the police.

Two Hills RCMP Sgt David Henry said he became aware of the new scam on Mar. 4 when a Lamont County resident contacted him after being targeted.

Their phone ID showed the RCMP were calling and requesting payment.

“Somebody received a call with the caller ID showing RCMP. And they said they were calling for money. And they actually gave our landline for them to call back,” he said.

“I would say this is really bold.”

Sgt. Henry said criminals are using untraceable phone apps to disguise their identity while convincing victims the RCMP is requesting payment from them.

He said there is always a sense of urgency when these calls are made where the money must be paid immediately.

“These guys depend on the panic and the immediateness of it. These phone apps can be routed through California and India or China or Russia or Spain or England, there's no way for us to trace them,” he said.

“We don't have the manpower to (investigate) $100 $200 things. Our economic crimes are dealing with million-dollar things.”

Sgt. Henry wants to warn people to be aware and said the RCMP will never ask people for money.

that it has to go through the court system, not through us.”

Sgt. Henry said other scams involve hacked emails where an email appears to come from a friend requesting assistance.

“The RCMP is actually not allowed to. We are a law enforcement organization, we can't call and request money from people, even if it's a call for a ticket that is absolutely illegal,” he said.

“Everything has to go through court, we are not allowed to take cash from anybody, or money or iTunes or Apple cards, because it keeps us honest. It's an accountability

“So you get an email from (a friend) saying, ‘Hey, I'm stuck somewhere. Can you get some (gift cards) and I need three $100 ones, can you get it to me and send it to me? Just take a picture of the back and send it to me,” he said.

“Meanwhile, those guys have hacked your email and so it looks like it is coming from (your friend). Why wouldn’t you do an e-transfer? We’ve had someone sucked in for $300 already on that one.”

Sgt. Henry said there are simple things people can do to protect themselves from becoming the victim of a phone or email scam.

“If anybody emails or

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 20, 2024 - 7

texts for money, you know their voice, call them directly then you know for sure. Everything can be hacked. Voice to voice is the only way to go,” he said.

“Gift cards are never how bail or tickets are paid or how people want money. Why would you do that if you can simply etransfer the money? Etransfer can be tracked; these cards cannot be. We can find out who owns the bank account the money is going into. That’s why they ask for gift cards.”

Enforcement

strathcona.ca/roadbans

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Plenty flock to the Lamont Spring Farmers’ Market

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Lamont arena was buzzing with activity Mar. 16 as at least 40 different vendors filled the space with jewelry, candy, tractor themed products, candles, and a variety of other items for those itching to shop at one of the area’s first farmers’ markets of the year.

Anke Schroeder, owner of Black Cat Design and Lamont Farmers’ Market manager, said they hit their attendance target of 250 by mid-afternoon and were happy to see so many people out enjoying the day and checking out the shopping.

“We only did this one (market) as a special project, but we are starting the normal ones on the 15th of May, again,” said Schroeder, who added the market also

collected $214 for the County of Lamont Food Bank during Saturday’s event. “The regular markets will be weekly from May 15 until Sept. 25.”

Schroeder said the original total number of vendors for the March market was more than 40 but a few last-minute cancellations brought the total down. She said she

puts effort into assuring the vendors are a good mix and not too many coming in to sell the same thing. She said the markets will normally be held outdoors, but they also have the option of indoor if the weather turns bad.

Schroeder said the Lamont Farmers’ Market has been approved

under the official Alberta Farmers’ Market banner, but is currently probationary for two years.

“This year is still one where we're going to have to prove ourselves. We are under scrutiny still,” she said. “The Alberta Farmers’ Market name give us a bit more legitimacy. Customers know that because of the regulations we have to follow if they buy farm fresh eggs here they haven’t been bought somewhere else. If you buy beef jerky here, it is definitely produced here and not bought wherever. All of our products are handmade within Alberta.”

Schroeder also said she has applied for a highway sign to point drivers in the direction of the Lamont Farmers’ Market.

“I've just applied for it.

So it's going to be put up, I don't know how long it will take,” she said.

Schroeder said she took over the market from previous manager Peggy Sawchuk who passed away in Oct. 2023 at the age of 64. Only

months before her death, Sawchuk devoted time and attention in getting Lamont’s market project off the ground. Prior to Sawchuk’s involvement, the town of Lamont had not seen a local farmers’ market for 40 years.

(L)

a photo with JD's Sweet Treats owner/operator Laura Pryatel in front of her table at the Mar.

Farmers Market. The market had 40 vendors and drew more than 250 people.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 20, 2024

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Andrew Rural Academy charter school requests consultant funding from Village

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Andrew’s Chief Administrative Officer, Kylie Rude, gave an update on the Andrew Rural Academy Charter School, to the Village of Andrew council members during their Mar. 13 council meeting.

She explained a funding request in addition to describing next steps for the newly approved ARA Charter School Society. Rude also holds the Vice Chair position on the society.

Rude said the official forming of the six-member society with the province was a first step in the creation of the local charter school. She said the society is currently working on an extensive application to the province for approval of the charter school itself and needs help.

“Volunteers are doing their best to make this happen and they're just looking for a little bit of assistance to get it to the finish line,” she said.

“There are some difficult pieces of the application that some of us don't have the knowledge on or the expertise. The requesting for funds is to get some professional advice in that application to make sure it's solid and will be approved, hopefully by the province. Perhaps a consultant.”

Rude said the school’s grade levels have increased from a K-6 school to now a K-9 in response to local fami-

lies. She said 60 students have submitted confirmed declarations to attend ARA with another 20 to be collected.

“There was quite a bit of interest from that seven to nine, which brought up our numbers,” said Rude. “It's all about being strategic and providing education for as many kids as we can here.”

boards; we have our notfor-profit society, and then we'll have a charter board operating the school, hiring the formal superintendent, who will then hire teachers, so on and so forth,” she said, adding there have been no estimates collected on what a consultant would cost to assist with the

charter school application. The Village council voted unanimously on a motion to set a cap of $50,000 for the ARA to

Rude explained the next steps for the society once the charter school is approved by the province, including the creation of a charter school board who will then hire the superintendent.

“There’s two separate

CHIPMAN PLAYERS DONATION

use in hiring a consultant to assist with their charter school application.

The County of Lamont Food Bank treasurer Chris Mintenko accepts a cheque from Chipman Players member Keiron Willis for $847 raised during their Dog Raffle on Mar. 17.

Village of Andrew CAO, and vice chair of the Andrew Rural Academy Charter School Society, Kylie Rude, delivers an update on plans for the Andrew Rural Academy Charter School including a funding request for consultant services at the Mar. 13 council meeting. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

TOOLS

Nederman Smoke Filter

Sandblasting Cabinet

Ingersoll

Lincoln 256 Power Mig

Lincoln 255 Power Mig

Lincolon Precision 185 Tig

4-Lincoln 140 Mig Pak’s

Linde Power Supply VI-200C

Acklands Spot Welder

Large Assortment of Hobart, Lincoln, Miller Mig, Tig & Stick Welders

New/Unused ArcLight Dynamics

Arc Max 5x10 CNC Plasma Table w/ Computer & Plasma Cutter

New/Unused Hot Coat 4x4x6

Powder Coating Booth

New/Unused Hot Coat 4x4x6

Power Coating Oven

Wysong Metal Brake w/ Approx 12’ Track & Assort. Dies

Strippit Super 30/40 HD Hyd Fabrication Press

Kingsland Metal Working Machine

Brown Boggs Metal Brake

- Approx 36”

Chicago Dreis & Krump 6’ Brake Haco 10’ Shear

Scotchman 5075 Metal Working Machine

Pro Former 11 Pipe Bender

King 7”x12” Dual Swivel Metal

Cutting Band Saw w/ Track

King 10”x18” Metal Band Saw

MK 4’ Metal Lathe w/ 3 & 4 Jaw Chucks

Delta Lathe

King 3”x79” Metal Belt Sander

Hosty Pressure Washer

Modern HD Drill Press

50 Ton Elec/Hyd Hyd Press

Mitre Saw/Chop Saw

Air Compressors

Automotive Color Injector GI

Pro 2 Spray System

Buffalo Roller

Rigid Pipe Threader

Parts Washer

Cut Off Machine - 2” Diameter & 1” Hole Wheel

Sandblaster

4’x8’ Cutting Table

Jack Hammers & Pallet Jacks

C-Clamps/Vices/Chain Hoists

Large Assort. Welding Rods

Assort. Sockets, Wrenches, Pipe Wrenches, Hand Tools, Jack Stands & Floor Jacks

2 ½ Ton Air/Hyd Bumper Jack Assort. of HD Welding Tables w/ Vices

Welding Screens

Shop Gantry on Wheels

Plus Much Much More

STEEL

Large Assort. Of New & Used I Beam, Flat Bar, Angle Iron, Rectangular & Sq Tubing, Rod, C-Channel, Threaded Rod & Rebar

Large Assort. of New/Unused

Sheet Metal

Large Assort. Steel Plating - Various Sizes

Assort. Pipe up to 20” Diameter. 3 ½”, 4”, 5” Pipe - Assort. Lengths Sucker Rod

Galvanized Threaded Rod

Large Selection of Various Sized Pipe - Approx. 20’ to 60’ Length

Rectangular/Square/Angle Iron in Approx. 20’ to 60’ Lengths

Assort. I-Beam & H Beam

Assort. Aluminum Tubing Assort. Grating

Assort. Roller Stands & Pipe Stands

Lg Assort. Pipe Racks & Sheet Metal Racks

Small

Several Assort. Small Building

Large Assort. Cabinets/Shelving

Propane Bottles

Power Mate Lift Gates

Assort.

Automotive Tail Lights/Trailer

Slip Tanks & Used Oil Tank

Headache

Vessel Pressure Lids

Assort. Cable Slings

Truck Tool Boxes

Assort. Antique Stoves

Assort.

Pickup

Viewing is Available from March 19th to 25th, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Viewing is Available from March 19th to25th, 2024 from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

or by Appointment - Owners Phone Number: 780-608-5749

or by Appointment - Owners Phone Number: 780-608-5749

Sil donates $5,000 to Bruderheim Lions

BY JOHN MATHER

It was a chance meeting at the Bruderheim Seniors’ monthly pancake breakfast.

Ron Dorton, Edmonton Branch Manager for Sil Industrial Minerals, made a presentation to members of the Bruderheim Lions Club on March 13 of $5,000 to help the club purchase a new bingo machine.

He told the membership that one of the owners of Sil Industrial Minerals had been passing through Bruderheim recently and had seen

the sign for the pancake breakfast and decided to attend.

Club treasurer Karl Hauch told the group he had been at the same breakfast and struck up a conversation with the owner.

“We chatted and he said he would like to get more involved with the community and I suggested he could make a donation to help with the bingo machine.”

The purchase of the bingo machine is a work in progress for the club members as it will cost a total of $28,000.

Dorton said the owner messaged him to make the donation to help with the machine. He then gave a little background on the company.

“The sand we mine is the same sand you would see if you were at the beach,” he said. “We mine it during the wintertime to avoid dust and noise and road bans.”

He said they stockpile it at the plant in Bruderheim from other mining sites and then wash it during the summertime.

He added compared to sand mining operations

in the U.S., Sil had a small window to wash and process its sand because of the short summer season.

“The sand that we process is used in the fracking industry,” he

said. “But it also has a lot of other uses such as golf courses, play sand, it’s used in grout, and volleyball courts.”

Dorton added that Sil had also made additional donations of $5,000 to

both the Bruderheim School for programs and the cost of an oven for the breakfast program atLamont Elementary School.

12

Members of the Bruderheim Lions Club proudly show off a cheque from Sil Industrial Minerals for $5,000 to go towards the purchase of a new bingo machine for the club. Members attending were seated: Shelly McRea, Bev Druken, and Sandra Payne. In the back row are Lions treasurer David Calder, president Don Dreichel, Ron Dorton from Sil Industrial Minerals; Ashley Carter, and Karl Hauch.

Premier tells Alberta Munis membership she has tried to work with Guilbeault

BY JOHN MATHER

Premier Danielle Smith took to the podium at the Alberta Municipalities spring caucus on March 14 to discuss the province’s commitment to serving the communities across the province through infrastructure programs, water programs, and various social programs.

She was also grilled on her government’s push for political parties at the municipal level, which isn’t wanted by the Alberta Municipalities membership.

As she took questions from the assembled members following her short presentation, Strathcona County Mayor Rod Frank asked, “We are all aware of theses terrible decisions coming out of central Canada which we all know are illegal such as the plastics ban, the federal assessment act and others which have been called out by the courts as being illegal.

“I think the most outrageous one is the home

heating oil break in parts of the country which is directly tied to getting votes.

“Is there a way to get more aggressive with Mr. Guilbeault?” he asked to loud applause.

“There’s got to be some solution to this.”

Smith responded by talking about her meeting with Justin Trudeau in Calgary earlier in the week.

“I started off by telling him of all the great things we can accomplish when we work together such as on net zero hydrogen by Air Products, Dow Chemical and the net zero petrochemical and we’re getting close to an investment decision on a net zero cement plant, and others.

“There are so many great ways we can work together, but I can’t work with your environment minister … will you fire him?”

She said Trudeau gave her a small smile and then went out to the public and said no.

“Look, I have tried to work with Mr, Guilbeault. I have a great relationship with Seamus O’Regan, Dominic LeBlanc, Minister Champagne.”

“And Chrystia Freeland has pushed some things through the house which have benefitted Alberta.

“Which is why it is such an outlier to have an environment minister who continues to have free reign to break the law, break the constitution, go to the courts and then continue to act in the way he does.

“Doug Ford in Ontario has said Trudeau is done like dinner if he doesn’t do something about the carbon tax hike set for tax April 1.

“There is just no way Canadians will accept continued increases in carbon tax right when we’re in the middle of an affordability crisis.

“So we will do everything we can to protect our defend our constitutional jurisdiction.”

• 5119 - 48 Ave, 4712 - 51 St, 5121 - 48 Ave, & 5116 - 47 Ave Lamont AB. 5,800 sq ft shop on with additional 3 fenced lots across the back alley from the shop property. Shop was used for agricultural machinery repair. All properties must be bought together. Price $650,000

• W4-17-53-2-SE both halves Lamont County. 160 acres #2 soil 135 ± acres cultivated near Mundare. Price $640,000

• W4-20-55-27-SE Plan 1023701 Block 1 Lot 1A Lamont County. 138.09 acres in the Lamont Heartland for industrial use. Located North of Highway 15 on Range Road 202. Price $2,990,000

TWO HILLS COUNTY RECREATION LAND

• W4-12-55-27 NW 146 acres with 1/2-mile frontage on the North Saskatchewan River. HWY 29 and RR 123 50± acres of cultivation power at property Nicely treed lot for a building site. Price $350,000 PENDING

STRATHCONA COUNTY

• SW Part of NW –23 –53 –23 –W4 40.55 acres North of Highway 16 on Range Road 232 in proposed medium industrial zoning with CP rail line at the border of the property.

Price $7,200,000

• Parts of SW and SE -7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21 exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price $5,100,000

16 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 20, 2024

COMING EVENTS

Roundhill Easter Market. Monday, March 25th

$14

PICTURE

$10

LAMONT

Ph.

Email: lmtleader @gmail.com

BUILDINGS FOR SALE

INTEGRITY POST FRAME

BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS.

Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.

COMING EVENTS

Caregiver’s Drop-In Group

Viking Seniors Centre (5024 53 Ave Viking)

Spring Dates: March 26

10 a.m. to Noon

Free of Charge!

•If you are, were, or will soon be a caregiver for a loved one, please join us for a morning of information, discussion, support, and activities

•Care recipients welcome to attend with their caregiver

•For more information, please contact VBFCSS at 780-3364024

Brought to you in partnership by Viking/Beaver FCSS, Government of Canada, and The Town of Viking

___________________________

Irma United Church Spring Supper and Auction returns

Wednesday, April 3 at the Irma School Gym. Supper at 5:30 p.m.

Silent Auction 5:30 - 8 p.m.

Live Auction with Grunow Auction Services. Contact Michelle Larson 780-806-6388 michellelarsone70@gmail.com or Bob Allen 780-806-9307 boballen46209@gmail.com

from 5 - 7 pm. For a table call or text Terry at 780.678.6131

___________________________

Lamont High School 1950 - 1965

Alumni Reunion. Sunday, June 2, 2024. Register with Rose at 780.988.5634

FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION

PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-6942609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com.

FOR RENT

For Rent in Viking: Four bedroom home. $1100/month. Detached garage also available. Ph/Text: (403) 461-4350

___________________________

Townhouse for Rent in Viking 3 bedroom 1.5 bath. Call for more info 780-385-5287

For Rent in Viking: 3 bedroom house; 2 bathrooms; washer/dryer. Available immediately. Call 403-461-4350

FOR SALE

Anybody who is still wanting any kind of trees, such as fruit trees, fruit bushes, willows, poplars from Brian’s U-pick Berries, Fruits, and Veggies, the sale has been extended from Feb. 23 to March 25.

Downpayment is required for all orders, due by March 25. All orders will be done on site at Brian’s U-pick - 45529 RR172. 4 miles east of Bawlf on Hwy 13, 1. 5 miles North on Range Road 172

Call Brian for appointments at 780-678-0053.

___________________________

SQUARE HAY AND STRAW

BALES. 3 X 4 X 8. $40 each straw, $100 each for hay. Call 780-942-3170.

SEED FOR SAL

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAINHeated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. "On Farm Pickup". Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-250-5252.

SEED FOR SALE

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1888-483-8789.

BARLEY – *NEW-AB

Standswell* Smooth AWN, High Yielding, Grain and Forage Great Lodging Resistance. 1st NITROGEN USE EFFICIENT CEREAL

IN CANADA. Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Esma, Sundre. WHEAT –Pintail, Forage or Grain. OATS –AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC S01 Super Oat. PEAS – Very Early Yellow Pea Forage Peas. ALSO AVAILABLE: Polish Canola & Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403556-2609.

______________________ LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

Registered Red & Black Angus bulls for sale. Call 780-986-9088

___________________________

Coming 2 year old registered Gelbvieh and Balancer bulls for sale. Call Drew, with MacDonell Farms for info, pictures and videos. 780-686-2716

HELP WANTED

Hiring a Registered Massage Therapist or second year massage student. Competitive commission structure at our main street Tofield location. Apply by email: wyeknot.kim@gmail.com.

___________________________

StraightVac Services Ltd is hiring - OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR for our new Lamont Location.

Requirements: Knowledge of Microsoft Word & Excel, Strong daily communication with Manager, Dispatch, Office Personnel & Drivers, Data Entry & Filing, Customer Service, must work well with others. Full Time Employment. StraightVac Services offers competitive wages and paid benefits. Email resume to operationsmanager@ straightvac.ca.

___________________________

JP’s Country Daycare in Daysland is hiring for a part time ECE worker, 2 days a week to start and casual ECE workers. Email resume to jpcountrydaycare@gmail.com

HELP WANTED

StraightVac Services Ltd is hiring - HEAVY DUTY TRUCK AND TRAILER MECHANICS for our new Lamont Location.

Requirements: CVIP License

Preferred, Knowledge of Super B Oil Trailers and Heavy Trucks, Work Order Entry, Customer Service, Must work well with others. Full Time Employment.

StraightVac Services offers competitive wages and paid benefits. Email resume to operationsmanager@ straightvac.ca.

HEALTH

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

MEMORIAL

In Loving Memory of a Brother, Uncle, and Friend. Jack Rabby May 1954March 2019

Five years have gone by. We think often of the many coffees we had together and the holidays, and the good times we spent together. We miss you.

Armand, Mary, and families

SERVICES

RJM Electrical. Ron Malowany, Mundare. ronmalowany@yahoo.com. 780888-1130

___________________________

LS Construction

Specializing in Small Home & Office Renovations

Inter-Provincial Carpenter "No job too smallwe'll do what the big companies won't!" 780-385-4455

SERVICES

Painting

Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749

Carpet and Upholstery cleaning - residential and commercial.

Truck mount unit, sewer backup, and flood cleaning. Auto and RV Cleaning. Call John and Sheri at Fancy Shine Auto and Carpet Care at 780-384-3087

___________________________ Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, Trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-232-3097

___________________________ Need to re-order:

•Company Forms?

•Invoices?

•Envelopes?

•Business Cards?

•Bookmarks?

•Magnets?

•Stamps?

•Score Cards?

•Certificates?

•Invitations?

•Menus?

•Receipts?

•Posters?

•Calendars? Call your local paper with your print order today!

WEEKLY REVIEW

780-336-3422 vikingreview@gmail.com

TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com

LAMONT LEADER 780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com

___________________________

CRIMINAL RECORD? Why suffer employment/licensing loss? Travel/business opportunities? Be embarrassed? Think:

BY JANA SEMENIUK

While the Village of Andrew’s new Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw is under review, resident Christine Johnson appeared, with her 160pound mastiff dog Jack, as a delegation at the Mar. 13 regular council meeting to speak in support of using electronic collar devices (E-Collar) as a means of controlling animals.

Currently, the draft bylaw defines a leash as ‘a length of rope, chain, fabric or other material of reasonable strength and length that when attached to an animal’s collar or harness allows a person to physically restrain and guide an animal’.

Johnson, 63, argued that e-collars are more reliable and a safer means of controlling an animal when used with a training program.

“Once the flat leash leaves an owner's hand it is useless. E collars need to be added to our bylaws as a device approved for animals at

large when accompanied by the dog owner or responsible caretaker,” she said.

“E-collars are the only leash not reliant on your size or level of physical fitness, or recall to control your dogs. Jack is never out of my control when in public because of his training, his E collar and the simple fact that I am with him.”

Johnson also suggested a breed ban on dangerous dogs with the onus on the owner to prove the dog can be safe in public. She said an incident in Sept. with her second dog, who is also a mastiff and would be on the list of dangerous dogs, motivated her suggestion.

“What I propose is to ban all dog breeds that are historically violent; pit bulls, mastiffs, includes my own dogs by the way, Rottweilers, Huskies, German Shepherds and others. This holds an owner responsible for proving that the dog is safe in public. If we put a plan in place where people

have to prove that their dogs are safe, then that's going to work,” she said.

Johnson, who said she has a physical disability in addition to issues with anxiety, shared the story of her dog Nova, who was in service dog training and was attacked in her own yard by an aggressive loose dog.

“In September my dog Nova was attacked. Nova was being trained to be a replacement for Jack. Nova is a 90-pound dog and this is what happened to her; this stray broke her upper jaw, cracked her orbital bone and torqued her neck out of shape. The hit that I took financially is now $7,000. Can any of you take a hit of $7,000?” she asked.

“The attack with Nova took place in my yard (which) is fenced. Nothing happened to this guy. The dog is now in Lamont. I managed to track the dog to Lamont. For the public good, we need to hold people accountable for their dogs and their dogs’ behaviours.”

Councillor Chris Lupul questioned Johnson on the effectiveness of her E-Collar in a situation where a dog has become aggressive. “I can stop him dead,” said Johnson.

Lupul disagreed.

“No you can’t. I’m not going to argue here but I have first hand information where you can’t,” said Lupul, who went on

to ask why other municipalities do not include ECollars in their bylaws if they are effective.

“They're not accepted in any other surrounding municipalities. And there's a reason for it.”

Mayor Barry Goertz discouraged debate, instead encouraging questions only. He clarified that details of the bylaw have not been

decided yet.

“We want to build this properly. We're not finalizing it tonight in any way, shape or form,” he said. “We're going to spend some time to put this (bylaw) together properly.”

Andrew’s next village council meeting is scheduled for March 27 at 7 p.m.

The

Homestyle Meatloaf Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Country Chicken Chicken Teriyaki Hunter’s Chicken Macaroni

Jack, a 160 pound mastiff, lay calmly beside his owner Christine Johnson, as she delivered a presentation to the Andrew Village Council Mar. 13 with suggestions on their new draft Responsible Pet Ownership bylaw. Johnson wants to see E collars an approved method of leashing in addition to a ban on dangerous dog breeds. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Chipman saves over $4,000 on pole replacement

Mayor says Telus is lucky to get anything, pole so old a kid on a bike could have knocked it over

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Village of Chipman council and administration were happy to discuss the final outcome of an 18month negotiation with Telus for a pole replacement at their Mar. 11 council meeting.

The original invoice of $6,241 was finally settled for $1,750.

Chipman Administrative Assistant Keiron Willis explained that the issue began in Jan. 2022 when a Telus pole was damaged during snow clearing.

She said Telus was notified and came out to replace the pole, submitting an invoice over a

year later in June 2023 for over $6,000 which Mayor Morris Langevin said was unreasonable.

“That poll was so old. It was 59 years old. It was barely bumped and basically, I think if a kid would have hit it with his bike, it would have fallen,” he said.

“It already should have been replaced.”

Willis said the process took 18 months before Telus would finally agree to the amount of $1,750. She added that Telus has also sent a representative to inspect other poles in the village.

“We have gotten a contact from Telus and he went and looked at all

the poles that (didn’t belong to Fortis) because the majority of them (do), and he agreed that there's two that need replacing and he's in the process of working on those,” she said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Langevin said he wasn’t in favour of paying Telus at all.

“(It) should have been replaced. They're lucky they got the $1,750,” he said.

“I personally didn't want to give them anything.”

Chipman’s next council meeting is scheduled for Apr. 8 at 6:30 p.m.

Alberta Industrial Heartland updates logo for 25th anniversary

BY JOHN MATHER

The Alberta Industrial Heartland has updated its logo to better its continued growth and change as it marks its 25th anniversary.

The new logo has added the tag line “The Capital Investment Destination,” and modified its graphic to better reflect its growth.

The logo reflects the original five member communities of Fort Saskatchewan, Lamont County, Strathcona County, Sturgeon  County and Edmonton and its three associate members of Bruderheim, Gibbons and Redwater.

The former heart logo has been modified to reflect a more industrial and bolder style, said the Association in a press release.

The logo stays with its red and white colours to show it is Canadian and a maple leaf was added.

“Our 25th anniversary signifies our long-term commitment to responsible industrial development,” said Industrial Heartland executive director Mark Plamondon.

“Launching our refreshed logo this year symbolizes how AIHA continues to grow and change, while remaining dedicated to our core values set from day one.”

“With over $45 billion in capital investments and billions in the works, our region is growing in size and reputation and our new logo will better communicate that with the world,” he added.

“Our new logo encapsulates the essence of Alberta’s Industrial

Heartland – Canada’s largest hydrocarbon processing region and a hub of innovation and economic growth.”

Colton Foreman starts a spin move during his performance at the Andrew Skating Club’s ‘City Lights, Country Nights’ skating gala and awards Mar. 16.

Municipal abuse

Continued from Page 2

“The ratepayers have the right to watch that you have presented their issue,” she explained. “But the public doesn’t have the right to be unruly at a council meeting.”

She said public conduct was discussed several times in the MGA.

“The council meeting is not a forum to allow mayhem,”she said. “If that’s what’s happening then you don’t have the time to get work done.”

She said there was a lot of work to be done by councils in running the municipality.

She added public participation during a council meeting could be governed by a public participation policy.

“All of you should have this policy and

what it does is state the times you will have public participation and how you will have public participation.”

She said it allows for surveys, open houses, advertising and public meetings.

She added municipalities should engage the public prior to drafting bylaw.

“The worst thing you can do is come out with a bylaw before you have talked to the public.

COUNCIL UPDATE – February 27 & March 12 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 12 Council meeting (minutes are approved next Council meeting). Highlights from this meeting include:

– Related to the Petition for Municipal Inspection

o Council authorized the couple years by Lamont County.

o The intention of the letter is to inform and build understanding regarding the County’s commitment to being good stewards of resident tax dollars and reduce the disruption and unnecessary expenses related to unwarranted inspections.

o Lamont County is committed to a transparent environment and strives to provide its bylaws, policies, annual audits and the Municipal Government Act requirements.

o Council encourages the public to review the report.

Land Use Bylaw (LUB)

o Council gave the Land Use Bylaw Second Reading based on review of submissions from the public and discussions at the February 5 Workshop. Wording of the proposed LUB can be found at lamontcounty.ca/news. If members of the public have questions or-2233).

Approved Equipment Disposal

o Council approved disposal of seven surplus vehicles as part of its budget planning and equipment replacement timelines.

Drainage Program

o resident concerns, previous year service requests and council review, as well as progress from worth approximately $1M.

2024 Community Grants Program

o June 1 application deadline. Applications can be accessed at lamontcounty.ca/grants

o resolutions, meetings and public hearings are advertised.

Municipally Controlled Corporation (AIHA)

o Council discussed and authorized the Reeve to advise the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association that Lamont County will not continue with the Municipally Controlled Corporation initiative. This is related to Lamont County retaining full control over participating in this partnership.

February 27 Council meeting (minutes are approved next Council meeting). Highlights from this meeting include:

Delegations - RCMP Detachment Updates and Gravel Vendor

o Council received delegations serving Lamont County. The Reeve was previously authorized to send a letter to provincial and federal ministers related to rural crime across Lamont County.

o Several of these concerns were also mentioned by related to public safety, responsiveness, weaponization of motor vehicles in robberies,

o

o Council accepted public input related to the proposed bylaw to ensure appropriate can be added depending on the activity.

Municipal Development Plan (MDP)

o Council gave second reading to the based on review of submissions from the public and discussions at the February 5 Workshop Wording of t for the current version is at lamontcounty.ca/news

o Administration ( - -2233).

County Business and Information

o Inspection.

o Council discussed sponsored editorial ad submissions to media and correction of misinformation (including that Administration does not have a senior bureaucrat from - as misinformation in a recent advertorial).

o Council directed Administration to set up a meeting with the Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors at the Rural Municipalities Association Spring Convention to discuss a number of topics related to highway and road safety and improvements.

March 26 Council Meeting Moved to Wednesday (Mar. 27)

o moved from Tuesday).

Unpaid Oil and Gas Taxes

o Administration is working with the province related to collection activities. A survey submission to Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Association related to unpaid oil and gas taxes.

o Unpaid taxes and limited Alberta Energy Regulator enforcement directly impacts Lamont County budget and service levels with over $5.2 million outstanding amounts not yet collected

20 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, March 20, 2024

Community Grant Applications – Now Open

The 2024 Community Grant application period is now open. Deadline to submit is June 1

Lamont County recognizes the valuable contributions made by community organizations and volunteer groups to improve the health, well-being and social development of the community and the quality of life for its residents.

In recognition of these contributions, Lamont County is committed to aiding such organizations through a predetermined allocation of money budgeted each year.

Funding under this policy is not to be relied on as a continuing source of revenue. Council fully expects community organizations to be self-sustaining, have other sources of income, and to develop working relationships with other community partners.

See lamontcounty.ca/grants to apply before the deadline.

Review the Lamont County Community Grants Policy (3112) on the application page.

The Auxiliary to Lamont Health Care Centre is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day Tea at Beaverhill Lodge on Friday, March 15, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. Donations are gratefully accepted. Everyone is welcome.

Trees/Drought

A Tip Sheet is available at lamontcounty.ca/ agservices for planning related to trees and drought. This is accessed via: Agricultural Resources Environmental Resources.

This resource provides information on watering for trees impacted by drought.

Community Programming

Lamont County Agricultural Services is Hiring

Lamont County is looking for two SEASONAL Lawn Care & Maintenance Labourers. We are also hiring for a few other positions in Public Works and Administration.

See the poster on the previous page, as well as lamontcounty.ca/careers to apply.

St. Patrick’s Day Tea – March 15

(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming or call 780-895-2233 for info. or registration). Some of the current CALC, FCSS & KFRN include:

1. Parents and Tots (Andrew: Thurs. & Lamont: Wed.).

2. CALC: Digital Skills Workshops (Andrew and Mundare); Creating Family Connections; Kitchens; and English-Language Learner programs, contact Cheryl B. at 780-895-233 x233 or Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca for more information.

3. FLEX for Boys and True2U for Girls (weekly).

4. Youth Centre: Bruderheim, Chipman and Mundare (weekly).

5. Connecting Generations: Mar, 15 (Leprechaun and the Bunny) signup.com/go/LDuiNKL

6. Family Fun (Activity) Night in Lamont (Mar. 13, 5:30 p.m.).

7. Grief Support Group (weekly).

8. Yoga for Older Adults (Lamont, 8 wk. program starting March 19) contact michelle.a@lamontcounty.ca or 780-895-2233 x223 for info.

9. Talent Show: April 5 (Chipman) for more info and to register. contact Dayna.J@lamontcounty.ca

10. Meals in Motion: March Menu. Call Chrissy to order at 780-975-9592.

11. Canada Revenue Agency Information Session for Seniors (Lamont, Apr. 3).

12. Benefits and Supports for Older Adults – Mundare (michelle.a@lamontcounty.ca).

13. FCSS Volunteer Income Tax Program – Contact FCSS at 780-895-2233 x226.

14. Volunteer Appreciation Week 2024 (April 15-18)

15. Connecting Generations: Leprechaun & the Bunny https://signup.com/go/LDuiNKL

16. Conflict Resolution - Mundare: ages 10-14, 10 a.m. - noon, (erin.b@lamontcounty.ca). Mar. 27

17. At Home Alone (for ages 10 and up) – March 26

Access current monthly services & programs information scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC and KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages: | FCSSlamontcountyregion | KFRN: groups/1922602184662497 |

CALC: LamontCountyAdultLearns |

QR code or visit