Council wrote off $351,998.12. in taxes which had previously been assessed to Clyde Oil & Gas.
Chief Financial Officer
Rodney Boyko told council June 9, the County had received notification from the County’s lawyers that the company was insolvent and they wouldn’t be able to collect the outstanding taxes on several properties in the County.
“We’re asking council to make a motion to write off those tax balances,” he said.
Lamont Emergency Services Chief Bo Moore reported to council on June 9, the County had been successful in receiving a mediation grant from the Province.
He suggested to council that prior to meeting with the urban communities in the County to negotiate a new funding model for Emergency Services, the County has a planning workshop with administration to work out a plan of action.
He suggested several dates.
Reeve Aaron Wick told council he would be
away at a petrochemical summit and couldn’t make either June 16 or 18 as a meeting date.
He said June 25 worked best for him.
Councillor Roy Anaka wasn’t available for June 25, which left council to meet on June 12.
Council agreed to meet June 12 beginning at 1 p.m. •••
At their regular June 9 council meeting Lamont County council made several appointments to the Lamont County Library Board.
Council reappointed members at large Lillian Sabo, to a term expiring Oct. 2028; Coleen Malica, to a term expiring in Oct. 2028; and Alison Green to a term expiring Oct. 2028. They also accepted the resignation from the board of Sara Barnard, whose term was expected to Oct. 2027.
•••
On June 9, county council was told there was flooding in the area of Star with one acreage flooding for the second time this year.
Division five councillor Neil Woitas said a resident had done some
track hoe work which resulted in one resident having to relocate her horses.
Woitas suggested the county open a ditch in the neighbourhood to see if it would alleviate the situation and the council accepted the report as information.
•••
At the June 9 council meeting, Division four Councillor Roy Anaka, reported the St. Michael Solid Waste commission had awarded a contract to Noyen Construction of Fort Saskatchewan to create a new cell for waste material at the site.
He said he expected work would begin on the project later in the summer.
•••
Lamont County will donate $250 to the Chipman July 1 Family Event. Council had previously donated to the event in the past.
The event has a budget of approximately $7,000 and features Bouncy toys, a parade, a variety of games and entertainment provided by local people. At the end of the day's events there will be a fireworks display.
Wahkotowin Indigenous Outdoor Market celebrates culture and community at EINP
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
The Wahkotowin Indigenous Outdoor Market brought culture, craftsmanship, and community together at Elk Island National Park on Saturday, June 6, as visitors gathered to support Indigenous artisans and celebrate National Indigenous History Month.
Held at the Historic Barn adjacent to the Wahkotowin Visitor Information Centre, the outdoor market featured more than 15 Indigenous
vendors offering a wide variety of handmade and traditional items.
Shoppers explored booths filled with intricate beadwork, handcrafted carvings, jewelry, artwork, traditional medicines, and bison tallow salves, along with many other unique creations.
The event highlighted the talent and entrepreneurship of local Indigenous artisans while providing visitors with an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous culture and traditions in
Alberta. June is recognized across Canada as National Indigenous History Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples.
Events such as the Wahkotowin Indigenous Outdoor Market help foster understanding, connection, and appreciation for Indigenous cultures and contributions.
Indigenous artists, Dustin Morin and Marisa Anderson, were busy beading on Saturday. Morin said he started by carving antlers and shells as a way to help his partner with her traditional beadwork. Anderson was putting the finishing beadwork on her daughter’s graduation cap. Photo by Melissa MacIntosh-Young
In answering a question regarding an update on the status of Rge Rd 200 and Twp Road 560, Woitas said they had been in communications with the Province hoping to acquire some grants to allow the County to upgrade the corner.
Peter Lysyk attended the meeting and asked more questions about compliance issues he has with Sil Minerals.
With the development officer in attendance, Lysyk said he had to bring the topic up again. He wondered if the company was ever inspected?
The development /planning officer said she had been on site and the company was in compliance.
But Lysyk wondered how the company could get an additional permit while not addressing the blowing sand and noise issues which have plagued his farm for years
Lysyk said he couldn’t examine any new plans because he wasn’t considered an adjacent landowner.
Much discussion took place regarding this problem and Lysyk was assured more discussions would take place between the company and the County to attempt and resolve the issues.
Another resident asked if Children at Play signs could be installed on Twp Rd 560.
“There’s several families with small children on the road now and with the transport trucks going into Graymont there’s a lot of traffic which makes it a dangerous situation.”
Public Works director Darby Dietz replied saying any resident could contact public works to have that style of signs put up.
Some drainage issues were discussed with residents wondering what
could be done.
Woitas said this year had been a tough year with a thaw freeze cycle in January which made it much tougher to try and steam culverts which might be blocked with ice.
Again, the resident asked if a proper survey could be taken to determine the natural flow of water in the area because she felt there were elevation issues in the ditches which caused flooding of surrounding land.
She added at her costs she was going to commission a study and survey to determine what the problem was.
“I don’t feel I should be doing this because it’s your (the County’s) ditch, but she wanted to try and get the flooding problem corrected.
Throughout the hourlong meeting drainage, culverts and road issues dominated the discussions.
Another topic that came up was rural crime. Several residents mentioned that fuel thefts were on the rise since the costs of buying gasoline and diesel had risen. Many mentioned that thieves were getting so brazen they were following fuel trucks and when they stopped to make a deliveries they were marking the location for a future theft.
Other questions regarded what was happening with the water line snd the councillors stated there really wasn’t any new information to present.
They were still waiting to see if there were customers for processed water prior to constructing the line.
Another question was asked regarding the hiring of a new Chief Administrative Officer and the group was told some interviews would begin in the next couple of weeks.
The crowd was also told the new CAO would be hired initially on a short term basis in order to make sure both CAO and the County were working on the same goals and working in a compatible manner.
It was
full room at the Bruderheim Fire Hall, June 10, when Lamont County Division Five Councillor Neil Woitas hosted Coffee with a Councillor. Roads and drainage issues were the main topics in a wide ranging discussion between all County councillors and about 50 to 60 residents.
Bruderheim Arena pilot program brings summer activity to the ice surface
BY MELISSA
MACINTOSH-YOUNG
A new June pilot program at the Karol Maschmeyer Arena in Bruderheim is helping keep the arena busy during the hockey off-season while giving residents new recreational opportunities.
The program features Rollerblading Hockey on Tuesday evenings and Pickleball on Thursdays throughout June.
Roller hockey sessions are being held June 8, 16 and 23, while pickleball takes place June 11, 18 and 25 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.
The first evening of roller hockey saw an impressive turnout of 19 participants hitting the arena floor. Bruderheim Councillor Arlie Young said the idea came from wanting to find more ways to utilize the arena space during the off-season months.
“We wanted to come up with ways to use the arena during hockey offseason,” said Young, adding that he had been approached by several residents interested in seeing more activities offered in the facility.
Young, who is hosting the Tuesday evening roller hockey sessions, said he was pleased with the strong turnout for the opening night and hopes participation continues to grow over the coming weeks.
“It was a great turnout,” he said. “Hopefully more people attend next week.”
The pilot program is giving residents of all ages another opportunity to stay active locally while
A summer pilot program at the Karol Maschmeyer Arena had an excellent, first night, turn out.
Photo by Melissa MacIntosh-Young
Mundare School hosts talent show for family and friends
Canada Strong pass opens door to affordable summer adventures for Alberta families
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Families across Alberta will have a chance to explore some of Canada’s top attractions for less this summer thanks to the new Canada Strong Pass program.
Running from June 19 to September 7, 2026, the program offers free and discounted access to national parks, museums, camping, and train travel across the country.
The initiative includes free admission to Parks Canada locations, free museum entry for children and teens 17 and under, and 50 per cent off museum admission for young adults aged 18 to 24.
BY GRANT JOHNSON
Mundare School was full of energy on May 27 as students took to the stage for a talent show in front of family and friends.
About 200 people packed into the school for
the event, starting with a pulled pork lunch prepared by staff before the performances got underway.
The show featured a wide mix of acts, including dancing, gymnastics, comedy, and more, giv-
Top 10 reasons to advertise in
ing students a chance to show off their skills and creativity.
Families can also take advantage of free VIA Rail travel for children 17 and under when travelling with a paying adult, along with 25 per cent off camping fees at participating Parks Canada campgrounds.
The discounts will be automatically applied at participating locations, making it easier for families to enjoy affordable summer adventures while exploring Alberta and the rest of Canada.
A number of Alberta destinations are included in the program, giving residents plenty of opportunities for road trips, camping getaways, and family outings throughout the summer months.
The event brought the community together for an afternoon of food, fun, and student talent.
Students spent weeks getting ready, practicing regularly after signing up about two months in advance. Their hard work paid off with confident performances and plenty of applause from the crowd.
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Talent Show Performers Right to left: Harper, Payton, Nora, Kalena, Adelynn, Hudson, Brooke, Maddox, Norah, Layla, Camilla, William, Donny, Elena.
Students, back row, Elena, Layla, (front row) Maddox, and William sing and dance to Benson Boone - Beautiful Things.
Seniors learn about elder abuse over hot dogs and hamburgers during lunches
BY JOHN MATHER
Last week was seniors’ week and Lamont County FCSS held lunches for the seniors throughout the County at Bruderheim, Lamont, St. Michael, Andrew and Mundare.
During each luncheon of hamburgers, hot dogs, and summer salads, Rural Elder Abuse Prevention manager, Loretta Kroeker, spoke to the group about elder abuse.
“Today I’m not giving you a two hour lecture, but instead telling you what we do in our neighbourhoods,” said Kroeker to begin her presentation.
“It really makes me reassured when I see this sized crowd coming out enjoying life and quietly looking out for one another.”
She said what she was learning was that a number of years ago people, primarily children or other relatives, would try to get power of attorney or take over the family land but neighbours might become aware of this and quickly intervene because it was an extraordinary situation.
“But now when you have a good friend and they have their son or daughter who have moved back home and you feel you don’t have to pay as close attention to them because they
have a family member living with them,” explained Kroeker. “That is the biggest red flag there is.”
She said 99 per cent of the elder abuse she had witnessed over the last little period of time had been when family members moved back in with their parents.
“They t have no job, no prospect of a job and no savings,” she said. “Suddenly it’s, ‘Mom, can I borrow your card to put gas in my car’ or ‘Dad, can I get some money from you so I can buy a pack of smokes?’ … I mean really?”
She said this evolves into the children seeking power of attorney and the children saying this would allow them to look after them better.
She said she would hope these elders would stay in touch with their friends or vice versa, but she added before getting worried about whether there is any elder abuse happening, people have to know who to contact if that is suspected.
“You can ask at Lamont FCSS or you could ask at the Vegreville Hospital or St. Mary’s,” she told the group in Mundare to get to know them because they might be able to point you in the right direction.”
She said find out where the resources are and
what is available.
Once the seniors are aware of the resources, then they can confide with the neighbours and they can suggest who to phone and even offer to go with their friend to an appointment.
“When you talk about being isolated, why do we not get involved?”she asked.
She said it was because they have grown up in a generation where people tended to mind their own business.
“We don’t want to interfere with other people. We don’t know what to say. Well you start just by listening,” she said. “Don’t accuse anyone, but listen, listen and listen and from there you can gently suggest they may need to seek some professional help from an agency.”
She said just being a friend and quietly looking out for one another, we could eliminate elder abuse, although she admitted its a huge ongoing issue..
“If looking out for each other would put me out of a job, that wouldn’t necessarily be a bad thing,” she quipped, indicating she was past retirement age.
“Just remember ... listen, observe and be prepared.”
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The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, June 17, 2026
