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Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking

Phone 780-688-3917• Holden, • Holden, Phone 780-688-3917 ABAB

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, May 4, 16 2022, Volume 15, 15 Issue 18 7 Wednesday February 2022 Volume Issue

County pursuing program to take advantage of energy efficiency Patricia Harcourt Beaver County will continue to pursue the implementation of the Clean Energy Improvement Program (CEIP) after discussions April 20. A motion was passed that council direct administration regarding continued participation in CEIP including the formation of a county bylaw on this matter. Once this takes place, the county would ask for funding from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities to help with administrative costs. Ethan Forrest, finance intern, informed council that currently there are two municipalities running a CEIP program. “Beaver County is slated to start (CEIP) in the late summer or early fall,” he added. Deputy Reeve Hrabec (Division 3), who spearheaded the project in the county, noted that few small communities under 10,000 population are participating. “It would be quite innovative to be on the program,” he said, adding that he believed there would be “a real benefit at the base level for a program like this.” Hrabec said that, “the writing is on the wall” regarding federal govern-

ment expectations, who felt it would “be a benefit to local contractors.” “Does it have to be contracted out or can someone do (the work) themselves,” asked Division 4 Councillor Barry Bruce. Forrest replied that a person must apply through the program and the application approved, but he would have to check into Bruce’s question. When Division 2 Councillor Lionel Williams asked what kind of improvements qualify for the program, Forrest said: “Anything renewable energy,” referring to solar panels, high efficiency appliances, insulation, calling it “a pretty broad criteria.” However, one criteria a project must meet is that it improves the energy efficiency of the house. If someone wishes to buy a property which has been part of the program, the buyer also inherits the payments as they continue to reap the benefits of the improvements. Residents would pay the money borrowed from the program through an increase on the tax levy of the amount owed. And criteria is established regarding who is eligible to participate in the program, a move designed to

keep the number of people who can’t pay their debt to a minimum. Bruce wanted to the maximum allowed to borrow through the program, and Forrest answered that the county “can set a maximum on how high it wants it to be,” noting that “repayment can be over the life span of the improvement,” citing a new furnace as an example. These issues can be set out in the bylaw, he said, and the repayment period can be reduced if the county wishes to do that. Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson wanted to know which municipalities are already on the program and how it was working out for them. The answer was Rocky Mountain House and Devon and “are doing well” as the first two communities doing this, said Forrest. Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) wanted to know if rental properties could participate, but Forrest said that only residential, non-residential and farmland properties are currently eligible. The program “hopes to open it up in the next couple of years,” he said. Bruce noted that the price of gas has tripled in the last year. “I see a real big incentive for people

starting to save money,” he said, on energy efficiency. “It could become popular very quickly.” In his report to council, Forrest stated: “The Municipal Government Act authorizes municipalities to establish a Clean Energy Improvement Program (CFEP) and borrow funds on behalf of participating landowners so that these taxpayers can initiate projects on their property that will increase energy efficiency or the use of renewable energy. “The project costs are tied to the property rather than the individual and these costs are collected through property taxes over an extended period of time.” The Alberta Municipal Services Corporation (AMSC), a subsidiary of Alberta Municipalities, is the program administrator and decides the types of improvements eligible for funding, plus a list of qualified contractors to do the work. Beaver County would have to enter into an agreement with AMSC to administer the program. The county’s primary responsibility is to obtain money to fund the program. The council has asked that the county go to the Federation of Canadian Municipalities as a source for this funding.

County Council accepts year-end audited statements Patricia Harcourt Beaver County Council met with MNP LLP auditors to peruse the 2021 financial statements together at the county’s April 27 regular meeting. Attending the meeting were Benji WaserTahner Bower, who made a power point presentation during the presentation. Questions and discussion came up about whether or not to include amortization, which Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) said “comes up every year…If you take (amortiza-

tion) out it changes the bottom line,” making that $2.7 million under budget. “Why not include it so it comes out balanced?” asked Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3). “Some municipalities do,” came the response, suggesting that administration could look to see if it could be included “so it lines up better” budget-wise. But Director of Finance Ed Bujownicz said the county does its calculations “In accordance with generally accepted municipal practices,”

which comes from the guidance of Municipal Affairs. And Legislative officer Margaret Jones (Assistant CAO), cited to council the section of the Municipal Government Act “which says amortization is not included,” she said. Council heard that salaries, wages and benefits make up 28 per cent of the budget, and that uncollectable taxes amounts have improved - from 3.3% of taxes in 2019, to 3.2% in 2020, and then down to 2.7% in 2021. There has also been a “significant increase in deferred revenue,” or

$988,000. This is mostly attributable to Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding being carried over as capital funding to help out in future years when that source of revenue is dropped by the province. Council also heard that net financial assets were up over 2019, and the county had an accumulated surplus of $82 million as of December 31, 2021. Council agreed to accept the audited statements as presented on a motion by Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 4, 2022

LAMONT COUNTY • 15,000 sq ft Industrial

Shop built on 42.8 acres in Lamont County adjacent to town of Lamont. There is an approximately 15 acres of gravelled yard with partial chain link fencing located at 195043 HWY 29 Lamont County. Price: $3,175,000 • East ½ NW-34-53-18 W4 80 acres of pasture located 182043-TWP RD 540 Lamont County. Price: $125,000 • W4-18-53-11-NE 160 acres pasture on RR 181 between TWP RD 530 and 532 Lamont County. Price: $230,000 • W4-18-53-11-SE 159.88 acres pasture on RR 181 between TWP RD 530 and 532 Price: $230,000 • W4-18-54-18-NW 2 parcel farm 158.48 acres 130 ± acres of grain cultivation 3 bedroom house. Property has gas, power, well, septic with aerial discharge, Dug out and a shop Price: $850,000

SOLD

FARM LAND IN CHIPMAN

SOLD

• SW ¼ 30-54-18-W4 (North ½) 78.83 acres fenced pasture land. Price: $140,000 • SW ¼, 30-54-18-W4 (South ½)- 72.12 acres Fenced pasture land. Price: $130,000 • NW ¼ 30-54-18-W4 144.67 acres fenced pasture with 50± acres was cultivated. Price: $360,000

TWO HILLS COUNTY RECREATION LAND • W4-12-55-27 NW 146 acres with 1/2-mile frontage on the North Saskatchewan River. HWY 29 and RR 123 50± acres of cultivation power at property Nicely treed lot for a building site. Price: $350,000 BEAVER COUNTY (BRUCE AREA) • NE 1/4 13-49-14 W4 160 acres of hay land. RR 140 and TWP RD 494. Price: $300,000 • NE 1/4 24-49-14 W4 160 acres of pasture land. RR 140 between TWP RD 492 and 494. Price: $250,000 STRATHCONA COUNTY

SOLD SOLD

• SW Part of NW –23 –53 –23 –W4 40.55 acres North of Highway 16 on Range Road 232 in proposed medium industrial zoning with CP rail line at the border of the property. Price: $7,200,000 • Parts of SW and SE-7-53-22 W4 located at HWY 21 and Lakeland Drive 63.62 acres of development land with HWY 21 exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price: $6,000,000

SPRING LAR RGE ITEM PROGRAM SET TO START The spring Th i llarge it item program is i jjustt around d the th t corner. In I the th past, t regular garbage was put out for collection, instead of large items ˦˨˖˛ ˔˦ ˦ˢ˙˔˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˪˔˦˛˜ˡ˚ ˠ˔˖˛˜ˡ˘˦ʡ ʽ˨˦˧ ˔ ˥˘ˠ˜ˡ˗˘˥Ϟif it fits in the waste bin in your alley, please put your items for disposal in there. ˇ˛˜˦ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˔ˠ ˜˦ ˢˡ˟ˬ ˙ˢ˥ ˟˔˥˚˘ ˜˧˘ˠ˦ ˧˛˔˧ ˗ˢˡϠ˧ ˙˜˧ʡ We started a new process last fall and will continue with this method for collecting large items in each of the municipalities. The dates for each of the municipalities are as follows:

Monday, May 2 to Thursday May 5ϞHamlet of Bruce No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located:

Community Hall (2 bins) Lift Station (1 bin)

Thursday, May 12ϞTown of Viking Curbside pick up, large items must be on the streetϞnot on your lawn or driveway.

Monday, May 16 to Thursday May 19ϞVillage of Ryley No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located:

Old carwash beside Village OfficeϞ50 Office 50 St & 50 Ave Truck stop area close to the cardboard binϞ5 51 St & 50 Av Ave Trailer park close to the 4 yd binsϞ53 St & 52 Ave Grassy area north end of Village on 57 Ave e between 49 & 50 St.

Thursday, May 26ϞTown of Tofield Curbside pick up, large items must be on the strreetϞnot on your lawn or driveway

Monday, May 30 toThursday, June 2ϞVillage of Holde en No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located:

Empty lot at 5024Ϟ50 St Gazebo Park entrance located on 51 St. ʵ˘˦˜˗˘ ʵ˘˔˩˘˥ ʶˢ˨ˡ˧ˬϠ˦ ʧˬ˗ ˕˜ˡ˦ ˢˡ ʧʫ ˆ˧ʡ West side of Public Works shop at 4920Ϟ4 48 Ave

Rural residents can take their large items to our transfer stations year round. Check our website to see wh hich large items are acceptable at which location. There is a $25 charge for Freon-containing items. i Please contact your local Town/Village office to purchase collection stickers.

These are not large items

Incorrec ctly placed on grass

Put in into waste bin in in in nearb rby alley y

Put o out on the str treet

If you have questions about what items are being collected through this program, please call 780.663.2038, extension 102 or ask for the Collections Department. Alternatively please email

info@claystonewaste.com. Toll Free: 1.855.221.2038 Ph: 780.663.2038 50117 Range Road 173 (Secondary Highway 854) Box 322, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0

Ryley Landfill Hours: Weekdays 9:00 am - 4:30 pm; Saturdays / STATS 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Closed Sundays NOTE: customers must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing; Administration Offices closed from 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Lindbrook k Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Thurs 11:30 am - 6:30 pm; Sat 10:30 - 5:30 pm

Tofield Transfer Station Hours: Wed, Fri and Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Viking Transfer Station Hours: Norman Hill

Steven Hill

Lauren Hill

780-449-5622 | nhill01@telus.net www.hillrealty.ca

Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Kinsella Transfer Station Hours: Wed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fri 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Beaver County Chronicle, May 4, 2022 - 3

Ukraine Fundraiser @ the Ryley Legion - 5121 50th St.

Live band at the Royal Canadian Legion Ryley Branch #192 featuring the OFF

Residential Sub-Division Lot

RAMP BOYS

reduction rredu red eedduction ifif purchased purchased inin May May ‘22 ‘22 reduction red re eductiioon ifif purchased purc rchased inin June June ‘22 ‘22 Lots for the new Sub-Division are currently for sale through: Royal LePage Rose Country Realty Ltd.(780-608-8180)

Coldwell Banker Battle River Realty (780-385-8795)

Economic Development Week Proclamation

Saturday, May 21, 2022 Doors open @ 7:00 pm FREE ADMISSION!

HELP WANTED

After School/Summer Student The Tofield Mercury is looking to hire a high school student as an Office/Production Assistant. Days/hours would be: Mon. to Fri. 3:30 pm to 5 pm. More hours will be available during the summer. Please email your resume to: adsmercury@gmail.com or stop by the office 5312 - 50 Street, Tofield. Any questions, please phone Lisa at 780-662-4046.

Culture Days

PROCLAMATION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT WEEK May 9 - May 13, 2022 WHEREAS, the International Economic Development Council is the largest professional economic development organization dedicated to serving economic developers; and WHEREAS, for almost 50 years, Economic Developers Alberta has been Alberta’s leading economic development network, committed to advancing the economic development profession by providing resources, professional development and networking opportunities; and WHEREAS, economic developers promote economic well-being and quality of life for their communities by creating, retaining, and expanding jobs that facilitate growth, enhance wealth, and provide a stable tax base; and WHEREAS, economic developers stimulate and incubate entrepreneurism in order to help establish the next generation of new businesses, which is the hallmark of Alberta’s economy; and WHEREAS, economic developers are engaged in a wide variety of settings including rural and urban, local, state, provincial, and federal governments, publicprivate partnerships, chambers of commerce, universities, and a variety of other institutions; and WHEREAS, economic developers attract and retain high-quality jobs, develop vibrant communities, and improve the quality of life in their regions; and WHEREAS, economic developers work in the Beaver County; and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Reeve does hereby recognize May 9-13, 2022 as “Economic Development Week” in Beaver County, and remind individuals of the importance of this community celebration which supports the expansion of career opportunities and improving quality of life. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the Reeve is authorized and directed to transmit an appropriate copy of this resolution to Economic Developers Alberta in support of these provincial celebrations. Kevin Smook, Reeve

Message from Tofield Curling Club Tofield Curling Club would like to extend our deepest appreciation to Beaver County for providing us with financial support, towards our efforts to update our facility. All club members and the executive are very thankful for your support towards our club. To keep our facility operating, continued maintenance and repairs at the curling rink will be required. As a long term community facility within the Beaver County Community we plan to continue to provide county citizens the opportunity to join us for fitness, or sports enthusiasts to come watch or provide a location for social gathering. Thank you again for your generous support. -TCC

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 4, 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

Health and Safety Officer

Temporary Truck Driver (Gravel Hauling)

Competition No: 004-2022 The Health and Safety Officer is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the County Health and Safety Program, to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, contractors and visitors, to facilities owned and operated by Beaver County. By providing a hands-on approach, the Health and Safety Officer is responsible for planning and coordination of health and safety initiatives, ensuring all departments have the information and support required to carry out their responsibilities with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the County Health and Safety Program. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Maintains a working knowledge of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code with training and monitoring AB OHS legislation and other media sources for changes to legislative and industry standards. • Collaborate with the Health and Safety Committee, senior administrations, department managers and supervisors to ensure development, revision, and review of Safety Policies and Procedures, safe job and work practices and procedures, safety forms and other related tools. • Participate in and conduct internal and external AMHSA Audits. • Assist and participate with all departments in conducting hazard assessments, work site visits, review emergency response practices, review incident investigations and subsequent procedural changes, including maintaining all relevant records. • Conduct incident investigations with staff members to identify the root and underlying cause of an incident and recommends or initiates corrective action as required. This may include assisting with the WCB compliance program. • Develop, conduct or facilitate relevant safety training needs and opportunities including • Participate in facility inspections for all departments and facilities, including facilities owned by organizations listed as additional named insured through the County. • Coordinates and presents at all staff Health and Safety Committee Meetings and oversees the preparations Additional Information on the necessary Functional Skills, Qualifications and Education are available in the full Position Profile available on the Beaver County Website at www.beaver.ab.ca . Position Details: Position Type: Full-Time permanent (40 hours/week) Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, occasional evenings or weekends required Salary: Based on skills and experience ————————————————————————————————————————————

Grader Operator - Permanent – Full Time Infrastructure - Class: Equipment Operator III (Pursuant to the I.U.O.E. Collective Agreement, Local Union No. 955) JOB DESCRIPTION • This position will be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of a grader and heavy-duty construction and maintenance equipment for municipal services. • Municipal services include road maintenance and snow removal, signs, bridges and other Public Works related functions as assigned by Supervisor. • This position requires and individual that is physically capable of performing routine preventative maintenance on equipment. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: • As per Beaver County’s policies and the Collective Agreement with the I.U.O.E. Local 955 • Permanent – Full Time Position (191 hours per month) after the completion of the probationary period. • Available to work non-regular hours if required, as per section six (6) “Hours of Work” of the Collective Agreement with I.U.O.E. local 955 QUALIFICATIONS: • High School Diploma or equivalent • Experience operating heavy equipment, specifically operating a motor-grader is required, municipal operation experience is an asset. • Valid Class 5 Drivers License, with an acceptable driving record. • Ability to work independently and assume responsibility for maintenance of equipment • Ability to work and communicate effectively with other employees and the public • Ability work in response to emergency situations and after hours • The successful candidate must be willing to provide a criminal record check, and driver’s abstract. Position Details: Position Type: Permanent – Full Time Rate of Pay: $29.44 - $35.82 per hour Effective Start Date: Immediate

Competition No: 003-2022 (Pursuant to the I.U.O.E. Collective Agreement, Local Union No. 955) POSITION: Temporary Truck Driver (Gravel Hauling) CLASS: Equipment Operator III RATE OF PAY: $29.44 - $35.82 per hour TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: As per Beaver County’s policies and the Collective Agreement with the I.U.O.E. Local 955 Works under Manager of Transportation as an equipment operator and may be required to perform other duties. Available to work non-regular hours if required, as per section six (6) “Hours of Work” of the Collective Agreement with I.U.O.E. local 955 Position will be approximately 6-8 months QUALIFICATIONS: • Minimum Grade 12 or G.E.D. • Proven experience and ability to perform road maintenance of roads, signs, bridges, etc., general servicing of equipment and other duties as assigned by Supervisor. • Previous experience is essential • Valid Class 1 Drivers License • Experience hauling and spreading gravel an asset • Knowledge of Beaver County • Ability to work independently and assume responsibility for maintenance of equipment • Ability to work effectively with other employees and the public ————————————————————————————————————————————

Seasonal Labourer – Temporary Full-Time Infrastructure (Pursuant to the I.U.O.E. Collective Agreement, Local Union No. 955) The Labourer II position supports the Public Works and Infrastructure operations providing municipal services such as gravel road repairs and maintenance. Duties may include but not limited to: packer operator, road oil patching, bridge maintenance, drainage improvement, culvert replacement, beaver dam removal, perform pre-trip inspections. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: • As per Beaver County’s policies and the Collective Agreement with the I.U.O.E. Local 955 • Works under assigned supervisor as a labourer and may be required to perform other duties. • Available to work non-regular hours if required, as per section six (6) “Hours of Work” of the Collective Agreement with I.U.O.E. local 955 QUALIFICATIONS: • No previous experience necessary, summer students welcome • Willing to train and learn to operate heavy duty equipment and work with crews. • Must be willing to work in fluctuating climates (hot, cold, wet) and environmental conditions • Ability to lift 50 lbs or more. • Safety conscious attitude • Valid Class 5 Drivers License with an acceptable driving record. Position Details: Position Type: Temporary Full Time, Labourer II Rate of Pay: $20.21 - $24.59 per hour Effective Start Date: immediate and future summer openings ————————————————————————————————————————————

Grader Operator – Seasonal – Infrastructure Class: Equipment Operator III

More information on the above positions can be found on the County’s website at: https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/careers.

(Pursuant to the I.U.O.E. Collective Agreement, Local Union No. 955) JOB DESCRIPTION • This position will be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of a grader and heavy-duty construction and maintenance equipment for municipal services. • Municipal services include road maintenance and snow removal, signs, bridges and other Public Works related functions as assigned by Supervisor. • This position requires and individual that is physically capable of performing routine preventative maintenance on equipment. TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: • As per Beaver County’s policies and the Collective Agreement with the I.U.O.E. Local 955 • Seasonal – Full Time Position (191 hours per month) after the completion of the probationary period. • Available to work non-regular hours if required, as per section six (6) “Hours of Work” of the Collective Agreement with I.U.O.E. local 955 QUALIFICATIONS: • High School Diploma or equivalent • Experience operating heavy equipment, specifically operating a motor-grader is required, municipal operation experience is an asset. • Valid Class 5 Drivers License, with an acceptable driving record. • Ability to work independently and assume responsibility for maintenance of equipment • Ability to work and communicate effectively with other employees and the public • Ability work in response to emergency situations and after hours • The successful candidate must be willing to provide a criminal record check, and driver’s abstract. Position Details: Position Type: Seasonal Rate of Pay: $29.44 - $35.82 per hour Effective Start Date: Immediate ———————————————————————————————————————————— Closing date: Until a suitable candidate can be found.

Beaver County has a comprehensive and active safety program. Drivers abstract will be required for successful applicants.

More information on the above positions can be found on the County’s website at: https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/careers.

TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THE POSITIONS ABOVE: Submit your cover letter and resume, by referencing the name of the position, to the following email:

Beaver County has a comprehensive and active safety program. Drivers abstract will be required for successful applicants. TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THE POSITIONS ABOVE: Submit your cover letter and resume, by referencing the name of the position, to the following email:

———————————————————————————————————————————— Closing date: Until a suitable candidate can be found.

careers@beaver.ab.ca Applications can also be submitted in-person or by mail to: PO Box 140 5120 50 Street, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 Beaver County thanks all applicants for your interest however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.