B LEANING C CO O--OP OP BEAVER EAVER C COUNTY OUNTY SEED CLEANING For Sale: Common Seed Oats, Closed June 24th – August 26th Look forward to seeing in the fall! Pony Oats andyou Barley
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County
Chronicle
Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking
Phone AB Phone780-688-3917 780-688-3917 • • Holden, Holden, AB
The Beaver County
Hubert & Margaret Graham Parts, Sales & Service Bus: 780-663-3759 Res: 780-662-2384 Fax: 780-663-3799
ryalta@digitalweb.net 5108 - 50th St. Ryley, AB., T0B 4J0
A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, July 20,16 2022, Volume 15,15 Issue 29 7 Wednesday February 2022 Volume Issue
Kurek visits council Patricia Harcourt Damien Kurek exchanged viewpoints and answered questions with Beaver County Council at the regular meeting July 6. The Battle River-Wainwright MP explained his reason for attending council that day: “My philosophy in politics is to continue a conversation,” with his constituents. He then outlined a number of services to help municipalities through his office as a Member of Parliament, adding that any way he can assist he is “happy to do so,” with both municipalities and constituents. Kurek has constituency offices in Camrose and Consort, and well as the one in Ottawa. He welcomed council to “reach out” to see if he can assist the municipality, adding :”There’s no harm in asking.” Switching to “policy matters,” he cited challenges in rural infrastructure and housing in more rural areas of the country, including East Central Alberta. Rural crime was also brought up with the possibility of a provincial police service in Alberta changing the RCMP’s federal policing role. Kurek is re-introducing a rural crime bill that died on the order paper last year with the federal election call. He said the bill was to address police response times, the nature of rural crime, policing staff numbers, and what is being called a “revolving door” for criminals who get arrested but are soon back on the streets to commit more crimes. “Rural connectivity remains an issue,” he said, referring to how the COVID-19 pandemic
has “made technology more important.” He added: “Rural Alberta is significantly further apart than the rest of Canada,” in terms of physical space. The technology of communication needs to improve if people are to move into rural areas. “People are coming back and rural properties are considered more affordable,” he said, than other more urban areas of the country. Last November Kurek was appointed the Deputy Shadow Minister for Rural Economic Development and Rural Broadband Strategy in Canada’s Official Conservative Opposition, working under Shadow Minister for these two portfolios, Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs. “Rural punches far above its weight but it doesn’t get reflected in the funds and programs,” he said, given out by the federal government. “We simply don’t get our fair share. “Small and rural municipalities across Canada face many of the same challenges,” he said, adding the rural economic shadow office sent out a letter to every municipality under 20,000 population. This was about 6,000 municipalities ranging from villages to small cities, he said. “We have had an encouraging response,” he said, which “amplifies their voices.” For example, rural Quebecers have the same issues with rural crime and the need for infrastructure upgrades, such as wastewater facilities. “Regardless of what the political representation is the municipalities share some of the same concerns,” he said, as in rural
Alberta. He and Stubbs “are looking to ensure allocations are being made for these smaller municipalities and rural areas.” During a question and answer session, Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) spoke of “how the federal government is dealing with federal regulations,” that are “made by people who don’t understand agricultural issues.” Referring to the problems of the supply chain and supply and demand, he said: “We’re providing food to the world and government taxes us which drives up costs,” naming fertilizer and gas prices (that include a tax) and are rising “due to federal regulations.” Hrabec gave two examples of areas in which the federal government fails to understand agriculture issues. “Don’t label my beef,” he said, referring to the federal government’s recent attempt to label beef as a food product harmful to human health. Since then, this labelling of hamburger and beef products as unhealthy was dropped based on a great outcry from the agriculture community. Hrabec is a cattle farmer in the county. The other regulation concerned pest control products farmers use on their land to keep pests down. Hrabec said this inability to control pests “may be cutting the food supply,” at a time when crops in places like war-torn Ukraine are struggling. Kurek said he was going to “get political” about his response to those comments. “Our national (Liberal) government is incompetent at best and Continued on Page BCC3
gathering of the
clans Highland Festival Saturday, August 20 Sedgewick, AB GENERAL SCHEDULE 10am - Gates Open 11am - Opening Ceremonies 11:30am - Scheduled Entertainment Begins (including heavy events) 3:30pm - Closing Ceremonies & Mass Band 5pm - Pig Roast Supper 7:30pm - Ceillidh (dance) Ticket Options: Gate Admission or All Day Package (includes gate admission, supper and ceilidh) Visit our website for tickets and more info: www.flagstaffscottishclub.com/gotchf
Tofield Minor Soccer would like to say thank you to the Tofield Tim Hortons for donating jerseys and soccer balls! We couldn’t have done this season without you!
2 - Beaver County Chronicle, July 20, 2022
NOW HIRING
Wild Rose
Wild Rose Co-op has the following career opportunities available at the following locations: Claystone Waste e is a municipally con ntrolled corporation
Sales Agronomist Camrose/Tofield Full-Time For full information, to apply for this position, or to view other current positions, please go to:
www.wildroseco-op.crs and click the Careers tab Join our Team!
established in 20 20 by the Town of Viking, Vikin 2020 ng Town of Tofield Tofield, Village of Ryley, Village of Holden and Beaver County. Claystone Waste is committed to being a responsive community partner and to operating with the highest standards of environmental and operational excellence in the delivery of waste management services. Claystone Waste operates the following facilities:
Beave ver Regional Landfill 50117 17 Ran ange Ro Road 17 173
780. 0.663. 3.2038
The Beaver Regional Landfill is open six days a week, k, Monday to Saturday. It is an engineered, sanitary class 2 landfill that
accepts municipal solid waste from Beaver County and the surrounding municipalities, as well as significant volumes of class 2 non-hazardous industrial wastes. In addition to the regional landfill, Claystone Waste operates five transfer stations. County residents can bring bagged household garbage, e, and other dry waste, such as broken chairs, furniture, e, mattresses and scrap wood for disposal. The location and hours for each transfer station is noted below:
Kinsella Transfer Station 46418 18 Ran ange Ro Road 113 13
x x
Wednesdays: Fridays:
780. 0.663. 3.2038
11:00 am to 5:00 pm 11:00 am to 5:00 pm
Viking Transfer Station 12503 To Town wnship ip 480
x x
Lougheed Agricultural Society
99th ANNUAL FAIR
• Bench Exhibits • Ball •Children’s Entertainment • Food • Beer Gardens •Vendors • Show ‘N Shine • Supper at Hall (starts at 5pm) • Outdoor Dance (at Ball Grounds) Gate entry: y Adults $10. Students $5. 5&under Free. General Info: Iris Williams 780-385-0752 Baseball: John Snethun 780-385-5844 Parade Entries: Stacey Williams 780-385-4703 Car Show: John Routledge 780-386-2289
10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Tofield Transfer Station 51032 32 Ran ange Ro Road 191
x x x
Wednesdays: Fridays: Saturdays:
780. 0.662. 2.27 2731
10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Lindbrook Transfe fer Station
Saturday, August 6 • Pancake Breakfast 8-10 am (at Seniors Centre) •Parade 10 am (theme 99) •Horse Show • Cattle Show
Tuesdays: Saturdays:
780. 0.71 718.79 7956
51008 Ran ange Ro Road 201 x x x
Tuesdays: Thursdays: Saturdays:
780.662. 2.270 704
10:30 am to 5:30 pm 11:30 am to 6:30 pm 10:30 am to 5:30 pm
Ryley Transfe fer Station 50117 17 Ran ange Ro Road 17 173
x x x x x x
Mondays: Tuesdays: Wednesdays: Thursdays: Fridays: Saturdays and STATS*:
780. 0.663. 3.2038
9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 4:30 pm 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
* Pl Please note te th that all tr transfe fer sta tati tions ex excep ept fo for th the Ryl yley Tr Transfe fer Sta tati tion are re clo losed on Sta tatu tuto tory ry holid idays ys.
Administration Offices 50117 17 Ra Range Ro Road 17 173 (S (Secon onda dary Hi Highwa way 854) 4) 780. 0.663. 3.2038
Box ox 32 322 Ry Ryley, y, AB T0B 0B 4A 4A0
Toll Fr Free 1. 1.855. 5.22 221. 1.2038
Administration offices are open Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 4:00 pm and are closed from 12:00 to 1:00 pm.
Beaver County Chronicle, July 20, 2022 - 3
Kurek Continued from BCC1 truly ignorant on every front.,” he said. “It has a significant impact. “The entire supply chain is impacted by increasing costs,” he said, with fertilizer doubling in price. And the government intention to ban the poison strychnine affects “the long term ability to control pests in our fields,” he said. “The problem is application and proper use not the chemical itself.” Kurek blamed an “activist agenda” on the part of Health Canada for the now failed attempt to label ground beef as unhealthy. “Canadians objected,” stating that “beef is not a problem,” he said, and “the government took a step back.” He noted that “the Liberals were hearing from their constituents that it was not a good idea… They did backtrack.” Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) brought up the issue of declining numbers of people living in the county, resulting in fewer young peo-
ple using the schools. “So many houses are available for reasonable prices in the rural areas,” replied Kurek, which could bring in young families to live and use the schools in the county. “We need to remove the barriers in coming back to the rural area, or coming to live in the first place,” he said. “And we need to show how the quality of life is in the rural areas.” Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) questioned the definition of a rural municipality as 20,000 people, saying this number “is too high for me.” Bruce felt more emphasis should be placed on the jurisdictions with 2,000 people, because these are the ones “with their foot on a banana peel” due to depopulation. He said that successive governments have promised to help rural areas but have failed to do so while rail lines and rural elevators were lost, and regional seed plants “are rutting up rural roads,” referring to the large grain trucks that travel to and from them. The end of the Wheat Board by the previous Conservative government also helped to “decimate small towns,” he
said, adding he would like to see federal offices established in rural areas to provide jobs. Kurek replied that he remembered rail lines being pulled up in his home town, and is now working with that same town to invest in a short line rail for the area. He said there is “significant promise” in value added industries being established in rural areas, such as protein crops from peas and lentils. He said the “official definition” of rural areas is a population of 200,000. “We scaled it back to 20,000,” he said, for the purposes of their letter. He agreed that the rural areas “haven’t got their share of the discussion federally,” with 10 per cent of people living outside the major urban centres. But there is a ‘slight uptick’ from people moving back to their roots. “But you’re right, policy is important,” said Kurek. “There’s not a silver bullet but there are a whole bunch of things…to help move things in the right direction.” Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) asked if the Keystone XL pipeline project, which was killed by U.S.
President Joe Biden, could possibly be brought back. “No, not for lack of trying,” said Kurek, adding the pipeline was cancelled “with very poor justification” in the middle of an energy crisis. “Keystone would have exported 800,000 barrels per day,” much more than the 200,000 barrels per day the U.S. received from Russia. “The Liberal government is unwilling to bring the issue back,” said Kurek, and Biden has refused as well. “We have lacklustre support for Canada to meet global energy needs,” he said, noting that “energy investment is not attractive anymore in Canada leading to a less stable world.” Kurek also predicts that “a world food crisis is coming,” at a time when a lot of canola is being used for bio energy instead of food. He called Keystone a “no brainer that has been rejected outright (and) speaks to how far investor confidence has fallen.” Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) told Kurek about the failures of the Canada Summer Jobs Program and the frustrations around five years
of trying to get CN Rail whistle cessation for trains going through Bruce and Lindbrook. “It’s been very frustrating,” he said. “We will reach out to figure out where things are at,” said Kurek, noting there have been “change overs in government relations at both national railways…I will certainly look into it and try to help.” As for the Canada Summer Jobs Program, Kurek said he has “heard from across the country about problems with this…We have been looking for and trying to get answers.” But he did note that there have been “significantly more applications in the rural municipalities and organizations. “This year has been very frustrating…During COVID it was more streamlined. But your comments are well founded, it’s not unique. There were fewer (applications) accepted in Battle River Crowfoot…Fewer successful applications and fewer dollars provided.” Smook replied that CN told the county the whistle cessation could go through in the fall. “But the length of time is too long,” he said.
Phone: (780) 663-3730 Beaver County Service Centre Fax: (780) 663-3602 5120 - 50 Street Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 Monday to Friday www.beaver.ab.ca 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca
2022 Construction Schedule
Range Road 182 and 195 Construction Update
Range Road 182 and 195 Construction Update The soil stabilizing for the road base with soil cement is now complete. We will soon be starting the first layer of chip seal and there may be delays as work crews direct traffic in order to work safely. There will be many loose rocks after the chip seal layer is applied and speed limits will be reduced on these roads once opened until the project is complete. During this construction phase, portions of the road may be closed to allow crews to work safely please use another route, detours will be posted or be cautious when you need to drive through construction zones (local traffic only). Beaver County’s goal is to provide a healthy, injury free work environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and general public. Already this year we have had people exceeding the posted speed limit through our construction zones, endangering staff, contractors and the public. There are potential hazards to the public and vehicles during the construction process. This can include heavy machinery, dust or mud, road material such as gravel, asphalt coatings and rock chips. We apologize for the inconvenience that road maintenance and upgrading causes, but the same roads that receive the most traffic also need the most maintenance. Thank-you for your patience and understanding during construction. If you have any questions, please call the Beaver County Service centre at 780-663-3730.
4 - Beaver County Chronicle, July 20, 2022
Beaver County Service Centre 5120 - 50 Street Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca
Employment Opportunities
Planning and Development Services
DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
Beaver County is currently seeking to fill an employment position in the Planning Department.
Competition No: 010-2022 The Development Officer is responsible for processing and deciding upon applications for development permits, processing applications for statutory plan amendments, and receiving and processing subdivision applications for the decision of the Subdivision Authority. The incumbent may also provide clerical and technical assistance related to land use development, subdivision, and other planning matters. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Accept, process, and decide upon all permitted and discretionary use applications • Prepare subdivision application decisions for signature by the Subdivision Authority • Inspect application sites prior to making a decision • Maintains a development and subdivision application/decision database • With the support of the Community Peace Officer, ensure compliance and enforcement of development decisions, regulations, and approval conditions • Issue compliance certificates • Defend decisions to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board • Process road closure applications and administer lease of County-owned property • Liaise with safety codes inspection agency regarding coordination of development and safety codes permits, and lead annual audit within the region QUALIFICATIONS: • Certification in Applied Land Use Planning and/or related education, or equivalent experience. Prior related experience in a Municipal setting is considered an asset. • Working knowledge of the Municipal Government Act and related regulations and policies. Prior related experience in a Municipal setting is considered an asset. • Proficient in computer skills (MS Office) and a willingness to learn new technology, as needed. • Excellent communication and interpersonal skills. Position Details: Position Type: Full-Time permanent (35 hours/week) Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:15 am. – 4 :30 p.m. (some evenings and weekends required) Salary: Based on skills and experience – provide salary expectations with application Closing date: August 2, 2022, or until a suitable candidate is found. ————————————————————————————————————————————
EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT - LEGISLATIVE SERVICES Reporting to the Manager of Legislative Services, the Executive Assistant – Legislative Services provides administrative support for the Reeve and Council, the Chief Administrative Officer, and the Manager of Legislative Services. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: • Ensures timely and accurate preparation and follow-up of Council and Committee meeting notices, agendas, and minutes. Attends regular meetings and other meetings when requested. • Coordinates all set-up for Council, Committee, and other meetings as requested, including technological needs, A/V recordings, delegations, and public hearings. • Provides administrative support to the Reeve and Councillors, including special events and RSVPs. • Provides administrative support to the Chief Administrative Officer and Manager of Legislative Services, including research and preparation of correspondence and reports. • Responds to public inquiries and ensures timely and accurate communication of executive and legislative matters to the public through various mediums. • Assists with the administration of elections, Council orientations, and appeal board hearings. • Adheres to applicable responsibilities outlined in the Beaver County Health and Safety Policy. QUALIFICATIONS: • Minimum of 3 years’ experience in an office administrative role, preferably in a local government setting • Demonstrated experience providing support to senior/executive staff and Council in a confidential capacity • Experience with preparation of agendas and minute-taking • Working knowledge of the Municipal Government Act, Local Authorities Election Act, and Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Willingness to achieve FOIP certification. POSITION DETAILS: • Position Type: Full-time permanent (35 hours/week) • Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, 8:15 am – 4:30 pm (some evenings and weekends required) Closing date: July 22, 2022 or until a suitable candidate is found.
Until this position is filled, the County has entered into an agreement with Municipal Planning Services (MPS) to assist, in the short term, with services related to development permits and subdivision applications. When landowners phone in to the Beaver County Service Centre, calls will be directed to MPS through our voicemail system. MPS will be able to answer questions and enquiries regarding the application process as well as working with landowners to ensure that all necessary paperwork is completed. In-person services at the Beaver County Service Centre will be limited during this time; however, we will continue to ensure that the appropriate person answers all enquiries.
Community Events Bruce Stampede Weekend July 29 - 31st, 2022 Friday July 29, ABRA Jackpot Watch our competitors Turn & Burn as they run a pattern around the barrels and aim for the fastest time! 5:00pm & 7:00pmMinimal concession available Saturday July 30, Mule Race Cheer on the mules and their riders in this head-to-head race! Kicks off local rodeo at 12:30pm Local Rodeo Join us to cheer on our local amateur kids and adults as they compete in different rodeo events. $10 admission, kids 12 years and under are FREE. Starts after Mule Race at 12:30pm. CPRA Slack Runs Want to get a sneak peek at the timed events? You can cheer on the slack performance at 6:00pm. Free of charge! Entertainment. Beer Gardens and Dance with 'Up All Night'. No minors allowed. $10 per person. Entertainment to start at 9:00pm.
Sunday, July 31st Pancake Breakfast Family friendly pancake feasts at both the Rodeo Grounds & the Bruce Community Centre (located on the north side of Bruce) 7:30 – 10:00am Grand Parade Main Street, Bruce prizes for best entries! No pre-entry required! Judging for entries is at 9:00am at the Bruce Community Centre. Parade begins at 10:00am. Gospel Service Christian Cowboys Gospel Service at the Rodeo Grounds. 11:00am Horseshoe Tournament Bring a teammate or we will find one for you. CPRA Pro Rodeo Come cheer on our CPRA entries as they compete in 10 different Pro Rodeo Events. $20 per person at the gate, kids 12 and under are FREE! Rodeo starts at 1:00pm
Tofield Western Days August 11-14th, 2022 Thursday, August 11, 2022 Bull Bash Ticket $20.00 Adult /$10 – Ages 10-17 yrs.Cabaret Thursday Night only $10 – Tickets at the door Saturday, August 13 & Sunday August 14th Rodeo – Adult ticket $10 / $6 Ages 6-16 yrs. Saturday Night Dance
August 13th – Live Band Adult only $20 To purchase tickets visit: https://payment.optionpay.ca /town-of-tofield/index.php Rodeo and Bull Bash tickets will need to be purchased in separate transactions.
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More detailed position profiles are available on the County website at
https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/careers Submit your cover letter and resume, by referencing the name of the position, to the following email: careers@beaver.ab.ca Applications can also be submitted in-person or by mail, attention Human Resources, to: Beaver County – Human Resources PO Box 140 5120 50 Street Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 Beaver County is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to a non-smoking policy in its working environment. Beaver County also has a comprehensive and active safety program. Drivers abstract will be required for successful applicants. Beaver County thanks all applicants for your interest however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Camping at Black Nugget Lake or Camp Lake Need to slow down, come together over a shared, lazy camping activity. Spend time at one of Beaver County’s municipally owned Campgrounds; Black Nugget Lake Park or Camp Lake Park. When was the last time you camped out under the stars and shared your best fireside ghost story? Built a sand castle on the beach, went for a leisurely boat ride, kayaked/canoed in the lake, cooked over the open fire? Nothing beats the feeling you get when you learn to let yourself go, let your hair down and laugh aloud. Plan a beach/lake vacation, weekend getaway, or outdoor adventure. It could include relaxing in the sun, visiting friends, a stroll around the lake at Black Nugget, splashing in the waves at the beaches in Camp Lake. Alternatively, play volleyball, basketball, or enjoy the playground with tetherball. Hiking trails, bird watching - migratory waterfowl and wildlife abound. Both are family orientated and quiet. At each campground, you will find a small convenience store with ice cream, firewood, flushable toilets, and showers, fire pits and picnic tables, campground host on site 24/7. Plan your trip, pack your bags, and truly enjoy your stay. Book your reservations at https://campreservations.ca/