Bullarama Supreme
Prior to the action, 30 youngsters had the chance to meet the professional bull riders at the Kid’s Meet and Greet.
“Lamont Bullarama Supreme is truly a community event, and the Lamont & District Agricultural Society is proud to support other local groups through their fundraising efforts,” said Society president Terry Eleniak.
For the overall season, Santana from Ouro Preto, RO, Brazil leads the championship with $5,328. in winnings while Mulvey from Brooks, AB. sits in
second place overall with $2,208. in winnings.
During an intermission in the action, hoop dancer Dallas Arcand, a threetime world champion, put on a strong performance which enthralled the crowd with his display of culture and athleticism.
After the dust settled, the celebration continued with a lively adults-only dance featuring music by Travis Dolter. The event can’t be produced without the help of many community groups who volunteer their time to help make the Bullarama a success.
This year the Chipman 4-H ran the 50-50 draw, the Ardrossan Bisons Football team volunteered in the concession booth, and the Lamont School 2025 Grad class volunteered to assist with the post event clean up.
Continued from front
Children have a meet and greet with the bull riders.
Travis Dolter, sang O Canada.
Bud Dueck of Drayton Valley, AB., came dressed to cheer on his family of competing bull riders: Dad Fabian Dueck of Paraguay and Uncles Elijah Gordon of Quesnell, BC., and Rafael Parra of Brazil.
Dallas Arcand - World Champion Hoop Dancer, gave the Intermission performance.
Crystal Moren photos
Bull rider is braced for impact after a wild ride down the arena.
Hand high - rider has nice form trying to make eight seconds.
Rider gets a short flight after losing the battle in a tight spin.
Opinion
Election's over let’s give Carney a chance
BY JOHN MATHER
It’s been little more than week since Canadians went to the polls and voted for another Liberal minority government.
But much has happened,
Battle River Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek gave up his seat, which he easily cruised to a huge victory, in order that Pierre Poilievre could run in a by-election.
To his credit Prime Minister Mark Carney said there would be “no games” and he would call that by-election as soon as possible.
In addition, he had a conversation with Alberta Premier Danielle Smith and she later said to media that it was a very positive conversation.
In an unexpected twist, King Charles III has said he will travel to Canada at the end of this month to read the official speech from the throne to open the next session of Parliament.
This is a very positive event.
With many Canadians totally disregarding the monarchy these days, and Carney’s predecessor Justin Trudeau choosing Lieutenant Governors based on trends rather than skills, such as Julie Payette and Mary Simon, it will be a strong moment of unity for this country to have the King open Parliament.
On May 5, Carney travelled to Washington, D.C, to have a sit down with U.S. president Donald Trump.
With tariffs being imposed by the U.S., a trade war looming, and threat of making Canada a U.S. state, it will be a full agenda and hopefully Carney will be able to handle himself as an international statesman, rather than the substance of buffoonish, naivety of his predecessor Trudeau, whom Trump was able to openly mock.
And then on his return to Canada, Carney will have to read through the resumes of his fellow Liberals to choose some able cabinet ministers.
Some such a Dominic Leblanc, Melanie Joly, and Francoise Philippe Champagne should be kept on in major portfolios.
During the leadership campaign they bowed out of the race in order to assist in dealing with Trump as he ran amuck with tariffs, trade and sovereignty chatter.
They would have proven strong leadership contenders but they put Canada before partisan politics and they should be rewarded accordingly.
Please don’t bring back the eco terrorist Steven Guilbeault. If you want to insult Western Canadians in an obvious way, returning this deranged bozo to cabinet would be it. Leave him to be your Quebec lieutenant but keep him out of any cabinet you create.
He and his disastrous policies are the cause of much of the separation anxiety in this province.
And then, here in Alberta there are those screaming its time to separate.
Essentially this is nonsense.
Now there are lots of scholars bleating about how this can’t be done under the Canadian constitution. It would be illegal they say.
However, the way I look at it, any organization intent on separation would be committing an act of civil war and in any civil war legalities really don’t come into play until the dust settles.
While Alberta’s NDP whine about Smith driving the cause of separation, she has done no such thing and has publicly stated she wants to work with Carney and the rest of Canada.
But that won’t stop Naheed Nenshi from
throwing out disinformation to try and gain some relevancy in his current role as party leader with no standing in the Alberta legislature.
He should really study what led to the catastrophic downfall of the federal NDP and leader Jagmeet Singh and realize that the public wasn’t going to buy their bulls#it.
They propped up the Liberals for a couple of years when they could have led by voting to oust the government long before Trump was elected.
But under the leadership of Singh they didn’t, and Canadians graded them with a complete lack of support at the polls.
In short, Carney was elected and I expect this government will last for at least two years.
The Federal NDP needs to get a new leader. They need someone who can fundraise and has the charisma to get them back to party status in the next election.
Former Alberta Premier Rachel Notley could be that person, but does she want the headache?
In the past week, Carney has talked in calming but not patronizing tones about working with and for all of Canada.
Let’s give him that chance.
He’ll have trouble, I expect, dealing with the Bloc Quebecois, but if he comes in with a qualified cabinet he deserves at least a chance to govern.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal
CONTINUED
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County has received approval for its water intake in the North Saskatchewan River.
The intake will result in construction of a process water line into the area designated as part of Alberta’s Industrial Heartland, potentially spurring industrial development in the area.
“Process Water and an intake from the North Saskatchewan River are vital to Lamont County’s future,” said Lamont County Reeve, David Diduck. “Having access to Process Water will attract investment for agriculture, industry and related supportive economies, and help increase the quality of life for our residents.
“I know we're going to get the story, that we’ve been there for 25 years, nothing has happened. ‘Why is it industrial heartland?,’ ‘It’s putting restrictions on on me as far as development’, and stuff like that, but I think we are near the point of seeing some development in the heartland
come to fruition,” he said during the Coffee with a Councillor in Mundare April 30.
“I know we were close with Bunge about a year ago, and then they decided to amalgamate with Viterra and that kind of put their project on hold, but they’ve got a section of land, and it's the prime land, that's between CP and CN Rail there, so I suspect at some point that they'll be back.”
Lamont County received a five-year grant totalling $16.67 million from the Government of Alberta through Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association to construct an intake for raw water to be drawn from the
North Saskatchewan River – primarily for industry within Lamont County’s Designated Industrial Zone (DIZ).
This funding will enable engineering design and construction of the water intake.
“This is a game changer for Lamont County. I am excited as both the Reeve of Lamont County and as Chair of the Alberta Industrial Heartland Association.”
Diduck pointed out the intake would be designed to protect fish in the river by capturing the fish and recycling back into the river past the intake.
He added once the intake is constructed the County would wait for industry to express inter-
est in locating in the County and then apply for the preliminary licence to pull water from the river.
He reported the County had hired an engineering firm to design and oversee construction of the intake.
Council will now begin the next steps include engineering designs, studies and potential partnerships with industry requiring water line access from the intake.
Diduck further said at the Mundare meeting there would be open houses held to keep the public informed on the progress of the intake and water line as it moved forward.
Restrictions revert to 90% summer axle weights on the majority of Strathcona County roads.
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Wildfire leaves one family homeless
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A wildfire, Northwest of Lamont County, raged out of control May 3, with flames reportedly reaching 100 feet high.
By late afternoon the blaze, affecting RR205 to Victoria Trail, Township 574 to RR 205, and Township 574 to RR 203, was well underway consuming at least 388 hectares on the North side of the river according to reports.
By late evening May 4, an update on Sturgeon County’s website said the fire was at least 70 percent contained around its borders.
“While the fire is still considered out of control, there has not been any significant growth,” said the update.
At least three firefighting helicopters were battling the wildfire along with crews on the ground. Sturgeon County put their emergency partnership in place with five surrounding municipalities; Morinville, Gibbons, Redwater, Bon Accord and Legal.
According to reports, the blaze first began, among windy, dry conditions, at the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area between RR 212 and 203 on the North side of the river. In a statement by RCMP, the fire did not jump the river into Lamont County despite earlier reports that it had.
Residents in the Redwater area were put on an evacuation alert, preparing them in case an evacuation order was put in place.
The Redwater Recreation area, listed on the Alberta Parks website and allows for OHV riding, hiking, hunting and snowmobiling, is now closed until further notice.
At least one cattle farm, including the home occupied by Cole and Shantelle Williams with their three young children, has been destroyed by the fire although most of their cattle were safely relocated. An online fundraising effort has been set up by a resident of Redwater hoping to help the family get back on their feet.
A message posted to social media by Shantelle Williams emphasized the family’s gratefulness for help from friends and neighbours in saving as much of their livestock as possible, and a warning for OHV riders.
“We were able to save the majority of the herd but unfortunately everything else is gone, 13 minutes was not enough time,” she wrote. “We are all okay but please if you take one thing out of this be mindful of using ATV’s in conditions as dry as they have been, even if there isn’t an OHV ban. It maybe fun and all for some and it may seem like an inconvenience that you can’t take your quad out for a rip but for us it took our livelihood.”
“The cause of the fire is confirmed to be an allterrain vehicle (ATV) that caught fire in a remote part of the Redwater Provincial Recreation Area, potentially due to an electrical or mechanical failure,” said a May 5 posting on the Sturgeon County website.
At the time of the fire,
Sturgeon County was under a fire restriction, put in place May 1, for the towns of Bon Accord, Legal and Redwater. The restriction suspended all burn and fireworks permits as well as any outdoor fires, but did not limit the use of propane devices, backyard firepits or the use of ATVs or OHVs They have since instituted a full fire and OHV ban effective May 4.
Lamont County has had a fire ban, including the use of OHV on trails, municipal property or right of ways, in place since Apr. 25, but towns and villages within the county must institute their own bans. So far, Bruderheim is the only town in the county who has not declared a fire ban as of May 4.
According to the Alberta Parks website, only two provincial recreation areas are under restrictions for OHVs which include Butcher Creek, southwest of Reddeer, and the North Bruderheim Provincial Recreation Area.
The Mayor of Sturgeon County, Alanna Hnatiw, has now declared a state of emergency in an online statement posted to the county’s website May 4.
“At this time, Sturgeon County is in a State of Local Emergency and crews continue to battle the ongoing wildfire. The Sturgeon Regional Emergency Management Partnership (SREMP) emergency coordination center remains activated, and a fire ban is now in effect (including a ban on ATVs and OHVs),” she said.
“SREMP is working closely with all relevant agencies to bring together the necessary expertise to address this dangerous situation effectively. Please stay away from the area until further notice.”
The scene of a wildfire ramping up on the north side of the river, photographed from the south side of the river near Sil Industries in Lamont County on May 3. The fire eventually consumed at least 388 hectares of land and left one family homeless.
A firefighting helicopter is at the scene of a wildfire that started in the Redwater Recreation area on May 3.
Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Lamont High students clean up highway
BY MELISSA MACINTOSH-YOUNG
Students of Lamont High School participated in the annual Alberta Highway Clean-up on Saturday, May 3, 2025.
The annual initiative helps keep our province
clean and raise much needed funds for student programs and athletics.
The Alberta Highway Clean-up is a provincewide program held on the first or second Saturday of May, where non-profit groups and
clubs clean designated highway sections.
Participating organizations receive $100 per kilometre cleaned, providing a valuable fundraising opportunity for Lamont High.
Lamont High School students Reid Chudyk, Sidney Cossey, Isabelle Weleschuk and Bella MacDonald took part in annual highway clean up over the weekend.
Photo provide by Bonnie Chudyk.
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Lamont Rural Health Committee, a group that started last year with the hopes of helping attract and retain new health professionals to the area, are working hard to show potential health workers the positives of living and working in Lamont.
The group is made up of representatives from several local organizations including Lamont Light Up chair Bill Skinner, Town of Lamont Councillors Linda Sieker and Colleen Holowaychuk, Town of Lamont Mayor Jody Foulds, FCSS (Family and Community Support Services) staff Michelle Andriashyuk, Lamont Health Care rep Linda Mills, Town of Lamont Community Development Coordinator Dave Taylor, and Elk Island Public Schools rep Superintendent Sandra Stoddard.
RhPAP (Rural Health Professions Action Plan) representative, and consultant to the group, Anya Langkow, said having a superintendent on the board makes the Lamont group unique.
“One thing that this
committee has unique that (it’s the only one with a) superintendent that's sitting at the table. And even just having that conversation about how the school board and all the schools can support the future of rural health care have been really key,” said Langkow.
“I think it's fantastic that she joins us at the table, and it's definitely a feather in the hat for the committee of Lamont.”
Langkow, the East Central consultant for RhPAP, supports 19
municipalities with their action and retention committees. According to a presentation Langkow shared with Lamont town council last year, RhPAP has been hard at work for over 30 years helping rural communities in integrating health care workers into their municipalities.
She said a rural community is considered one with a population under 15,000.
Meanwhile, the Lamont committee members are considering different activities for the
future of their organization including making welcome baskets, for visiting health professionals, populated with different products from local businesses.
Board Chair Skinner said he hopes the committee will help in maintaining stability with their health care staff.
“Really our goal is to get to a point where we have a fully staffed Healthcare Centre and with people that were going to not only have come to Lamont, but want to stay in Lamont, to be able to retain them long term and have some stability,” he said.
Continued on Page 15
COMING EVENTS
The annual Mothers' Day Strawberry Tea will be held on Saturday, May 10 from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m., at the Legion Hut in Lougheed. Bring your mom and treat her to Strawberry shortcake for $7 and an assortment of baked goods & crafts for sale. Mother's have a chance to win a door prize. All are welcome.
The Lougheed Fair is looking for Volunteers for Food Booths, Cattle Show, or any area volunteers choose. Please contact Iris at 780-385-0752 or Stacey at 780-385-4703. Exhibitor Books will soon be in a store near you! ————————————————-
ANNUAL SPRING CEMETERY AND HALL CLEAN UP ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CEMETERY - PRAGUE
PRAGUE COMMUNITY HALL
Wednesday, May 14, 2025 at 6:30 PM
Beverages and snack to follow
Viking Healthcare Auxiliary is holding 3RD ANNUAL SPRING STRAWBERRY TEA
Thursday, May 22, 2025 From 2 to 5 pm At Viking Legion Hall $5.00 tea, cake, Strawberries
Time for Tea with the Bride to Be
Please join us to celebrate Chelsey Teers, bride elect of Landon Bechthold . Saturday, May 10th @ The Lougheed Senior's Centre from 1-4 pm. Chelsey is registered at myregistry.com
Killam Health Care Hospital Reunion for all Past and Present Employees
Saturday, May 24 From 2 to 5 p.m. at the Killam Catholic Church Basement Hall 5214-50 ave
30th anniversary Clothing Sale plus Bake Sale. Friday, May 9 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Saturday, May 10 from 9 a.m. to noon.
Daysland United Church
COMING EVENTS
ANNUAL MASS - BLESSING OF THE GRAVES
MASS IN PRAGUE
COMMUNITY HALL
Saturday, May 17, 2025 at 11 AM
Potluck lunch and fellowship to follow
Viking RCMP
Community BBQ
Tuesday, May 27
11:30 am to 1:30 pm
Viking Detachment 5215 - 52 Ave., Viking, AB
FOR SALE
Apple trees (nine varieties) and Pear Trees (three varieties) for sale until April 30 only. Call Brian at 780-6780053 to arrange viewing or pickup.
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MEMORIAL
Annie Marie Mroczek (nee Antos) A Wonderful Mom and Grandma August 3, 1939 – May 8, 2012
Our hearts are filled with blessings, our eyes are full of tears. Our lives are filled with missing you, each day throughout the years. You left us many memories, Your love is still our guide. And although we cannot see you, We know you are always at our side.
Never forgotten, sadly missed, & forever loved, -Your Family
PERSONALS
QUIET PEACE RIVER COUNTRY, RETIRED SENIOR WIDOWER would like to meet and spend time with one who doesn't mind animals. Mail to: AWNA PO Box 92144, Meadowbrook RP0, Edmonton, AB T6T 1N1.
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749 ————————————————-
General Contractor
Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter. Bathroom Renos & Tile
New to the Area. 30 plus Years of Experience. Dave 403-999-8464 ————————————————-
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FOR OUR
20 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 7, 2025
Bruderheim raising tax rate on businesses by two percent
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The Town of Bruderheim council will use $75,000 from surplus reserves plus increase the non-residential tax rate by two percent in deciding their tax rate this year.
The change will be the first time the Town has had different tax rates for residents and businesses, who have always had the same rate.
Looking ahead at setting the new tax rate, Bruderheim Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth explained first how tax notices are calculated.
She said the total amount of taxes Bruderheim will collect in 2025 is $2.148 million of which 71 percent is for municipal, 22 percent is for education, three percent is for senior’s (housing foundation) requisition and four percent is for policing.
“So 29 percent of a tax bill that’s sent to our residents is made to other organizations that we have to collect for them,” she said, adding that the budget for 2025 shows a
withdrawal of $53,000 from surplus to offset election expenses.
“Council and staff are very cognizant of what we do with the funds that we collect from our residents. We strive very hard to be under budget, and we save money wherever we can.”
Forsyth said that of the $1.522 million collected for the Town, 87 percent of that comes from residential taxes and 9.3 percent from non-residential taxes.
She offered three scenarios for the council to consider in deciding this year’s tax rate; maintain balanced municipal tax rate, increase non-residential tax rate by two percent, or reduce the municipal requisition using $50,000 of surplus.
Mayor Karl Hauch said that assessment of homes will also impact taxes, and asked Forsyth about her numbers for the Seniors’ Foundation requisition which she said was 22 percent.
“If I’m not mistaken, the Senior’s Foundation went below 20 percent,” he said.
Forsyth said she couldn’t find that information but did note that the education tax increased by 10 percent.
Councillor Len Falardeau asked Forsyth if there was a surplus of tax dollars at the end of the year last year.
“You had a surplus of $300,000,” she said.
Councillor Ashley Carter suggested raising the $50,000 contribution from surplus to $75,000 to which Deputy Mayor George Campbell was opposed.
“I don’t think it’s a wise idea to increase that,” he said. “We are playing with money we have this year but may not have next year.”
Councillor Carter made the motion to use $75,000 from surplus, in addition to raising the non-residential tax rate by two percent. The motion was carried with only Deputy Mayor George Campbell opposed. Councillor Arlie Young was absent from the meeting.
The new tax rate will be set at a council meeting in May.
History made as Ottawa charges into playoffs
BY JOHN MATHER
For the first time in their short history, the Ottawa Charge have made he playoffs in the Professional Women’s Hockey League.
The Charge made the playoffs with a dramatic 2-1 overtime win over the Toronto Sceptres in their last regular season game.
Katerina Mrazova put the puck past Sceptres goalie Kristen Campbell at the 2:52 minute mark of overtime to secure the win.
The victory secured third place in the league for Ottawa and shut down Toronto’s bid for first place in the league.
Ottawa lost 3-0 to the Minnesota Frost April 30 with a chance to move six or seven points ahead of the Frost – with either an overtime/shootout win or a regulation win –and clinch a playoff spot.
The defending Walter Cup champion Frost defeated Boston 8-1 May 3 to still be able to clinch a playoff spot.
Brianne Jenner scored Ottawa’s first goal against Toronto at 13:08 of the second period on Saturday, just after the Sceptre’s Sarah Nurse had opened the scoring.
Gwyneth Philips had the win in the Ottawa net stopping 13 of the 14 shots she faced.
Ottawa will open the playoffs on May 8 (tonight) against league leading Montreal
As the first place finishing team, Montreal is given the choice of who they would play from the third and fourth place teams and they chose Ottawa.
Game two is May 11 at 2 p.m.
The series will shift to Ottawa for Game three on May 13 at 7 p.m. and Game four if necessary will go May 16 at 7 p.m. If a fifth game is needed it would be played in Montreal May 18 at 7 p.m.
Victoire in Montreal.
Mayor, Council & Staff
A large number of residents appeared at Bruderheim Council April 16, as council gave first reading to an amendment to it Municipal Development Plan. Although not allowed to comment there, residents will be able to have their say during a public hearing to be held at the firehall June 4 at 7:30 p.m.
Jana Semeniuk photo
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 7,
Bruderheim Agricultural Society Carnival this weekend - bunnies are back
BY JOHN MATHER
The bunnies are back in Bruderheim this weekend.
The Wildrose Classic Rabbit Show returns to Bruderheim this weekend for the third year.
Judging will begin on May 9 and the final prizes will be awarded May 11.
Doors open for exhibitors on May 9 at 3 p.m. and then the public is able to view the rabbits both Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Also this year there
will be displays and activities for Mother’s Day at the Walker School running in conjunction with the rabbit show.
The Edmonton Area Rabbit Society (EARS), which puts on the rabbit show, said they have about 30 members and about 45 exhibitors coming to Bruderheim every year.
According to EARS organizers, the society which started in 1989, just loves coming to Bruderheim.
“The hospitality of this town is just amazing,”
spokesman Sharin Angler said. “They welcome us so warmly.
“Everybody loves this town,” she added. “They support us from the banquet to the facility. They help us in any way they can.”
She said the show is more about providing general information to the public and if people want to get more information on rabbit breeding then organizers are happy to sit down and explain the processes to them.
At Walker School there
will be birdhouse building events and other displays explaining how people can interact with nature right in their backyards.
New this year is a three-day amusement carnival which will be held at the agricultural grounds.
Put on by Wild Rose
Shows and the Bruderheim Ag Society, the carnival will feature rides for all ages, with gate admission at $2 per person, and kids under six are free. All-day ride wristbands are $50 at the gate or $45 in advance.
Ride tickets are also sold singely or by various sized books and each
ride will cost four to nine tickets per person per ride.
On Friday gates open at 3 p.m. and run until 11 p.m. Saturday the hours are from 12 p.m. to 11 p.m. and on Sunday the carnival will open at 12 p.m. and close at 5 p.m.
Andrew
2025 Market Dates
May 10 – Mothers Day Market – Arena
June 7 – Garage Sale Market – Arena
June 28 – Canada Day Market – Arena
July 12 – Beat the Heat Market – Community Centre
August 9 – Regular Market - Arena
August 23 – Regular Market – Arena
September 6 – Regular Market – Arena
September 20 – Regular Market – Arena
October 11–Garlic Festival Market –Community Centre
November 23 – Christmas Market – Community Centre
Members of the Lamont Alliance Church, Glen Kroeger, red shirt, and Mike Tarasiuk fill their bags with trash during the annual spring ditch cleanup held May 3. The church which participates in the clean up on a regular basis was cleaning ditch along Highway 15 from Lamont to Chipman. About 20 people took part in the clean up. John Mather photo.
Lamont County Reeve said wildfire situation scary
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Lamont County Reeve
David Diduck said the photo image taken from near Sil Industries of the raging wildfire ramping up across the river on May 3 was terrifying.
“That (picture) looked pretty scary. Not a little bit scary, a lot scary. I know the North Saskatchewan is a wide body of water, but there's always the fear that when you get flames such as this fire had, that they could jump the river and cause complications on the south side of the river here,” said Diduck in a phone interview with the Lamont Leader.
Diduck said he first got a phone call approximately 6 p.m. on May 3 informing him of the fire on the North side of the river by Sil. He said he was sad to hear of the
Williams family who lost their farm and home to the fire.
“Our feelings go out to these people, and hope-
ty have had a fire ban on since Apr. 25 due to the very dry conditions.
fully they can get their lives restructured here. They were just a very young family trying to protect their livestock and ended up (with) the fire destroyed their home and barn,” he said.
Diduck said the coun-
“Our concern is it's just so dry out there, and the wind conditions are so prevalent that the risk of fire right now is extremely high, and with the fields not being really seeded yet, they still have a lot of stubble and stuff. If a fire does start somewhere, and you get a wind going with it, it doesn't take long for the fire to spread over a huge amount of area,” he said.
“My caution to our ratepayers and residents is just be extremely cautious out there and be mindful of how dry the situation is, because all it
takes is one spark and you could have a major disaster that you're dealing with on your hands here.”
Diduck added that he is thankful for residents who cooperated with being put under evacuation notice.
“Human life is more important than anything else. I think that’s the main thing,” he said.
“When you do have a situation that could turn into something a lot worse than what it is, you take the precautions to try and protect the people of the area. For those that were impacted directly on Saturday night, thank you for your cooperation.”
Meanwhile, Councillor Neil Woitas, who was assisting in filling water tanks at the water station said he was concerned about hot ash landing on
the Lamont County side of the river.
“Ashes were landing in our yard about four miles away,” he said, adding he was helping load water for the Williams family.
“I got to the water station and helped the Malica family load a tanker for the Williams family on the North side of the river where the fire was coming. By the time we got the semi loaded with water we got a call it was too late. The house was gone.”
Woitas said the Lysick
family, who live near the Sil plant were evacuated in addition to workers at the plant. He said seeing the ashes worried him and he contacted his neighbours to keep an eye out for hot ash that could potentially start more fires.
Woitas said he also became concerned that not all towns and villages instituted a fire ban at the time the County of Lamont announced theirs. He said he would bring this up at the next county council meeting on May 13.
As Springtime arrives, we wish everyone a safe and wonderful season!
COUNCIL UPDATE – April 15 & April 29 Meetings
Council has directed that Administration publish a summary of decisions from the past two Council meetings each month. Meeting highlights are also summarized on the Lamont County website, and social media after each Council meeting. Once approved at the next Council meeting, all directions, approvals, and items discussed are in the approved minutes posted at lamontcounty.ca.
The following are updates from the past two Council Meetings, including important initiatives and activities that were discussed, debated, reviewed, and what Council has directed Administration to complete and implement.
April 15 Regular Council meeting (minutes were approved April 29). Highlights from this meeting include:
Regional Fire Services Bylaw (888.25)
Council completed all three readings to approve amendments to this bylaw based on recommended updates from its March 21 workshop & March 4 Public Meeting. Updates include a 1% increase to tax rolls for all
permit, etc.) will be billed up to $25,000 (and any additional third-party charges). Municipalities within Lamont County continue to be responsible fo
Audited Financial Statements/Budget 2025 Finalization
Council was approved the 2024 Financial Statements. These were audited by an external auditor and will be submitted before the May 1 deadline. Allocation of reserve transfers were completed to ensure amendments for the approved 2025 budget; this planning includes the grant funding for process water intake line as administered by AB’s Industrial Heartland Association.
Provincial Education Tax Increase
Council is aware of the impact that tax rates and other fees have on residents, and has been focused on minimizing the impact of the Government of Alberta’s 11% increase in Education Tax Levy. Council vels are still maintained appropriately and to be conscious of this provincial tax levy increase. See lamontcounty.ca/faqs on this increase of provincial taxes.
Tax Notices to be Sent Early
Council was briefed on the potential of another Canada Post strike and directed Administration to send the annual tax notices two weeks early to ensure ratepayer receive this before any strike action. Taxes are still due June 30 (paid through online banking, OptionPay, in person or drop box).
Council Business
-Council was presented and approved its 2025 Road Gravelling Program, its 2025 Shoulder Pull Program, and its 2025 Dust Abatement Program.
reached end of life replacement and are no longer in use.
-Council approved funding for the Bridge 1127 (Chipman Bridge) project, as well as a $50,000 grant to Andrew Rural Academy for its startup.
April 29 Council meeting (minutes are approved next Council meeting). Highlights from this meeting include:
Advance Voting – Municipal Election
Council authorized its Returning and dates (still to be determined) prior to the General Municipal Election on October 20, 2025.
Centennial Scholarship Policy and Program
Council made amendments to the Centennial Scholarship policy to clarify application requirements to further encourage and support Lamont County youth to pursue post-secondary opportunities. Applicants should apply before the June 30 deadline at lamontcounty.ca/scholarships
Water Intake License Approved
of Alberta Ministry of Environment and Protected Areas for approval of a river intake along the North Saskatchewan River (including water line, settling pond and pump station construction, with more details to follow).
towards future industrial and economic development within Lamont County.
Process Water Line Update
details on this will be announced shortly.
Council Business
- Council proclaimed May 11County.
- This is to increase awareness and recognize the importance of economic development initiatives, programs and activities to have a positive impact on quality of life in the community.
-20 as budget discussion meeting dates for the 2026 Budget planning.
stockpiling, and overall costs to gravel roads in response to resident concerns; and determined this was under budget and appropriate.
-amendments to be brought forward to a future Council meeting for further discussion.
Council approved two sponsorships (for the Bruderheim Ag. Society
Reeve David Diduck
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 7, 2025 -23
Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman (scan the QR code)
(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for full posters, dates, contact information & registration info or call 780-895-2233 for info./registration). Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN and seniors’ activities include:
1. FCSS: Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tuesdays), Chipman (Mondays), and Mundare 2. FCSS: Parents and Tots: Andrew/Lamont/Mundare
3. CALC: My Journey…Who Am I? | English Language Learning | Kitchens Programs | Digital Skills for Seniors.
4. CALC/FCSS: Parents and Tots – Featuring Ready, Set, GROW! 5. KFRN: Moms in Motion – Mundare on Thursdays.
6. FCSS (after school) – FLEX for Boys – Bruderheim on Thurs.
7. FCSS (after school) – True2You (for Girls) – Lamont on Tues.
8. KFRN: Cooking with Your Littles – Bruderheim (May 12), Andrew (May 15) – signup.com/go/SMYHyZo
9. KFRN: The Local Loop: Learn about local emergency services in May and June – signup.com/go/dkkYOQZ This is a NEW program offered weekly to learn about our communities and the people in them.
10. KFRN: Tea Party: (May 9 – Connecting Generations) – signup.com/go/skGqPgN
11. Meals In Motion: contract Chrissy at 780-975-9592 to order for APRIL (see full menu at lamontcounty.ca/community-programming).
12. Welcome to Kindergarten: For children registered attending EIPS kindergarten in Lamont County. Bruderheim: May 28 & Lamont: May 29.
13. Seniors’ Coffee: 10-11 a.m. (Wed.) in Andrew, & (Thurs.) and in Mundare. Join FCSS for coffee, conversation, snacks, & assistance with senior-related forms/programming. FCSS offers Seniors Supports fr. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Mundare (Thurs.). Seniors Coffee is in St. Michael (Thurs.) from 10 a.m. to noon.
14. Service Canada Benefits for Seniors: Free information session (includes lunch) on May 13 in Lamont (starts at 10:30 a.m. as an additional CRA session was added). Contact michelle.a@lamontcounty.ca to register.
15. Seniors Bus Day Trips: to local malls; $15/trip. Departs: 9 a.m. @ Lamont Rec. Centre: May 18 & June 23. Reserve w/ Helen at 780-895-7539
Also check out Lamont County Events Calendar for local community events, public meetings and other important dates (lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar).
To access current COMMUNITY SERVICES programs and information, scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC & KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages.
Did You KNOW? ...
Education Levy Taxes are not collected by Lamont County, but remitted to the Alberta Government
Did you know Lamont County does not receive all the tax dollars you’re responsible for each year on your tax notice?
In fact, the education levy is a rate not set by Lamont County. It is set by the Government of Alberta (GOA)—and collected on its behalf. There is a significant rate increase this year (11%). This may significantly impact ratepayers, including those on fixed incomes and under tight budgets.
Lamont County Council sent a letter to the Premier highlighting the impact the increased levy will have on its residents. This significant increase can have a significant burden on taxpayers at a time when costs appear to be increasing in many different areas. Lamont County Council will continue to lobby on your behalf.
One of the ways Lamont County Council has worked to minimize the impact of this increase to its residents is through setting the 2025 tax rate at 3%— amended from the proposed four per cent increase at last years’ budget meetings. This includes a one per cent increase to cover the baseline costs of fire services, so no landowner in Lamont County will receive a bill for fire billing if they are not at fault, negligent or maleficent. Other municipalities within Lamont County will be billed as per current practices. Council has focused on service delivery and infrastructure maintenance in setting the rate for 2025, and keep the tax rate manageable.
Also see lamontcounty.ca/faqs for more of your questions answered.
Fire Reporting in Emergencies: 9-1-1 FiRiiEi
When reporting emergency incidents—including reporting a potential fire, please dial 9-1-1 instead of calling Administration. This aids first responders to immediately be dispatched to address the situation.
Note: Lamont County is currently under a Fire BAN See: lamontcounty.ca/ news (Apr. 25) for more information.
For full menu, VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/ communityprogramming
Please Note – inFocus is also accessible online at: lamontcounty.ca/communications (to view
Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 7, 2025 Community Programming
Other Items of Interest
Lamont County is HIRING! lamontcounty.ca/careers
o Current postings include for FCSS Summer programs, Seasonal Labourers in Public Works, and a Receptionist/Administrative Assistant.
Weed Wednesday – REMINDERS of noxious weeds and control. See Lamont County Facebook and X for posters each week. Visit: lamontcounty.ca/weeds for a full list of weeds that are commonly identified across Lamont County. This week’s featured prohibited weed is Scentless Chamomile. If you find it, report it! Learn all about it on the Alberta Invasive Species Council fact sheet at: abinvasives.ca/fact-sheet/scentless-chamomile/.
Register NOW for the Annual Reeve’s Charity Golf Tournament: lamontcounty.ca/golf.
Registration opened April 14!
Seniors Appreciation Week is June 2-8. Watch for more details on recognition events in Lamont County later this month!
TAX NOTICES SENT EARLY – due to the potential of another postal strike, these are being mailed out next week. Payment is still due June 30 to avoid penalty.
Engineering studies and content related to the proposed process water and intake and recent news updates for this can be accessed at lamontcountynow.ca/about-us/area-profile/planning. Updates are published when/as applicable. Reminder: further consultation and engagement will occur with the public as the project progresses and the preliminary certificate for water license is granted. Any project work will be discussed and approved in Council as the project commences. All current study content is conceptual design only.
Spring Vehicle Safety – Farm Vehicles on Roads and Highways : Please use caution when passing larger and slow-moving vehicles on Lamont County roadways during spring planting/seeding. Share the road and be patient. #SafeRoads.
Coffee Talks (Coffee with a Councillor) – Council appreciates everyone who attended the Coffee Talks sessions this year. Sessions are now on pause for the 2025 Municipal Election period. Summaries of the sessions are at lamontcounty.ca/coffeetalks. As a reminder, you can contact any of your Coucillors directly if you have questions or concerns. SeeL lamontcounty.ca/governance/council. If you have a service need or request, submit this at lamontcounty.ca/servicerequest. And if you have questions or need a clarification, submit this via lamontcounty.ca/faqs.
Emergency Preparedness Week (May 4-10)
o Watch for tips on #GetPrepared on Lamont County social media during this week. #Safety getprepared.gc.ca/cnt/rsrcs/ep-wk/index-en.aspx and alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness-week.
PROCLAMATION: Lamont County Council proclaims Economic Development Week (May 11-17)
o To create awareness of the economic development programs in Lamont County and surrounding communities that enhance your quality of life.
National Public Works Week in Canada (May 18-24)
o To recognize the vital services public works staff provide each and every day!
Rural Health Week (May 26-30)
o #ISupportRuralHealthcare.
R t l (S L t C t i l di d
Recent news releases (See Lamont County social media and lamontcounty.ca/news for full details/access the posts): Lamont County Fire Ban (April 25 – 4 p.m.).
NEWS RELEASE – Process Water Intake Receives Water Act Approval.
Flag Half-masting: Day of Mourning (Apr. 28) and for the Funeral of the late His Holiness, Pope Francis (Apr. 26).
OPPORTUNITY: Lamont County
Centennial Scholarship –lamontcounty.ca/scholarships
Registration Renewal Reminder
If your last name or company begins with the letters C & N; remember to get your registration renewed before the end of May!
See monthly reminders: alberta.ca/vehicleregistrationexpiry-date-chart.aspx
Brought to you by the Elk Island Traffic Safety Partners.
COUNCIL AND Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meetings
The public is welcome to attend any scheduled meeting in person or virtually). Meetings start at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers at the Lamont County Administration Bldg. (unless otherwise noted).
| Regular Council Meeting: Tuesday, May 13 - lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes | | ASB meeting: Wednesday, May 14 - lamontcounty.ca/agendas-minutes-asb |