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BRSD exploring potential boundary changes Page 22
Your LOCAL Media since 1918! Volume 106 Issue 26
www.tofieldmerc.com
Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Help on the way for vulnerable seniors to age at home Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter
Seniors living in Beaver County will now have more support to age in their own homes thanks to a two-year pilot project launched by the federal government. The ‘Age Well at Home’ initiative is being facilitated by 71 pilot projects across Canada, including one through Tofield/Beaver County West Family and Community Support Services (FCSS). Lynette Warawa, Senior Connector for Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS, gave a presentation at the Tofield Golden Club on Feb. 20, explaining the goals of the program and how seniors and volunteers can take part. Warawa said there are 1,800 vulnerable seniors across Beaver County eligible for the program, which includes volunteer assistance for tasks such as shoveling snow, lawn cutting, meal delivery, light housekeeping and visiting. “With our seniors staying at home, they can maintain their independence and age with dignity. We want them to feel safe in their homes,” said Warawa. “This means they do not have the stress of liquidating their assets and can age in the comfort of their home safely.” She said a vulnerable senior is described as ‘55 plus who faces financial and social barriers, is low income and has access to fewer supports and services’. Warawa said the program will also help to assist caregivers in preventing caregiver burnout. “Not everyone wants to go to a lodge,” said Warawa. “(They’ve) worked hard all (their) lives. (They) have (their) homes (and) to get rid of (their) things is a big deal. We're going to meet with these clients to determine their needs through engagement and
discussion.” FCSS Director Tracey Radley Boast, said FCSS received a federal grant of $350,000 to fund the program which will go through an evaluation process at the end of two years. “I hope they (see value in the program beyond two years). It's really good that they're doing this even for two years. We're very thankful for the funding (and) we're thankful to be able to be a part of this pilot project,” she said, adding that nine projects are in place across Alberta. “The purpose is to support vulnerable seniors.” Meanwhile, Warawa said that all volunteers will undergo criminal records check as well as a vulnerable sector check. Seniors and volunteers who are interested in participating in the project can contact the Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS office.
Holden Rural Academy's Senior boys basketball team played in New Norway over the weekend, in the Pastor Charlton Memorial Senior Basketball Tournament. In their final game against the Viking Norsemen for seventh place, they lost 71-40. Pictured here is #2 Russell Janzen racing up the court towards the net.
HRA competes in basketball tourney
Tofield/Beaver County West Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) senior connector Lynette Warawa speaks to approximately 20 attendees during a presentation at the Tofield Golden Club on Feb. 20 about the new 'Age Well at Home' project. JANA SEMENIUK PHOTO
Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Questions on Ryley Solar Farm revenue raised at council meeting Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter
The Village of Ryley Solar Farm, which was built and began operation in Sept. 2020, was the subject of questions by Ryley Deputy Mayor Brian Ducherer at the Feb. 20 council meeting. Ducherer said he noticed an updated page on the Ryley website with information on the solar farm that included details such as expected revenue and plans for a savings that would fund a rebuild of the solar farm in 30 years. “On the solar panel page, it says that any money that we make off of it is to be put into an account so that in 30 years from now, we can renew it,” he said. “But I don't see no (special account). We need to start something soon.” According to the Village website, a solar generator was decided on by council in 2019 and the project was put into motion in 2020 at a cost of nearly $300,000. The Village only covered half the cost, $150,000 from capital reserves, with the rest funded through the Alberta Municipal Solar Program in addition to an annual dividend of $65,000 from Claystone Waste.
The solar panels were designed to go ‘Net Zero’ on electricity consumption for all municipal buildings including the curling rink, skating rink, shack, community hall, the main administration and public works buildings, the lift station and the campground. “Net-Zero means that our Solar Power Generator produces the same amount of solar electricity that we were previously drawing from carbon producing electricity,” the Village website explained, stating the Village uses $14,000 of municipal electricity annually and pays $2,000 per year for site maintenance of the solar panels. An estimated surplus of $2,000-$3,000 after maintenance and saving for the rebuild was also noted. The website also said the solar farm is located northeast of the village on the east edge of the sewage
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lagoon. Ryley Chief Administrative Officer Glen Hamilton-Brown, who was also CAO at the time the project was decided, said the savings plan was in place but became lost in the shuffle of changing administration. “Have we done it? That was the plan (and) in 2021 we were working on that. But I think some stuff happened between 2021 and now,” he said, alluding to his suspension in 2021 and contract termination in 2022. Hamilton-Brown has since received a public apology from the Village of Ryley and was rehired in Sept. 2023. In a later interview, Hamilton-Brown said the administration team who took over after he was removed did not segregate the funds generated from the solar farm into its own account and instead de-
posited them into the Village’s general account. “Right now, we’re doing a full 365day reconciliation between the bank accounts and the software to try and get everything in place for the audit,” he said. “As we're doing that, we're establishing either real cash or deficit amounts that are owed to those accounts.” To date, Hamilton-Brown said the 300-meter long solar project, has actually saved the Village in excess of $20,000 per year but said the big win was for the environment. “A lot of people (went into this with) how much money are we making?” he said. “It's not about how much money we're making. As long as it's not costing money, we're doing a great thing for the world.”
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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Page 3
Ryley Solar Farm generates power people can see via live data website Jana Semeniuk Staff Reporter
Included in the construction of the Ryley Solar Farm in 2020, is access to a live data webpage that shows how much energy the Ryley Solar Farm is producing in real time, sharing information such as how many kilowatts per hour are being generated at the moment, the week and year to date. In its lifetime of 41 months, the webpage says the Ryley Solar Farm has so far generated a total of 686.2 MWh of power (686,200 kWh). By comparison, according to energyrates.ca, the average household in Alta uses 7,200 kWh per year. Additionally, the webpage devoted to the Ryley Solar Farm has an Environmental Benefits section which offers extra up-to-date information such as amount of GHG (greenhouse gas) emissions that would have been released into the atmosphere if not for the solar farm. Although a disclaimer states that the data used in the calculations come from US sources, Dandelion Renewables president Mikhail
Ivanchikov said the resulting calculations are not misleading. “Alberta grid emission intensity (is) higher than (the) average for (the) United States. So, for that reason, what the website calculates could be used as a conservative benchmark for how many emissions this particular solar project offsets,” he said. “In real life, this project would offset (a) high number of emissions because (the) emission intensity for Alberta is higher (than the US).” Ivanchikov explained that the intensity is the speed at which the GHG are emitted into the air. “As we go forward in the future, because we’re cleaning our grid, the emission intensity improves year over year,” he said. To date, the Environmental Benefits section of the website states that the Ryley Solar Farm has avoided emitting 635,012.56 kg of co2, 128.68 kg of nitrogen oxide and 24.95 kg of sulfur dioxide. Ivanchikov admits that it would be better if the Environmental Benefits portion of the live data could use information
pulled from Alta sources, but said it’s impossible because of the website provider. “It is better (to use local information sources) unfortunately it's impossible to do (that) automated, because of the products that we're using. The inverter manufacturers would not produce the calculator for each province, given
that the United States is the biggest market,” he said. “(It's) under these particular assumptions, they calculate the emission intensity assuming the average for the United States.” Meanwhile, according to environment and climate change at Canada.ca, the biggest contributor to GHG emissions in 2020 was China at 28.1 percent,
with the second highest being the United States at 11.9 percent. Canada ranked 11th with 1.5 percent. Additionally, in 2020 Alta emitted the highest amount of GHG in Canada at 256.5 million metric tons with the second highest being Ont. at 149.6. The United States emitted 4.6 billion metric tons in 2020.
Council Corner Having an emergency plan in place The past several years, the Province of Alberta has been faced with peculiar weather, certainly this week sees this in full effect. Often seeing conditions change quickly, and produce exceptionally harsh weather in the winter, and unprecedented warm weather in the summer months. With these ever-changing conditions, the question becomes, would you, and your family be prepared for an emergency event? The Federal Government suggests having an emergency preparedness kit, that would be able to sustain yourself and family members for up to 72 hours. Although the consequences of various disasters, or emergencies can be similar, knowing the risks within your region can help you better prepare. It is strongly suggested that every Canadian household have an emergency plan. To reference a plan, and to have a template in which to reference, they can be accessed online at: GetPrepared.ca. Collectively, we all want to believe that this will be something we will never need, however, being prepared is paramount in this regard. Outside of having an emergency plan, there are pieces that should be done, to provide comfort and safety not only for yourself, but also
for the others in your home. These are things such as: a working carbon monoxide detector, smoke alarm (on each floor), fire extinguisher and a well-stocked first aid kit. Aside from having these items, each member in your home should know about these items, and where they are stored. Children within the home should know how and when to call 9-1-1 as well as who your emergency contacts are, that may include people outside of your community. In the event of an emergency, it is exceptionally important to make sure you are safe and well before assisting others. It is advised that in an emergency you listen to the radio or television for information from both local and provincial authorities. Local officials may advise you to stay where you are. It is important to stay where you are, until you are ordered to evacuate, or given other instructions. Please note: you will not be asked to leave your home unless there is reason to believe you may be in danger. If you are ordered to leave, take your emergency kit, your wallet, identification for each family member and bring your cellular phone and charger with you. We have discussed the necessity of an emergency kit; however, the question becomes,
what should this kit include? Suggestions are as follows: • Water – at least two litres per person, per day. Include small bottles that can be carried easily. • Food that won’t spoil, such as canned food, energy bars and dried food. • Manual can opener • Crank or battery – powered flashlight (and extra batteries) • Crank, battery powered radio. • First aid kit • Extra keys to your vehicle and home • Cash in smaller bills. Bank machines and credit cards may not be able to be used. As we continue into 2024, and start the year fresh, with intention for health, success and positivity, Council felt it important to have our residents provided with important information and the tools to succeed. It is each of our hopes that these pieces are not needed, however, being prepared are the keys to success. Mayor, Council and Staff wish each of you the absolute best for 2024. We look forward to another successful year. Respectfully, Mayor and Council
Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Titans capture bronze in New Norway
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The Senior High Tofield Titans boys won third place in the Pastor Randy Charlton Tournament over the weekend, Friday and Saturday Feb. 23-24 in New Norway. In their first game the Titans beat the Bashaw Rebels 74-27, and on Saturday they lost to the Hay Lakes Tigers 76-70. "The game was tight and tough. They showed great teamwork and amazing effort," Coach Tobias Schmuecker said. Saturday night the Titans played for third, beating the New Norway Spartans 76-46. The Titan Senior girls also played in the tournament, but lost their three games. "They learned a lot and they all improved a lot over the weekend. We lost all three games against Bawlf, Alix, and Daysland. They worked hard and I’m very proud of their perseverance," said Coach Valerie Rickett. Pictured are the Titan boys in their game against Hay Lakes.
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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Page 5
B ABY OF 2023 W INNER !
The winner of the Tofield Mercury’s Babies of 2023 contest was Mykola Eugene Corbin Harrington, born on July 1, 2023 to Darren and Amber Harrington. Seen here from left are Kassidy Cameron of Tofield Eyecare presenting baby sunglasses, father Darren holding the Uncle Roger’s $50 gift certificate, mother Amber holding Mykola, Lisa Kuflay of the Tofield Mercury presenting a gift bag of baby items. In front is brother James holding the Carla Lehman gift certificate.
Auction & Supper You are cordially invited to a
Supper and Auction at Cornerstone Christian Academy Kingman, Alberta
Saturday March 9th, 2024 Doors open @ 4:30 pm
w/silent auction - supper - live auction proceeding Lasagne Supper with a Snack Concession $12.00 - Adults/ Students 11 and over $6.00 6-10 years, Free - 5 years and under To reserve tickets please call (780)672-7197
Tofield Hearing Clinic Tuesday, March 5, from 10 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Tofield Medical Clinic
1-877-313-5582
Donation items for the auction are welcome! All proceeds from Live and Silent Auctions benefit the operation of the school. Please have items delivered to the school by February 28th.
Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
OPINION
Want to have your say? Write a Letter: news.tofield@gmail.com (all opinions must be signed to be published)
JOHN’S RANT Our leadership is failing us on many levels Our elected leadership is failing Canadians in many municipalities, at provincial and at federal levels. Not all to the same degree, but still to read newspapers from across the country and around the world, actually there is a failure of leadership. From scandals involving financial wrongdoings, councillors being censured for openly speaking their minds, and others being thrown off councils - leadership is failing. Often it can be pinned to the inexperience of those
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who seek office and other times it is because people are being elected with specific agendas which disallow ideas which may vary from theirs. Look at Westlock where last week a plebiscite was passed by residents to have a bylaw installed which would allow only municipal, provincial or national flags to be flown on public buildings and crosswalks in the community to be painted with two white stripes and a cross hatching. This plebiscite came in response to a petition mounted last year against a rainbow crosswalk promoted by a local 2SLGBTQ+ organization. In a politically correct move council approved the crosswalk. Now, a rainbow crosswalk doesn’t hurt anyone. In fact, in some ways the splash of colour on an otherwise dull roadway is quite attractive. But it is the underlying message of support that drew the ire of residents launching and succeeding to have council either remove the crosswalk or hold a plebiscite. You see Westlock’s leadership failed to gauge the support in the community it is supposed to serve. I expect most people don’t really care about the 2SLGBTQ+ community or other special or marginalized groups. But society is drawing the line now, when by allowing these groups to have their own crosswalks they get
put on a pedestal that not only raises awareness of the group but says”look at us … we want to stand out.” But the local council in its enthusiasm to be politically correct failed to read its own population. The Westlock Neutrality Team, led by Westlock resident Stephanie Bakker, started the original petition. She stated, “The words ‘government neutrality’ aren’t very exciting to people, but it genuinely is about that for us.” “Council has tried very hard to say that we were against the Pride community, but for us, it is not the group they chose to promote; it’s the fact that they’re promoting any group whatsoever.” Bakker said her group doesn’t take issue with residents promoting minority communities, but believes governments should remain neutral. The mayor was elected in a by-election with 1,271 votes cast while the plebiscite saw more than 1,300 people come and vote … more than came out to vote for him. Read the tea leaves. People are waking up and expecting to hear from their leaders and expecting to see leadership between elections. So let’s move on two levels higher, to our Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. A person with no leadership ability. He breezed into Edmonton last week to meet with members of the 2SLGBTQ+
there no matter how many governments try to legislate them into obedience. Later, over the weekend, Trudeau went to Ukraine to brag about support for that war torn country pledging $320 million in additional military spending for the country in the coming year. Who knows where this money is coming from except your wallet. We do know he’s gutted our own military. And the great actor went to blame Putin for Alexei Navalny’s death in a prison camp. This is probably true, although it will never be proven. But then Trudeau, having let his tongue out for a romp, went on. “What happened to Alexei Navalny demonstrates that for all that Putin pretends to be strong, he's actually a coward,” Trudeau said. “To execute one’s political opponents, to quash dissent by using police and military,
community and announce some funding for affordable housing. He was joined by his stalwart buddy Edmonton Mayor and former Trudeau cabinet minister Amarjeet Sohi and MP Randy Boissonnaault. So did he take the time to meet with the Premier of the province? No! Did he invite any provincial MLAs to attend his announcements? No! He showed a complete disregard for Albertans and its leadership yet went on a radio program to say, “The world is looking at net-zero right now, but right-wing ideology is getting in the way of Alberta’s success,” he said. He is delusional. Two car manufacturers have pulled back substantially on their commitments to produce nothing but electric cars. Why? Because the market isn’t
to make sure there is no opposition is the mark of a weakling, not a mark of someone who is confident in his own position.” To quash dissent by using police and military, to make sure there is no opposition is the mark of a weakling. Well, Justin should look in the mirror, re-read what he said and reflect on his lack of leadership. Because that is exactly what he did when some truckers rolled into Ottawa a couple of years ago to protest his pandemic restrictions. He used the police and eventually the emergencies act to break up the protest. Unlike Pierre Poilievre, who actually met with the protestors, Trudeau hid out in his “cottage” where he spent most of the pandemic. Yep, that’s our fearless leader. Leadership really needs to be more closely examined when we elect our officials. JOHN MATHER
LETTER TO THE EDITOR Deep appreciation for Tofield hospital staff Dear Editor; Medical wait times, delays at hospitals lots of concerns around our Province. BUT let me tell you of some dedicated Doctors, Interns and hospital staff in Tofield. My wife and I had appointments on Feb. 5 and from a routine visit which escalated slightly to a hos-
pital visit. We had Superior treatment at the clinic from the time we went in to the time we left. Our doctors, Sabha and Jallad looked after us with great care and professionalism. But it goes deeper, the front staff smiling, polite and caring made us feel so cared for. We had to go to the hospital where the profession-
alism was just as fantastic. Cared for with respect and smiles, all together putting us at ease. I wish everyone in the province had these wonderful professionals looking after them. Thank you from my wife and I for being so caring and concerned with our well being. Brian Dewar
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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Page 7
LOOSE ENDS Super Powers
Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist
I got teased some about my hearing this past weekend. Both sons and Hubby ganged up on me
like they sometimes do, probably because they know that when it’s three to one I don’t stand a chance of winning. So they can razz me to their hearts’ content because I just sit quietly until they decide I’m no fun and they can move on to something more interesting. These guys have always claimed that I have selective hearing; I just hear what I want to and deny being told or asked any-
thing I’m not interested in or that could just possibly put me in a bad light. The boys especially like reminding me about something they swear I did or said when they were kids, starting very innocently with ‘Remember that time… you threatened to cover us in honey and bury us up to our chins in an anthill if we ever hid another unsealed jar of ants in our closet?’ Of course that was just their inventive imaginations;
I’d never do that to my little dem..er... dears. But I do recall promising (never threaten!) to paint their bare feet bright green and hide all their shoes if I caught them running through the freshly mowed lawn and leaving green footprints all over the house. Ahh, such sweeties. My younger son likes to tell tall tales about my supersonic hearing that could hear them getting into mischief even when
Alberta Municipalities president warns against political parties Brett McKay Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The provincial government has ramped up talk about introducing political parties into municipal and school board elections in recent months, but the majority of Albertans want to "keep their communities as the last area free of political vitriol," Alberta Municipalities President Tyler Gandam said during a press event on Feb. 22. "The Government of Alberta has been rubbing many Albertans the wrong way with its efforts to promote political parties in local municipal government and school board elections," Gandam said. "Alberta municipalities members are deeply troubled by the idea that local elected officials might put the interests of their political parties ahead of those of the group that matters most – their constituents." Gandam said rumblings about bringing party politics to local government culminated in two surveys conducted by the Government of Alberta on the changes to the Local Authorities Election Act and the Municipal Government Act. Results of these surveys were not shared by the government, but were released as part of a freedom of information request.
The results of the survey question on political parties in local politics show that 70 per cent of respondents are opposed to the idea. The results of the governments survey are consistent with one conducted by pollster Janet Brown for Alberta municipalities September of 2023 which found 68 per cent of Albertans "are opposed to the introduction of partisan politics at the local level." Gandam said. "No one has clearly explained what real precede problems the introduction of political
parties to municipal elections would fix. While political parties serve a purpose at the national
and provincial level, due to differences in scale, they are unnecessary at the community level."
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they weren’t (like, never). I could hear through walls, even when I was upstairs vacuuming and they were in the basement being good little boys (never happened!) I told them that it was a super power shared by all moms – as soon as they got all quiet I’d know they were up to something. He said it freaked him out when I’d call down the stairs, ‘you kids stop that right now! Put that down and go outside to play!
Don’t make me come down there!’ He already knew I had eyes in the back of my head, now I had Dumbo-sized ears as well?? No fair! Accusing me of having selective hearing now that they are all grown up and have their dad on their side is them thinking they are getting back at me. My super power these days is never letting them know that they didn’t get away with as much as they think they did.
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Page 8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Holden council to consider backyard chicken licenses Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Village of Holden held their last monthly council meeting on Tuesday, February 20 at the Village Office. Sergeant Cameron Paul was in attendance to give the Tofield RCMP detachment’s quarterly and year-end reports. Under the trends/points of interest section of the report it states, “Property Crime continues to be the largest concern of local crime. Tofield RCMP remains committed to focus on this criminal activity and the prolific offenders perpetrating the crimes. Property Crime has trended downwards compared to Q1 (quarter one). Q2 experienced higher incidents of Possession of Stolen Property offenses being charged which was expected as a result of Project “HOT Head.” The success of Project “HOT Head” was demonstrated in Q3 by a 38 per cent reduction in Property Crime incidents in comparison to the same time period in 2022, and an overall 9% reduction in 2023 when compared to 2022. Project “HOT Head” will remain a focus for Tofield Detachment. Of note there has been a substantial overall reduction in nearly all the crime categories for 2023 versus 2022.” The RCMP’s fiscal year ends in March, and as such Sgt. Paul said they will be organizing several town halls. “Our fiscal year is coming to an end, so we’ll be coming forward to do some community participation for town hall events to help establish next year's priorities for policing. I plan to put on a town hall in each of the communities. They will be advertised and we'll give opportunity for people to come and have a chat, ask some questions, and provide input. There will also be a link to an anonymous survey online, where they can input what they think are the policing priorities or some of the other concerns that they might want to address,” he said. As well, one of Tofield’s members has been transferred and will be at his new post in mid-March. “Constable Roscoe has been transferred and he reports to the new detachment on March 15. His last day in Tofield is March 11. I have already put it up through the chain of command and directly contacted our staffing people. We still don't have a replacement for us. We’ll bump up on the priority list after the 15th of March, and we'll see where we land on that list,” Paul said. Public Works Foreman Dave Marko was in attendance to ask for Council’s approval of the purchase of a new pump for Lift Station One. “Last year we ordered a pump for Lift Station One, but they sent me a threefaced pump instead of a single-faced pump. We sent it back and I got the right one, finally, last summer. It's still sitting there waiting to get put in,” he said. Marko said the lift station has two
pumps, and both need to be replaced. There was a mix-up somewhere along the way, and now there is a brand-new single-faced pump with no buyer. “I sent this one back and the company that built this one was fixing it, but they built another one. It's sitting there, brand new. It’s a single faced, nobody wants it. They're offering it to us at the price it was at that time, less $1,000. There's been two different price increases since we ordered the one we got last year, so at least we’d get a deal on this one, and we're going to need it anyway,” Marko said. Council approved the purchase of the pump for the lift station, which amounts to $20,427.16 with GST included. During this council meeting the green light bylaw underwent three readings and was passed, with all councillors voting in favour of the bylaw. “Green strobes on personal vehicles are for volunteer firefighters responding to emergency calls. Currently, without a bylaw in effect, we are not allowed to have them used within the village limits. Right now, anybody responding from the county can use their green strobe light all the way up until they hit the village limits,” said Mayor Tyler Beckett. “The county itself has had this in place since 1998. But like I said, because we don't have one in our village, technically you are violating the law if you are responding to the Holden Fire Department as soon as you cross those lines,” he said. The beginnings of a land use bylaw amendment was put out for consideration, of owning chickens in the village. Chief Administrative Officer Rosemary Offrey asked for Council’s feedback on the proposed bylaw for the next meeting. “The backyard chicken bylaw is quite intense. I would like Council to give me feedback on what I’ve proposed. Council needs to decide the maximum number of chickens that you’ll allow for license holders in the village. I suggested four, but there's 194 residences in the village. If we allow four at every residence that would be extreme, not that every residence is going to want to own chickens, but in other municipalities, they have a maximum number of licenses that they allow. I'm suggesting 30. But again, it's Council's decision on what you decide to go with. If you've got four times 30, that's 120 chickens in the village. Even if you went 50 per cent of the people in the village, that’s 400 chickens. That sounds like a lot of clucking to me,” she said. Offrey used the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo’s bylaw as a model for the Village, and mentioned that they charge $150 for the first application, and $15 for each chicken every year. Councillors will review the proposed bylaw and offer feedback by the next council meeting in March.
Council also decided to extend financial assistance to the Holden Ag Society, covering half the amount of their bills up to a maximum of $4,000 per month for the months of February, March, and April. The same request was sent to Beaver County, who also agreed to contribute funds. As per Beaver Regional Partnership’s recommendation, Council decided to participate in a joint letter that will be sent to the Public Safety and Emergency Services minister Mike Ellis in regards to the regionalization of victim services. “The province is currently in the process of appointing chairs and directors for (four regional) boards that will handle the entirety of the province on a
large scale, as opposed to individual boards such as Beaver County Victim Services (BCVS). We are hoping that we can request that BCVS can act as an advisor towards the new victim services board that will be covering our region,” Beckett said. Councillor Shawn Cole moved that if the current Beaver County Victim Services board “is willing to act as an advisory group to the Eastern Alberta Victim Services Society, that Council participate in a Beaver Regional joint letter to the Public Safety and Emergency Services minister.” Holden Council’s next meeting is Monday, March 18 at the Village Office.
AGRICULTURE LAND FOR SALE BY TENDER The following land is offered for sale by tender subject to restrictions on the existing Certificate of Title: MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 16 TOWNSHIP 47 SECTION 23 QUARTER NORTH EAST EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS AND THE RIGHT TO WORK THE SAME AREA: 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS Title Number: 232 18 0888 Land is comprised of 160 acres, more or less, of No. 2 soil with approximately 138 acres under cultivation and approximately 22 acres native non-agriculture land located in Beaver County. No fences. No outbuildings. TERMS OF TENDER: (1) The purchase price submitted shall be subject to payment of GST; (2) Sale of the land is “as is – where is”. (3) Tenders are to be accompanied by a certified cheque or bank draft made payable to “Insight for Life – LAW Services, in trust” representing 10% of the tendered amount; (4) No conditional or subject to financing tenders will be accepted; (5) Decision on tenders is to be made on or before Friday March 8, 2024, at which time deposits of unsuccessful tenders will be returned via registered mail. (6) Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted and the registered owner reserves the right to reject any or all tenders. (7) Subject to (1) above, upon acceptance of a successful tender, the purchaser shall be obligated to complete the purchase, subject to normal closing adjustments, on or before close of business Thursday March 28, 2024 or sooner as agreed between the parties. The 10% deposit shall constitute a deposit towards the purchase price. If the successful tenderer fails to complete the purchase, the deposit shall be forfeited. Tenders will close at 4:00 p.m. on Friday, March 8, 2024 Tenders are to be submitted in a sealed envelope marked “TENDER #13655” to: Insight for Life – LAW Services Attention: William N. Bohdan Zadworny Barrister & Solicitor 5131 – 50th Street, PO Box 250 Vegreville, AB T9C 1R2 Ph: 780-632-7779
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Page 9
Beaver Victim Services board to remain a society after termination Kari Janzen
Staff Reporter
Beaver County Victim Services is set to officially dissolve in August of this year, but president Jim Warren says despite this, they will still remain a society. “Our board has decided that we're going to remain as a society. We won't have contact with the victims but we will continue to fundraise for projects. When other agencies who provide services for victim services such as FCSS (Family and Community Support Services), want to have, for example, a workshop for mental health, then they will be able to apply to us for some funding. That's what our plan is right now,” he said. The province is creating a new way of providing victim services, eliminating the need for local boards and instead dividing the whole province, excluding major cities, into four regions: Western, Eastern, Central, and Southern Alberta. “The government has decreed this is going to happen. We didn't feel it necessary, at least for our location. I know there are some locations that don't have a unit as good as ours. They have some issues but our opinion, the board, is the sugges-
tion to work on fixing those ones, don’t tar everybody with the same brush. But no, they've come and said, ‘this is the way it's going to be.’ And although they're great with consultation now, the decision was made before they started the consultation. “I think they're going to take the community out of victim services. The community was a very big part of our victim services. Our community took ownership. And that was one of the things that I said: you won't have a viable victim service unit if the community doesn't buy in. They have to feel ownership, and feel part of it. I don't see that happening with the new revised regional victim services,” he said. The implementation of the regional model is set for April 1 and came about as a result of a review done by MLAs Angela Pitt (Airdrie) and Nathan Neudorf (Lethbridge East) in 2019. In a document published by Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA), called Victim Services Unit Regionalization: RMA Concerns, it says that in the review three new approaches were given, but no consideration was taken for keeping the current model. “In 2019, the GOA (government of Al-
Camrose County Agricultural Communications Committee 2024 Scholarship Scholarship Amount $1,000 Eligibility Requirements: • Students must be in Grade 10, 11, or 12, • Must be a resident of Camrose County, • Previous Camrose County scholarship award winners are ineligible, • Essay should be 1,000 to 1,500 words in length OR video presentation should be 3 to 4 minutes in length. Selected Topics Please select from one of the following: 1. Volunteerism: Why is volunteering important in any community? What are the benefits of volunteering and how do we encourage volunteerism? How has the lack of volunteering affected your community? 2. How can agricultural producers use technology to manage current challenges in the industry? Example: Drought, Climate Change Policy, and Fertilizer usage. Please reference people interviewed or research material used for your essay or video presentation. (No Power Point presentations will be accepted this year).
Submit entries to:
Camrose County Essay Contest 4238 – 37th Street Camrose, AB T4V 5B2 OR by email to: asb@county.camrose.ab.ca
Please include the following as part of your submission: Full Name, Mailing Address, Phone Number, High School being attended and Legal Land Description or Hamlet Address. Deadline:
April 30, 2024 @ 4:30 pm
For further information: Corey Stuber
(780) 672-4765
The winner will be photographed for press releases and the essay or video presentation will be posted on the Camrose County website.
berta) launched an MLA-led Victims of Crime Review, which aimed to identify specific gaps in services and supports available for victims of crime within the current model. One aspect of the review focused on the victim services model. The review suggested three possible new approaches to victim services governance and delivery (zonal approach, government approach, and municipal approach). The review did not consider a continuation of the current model.” “The review was done by two MLAs out of Airdrie and Lethbridge, both large municipalities. In my opinion, I don't think they understand rural victim services when they came up with their perspective on what should be done,” Warren said. RMA describes service delivery in rural areas as innovative out of necessity, and laments the fact that the trend seems to be centralization and standardization of how services are delivered. “Alberta has a unique model in which victim services are delivered by local organizations funded through a combination of provincial grants, municipal
contributions, and tireless fundraising by local volunteers. Unfortunately, the GOA is moving forward with a regionalization model that will replace local victim services units with four service delivery regions,” the documents says. RMA members have advocated for the current model of victim services to be maintained, suggesting that the GOA should focus on the communities that are struggling instead of revamping the whole system. “RMA members recently passed Resolution 10-23S: Victim Services Delivery Model, which requests the following: THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) advocate to the Government of Alberta to maintain the current model of victim services program delivery and instead provide direct assistance to the small number of communities that are struggling to operate under the current model and have insufficient services for victims; and FURTHER BE IT RESOLVED that RMA advocate to the Government of Alberta for more consistent funding for the current Continued on Page 19
Camrose County Agricultural Wall of Honor and Century Farm Award Applications The Camrose County Agricultural Communications Committee is seeking nominations for 2024 Wall of Honor Inductees and Century Farm Award Applications Wall of Honor Nominations: This honor recognizes contributions to Agriculture by individuals in farming and ranching, agri-business or in extension and research work. Candidates for the Agriculture Wall of Honor should have demonstrated leadership in farm, rural and community organizations at the district, county or provincial level. Selections for the Camrose County Agricultural Wall of Honor are considered based on the person’s contribution to the betterment of agriculture and the improvement of rural quality of life within Camrose County.
Century Farm Award Applications: Keeping the family farm or ranch from generation to generation and actively farming is an impressive achievement. Camrose County recognizes these long-standing farms during our Century Farm Awards.
Eligibility requirements: • At the time of application, the land has been continuously owned, farmed or ranched by your family for a minimum of 100 years. • Provide clear proof of ownership (land titles). You may currently be renting out your land. • You are eligible if you have received the Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award. Eligible applicants will be presented a commemorative sign to hang at their farm gate or on a building celebrating the achievement. Nomination and application forms can be found on the County website www.county.camrose.ab.ca, contacting the Agricultural Services Office by phone 780-672-4765, or email asb@county.camrose.ab.ca. Completed forms may be emailed or dropped off at the Agricultural Services office (4238 37 St, Camrose, AB T4V 5B2) Application Deadline: April 20, 2024.
Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Tofield Minor Hockey February 2024
TOFIELD MERCURY SPECIAL SECTION
All team photos by Pro Sports Photography
TOFIELD U7 BACK ROW: Kim Berscheid, Danielle Fleck, Dustin Jackson, Kalen Roth, Chris Roy, Kyle Toner MIDDLE ROW: Cooper Lehman, Sawyer Fleck, Wyatt Jackson, Emmett Roth, Easton Adam, Cardin Pennington FRONT ROW: Rylan Roy, Dayton Lungal, Corbyn Berscheid-Sargent, Nora Burkholder, Paxton Burt, Caleb Toner, Ryder Bremner MISSING: Jon Lehman, Jocelyn Wynnyk, Curtis Fleck, Lorne Burkholder, Carly Lehman
Proud to support Tofield Minor Hockey! ~ Mayor Dueck and Council
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Page 11
Tofield Minor Hockey Proud supporter of Minor Hockey in Tofield! Greg Litwin, REALTOR® 780-918-9300
5023 52 Ave., Tofield • 780-662-3988 Thank you to our local hockey community for making the sport vibrant!
TOFIELD U9 T1 BACK ROW: Andrew Gillan, Jeremy Saunders, Chris Roy, James Riddell MIDDLE ROW: Grady Gillan, Dawson Murphy, Walker Lungal, Grayden Riddell FRONT ROW: Dannieka Hofer, Noah Stahl, Jacob Goebel, Tristan Waldo, William Madsen, Griffin Goebel, Bennet Roy MISSING: Lauren Lungal, Carter Klita
780-662-4842 5020-50 Ave. Tofield
We’re thankful for all the hockey parents & volunteers for their commitment to the sport!
Gerry Footz The Real Estate Guy
www.gerryfootz.com gerry@gerryfootz.com
(780) 983-3694 (780) 464-4100
TOFIELD U9 T2 BACK ROW: Steve McGale, Colin Hart, Lorne Burkholder, Mike Crawford, Matt IIsley MIDDLE ROW: Clara Hart, J.L. Burkholder, Dominic Draper, Emersyn Smith, Caleb Osmond FRONT ROW: Otto Hodsworth, Caleb Stirrat, Ben Crawford, Keira McGale, Dillion IIsley MISSING: Zoey O’Brien, Ember O’Brien, Arthur Hosker, Sabrina O’Brien
A huge thank you to all the volunteers that allow Tofield Minor Hockey to run!
KC
Tofield 5118 - 50th St. 780-662-0165
Tofield Agricultural Society
#1 20332 Township Road 512 Sherwood Park, Alberta T8G 1E8
780-662-2227 www.hastingslakevet.com
Proud to support Tofield Minor Hockey!
Thank you volunteers!
Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Tofield Minor Hockey In support of our local minor hockey community.
780-662-4332
Phone: 780-662-0104 5024 - 51 Ave., Tofield
MONDAY 11-4 TUESDAY 10-5 WEDNESDAY 10-6 THURSDAY 10-5 FRIDAY 9-3 SATURDAY 9-1
TOFIELD U11 T1 BACK ROW: Gord Gray, Barry Clark, Dustin Jackson, Matthew Fidler, Justin MacNeil, Kyle Jeffrey MIDDLE ROW: Quinn MacNeil, Kevin Gray, Hunter Jackson, Shane Kyle, Anthony MacNeil, Chase Ferron FRONT ROW: Dayne Jober, Jenna Lungal, Kehgan McCabe, Logan Barmentloo, Cooper Olson, Max Jeffrey, Chase Clark MISSING: Dominic O’Brien, Char MacNeil, Allan Lungal
Proud to support Minor Hockey in Tofield!
TOFIELD U11 T2 BACK ROW: Jeremy Thom, Craig Neufeld, James Riddell, Shauna Neufeld MIDDLE ROW: Raeleigh Murphy, Ayden Komarnisky, Brodie McLeod, Degan Samson, Easton Kallal FRONT ROW: Griffin Neufeld, Finn Montgomery, Bentley Ruzycki, Hayden Thom, Ruby Montgomery, Asher Montgomery, Kylie Riddell MISSING: Jim Montgomery, Anabella Klita
Your waste services provider
780-663-2038 We are thankful for all the hockey parents & volunteers for their commitment to the sport!
VMJ
Custodial Services
780-603-0710 Thank you to all the Hockey coaches and volunteers.
Proud supporter of Minor Hockey
Holden Country Bottle Depot 780-688-3378 • 780-632-9313
B CCOUNTY SSEED CCLEANING CCOO --OP BBEAVER EAVER OUNTY EED LEANING O -OP OP EAVER C OUNTY S EED C LEANING C Sale: For September Sale:For Common Seed Oats, & October November Common Seed Oatsonly Pony and Barley Open byOats appointment
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County
Chronicle
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Phone Phone780-688-3917 780-688-3917 •• Holden, Holden, AB AB Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB
The Beaver County
Hubert && Margaret Graham Hubert Margaret Graham Parts, Sales & Service Parts, Sales & Service Bus: 780-663-3759 Bus: 780-663-3759 Res: 780-662-2384 Res: 780-662-2384 Fax: 780-663-3799 Fax: 780-663-3799 ryalta@digitalweb.net ryalta@digitalweb.net
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A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, November , 2023, Volume 16, Issue 46 Wednesday, Wednesday February February28, 16 2024, 2022 Volume Volume17, 15 Issue Issue09 7
Beaver County to help pay power bills for Holden Complex Patricia Harcourt
Mixed messages prevail as Beaver County Council agreed to pay half of Holden Complex’s utility bills to help keep the ice rink operational until the end of March. The request came from the Holden Agricultural Society’s board in a letter stating the utilities have skyrocketed in cost and the board is unable to pay the bill to keep the doors open. “Unfortunately, however, at our last meeting finances were discussed at great length,” stated the letter. “And keeping an ice arena within the facility has become too expensive for us to maintain. “And so we will not be having ice in the facility anymore next season,” the letter concluded. But Holden Ag Society President Lucy Upham says the society hasn’t given up yet and wouldn’t do so “without a fight.” She issued a statement that a “final” decision on the ice rink has not yet been made. However, to keep the rink open until the end of March, the ag society in its letter asked the county and village to share the power bills on a 50/50 basis for January, February and March of this year. Both jurisdictions have since agreed to help the society. On Feb. 20, the Village of Holden passed a motion to pay 50 per cent of the cost of the utilities to a maximum of $4,000, said Aimee Boese, the county’s general manager of community service. On Feb. 21, county council passed a motion to provide financial support to the Ag Society for 50 per cent of the cost of Holden Complex power bills for the stated months, to a maximum of $12,000. This would be contingent upon the county receiving invoice amounts. In discussion, Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) asked if the Holden Ag Society had thought of trying alternative energy sources, such as solar power. He noted that the Town of Viking had done this to lower costs for its town-owned facilities. Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec, who represents Division 3 where the Village of Holden is located, said power alternatives have been considered. But the ag society would have to provide matching funds to be eligible for grants, “and we don’t have it,” he said.
He also said that the county should pay 50 per cent of the utility costs only if the society cannot pay some or part of it themselves. Hrabec doesn’t sit on the ag society board but pointed out that the society is constantly fundraising to try and keep the Complex operating. He referred to the monthly Saturday night Steak Suppers where he is the chief cook. “We’ll continue doing that, we will want to do our due diligence in paying,” he said, adding that “the facility should pay what it can.” However, he also agreed the county “could pay whatever the society can’t pay after doing what they can (to raise the money).” The Holden Ag Society received help in 2017 to install an ice chiller in the Complex. Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) said he “heard some rumblings” regarding what will be done with the ice making infrastructure if the arena is closed. While Hrabec stated he doesn’t sit on the Holden Ag Board, he added: “They have to make a hard decision,” noting that many rinks have had to shut down across the province because they can’t afford to keep them going. “We need to keep open in Holden until March,” he said, adding it would be difficult for hockey groups now using the facilities to find alternative rinks in which to play. “The board has a pretty tough decision when it comes to opening it up next year,” Hrabec said, in light of the number of teams going down from five to two this year. Hrabec added that he believes the board will try “to mitigate costs and get out of the hockey business.” Bruce said he didn’t want to see Holden’s local cultural and recreational facilities “fall by the wayside,” referring to the ice rink and theatre in Holden. The county should support these kinds of facilities and keep them open as long as they can, he said. County council then agreed by motion (from Councillor Lionel Williams in Division 2) to pay 50 per cent of the Holden Complex power bills up to a maximum of $12,000, with receipts submitted to prove the amounts needed. In her report to council, Boese stated: “As noted in the letter, the (Holden Ag) board has consistently looked for ways to
efficiently run, maintain, and keep the Holden Complex open to provide the rural community with a valuable, multirecreational facility.” The ag board plans to hold an open meeting for the community and community leaders to participate in discussion on the Holden Complex’s direction going forward. Meanwhile, Ag Board President Upham still holds out hope for keeping the ice arena active in the future. In her statement, Upham said: “The board and I have not made any final decisions on what is happening with the Arena. That being said, it has been swirling around for the last couple years
that we may not be able to keep the ice arena. “This year hit us hardest financially,” she stated. “We have tried everything we can think of applying for grants, fundraisers, promoting ice time, etc. We wish we could do more fundraising but we also know that as much as we need money, everyone else is also struggling with finances as well.” She added that the society will “be very open” once a decision is made, “and make sure the public knows as soon as possible.” They are hoping to meet in March. “We will not give up having ice without a fight,” she said.
2 - Beaver County Chronicle, February 28, 2024
!ȒȅȅɖȇǣɎɵ àȒǼɖȇɎƺƺȸ XȇƬȒȅƺ ÁƏɴ ¨ȸȒǕȸƏȅ ÁȒǔǣƺǼƳٖ ƺƏɮƺȸ !ȒɖȇɎɎɵ ɵ áƺɀɎ I!³³ ǣɀ Ə ȸƺǕǣɀɎƺȸƺƳ !ȒȅȅɖȇǣɎɎɵ ɵ àȒǼɖȇɎƺƺȸ XȇƬȒȅƺ ÁƏɴ ¨ȸȒǕȸƏȅ ȒȸǕƏȇǣɿƏɎǣȒȇ ɯǣɎǝ Ɏǝƺ !« ِ áƺ ȸɖȇ Ɏǝƺ ȵȸȒǕȸƏȅ ɵƺƏȸ ȸȒɖȇƳ ɯǣɎǝ Ɏǝƺ ǝƺǼȵ Ȓǔ ɎȸƏǣȇƺƳ ɮȒǼɖȇɎƺƺȸɀِ Áǝǣɀ ȵȸȒǕȸƏȅ ƏǼǼȒɯɀ ɖɀ ɎȒ ƏɀɀǣɀɎ ƺǼǣǕǣƫǼƺ ǣȇƳǣɮǣƳɖƏǼɀ ǣȇ ÁȒǔǣƺǼƳ ƏȇƳ ƺƏɮƺȸ !ȒɖȇɎɎɵ ɵ áƺɀɎ ɯǣɎǝ ƫƏɀǣƬ ɎƏɴ ɀǣɎɖƏɎǣȒȇɀ ƫɵ ƬȒȅȵǼƺɎǣȇǕ Ɏǝƺǣȸ ǣȇƬȒȅƺ ɎƏɴƺɀ ǔȸƺƺ Ȓǔ ƬǝƏȸǕƺِ ÁȒ ǔǣȇƳ ȒɖɎ ȅȒȸƺ Ȓȸ ƫȒȒǸ Əȇ ƏȵȵȒǣȇɎȅƺȇɎ ɎȒ ƳȸȒȵ Ȓǔǔǔǔ ɵȒɖȸ ǣȇƬȒȅƺ ɎƏɴ ɴًً ȵǼƺƏɀƺ ƬƏǼǼ Ɏǝƺ ÁȒǔǣƺǼƳٖ ƺƏɮƺȸ áƺɀɎ I!³³ Ȓǔǔ ǔǔǣƬƺ ƏɎ ההٮזו אה ِוהוٮא
ʷˢ ˬ ˬˢ ˢ˨ ˖˔˟˟˟˟ ʵ˘˔˩ ˩˘ ˘˥ ʶˢ˨ˡ˧ˬ ˛ˢˠ˘ʲ ʲʡʡʡʡ ʴ˥˘ ˬˢ˨ ˔ ˖ˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬ ˖˛˔ˠˣ˜ˢˡ ˪˜˧˛ ˔ ˞˘ ˞˘˘ˡ ˜ˡ˧˘˥˘˦˧ ˜ˡ ˪˔˦˧˘ ˠ˔ˡ˔˚˘ˠ˘ˡ˧ʲ ʷˢ ˬˢ˨ ˛˔˩ ˩˘ ˘ ˩˔˟˨˔˕˟˘ ˜ˡ˦˜˚˛˧˦ ˢ˥ ˘˫˫ˣ ˣ˘˥˧˜˦˘ ˜ˡ ˘ˡ˩˜˥ˢˡˠ˘ˡ˧˔˟ ˔ˡ˗ ˢ˖˖˨ˣ˔˧˜ˢˡ˔˟ ˛˘˔˟˧˛ ˔ˡ˗ ˦˔˙˙˘ ˘˧ˬʲ ʼ˙ ˬˢ˨ ˔ˡ˦˪˘˥˘˗ ˬ˘˦ʟ ˧ˢ ˔˟˟ ˧˛˘ ˔˕ˢ˩˘ʟ ʶ˟˔ˬ˦˧ˢˡ˘ ˊ˔˦˧˘ ˛˔˦ ˇˊ˂ ˢˣ˘ˡ˜ˡ˚˦ ˢˡ ˢ˨˥ ˃˨˕˟˜˖ ʴ˗˩˜˦ˢ˥ˬ ʶˢˠˠ˜˧˧˘˘ ʛ˃ʴʶʜ ˧˛˔˧ ˠ˜˚˛˧ ˝˨˦˧ ˕˘ ˣ˘˥˙˘˖˧ ˙ˢ˥ ˬˢ˨ʔ ˇ˛˘ ˃ʴʶ ˦˘˥˩˘˦ ˔˦ ˔ ˖˥˨˖˜˔˟ ˟˜ˡ˞ ˕˘˧˪˘˘ˡ ʶ˟˔ˬ˦˧ˢˡ˘ ˊ˔˦˧˘ʚ˦ ʵˢ˔˥˗ ˢ˙ ʷ˜˥˘˖˧ˢ˥˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˧˛˘ ˖ˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬʡ ʼ˧˦ ˖ˢ˥˘ ˠ˜˦˦˜ˢˡ ˜˦ ˧ˢ ˣ˥ˢ˩˜˗˘ ˩˔˟˨˔˕˟˘ ˜ˡ˦˜˚˛˧˦ ˢˡ ˖ˢˠˠ˨ˡ˜˧ˬ ˖ˢˡ˖˘˥ˡ˦ ˢ˥ ˜ˡ˧˘˥˘˦˧˦ ˥˘˟˔˧˘˗ ˧ˢ ˢ˨˥ ˥˘˚˜ˢˡ˔˟ ˪˔˦˧˘ ˙˔˖˜˟˜˧˜˘˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˦˘˥˩˜˖˘˦ʡ ˇ˛˘ ˖ˢˠˠ˜˧˧˘˘ ˖ˢˠˣ˥˜˦˘˦ ˢ˙ ˦˜˫ ʛʩʜ ˣ˨˕˟˜˖ ˠ˘ˠ˕˘˥˦ʟ ˘˔˖˛ ˦˘˥˩˜ˡ˚ ˔ ʦʠˬ˘˔˥ ˧˘˥ˠʟ ˔ˣˣˢ˜ˡ˧˘˗ ˗˜˥˘˖˧˟ˬ ˕ˬ ˧˛˘ ʵˢ˔˥˗ʟ ˔ˡ˗ ˥˘ˣ˥˘˦˘ˡ˧˔˧˜˩˘˦ ˦˘˟˘˖˧˘˗ ˕ˬ ˠ˨ˡ˜˖˜ˣ˔˟ ˦˛˔˥˘˛ˢ˟˗˘˥˦ ˩˜˔ ʶˢ˨ˡ˖˜˟ʡ ˇˢ ʴˣˣ˟ˬʭ ˆ˘ˡ˗ ˬˢ˨˥ ˖ˢ˩˘˥ ˟˘˧˧˘˥ ˔ˡ˗ ˥˘˦˨ˠ˘ ˧ˢ ˜ˡ˙ˢʳ˖˟˔ˬ˦˧ˢˡ˘˪˔˦˧˘ʡ˖ˢˠ ˕ˬ ˀ˔˥˖˛ ʦʤʟ ʥʣʥʧʡ ˇ˛˘ ʵˢ˔˥˗ ˪˜˟˟ ˕˘ ˠ˔˞˜ˡ˚ ˖ˢˠˠ˜˧˧˘˘ ˔ˣˣˢ˜ˡ˧ˠ˘ˡ˧˦ ˔˧ ˧˛˘˜˥ ʴˣ˥˜˟ ˠ˘˘˧˜ˡ˚ʡ
ʿ˔ˡ˗˙˜˟˟ ʙ ˅ˬ˟˘ˬ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡʭ ʨʣʤʤʪ ˅˚˘ ˅˗ ʤʪʦ ʛʻˊˌ ʫʨʧʜ ʵˢ˫ ʦʥʥʟ ˅ˬ˟˘ˬʟ ʴʵ ˇʣʵ ʧʴʣ ˊ˘˘˞˗˔ˬ˦ ʬʭʣʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʧʭʦʣˣˠʮ ˆ˔˧˨˥˗˔ˬ˦ ʢ ˆˇʴˇˆ ʬʭʣʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʦʭʣʣˣˠʮ ʶ˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˆ˨ˡ˗˔ˬ˦ ˁ˂ˇʸʭ ˖˨˦˧ˢˠ˘˥˦ ˠ˨˦˧ ˔˥˥˜˩˘ ˔˧ ˟˘˔˦˧ ʤʨ ˠ˜ˡ˨˧˘˦ ˣ˥˜ˢ˥ ˧ˢ ˖˟ˢ˦˜ˡ˚ʮ ʴ˗ˠ˜ˡ˜˦˧˥˔˧˜ˢˡ ˕˨˜˟˗˜ˡ˚ ˀˢˡ ˧ˢ ʹ˥˜ ʫʭʣʣ˔ˠ Ϟʧʭʣʣˣˠ ˠʟ ʶ˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˙˥ˢˠ ʤʥʭʣʣ ʠ ʤʭʣʣˣˠ ˇˢ˟˟ ʹ˥˘˘ʭ ʤʡʫʨʨʡʥʥʤʡʥʣʦʫ ˃˛ʭ ʪʫʣʡʩʩʦʡʥʣʦʫ ʿ˜ˡ˗˕˥ˢˢ˞ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢ ˢˡʭ ʨʤʣʣʫ ˅˚˘ ˅˗ ʥʣʤ ˃˛ʭ ʪʫʣʡʩ ʩʩʥʡʥʪʣʧ ʧ ˇ˨˘˦ ʤʣʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʦʣˣˠʮ ˇ˛˨˥˦ ʤʤʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʩʭʦʣˣˠʮ ˆ˔˧ ʤʣʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʦʣˣˠ ˇˢ˙˜˘˟˗ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡʭ ʨʤʣʦʥ ˅˚˘ ˅˗ ʤʬʤ ˃˛ʭ ʪʫʣʡʩʩʥ ʥʡʥʪʦʤ ˊ˘˗ʟ ʹ˥˜ ʙ ˆ˔˧ ʤʣʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʦʣˣˠ ˉ˜˞˜ˡ˚ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡʭ ʤʥʨʣʦ ˇ˪ˣ ˅˗ ʧʫʣ ˃˛ʭ ʪʫʣʡʪʤʫʡʪʬʨʩ ˇ˨˘˦ ʤʣʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʦʣˣˠʮ ˆ˔˧ ʤʣʭʦʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʭʦʣˣ ˣˠ ʾ˜ˡ˦˘˟˟˔ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡʭ ʧʩʧʤʫ ˅˚˘ ˅˗ ʤʤʦ ˃˛ʭ ʪʫʣʡʥʥʩʡʩʫʣʥ ˊ˘˗ ʤʤʭʣʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʣʣˣˠʮ ʹ˥˜ ʤʤʭʣʣ˔ˠ ʠ ʨʭʣʣˣˠ
áƺټȸƺ ǼȒȒǸǣȇǕ ǔȒȸ ɀȒȅƺ ȅȒɎǣɮƏɎƺƳ ɎƺƏȅ ȅƺȅƫƺȸ ɎȒ ǴȒǣȇ Ȓɖȸ ɎƺƏȅٍ áǝƏɎټɀ ɵȒɖȸ ɀɖȵƺȸȵȒɯƺȸٍّ ³ƺƏɀȒȇƏǼ !ȸƺɯ xƺȅƫƺȸ ٮǕ ³ƺȸɮǣƬƺɀ ³ƺƏɀȒȇƏǼ nƏƫȒɖȸƺȸ (ɖɎǣƺɀ ȅƏɵ ǣȇƬǼɖƳƺ ƫɖɎ Əȸƺ ȇȒɎ ǼǣȅǣɎƺƳ ɎȒ ƫȸɖɀǝǣȇǕً ȸȒƏƳ ȒǣǼ ȵƏɎƬǝǣȇǕً ȵƏƬǸƺȸ ȒȵƺȸƏɎȒȸً ƫȸǣƳǕƺ ȅƏǣȇɎƺȇƏȇƬƺً ƳȸƏǣȇƏǕƺ ǣȅȵȸȒɮƺȅƺȇɎً ƬɖǼɮƺȸɎ ȸƺȵǼƏƬƺȅƺȇɎً ƏȇƳ ƫƺƏɮƺȸ ƳƏȅ ȸƺȅȒɮƏǼِ ªÈ nXIX! ÁX z³ي àƏǼǣƳ !ǼƏɀɀ ( דȸǣɮƺȸɀ nǣƬƺȇɀƺ ɯǣɎǝ Əȇ ƏƬƬƺȵɎƏƫǼƺ ƳȸǣɮǣȇǕ ȸƺƬȒȸƳ áǣǼǼǣȇǕ ɎȒ ɎȸƏǣȇ ƏȇƳ ǼƺƏȸȇ ɎȒ ȒȵƺȸƏɎƺ ǼǣǕǝɎ ƏȇƳ ǝƺƏɮɵ ƳɖɎɵ ƺȷɖǣȵȅƺȇɎ ƏȇƳ ɯȒȸǸ ɯǣɎǝ Ƭȸƺɯɀ ȵȵȒȸɎɖȇǣɎɵ ɎȒ ǕƏǣȇ ɮƏǼɖƏƫǼƺ ɯȒȸǸ ƺɴȵƺȸǣƺȇƬƺ xɖɀɎ ƫƺ ɯǣǼǼǣȇǕ ɎȒ ɯȒȸǸ ǣȇ ǔǼɖƬɎɖƏɎǣȇǕ ƬǼǣȅƏɎƺɀ ٢ǝȒɎً ƬȒǼƳً ɯƺɎ٣ ƏȇƳ ƺȇɮǣȸȒȇȅƺȇɎƏǼ ƬȒȇƳǣɎǣȒȇɀِ ƫǣǼǣɎɵ ɎȒ ǼǣǔɎ דǼƫɀِ Ȓȸ ȅȒȸƺ ³ƏǔƺɎɵ ƬȒȇɀƬǣȒɖɀ ƏɎɎǣɎɖƳƺ ³ƺƏɀȒȇƏǼ ³ƺȸɮǣƬƺȅƏȇٖ0ȷɖǣȵȅƺȇɎ ȵƺȸƏɎȒȸ zƺƺƳƺƳ ǔȒȸ Ɏǝƺ גאאȸȒƏƳ ȅƏǣȇɎƺȇƏȇƬƺ ƏȇƳ ƬȒȇɀɎȸɖƬɎǣȒȇ ɀƺƏɀȒȇِ ªÈ nXIX! ÁX z³ي àƏǼǣƳ !ǼƏɀɀ ( דȸǣɮƺȸɀ nǣƬƺȇɀƺ ɯǣɎǝ Əȇ ƏƬƬƺȵɎƏƫǼƺ ƳȸǣɮǣȇǕ ȸƺƬȒȸƳ áǣǼǼǣȇǕ ɎȒ ɎȸƏǣȇ ƏȇƳ ǼƺƏȸȇ ɎȒ ȒȵƺȸƏɎƺ ǼǣǕǝɎ ƏȇƳ ǝƺƏɮɵ ƳɖɎɵ ƺȷɖǣȵȅƺȇɎ ƏȇƳ ɯȒȸǸ ɯǣɎǝ Ƭȸƺɯɀ ȵȵȒȸɎɖȇǣɎɵ ɎȒ ǕƏǣȇ ɮƏǼɖƏƫǼƺ ɯȒȸǸ ƺɴȵƺȸǣƺȇƬƺ xɖɀɎ ƫƺ ɯǣǼǼǣȇǕ ɎȒ ɯȒȸǸ ǣȇ ǔǼɖƬɎɖƏɎǣȇǕ ƬǼǣȅƏɎƺɀ ٢ǝȒɎً ƬȒǼƳً ɯƺɎ٣ ƏȇƳ ƺȇɮǣȸȒȇȅƺȇɎƏǼ ƬȒȇƳǣɎǣȒȇɀِ ƫǣǼǣɎɵ ɎȒ ǼǣǔɎ דǼƫɀِ Ȓȸ ȅȒȸƺ ¨ȸƺɮǣȒɖɀ ƬȒȇɀɎȸɖƬɎǣȒȇ ƺɴȵƺȸǣƺȇƬƺ ǣɀ Əȇ ƏɀɀƺɎ xƺƬǝƏȇǣƬɀٖɎȸƏƳƺɀ ƺɴȵƺȸǣƺȇƬƺ ǣɀ Əȇ ƏɀɀƺɎ !ǼƏɀɀ בǣɀ Əȇ ƏɀɀƺɎ ƫǣǼǣɎɵ ɎȒ ɯȒȸǸ ɯƺǼǼ ǣȇ Ə ɎƺƏȅ ƺȇɮǣȸȒȇȅƺȇɎ ³ƺƏɀȒȇƏǼ ÁȸɖƬǸ (ȸǣɮƺȸɀ ٢ זٮהȅȒȇɎǝɀ٣ !ǼƏɀɀ X ÁȸɖƬǸ (ȸǣɮƺȸɀ ɯǣɎǝ ƺȷɖǣȵȅƺȇɎ ȒȵƺȸƏɎǣȇǕ ƺɴȵƺȸǣƺȇƬƺ ǔȒȸ Ɏǝƺ גאאǕȸƏɮƺǼ ǝƏɖǼǣȇǕ ƏȇƳ ƬȒȇɀɎȸɖƬɎǣȒȇ ɀƺƏɀȒȇِ ªÈ nXIX! ÁX z³ي àƏǼǣƳ !ǼƏɀɀ nǣƬƺȇɀƺ ɯǣɎǝ Ə ǔƏɮȒɖȸƏƫǼƺ ƳȸǣɮǣȇǕ ȸƺƬȒȸƳِ xǣȇǣȅɖȅ JȸƏƳƺ אȒȸ Jِ0ِ(ِ ¨ȸȒɮƺȇ ƺɴȵƺȸǣƺȇƬƺ ƏȇƳ ƏƫǣǼǣɎɵ ɎȒ ȵƺȸǔȒȸȅ ȸȒƏƳ ȅƏǣȇɎƺȇƏȇƬƺ Ȓǔ ȸȒƏƳɀً ɀǣǕȇɀً ƫȸǣƳǕƺɀً ƺɎƬًِ JƺȇƺȸƏǼ ɀƺȸɮǣƬǣȇǕ Ȓǔ ƺȷɖǣȵȅƺȇɎً ƏȇƳ ȒɎǝƺȸ ƳɖɎǣƺɀ Əɀ ƏɀɀǣǕȇƺƳ ƫɵ Ɏǝƺ ³ɖȵƺȸɮǣɀȒȸِ ¨ȸƺɮǣȒɖɀ ƺɴȵƺȸǣƺȇƬƺ ǝƏɖǼǣȇǕ ƏȇƳ ɀȵȸƺƏƳǣȇǕ ǕȸƏɮƺǼ ǣɀ Əȇ ƏɀɀƺɎِ kȇȒɯǼƺƳǕƺ Ȓǔ ƺƏɮƺȸ !ȒɖȇɎɵِ ƫǣǼǣɎɵ ɎȒ ɯȒȸǸ ǣȇƳƺȵƺȇƳƺȇɎǼɵ ƏȇƳ Əɀɀɖȅƺ ȸƺɀȵȒȇɀǣƫǣǼǣɎɵ ǔȒȸ ȅƏǣȇɎƺȇƏȇƬƺ Ȓǔ ƺȷɖǣȵȅƺȇɎِ ƫǣǼǣɎɵ ɎȒ ɯȒȸǸ ƺǔǔƺƬɎǣɮƺǼɵ ɯǣɎǝ ȒɎǝƺȸ ƺȅȵǼȒɵƺƺɀ ƏȇƳ Ɏǝƺ ȵɖƫǼǣƬِ XȇɎƺȸƺɀɎƺƳ ƏȵȵǼǣƬƏȇɎɀ Əȸƺ ȸƺȷɖƺɀɎƺƳ ɎȒ ɀɖƫȅǣɎ Ɏǝƺǣȸ ȸƺɀɖȅƺɀ ƏȇƳ Ƴȸǣɮƺȸټɀ ƏƫɀɎȸƏƬɎɀ ɎȒ ي RɖȅƏȇ «ƺɀȒɖȸƬƺɀً ƺƏɮƺȸ !ȒɖȇɎɵً Ȓɴ « ًגɵǼƺɵً Á ג ȸ ƫɵ ƺٮȅƏǣǼ ɎȒ يƬƏȸƺƺȸɀ۬ƫƺƏɮƺȸِƏƫِƬƏ IȒȸ ȅȒȸƺ ǣȇǔȒ ɮǣɀǣɎ Ȓɖȸ ɯƺƫɀǣɎƺِ Áǝƺ !Əȸƺƺȸɀ ȵƏǕƺ ƬƏȇ ƫƺ ǔȒɖȇƳ ɖȇƳƺȸ Ɏǝƺ JȒɮƺȸȇȅƺȇɎ ȅƺȇɖِ
T ŕHr¼r ¯©ŕ T rƼ xȒɮǣƺɀ ɎƺȅȵȒȸƏȸǣǼɵ ȅȒɮƺƳ ɎȒ RȒǼƳƺȇ RƏǼǼ ي חג חחגɮƺً RȒǼƳƺȇ ِ
³ƏɎɖȸƳƏɵً xƏȸƬǝ חɎǝي ¨ בx٥ ɖɎɎƺȸǔǼǼɵ ɵ Á ÁƏ ƏǼƺ ډI ױ ױ ȅ ¨ װx٥ Á Áǝ ǝƺ !ȸƺƏɎȒȸ ¨ ډJ ת ȅ
ƳȅǣɀɀǣȒȇɀي (ȒȇƏɎǣȒȇɀ ɎȒ ɎǝƺƏɎȸƺ ȸƺȵƏǣȸɀ ٮٮٮ
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XȇǔȒي ȵƏȸƏǕȒȇɎǝƺƏɎȸƺِƬƏ ٮٮٮ
zƺɴɎ xȒɮǣƺ ي ȵȸǣǼ ב٢Á ٣
˃˟˘˔˦˘ ˡˢ˧˘ʭ ʴ˟˟ ˧˥˔ˡ˦˙˘˥ ˦˧˔˧˜ˢˡ˦ ˘˫˖˘ˣ˧ ˙ˢ˥ ˧˛˘ ˅ˬ˟˘ˬ ˇ˥˔ˡ˦˙˙˘ ˇ˥ ˘˥ ˆ˧˔˧˜ˢˡ ˔˥˘ ˖˟ˢ˦˘˗ ˢˡ ˆ˧˔˧˨˧ˢ˥ˬ ˛ˢ˟˜˗˔ˬ˦ʡ
ƺ Ə ɮ ƺ ȸ ! Ȓ ɖ ȇ Ɏ ɵ ۴ ד ٮ א דɎ ǝ ³ Ɏ ȸ ƺ ƺ Ɏ ً Ȓ ɴ « ً ג ɵ Ǽ ƺ ɵ ً Á ג ۴ ב ו ב ٮ ב ה ה ٮ ז ו۴ ƫ ƺ Ə ɮ ƺ ȸ ِ Ə ƫ ِ Ƭ Ə
Beaver County Chronicle, February 28, 2024 - 3
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Áǝƺ ǔȒǼǼȒɯǣȇǕ (ƺɮƺǼȒȵȅƺȇɎ ȵȵǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇɀ ǝƏɮƺ ƫƺƺȇ ¨¨« à0( ٢ƺɴƬƺȵɎ ɯǝƺȸƺ ȒɎǝƺȸɯǣɀƺ ȇȒɎƺƳ٣ ƫɵ Ɏǝƺ (ƺɮƺǼȒȵȅƺȇɎ ɖɎǝȒȸǣɎɵ ɖȇƳƺȸ Ɏǝƺ ȵȸȒɮǣɀǣȒȇɀ Ȓǔ nƏȇƳ Èɀƺ ɵǼƏɯ zȒِ ًזٮזחɀɖƫǴ ƫǴƺƬɎ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺ ȸǣǕǝɎ Ȓǔ ƏȵȵƺƏǼ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺ ³ɖƫƳǣɮǣɀǣȒȇ ƏȇƳ (ƺɮƺǼȒȵȅƺȇɎ ȵȵƺƏǼ ȒƏȸƳٖnƏȇƳ ƏȇƳ ¨ȸȒȵƺȸɎɵ «ǣǕǝɎɀ ÁȸǣƫɖȇƏǼِ ¨¨0 n (0 (nXz0 ȵȵƺƏǼ ȒƳɵ ȵȵǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ zȒِ ȵȵǼǣƬƏȇɎ nƏȇƳȒɯȇƺȸ nȒƬƏɎǣȒȇ (ƺɮƺǼȒȵȅƺȇɎ
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ȇɵ ȵƺȸɀȒȇ ɯǣɀǝǣȇǕ ɎȒ ƏȵȵƺƏǼ Əȇ ƏȵȵǼǣƬƏɎǣȒȇ ȅƏɵ ƳȒ ɀȒ ƫɵ ɀƺȸɮǣȇǕ ɯȸǣɎɎƺȇ ȇȒɎǣƬƺ Ȓȇ Ɏǝƺ ȵȸƺɀƬȸǣƫƺƳ ǔȒȸȅ ٢ɀɎƏɎǣȇǕ ȸƺƏɀȒȇɀ ǔȒȸ Ɏǝƺ ƏȵȵƺƏǼ٣ ɎȒ Ɏǝƺ ȸƺǼƺɮƏȇɎ ƏȵȵƺƏǼ ƫȒƳɵِ IȒȸ ǣȇǔȒȸȅƏɎǣȒȇ Ȓȇ ǝȒɯ ɎȒ ƏȵȵƺƏǼ ƬƏȇ ƫƺ ǔȒɖȇƳ Ȓɖȸ Ȓɖȸ ɯƺƫɀǣɎƺ ɖȇƳƺȸ ³ƺȸɮǣƬƺɀ ¨ ڽǼƏȇȇǣȇǕ ۭ (ƺɮƺǼȒȵȅƺȇɎ ڽ ȵȵƺƏǼǣȇǕ ¨ǼƏȇȇǣȇǕ (ƺƬǣɀǣȒȇɀ IɖȸɎǝƺȸ ǣȇǔȒȸȅƏɎǣȒȇ ȸƺǕƏȸƳǣȇǕ Ɏǝƺ ƏƫȒɮƺ ƳƺƬǣɀǣȒȇɀ ȅƏɵ ƫƺ ȒƫɎƏǣȇƺƳ ǔȸȒȅ Ɏǝƺ !ȒɖȇɎɵ Ɏɵ ǔǔ ǔǔǣƬƺً «ɵǼƺɵً ǼƫƺȸɎƏِ
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JƺɎ ȇƺɯɀً ȅƺƺɎǣȇǕ ǝǣǕǝǼǣǕǝɎɀً Ɏǝƺ ȸȒƏƳ ƬȒȇɀɎȸɖƬɎǣȒȇ ɀƬǝƺƳɖǼƺً Ɏǝƺ !ǝȸȒȇǣƬǼƺً ƏȇƳ ȅȒȸƺ ٮƳǣȸƺƬɎ ɎȒ ɵȒɖȸ ǣȇƫȒɴٍ
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ƺ Ə ɮ ƺ ȸ ! Ȓ ɖ ȇ Ɏ ɵ ۴ ד ٮ א דɎ ǝ ³ Ɏ ȸ ƺ ƺ Ɏ ً Ȓ ɴ « ً ג ɵ Ǽ ƺ ɵ ً Á ג ۴ ב ו ב ٮ ב ה ה ٮ ז ו۴ ƫ ƺ Ə ɮ ƺ ȸ ِ Ə ƫ ِ Ƭ Ə
4 - Beaver County Chronicle, February 28, 2024
Council agrees to pay CN, refuses to pay maintenance costs for new projects Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council decided to pay CN an outstanding invoice despite the county stating the bill far exceeds the original cost estimate given for the project. But going forward, council stated its intent to tell the railway company the county will no longer pay maintenance costs for any new projects initiated by CN. The issue is over payment of an outstanding invoice for a warning system upgrade at the main street crossing in the Hamlet of Bruce (officially called Mile 196.70 on Wainwright Subdivision). This was one of three locations in the county approved for whistle cessation but they required upgrades for safety purposes. Administration requested council consider paying the outstanding invoice of $78,247.15 for the upgrade at that Bruce crossing, despite large cost overruns. The invoice for the Bruce main street upgrade was “completed for considerably higher than the project estimate,” stated the report, which was why it had to be brought to council for approval. The other two projects at Wainwright 197.16 (Hwy. 857) and Wainwright 232.39 (Sec. Road 630) were completed within project estimates so were automatically paid. CN has attributed its increased bill for the Bruce upgrade to a rise in the cost of material and labour as well as to working in winter conditions. CN has offered as compensation to waive maintenance fees “in perpetuity” for two new warning systems recently installed at CN double tracks at Twp. Rd. 462 (167.53) and at Rge. Rd.
112 (171.13). It would mean entering into new Crossing Warning System agreements with these other two crossings. Councillor Barry Bruce, who represents the Bruce area in Division 4, stated that CN could not be trusted, “on any level…to pull a stunt like this. Our ratepayers are forced to pay this ransom.” He made a motion to pay “zero dollars” for the CN invoice on the Bruce warning system upgrade pending further investigation by Transport Canada, which was defeated 4-1. Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) said he agreed with Bruce about the cost overrun but couldn’t support the motion. “I’d rather work with CN,” he said. “We need to work this out better in the future.” Bruce countered by saying that “CN has abused its power time after time… No other county has to pay these fees.” He called the fees “a huge drain on the taxpayer,” adding that CN should come to council “and explain why this penalty is being imposed.” To that, Hrabec agreed that the cost estimates were not in line with the actual costs for the project at Bruce. Division 2 Councillor Lionel Williams stated the bill should be paid, “even if they are not favourable.” He was not in favour of paying for legal fees to dispute the invoice. But Hrabec said he “got the message” and agreed that “the cost assessments were way out.” But he noted that the agreements were negotiated settlements, adding: “We need to find a better way of working together,” with CN. Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson reminded council that there were 120 km. of CN track running through
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Tuesday, March 12th, 4 pm - 7 pm *Meet the teachers *Coffee & Refreshments *Ask questions about programs *Arrange a tour during regular school hours by calling ahead
Phone: 780-672-7197 Email: ccasociety@gmail.com
www.cornerstonekingman.ca
“Train a child in the way he should go, and when he is old, he will not turn from it”
Beaver County. “We just have to be more cognizant in terms of the costing process,” he said. Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) preferred council pay the original cost estimate for the Bruce upgrade, and final project costs for the other two crossings. He stated he “understood the spirit of the motion,” by Bruce, but would vote against it. “CN is getting off scot free and I don’t think it should continue,” replied Bruce, who was the only councillor to vote for his motion. Smook said the Bruce crossing was 346 per cent more than what had been estimated by CN. His own motion called for the county to pay a total of $42,414 to CNR which represented the estimate costs for the projects, including the one at Bruce. This motion was defeated 3-2. Council finally passed a third motion by Hrabec but it was a split vote. Hrabec’s motion to pay the outstanding invoice of $78,247.14 for the warning system upgrade at Bruce passed 32. Hrabec said that CN “has a seat at the table, and are taxpayers.” Supporting the motion, Williams said, “it seems to be a lot (of money) to hold back” from CN. But Smook was not in favour of paying the entire cost over run invoice. “I will vote against this,” said Smook.
“We need to protect the taxpayer.” Bruce stated that the county has other taxpayers to consider, including the grain elevators that closed down when the railway failed to support them. “To give (CN) a free pass because they pay taxes is not a good reason,” he said. Bruce was “totally opposed” to Hrabec’s motion and asked for a recorded vote. But Hrabec pointed out that the county did ask CN to do the work, then held the projects over to 2023. “That’s the cost of doing business,” he said, with costs rising after that. A second motion by Hrabec was made for council to enter into agreements with CN for the other two crossings. The agreement would have CN pay 100 per cent of the maintenance on 167.53 at Twp. Rd. 462, and 171.13 at R.R. 112 “in perpetuity.” And further, council was to advise CN that future maintenance costs on new crossings will be CN’s responsibility alone. The motion passed without objection. Hrabec explained that, since CN is usually the one to ask for new crossings, this motion wouldn’t impede the county. And, if CN wants them built, it must take responsibility for the maintenance. “I agree with this,” said Smook. “They should be responsible for all maintenance costs.”
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Page 13
Tofield Minor Hockey 780-688-3928 www.village.holden.ab.ca
The Village of Holden is proud to support minor hockey!
Tofield 780-662-3212
Proud supporter of Tofield Minor Hockey!
TOFIELD U13 BACK ROW: Matt IIsley, Mark Fritz, James Riddell MIDDLE ROW: Soul McMaster, Kooper Waldo, Levi Montgomery, Aiden Baraniuk, Tysen Boese, Manuel Gara FRONT ROW: Treyton Norman, Logan Riddell, Cameron IIsley, Evan Ligard, Sophie Fleming, Lennox Fritz, James Conrad MISSING: Austin Dehid, Reece O’Brien, Marc Dehid, Jim Montgomery, Stacey Fleming
Proud to support Tofield Minor Hockey! Boarding Services 780-243-3206
Grooming Appointments 587-594-5748
TOFIELD U15
Located 1 km West of Tofield on HWY 14
BACK ROW: Lorne Madro, Mark Fritz, Trevor Munson MIDDLE ROW: Mike Crawford, Marshall McLeod, Steven Cardinal, Ben Fleming, Colton Munson, Logan Kropp, Kris Kropp FRONT ROW: Karter Waldo, Logan Suchy, Gabriel Thorson, Hunter Madro, David Cardinal, Brandon Jardine, Braydo Crawford, Gavin Lutz, Phenyx Ladwig MISSING: Merek Fritz, Mike Cardinal
780-662-0307 #101, 5116 46 Ave. Parkstone Plaza, Tofield KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
Proud to support Tofield Minor Hockey!
Busy B is a proud sponsor of the North store 780-662-4116 South store 780-662-4325
Beaver County Seed Cleaning CO-OP Ph: (780) 688-3917 Good job to all the coaches, parents, kids, and volunteers for all the hard work you have put in this season!
Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Tofield Minor Hockey Tofield Bottle Depot Thank you to our local hockey community! 5304 – 56 St. Tofield • 780-662-3936 We sort your bottles!
The Tofield Lions Club is proud to support local minor hockey!
TOFIELD U18 BACK ROW: Davin Codd, Jason Swedberg, Derek Liptak, Jason Pope, Wayne Codd MIDDLE ROW: Mike Tooke, Ty Rude, Brandon Warawa, Josh Swedberg, Carter Olson, Koston McNabb, Scott Jardine, Noah Peterson FRONT ROW: Ryder van der Torre, Owen Rennie, Ryan Conrad, Brody Van Engelen, Christian Pruden, Evan Suchy, Nicholas Tooke, Brady Suchy, Jacob Bigney MISSING: Seth Sideroff, Jorden Suchy, Hudson Stephen, Kristen Wilson
5407 50th St, Tofield, AB
Thank you to our local hockey community for making the sport vibrant!
TOFIELD CAR, RV, & TRUCK WASH RV Storage available
John Daoust Shingle Company
780-913-5318
780-662-4901
Proud to support Tofield Minor Hockey! Tofield Spirits Beer & Liquor Store Open 364 days/year
TITANS The Tofield RCMP detachment is proud to support Tofield Minor Hockey!
5028 – 53 Ave 780-662-4400 Proud Supporter of Tofield Minor Hockey!
5018 – 52 Ave. 780-662-3334
Thank you to the coaches & volunteers for all the hard work & keeping Tofield Minor Hockey ALIVE!
Ryley Alberta
780-663-3828 www.cleanharbors.com Thank you to our coaches & volunteers for keeping Tofield Minor Hockey alive!
GO TOFIELD TITANS GO! – Ryley
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Page 15
Tofield Minor Hockey
KARI JANZEN & LISA KUFLAY PHOTOS
Harvest Moon Ink is proud to support Tofield Minor Hockey!
Tofield, Alberta 780-678-4160
2010 Sherwood Dr, Sherwood Park, AB
780-417-7462 Proud to supply the Tofield Minor Hockey Teams with their equipment needs!
We’re thankful for all the hockey parents & volunteers!
Go Tofield Titans Go!
RAVENHILL GENERAL
5109 50th Street, Tofield • 780-662-0330
Ryley, Alberta Ph: (780) 663-3759
Thank you to the coaches and volunteers of Tofield Minor Hockey!
AGENCIES LTD
INSURANCE
RYALTA INDUSTRIES LTD.
Ryley Sausage Phone: 780-662-3990
Nonnie’s Grill & Artisan Shop DINE IN or TAKE OUT NOW LICENSED
Call (780) 297-8856
DAMIEN KUREK MP BATTLE RIVER-CROWFOOT
DAMIEN.KUREK@PARL.GC.CA • 1.800.665.4358 @DCKUREK • WWW.DAMIENKUREK.CA
Have fun Tofield Minor Hockey players!
22106 SOUTH COOKING LAKE RD
Hours of Operation are: Wed. to Sat. 11am to 8 pm Sun. 8am to 1 pm
Go Tofield Wing Wednesday & Saturday! Titans * Closed Mon. & Tues. * Unique Breakfast Buffet the Go! 2nd Sunday of each month from Feb. to June, and Sept. to Dec.
Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Business & Professional Services Directory Affordable Weekly Advertising! Sizes range from $50-160 per month
Automotive
Tofield Autobody *COLLISION REPAIR SPECIALISTS *WINDSHIELD REPAIRED & REPLACED
780-662-3432
Electrical
adsmercury@gmail.com 780-662-4046
Insurance
• Farm • Residential • Commercial • 24 hour service Ritchie Agencies Insurance Ltd $YH _ 7RŴHOG
Health & Beauty For your automotive, farm and industrial supplies
780-662-3212 After hours: 780-914-8576
P RIMARY C ONNECTIONS M ASSAGE T HERAPY
780-662-3833
FRRSHUDWRUV FD ORFDO ULWFKLH DJHQFLHV
Authorized Provider of
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780-662-4498 662-4498
“Masseuse Caboose” 5024-53 Ave.
Rhona Lawson R.M.T/M.T.A.A.
We find insurance that works for you. Call us for a free quote.
780-467-2122 For your vehicle parts needs FREE vehicle removal Cash paid for some Please call ahead for appointment confirmation Vehicle Removal: Weekdays AM Saturdays PM
780-662-2403 662-2403
Heavy Duty Mechanic
THANK YOU FOR SHOPPING LOCAL
Construction LICENSED INSURED
GOLISH CONSTRUCTION LTD.
LICENSED HEAVY DUTY MECHANIC ~ MOBILE & SHOP ~ • AGRICULTURE • CONSTRUCTION • TRACTOR/TRAILER • SKIDSTEERS
112-85 Cranford Way, Sherwood Park, AB,T8H 0H9 BrokerLink.ca
Landscaping TURF’N POWDER LTD. TREVOR HAMMOND Phone: 587-984-5388 Email: turfnpowder@gmail.com
780-686-6344
Insurance
• SPRING / FALL CLEAN UP • LAWN CARE • SNOW REMOVAL
CELL: 780-385-4179 JOHN GOLISH
• Siding, Soffits & Facias • Windows, Doors & Capping • Decks, Railings & Ramps • Shingles & Metal Roofing • Overhead Doors • Concrete Repair • Basement Development
• Bathroom Remodeling • Kitchen upgrades • Foundation Repair • Drywall Board & Tape • Paint & Texturing • Flooring & Tiling • Garages & Additions
No job too small, call to book your project!
• Tofield
KC
780-662-0165
• Mundare 780-764-2238
Commercial • Farm Auto • Home Recreational • Hail
780-385-8652
ROAD BUILDING RECLAMATION LEASE BUILDING LANDSCAPING GGRADING RADING LANDSCAPING SSNOW NOW RREMOVAL EMOVAL PIPELINE CLEANUP DRAINAGE SITE PREPARATION SCHUURMANSEARTHWORKS@ SCHUURMANSEARTHWORKS@GMAIL.COM
GAVIN J. SCHUURMAN
CALL THE TOFIELD MERCURY TO PLACE
YOUR BUSINESS
SELLS
IN THIS DIRECTORY! STARTS AT $90 / MNTH FOR BUSINESS CARD SIZE AD!
ONLY PER PACKAGE!
780-662-4046
THE TOFIELD MERCURY
PRINTER PAPER $8.95
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Page 17
REMEMBER WHEN Whatʼs Cooking? District Home Economist, Maureen Bauman (left), recently attended a 4-H food club meeting to judge a display of foods prepared by the members. Seen here are (from left) Deanna Brown, Lorna Hare, and Robin Olson. This photo appeared in the Tofield Mercury on February 25, 1986.
Business & Professional Services Directory Affordable Weekly Advertising! Sizes range from $50-160 per month
Meat Packers
Plumbing & Heating
adsmercury@gmail.com 780-662-4046
Roofing John Daoust Shingle Co.
5020 - 50 Ave., Tofield, AB
Box 576, Tofield
HOURS:
Cedar shingles & shakes, EE S FR ATE Asphalt, Repairs, Barns, Churches TIM ES John Daoust 780-662-4901 John Daoust 662-4901
Mon. - Fri. 8:00 am - 5:00 pm Saturday 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
SLAUGHTER DAY IS EVERY WEDNESDAY
Services
Phone 780-662-4842 for Appt. Phone 662-4842 for Appt Fresh Meat & Sausage Counter
Painting ML P A I N T I N G & C O N T R A C T I N G TOFIELD & SURROUNDING AREA’ S PAINTER FOR 25 YEARS.
QUALITY CRAFTSMANSHIP, PROFESSIONAL SERVICE.
MARCEL: 780-975-7354 marcel@mlpain t. ca
Plumbing & Heating RED’S
P LUMBING & D RAIN C LEANING
•Boilers •New Homes • Renovations • Repairs •Distillers Ph: (780) 662-7237 Cell: (780) 238-7429 Garnet Malin - Tofield, AB
Real Estate Kevin Smook REALTOR ®
780-662-4623 Making you feel at home since 1999!
www.home-time.net CALL THE TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 TO PLACE AN AD!
Giving back to the community
Donations appreciated! Please send to: Box 1155 Tofield, AB T0B 4J0
Page 18 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
L
THE LAMONT
Affordable Advertising with
The
Classifieds
CLASSIFIED AD RATES
$14 minimum for first 25 words, 45¢ per word thereafter (G.S.T. not included) PICTURE BOLD $10 $5 Go into The Community Press for an extra $5 ALL CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID BEFORE INSERTION unless customer has an account in good standing. All advertising subject to the approval of the Publisher. WEEKLY REVIEW 780-336-3422 vikingreview@gmail.com
TOFIELD MERCURY 780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com
LAMONT LEADER 780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com
Caregiver’s Drop-In Group Viking Seniors Centre (5024 53 Ave Viking) Spring Dates: March 5, 12, 19, 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 tfnc
Lamont
county
3 papers for the price of 1!
FOR RENT RENT FOR
HELP WANTED WANTED HELP
SERVICES SERVICES
MEMORIAL MEMORIAL
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 403-4614350
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 ________________________ 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.
Painting
ROBERT WARREN COLIN JOHNSON August 7, 1978 March 3, 1998
FOR SALE FOR SALE Swath Grazing, Green Feed, Silage, Oats & Barley variety seed available. Call Bill at 780-764-3966 ________________________ 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. HELP WANTED WANTED HELP
COMING EVENTS COMING EVENTS
EADER
Serving
Looking for part-time help weekends and holidays from noon to 8pm. Drop off resume at the Tofield Car, RV & Truck Wash, located at 4927 51 Ave, or call 780.913.5318. ________________________ 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.
07/10p LIVESTOCK LIVESTOCK FOR SALE SALE FOR Registered Red & Black Angus bulls for sale. Call 780-986-9088 SERVICES SERVICES RJM Electrical. Ron Malowany, Mundare. ronmalowany@yahoo.com. 780-888-1130 ________________________ Drywall Taping/ Ceiling Texturing 40 years experience on the job, from commercial buildings to new homes to home renovations. No job too small. Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself? Give me a call! Willing to travel anywhere in the county. I also do ceiling textures. Flagstaff Taping & Texturing Murray Cholowsky Call or text at 780-385-1251
Does your club have an event planned? Advertise in the Classifieds
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 780-3843087 ________________________ Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, Trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-2323097 ________________________ Need to re-order: •Company Forms? •Invoices? •Envelopes? •Business Cards? •Bookmarks? •Magnets? •Stamps? •Score Cards? •Certificates? •Invitations? •Menus? •Receipts? •Posters? •Calendars? •Letterheads? 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
Stop Relying on Facebook and Word of Mouth. Advertise your Events in Three Papers for the price of one!
In loving memory of a precious Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin, Uncle, and Friend. I heard your voice in the wind today, And turned to see your face; The warmth of the wind caressed me, As I stood silently in place. I felt your touch in the sun today, As its warmth filled the sky; I closed my eyes for your embrace, And my spirit soared high. I held you close in my heart today, It made me feel complete; You have passed... But you are not gone, You will always be a part of me. As long as the sun shines, rain falls... The wind blows; You will live on inside of me forever, For that is all my heart knows. May the winds of love blow gently; And whisper so you can hear; How much we love and miss you, And wish that you were here. Lovingly Remembered and Sadly Missed, Your Family and Friends
The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, Wednesday, February 28, 2024 - Page 19
All-you-can-eat cereal event in Ryley ‘Caught being a Titan’ awards handed out Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Those in Ryley on Family Day Monday, February 19 had the opportunity to spend the morning watching retro cartoons and eating cereal, and skating in the afternoon. Ryley Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) hosted an all-you-can-eat cereal breakfast and car-
Victim Services Continued from Page 9 model and the development of an approach for more consistent regional collaboration and information-sharing within the current model.” Nonetheless, the regionalization of victim services is set to go through. Warren says there is a transition period and while the new model goes into effect April 1, BCVS has funding until August. “They're taking over the first of April, but there's a transition period as they're still hiring staff and whatnot. They had always set the date as the first of April, 2024 but they don't have their ducks in a row. For example, they've only just hired the CEO. And right now, I have no idea who's on the board. At least one of our board members had applied for it and never heard back,” Warren said. As such, Beaver County may not have a local representative on the central board with the regionalization of victim services. “At this point, we do not have a local representative. If there is somebody, they were not from the existing board. Our board will be terminated by probably August, as we have funding until the end of August,” said Warren. Initially, this new model of victim services was only going to cover victims of crime, excluding victims of tragedy. Members of BCVS, the Tofield Mayor, and the Beaver County Reeve had met with Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely and the Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services Mike Ellis to discuss their concerns regarding the lack of services available for victims of tragedy. “I was with the town and the county when we went and spoke to the
toons in the morning at the Ryley Community Hall. “We had about 18 people come and eat cereal all morning. It was fun! We had 11 brands of cereal,” Mickey Wilson, FCSS Director, said. “We watched retro cartoons, and it was pretty funny because there wasn’t a cartoon that the kids knew. We even showed some from 1935, Minister of Public Safety. And again, it was a decision that had been made and they weren't listening to us. Whether you've done it extremely well for 30 years, it doesn't matter. We brought up a bunch of points that they hadn't considered. People in car accidents aren't victims of crime. Fire victims aren’t victims of crime, and it was not going to be included until our committee brought that to their attention. It hadn't even occurred to them. That's the thing that has me concerned; we brought up a couple points, so down the road, how many of these things are going to be overlooked or not taken care of?” Warren said. “The fact is that if we stay as a board, if this thing flops, then we're still here and ready to take up where we left off,” he said.
including a Betty Boop in black and white. We had Deputy Dawg, Animaniacs, the Jetsons, Felix the Cat, so it was fun. Everyone had a good time; they were here till 11:30 a.m. That's an hour and a half of cereal and cartoons,” he said. Wilson said Monday was a beautiful day, so the skating wasn’t as popular. “Skating wasn't so much, because it was too nice a day. People were doing other things,” said. Wilson said the morning activities went over well, so he plans on doing it again over Easter.
Kate Priestley Student Reporter
Twenty-four Tofield School students, ranging from grades five to 12 received “Caught Being a
Titan” awards on Friday, Feb. 9. When a student is “Caught Being a Titan”, it means they did something that impressed the teachers and they are nomi-
More snow Sunday night causes large drifts
Public Works crews were hard at work Monday clearing snow and drifts after a heavy snowfall system came through the region Sunday night, continuing into Monday morning. Strong winds made the job extra challenging, LISA KUFLAY PHOTO especially for rural residents.
Blanket Alberta Ads take approximately 10 days to process
These blanket classified ads are produced through a joint agreement by The Community Press, Viking Weekly Review, Lamont Leader, Tofield Mercury and Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association (AWNA). These ads appear in all AWNA member papers (120 papers) for the cost of $269.00 (+gst) for the first 25 words, $8.00 per word over 25. To place a blanket classified, call a CARIBOU PUBLISHING representative at 780-385-6693 or email ads@thecommunitypress.com.
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EDMONTON COIN SHOW & SALE - March 9/10 2024, 10 am - 4:30 pm. Lions Centre 11113 113 Street, Edmonton. Free market evaluations. Dealers from across Canada * Auctions * Displays * WATCHES * Family friendly! www.edmontoncoinclub.com/shows.
nated to be given a certificate along with a cupcake. Being a Titan means making the world a better place and the teachers are extremely proud of all their students.
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Page 20 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
CW Sears celebrates Le Carnaval with many activities Kari Janzen
Staff Reporter
CW Sears School celebrated Le Carnaval last Thursday, Feb. 22. Many indoor and outdoor activities were part of the celebration, including coloured ice sculptures, four-person skiing, maple syrup candy making, and arts and crafts in the Le Carnaval theme.
Recently, students at CW Sears also had the opportunity to experience making Bannock with BRSD Equity Coordinator Eric Jensen
CW Sears School, teaching Pre-Kindergarten to Grade 4 in Tofield, celebrated Le Carnaval last Thursday, February 22 with many indoor and outdoor activities. “It's a celebration similar to that which takes place in Quebec. Le Carnaval is a French-Canadian heritage winter festival. Our grade four teachers worked together to organize and put on the winter fun event for the whole school,” said principal Adam Madsen. Madsen said that while CW Sears may have celebrated this winter festival in years previous, this is the first time since he’s been at the school. Included among the many activities were crafts, ice sculptures, candy-making, and skiing. “We had colorful ice sculptures, four-person skiing, which is almost like a three-legged race, but on skis. We made ca-
bane a sucre, which translates to sugar shack, making maple syrup candy,” said Madsen. “Our other big event was we had a group called Les Bucherons that came out and did some dancing and storytelling. They worked with each of our classes doing a dance that they then performed at the end of the day for the rest of the school. Additionally, we had numerous crafts or small activities that classes did together, all around the Le Carnaval theme. There is a mascot called Bonhomme, so there was some puppet making, too,” he said. The week before the school had an Indigenous cultural experience with Knowledge Keeper Brad Rabbit and dancer Karlene Cutknife.
“Our school received some funding through Jordan’s Principle (federal funding for First Nations children). Part of that funding is for indigenous cultural experiences for our indigenous students. Knowledge Keeper Brad Rabbit and dancer Karlene Cutknife gave a cultural presentation, with drumming, dancing, and indigenous storytelling. Brad Rabbit has come out for a visit before, and we'll have a few different presenters on indigenous themes throughout the rest of the school year as well,” Madsen said. The students at CW Sears also got to experience the process of making Bannock with Battle River School Division’s Equity Coordinator, Eric Jensen.
JOHN THOMASEN
April 18, 1931 - Feb. 20, 2024
Church Directory Bardo Lutheran Church Salem Mennonite Church
Worship: Sundays at 10:30 AM 49232 Rge Rd 184 Tofield, AB Pastor Calvin Andringa Sunday Worship Services:
In Person – 10:00 AM Streaming – 10:00 AM Livestream available at: tofieldalliancechurch.com
We find joy and hope when we are joined to and rooted in Christ!
Pr. Peter Beckman www.bardolutheranchurch.ca 780-662-2762 • 5907 - 49 Street 5609 48th St. - 780-662-3411 TOFIELD COMMUNITY CHURCH 4619 - 57 Ave
(780) 662-3 3166
Sunday Worship Service 10:30am www.tofieldchurch.com Lead Pastor:
Jon Stewart Children/Youth Pastor:
Nathan Nichols
Tofield United Church 4832 - 53 Ave, Tofield
Sunday Worship Service @ 10 am in person or via zoom/phone
for more information call 780.662.3471 or email tofieldunited@gmail.com
Pastor Mark Loewen 780-662-2365 Sunday School for all ages at 9:45 am Sunday Worship 10:45 am
St. Francis of Assisi Roman Catholic Parish Pastor: Fr. Jim Corrigan Sunday Mass @ 11 A.M. 5523 - 50 st. Tofield, Ab.
Coffee and snacks after Mass, everyone welcome! Contact Wendy @ 780-232-5300
John Thomasen of Ryley, AB was born on April 18, 1931; he passed away on February 20, 2024 at the age of 92 years. He is survived by his step-sons Derek (Teresa) and Andy (Johanna); grandchildren Thomas, Ian, Jacey, Lucas, Matthew, Monique, Sebastian, Sophia; and great granddaughter Madalyn; friend Erik Brix; as well as numerous extended family and friends. He was predeceased by his wife Janina. A private graveside service will be held on a later date. Memorial donations may be made to the charity of one's choice. Weber Funeral Home 780-662-3959 www.weberfuneralhome.ca
Page 21 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Tofield Minor Hockey Association would like to say
THANK YOU to the MANY sponsors and contributors that have given so generously, this past season, to help make hockey programming happen within our community. A-1 Supply Farm & Industrial Alberta North Construction Services Ltd. All Type Drilling Beaver County Beaver Foundation Seniors Housing BESC BHD Tubular BMO Brad’s Skate Sharpening & Hockey Shop Braided Mane Cake Styles Centex Lindbrook Clean Harbors Coal Creek Golf Resort Corny Spirit and Wine Crystal Buyar Beauty DFI Piling Driving Innovation Doghouse Goaltender Development Down Home Roots ESSO Fansa Farms Far Out Fitness Fifth Avenue Collection Jeweller FXD Auto & Parts G&J Construction Group LP Greg Litwin Realty Guardian Hampton Inn & Suites - Sherwood Park Hats By Nat Hi-Tech Seals Inc. IGA Tofield J.L.S Trucking Inc. JROC LTD Oilfield Services Justin’s Heating and Plumbing K9 Choice Foods Lakeland Vegetation Management Ltd. Larco Contractors Master Air Conditioning & Ventilation Montorio Homes Master Builder
Movewater Inc. New Line Trenchless Technologies Nikos Dance Team Nutrien Ag Solutions Oilers Parkstone Dental PharmaChoice Platinum Supply Pope Family Rennie Family Royal Pizza Scentsy - Shauna Neufeld She Lifts Fitness Sin Bin Sports Sport Chek SportFactor Inc. Stockyards Veterinary Service Ltd. Strathcona Sandblasting Ltd. Subway Tanks-A-Lot Ltd. Tetrad Textured Salon The Data Base The Sour Moose Thor Insurance Financial Throwing Copper Electric Tilly’s Family Dining & Pizza Tofield Eyecare Tofield Golf Course and Campground Tofield Packers LTD. Tofield Spirits Beer & Liquor Store Triple Seven Excavation Ultimate Reinforcing Ltd. Uncle Roger’s Family Dining Water Co. Wild Rose Co-operative Wye Knot Massage WZL Wenzel Downhole Tools Zyia Active - Shauna Neufeld
And of course, a BIG THANK YOU goes to all the TMHA families that have given of their time and resources to make sure that we had such a successful season! Looking for more information, go to: www.tofieldminorhockey.com
Page 22 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
BRSD seeking feedback on potential boundary changes Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter
The Battle River School Division (BRSD) Board of Trustees is seeking public feedback on potential boundary changes arising from the boundary review completed in late 2023 and presented in early 2024. The proposed new boundary map suggests changes mostly to the east of Camrose, affecting all four BRSD schools in Flagstaff County, and two schools in Beaver County. The review was initiated by the board in 2023, and was the first time all school boundaries had been reviewed since the division was formed in 1995, over 28 years ago. The Division engaged a consultant, Dr. Cindi Vaselenak, and held four inperson consultation sessions to provide parents and the general public information about the scope of the review. According to Dr. Vaselenak’s report, “The BRSD Attendance Bound Review has four main goals. • Schools, particularly in rural communities, are properly supported to provide quality educational opportunities; • Boundaries aren’t influenced by artificial factors, such as municipal lines; • Updated boundaries reflect changing demographics; • Attendance boundaries are logical and efficient for each school.” BRSD says that bus times for students and routes were also given consideration. In October, four in-person parent consultation meetings were held, with 83 persons in all attending the four meetings. Around 209 people completed an online survey, 18 surveys were completed in person, and three were completed but received after the deadline. The report noted that only 23 surveys were submitted from Ward 2 (Beaver County/Bruce/Holden/ Ryley/Tonguelashing) and 37 from Ward 4 (Flagstaff County/Tofield/ Viking/Forestburg/Galahad/Hardisty /Heisler/Killam/Sedgewick/Strome) Thirty-four respondents only provided partial addresses, insufficient to plot on a map, and four were out of the BRSD district altogether. Dr. Vaselenak’s report noted several themes arising from the information collected. She noted that there was “significant satisfaction with current school boundaries,” with 78 per cent of parent respondents satisfied with current boundaries. Another recurrent theme was that transportation issues are the most frequent area of concern for parents, but that 65 per cent of respondents were still satisfied with transportation. The majority of respondents also felt that students should be directed by proximity to the closest school. Dr. Vaselenak noted that there was no particular boundary line or area identified by respondents to be problematic,
but the initial survey did identify two smaller areas that could be changed to “enhance consistency,” adding, “These changes affect only a small number of families and a ‘grandfathering’ period for students residing in those areas should be considered.” The two areas are located at the NE corner of the Holden catchment area, and the SE section of the Viking catchment area. As parents indicated school proximity to be a major choice in deciding where students attend, it was also noted that there were areas where students directed to Killam are closer to Forestburg, and students directed to Ryley were closer to Daysland, as well as students being directed to Round Hill who were closer to Tofield. One of the issues of boundaries being examined was whether boundaries currently based on geographical features (like secondary highway placement) were beneficial to students, and Dr. Vaselenak noted particularly that students living on the east and west sides of secondary Highway 855 being directed to two different schools in the Beaver County region, which split Holden Jr. High class cohorts between Viking and Tofield in High Schools.
Dr. Vaselenak provided census data for population counts where there are schools, comparing 2016 to 2021 (latest) figures for ages 0 to 14 years total, then also breaking that down by age group. The final report also includes student population density by area maps, showing existing rural households with students attending school in each region. Comparing the density maps and the proposed potential new boundaries gives an idea how many existing student households would be affected by the new map. (These figures are not broken down into students, just households.) It also compared school populations, capacity, and utilization over the past decade. BRSD Board Chair Patrick McFeely said the following in a letter to residents that came out with the information about the potential new boundary information. “In reviewing the feedback received, the Board, through the Community Engagement Committee, determined that a third option should also be developed reflecting this feedback and the desire to address some geographical considerations, largely in the eastern areas of the
Potential changes boundary map
Red lines denote potential changes to existing boundaries; black circles indicate the presence of red lines.
School Division.” He adds, “Our work so far leads us to why we are writing to you today. The Board determined that direct communications on these options to all residences that may be impacted by these options was a needed next step. There will also be an additional online opportunity for all Battle River School Division Parents and Residents to review all options and provide their comments on them to the Board prior to decisions being made.” That online feedback form link is available on the BRSD website, at: brsd.ab.ca/our-division/brsd-boundary-map McFeely says, “Following this additional consultation period over the next month, the Board will then meet to consider this feedback and determine any changes to Attendance Boundaries going forward. “The Boards’ intention is that if any changes to Boundaries are made, they will be in effect this September for the 2024/25 School Year. “In the event that changes to attendance boundaries are made, the issue of attendance grandfathering of current attendees will be addressed by the Board prior to the summer break.”
Page 23 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
Page 24 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, February 28, 2024
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