paper created EXCLUSIVELY for farm families and rural residents of east central Alberta
The bright yellow fields of canola are once again blanketing the prairie farmland, a familiar sign of summer in Camrose County Canola is one of Alberta’s most widely grown crops, including Camrose County With approximately 227,769 acres of farmland dedicated to canola, it remains one of the region’s most important cash crops As the plants begin to flower in July, farmers turn their focus to monitoring crop health and yield potential Producers and agronomists alike are eager for perfect growing conditions for the balance of the season
Photo by Adan Shaikh
Farmer Chris Duggan took a walk around his canola field with agronomist Morgan Duggan from the Wild Rose Co-op Grow Team.
GOOD NEIGHBOURS
Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster
This year’s winners of the Good Neighbour Award in Camrose County went to the Manhera family. They were nominated by their neighbours the Peltons, for their kindness and community spirit. Pictured, from left, are Welcome Camrose and District member Glenda Strauss with winners Clara, William, Mollysaint “Mo” Manhera and their nominators Crystal and Kelly Pelton. Both families received gift cards as prizes.
GOLF TOURNAMENT
Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster
Silver Creek Ag Society held a golf tournament at the Silver Creek Golf Course, to raise funds for their society. The event included a silent auction refreshment for the guests and a talented musician to serenade the golfers. The funds raised at the event will go towards maintaining the Silver Creek Multiplex, which supports the social and recreational activities in the New Norway community. Pictured, golfer Brian Johnson.
RCMP reminds drivers to slow down when passing emergency vehicles
Submitted
The law, which was established to protect emergency workers, is approaching 20 years since its inception. The law requires drivers to slow to 60 km/h when passing emergency vehicles and tow trucks in the lane closest to the stopped emergency vehicle. Crossing the centre line to avoid slowing to 60 km/h is illegal.
Const. Joel Barrette with the Camrose RCMP reports that “between April 9 and July 6, approximately 50 vehicle owners have been ticketed for failing to slow to 60 km/h when passing a stopped emergency vehicle in Camrose County.” He said, “on July 6, four vehicle drivers were ticketed for failing to slow for a stopped tow truck pulling a vehicle out of the ditch.”
Council updates from Camrose County
By Nadine Leming
Lyndel
Kasa, executive director for Camrose and District FCSS presented to council asking for them to consider a request for an over-contribution to FCSS for the purpose of maintaining the Older Adult Services program.
These services are designed to enhance the lives and well-being of older adults (55+) and seniors in the community. As one of the newest programs to FCSS, the focus is clear and vital to supporting older adults to remain safely in their homes and out of emergency rooms. Using a client-centred approach, they recognize that wellness for older adults includes social connection, practical supports and accessible information.
Councillor Don Simpson made the motion stating, “I move that Camrose County Council authorize an over-contribution of $5,000 for the Camrose and District FCSS for the purposes of maintaining the older adult services program, with funding to come from the 2025 operating budget.” The motion was carried.
Anjah Howard, manager of planning for the County, reviewed the request to reallocate a small portion of funding for the Jobs4Youth program to cover the cost of on-boarding students for summer employment. Jobs 4Youth is a strength based program designed to secure employment for local youth. They help youth build their resumé, help with personal growth and leadership training, job coaching and much more.
“I motion that Camrose County Council reallocate a small portion of the $5,000 funding for the student work experience program to the Jobs4Youth program for our HR on-boarding
costs in order to contract a single Jobs4Youth employee for 9 weeks of employment,” said Carlene Wetthuhn. The motion was carried.
Howard also reported on a request from the Shirley McClellan Regional Water Service Commission for permission to place a truck fill station directly to the east of the Village of Bawlf, within Camrose County as all the locations within the village boundaries were not suitable.
Councillor Carl Bergstrom made the motion “pursuant to Section 602.14 of the municipal government act, that Camrose County council authorizes the Shirley McClellan Regional Water Service Commission to develop a truck fill station east of the Village of Bawlf.” The motion was carried.
There has been some concern surrounding access around the County’s boat launch at Buffalo lake with low water levels this year. A discussion was held about the possibility of creating a temporary boat launch at a point where water levels were a little higher.
After consultations with provincial officers attending and the campground manager the recommendation has been made not to pursue a temporary boat launch permit. Administration supports this recommendation.
The concern surrounds the damage to the water shoreline and the ability to control the use of temporary access regarding driving and parking in the area. Provincial officers indicate that the levels in the lake are low enough to show concern with boating in the lake and that people with larger boats should consider alternative destinations.
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Blain Fowler Publisher Circulation 11,639 copies
Speed fines double and they range from $163 to $795.
Police officers and tow truck operators have been injured or killed over the years because of driver inattentiveness and the law is being strictly enforced. Please drive carefully.
For more driving safety tips, follow us on Facebook @RCMPin Alberta and Twitter @ RCMPAlberta.
Providing coverage to the communities of Camrose (RRs and Boxes only), Ohaton, Edberg, Meeting Creek, Donalda, Bawlf, Kelsey, Rosalind, Daysland, Heisler, Strome, Forestburg, Galahad, Castor (farms), Killam, Sedgewick, Lougheed, Coronation/Brownfield, Alliance, Hardisty Amisk, Hughenden, Czar, Metiskow, Cadogan, Provost (farms), Armena, Hay Lakes, New Sarepta, Round Hill, Kingman, Tofield, Ryley, Holden, Bruce, Viking, Kinsella, Irma, Wainwright (farms and lock boxes), New Norway Ferintosh, Bashaw Bittern Lake, Gwynne, Stettler (farms).
Thanks to a meeting between representatives from Covenant Health’s Palliative Institute and area MLA Jackie Lovely, Camrose residents have improved access to planning ahead resources and vital palliative care information.
Lovely hosted Palliative Institute team members at the Alberta Legislature in May, who offered to supply her local constituency office with comprehensive resources designed to support individuals and families navigating serious illness.
The resources aim to ensure community members have the knowledge and tools to make informed health care decisions. These materials help individuals clarify their values, preferences and wishes for future medical care before a health crisis occurs.
“Many Albertans don’t realize the full range of supports available to them when facing serious illness,” said Louise Kashuba, senior director at the Palliative Institute.
Research shows that planning ahead improves quality of care, increases likelihood that patient wishes are followed and reduces stress and anxiety for everyone involved. Despite these benefits, many Albertans have not documented their preferences or discussed them with family members.
“Having these difficult conversations before a crisis can make an enormous difference,” Kashuba said. “When families understand what matters most to their loved ones, they can make decisions with greater confidence during challenging times.”
The My Wishes Alberta workbook is now available at Lovely’s constituency office.
Additional resources that are available online include: Understanding Palliative Care: An interactive online module that explains palliative care and the support it provides, incorporating the voices of three Albertans who have personally benefited from palliative care.
PalliLearn: A series of short public education courses to help people develop the knowledge and confidence to offer meaningful support to those who are sick, dying, caregiving and grieving. Our train-the-trainer program equips health professionals to deliver these sessions in their own communities.
For more information or to access these resources online, residents can visit CompassionateAlberta.ca or contact MLA Lovely’s constituency office.
Municipal Election
OC TOBER 2 0, 2 025
Are you ready to vote ?
Register early. It ’s quick , easy, and saves time on elec tion day!
❱ Already registere d ? You’re ready to vote!
❱ Move d or changed your name? Update your info
❱ New voter ? Register now!
Register at: www.voterlink .ab .ca
Interested in Running for Council? Learn abou t the process here: www county camrose .ab ca/candidate-info
Tax Deadline
2025 proper ty ta xes are due July 31, 2025.
A 2% penalt y will be applied to any unpaid taxes on August 1, 2025.
Payment options include :
❱ By mail or drop-box (cheques only) at the Count y O ice
❱ In person during o ice hours
❱ Online banking (use Roll Number )
❱ At financ ial institutions
❱ Online by credit card via OptionPay (ser vice fee applies)
For full details , visit the Camrose Count y website or contact the Count y O ice
Camrose County Seed Cleaning Plant
Do you have qualit y seed in your bins? Consider summer cleaning! Camrose Count y can o er fast, professional seed cleaning ser vices. Beat the fall rush and clean early! Call us today to book your spot : 780-672-237 1 Plan ahead – send your seed sample s for testing at harvest time!
Must match grant 50%
Details and the application form can be found here: https ://county
IN CAMROSE COUNT Y
Did you know co-ops have been a cornerstone of our region for generations? From powering homes to fueling farms and connec ting communities , co-ops like Battle River Power Coop, Wild Rose Co-op, Anker ton Gas Co-op and Battle River Railway are just a few of the many that keep Camrose County thriving Curious to learn more about the co -ops shaping our lo cal economy and community ? Check ou t the latest Count y Business Newsletter or visit our Count y website for the full story!
Zero Step Entry Home
SMILE COOKIES
Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster
Camrose east Tim Hortons raised $11,021.92 through smile cookies, for the Camrose and District Boys and Girls Club (BGC). Pictured, from left, are Tim Hortons team members Jhozie Bernardo, Majoy Panganiban; executive director of BGC Camrose Rees James; Tim Hortons team members Connie Nuera and Joanna Mangoba.
County approves new subdivision near Braim
By Murray Green
Camrose County gave its approval of a new subdivision north of Braim at the regular council meeting on June 10.
“I move that council give third reading to Bylaw 1567 to redistrict Pt. SW-14-47-20-4 from general agricultural district to CR1 small lot country residential district,” said councillor Don Simpson in a motion that passed.
This property is located north of the Braim subdivision at the north end of the City of Camrose.
“The applicants submitted an area structure plan for the property. The rezoning would comply with the Intermunicipal Development Plan and the County’s Municipal Development Plan to provide small lot country residential lands in this area. The surrounding lands are zoned agricultural to the west, north and east,” explained planning and development manager Anjah Howard.
The Camrose Airport is located south east of this property. The lot design includes the limitations for height, noise and other interference to the airport as outlined in the Airport Vicinity Protection information for the Camrose Airport. In addition, the design includes the 100 year flood area since Camrose (Stoney) Creek runs through the property and must be considered in the lot design.
“The overall develop-
ment will allow for approximately 30 small acreages ranging in size from one to three acres. The development will occur in stages over time, with the first stage being the subdivision of the existing yard site in the south east corner from the remainder of the property,” Anjah added.
The property will be serviced by the County’s municipal water line. The developer is anticipating private sewage for the lots, but may reach out to the City to see if they are willing to add connections to the existing sewage system. Power and gas will be provided by the local utility companies. Solid waste will be transported by individual landowners to a suitable transfer site or landfill.
“The overall design style and character should be similar to the Braim subdivision directly to the south of this property,” Anjah said.
Owner Barbara Stroh and family are considering a future county residential development for the property. They are submitting a redistricting application for a portion of this property. The redistricting is an essential step to integrate the existing farm site home into the proposed development.
The family has owned and farmed the property for nearly 100 years.
LOVELY AWARD
Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster MLA Jackie Lovely, along with Minister of Arts, Culture and the Status of Women Tanya Fir, recognized Jody Quickstad for his selfless service to the Town of Daysland as the Chief Administrative Officer. Pictured, from left, are Deputy Mayor James “Butch” Robertson, MLA Lovely, Jody Quickstad, Minister Fir and Mayor of Daysland Wayne Button.
The development proposal would be approached in phases, so development would be gradual. GAGA
Adan
Camrose Booster
Shaikh,
Students of the Round Hill School thanked Hauser Home Hardware for their generous donation, which helped the students acquire a new gaga pit at the school. From left, back row, Lena Bowal, Jaelyn Bowal, George Nahirniak and Oliver Swanson. Front row, from left, Keva Lee, Matilda Nahirniak, Brinley Bowal, Nimah Lee and Ryker Swanson.
Camrose County welcomes visitors to Conservation Centre
By Laurel Nadon
Camrose County is hosting a welcome barbecue on August 16 at a day use area located just southeast of Camrose for neighbours and newcomers to gather and celebrate the area.
The Camrose County Nature Conservation Centre, at the site of the old Blatz Gravel Pit, was reinvented as a public recreational area and opened in 2010. In 1989, Camrose County purchased the lands from the Blatz and Gilroy families. After over 500,000 m3 of gravel had been extracted, the County was obligated to restore the site under Alberta’s reclamation law. Instead of opting for a minimal approach, the County chose to exceed expectations.
For Christina Rehmann, a local landowner who lives east of the centre, it has been a positive experience to be close by. Her family likes to paddle, walk and horseback ride on the land.
“There’s great wildlife. The folks who are using it are delightful and the vast majority of people who use the area are pretty respectful,” said Rehmann.
Jessica Ohm, economic development assistant for Camrose County, said she appreciates the lengths that the County went to in order to reclaim the land.
“The County wanted to exceed expectations when it came to the former gravel pit and create a hidden gem for locals to enjoy. Moving forward, we hope to attract visitors into the County with places like the Nature Conservation Centre, and convince them to stop and visit our wonderful businesses and communities while they’re here,” Ohm said. “I think the wetlands and watersheds are beau-
tiful. At the Conservation Centre, there’s a ton of beauty there. The Battle River area is just special.”
The 37 acres of land is located east of Camrose on Highway 13, south on Highway 56 for 11.5 km and east on Township Road 452 for 8 km. Activities include fishing, walking and birdwatching, with Purple Martin houses for a colony that returns annually from Brazil. There are also picnic tables, fire pits, a sandy area and a playground, making the site a popular spot for family gatherings and even weddings.
The centre and surrounding area is home to native plants like willow, trembling aspen, wild rose and northern bedstraw; wildlife such as red fox, coyotes, moose, muskrat, white-tailed and mule deer, pelicans, swans, yellow warblers, black-faced ibis, sora rails, red-winged blackbirds and the occasional bear; and amphibians such as chorus frogs and insects like dragonflies.
The pond is about 60 feet deep in the middle, making it deep enough for scuba diving practice. There are two kilometres of gravel trails on the property, and owners are asked to keep their dogs on leashes at all times. There is a boat launch and dock, with nonmotorized boating such as canoes and kayaks allowed.
Kevin MacDonald, agricultural services manager for Camrose County, noted that the pond is stocked each September, with a total of 26,542 fish added between 2014 and 2024. The stocked fish are typically rainbow trout, although last year 2,300 rainbow trout and 200 tiger trout were stocked. There is also
County backs wildland truck use
By Murray Green
Camrose County council agreed to let the Bashaw Fire Department use the County’s wildland truck to fight fire throughout the province for the rest of 2025.
At the regular council meeting on June 24, administrator Teresa Gratrix said they reached out to the Town of Bashaw with a request for information on the truck.
“The recommended use for the wildland fire apparatus can either be for two or four firefighters to be deployed with the Type 6 engine (wildland apparatus). Town of Bashaw and mutual aid partners would be first taken into consideration before deploying the wildland apparatus outside of these jurisdictions,” she said, passing on information from the Bashaw Fire Department.
If Bashaw firefighters are unable to go to provincial fires, or don’t have enough staff available, they won’t be deployed.
“If the unit should need repairs caused by usage in a provincial fire, the province will pick up the cost,” Gratrix assured council. “They didn’t tell us how much the truck is rented out for, but protective services manager Mike Kuzio indicated it could be in the $700 an hour range.”
Camrose County is under the service of volunteer fire departments and any time you have firefighters not available to respond to calls for work, family or other commitments such as assisting another Alberta municipality having a wildfire incident, you could be down some firefighters, this is manageable.
ice fishing in the winter.
“It’s something different and it’s a really nice place,” MacDonald said. “I imagine there are some big fish out there.”
The Battle River Valley has been a corridor of hunting, migration and trade. The area is known for its cultural significance, framed by Dried Meat Hill where First Nations people would have dried their meat and made pemmican with the Saskatoon berries growing at the hill’s base. Other early activity in the area included a dance hall at the top of Dried Meat Hill that was popular in the early 1900s. Early settlers chose the Battle River Valley because it contained everything they needed.
“Local farmers have found Neolithic tools on their land, so this land has likely been rested on for thousands of years,” Rehmann said.
To recognize the centre and its continued celebration of the land, a welcome barbecue will be held on August 16 from 1 to 4 p.m. The event will include bouncy castles, axe-throwing, cotton candy making, pond dipping with the Battle River Watershed Alliance and demonstrations from the Battle River Power Coop on the power of electricity. Local ag societies, recreation boards and libraries are also welcome to set up tables at the event.
“It’s a chance for neighbours to come together and we welcome everybody in,” Ohm said, noting that County councillors will also be on hand at the event.
“On the plus side, the firefighters that do respond to another municipalities’ wildfire incidents, gain and bring back invaluable experience to the BFD which makes us better to respond to wildland fires in our municipality and for our mutual aid partner municipalities. In addition, by assisting other municipalities in Alberta in their time of need, when the Town of Bashaw or our mutual aid partners need help we are likely more apt to receive that help,” continued the information from Bashaw.
The County was aware that the Bashaw Fire Department has received training in Wildland Fire Deployment in the hopes that they may be able to assist Provincial Wildland Fire response if deployed. The Town of Bashaw is requesting that this wildland truck be the operational unit that would be used to respond to a fire outside of Camrose County. Typically, the assets of Camrose County are provided for the purpose of serving residents in Camrose County.
“I move that Camrose County council approve the use of the wildland truck, if requested for provincial firefighting and that 100 per cent of the proceeds related to the use of the truck be forwarded to Camrose County,” said councillor Jordon Banack.
If volunteers receive compensation for their efforts it goes to the Bashaw Fire Department and the firefighters.
Currently, Bashaw does own a pumper truck that could be used instead of the wildland truck for responses.
Council asked for extra information from administration about the use of the truck and volunteers.
The agreement is for 2025 and will be reviewed in 2026.
LOVELY AWARDS
ing
Twinsy Media Photo
Camrose County residents enjoyed a barbecue and games at last year’s welcome event at the Camrose County Nature Conservation Centre. This year’s event will be held on August 16, from 1 to 4 p.m.
Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster MLA Jackie Lovely (left) along with Minister of Arts, Culture and the Status of Women Tanya Fir (right) awarded the Round Hill Agricultural Society $97,607. Receiv-
the cheque was Humphrey Banack. These funds will help with facility upgrades which will expand the Round Hill Ag Society’s storage space.
BRSD French Immersion program
Submitted
Battle River School Division (BRSD) is proud to highlight the benefits of its French Immersion programs. BRSD offers French Immersion to students from Maternelle (Kindergarten) to Grade 12.
Grade 6 students can begin learning French in BRSD’s Late French Immersion program, continuing right up to Grade 12. This program has been designed to teach fluency in both English and French to students who did not start Early French Immersion in Kindergarten or Grade 1.
Research has consistently shown the cognitive, academic, and professional benefits of being bilingual, including: cognitive development, academic achievement, cultural awareness, and future opportunities.
In March, École Charlie Killam School (ÉCKS) French Immersion students experienced culture in Quebec. Mme. Sabrina Heydorn, Mme. Rhonda Basque and Mr. Daylan Wizniuk travelled with 18 Grades 7 to 9 students from March 21 to 26.
“The immersion trip to the province of Quebec over spring break was a fun way to experience culture and history,” said assistant principal of ÉCKS Sabrina Heydorn. “I am overjoyed that we were able to give our students this opportunity to use their French skills authentically in Montreal and Quebec City, while engaging in cultural activities and routine interactions such as ordering their food and speaking to each other.”
While some students started in French Immersion from early ages, some started in Grade 6 with the Late French Immersion program. This variety of skill level among the group allowed for peer-topeer teaching and learning opportunities, allowing students to engage and interact, further enhancing col-
If this is your f arm,
The farm appearing in this photograph is located in the Camrose trading area. If you recognize it as yours, come to the Camrose Booster, 4925-48 Street, Camrose. You will be presented with a free 8” x 10” colour enlargement of the photo.
