Thursday, Dec. 31
THE YEAR IN PHOTOS
will be remembered by some as a year of change and by others as a bleak 12 months, pock-marked with tragedy and glimmers of hope for better days ahead. The top story in Alberta was the new political direction of the province and the country as a whole. The NDP pushed aside 44 years of Tory blue, bringing glee for many and skepticism for others. Even in Red Deer, long a right wing stronghold, two NDP MLAs were elected in May as Kim Schreiner took over from retired PC MLA Mary Anne Jablonski, and Barb Miller rode the orange wave to beat out PC candidate Darcy Mykytyshyn — the seat
2015
was previously held by PC’s Cal Dallas who also did not run again. The rookie government has shown they have much to learn with their fumbling of Bill 6 on farm safety. Federally, the Conservative Party also got the boot in favour of Justin Trudeau, who entred the race as an also ran, hoping to further re-establish the Liberal Party. What happened was completely different, he slowly built momentum through a campaign as an electorate tired of a decade of Stephen Harper, particularly in Eastern Canada, said “no more.” The other big story this year was the collapse of the oil market. Due to a market
flooded with oil, the price of oil has dropped to it’s lowest mark in 10 years and companies have responded by cutting projects and laying off tens of thousands of Albertans. The ripple effect is still being measured as fears are the bottom has yet to be hit. Through Christmas time, local charities and food banks saw record demands. Despite the tough times, Central Albertans showed their resolve and met most of those demands. It was a silver lining to the pain being felt by many. It’s not all doom and gloom. As the saying goes, the sun will come up tomorrow, and as the calendar turns over to 2016, there is much to be hopeful for. By Advocate staff
Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate Staff
Freshly fallen powder flies as Maddison Alexander and her father, Shane Alexander, reach the bottom of the Bower Ponds Sliding hill on the morning of January 31st. Just a few people made use of the hill throughout the day, with temperatures dropping as low as -21 degrees Celsius with the windchill.
JANUARY
Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate Staff
Below: Dressed as the Cat in the Hat, Corrie Brown made the first dive into Sylvan Lake’s frigid waters, cheered on by Bryan Houle, for the annual Polar Bear Dip on February 14. A total of 34 people jumped into the waters after raising money for a local charity of their choice. The Polar Bear Dip was part of Sylvan Lake’s Winterfest celebrations.
FEBRUARY
Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate Staff
Above: A group of speed skaters, led by Bryndelle MacDougall of the Red Deer Speedskating Club, participate in the junior division at the 2015 Nutrisource Speed Skating Marathons at the Red Deer speed skating oval on February 28. Skaters from across Alberta took part in 5 km, 10 km, and 25 km races. The event was hosted by the Foothills Speed Skating Marathon Association.
MARCH
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
It was spirit day at St. Patrick’s School in Red Deer March 26 and to celebrate the fun day a Twins Day theme was in order. Here from the left, Grade 3 students Abigail Kondrat and Jordyn Richardson and Isabelle Selden and Maggie Hales did their best to dress as twins as did many of the their classmates and some of the staff members as well.
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96 Y E A R S Mitchell & Jewell “Fine Jewellers Since 1919”
Your Children, Our Students, Everyone’s Future 4747 - 53 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-343-1405 Fax: 403-347-8190
93 Y E A R S Seasons Greetings Wishing you Health, Peace and Prosperity in 2016! 4500 Fountain Drive, Red Deer Phone: 403-347-5441 Fax: 403-343-2594
62 Y E A R S Cunningham Electric Ltd. “Put the light and sparkle in everyone’s eyes, making the Holiday Season the brightest ever.” #7, 7880 - 48 Avenue, Red Deer Phone: 403-342-4111
From Our Entire Staff May all your news be good news this Holiday Season. We’re proud to serve this fine community and we thank you for your loyal readership and support all year long.
2950 Bremner Avenue, Red Deer Phone: 403-343-2400
92 Y E A R S We always look forward to this time of the year. It’s our opportunity to wish everyone in this exciting community a Happy New Year! #502, 4901 - 48 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-343-0817 Fax: 403-343-7510
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Gold and gemstones may be rare, but genuine friends are truly priceless! Thank you for being ours. 4910 - 45 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-346-2514 www.mitchelljewell.com
86 Y E A R S Bettenson’s Sand & Gravel Co. Ltd. Delivering wishes for a New Year filled with laughter with friends and family. 7774 - 47 Ave. Close, Red Deer Phone: 403-343-0203 Fax: 403-346-9210
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Turple Bros. Ltd. Have a fun filled New Year. Our sincere thanks for helping us achieve a great year, and for being such valuable customers. 175 LEVA AVE., Red Deer County Phone: 403-346-5238 www.turplebros.ca
“We wish our valued customers a very happy and prosperous New Year. Many thanks to all! #500, 4911 - 51 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-347-2226 www.pivotalcpa.ca
APRIL
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
Alberta Premier Jim Prentice addresses a group at the Memorial Centre in Red Deer during a campaign stop Wednesday April 15.
Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate Staff
MAY
Below: Kerry Towle of the Alberta Progressive Conservative Party reacts as poll results come in May 15 in Innisfail, showing her trailing behind the Wildrose Party’s Don MacIntyre in the Innisfail-Sylvan Lake riding. Towle was the incumbent MLA for the riding, and left the Wildrose Party for the Conservatives in November.
JUNE
Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate Staff
Preston Bland reacts as the cold spray of Discovery Canyon’s waterfall crashes down upon him on June 6 which was the canyon’s first day of operation for the season. Many families visited Discovery Canyon to enjoy the warm weather and cool off from the 26 degree Celsius temperatures.
Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate Staff
Above: Half-marathon and full marathon runners grab water, gels and energy drinks at a water station just before the 18 kilometre mark of the Woody’s RV Marathon on May 17.
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53 Y E A R S Sun N Fun Pool & Spa Gerry Bell & Sheila Edmondson
Peace On Earth and Goodwill to All! Wishing everyone a never ending season of love and peace. Bay #8, 7428 - 49 Avenue, Red Deer Phone: 403-347-1845
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May our greetings bring loads of happiness and joy to you and your loved ones this New Year. P.O. Box 67, Pine Lake Phone: 403-347-0671 (Mildred) or Phone: 403-346-0881 (Jim)
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From Our Family To Yours.... Best wishes for a New Year filled with peace, health and happiness. #1, 5128 - 52 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-342-1255 Fax: 403-343-7025
Peace, health, happiness and prosperity. This is our wish for the upcoming year. #7, 4812 - 78 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-346-6715 Fax: 403-342-1549 www.pmcl1964.ca
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46Y E A R S Servicing Red Deer and area
Holiday Greetings to all our many customers. It’s always a pleasure doing business with you. See you in 2016! #10, 4608 - 62 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-346-4769 Fax: 403-342-4603
Bildex Construction Ltd. Residential Concrete Form Work
At this time we would like to tell you how much we appreciate your business. Have a wonderful Holiday Season. #5, 4801 - 78 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-346-4508 bildex2@telus.net
As we look forward to 2016 we would like to take this moment to thank you for your continued business! #3 6782 - 50 AVENUE, RED DEER Phone: 403-346-4465 www.sunnfun.ca
50th A N N I V E R S A R Y With warm wishes for a happy holiday season along with thanks for your continued business and friendship. 7026 Johnstone Drive, Red Deer Phone: 403-343-6060 Fax: 403-346-5240 www.bruinsplumbing.com
38 Y E A R S “May a circle of family, friends and good cheer surround you in 2016.” 101 POPLAR st. , Red Deer County, AB. T4E 1B4 Phone: 403-347-7994 Fax: 403-343-9449 qqfencing@telus.net
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
JULY
Canada vs USA Team Canada’s Cindy Nelles tries to break through a Team USA defence during first half action at Titans Field on Wednesday. Team Canada fell to the Americans during the 2015 Women’s Rugby Super Series event in Red Deer Wednesday, January 01
Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate Staff
AUGUST
Sean Ramage passes by a kayaker on the Red Deer River while on his way to go gold panning on the first day of August. A couple of Red Deerians gold pan along the river and have found flakes of gold, as well as garnets.
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
Attempting to stay as dry as possible a cyclist makes her way up the south hill in Red Deer on August 5, during a pounding rain shower.
SEPTEMBER Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
City of Red Deer mayor Tara Veer, holds Red Deer’s 100,000th citizen, seven month old Arlo MacKay, during a ceremony in City Hall Park on September 09. Arlo along with his parents Colleen and Matthew attended the event marking the milestone of Red Deer reaching 100,000 citizens. Over the summer the city held a contest to determine who would be recognized as the 100,000th Red Deerian, of the 108 qualified entrants Arlo’s name was picked at random and awarded the honour.
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Bemoco Land Surveying Ltd. “Festive greetings fill this time with much warmth and cheer with family and friends.” #100, 6040 - 47 Avenue, Red Deer Phone: 403-342-2611 Fax: 403-342-2910
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Service Plumbing & Heating A New Year is on the rise. Many thanks to you for the past 35 years. We look forward to serving you in the year ahead. #10, 6150 - 46A Avenue, Red Deer Phone: 403-342-1338
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35 A N N I V E R S A R Y Sylvan Electronics Specializing in all types of Electronics Repair
A message of thanks and best wishes in the New Year from all of us. #1, 7819 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer Phone: 403-358-3540 sylvanelectronics.ca
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Dr. jytte roy-poulsen Alternative Health Care Clinic It may be cold outside, but we get a warm feeling when we recall the times we’ve had getting to know you. #48 Burnt Lake CRESCENT, Red Deer County, AB Phone: 403-342-7870
Fax: 403-346-7840
33 Y E A R S Trends may come and trends may go, but when it comes to good folks we know, goodwill, friendship and a smile always seem to be in style! Happy New Year. From all of us at KCB Cabinets & Renovations! SHowroom 4646 Riverside Drive, Red Deer
www.kcbcabinets.com
Naturally, we hope your New Year is filled with health and happiness. 4907 - 48 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-347-1103
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Wishing you and your family a Happy New Year! Bower Business Centre Building B, 2319 Taylor Drive, Red Deer Phone: 403-342-4005
29 Y E A R S The Battery Doctors
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! 6780 - 76 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-343-1233 Fax: 403-342-2422
“Your One Stop Battery Shop” All the best ... to all our customers ... we appreciate your loyal support all year long. Bay 1, 4801 - 78 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-340-8777
OCTOBER
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
Pallbearers carry the three caskets containing Catriona (Catie) Jana and Dara Bott from the Crossroads Church in Red Deer Oct 23 after the funeral service for the three sisters who died in a farming accident Oct 13.
Below: Roger and Bonita Bott speak to the media outside the Withrow Gospel Mission in the Hamlet of Withrow about 60 km. west of Red Deer on Oct 21
Photo by ASHLI BARRETT/Advocate Staff
NOVEMBER
Below: Prop performers entertain with glow poi in front of one of City Hall Park’s lit trees during the Red Deer Lights the Night festivities Nov 21st
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
Above: Honour Guard member Master Bombardier Nick Holt of the 78th Field Battery in Red Deer stands at the cenotaph on nov 11
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“Excellence in Crown & Bridge”
We hope that your home may be filled with joy and happiness this Holiday Season. #100, 5440 - 45 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-347-2850
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ANNIVERSARY
“You Dream It, We’ll Build It”
May peace, love and harmony visit your home and linger all the year through. #1, 4699 - 61 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-341-4747 Fax: 403-347-4587
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ANNIVERSARY
Scott’s Super Trucks “A compassionate service dedicated to the aftercare of your pet.” Tidings of Comfort & Joy extended to you & yours this Season! Gerald & Connie Tomalty
RR 4, Site 19, Box 15, Red Deer Phone: 403-342-7387
22 Y E A R S D&M Align and Brake Ltd. For quality service call on us. “With warm wishes from our family to yours for a Merry Christmas & Happy New Year.” #5, 6850 - 52 Avenue, Red Deer Phone: 403-343-2992
Classic Trucks & Parts 1932 thru 1972 Chev/GMC
May all parts of your New Year be filled with health and happiness. Hwy 592 West, Penhold Phone: 403-886-5572 Fax: 403-886-5577
22 Y E A R S Will-Do! Furnace & Chimney Cleaning Inc. Straight from the hearth ... warmest wishes for 2016! Phone: 403-729-2772 or 403-346-6844
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ANNIVERSARY
Pike Wheaton Chevrolet “With our gratitude at this special time of year, we’d like to extend our warm wishes to your family. We appreciate your business all year long.” 3110 Gaetz Avenue South, Red Deer Phone: 403-347-3301
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ANNIVERSARY
STANSON AUTO INDUSTRIES CARS, LIGHT TRUCKS / 1-TON TRUCKS & 4X4’s • Custom Accessories
Merry Christmas & A Happy New Year! 4945 54 AVE., RED DEER (Corner 52 ST. & 54 AVE.) 403-347-6388
21 Y E A R S QUIK-WAY SHELTERS & VINYL FENCING LTD. SINCE 1994 Privacy Fencing
Vinyl
Merry Christmas & a Happy New Year! 3812 - 50 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-347-6455
DECEMBER
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
An idle pump jack is silhouetted against the prairie sky Dec 07 as the sun sets on another warm day. The forecast of plus 5 degrees Tuesday will be the expected high temperature while through the rest of the week cooler temperatures are expected.
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
Below: Graham, left, and Howard Redcalf sit on a step across from a new Warming Centre at 54 St. and 53 Ave. in downtown Red Deer Friday. The two men are among many homeless in Red Deer that find living conditions in Red Deer challenging through the winter.
19 Y E A R S Surround yourself with the warmth of family and friends throughout the New Year. Bay 2, 7459 Edgar Industrial Bend, Red Deer Phone: 403-309-8301 Fax: 403-309-8302
16 Y E A R S Proud to be Red Deer’s only Locally Owned & Operated Funeral Home
Our sincere wishes for a prosperous and joyous New Year. We’re proud of your trust in us. 6287 - 67A Street (Taylor Drive) Red Deer 403-340-4040
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YEARS
18 Y E A R S Golden Sun Health Foods “Keeping you healthy throughout the whole year.”
• Vitamins & Herbal Supplements • Best Selection • Lowest Prices Guaranteed
Photo by JEFF STOKOE/Advocate staff
Below: Bill 6 Rally Red Deer Dec 1 2015
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Baker Family Chiropractic & Wellness Centre Dr. James D. Baker, Doctor of Chiropractic
On this Holiday Season ... enjoy the wonder and excitement of family and friends.
#11, 5016 - 47 Avenue, Red Deer (Downtown Co-op Shopping Centre)
4702 - 50 Avenue, Red Deer Phone: 403-347-0477
Phone: 403-342-4334
www.bakerchiropractic.ca
16 Y E A R S “All the best to Our Customers and Friends at this Holiday Season. Thanks for giving us so much to celebrate this year.” 6, 3608 - 50 AVENUE, RED DEER PHONE: 403-346-8900
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YEARS
“The Healthy Way is the Natural Way”
What better occasion than now to express our appreciation to our loyal customers and to you all a Happy New Year! #3 - 5108 - 52 Street, Red Deer, AB Phone: 403-314-1574 Fax: 403-314-1511 Website: europeansausage.ca
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Finest Exotic Entertainment
Warmest Holiday Greetings PLEASE DON’T DRINK & DRIVE 4605 - 50 AVENUE, RED DEER NEXT TO THE FIRE STATION DOWNTOWN Phone: 403-348-5851
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YEARS
At the close of the year, we would like to send our best wishes and appreciation for the many wonderful people we have had the privilege to serve. See you in 2016! #205, 4909 - 48 Street, Red Deer Phone: 403-314-2120
Wishing everyone a Safe & Happy Holiday Season. Providing Red Deer & Central Alberta in Fire, Flood & Disaster Restoration.
Loaded with best wishes, wherever you go, we invite you to experience our difference! “Before you buy or sell, give us a call!”
91 POPLAR STREET, PETROLIA BUSINESS PARK, Red Deer County Phone: 403-309-5522
6720 Johnstone Drive, Red Deer Phone: 403-347-7777 Fax: 403-347-7802 www.reddeermotors.com
10 A N N I V E R S A R Y Posh Esthetics
7Y E A R S Truckload & Daily Freight Service. Heavy Equipment, Rig Moving, Pickers 8-50 Tons
Because You Deserve It Wishing you and your family a sparkling Holiday Season!
Wishing you an old fashioned holiday filled with memories you will treasure forever! A full transportation company committed to Service since 1965.
Phone: 403-343-7181
H.O. Bonnyville - 24 hrs. 1-780-826-3889 Rocky: 403-845-3616 Calgary: 403-640-6200 Red Deer: 403-347-4242 Edmonton: 866-477-5847
poshestheticscrd.com