On a mild winter evening on January 29, members of the Stay Free Alberta movement gathered inside the Victoria Hotel in Bruderheim, clipboards in hand, collecting signatures for an Alberta independence referendum.
Among them was Gerry Robinson, an accredited canvasser with Stay Free Alberta, who says he has been involved with the Alberta Prosperity Project for roughly two and a half years.
Robinson says his motivation is personal: his children and grandchildren. He believes Canada is moving in a direction he does not support and says it is time for Alberta to become inde-
news this week: Tickets selling fast for The Last Gladiator - 3 Presenting our babies of 2025 - 8/9
pendent so future generations can grow up in what he calls a “free Alberta.”
Robinson emphasized that the movement is not driven by hostility toward Canada.
“Nobody here hates Canada,” he said, adding that supporters believe Alberta deserves more autonomy rather than less patriotism.
Attendance at the event was modest, but several local residents did stop by to sign.
Bruderheim resident Theresa Law said she does not believe Alberta will ultimately separate from Canada, but signed the petition to send a message to the federal government that change is needed.
Law also noted that, should a referendum succeed, she would oppose the idea of Alberta joining the United States.
Organizers say they need just under 178,000 signatures to trigger a referendum. If successful, they plan to submit the paperwork by late April, which could lead to a province-wide vote as early as October.
A signing event as close by as Tofield last weekend, resulted in over 700 signatures.
Former popular radio host now new Leader reporter
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Lamont Leader’s newest reporter may look familiar to some people. His name is Grant Johnson, formerly part of a three-member team hosting the morning radio show for Cruz FM along with Lochlin Cross and James White.
Johnson and his family moved to Lamont County in 2024, right before several layoffs at Cruz FM cancelled the show.
“The radio industry never recovered from COVID,” said Johnson. “Everyone decided they could spend their money elsewhere and radio took a huge hit.”
Johnson said Cross was laid off first, along with several other staff members, then he and White were laid off a few months later.
Meanwhile, Johnson said he wanted to get back to rural living.
“I’m from a small town in Saskatchewan and wanted to get back to small town living. We found our place near Mundare and it was perfect,” he said.
On his small farm, Johnson launched a mobile butchering business, Johnson’s Lucky Acres Mobile Butchering and he joined the local fire department.
He also recently joined the reporting team at the Lamont Leader.
“I saw the ad and thought, I could do that,” he said. “I think it’s a good way to get out into the community. I’m excited for it.”
Johnson said he is looking forward to covering sports and other events throughout the county.
The Lamont Leader's newest reporter, is former radio host Grant Johnson. Johnson was at the Andrew Village Council meeting Jan. 28. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Theresa Law
Minor hockey: U13 Wild goalie Carter Graham shuts out Goodfish Lake
KERRY ANDERSON
These are some of the results from Minor Hockey League games held recently. (Please note that scores and scoring is taken from the websites, and some game scores and scoring is dependent on proper league entries). If any players or teams are missing from the report please notify me at kamcjm@gmail.com with the player name, team and website.
Elk Island U11 Wild (10-9-0) dropped a 10-3
game against Mallaig at Lamont Arena on Saturday. Scoring for Wild were; Alex Holt, Owen Martz, and Hendrix Pierce. Assists went to; Braden Roy and Enzo Francis Bouzane.
Elk Island U13 Wild (12-8-0) won a 6-0 shutout game at Lamont Arena on Friday against Goodfish Lake. Kayden King got a hat trick, while Christian McLeod (1g 4a) had a 5-point game. Hunter Kobylka
(1g 2a) and Mary Sobkow also scored. Assists went to; Clara Holt, Sawyer Wytrykush, Maverick Lougheed, and Jaxon Calder. Carter Graham got the shutout in goal. On Saturday, Wild hosted Saddle Lake and pounded the visitors 143. Mary Sobkow (4g 1a) and Kayden King (3g 2a) both had 5-point games. Christian McLeod scored a hat trick. Others on the scoreboard were; Landen
Wild celebration for female hockey day
BY JESSIE ROBINSON
Elk Island Wild minor hockey participated in female hockey day in Canada this past Sunday.
Female athletes got to spend the afternoon with Team Canada Alumni and 1994 gold medalist Jane Lagace as well Grant MacEwan Griffins alumni Celee-Rae Lake. EIW grant writer Ashley Strumelak had applied for FHD in Canada but unfortunately we did not get selected as a host town.
Ashley felt we should still run the event to celebrate our local female hockey athletes. With help from the Town of
Lamont (ice sponsor), Gondolas Restaurant (lunch sponsor), our 2 presenters Celee and Jane provided a class room session on the importants of education and athletics along with a one hour on ice drills and skills. The event was a great success.
Holt and Carter Graham shared goaltending duties and the win.
U15 Wild Rangers dropped an 8-6 game on Saturday against DE602 at Dale Fisher Arena. Landon Dagg Jones scored a hat trick (3g
1a). Others on the scoresheet were; Gray Hennig (1g 2a), Slade Walsh (1g 1a), Braden Tapley (1g), Tyson Jonker (1a), and Jaxson Osicki (1a).
Left to right. Zoee White, Rae Sobkow, Quinn Dickinson, Mary Sobkow, Ellie Poirier, and Sofiya Sklyar celebrate female hockey day at Lamont, Sunday.
Lamont County wants emergency rescue vehicle repaired in house
BY JOHN MATHER
After refusing to budget for a new rescue unit during recent budget deliberations, Lamont county council received a report on the condition of the 1996 vehicle from Fire Chief Bo Moore during the Jan. 27 council meeting.
“We decided to send the unit in for an inspection to ensure everything was good,” Moore said. “One of our concerns was the age and the value of this unit which is between $10,000 and $17,000.”
He said the quoted repairs were $13,900 to be deemed roadworthy.
He asked council for directions whether to proceed with repairs or remove the truck from operations as it would be deemed unroadworthy.
He added he would like council to look at
possibly moving up the purchase of a replacement truck.
In the report to council it was shown a new replacement would cost from $500,000 to $650,000 for a “mid-size” vehicle or $235,000 to $275,000 for a “mini-rescue” using a stock model in Canada.
Reeve Aaron Wick said the repair quote looked like it was mostly for brakes and tires and he asked Moore if the truck was in use.
Moore said the truck had been in for service before and the brakes were at the end of their serviceable life.
He added the truck would require its mandatory CVIP which was due in March and in its current state it would not pass that.
Division five Councillor Neil Woitas said he recalled there
were only two axles on the truck, the front steering axles and rear axles.
“I can’t believe a brake job on a truck like this is going to be $14,0000!” he said.
Division three Councillor John Uganecz asked, if the County has mechanics on staff why can’t they do a brake job in house.
Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky said the fire fleet was maintained out of house but council could ask Public Works Director Darby Dietz if the work could be done in house.
He said his staff could look at the unit.
Woitas asked why the Fire Department always bought Michelin tires for replacement tires if they came from the factory with Goodyear tires. Moore replied they
alway replaced the truck with Michelins because they were properly rated for the vehicles.
“I still can’t believe it will be $10,000 for a brake job,” reiterated Woitas as council noted the labour costs made up the difference in the repair quote.
“There’s only two axles on the truck,” he said.
Council did admit the truck would have to be maintained.
Moore said the truck received regular maintenance.
Woitas and Uganecz felt the quote was pretty high.
Tarnawsky asked if council wanted to replace the truck or repair it.
Council said they wanted to repair the truck but explore doing this in house.
Council made a motion
Andrew Utility Dispute Enters Third Year With No Resolution
GRANT JOHNSON
A utilities billing dispute in the Village of Andrew has now stretched into its third year, with no resolution in sight.
Andrew resident Sandy Dunn, who owns the property at 5034 53 Avenue, a former senior citizens lodge, has been disputing a utilities charge he says should be “wiped out.” Dunn argues the bill was the result of a faulty water meter.
In October 2024, Dunn received a utilities bill totaling $3,583.85, a sharp increase from his typical monthly bill of approximately $117.
The Village of Andrew says staff noticed the unusually high charge and attempted to contact Dunn at the time to warn him of a possible water leak or other significant issues within the building.
The Village also disputes Dunn’s claim that the water meter was faulty, noting that his utility bills returned to normal levels in the months following October 2024. Officials further state that Dunn
did not respond to a letter offering a 50 per cent reduction on the $3,583.85 bill. Discussions between the two sides have grown tense as attempts to resolve the issue continued. Ultimately, it was agreed that the matter would be reviewed again in one month.
Dunn says he will present a report at that time which he believes will demonstrate the meter was defective.
In the meantime, Councillor Osama Hamed has been tasked with providing evidence of a separate utilities billing spike in May 2024. Hamed previously claimed that his own bill, along with others, increased without explanation. He is expected to present that information during the same review period.
Richardson Pioneer, a division of Richardson International, is Canada’s leading agribusiness. Richardson Pioneer supports Canadian farmers throughout the growing season – providing agronomic services and advice, selling crop inputs, buying their crops at harvest and selling them to markets around the world through the most efficient network of high throughput Ag Business Centres in Western Canada.
Working with Richardson opens the door to a world of possibility. We currently have an opportunity for a Truck Driver - Casual at our Richardson Pioneer Ag Business Centre located in Lamont, AB. This position is responsible for deliveries of fertilizer, chemical and seed to local customers.
TRUCK DRIVER - CASUAL
Responsibilities:
Truck inspection and maintenance.
Unloading and loading of crop input products.
Yard maintenance.
Qualifications:
Possess a valid Class 1 or Class 3 driver’s licence with airbrake endorsement.
NH3 experience would be considered an asset but not a requirement.
Strong organization and interpersonal skills. Ability to work flexible hours including evenings/ weekends.
Previous related experience is preferred. Richardson International provides an excellent compensation package consisting of competitive salary and training and career development opportunities. Interested candidates should apply online at www.richardson.careers or drop off their resume at our Lamont site (553032 Range Road 195 – Box 150).
Richardson International values diversity in the workplace. Women, Indigenous Peoples, Visible Minorities and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply and self-identify.
to repair the truck inhouse, put tires other than top of the line Michelin tires on it and put some mud flaps on it.
Moore said the truck was going to be moved from the Lamont Fire Station to Bruderheim based on staffing.
Council said doing the repair in house would show residents they were intent on saving money and the motion was carried.
- Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop
6-Row Feed Barley:
AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight - Smooth awned -High grain and forage yield
2-Row Malt Barley:
CDC Churchill - Increasing demand by Malting Companies, Yielding 109% of CDC Copeland
Sandy Dunn
BY HAZEL ANAKA
Abstinence is defined as a practice of selfimposed restraint from indulging in activities that are wanted or pleasurable. Depending on what that ‘wanted or pleasurable activity’ is will determine if there are religious dogma, health or financial concerns, public stigma, or social mores at play. Abstinence is the opposite of indulgence. Based on the circumstances, abstinence may be total or short-term. It may also require counselling, behaviour modification, and support groups to get the unhealthy behaviour under control.
I started thinking about this all because of body wash. It was a giant tube of Champagne Toast, lovely scented stuff from Bath and Body Works that I’ve literally had for years. I finally
FROM WHERE I SIT: Empowerment
cracked it open. If you’ve ever been in that store, you know they’ve mastered the art of bundling. Buy 3 of any of these products for $20; buy 2 of these and get the third free; mix and match any 6 of these. So, we turn into lemmings who love a deal and promptly fall off the cliff picking scents and filling our bag with more product that we can reasonably use in years. That, my lovelies is why I refuse to go into that store until all the inventory at home is gone. It’s resisting the pull of the deal. I also stopped going to thrift stores or bidding on auction items in November and have suffered no ill effects. Losing the ability to sell to Americans was
the one major reason.
I may have started with a trite example. But we all know that abstention is the cornerstone of nearly every 12 Step Program. Total, longterm abstention from alcohol, drugs, smoking, and gambling has proven to be the safest, most successful method of overcoming these addictive behaviours. Overeating may be the sole exception. Abstain and die.
Short-term abstention, essentially a ‘digital detox’ lasting a few days can be enough to reset problematic behaviours around gaming, cell phone use, and online shopping. It seems to reduce cravings, decrease anxiety, and
break addictive actions. Having coping strategies to help during the detox withdrawal will reduce the discomfort. Substituting healthier, more productive activities can provide a needed distraction.
No Buy and Low Buy challenges help compulsive shoppers curb their spending, break the cycle, and redefine their relationship with shopping for shopping’s sake. There are many strategies to assist with this behaviour reset including waiting 30 days or 48 hours before making that purchase. Joining in with events like No Buy July or Buy Nothing Days makes one feel less alone and deprived. Having some clear ground rules
about need versus want and setting a time frame for the abstention makes it more manageable. Staying away from stores, unsubscribing from promotional emails, removing saved credit card information from browsers, and avoiding social media which promote sales and consumption will reduce the temptation. Paying with cash instead of a card makes the cost of the purchase more real. The benefits of curbing problem shopping include less clutter and waste, improved financial position, and reduced guilt and stress.
It only makes sense to avoid the locations, circumstances, companions, and other trap set-
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145 Rev. Carolyn Woodall
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 17th 5-7 PM Adults $15 6-12 year olds $5 5< free CHECKOUTOURNEWFACEBOOKPAGE!! Everyone Welcome! AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm
ting factors that make stumbling, succumbing, relapsing, or disaster more likely. Avoiding the bar and liquor store is life-saving for the alcoholic. Staying away from casinos, VLTs, lottery tickets, and online betting is a no-brainer for the compulsive gambler. If Amazon is your kryptonite, then staying away from that site is essential. I just remember how little I think of owner and founder Jeff Bezos and all desire leaves me. But you know business is booming if they can afford to send a truck to do household deliveries in a village as small as Andrew. If anything you’re doing is adversely affecting your mental or physical health, keeping you up nights, bankrupting you, making you feel ashamed or worried, it’s probably time for “a fearless moral inventory.” That also happens to be Step 4 in the AA program. It’s intended to “empower individuals to identify negative patterns, take accountability, and foster self-awareness.” It’s remarkable that something conceived in 1939 is still providing wisdom and guidance today, from where I sit.
TWP 550 Fort. Sask. (7km East of Josephburg) 780-998-1874 Pastor Rev. Jeff Dul
Opinion
Silly separatists, and issuance of participation certificates!
BY JOHN MATHER
All this separatist talk getting headlines across Alberta is becoming quite farcical.
The pro separatists have no political status yet are being called “treasonous” because as private individuals they met with some American politicians to argue the case for separation.
Please note again … there are no separatist parties in this province. None, nada!
There are certain groups who are arguing to separate and setting up town halls around the province to argue their case.
But they are not together and really until they get together as a united separatist cause, they will fail miserably.
The Alberta Prosperity Project has the most momentum in pursuing the separation strategy.
They have received official sanction from Elections Alberta to have people sign petitions across the province calling for a referendum on Alberta separating from the rest of Canada.
These petition signings and town halls have gathered lots of traction with large crowds coming out to put their names to paper.
But they are just asking for the referendum. They aren’t voting on separation. That would be the next step.
And the rationale for these people considering separation is because the province has been abused and taken advantage of by the Federal government for years.
Alberta, along with other western provinces, certainly don’t have an equal voice in how this country is run. For Alberta it became totally intolerable during the Justin Trudeau years.
That Liberal government stifled fossil fuel productions and transportation to major offshore markets. It put up a tanker ban on the west coast which native groups are now hanging their hats on to oppose further resource development..
They claim an oil spill would hurt their traditional fishing areas. Which is undoubtably true.
But just ten miles further out in the ocean the U.S. has been running oil tankers from Alaska to the lower 48 for years, and there has been no problems and no protest to try and stop it.
The Western provinces with larger populations have fewer senators than the Atlantic provinces which have much smaller populations. Another inequity imposed by the Feds that could be easily changed.
And that in all fairness, does predate the Trudeau disaster.
But the new Carney Liberals have so far proven to be nothing but talk when it comes to treating the west fairly.
The major projects office has approved nothing but the hiring of more bureaucrats.
So there are reasons for separatists bringing these faults to the public’s attention. And finally, it seems to be gaining some traction.
The B.C. premier, who is an NDP radical, has called those who meet with U.S. politicians and discuss Albertan independence “traitors.”
There’s nothing like escalating the issue by throwing gasoline on the fire.
The Alberta NDP leader Naheed Nenshi, still trying to find some relevance
in the legislature, is hoping MLAs will sign his participation certificates stating they aren’t separatists and will remain true Canadians.
Well at least he got his caucus to sign the silly paper. This is nothing more than grandstanding and seeking media headlines.
And then there’s Thomas Lukazuk. He began the Forever Canadian petition earlier in the summer asking Albertans to sign up to hold a referendum to stay in Canada. Same thing as the separatists but different wording.
It achieved tremendous success garnering more than 400,000 signatures. He wanted the MLAs to vote on his petition in the Provincial Legislature but when he filed his paperwork with Elections Alberta he did state he wanted a referendum.
Now he’s providing his canvassers with their very own participation certificates. That, like Nenshi’s worthless sheet of paper, is so unprofessional!
Let’s wait for all the paperwork to finish flying around and then maybe the proponents of staying in Canada and those wanting to leave can meet on a public square and openly debate why their side is the most reasonable course of action.
Right now there’s lots of noise, but to date little in the way of rational conversation.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
Lamont County won’t change division boundaries right now
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County Council was asked by administration to study whether they wanted to see the division boundaries of the County changed heading into the 2029 municipal election.
The County currently operates on a five division system, but administration pointed out the population numbers within each division had changed somewhat significantly over the past years.
“You can see Division 2 has 997 electors according to our electors regis-
ter,” said Christiane Benoit, Legislative Service Officer. “And the other divisions have between 335 and 593 electors.”
She said to be equally represented council might want to change the divisions from the way they are shaped currently into more equal shapes in terms of population.
She said she and Chief Administrative Officer
Peter Tarnawsky had been looking at possible realignments.
She presented several options to council including: what does
council wish to achieve, aside from more even distribution of population; would council prefer to minimize changes to the current electoral boundaries to limit confusion among residents; only address the significant overage in division two and shore-up the division four numbers in particular; consider whether the population in division five may decline with industrial development; adjust all boundary lines until the numbers even out; how important is uniformity (ie: boundaries along a TWP Rd or Rge Rd or
Section lines); base changes off the 2025 Electors Register from the Province or Federal Census (2021); or wait for the 2026 Federal Census (March 2026) with data available in October 2027; or try to achieve a mix of agriculture and acreages properties?
When asked where the numbers administration had come from, Benoit said they came from Elections Alberta.
She added those numbers would be updated following the most recent elections once those numbers were put
It was a full house at the Lamont Curling rink Jan. 30 to Feb 1 as the annual men’s bonspiel was held. A total of 20 teams took part in a unique three-day draw and a blind Calcutta. The ladies bonspiel is the next large event from March 20 to 21 and then the Last Chance bonspiel takes place April 9 to 12. John Mather photo.
Air Quality low risk during fourth quarter
BY JOHN MATHER
The Heartland Air
Monitoring Partnership has released its fourth quarter air monitoring readings and the air quality across the region remained in the low risk category for the majority of the time.
There were some short lived periods when the air quality was higher which were the result of
wildfires and a wintertime inversion, the Partnership reported.
The high and very high Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) readings on October 1 were associated with wildfire smoke affecting the region.
Elevated AQHI readings later in the quarter were linked to a winter temperature inversion
event on November 26–27, which trapped pollutants near the ground.
During the reporting period, low risk hours accounted for 97.7 per cent of the readings or 14,608 hours.
There were 298 hours of moderate risk AQHI or two per cent of the period.
Twenty hours of high risk AQHI were reported
or 0.2 per cent.
There were 11 hours of very high risk AQHI representing 0.1 per cent.
Heartland Air Monitoring Partnership monitors the air quality of a 4,500 square kilometre region northeast of Edmonton that includes Alberta’s Industrial Heartland. Continuous data is collected 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
into the Elections Alberta database.
Reeve Aaron Wick noted the numbers didn’t reflect the total population but just numbers of eligible electors.
Woitas said he’d like to wait until they had the numbers from the most recent census, but right now he’d like to just leave it as it is.
“Too many residents would see any changes as confusing and they would be asking what we were up to?” he said.
He said County of Strathcona had divisions ranging from a few thousand to multiple thousands in the Sherwood Park area.
Division three Councillor John Uganecz said the only division with larger numbers was division two.
Council accepted the report as information and told administration to bring back a further report after the next Federal census was completed.
BABIES OF 2 200225 5 PHOTO CONTEST
Th e L am o n t L e a de r ’ s Stay tuned for the winning photo in next weeks paper!
Lillia Joan Bartz
June 2025
Matt & Lynn Bartz
Theodore Bergey
December 2025
Graham & Amberley Bergey
Nora Gauthier
January 2025
Eric & Kim Gauthier
Harper Beniuk
May 2025
Jessalynn & Ryan Beniuk
Olivia Lori Burk
October 2025
Rebecca & D’Arcy Burk
Oumie Delane Keom
July 2025
Allison & Abdul
Emersyn Benn er
June 2025
Andrea & Daniel
Parker Durette
March 2025
Andrew & Jenn Durette
Rylee Sophia Lesoway
April 2025
Jeremy & Staci Lesoway
BABIES OF 2 200225 5 PHOTO CONTEST
Ellieanna Robe rta Lippert
September 2025
Britney Scott & Tyler Lippert
Rylan Pope
December 2025
Brandyn Pope & Shanice Weleschuk
Crue Br ian Amil Ziegler
May 2025
Lana Shu lko & DylanZiegler
Dawson Maschmeyer
September 2025
Kenton & Taylore Maschmeyer
Bria Regnier
September 2025
Larissa & Brett Regnier
Vittorio Vizza
September 2025
John & Marlena Vizza
Nora Alice Pacholuk
September 2025
Tiffany & Ian Pacholuk
Willow She rwood
July 2025
Brandon & Julia Sherwood
Fire truck flips during freezing rain over the weekend
By Melissa MacIntosh- Young
Freezing rain combined with rapidly dropping temperatures created hazardous driving conditions across the county Saturday night, leading to several vehicles sliding off roadways.
One incident involved a Lamont County fire truck that lost control and left the roadway on Highway 15 between Bruderheim and Lamont.
The incident occurred as road conditions deteriorated due to icy surfaces caused by the freezing rain.
When ask for a statement regarding the acci-
dent, Lamont County Communications Coordinator, Jay Zaal commentated, “Freezing rain started at approximately 8:30 p.m. last night. All indications are that ice was 2 inches thick on most roads within 20-30 minutes and this significantly impacted road conditions.
“I can confirm a Lamont County Emergency Services truck was involved in an incident/rollover. All firefighters appear to be uninjured.
“Crews and the RCMP responded to numerous incidents on HWY15 and HWY16 during last night; clean-up is still underway,” said Zaal.
“We advise motorists limit travel during unsafe conditions and as scenes are cleared.
“Four of our five stations were deployed during this significant weather event to keep the roads safe.”
When asked what the impact of the lost truck would be to the town of Bruderheim, he replied “From the other questions, we are confirming all details and impacts, including around damages and vehicle updates as this is assessed, the next steps are TBD”.
Officials continue to remind drivers to use caution during winter weather events, as freezing rain can quickly turn highways and secondary roads into dangerous travel corridors.
Councils across the county are considering whether or not to contribute funds to a matching grant, proposed by Lamont County, to fund a mediator in order to renegotiate their emergency services funding agreements with municipalities.
The County is looking to revisit the financial terms for each of the municipalities due to rising operational and capital costs.
Town of Lamont Councillor Al Harvey had reservations at the Town’s Jan. 27 council meeting, and voted against participation in the grant funding.
A total expected cost of the mediation service has not been disclosed by the County, but 50 percent of the matching grant proposal to fund the service has been split among the municipalities according to their population.
The Town of Lamont would be on the hook for not more than $3,000.
Harvey asked Lamont Chief Administrative Officer Tyler Edworthy if the negotiations would
be based off the County’s Fire Master Plan.
“Is that document considered to be relevant and valid as it was never provided for adoption by anybody,” said Harvey.
In a later interview, Harvey said the council had 71 points of concern around the document that were never addressed by the County.
“Once bitten, twice shy,” he said.
An email to Lamont County communications director Jay Zaal with questions around when the master plan was approved and by whom were not responded to by press time.
According to earlier reports, the master plan was paid for with a $125,000 grant in 2024 and was expected to “take a deeper look at not only our current status, but where we need to be going in the future”.
Town of Lamont CAO Edworthy said he believes the Fire Services Master Plan will play a part in the process.
“The actual service itself will be discussed through the mediation
process. I think it's fair to say that the county is using that as a guiding document,” he said.
“I don't believe any of the other municipalities have adopted it, so there is room for discussion around the fire study that was completed and anything that's being implemented, especially if there's going to be cost impacts to the regional partners.”
Information provided in the Town of Bruderheim’s upcoming agenda package said the Regional Fire Service Agreement, between the County and all five municipalities, has a clause where “The County and the Municipality collectively reserve the right to revisit this Agreement for the purpose of renegotiating the Fees for Service.”
The information also stated that emergency services within the county went regional in 2016. Meanwhile, Lamont Town Council approved participation in the grant funding proposal, along with the Village of Andrew which will pay $550.
If the Village of Chipman agrees, their share will be $369. An email to the Town of Mundare with questions around their participation were not responded to by press time. The Town of Bruderheim will discuss the issue at their Feb. 4 council meeting.
Photo by Melissa MacIntosh-Young
Andrew awarded $13,000 grant from ATCO Electric
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Village of Andrew started their Jan. 28 council meeting off with a cheque presentation from ATCO electric.
Travis Wowdzia, Operations Supervisor out of their Vegreville location, came out to personally present the money to Andrew Mayor Bill Romaniuk.
“It's my pleasure to be here today to present the Town of Andrew with their Community Energy
Fund Grant,” said Wowdzia. “We're proud to be in a position to provide some financial support to organizations and municipalities who are looking at ways to decarbonize and lower their greenhouse gas emissions.”
Wowdzia said it was the third year for ATCO’s Community Energy Fund Grant which are awarded to municipalities and non-profits across ATCO’s service
territories in Alberta. He added the grants are up to a maximum of $15,000, and this year they received over 90 applications and gave away more than $200,000 to 15 different organizations.
On their social media page, the Village of Andrew posted that the funding will “help improve energy efficiency and reduce operating costs”.
Goldeneyes drop last game before Olympic break
BY JOHN MATHER
With back up goalie Kristen Campbell in the net, as Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer prepares for the Olympics, the Vancouver Goldeneyes dropped a 41 decision to the Minnesota Frost in the final game in the Professional Women’s Hockey League prior to the Olympic break.
swered goals.
Minnesota pretty well wrapped up the game with a strong first period scoring three unan-
In the second period, Michelle Karvinen scored for Vancouver from Sarah Nurse who continues her strong play since returning to the Goldeneyes from an injury.
Dow’s Path2Zero project gets new approvals
BY JOHN MATHER
Dow has announced it will proceed with its Path2Zero project, planning to start the projects first phase by the end of 2029.
Initially, the Fort Saskatchewan plant had been planned to start next year but it was delayed last year as the Alberta Industrial Heartland company announced plans to reduce corporate capital spending by $1-billion US.
In announcing the new start timelines, the company also said it would be eliminating 4,500 jobs globally as part of a corporate restructuring.
The second phase of the $10-billion Path2Zero project is expected to be operational by the end of 2030.
The Path2Zero project is expected to triple Dow’s ethylene and polyethylene capacity at its existing operations in Fort Saskatchewan.
The project is the most prominent effort to attract major investment into Alberta’s petrochemical sector, adding
value to raw resources, while underscoring corporate efforts toward decarbonization. Dow said the project would be
the world’s first net-zero integrated ethylene cracker and derivatives complex.
Jason Wytrykush from Richardson Pioneer (L) and Tim Bartz, a member of the Lamont Curling Club, give a thumbs up as a large donation from Richardson Pioneer pushed the needle on their fundraising monitor to $106,000 towards their goal $150,000. The donation cheque was presented on Jan. 10.
ATCO's Operations Supervisor, Travis Wowdzia, presents a check for $13,000 to Village of Andrew Mayor Bill Romaniuk from their Community Energy Fund Grant during the Jan. 28 council meeting. Photo: Grant Johnson
Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Nobody was listening
Many turned a blind eye while Town ofGibbonswasdrowningindebt
BY JANA SEMENIUK
By all measures, the Town of Gibbons should be flourishing. More than 3,000 people live there, supported by restaurants, a veterinary clinic, a fire department, schools, parks, and a newly elected council determined to serve its community. Yet this promising town now sits on the verge of financial collapse and could soon be absorbed into Sturgeon County as a hamlet.
What is even harder to believe is that warnings about impending financial disaster began over three years ago, yet no one intervened.
In early January, I met with Gibbons’ newly elected council and heard their story. I saw seven people committed to honesty and transparency, willing to confront deep financial problems created by years of mismanagement, but did they know what truly awaited them once elected?
Mayor Rick Henderson said he expected challenges but had no idea how severe they were. News of depleted reserves, exhausted borrowing capacity, $12 million in debt and the prospect of insolvency within weeks shocked everyone.
Councillor Sharla St. Germain recalled financial irregularities she noticed as a resident, including an engineer’s winning bid for work on the town’s strip mall, Heartland Station, in late 2023. She said the engineer who won the bid quoted $64,000. But later, after the work was completed, claimed the real cost was $640,000.
Councillor Travis Currie remembered the council meeting he attended as a resident and watched the event unfold.
“He (engineer) sat right there and said ‘I’m embarrassed’. He explained the mistake, there were questions, and he said, ‘I don't have that with me, I'm not sure’,” said Currie. “And all of council (except Councillor Amber Harris) just pushed it through anyway. There was a gasp, from the crowd. Like, what is happening?”
Problems had been mounting undetected for years. A $2.5-million mortgage was taken out on the town’s arena to cover operating costs but labelled a capital expense. The town was also on the hook for a monthly $12,000 fee for sewage removal on Heartland Station because the new building was never tied into the Town’s sewer system. And the financial irregularities did not stop there.
Residents demanded answers. St. Germain and others — now elected council members — pursued them relentlessly. “We were screaming from the rooftops,” said St. Germain. “We met with council, administration, Municipal Affairs. I was screaming into
the abyss, and nobody was listening. We cared about our community and could see it going down.”
One online interview last May with independent journalist Mocha Bezirgan featured then-councillor Amber Harris. Harris consistently spoke out on the financial irregularities since 2023 and voted against improper bylaws. As a result, she was repeatedly sanctioned under the former Council Code of Conduct. In that interview she warned, “If we are as bad as I think we are, we could go bankrupt and be absorbed by the county.”
At the Dec. 18 Gibbons town hall, Deputy Municipal Affairs Minister Gary Sandberg was asked by a resident why nothing was done earlier by the government when so many spoke out.
“We were not aware,” he said. “We were told of concerns with the kind of information council was receiving. We provided the advice about what the legislation allows council to do, which is to ask for that information from Council.”
Sandberg added that they did become aware of the town’s financial concerns in Oct. 2024 when the Town requested a large extension to their debt limit. He said the answer was no because there were red flags and missing information on the Town’s financial statements. When the government got that missing information, he said it raised further red flags.
“In early 2025, the previous council made some changes,” he said. “It’s worth noting that former Chief Administrative Officer Farrell O’Malley, in his role since 2012, resigned in Jan. 2025. “(They) asked for a Municipal Inspection.”
Sandberg warned the Municipal Inspection was not a financial audit and could take up to 18 months to complete. He instead offered a Legislative Compliance check which was completed in Aug. 2025. It found the Town compliant in 30 of 57 areas noted and non-compliant in 27, including 13 directly related to finances. In one of the 13, eight borrowing bylaws were highlighted as failing to meet legislative requirements, including reserve money spent outside approved budgets.
Despite these findings, the report concluded that “overall the review findings were positive” and gave the Town up to a year to address the problems. Four months later, Gibbons had only weeks of cash left and would soon have no way to meet its financial obligations.
What more could these residents have done?
Continued on Page 19
FEATURED PROPERTIES
MINBURN COUNTY
• Part of W4-14-51-10-SW County of Minburn 140 acres with 950 sq ft bungalow and treed yard site. Power,gas well and septic tank. # 2 soil with 100 acres cultivated and 35 cultivatable acres in hay. Offer will besubject to subdivision with the country of Minburn. House and yard are currently rented for $1000 per month plus utilities.
Price $1,300,000.00
BEAVER COUNTY
• 2 Property Sale: Property 1: 50301 RR182 1 ½ storey 1,710 sq ft house on 80 acres with Detached double car garage, Heated and insulated 40’ x 50’ shop, 44’ x 52’ wooden barn , Insulated 30’x 40’ detached man cave. 2 - 100’x50’ and 1-120’x50’ cold storage shops , 36’x54’ Machine shed and 2 3-sided pole sheds. 65± acres cultivation. Property 2: W4-18-50-23-SWN ½ 80 acres, 78± acres cultivated 2 soil.
Total price for both parcels $1,225,000
• SOLDW4-18-50-23-SE 160 acres 95± acres of cultivated and 65± acres of pasture. Price: $550,000
• W4-18-50-14-SE N 26.21 acres 16± acres cultivated and 10± acres pasture Price: $68,000
• SOLD W4-18-50-23-NE 160 acres 44± acres cultivated, 36± acres pasture and 80± acres wetlands Price: $300,000
TOWN OF LAMONT
• 5119 48 Ave, 5121 48 Ave, and 5116 47 Ave 3 commercial lots 50' by 100', 65' by 100', and 30' by 100' Price: $200,000
VILLAGE OF ANDREW
• 5317-50 Ave Andrew. An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000 ***or inquire about leasing units as small as 4000 sq ft***
Always Looking For New Farm Listings!!
Lauren Hill Kelly Dick
Norman Hill Steven Hill
$20/wk
ANNOUNCEMENTS
UPPER EDGE PERFORMANCE
Viking, Alberta NOW OPEN!
Your one-stop-shop for: Steel sales, auto fasteners, colour match spray bombs, mixed paint, autobody supplies, replacement body panels, performance parts, auto accessories, classic restoration parts, sandblasting sand, welding abrasives, metric - standard Grade 8 hardware, flange bolts, welding MIG wire, cut to measure steel. Located at: 5212 - 50 (Main) Street, Viking Phone Tammy 780-336-2270 please call Brian at 780-678-0053.
If anybody has a Sony DEF200 portable stereo with CD Player and built-in speakers in good condition, with good sound and battery operated mode, please call Brian at 780-678-0053.
Flagstaff Family and Community Services offers Community Wellness Facilitator support: connections, referrals, and prevention services for individuals and families. Call 780-385-3976 for help today in Flagstaff County, confidential and welcoming.
————————————————
Scribbly: a whimsical, monthly writing program mailed to your home! Experience new levels of writing skill & joy. Starting at $57 Cdn. Members in 18 countries. www.kimdukewrites.com/Scribbly
COMING EVENTS
Enter to Win Mary Kay Valentines Jackpot $200
Memory - Making Package Earn multiple draw entries: attend a FREE virtual event or in-person facial, for every $50 after discounts at marykay.ca/smartens, or discover Mary Kay facts and insider info. Sony Martens 780.240.4605 TM05-06P
Pancake Community Supper at the Killam Community Hall February 17 5-7 pm Donations accepted at the door. Gluten free options available. Everyone welcome.
CLASSIFIEDS
COMING EVENTS
SAVE THE DATES!
Killam Legion Socials first and third Fridays of the month 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. All members and guests welcome! Starting Friday, Feb. 6
Watch the new Killam Legion Facebook page for updates.
————————————————
Super Bowl Watch Party Sunday, Feb. 8 at the Killam Legion. Starts at 4 p.m. Welcome to all members and guests. Cash Bar. Come watch Seattle Seahawks vs the New England Patriots.
Baptist Institute - Viking, AB Join us for Old Fashioned Hymns, Independent, KJV. Bible Class 12 - 1 pm
Preaching Service 1 - 2 pm
Located at Viking United Church
————————————————
Pancake Supper sponsored by Round Hills Seniors at the Round Hill Community Centre on Tuesday, February 10 from 5-7 pm. Adults $15, kids 6-12 yrs $10, and under 6 is free.
TM04-05C
————————————————
You are invited to Sheila Tanton’s 80th Birthday. Saturday, Feb. 21 from 1 to 4 p.m. Come and go, at The Hive, 4907 48 Ave. Sedgewick. Lunch is provided. Your presence is the best present.
————————————————
Blowout Winter Clothing Sale Friday, Feb. 6 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 7 9 a.m. to Noon Daysland United Church
FOR SALE
Mastercraft Delux Snow Blower
8.5HP 27"
Approx. 200 hours of use
Stored inside year round
Asking $600 Ph: 780-218-4715 Don TM05-08P
FOR SALE
•Tanaka Pro Force 305 6 inch
Ice Auger, carrying case, manual, and spare plug
•Husquavarna 55 Rancher Chainsaw, 18" bar, spare chain, and case - good condition
•GE 24 inch front-load dishwasher (NOS) Model GLD4209L15WW
$350 for each item, OBO. Call 780-888-1336
HELP WANTED
Lake Warden – Full-Time Position
Lake Warden is a full-time position, ideal for a single individual or a couple, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the park. The Lake Warden will oversee park operations, supervise staff, and maintain the park and surrounding areas, ensuring a safe, clean, and enjoyable environment for all visitors.
Qualifications & Skills
Strong management and organizational skills
Basic computer skills
Personable and professional when working with staff and the public A detailed job description is available upon request. How to Apply
Please submit applications to: lakepark@hardistyag.ca
JP's Country Daycare located in Daysland, AB is looking for a Full Time Early Learning Educator, ECE. Level 1 or 2 would be ideal, but also willing to train. Send resumes to jpcountrydaycare@gmail.com 04/05c
JP's Country Daycare located in Daysland, AB is looking for Part Time Early Learning Educator's, ECEs. Level 1 or 2 would be ideal, but also willing to train. Send resumes to jpcountrydaycare@gmail.com
04/05c
THE LAKESIDE LEADER is hiring an EDITOR, for a full-time position in Slave Lake, AB. Salary $55,000 per year. Email resume, cover letter and samples of writing and photography to spnproduction@hotmail.com.
REAL ESTATE
½ Section Pastureland NE 35 & NW 36-41-10-W4 located south of Hardisty in the Battle River valley at RR 101 & TWP RD 420. Fenced, cross-fenced, mix of seeded and tame grass with large dug-out, pumping system, full power on site with gravel revenue. Call Mike Golka REMAX River City 780-914-9889 MLS#’s E4447511 & E4447499 tfnc
————————————————
160 Acres Farmland for Sale –Near Andrew, AB
A rare opportunity to acquire cultivated farmland with additional resource value in a desirable agricultural area. This property consists of 160 acres total, made up of two separate 80-acre parcels. 145 acres cultivated, includes gravel reserve on the east portion of the property. Price: $650,000 (GST extra if applicable) Contact 780-907-0144
SERVICES
——————————INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, 1-866-974-7678 www.integritybuilt.com.
HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
Drywall Taping/ Ceiling Texturing
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! Murray Cholowsky Flagstaff Taping & Texturing Call or text at 780-385-1251
In Gibbons, citizens and even a sitting councillor contacted Municipal Affairs, their MLA, the ombudsman and the RCMP. Even despite a government report highlighting serious financial concerns, no one intervened.
Interim CAO Tim Duhamel described what would be lost if Gibbons became a hamlet: autonomy, identity and its seven-member council
No municipality is immune to financial mismanagement
reduced to one representative. The Town would fall under county tax rates, services and policies, with no guarantee it would benefit residents.
According to reports, at least 21 small Alberta municipalities have dissolved and been absorbed by their surrounding county since 2012. The Province’s website states that “no new municipalities should be created if it increases the total number of Alberta municipalities”. One can safely assume a return to town status from hamlet status, would be extremely difficult if not impossible.
Duhamel did outline some immediate strategies to help get the Town on track: regionalizing the fire department to save about $400,000 a year, redirecting grant money to replenish oper-
ating funds which previously, and improperly, funded capital expenses, layoffs, five so far from town office, selling assets and likely raising taxes. Duhamel admitted that even with these strategies, and a hopeful cash infusion from the Province, it could still take five to 15 years for the Town to recover.
Some provincial help has arrived: a $500,000 grant and deferral of police and education requisitions. But deferral only shifts costs and does not eliminate them.
“We appreciate it, but it’s not enough,” Duhamel said. “We need more if we’re going to survive.” He added that Minister Dan Williams has recently agreed to another meeting and opened direct communication with Deputy Minister Sandberg.
“They are making the
effort. This (situation) is unprecedented and these discussions should have happened five years ago.”
Accountability remains a major concern for residents and the council. Council has requested a provincially funded forensic audit that could provide evi-
dence and grounds to hold those responsible to account.
Although Gibbons’ future is uncertain, the lessons are clear. Citizens must take elections seriously, understand tools like the Recall Act, ask questions and hold leaders accountable. Neighbours must talk, stay
informed and remain engaged in their local government.
Duhamel said it took many years for Gibbons to reach the desperate state they are in today. If this unprecedented situation can happen to an amazing town like Gibbons, no community is immune
The Town of Gibbon's brand new elected town council and interim Chief Administrative Officer; (front L-R); Interim CAO Tim Duhamel, Mayor Rick Henderson, Councillor Ashley Morrison (back L-R): Councillor Darren Longstaff, Councillor Sharla St. Germain, Deputy Mayor Darrell Burack, Councillor Travis Currie and Councillor Robert Simonowits. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Former Councillor Amber Harris during one of many council meetings where she challenged the administration and fellow council members over improper borrowing bylaws.
- The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, February 4, 2026
