BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP For Sale: Common Seed Oats, Pony Oats and Barley
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County
Chronicle
Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking
Phone 780-688-3917 • 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,February March 23, 15, 127 Wednesday 162022, 2022Volume Volume 15Issue Issue
Split vote awards two campground contracts to single outside bidder Patricia Harcourt In a split vote, the tenders for operating both Camp Lake and Black Nugget Lake campgrounds were awarded to a single outside bidder. Two councillors wanted local contractors given the nod, but administration recommended a seasoned operator with several other campgrounds in the province due to the cost savings factor. The county had received two proposals to operate Camp Lake, four proposals to operate Black Nugget Lake, and one to operate both campgrounds. Susan Lungal of the community development department called the proposal by H.Y. Cleaning Services “the strongest proposal.” The candidate provided a tender on a three-year contract valued at $117,421.86 plus GST for Camp Lake, to be renegotiated to $71,587.57 “as timelines have changed.” The company also proposed a three-year contract valued at $129,164.04 plus GST, to be renegotiated to $97,518.32 “as timelines have changed.” “It’s still $100,000 cheaper for three years over the next bidder,” said Lungal, adding that H.Y. Cleaning Services had “great references.” “Beaver County would like to continue to make Camp Lake and Black Nugget Lake campgrounds premiere destinations,” she said. “Administration asks that council authorize administration to enter into a contract with H.Y. Cleaning Services as the operators/hosts for both Black Nugget Lake and Camp Lake campgrounds,” for the 2022-2024 camping seasons. Other tenders for Black Nugget Lake campground
came in from Northern Graphics, Double ‘B’ Wood Supply, and Vincent and Colleen Jensen; another Camp Lake bid also came in from Torpy Services. The proposal was opposed by both Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) and Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5). Pederson stated he had “concerns” that the lowest bidder “could get (the job) done for that amount (in the bid)…I do have questions and reservations about it.” Lungal responded by naming several places in the province where the company runs campgrounds, including Lloydminster, Grande Cache, and the M.D. of Grandview, adding the operators are given a four-star Google rating. As for references, anyone asked for them “had nothing bad to say,” she added. Hrabec stated that he “believes in having local (operators),” running the campgrounds, noting “there are four local bids with the experience.” Bigger outside companies have their own issues, he said, citing the county’s practice of hiring local gravel truck haulers. “I don’t support it,” he said. “We don’t have the whole package here…so it’s hard to make an assessment,” between the bidders. Hrabec told administration he “wants to see the whole attachments,” instead of just the one being recommended. Lungal offered to photocopy them and give them to him at the meeting. But Hrabec said: “I think we should have the full package here,” adding: “I support local.” He wanted to know how H.Y. Cleaning Services could
put in a bid of $100,000, which is $100,000 less than the next highest bidder which is local. “So it would cost $100,000 more,” said Pederson, who questioned the county’s scoring system that came up with those figures. “Dollar wise, that’s not the assessment of the tender. I don’t think that’s giving it the full credit,” he said, referring to the higher local bid. Hrabec also objected to administration being given “carte blanche” to negotiate without input from council. He then asked for a recorded vote on a motion made by Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) to accept administration’s recommendation and hire H.Y. Cleaning Services to operate both campgrounds for the next three years. Before voting, Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) offered another explanation why H.Y.’s bid could legitimately be so much lower than that of the other companies pursuing the contracts. “It’s cheaper to operate five campgrounds than it is one,” he said. “I take Councillor Hrabec’s point but it’s a significant amount of money,” in terms of differences in the bids. “And it seems to be a much better proposal…I will go with the non-local company considering the (financial) position.” Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) said he “would rather have it local if apples were apples…But there are significant differences in the value (between the two lowest bidders)…So it’s a tough decision.” The vote to hire the outside company passed 3-2 with Pederson and Hrabec opposed.
Seven organizations receive Community Support Grants for spring intake period Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council agreed to give seven recipients a Community Support Grant for the spring intake period, including three operating grants and four capital grants. For operating grants, the following were bestowed: $2,500 to the Beaverhill Bird Observatory, $2,500 to the Holden Junior Cattlemen Society, and $2,500 to the Tofield Golden Club. For capital grants, the following were bestowed: $2,500 to Friends of the St. John the Baptist Church Society, $2,500 to the Holden Agricultural Society, $2,500 to the Tofield 1988 Curling Club, and $2,500 to the Viking Community Wellness Society. All received $2,500, although Friends of St. John the Baptist requested $3,500, Holden Agricultural Society requested $3,293.85, and Viking Community Wellness Society had asked for $15,000. The total amount for this spring intake that was given out to local groups and organizations was $31,793.85, said Susan Lungal, community development officer. The spring intake deadline is February 28 and the fall deadline is September 30 to request funding. The budget set for this is $75,000. With council agreeing to the $2,500
funding for each of the seven groups for this spring, the total is $31,793.85. This leaves $43,206.15 for the September intake period, said Lungal. Each group requesting funding must outline what they intend to do with their requested amount. This spring, the following groups receiving funds are: - The Beaverhill Bird Observatory will host outdoor public events, publish monthly articles and chair the 2023 Snow Goose Festival, while partnering with the Tofield Library. - Friends of St. John the Baptist Church Society plan to use their funds to build up grave sites, grass cutting, the repair of older grave stone markers and door prizes. - Holden Agricultural Society will use their funds for roof repairs at the Holden Complex. - Holden Junior Cattlemen’s Society will use their funds as a platinum sponsor of the supreme champion female at the show, the purchase of mat carriers and operating expenses. - Tofield 1988 Curling Club will replace a broken oneinch steel shaft and bushings on a brine pump. - Tofield Golden Club wants the funds for everyday operations, and rebuilding and promoting the club, which has been affected by COVID-19 restrictions.
- Viking Community Wellness Society will use funding to pave 0.9 km of trail to complete a multi-use trail for use by the community.
2 - Beaver County Chronicle, March 23, 2022
County commits to $5,000 for Ukraine - answers Lamont County challenge Patricia Harcourt In light of the humanitarian and military crisis caused by Russian aggression in Ukraine, Beaver County Council has agreed to donate $5,000 in cash or supplies towards the beleaguered war-torn country. The suggestion came after a challenge made by Lamont County during the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) convention last week. Lamont County called for fellow municipalities to donate humanitarian aide to Ukraine. Assistant CAO Margaret Jones said it was a good time to find the funding as “there are lots of options,” as the county’s budget has yet to be finalized. “I would assume you would want it
to come from the tax levy,” she said. “And that comes from the people,” said Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1). Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) called it a “good interlude” and a chance for more communication between the county and Lamont County. Council noted that the Reeve of Lamont County gave an impassioned speech at the RMA regarding the Russian invasion of Ukraine, now in its fourth week. A motion by Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) for Beaver County to make the donation, and take the trip to Lamont County to deliver it in person, was passed. “So this is a fine gesture on behalf of Beaver County,” said Smook.
Claystone Waste e is a municipally con ntrolled corporation 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
Looking to move some merchandise? We pride ourselves on our ability to advertise and sell your items across a litany of online channels, reaching over 160,000 email subscribers and over 30,000 social media followers. Complete Auction and Liquidation Service. Farms, acreages, insurance companies, civil enforcements, receiverships, retailer downsizing, shelf pulls, private consignments and more.
The auction starts this April...
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
Tuesdays: Saturdays:
780. 0.71 718.79 7956
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 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
Lot of liquidation items in store at our new location in Viking, AB!
LIQUIDATIONS ! s u ’ R ‘ Contact 780-243-4324 Hours Friday & Saturday (11:30am - 6pm) Sunday (11:30am - 5pm) 5201 50 St., Viking T0B 4N0
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, March 23, 2022 - 3
Amended surface drainage bylaw passed as county prepares for spring Patricia Harcourt Beaver County passed an amended version of the Surface Drainage Bylaw in one sitting of council March 17 in order to have a regulatory tool in place for water and runoff issues this spring. The move was recommended by both community peace officer Rick Ells (Public Safety) and Assistant CAO Margaret Jones (Development). The bylaw “enables the county to investigate drainage-related complaints wherever the county has jurisdiction over drainage and water bodies,” states council’s report. “This applies primarily to the registered subdivisions in Division 1 and 2.” It included several changes to clarify issues within the document. However, some councillors still had questions on how the changes might be different from the original. Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5), who has raised questions on this issue in his division and helped precipitate the original bylaw, still had jurisdictional issues. For instance, does the county have the right-of-way in ditches
regarding water drainage and can the CPO issue a stop work order to prevent landowners from interfering with water flow. Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) suggested, “maybe question Alberta Environment before passing this amendment,” noting another amendment might have to be passed depending on the answers. Hrabec also noted that a letter received from Alberta Environment on this issue had told council that “it’s ours to look after.” But he noted that the letter ended by stating that Environment is the final arbiter. Interim CAO Rick McDonald didn’t agree with waiting. He pushed for passing the amended bylaw stating that the county needed “some teeth now because spring is coming and water is everywhere.” Instead, McDonald said the county could contact Alberta Environment and “ask what happens when there is overlap in jurisdiction,” regarding water drainage. Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) felt the bylaw was “a good start for us,” but wondered if Ells “was okay with enforcing this.”
Volunteer Income Tax Program
Jones replied that CPO Ells “had a number of reservations,” when attending the meetings with Environment. “I think it’s going to be a time will tell (scenario),” she said. Hrabec was less convinced: “Will this (bylaw) give us teeth when the water starts to run?” he asked. He said he had heard that the original bylaw “couldn’t do anything last time.” However, McDonald replied that council “could proceed as best we can. Every situation will be different…when dealing with landowners and water and where it’s going.” “I think it’s reasonable,” he said, of the bylaw. “We’re not (being) authoritarian here. We are protecting our infrastructure, it costs money to rebuild roads.” And Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) wanted to know if protection of county property was the criteria for making it “okay.” He also wondered if a farmer could sue if a county action caused the loss of a crop. Jones reassured him that the county “can’t be grossly negligent” in its actions and must “look at implications and try to talk to (affected) landowners.”
While voting on the readings, Hrabec said: “I would be opposed if it (the bylaw) weren’t so time sensitive,” stating that
Easter Party
“the CPO needs teeth,” to enforce regulations,” especially with the warmer weather on the way.
4 - Beaver County Chronicle, March 23, 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.
Employment Opportunity
Located in East Central Alberta, Beaver County is a leisurely drive 40 minutes east of Edmonton. The area offers a quality lifestyle with a unique blend of country and urban living. The County is home to the Towns of Tofield and Viking, the Villages of Ryley and Holden, and the Hamlets of Bruce and Kinsella. Throughout the seasons of the year there is so much to do in the County, with ample opportunities for tourism, recreation, heritage and culture. Local community groups and organizations deliver numerous programs and services that benefit the diverse population in the County. Information on the desired knowledge, education and experience for this position can be found on the County’s website at:
https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/careers Submit your cover letter and resume by referencing the competition number to:
Email: careers@beaver.ab.ca In-Person/ Mail: PO Box 140, 5120 50 Street, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 We thank all applicants for your interest. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Time to Upgrade Your Skills
Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca
Employment Opportunity
Located in East Central Alberta, Beaver County is a leisurely drive 40 minutes east of Edmonton. The area offers a quality lifestyle with a unique blend of country and urban living. The County is home to the Towns of Tofield and Viking, the Villages of Ryley and Holden, and the Hamlets of Bruce and Kinsella. Throughout the seasons of the year there is so much to do in the County, with ample opportunities for tourism, recreation, heritage and culture. Local community groups and organizations deliver numerous programs and services that benefit the diverse population in the County. Information on the desired knowledge, education and experience for this position can be found on the County’s website at:
https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/careers Submit your cover letter and resume by referencing the competition number to:
Email: careers@beaver.ab.ca In-Person/ Mail: PO Box 140, 5120 50 Street, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 We thank all applicants for your interest. Only those selected for interviews will be contacted.
Employment Opportunity