Red Deer Advocate, September 14, 2015

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ZOMBIE WALK RETURNS

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REBELS RUN OUT OF GAS AGAINST CHIEFS PAGE B1

Red Deer Advocate MONDAY, SEPT. 14, 2015

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Debt loads cause for concern

THROUGH THE FIRE

BY PAUL COWLEY ADVOCATE STAFF

transfer stations,” said Beattie. The commission meets next on Sept. 28. Commission chair Mary Anne Overwater said it is willing to consider other options. “At the time we made the best decision we could. We are contemplating other options for that site,” said Overwater, an Olds town councillor. Possibilities involve reduced operating days or service levels at the site. “We’re certainly open to suggestions. But right now that facility operates at a loss and the building itself needs some major repairs.”

That Canadian debt loads have hit historic highs should serve as a wakeup call for many, says a bankruptcy and restructuring expert. “Not be too doom and gloom but the stats are definitely indicating that we need to make some changes,” said Donna Carson, licensed trustee and partner for MNP Ltd.’s Calgary and Central Alberta regions. “I think it’s getting to the point where people need to take a hard look at their financial future as of today.” Statistics Canada released numbers on Friday that shows that the gap between the amount Canadians owe measured against their ability to pay it off is as wide as it has ever been. Canada’s debt-to-income ratio rose to 164.6 per cent at the end of June, the biggest jump in the ratio since 2011. In a dollar and cents comparison, the numbers mean most Canadians owe about $1.65 for every dollar they have in disposable income. In step with those numbers are borrowing levels, which increased significantly to $26.3 billion in April through June, up $3.7 billion from the first three months of the year. Carson said Alberta has the highest consumer debt levels in the country — 30 per cent higher than the rest of the nation on average. A sign of trouble ahead is that debt loads are rising at a time when interest rates are as low as they ever have been. In the past, times of low interest offered an opportunity to pay off debt, particularly the high-interest versions, such as credit cards. “That doesn’t seem to be what’s happening,” said Carson, who helps individuals and businesses restructure their finances and explore their options. She can only speculate on why that is, but clearly some are living beyond their means. In Alberta specifically, cost of living is high at the same time as the oil and gas industry is shedding jobs because of low world oil prices. The numbers of snowmobiles, quads and other “toys” up for sale on Kijiji and similar sites offers evidence that many are realizing they have to downsize their expectations. Delinquency rates on paying back loans and other debt is also increasing in Alberta. Insolvencies are another indication of financial pressure. Those have remained flat in Red Deer region through the first six months of this year compared with last year.

Please see WASTE on Page A2

Please see DEBT on Page A2

Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate staff

Competitors take a running start as they head for the final obstacle of the Reebok Spartan Race — the fire jump — Saturday morning at Heritage Ranch. More than 1,500 racers of all ages tested their strength and endurance, tackling several different obstacles on a course more than 12 kilometres.

Waste transfer closure could see rise in illegal dumping MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY BY ADVOCATE STAFF Mountain View County fears its ditches will be turned into makeshift dump sites if a transfer station in Olds is closed. High costs led the Mountain View Regional Waste Commission to vote recently to close a transfer site in the town. It had been used as a collection point for everything from agricultural plastic and burn barrel ashes to electronics and waste oil. However, the site was being used less frequently and was running a deficit, prompting the commission to close it by Oct. 1. County Reeve Bruce Beattie said they fear taking away a convenient site for many residents will lead to more illegal dumping, already a problem in the county, as it is in many others. “I don’t think there’s any doubt without those facilities we’ll find more waste in our ditches and our farm

fields,” said Beattie. “It’s not something we want to see happen. “I think that’s one of our major concerns, and certainly not only ourselves but for residents of Olds in terms of their ability to deal with their waste. “Those services provided by he waste transfer site we feel are pretty important.” “We’ve already lost our rural waste pickup through the commission. That is now contracted out to another company.” Waste transfer sites are located at Sundre and Water Valley in the county, but they aren’t close to many residents, he said. Beattie said the county has had “informal discussions” with municipal representatives in Olds and Carstairs to see if an alternative to closing the Olds transfer site can be found. “We’re going to approach the commission and get a better handle on what their plans are and what they might be open to in terms of those

‘I GUESS AS A RURAL RESIDENT I’M STARTING TO WONDER WHAT WE’RE GETTING FOR THE DOLLAR WE’RE PUTTING IN.’ — MARY ANNE OVERWATER COMMISSION CHAIR

Bamford earns top honours at country music awards BY THE CANADIAN PRESS HALIFAX — Canada’s reigning king of country Gord Bamford proved once again why he wears the crown as the Canadian Country Music Association Awards returned to Halifax on Sunday for the first time in 33 years. Bamford, from Lacombe, was the night’s big winner, taking home three awards including Male Artist of the Year and Songwriter and Single of the Year for his song Where a Farm Used To Be. The 39-year-old Bamford, who was born in Australia but moved to Canada as a young boy, said he attributes his continued success to his hard-working attitude, instilled by his family upbringing in Alberta. “I was always taught to work really hard and be very respectful to people, but told that when you go do something, try to do it at the best of your ability. That’s all I’ve tried to do,” said Bamford in an oversized black cowboy hat, just after debuting his new single Don’t Let Her Be Gone for thousands.

WEATHER Showers. High 9. Low 5

FORECAST ON A2

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“I really didn’t expect any of this tonight... I’m actually really shocked that I’m standing up here, but at the same time, every time it happens it’s the best thing ever. It never gets old.” It’s the third year in a row Bamford has cleaned up at the awards — he won Male Artist of the Year and Single of the Year honours in 2014. For his first CCMA ever, former Default rockerturned country singer Dallas Smith took home the coveted Album of the Year award for Lifted. “I’m pretty proud of the songs we recorded,” said the 37-year-old British Columbia native, who opened the show with a rousing rendition of his song “Cheap Seats” with help from a local drumline. “To take home that big award and it be my first one, I’m happy it’s happened this way.” Jess Moskaluke, 25, won Female Artist of the Year for the second year in a row. The pop-country singer from Langenburg, Sask., is gearing up for the release of her new EP Kiss Me Quiet later this month. “I cannot believe that this happened,” said an emotional Moskaluke in a floor-length red dress

as she accepted the award. “You have no idea how much this means to me as a girl from small town Saskatchewan.” The Nova Scotia-based Dean Brody, who was poised to win big having received seven nominations, won Video of the Year for Upside Down. The 40-year-old B.C.-born singer, who moved to Nova Scotia six years ago after a stint in Nashville, said it felt great winning the award in his new home. “We really feel embraced by the East Coast community,” said Brody, whose young family currently lives in Windsor, N.S., but will soon move to the Halifax area. “It’s just a great community and it suites me as a person. I’m hoping we’re here to stay.” Scottish-born veteran vocalist Johnny Reid claimed the fans’ choice award for the sixth time in the past seven years. He said being recognized by the people who listen to your music is an honour.

Please see BAMFORD on Page A2

Germany looks to stem tide of refugees Germany introduces border checks to send a clear message to their European partners, that more help is needed. Story on PAGE A6

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