Familiar Faces
Four members of Viking council up for re-election after nomination day, while three others hope to unseat them
Harcourt Editor
Viking Council will have four of its five incumbents running for re-election in the Oct. 20 municipal elections.
Nomination Day was officially Monday, Sept. 22, with final nominations accepted until 12 noon.
James Buttner won’t be directly running for mayor again but will vie for a position as councillor, along with fellow incumbents Cindy Lefsrud, Judy Acres, and Dana Ewashko.
There are also three new candidates throwing their hats in the ring in this election, including Paul King, Cole Harasyn-O’Neill, and Timothy Goodison. Goodison registered his nomination papers on the final day of nomination on Sept. 22.
Not running again is Julianna Merta, who has been in her first term on council and currently serving as deputy mayor until the election changes the council composition.
Acres has decided to once again run for council after coming in by acclamation during the last term, and had also served several terms previously.
The seven candidates will be competing for five council seats, as the separate electable mayoral race has been eliminated. Once elected, the five councillors at the organizational meeting will choose the mayor from amongst their ranks, similar to what is done in villages.
Buttner will therefore be the last mayor in Viking to be elected as a separate council position.
SMITH VISITS CONSTITUENCY
Six nominees will compete for five
Irma council positions
Patricia Harcourt Editor
The Village of Irma has six candidates fielded for the Oct. 20 municipal elections. With only five needed to fill all the vacant council seats, it is enough to make an election necessary in the village.
Six candidates have filed nomination papers to run for Irma Village Council as of the Sept. 22 deadline.
They include four incumbents (indicated by inc.) and two new candidates: Mervin Firkus (inc.), Richard Langley, Eric Nissen (inc.), Kelly Pauls, James Schubada (inc.) and Michael Soucy (inc.).
Firkus and Nissen served as mayor and deputy mayor, respectively, in the current term that ends with the election.
In villages, the mayor is elected from within the council on an annual basis at the organizational meetings.
Three current Holden councillors hoping for re-election in October
Patricia Harcourt Editor
The Village of Holden is showing democracy in action with a list of eight candidates vying for five seats on the local council on election day. Following Monday’s Nomination Day, the list
includes three incumbents (indicated by inc.) and five new candidates: Mark Giebelhaus, John Markel (inc.), Tyler Beckett (inc.), Alan Ramshaw, Shawn Cole (inc.), Carl Marsh, Tammy Lynn Hill, and Graeme Duckworth. Alberta’s 2025 Municipal Elections will be held on Oct. 20.
Premier Danielle Smith was in Camrose recently to meet with Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely, and Camrose constituents. Representatives came from Flagstaff County, Beaver County, Camrose County, the City of Camrose, and the Town of Viking. The Premier addressed questions from the floor as part of her Alberta tour.
Patricia
Proudly Serving Viking, Irma, Kinsella, Bruce, Holden, Rural Beaver County & Surrounding Areas
Holden group raises $1,700 for Terry Fox Run
Holden participants in the 45th annual Terry Fox Run raised $1,700 on Sunday, Sept. 14. Standing, L-R: Brenda McCloy, Wendy Staden, Connie Komarnisky, Susan Tymchak. Kneeling: Michele Mulder. "According to our local organizer and longtime participant Susan Tymchak, Holden has been involved for 44 years, raising over $50,000. Thanks to the walkers and those who contributed the funds," Christine Mackay said.
Male arrested in Viking on warrant and other charges
Patricia Harcourt Editor
A man was arrested near Viking last week on multiple charges and taken into custody.
Viking RCMP executed a search warrant on a rural property near Viking on Sept. 17, resulting in the arrest of one man. The man was charged with 24 multiple jurisdictional warrants and three new charges related to person offences believed to have taken place in and around the Viking area.
Bruce Lea Blyan, 46, has been charged with being unlawfully in a dwelling house, and failure to comply with conditions of two release orders.
Blyan was also arrested on 14 outstanding warrants for relatable offences that RCMP say occurred in Eastern Alberta, and 10 other warrants for offences taking place in the western part of Saskatchewan.
Blyan attended a Judicial Interim Release hearing where he was remanded into custody until a court appearance at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville on Sept. 22.
Blyan will then appear in court in Lloydminister to answer to his Saskatchewan charges.
“Viking RCMP continues to proactively combat criminal activity as part of our ongoing
commitment to the initiatives set out by the Viking RCMP to reduce the criminal activity in the communities it serves,” stated Cpl. Troy Savinkoff, Acting Alberta RCMP Media Relations Manager for the Alberta RCMP Media Group.
Police ask that anyone with information on this incident to please call the Viking RCMP at 780-336-3441, or call your local police.
If you wish to remain anonymous, contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), by internet at www.tipsubmit.com or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers www.crimestoppers.ab. ca for instructions).
This is Grace, owner of the Universal Bottle Depot in Camrose. In 2024, Grace got $1522 in profit shares, which she put toward her building mortgage. Grace upgraded to the 5,554- square-foot building five years ago. It was a big step, but the profit shares have helped. You gotta buy a lot of bottles to pay for a building this size, says Grace.
Irma and Viking schools soon to hold their Terry Fox Runs
Patricia Harcourt Editor
The schools and their communities in Viking and Irma are holding their annual Terry Fox Runs this week.
The official date for the run this year was Sunday, Sept. 14, but schools set their own
dates if the official date doesn’t match up with school timelines.
This year is the 45th annual Terry Fox Run for the Cure.
Irma School plans on holding its run on Monday, Sept. 29, starting at 1:30 p.m.
The event includes community members
and the entire school.
Last year, all of the participants raised together $5,657 and the target this year is to up that to $5,900 which will be sent to the Terry Fox Foundation to help in its fight against the scourge of cancer.
Terry Fox lost a leg to cancer and decided to
start his Marathon of Hope campaign in 1980. Planning to run across Canada, he got as far as Ontario before the cancer spread and took his life.
Now he inspires others to pick up where he left off, metaphorically, and continue to run for the cure, raising mil-
lions every year for the past 45 years to help fight and eventually cure cancer.
Viking School is holding its annual run on Thursday, Sept. 25, starting at 2 p.m. with the community welcome to participate.
Last year, the school raised a total of $1,315
to send to the foundation. Every year students and adults are challenged to raise even more “to continue Terry’s dream of a world without cancer.”
The weather promises to be a perfect fall like week for these important events in our communities.
Viking Royal Purple starts the fall season with September update
Submitted
Dawn Hodgins
On Sept. 7, eight members of Viking Royal Purple met to start the fall season, after having summer off, although it was not entirely quiet. We had lots of reports for all that our group actually did.
We held a successful Pie Eating Contest on July 5. Thanks to the Viking Ag Society for including our event in their chuckwagon racing weekend. It was a fun project and all who participated seemed to enjoy it, as did a huge crowd, cheering on the contestants. We have contacted the groups who were part of the Pie Eating Contest and will be presenting participant cheques to the groups who were involved at our next meeting in October.
Jamie and Chris attended the Alberta Royal Purple Conference in Stettler. It was a real learning experience for them. Very few Alberta members are actually volunteering to hold executive positions. We all need to treat our precious volunteers with grace and dignity, as volunteers seem to be harder to recruit all the time!
Several members attended a fun afternoon in Edgerton that was hosted by their members. We need to do more visiting of our area lodges. Dawn attended a
memorial service for long-time Royal Purple member, Past National President Margaret Brown in Lloydminster. It’s always sad to say goodbye to treasured friends!
We did not find time to attend either Extendicare or Vialta Lodge for our Royal Purple Day. Plans are for next February, when the dance group is
ready to perform.
Get well flowers were delivered to our members Emily Chrystian and Elehda Sevcik, who both had health issues this summer. We are happy to report that both are feeling much better!
Our group donated two teddy bears to the FCSS for the Teddy Bear Picnic for their raffle. This event is growing
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each year and is special for many children.
Dawn delivered many school supply items to the FCSS for their collection. Emily will be delivering items to Holden school.
From our meeting we have lots more plans for special projects this fall. Chris and Dawn set up a table at the FCSS registration night. The FCSS staff does a great
job of bringing in lots of information for both old and young. We just need more locals to attend and see what is all out there for them.
Chris is heading up a Zombie Walk for October 26 from 3-5 p.m. It will be held on the Carena Walking Path. Plans are for a
family eventHalloween Walk, with prizes for best costumes and most laps walked. More information to come. Watch for posters, ads and Facebook updates.
Once again, Dawn is planning the Festival of Trees at the Carena
Continued on Page 7
OPINION
This Alberta Sovereignty nonsense is beginning to get out of hand.
There are several vocal organizations that have shouted from the hilltops that this province must separate itself from the rest of Canada if it is to reach its true potential.
There is another group that is asking people to sign a petition whether they would or would not like to remain in Canada
This petition started by former Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk has been sanctioned by Elec-
Getting started in today’s job market isn’t easy, especially for young people. Many teenagers and young adults are genuinely eager to get their first real job and start making money, but employers don’t always have the resources to take a chance on someone new. That’s why United Conservatives are introducing the Alberta Youth Employment Incentive.
This $8 million program will help 1,000 businesses hire 2,500 young Albertans between the ages of 15 and
tions Alberta while no separation petition has. Some are before the courts.
I looked on the Forever Canada website and it appears they have multiple locations where people can sign their petition.
Most are in the province’s urban centres.
I saw one petition location in Camrose but none in Lamont County or Beaver County. No sign of this petition in Bruderheim, Lamont, Chipman, Andrew or Mundare.
Nor does it appear to have traction in Tofield,
Ryley or Holden. Maybe there areas are chocked full of diehard separatists.
Or more likely, like me, they just don’t care about any of these frivolous petitions.
They are residents of both Alberta and Canada!
Like me they have Canadian birth certificates from the province they were born in and Canadian passports.
They pay income tax to Canada.
It’s been that way in Alberta since 1905.
Alberta Premier
News from the Legislature
Jackie Lovely
MLA for Camrose Constituency
24.Employers who hire these young Albertans will receive direct support to cover training and wages, making it easier for businesses to open their doors to the next generation of Alberta’s workers. Starting next month, businesses can apply through CAREERS: The Next Generation, a nonprofit dedicated to connecting young people with job opportunities. Employers who participate can receive $4,000 if they hire one to two young workers, or $7,500
vikingweeklyreview@gmail.com
vikingreview@gmail.com
www.weeklyreview.ca
if they hire three to five. On top of that, Alberta’s government will help cover $10 for every hour worked by a young employee.
This incentive is about giving young Albertans a chance to prove themselves, gain real skills, and build the confidence that comes with a meaningful job. To make these opportunities even more rewarding, young Albertans who complete at least 200 hours on the job and pass a skills check from their employer will earn a spe-
JOHN’S RANT
The silliness f sovereignty and separation petitions
Danielle Smith has stated on many occasions she is a supporter of Canadian unity. This has raised the ire of one separatist group.
The Republican Party of Alberta, – a party that holds no seats in the Alberta Legislature, stated in a press release this past weekend, “The Republican Party of Alberta (RPA) condemns Premier Danielle Smith’s shocking declaration that she is “doing everything I can” to prevent a vote on Alberta sovereignty. This statement is a betrayal of a
growing number of Albertans and UCP members demanding independence from Canada.”
Well, there may be some claiming to separate from Canada, but is it the majority?
The RPA states it is around 40 per cent. Certainly when I took math that wasn’t a majority.
The Republican Party of Alberta goes on, “Her refusal to embrace Alberta independence is not leadership; it is capitulation”
RPA Leader Cameron Davies said, “Danielle
Smith’s attempt to stifle Alberta’s sovereignty vote is a cowardly retreat. Her backpedaling proves she’s more loyal to her political survival than to our future.”
While there is a modicum of truth in this statement, she is looking at her political survival (that’s part of her job) it’s not the whole truth. She is also representing the majority of Albertans’ interests in getting a better deal for our oil and gas industries, our agriculture
Continued on Page 16
Support provided for youth employment
cial digital badge. This badge can be added to resumes and job applications, showing future employers they have what it takes to succeed at work.
Whether it’s in a smalltown business, a farm, a local shop, or at a growing company in one of our cities, these opportunities will help young Albertans start building their careers right here at home. At the same time, employers get the energy and ideas that young workers bring to the table.
United Conservatives
are committed to making sure Albertans of all ages have the tools, training, and support they need to thrive. By investing in young Albertans today, we’re building a stronger workforce for tomorrow.
Each summer, I hire students to assist me with outreach work in the constituency. I hope you have enjoyed meeting them. They enjoyed meeting all of you and appreciated the opportunity to have work, gain some experience, get a reference and save a bit of money.
I hope our local employers will join me in developing our youth and patiently spend time with them, helping them gain some skills. I’m glad our government is supporting youth in a way that is meaningful and relevant to them. Employers, please assist us in making this initiative successful.
Jackie Lovely, MLACamrose Constituency #104, 4870 51 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1S1 Tel: 780-672-0000 Email: camrose@assembly.ab.ca
Village of Holden to modernize Land Use Bylaw
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Village of Holden held an open house at the Holden Community Hall on Monday, Sept. 8 to discuss the current Land Use Bylaw (LUB) with residents, to hear what is working and what’s not. The Village is currently in the process of reviewing and updating the bylaw to modernize the document so that it is simpler, clearer, and better reflects the current and future needs of the community.
Chief Administrative Officer Rosemary Offrey, Mayor Tyler Beckett, and Councillor John Markel were in attendance, along with Baily Lapp, Manager of Planning Services at Beairsto & Associates.
“We had three focused topics for the public: tiny homes, mixed use developments on main street, and fencing,” Lapp said, “because those are the common items that Rosemary (Offrey) gets
phone calls about, so we thought that we would ask the public if they would like to see any changes with those items.
“We also asked general questions about the LUB as a document itself, things like whether they would like to see a reduced number of districts, to see the bylaw as a whole just shorter, or maybe add infographics to make it a little easier for the reader.”
Questionnaires were available for residents to fill out, to provide their opinion on the focused topics and to comment on any other part of the LUB.
“What's come out of it that we weren't anticipating is the want for agricultural animals, which included a horse and bunnies,” Lapp said.
Lapp met with Council at their regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 15 to provide an overview of what was discussed at the open house, and the next steps.
“Twenty-three people attended the open house, which is pretty good attendance for a village. There was strong support for tiny homes; 100 per cent of people said they would like tiny homes considered,” Lapp said.
Lapp said people were most comfortable having tiny homes on permanent foundations, saying that units on wheels without connections should be considered RVs, not long-term dwellings.
“Everyone seemed fairly aligned with this topic. I don't necessarily think that you need to add tiny homes as a definition in the LUB, per se, because the Alberta Safety Code regulation does not have a definition for tiny homes. You could go about it in two different ways. You could have tiny homes shown in the definition, that says, ‘see single family dwelling,’ or you
could have a tiny home threshold. In other municipalities I've worked in, I've put the threshold as a maximum 400 square feet, and anything less than that would be a tiny home. If you put a size limit on it, then a singlefamily dwelling in your LUB would be anything larger than 400 square feet.
“The next step in the process is me drafting the LUB, so I would be looking for some clarity from Council on how you feel you would like to move forward with tiny homes in the draft, or I could draft it and then you could give me your thoughts on how I wrote it,” Lapp said. Mixed-use development on main street was generally supported, as long as the business part is open.
“The need for active storefronts was mentioned by almost everyone. They feel that having a residential home
with no business attached on main street really takes away from the main street purpose. The economic realities of a home and a business in one building is flexible and financially appealing, but the concern is that inappropriate uses might be allowed in there. They don't want a business in front and an Airbnb in the back,” Lapp said.
Respondents also said that unfinished storefronts negatively impacts the appearance of 50 Street and was top priority.
“On assessment fairness they are in full support of full commercial assessment, whether there's a business there or not. Basically, if the property is on main street and it's zoned commercial, then you
pay commercial taxes, whether you live there or not,” Lapp said. Resident concerns on the third topic, fencing, was particular to building materials and appearance.
“They want a policy that states that you can't reuse materials, or you can't use unsightly materials for your fence. They want the fences to be good quality. There was general support with the maximum fence height rules, and banning razor wire or barbed wire fences was supported,” Lapp said.
Some residents suggested that allowances be made for higher fences in some cases, in order to keep dogs in or to hide unsightly properties.
“This is where it's Continued on Page 11
On Sept. 15, police received a report of cattle on the side of Highway 14 near Bruce. Police attended and the owner of the cattle was located and put the cattle back in the pasture. The complainant was updated.
Later that morning, police received a complaint of threatening text messages being sent. Police viewed the messages, but they did not meet the threshold to proceed with criminal charges and the complainant was advised of this.
That afternoon, police were advised of a phone scam attempt in Viking. The complainant reported he received a phone call from a female stating he had won a large amount of cash and a new GMC pickup but he needed to provide $500 worth of gift cards before his prizes would be delivered. Fortunately, the complainant recognized this as a scam and did not comply and therefore did not become
a victim of fraud. Police would like to remind the public you will never be required to pay a fee or provide gift cards of any type to obtain a prize you have legitimately won.
On Sept. 16, police received a complaint of an erratic driver east of Viking on Highway 14. A patrol was made and the vehicle in question was located and stopped. The driver was issued a warning regarding his driving pattern and the complainant was updated.
That afternoon, police received a complaint of an oversized load with no pilot vehicle east of Viking on Highway 14. The complainant advised a truck pulling farm equipment almost ran him off the road. Police were not in a position to intercept the vehicle in question.
That same day, a youth with outstanding warrants out of Calgary turned himself in at the Viking Detachment. The warrants were executed
and the youth was held for a bail hearing. He was later released and will be appearing in Calgary Provincial Court in October.
That evening, police received a report of several geese carcasses, empty beer cans and other garbage located near Thomas Lake. Police attended the scene but did not locate any evidence to further an investigation. The information was passed on to Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers.
Later that night, police were advised of a traffic hazard on Highway 14 east of Viking. The complainant reported a combine with no lights was towing a swather. Traffic was backed up and it was not safe to pass. The complainant advised she had turned off the highway and was no longer following the combine. Police made a patrol but did not locate the vehicle in question on the highway and had no information on where it might have
Notice to Customers: Food with Flair in Viking will be under new management after September 30, as Donna has decided to retire.
Customer Appreciation Day at Food With Flair in Viking Friday, September 26
Starts at 11 a.m. on main street in Viking. Everyone Welcome! Come and wish Donna a warm congratulations on her upcoming retirement (on Sept. 30).
WORD ON THE STREET THE
RCMP tackle busy week including highway hazards
turned off so could not follow up with the operator of the combine.
During the early morning hours of Sept. 17, police received a 911 Iphone crash notification from an area west of Viking. Extensive patrols were made but no crash scene was located. Police later spoke with the owner of the phone who advised he was fine and there had been no emergency.
That afternoon, police received a complaint of a vehicle driving in a dangerous manner north of Viking. The vehicle in question was already being investigated by Vermilion RCMP for offences that occurred in their area earlier in the day. The driver was eventually taken into custody by them with the assistance of several other
RCMP specialized units and is facing numerous Criminal Code charges.
That same day, police were dispatched to a single vehicle rollover west of Viking. When police arrived on scene they observed a semi truck pulling a trailer hauling grain rolled over in the ditch. Fortunately, the driver did not sustain any injuries. He provided a statement, and a collision report was completed.
Later that afternoon, police received a complaint of a pedestrian making a rude gesture to the occupants of a vehicle driving past him. The complainant was concerned as her children were in the vehicle at the time. The person in question was spoken to and warned about his behav-
iour.
On Sept. 18, police received a complaint of mischief at a business in Viking. The complainant advised the culprit had cut a hole in his fence and a tent on the property. Nothing appeared to be missing. Police have no suspects at this time.
That afternoon, police received a request to conduct a wellbeing check on an individual who had missed a required medical appointment in Camrose. Police attempted to locate the person in question and later learned she had eventually showed up for the appointment as necessary.
On Sept. 21, police received a report of a black Chevy pickup in the Continued on Page 12
ADVANCE VOTING NOTICE OF ELECTION AND REQUIREMENTS FOR VOTER IDENTIFICATION
Local Authorities Election Act (Section 12, 35, 46,53,73& 74)
Local Jurisdiction: Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61, Province of Alberta Notice is hereby giventhat an election will be held for the filling of the following offices: Number ofWard or Electoral Office(s)VacanciesDivision Number Councillor1Division 5 Councillor1Division 6 Councillor1Division 7
ADVANCE VOTING
For those unavailable to vote onthe 20th day of October, 2025 advance voting will take place on the 4th day of October, 2025 and the 9th day of October, 2025 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. The voting station will be located at: Municipal District of Wainwright No. 61 Administration Office 717 –14th Avenue
Wainwright, AB T9W 1B3
VOTER IDENTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
In order to vote, an elector must produce for inspection one or more of the acceptable forms of identification required by Section 53 of the Local Authorities Election Act. If an elector is on the Permanent Elector Registry (PER) prior to arriving at the voting station, they can vote by providing one piece of government-issued photo identification, such as a Alberta Driver’s License, Alberta Identification Card or Canadian Passport. If an elector is not on the PER, the elector may declare that they are eligible to vote in the presence of an officer and complete the prescribed form as well as provide one of the following:
1.One piece of government-issued identification that contains the elector’s photograph, name, and current address. PO boxes can be accepted on an Alberta Driver’s License or an Alberta Identification Card.
2.One piece of identificationauthorized by the Chief Electoral Officer under the Election Act that establishes the elector’s name and current address. If the elector’s identification does not list their address, they may have another registered elector vouch for their residential address.
Please visitwww.mdwainwright.ca for additionalinformation or contact theMunicipal District of Wainwright No. 61Administration Office at (780) 842-4454.
Dated at the Town of Wainwright,in the Province of Alberta, this 23rd day of September, 2025.
Mackenzie Bethune Returning Officer
Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking
Phone
The Beaver County Chronicle
An election will be held in four divisions out of five for seats on Beaver County Council following the close of nominations Sept. 22 in the 2025 municipal elections.
All incumbents are running again and four of them are being challenged for their seats.
All except for Councillor Lionel Williams, who has been elected by acclamation in Division 2 as nobody has stepped forward to take him on.
In Division 1, current Reeve Kevin Smook is being challenged by Nora Abercrombie. Smook filed his nomination papers on Sept. 10 while Abercrombie filed hers on Sept. 19.
In Division 2, incumbent Lionel Williams went unchallenged and is therefore elected by acclamation. Just completing his first term in office, Williams filed his notice of nomination for a second term on August 25.
In Division 3, incumbent Eugene (Gene) Hrabec is being challenged by Richard (Rick) Ells, who filed on nomi-
nation day Sept. 22. Hrabec filed his nomination papers on Aug. 13.
In the next two divisions, there are three candidates each vying for two seats.
In Division 4, incumbent Barry Bruce has two challengers, Ava Fried and Shawn O’Shea. Papers for nomination were filed on Aug. 18 for Bruce, Sept. 11 for Fried, and Sept. 15 for O’Shea.
In Division 5, incumbent Dale Pederson (filed his nomination papers on Sept. 15) is being challenged by Marshall Tymofichuk (filed on Sept. 11) and Diane Weaver (filed on Sept. 22).
Candidates have 24 hours following the nomination deadline of noon on Sept. 22 to withdraw their name from nomination.
Advance voting will be held for Divisions 1 and 2 on Oct. 14 at the Tofield Golden Club.
In Divisions 3 and 4, advance voting is set for Oct. 15 at the Holden Seniors Club.
And in Division 5, advance voting will take place on Oct. 16 at the Viking Seniors Club.
Voting times for these advance polls
within the respective divisions are all between 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
As well, electors from all five divisions can advance vote on Oct. 14-17 at the Beaver County Service Centre in Ryley from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The municipal election will take place on Oct. 20 with voting stations open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
On voting day, voting stations in Division 1 will be held at the Lindbrook Community Hall and Tofield Community Hall.
In Division 2, at Spilstead Community Hall as well as Tofield Community Hall. However, with the incumbent already elected by acclamation in Division 2, only voters for Division 1 will be voting at the Tofield Hall.
In Division 3, a voting station is scheduled for use at the Ryley Legion.
In Division 4, the Bruce Community Hall will be the voting station.
In Division 5, there will be voting stations set up at the Kinsella Community Hall and the Viking Seniors Centre.
The campaign now begins in earnest for all the candidates with nominations
Four of five county seats contested in municipal election - Lionel Williams elected by acclamation in Division 2
closed and candidates officially declared.
Already, an All-Candidates Forum 2025 has been announced by the Tofield and District Chamber of Commerce for Tuesday, Oct. 7, at the Tofield Community Hall starting at 6 p.m.
The Tofield and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting a moderated candidates’ forum for members of the public to meet local candidates “so you can make informed decisions in the upcoming municipal election,” says the Chamber.
The Chamber invites the public to come out and “hear from your local candidates on issues that matter most to your community.”
For Beaver County elections, Kevin Smook (inc.) and Nora Abercrombie are vying for a Division 1 council seat, and Gene Hrabec (inc.) and Rick Ells are contesting the Division 3 county council seat.
Municipal elections are also taking place in the towns and villages, and school districts that lie within the county boundaries.
County responds to odour concerns with ‘fact sheet’ for residentsProvince “wholly responsible” for landfill’s odour and other issues
Patricia Harcourt
Beaver County Council addressed letters of concern regarding landfill odours from Claystone Waste Ltd. at council’s Sept. 17 meeting.
Council directed administration to prepare a fact sheet outlining the dual approval processes fro Claystone Waste Ltd. development, specifically the municipal and provincial development application processes as well as contact information for concerned citizens to direct complaints about Claystone’s odours and other emissions to the province.
Deborah Juch, General Manager of Community and Protective Services,
presented the fact sheet devised by administration explaining the county’s role and responsibilities and suggestions on what people can do to register complaints. The fact sheet is now posted on the county website.
In her report, she stated that the responsibility for monitoring odours falls within the Provincial jurisdiction and “supersedes” the county’s bylaws.
In terms of making a complaint about odours, Juch said that “Claystone would do an investigation and report back to the company,” stating this complaint process has been under utilized in the past.
The fact sheet was “desk dropped” to the councillors and therefore not includ-
ed in the public agenda package, although posted on the screen in county chambers during discussion.
The fact sheet also spells out “what the county can and cannot control,” said Juch.
Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Councillor Division 3) called the fact sheet “great.”
But he added: “Claystone needs to fix its complaint process.” He said that, often, there is no answer when using the complaints line and no follow up after leaving a message.
Hrabec said he has asked the company about this and was told there are so many calls regarding items like bins that “they just take messages,” he said,
adding “this needs to be fixed.”
Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) reminded council this issue was discussed in a closed session on Sept. 3. Issues discussed in closed session are not for public consumption.
The fact sheet would go out to the public once it has been approved, he said. It has been posted on the county website following the meeting.
Hrabec added that when the county approved the new compost facility for Claystone four years ago, “council had no idea of the growth,” of the facility since then, adding: “The compost facility has growing pains…
“The size was unexpected,” he said, Continued on BCC4
Hubert & Margaret Graham
Patricia Harcourt
MUNICIPALELECTION: Monday,October20,2025
BEAVER COUNTY MUNICIPAL ELECTION: Monday, October 20, 2025
SpecialBallots
IfyouarenotabletovoteatanAdvanceVoteoronElectionDay youmayrequestaSpecialBallot(akamail-inballot).Requestsfor SpecialBallotswillbeacceptedinwriting,bytelephone,in person,orbye-mailcommencingat12:00pm(noon)on Thursday,September24,2025.
SpecialBallotsmustbereturnedtotheReturningOfficerno laterthen12:00pm(noon)onMonday,October20,2025,eitherin personduringbusinesshoursorbymail.Anyballotsthatare receivedlatewillNOTbeaccepted. Email:mwalsh@beaver.ab.caPhone:780-663-3730ext.1023
ALLCANDIDATES FORUM2025
HEARFROMYOURLOCALCANDIDATES
TheTofieldandDistrictChamberofCommerce ishostinga ModeratedCandidatesForum forYOUtomeetthelocalCandidatessoyou canmakeinformeddecisionsintheupcoming MunicipalElection!
Tuesday,October7,2025
6:00pm
TofieldCommunityHall 530950thSt,Tofield
CANDIDATES:
Pleaseemailgreg@greg-litwin.com byOctober2,2025 toconfirmyourattendance.
October8
9:30AM-12:00-GovernanceandPrioritiesCommitteeMeeting 1:00PM-4:00PM-RegularCouncilMeeting October20
8:00AM-8:00PM-MunicipalElection IMPORTANTDATES
Friday,October31,2025
Doorsopenat8:00PM AdvanceTicketsOnly: $30(+EventbriteFee)* 18+Event Formoreinformationcontactusat: borschiwsocialguild@gmail.com or587-280-2357 *TicketsavailablethroughEventbrite ONLY
DEVELOPMENTPERMITS
ThefollowingDevelopmentApplicationshavebeenAPPROVED(except whereotherwisenoted)bytheDevelopmentAuthorityundertheprovisions ofLandUseBylawNo.98-801,subjecttotherightofappealtotherelevant appealbody-SubdivisionandDevelopmentAppealBoard(SDAB)orLand andPropertyRightsTribunal(LPRT).
APPEALDEADLINE
AppealBody ApplicationNo. Applicant Landowner Location Development
APPEALDEADLINE AppealBody ApplicationNo. Applicant Landowner Location Development
OCTOBER22,2025 LPRT 020020-25-D0062 MANSOORROY 1325207ALBERTALTD. E1/2Block2,Plan1562WinNW-27-46-11-W4 DiscretionaryUse-GasStation&ConvenienceStore (HighwayCommercialUse)
OCTOBER22,2025 SDAB 020020-25-D0051 SIMONKEUSCH(PRAIRIEPRIDEMEATSLTD.) SAME Lot2,Block1,Plan0525952inSE-24-50-20-W4 DiscretionaryUse-PetFoodManufacturingBusiness (Agricultural,ProductProcessing)
Anypersonwishingtoappealanapplicationmaydosoby servingwrittennoticeontheprescribedform(stating reasonsfortheappeal)totherelevantappealbody.For informationonhowtoappealcanbefoundourourwebsite under Services>Planning&Development>Appealing PlanningDecisions Furtherinformationregardingtheabovedecisionsmaybe obtainedfromtheCountyOffice,Ryley,Alberta.
tofieldchamber.com
CONSTRUCTIONUPDATEFORTHEFOLLOWING LOCATIONS:
Overthesummer,Countyconstructioncrewshavebeenworkingto upgradethefollowingroads:
TWPRD492Approximately1.72kmseastofRGERD170
TWPRD490betweenHighway857&RGERD142
TWPRD490betweenHighway870&RGERD120
TWPRD512fromRGERD191toSecondaryHighway834
Theselocationswillsoonbegintoreceivethesecondlayerofchipsealand theremaybedelaysasworkcrews'directtraffictoworksafely.Therewill bemanylooserocksafterthesecondchipseallayerisappliedandspeed limitswillcontinuetobereducedontheseroadsuntilthefinalsweepis complete.BeaverCounty'sgoalistoprovideahealthy,injuryfreework environmentforallemployees,contractors,visitors,andgeneralpublic. Therearepotentialhazardstothepublicandvehiclesduringthe constructionprocess.Thiscanincludeheavymachinery,dustormud,road materialsuchasgravel,asphaltcoatingsandrockchips.Weapologizefor theinconveniencethatroadmaintenanceandupgradingcauses,butthe sameroadsthatreceivethemosttrafficalsoneedthemostmaintenance. Thankyouforyourpatienceandunderstandingduringconstruction.If youhaveanyquestions,pleasecalltheBeaverCountyServiceCentreat 780-663-3730.
ROADMAINTENANCE:SHOULDERPULLS
BeaverCountyconstructioncrewsarecompletingshoulderpullsonthe followingroadsthisseason.
RgeRd200fromHWY14toTwpRd500
TwpRd492fromHWY834toRgeRd192
RgeRd173,430meterssouthofTwpRd500toTwpRd492 TwpRd500fromHWY854toRgeRd171 TwpRd484fromHWY855toRgeRd164 TwpRd502fromHWY854toRgeRd171
Thisworkreclaimsgravelfromtheroadedges,restoresthecrownfor properdrainage,andimprovesoveralldrivingconditions.Duringthis process,residentsmaynoticetemporaryroughsurfacesandroad equipment.Weaskdriverstoslowdown,watchforsigns,andgivecrews spacetoworksafely.Formoreinformation,visittheRoadMaintenance FAQontheBeaverCountywebsite.Ifyourquestionisn’tansweredthere, pleasecontacttheBeaverCountyServiceCentreat780-663-3730.
ROADSURFACINGUPDATE:
BeaverCountyispleasedtoannouncethatthehardsurfacingprojectsat thefollowinglocation(s)havebeencompleted: RgeRd202betweenTwp502and504
Thisupgradewillprovidesmoothertravelandextendthelong-term durabilityoftheroadwayforallusers.
Toensuretheroadremainsinexcellentcondition,weaskthepublicto pleasefollowtheguidelinesbelow:
Roadbanswillremaininplaceforapproximatelyoneyear. Noloadingorunloadingontheroadway.
Avoiddrivingheavyandtrackedequipmentontheroad,pleaseuse alternateroutesorhaulroads.
ReportanydamageorunsafeconditionstotheBeaverCountyService Center.
COMMUNITYSUPPORTGRANTDEADLINE
BeaverCountyvaluestheincredibleworkofcommunityorganizations! ThroughtheCommunitySupportGrantprogram,weprovidefunding andin-kindsupporttohelpbringimpactfulprojectstolife.
Thinkingaboutapplying?Here’swhatyou’llneed:
Acompletedapplicationform, Adetailedprojectbudget, Theorganization’smostrecentfinancialstatements, Evidenceoffinancialneedorquotesfortheproject.
Deadline:September30th,2025
VisitourwebsiteunderCommunity>CommunitySupport Requestsformoreinformationortofilloutanapplicationform.
Mailinglist
Getnews,meetinghighlights,theroad constructionschedule,theChronicle,and more-directtoyourinbox!
RgeRd200fromHwy630to BlackfootGrazingReserve Entrance
Twp492approx.1.72kmseastof RgeRd170 Jun26
TwpRd512fromRgeRd191toHWY 834
ShoulderPulls
RgeRd200fromHWY14toTWP RD500 Sept9 Sept30
TwpRd492fromHWY834toRge Rd192 Oct1 Oct9
RgeRd173from430meterssouth ofTwpRd500andTwpRd492 Oct10 Oct24
TwpRd500fromHWY854toRge Rd171 Oct27 Nov4
TwpRd502fromHWY854toRge Rd171 Nov5 Nov14
BridgeReplacement(RGERD171 fromTWP484-490 Jun26 Jul26 Gravelling Mar13 Dec22
HamletRoadRehabilitation(DatesTBD)
Bruce -MainStreetfromrailroad tracksto4Avenue th
Kinsella - MainStreetfrom Highway14to3Avenue rd 2AvenuefromMainStreetto KingStreet nd
Website InformationonCountyprogramsandservicescan befoundonourwebsite,alongwiththelatestnews.
Socialmedia FindusonFacebook,X(Twitter), Instagram,YouTube,andLinkedIn.
“ThereisatimeinlateSeptemberwhentheleavesarestill green,andthedaysarestillwarm,butsomehowyouknow thatitisallabouttoendasifsummerwasholdingits breath,andwhenitletitoutagain,itwouldbeautumn.” SharynMcCrumb
Beaver County supports Kinsella Community Centre roof replacement
Funds used from Clean Harbors Enhancement Grant
Patricia Harcourt
Beaver County Council recently supported “a much-needed roof replacement” for the Kinsella Community Centre by approving funding of up to $265,000 for the project, announced a county release dated Sept. 23.
Funding for the roof replacement came from the Clean Harbors Community Enhancement Grant, which is calculated quarterly based on the volume of waste received at the
Landfill Odour concerns
Continued from BCC 1
adding” “It can’t be fixed overnight but it has to be addressed…The municipality needs to step up and help Claystone with solutions.”
He then spoke concerning the unfairness for the county residents living closest to the facility who may deserve more compensation than other ratepayers.
“Ratepayers (living closest) are dealing with the smell and the garbage,” he said, noting that “Those (living) near are affected more but only get the same services as other living further away.”
Hrabec said he was speaking for the county residents who wrote the letters and for those who called him to complain.
“Beaver County needs to step up
Ryley facility. The grant provides Beaver County with dedicated funds to support projects that enhance recreation, leisure, and community programs across the County.
“Having this new roof provides us more opportunity to offer a good, clean, and affordable space for people in the area to rent for functions.
Heartfelt gratitude from Kinsella Rec and Ag and from the community, for Clean Harbors’ and Beaver County Council’s assistance on this project,” said Peter Albert, President of the
and protect the ratepayers because it’s our problem as much as anyone else’s,” he said.
Hrabec made the motion requested by administration and the motion was carried unanimously by council.
The letters referred to in county discussion came from ratepayers William and Christa Winsnes, who have a farm near the landfill, and Willis Reist, who lives in Ryley and farms on land in the county.
The letters were addressed to their division councillor. Christa Winsnes stated in her letter: “These odours have led to a tangible loss of enjoyment and use of my outdoor spaces.
“What should be peaceful rural living has turned into periods where opening windows or spending time outside is unbearable, forcing me and my family indoors and disrupting daily activities,” she said.
Earlier in the letter, she referred to “foul odours” described as “rotten or
Kinsella Agricultural and Recreation Society.
The total cost of the roof project was estimated at $251,000 plus GST. With the Kinsella Recreation and Agricultural Society’s eligibility for a 50% GST rebate, the county’s total contribution is expected to be $257,275, pending final invoicing.
“The Kinsella Community Centre is more than just a building - it’s where the community comes together,” says Beaver County Reeve Kevin Smook, “Investing in its upkeep helps pre-
sewage like which have plagued the community for years.”
Winses also outlined her concerns for the animals in her care, especially the horses she described as highly sensitive to respiratory problems from such gases emitted from the landfill.
Reist expressed strong concern for his family: “I and my family of four would like to express our anger towards the proposed expansion of the composter at the Ryley Landfill (Claystone),” his letter stated.
When the wind blows “in the wrong direction,” he said the “putrid” smell drives people indoors or makes them leave town.
“They say they have, or can, control the smell but we have yet to see that,” he said, referring to the upcoming municipal elections as a way for people to vote their anger over the issue..
“Please do what you can as elected
serve that connection for years to come. We’re proud to support this project and grateful to Clean Harbors for making it possible.”
Construction was completed in September 2025. “This investment reflects Beaver County’s Strategic Plan commitment to building strong rural communities by supporting infrastructure that connects residents and strengthens community life,” stated the county in its announcement.
officials to make sure this does not go through or the health of our community,” said Reist.
However, in her report Juch explained that the the county is not the entity responsible for ensuring odours.
“The Alberta Environmental Protection Agency (AEPA) has jurisdiction over the monitoring and enforcement of odour and other emissions from landfills,” states Juch.
“While the county’s Community Standards Bylaw does regulate odour as one of many nuisances that the county can enforce against to reduce impact on neighbours, in the case of a landfill, Provincial jurisdiction supersedes any authority that the county has,” she said.
“The Province is wholly responsible to ensure Claystone complies with its approved odour management plan,” concluded Juch.
County, Clean Harbors and Kinsella Ag officials mark the completion of the Kinsella Community Centre’s roof replacement project, including from left: Beaver County CAO Kay Spiess, Division 2 Councillor Lionel Williams, Division 4 Councillor Barry Bruce, Clean Harbors official Stan Yuha, Peter Albert (Kinsella Rec and Ag) Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3), Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) and Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson.
PHOTO COURTESY BEAVER COUNTY
Celebrating the completion of the roof replacement funded by Beaver County through Clean Harbors funding are: holding the banner Stan Yuha (left) Facility Manager, Ryley-Clean Harbors, and Peter Albert (right) Kinsella Rec and Ag Society President. Also attending were members of the Rec and Ag Society board and Beaver County Council.
Royal Purple fall update
Continued from Page 3
lobby. Set up is November 30 and take down is January 3. This was a wonderful event last year and many people enjoyed the spectacular trees and lights, and the Food Bank was the recipient of a whole bunch of
food items. Thanks to all the locals who so generously filled the food boxes. We have room for a few more trees this year. But please contact Dawn early to reserve your spot. The dance girls are already booked and it will be exciting to see how they decorate this year. Hopefully all who graced the lobby last year will support the Festival this year and many more groups or
individuals will join the Christmas excitement and add to the beauty of the season!
We will attend the Grade 12 school awards on October 10 and present a cheque to the best volunteer.
Yes, we do stay busy! Be sure to join us and be part of our special fall events at the Carena. We appreciate the Town of Viking and recreation director Colleen for the support.
NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS
Estate of Thomas William Armitage who died on April 20, 2025
If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by October 27, 2025 and provide details of your claim with NRHM LLP at 608 – 10th Street Wainwright, Alberta T9W 1E2
If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.
HELP WANTED
SATURDAY, OCT. 4 AT 10:00 A.M.
SUNDAY, OCT. 5, 2025 AT 10:00 A.M. DIRECTIONS:
Tractors: JD 4430 Powershift Trans, triple hyd., dual PTO, duals, CAH, approx 9000 hrs., S/N 4430T030594R; White 2-150 Tractor Field Boss, CAH, duals, dual hyd.
Vehicles: 1980 Chev 60 3T Truck, V8, 5x2 sp trans, 18-ft box, hoist, roll tarp, S/N C16DBAV101426; 1968 Ford 2T Cabover Truck c/w V8, new 16-ft box & hoist, roll tarp, new rubber, S/N C80WUC73077; 1980 GMC 35 Aristocrat 18-ft Motorhome, awning, nice & clean, S/N 2GD5G31M1B4506909; 1976 F150 Ford Ranger Supercab, 400 eng, auto, S/N X155KD29705; 1980 GMC IT Dually Truck, 454 eng, 4-sp, trans c/w Steel Welding Deck S/N TCU33AV678557; 1956 GMC 2T Truck c/w grain box & hoist; 332 V8 4sp; 1969 Chev Cab Over Fire Truck, V8, 4sp, S/N TE639P867981; 1952 IHC 1T Truck, 6 cyl. 4sp trans, stepside, box; 1986 Chev Caprice; 81-82 Chev Impalas; 1972 Monte Carlo; NOTE: Cars not running Trailers: SWS 16-ft Tandem Axle Trailer c/w 7 1/2 ft x 16 ft deck c/w ramps, like new, S/N 34666
Single Axle Trailer c/w 8-ft x 10-ft deck, NVSN; Single Axle Trailer c/w 4-ft x 8-ft box & tarp, NVSN; Single Axle Trailer c/w 8-ft x12-ft tilt deck & lights, NVSN
Recreational: 1969-72 Skidoo Snowmobiles, not running; 2018 Polaris Ranger 4x4, Side by Side, diesel, dump box, S/N 4XARTAD13J887, 386 hrs; Cat 650 Quad 4x4 c/w winch & front & rear racks, S/N 44F06ATV67T2, 186 hrs
Vintage Tractors: Ferguson TEA 20 Tractor, PTO, 3-ph; Cockshutt 30 Gas; Cockshutt 30 Gas PTO, pulley; IHC W6 gas, PTO, pulley; Case DC, Pulley PTO; Oliver Super 88 gas hyd., PTO, Pulley; MH 33 Special Rowcrop, PTO, pulley; Fordson Major Longhorn, pulley, PTO, 3-ph; JD D, Electric Start, new rubber, PTO; Case S, hyd, pulley, PTO; MH 44 Special, Gas, PTO, pulley; MM U, Pulley, PTO; AC WD 45 PTO, 2-point hitch; MH 44 c/w hyd., PTO, pulley; 15-30 McCormick; Cockshutt 550 Gas, Hyd, pulley; MH 101 Junior Twin Power; Cockshutt 40 gas, PTO, pulley; Oliver 40 Gas Hyd, PTO, pulley; Cockshutt 40 hyd., PTO, pulley; Case VA, PTO, pulley; NOTE: All the tractors have not run for many years. Always shedded
Antiques & Collectibles: Large Assort Old Tools; Assort Bells; Antique Musical Instruments; Military Wheel Chair & Stretcher Combination; Copper Washing Machine; Assort Old Dishes & Bottles; Fire Hose Reel Cart; Grain Crushers; Forges; Anvils; Railroad Tool Car; Rocking Butter Churn; Wall Clocks; Assort. Coal & Wood Stoves; Spinning Wheels; Leather Vise; Crocks; Cream Cans; Assort. Binder Twine; Lamps; Crosscut Saws; Esso & B/A 7-ft Signs; Cast Iron Tubs c/w legs; Assort Phones; Insulators; Oil Tins & Pails; Dough Machine; Butter Churns; Coal Pails; Oil Dispenser; Pot Belly Stoves; CNR Stove; Stationary Engine; Well Pumps; Toledo Scale; Cream Separators; Wool Carder; Tabacco Cutter; 32 Volt Jacobs Wind Charger; MH Feed Cutter; Assort. Antique Washing Machines; JD 8inch Steel Wheel Cultivator; Potato Planter; Large Assort. Horse Hay Mowers; Hay Dump Rakes; Gang Plows; Assort. Oil Seed Drills & Cultivators; Hay Loader; Disc Plows; Freznos;
Machinery: NH 688 Autowrap Round Baler c/w gathering wheels, 540 PTO; NH 315 Square Baler, hyd., tension, super sweep pick-up; NH 1033 Square Bale Wagon; 2 Wheel Front Mount Swath Turner; NH 144 Hay Converter; NH 1100 12-ft SP Haybine; Vicon 5W Hay Rake; Allied 24ft Bale Elevator; NH 1033 Bale Wagon; NH 1100 SP Haybine, parts; MF 760 Diesel SP Combine; Kongskilde 500 Grain Vac c/w hoses; JD 15-ft 800 SP Swather; Farm King 15-section Harrow Draw Bar c/w HD harrows; Farm King 620 3-ph or Trailer Rough Cut Mower; Farm King HD Wagon, c/w deck, hauls 14 bales; JD 3100 6Bottom Plow c/w coulters; 2 Wheel Swather Mover; 10-ft Root Rake c/w hyd. lift; Allied 7-inch x 36-ft Auger c/w 16-hp motor; Case 6 x 6-inch Plow c/w coulters Miscellaneous: JD C20 16-ft VS Cultivator; Wooden Wheel Wagon c/w grain box; Horse Sleigh; Covered Wagon c/w poles, no tarp; Bobsleigh; Minature Horse Wagon; Poly Feeder; New Tombstone Feeder; Clover Bar Saddle; Assort Horse Tack; Assort Feed Tubs; New Trailer Wood Splitter; (2) 3-ph Yard Sprayers; Anhydrous Gophinator Tank; Soil Saver 3-ph 8-ft Cultivator; AC 2-ph Semi-Mount 7-ft Mower; IHC No. 80 Pull Type Combine; AC Roto Baler; Ferguson 8-ft Drag Disc; 3-ph 8-ft Cult; New 3/4-inch Plywood; Tidy Tank c/w EL pump; Genie TML4000 Diesel Light Tower; Ferguson 3-ph Dirt Mover; FEL Bale Fork; New & Used Front & Rear Tractor Tires, Various Sizes; Assort Hyd. Rams; Assort. Used Tractor Parts; Assort Water, Air, Hyd Hoses; New Idea Ground Drive Manure Spreader (restored); Admiral Stationary Wire Tie Baler; 6 ft Brundt Press Drill; IHC PTO Manure Spreader; Assort Steel Gates; Hyd. Trailer Pocket Gopher Plow; 40-ft Pipe Frame Tandem Axle Trailer; Assort. New Solar Panels; Parts Washer; Drill Presses; Coates 1010 Tire Changer; Solar Lights; Solar Fencers; Imp. Jacks; Air Comp; Chainsaws;
Feed Cooker c/w stand; Rod Weeders; Keg & Gunnerman Threshing Machine; (8) Electric Gas Pumps; Electric Incubator; 3-ph PTO Drive Rotary Harrow; Saw Mandrels; Square Bale Loader Silage Feed Cutter; Meat Grinder; Fanning Mills; Potato Digger; Assort. Horse Garden Cultivators; Pump Organ; Assort Antique Dressers c/w mirrors; Test Plot Harvester Yard Equipment: New JD 48-inch Lawn Sweep; New Patio Heaters; Wishing Wells; Small Tire Yard Wagon; Sabre Riding Lawn Tractor; Honey Bee Crates; Plastic Fishing Totes; Double Dog House; Snow Blower; Weeders; Sears 10-36 Lawn Mower; Wood Chipper; Rototillers; Assort. Lawn Ornaments; Christmas Decorations; Nativity Scene; JD No.10 Yard Trailer; Small Poly Tanks;
Sprayers; Yard & Garden Supplies; Kennel; Yard Furniture; Patio Set; Wheelbarrows; Peacock Steel Patio Furniture; Garden Cart; Plus more
$20/wk
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Congratulations to Jim & Val Fielding on your 50th Wedding Anniversary September 27! Love from the family.
With deep sorrow we announce the death of Helene Page, who passed away peacefully in Airdrie on August 12, 2025 at the age of 85.
Her ashes will be scattered at Forestburg Cemetery at noon on October 4, 2025 in a small ceremony attended by family. All are welcome to attend.
Brian's Market will not be beside the Drug Store in Daysland unless there are orders for raspberries or tomatoes, when they are ready, or strawberries if they get ready. It will only be for pickup orders, so you must call Brian for an appointment to get a time and day for pickup, at 780-678-0053. Brian's Market Garden would like to thank Mark and M.J. Badry for letting me use the empty lot by the Drug Store. I also would like to thank Flagstaff County for letting me take part in the Market, and I also want to thank all the customers who came out to support me in 2025.
CARD OF THANKS
Thanks to all who attended Ronald Fossen’s Celebration of Life and for all donations to your chosen charity in Dad’s memory. Special thanks to Dr. Hanton and staff of the Killam Hospital, and the Doctors and staff at the Daysland Hospital, as well as to the Forestburg Fire Department and EMS. Thanks, too, to Fee & Sons Funeral Home.
From Clint, Dan, Wayne, and Rick and their families
COMING EVENTS
Order Fall Potatoes and Carrots!!! East of Sedgewick, off Highway 13, turn north on RR122, then go north 3 miles. Helen Tanton - 780-888-6800 28tfnc
CLASSIFIEDS
COMING EVENTS
Are you ready for a change in your life?
Register for Change it Up at Flagstaff Community Adult Learning in Killam - a free 8 week program that will help you achieve your personal and employment goals. Whether you are ready to reenter the workforce, find more fulfilling work or need skills for dealing with personal difficulties or life situations, this is a course for everyone in all ages and stages of adulthood.
Text or call Treena at 780-385-1936 or email her at flagstaffconnector@gmail.com to register or find out more.
Starting this October. 38/39c
Once again we are fundraising for the MK5K walk, to raise money for the Mary Ash Charitable Foundation. Your donation will support women living with cancer and fights against domestic violence. If you would like to donate and get the link for a tax receipt, contact Sonya Martens 780-240-4605. Donate by September 30, 2025.
TM38P
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Variety Vendor Markets in Hardisty and Killam. Discover local businesses, crafters, and hot/cold food.
Hardisty Elk’s Hall, Saturday, September 27, Noon to 8 p.m.
Killam United Church Tuesday, October 7, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. Apply with Tiffany 780-280-0690
37/38c
Join us for a Free Movie Night. Build your awareness and understanding for Truth and Reconciliation.
Flagstaff Community Adult Learning and DKR United Churches are inviting you to a viewing of the award winning documentary "The Pass System" on Thursday, Sept 24th at 7 pm at the Killam Theatre (The Living Room) on Main Street. Refreshments to follow. Ages 12+.
37/38c ————————————————
FOR RENT
Storage Unit For Rent in Killam Inside private warehouse building behind Community Press office. Security cameras on site, building heated in winter. Upstairs units available, approx 8’ x 12’. Back alley access only. $99/mo. with $100 damage deposit. Or pre-pay for 6 months for $495 (1 month free) or pre-pay for 1 year for $990 (2 months free).
Rental contract required. First month due at signing. Call/Leave Voicemail for Ally 780-385-6693 or stop by The Community Press office on Main Street in Killam.
FOR SALE
Pyrenees Puppies, 7 months old. Female and male. Asking $100. Call Garth at 780-688-3514.
36/38c
Great Pyrenees about 1.5 years old. 2 females and 1 male, in the Holden area. Asking $200 per dog. Call 780-688-3514
TM37P
Multiple Items For Sale GREAT PRICES!!!!!!
Located in Viking, AB Chop Saw & Stand $300 Electric Mower $250 Scroll Saw $120 Air Tools $200 Golf Clubs $500 Plus many more toolssome never even used! Call Victor at 587-306-3806 37/38p
Equipment For Sale
• Zero Turn Cub Cadet Lawnmower 54" with approximately 250 hours 2 years old
• Kubota Side by Side with Dump Box
• Massey Ferguson model 255 with approximately 3,000 hours with ease-on front end loader.
• Restored W30 International. New paint, runs good. Call Norman at 780-385-8814. 33/37p
FOR SALE
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WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzymes injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 25. One-time fuel charge: $150 - 225. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed.
HELP WANTED
JP’s Country Daycare located in Daysland, Alberta is looking for full-time and part-time Early Childhood Educators - ECEs. Willing to train, Government Top Up, Wage to be discussed based on experience. Resumes can be sent to jpcountrydaycare@gmail.com 36/39c
LOOKING TO RENT
LOOKING TO RENT
$$ Make Extra Money $$
Professional lady, children's entertainer living/working in Flagstaff region for next year or two, looking for room/ apartment/house to rent anywhere in Flagstaff County, by Oct. 1. Non-smoking preferred. References available. Call Victoria at 780-781-3713 38p
REAL ESTATE
½ Section Pastureland NE 35 & NW 36-41-10-W4 located south of Hardisty in the Battle River valley at RR 101 & TWP RD 420. Fenced, cross-fenced, mix of seeded and tame grass with large dug-out, pumping system, full power on site with gravel revenue. Call Mike Golka REMAX River City 780-914-9889 MLS#’s E4447511 & E4447499 tfnc
Looking for New Farm & Commercial Listings! Give us a call, we’d love to sell your property! Hill Realty Inc. 780-449-5622 nhill01@telus.net www.hillrealty.ca
PRICING
$20/wk for the first 35 words 45¢ for each additional word 4 Papers 16,000 readers
SERVICES
Town & Country Guardian Drugs - Killam
We have: •a colour photocopier. •cold pop and fresh snacks. •a great selection of giftware, houseware, fragrances, clothing, toys, games, plush animals and more. •a big selection of greeting cards. •stationery. •seasonal gifts •vitamins, minerals, supplements •free gift wrapping •prescription service 6 days a week.
General Contractor
Red Seal Journeyman Plumber and Gasfitter. Bathroom Renos & Tile New to the Area. 30 plus Years of Experience. Dave 403-999-8464 ————————————————
Drywall Taping/Ceiling Texturing
Experienced Killam drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job, big or small. Don't want to do it yourself? Give me a call! Flagstaff Taping & Texturing Call or text at 780-385-1251
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. 403-543-0927; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca. ————————————————
Leave the tanks at home. Inogen Portable Oxygen Concentrators Convert the air around you into medical grade oxygen. At just under 3 lbs, Inogen lightweight and compact portable oxygen concentrators easily deliver your prescription oxygen on-the-go Call Us Now 1-833-997-1719
SERVICES
Say “NO” to cleaning out your Eavestroughs. Protect your home with LeafFilter. Full service Eavestrough protectionschedule your FREE INSPECTION now 1-888-483-0274. Use Promo Code: 285 to get 20% Off your entire purchase plus 10% Off for Seniors + Military We offer financing that fits your budget!
Be prepared for winter with GENERAC Call 587-803-3600 SERVICES
ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS with Caribou Publishing (owner of your local paper) From Business Cards to Books and everything in between! production.cp@gmail.com
Crossword
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories, or Militaria. Collections, Estates or single items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Contact us: 1-800-694-2609, Email: sales@switzersauction.com or Visit us @ www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
SEPT/ OCT SENIORS SPECIAL! 10% MORE ON ALL CASH PAYOUTS. SILVER Coins, Canadian Coins, GOLD coins, chains, rings...We buy them ALL! Silver flatware, tea sets, all things silver, Canadian Mint sets. We come to the privacy of your home, no fees! Call Joy or Ted 1-825-966-4373.
By Marjorie Lawson
IRMA NEWS
LAMONT COUNTY
Richard Haun is now making his home at Points West in Wainwright while he continues rehabilitation from back surgery.
to fall! Mild and dry conditions look to continue with temperatures being more seasonal. Farmers are making excellent progress on fall activities.
Bill and Wendy Holt, Brian Burr, and Pat Burr flew out to Abbotsford on Friday to attend a family funeral.
Patrons of the public library need to be aware that access doors to the school are now kept locked during school hours. Please ring the doorbell for admission to the school.
• W4-19-54-11-SW Plan 1026758 Block 1 Lot 2 Lamont County. 75.12 acres in the Lamont County 55 acres ± in cultivation. Price $330,00
on May 4, 1944, in Viking where he continued to live and raise his family until called to his heavenly home with God our Father on September 20, 2025.
Holden Land Use Bylaw
Continued from Page 5
difficult. Fence permits are tied to the land, not the people.
“It was brought up that if somebody has a large dog, they should be allowed a taller fence, but, at the end of the day, that dog could pass away and or the family could move but the development permit is tied to the property, so it has to be the same rules for everybody.
“If you did keep the fencing section the same, and somebody came in and wanted a taller fence or a shorter fence, or whatever it
Carl is survived by his dancing partner in life and love of 56 years, Beverley, and daughters and sons-in-law Stacey and Colin of Calgary and Tara and Martin of Fort Saskatchewan.
Carl held as babies and watched grow into young adulthood three grandchildren Dryden, Raine, and McKenna and later in life growing children, Zachary and Danika.
He loved helping on his sister Emma’s farm and also leaves memories with an extended family farming and
might be, they can apply for a variance for that.
“It's not saying no, it's just keeping the policy the same, and actually, most of the public would appreciate seeing the fencing section stay the same.
“What I would recommend is having some graphics showing the information more clearly, and then also stating in there that variances would be on a case-by-case basis,” Lapp said.
The public’s opinion on the LUB as a whole was that it needs to be modernized.
“The comment we got was that it looks like it was a template taken from a different municipality and applied to
Carl Peter Baumgartner OBITUARIES
residing in and around the Viking area.
Carl is predeceased by his parents, Emma (1945), John (1970), stepmother Margaret (1993), and brother John (2024).
The family welcomes your prayers and will be holding a private family funeral.
In memoriam considerations may be given to the Viking Historical Society (Viking Gas Field Interpretive Centre).
Viking Funeral Home in care of arrangements 780-336-4842 vikingfuneralservices.ca
Holden.
“There are three zonings that Holden currently has but are not using. They asked that we look at deleting those and implementing them if and when they're needed,” Lapp said.
Mayor Beckett asked, in terms of the number of pages, what kind of reduction Lapp is looking to have.
“It is 149 pages right now and I don't know what I could get it down to, but I would like to see it at about 60 to 70 pages,” she said.
Lapp said the drafted bylaw will be available to the public and that there will be another public engagement event to discuss the proposed changes.
• W4-19-57-15-NW East Half Lamont County 78.01 acres with 45 acres ± in hay. Nice building site. Price: $280,000
TOWN OF LAMONT
• 5119 48 Ave, 5121 48 Ave, and 5116 47 Ave Lamont AB 3 commercial lots 50' by 100', 65' by 100', and 30' by 100' Price: $200,000
VILLAGE OF ANDREW
• 5317-50 Ave Andrew An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000
Lauren Hill Kelly Dick
Norman Hill Steven Hill
IRMA NEWS
Beaver County roadside grazing and other ag-related policies updated
Patricia Harcourt Editor
Updates to the Roadside Grazing Bylaw were made by Beaver County Council following a recommendation by the Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC) earlier this month.
At their September 17 meeting, Beaver County Council agreed to rescind the then current roadside grazing policy in order to approving an updated one, Policy INFR-016, with the same name.
County administration has been conducting a Policy Review Project on county bylaws, and sev-
Word on the Street
Continued from Page 6
ditch near Highway 26 and Range Road 135. Police attended and investigation revealed the truck had been reported stolen out of Blackfalds and is also suspected to be involved in several crimes in Flagstaff County.
The truck was seized, and the police investigation is ongoing.
Later that day, police received a complaint of a fraud that occurred using a social media site.
The complainant advised someone had hacked a friend’s Facebook account and was using it to sell items that he had purchased and paid for. This matter is still under investigation.
Also that morning, police received a call for as-
eral changes were recommended regarding the policy that has been in place for several years.
The review put in a definition for “Livestock Feed Shortage,” an event that precipitated the implementation of roadside grazing in the county during a previous drought situation where grass and hay were in short supply.
Roadside grazing helps out farmers who need help providing feed for their animals.
The word “cattle” has been changed to “livestock” in the newly proposed bylaw.
The requirements concerning utilities in places
sistance in removing people from a residence who were no longer welcome. Police attended and kept the peace while the people in question departed.
That afternoon, police received a complaint of a person trespassing on a property in Kinsella. Police attended and spoke with the involved parties and determined there were insufficient grounds to proceed with a charge.
Late that night, police were dispatched to a complaint of threats being uttered in Viking. Police attended and spoke with the complainant and obtained evidence. They then attended the residence of the suspect who refused to exit as directed by police. A Feeney Warrant was applied for and granted. Police gained entry into the residence of the suspect and took
where roadside grazing was taking place were updated. The term “Alberta One-Call” was deleted as an outdated one.
Also updated were those concerning insurance, liability and requirements.
Recommendations
from a July meeting of the GPC have also been incorporated, “to enable the Agriculture Service Board to provide recommendations if time permits dependent upon the circumstances,” states the Sept.17 report to council from Dan Blackie, general manager of infrastructure.
Dry conditions are
him into custody. He was transported to Killam Detachment for a bail hearing and is facing two charges of Uttering Threats,one charge of Mischief and one charge of Obstructing a Police Officer. The investigation into this matter is ongoing.
happening within the county as well as in many parts of the province, although local
farmers have been able to pull off bales of hay from pasture land and ditches.
LAND FOR SALE BY PROGRESSIVE TENDER
APPROXIMATELY 2 MILES SOUTHEAST OF AMISK
NE 23-41-8-W4 (160 acres)
120 acres of tame and native grass pasture land
NW 24 –41 -8 – W4 (160 acres)
60 acres of crop land; 55 acres tame and native pasture land
SW 24-41-8-W4 (160 acres)
110 acres of native pasture land
APPROXIMATELY 6 MILES SOUTHWEST OF AMISK
East 1/2 7-41-8-W4 (320 acres)
220 acres of crop land; balance native grass and bush; excellent fall pasture
Seller makes no warranties or representations about the property’s size/measurement, condition or environmental status.
Mineral rights are not included in the sale.
Purchaser must be a GST Registrant and shall be responsible for GST. No offers will be considered which are subject to financing.
Bids will be considered by individual quarter section except the SE 7-41-8-W4M and NE 7-41-8-W4M will be sold as one parcel. The highest and/or any bid will not necessarily be accepted. If the successful bidder does not complete the purchase after the acceptance of the Tender, the deposit shall be forfeited. Bank drafts of unsuccessful bidders shall be returned to them.
Bidders must be approved by the Vendors no later than October 28, 2025. Progressive Tenders start 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, November 4, 2025 Bidder’s application must be accompanied by $10,000 deposit/quarter or parcel. Bidder packages can be obtained from NRHM LLP 608 – 10 St Wainwright or from Dean and Lynn Manning.
(Three additional quarters and the home quarter to be sold in the new year.)
For information on Progressive Tender contact Dean Manning at 780-856-2433 or by email at Ldmanning88@gmail.com.
Cattle Guard, Fence Replacement, and Backsloping policies were also updated.
Nominated by peers, every year since 1996 an Alberta beef farmer or rancher is recognized with the Environmental Stewardship Award (ESA) for their dedication and innovation in how they protect, preserve, and enhance their operations and the environment.
“Presented annually, the ESA goes to a cattle producer or operation that best exemplifies en-
local beef producer for environmental award
vironmentally sustainable cattle production. Alberta cattle producers nominate their peers for this award, which has become one of the most prestigious in the industry,” the Alberta Beef Producers’ website says.
“A panel of representatives from conservation and agriculture assess the candidates, examining the stewardship goals and activities of the nominees including land management, water quality, wildlife, animal welfare,
and leadership activities in the community related to stewardship.”
This year’s Alberta nominees were John Smith and Laura Laing of Plateau Cattle Co. near Nanton, about an hour southwest of Calgary. They run 450 black angus and black angus cross cows on native grasslands with a focus on balancing feed requirements with environmental stewardship.
“Our goal has always been to produce the best
quality cattle we can, under low-stress, thoughtfulproduction practices, while protecting and improving the land for the next generation,” Smith said.
ESA nominations are accepted from mid-November to March 15 every year, and are made through Alberta Beef Producers.
“All beef cattle farms, feedlots, and ranches in Alberta are eligible for nomination. Operations can be self-nominated by
managers or employees or be nominated by an individual or organization,” the Alberta Beef Producers’ website says. Applications must include a description of the farm or ranch including any historical information and the environment it operates in, what the operation is doing to improve environmental management through energy, water, land, wildlife, etcetera, and their goals for the future.
“The ESA Awarding
Committee will consider the nominees’ philosophy and management plan for range/cropland; riparian areas and water; wintering or feeding sites; manure management; wildlife and wildlife habitat; and animal welfare. They will also consider nominees’ involvement in the community, extension, and environmental stewardship activities, as well as their goals, implementation, and accomplishments,” the website says.
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
John Smith and Laura Laing of Plateau Cattle Co. near Nanton were this year's Alberta Environmental Stewardship Award recipients. Nominations are accepted from mid-November to March 15 every year through Alberta Beef Producers.
PHOTO SUPPLIED
Province puts $75,000 toward concussion awareness efforts
Nathan Reiter Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
The provincial government is raising awareness about the dangers of concussions.
Wednesday, Sept. 24, will mark Alberta Concussion Awareness Day while the entire week from Sept. 21-27 will be Concussion Awareness Week.
Over the past three years, the Ministry of Tourism and Sport has invested $75,000 in concussion awareness throughout the province.
During a press conference in Edmonton, Dr. Kathy Belton from the University of Alberta spoke about the dangers of concussions.
“Concussions are a serious public health issue in Alberta and can happen anywhere and to anyone.” Belton explained. “A concussion is a mild traumatic brain injury and is caused by any blow to the head, face, neck or body. And it changes the way a per-
son thinks and feels. Approximately 41 Albertans sustained a concussion each day. That’s almost 15,000 concussions annually being diagnosed in Alberta emergency departments. That number does not include concussions being treated in physician’s offices, walk-in clinics or those not recognized or treated”
According to Belton, the top three causes of concussions in the province are falls, motor vehicle collisions and sport activities.
One sport that has seen scrutiny about concussions in recent years is football.
According to a 2024 study from Mass General Brigham, a cohort of 2,000 former NFL players were interviewed and 25% believed they were experiencing Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE), which is a brain disease linked to repeated head injuries. It causes the death of nerve cells in the brain and can only
Wishing our local farmers a safe &productive harvest season.
be definitely diagnosed during an autopsy of the brain.
In a study performed by Boston University, CTE was found in the brains of 345 of 376 deceased former NFL players.
Tim Enger, the executive director of Football Alberta says the sport
needs to lead by example in terms of concussion prevention.
“Our sport is particularly popular on television. You can watch football anywhere from June all the way to February. It attracts a large viewership at the professional level. 20 years ago, it was a bit of a cri-
sis and people were paying attention to it. It’s not only important for it to be recognized today, but every day. We need to be particularly vigilant because concussions (are) an invisible injury. It’s something that we’re not 100% sure it’s there. We have to be erring on the side of incredible cau-
tion. The more we bring it up, the more we focus on it, the better we’re going to be in terms of being able to identify, treat, and reduce incidents.”
More information on concussion prevention, management and treatment can be found at sportmedab.ca
Province, rural Alberta poised to
George Lee Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Alberta’s rural municipalities appear to be forging an improved dialogue with the provincial government, despite past clashes over how much and when they’re consulted.
Recent interviews with key players suggest that they’re ready to work together and hear each other out on major issues — things like funding levels for roads, bridges and other infrastructure, and a new system to deal with accusations of poor councillor conduct.
Their comments follow Dan Williams becoming minister of municipal affairs in May, when he was shuffled from mental health and addiction.
Williams toured central and southern Alberta during the summer to meet with elected and unelected
leaders from more than 40 municipalities.
Kara Westerlund, president of the Rural Municipalities of Alberta, said she’s glad the minister took to Alberta’s highways and byways. Williams is “incredibly approachable” for her and the association’s member municipalities, she said.
“I hope he does that every summer, and that he comes to break bread in our backyard to truly see who we are, how we live and what we have to contribute to the province and the country,” said Westerlund, a councillor from southwest of Edmonton in Brazeau County.
The RMA has criticized the dome’s recent record on legislation that affects how municipalities operate and govern. Often the association has said it was not properly consulted before bills were introduced and advanced. It also wants the province to tie
up loose ends dangling from new laws.
The legislature is set to resume Oct. 23, after sittings over the last two years approved a raft of changes for municipal governments to contend with.
The province created provisions to order electorate votes on the removal of councillors who cabinet deems unable, unwilling or refusing to perform elected duties. The government can also revoke or revise bylaws that cabinet determines clash with provincial policy, contravene the Constitution, or exceed local scope or authority.
Municipal governments are no longer allowed to use electronic tabulators to count votes in elections, and they can no longer have their own codes of conduct.
Rules surrounding campaign finances and intermunicipal relationships
have changed. So have the duties of key administrative staff, including chief administrative officers.
Not all the changes are controversial. For example, the UCP government has
improved voter accessibility for people with disabilities and people displaced by wildfires.
But it’s also moved towards creating a provincial police service. Although crime and police response times are an ongoing issue along roads less travelled, municipalities worry that the expertise and professionalism of
Local hunter shares a different kind of shot
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
Dean Fahner, who lives in Flagstaff County, says he was raised by his grandparents, and brought up to be an avid hunter and naturalist.
He’s an accomplished hunter and fisherman, and describes himself as very outdoorsy.
He spends as much time as he can outside, and enjoys a wide variety of activities like fishing, hunting, and more and more lately, photographing his surroundings.
Fahner says he’s developed quite an interest in photography over the past few years, especially with the advent of smart phones, with built-in cameras that can rival higher-end DSLRs for quality.
He shared his Hardisty
tornado photos with us earlier in the year, and invited us recently to view some of his other photos.
As a hunter, he finds himself in places and situations that offer a unique opportunity for getting photographs that most people will never come across.
Plus, he says, just living in Flagstaff County offers him the opportunity to shoot great wildlife and landscape photos.
For Fahner, sometimes getting a great shot simply means stepping outside onto his porch in the Flagstaff County countryside. Take the fox who he discovered last winter, all curled up in the snow whenever the sun came out, or the rainbows that fill the wide-open skies out his back door.
For other photos, it’s the pride of the hunt,
whether that’s bagging a good day’s quota of geese, an unusual duck or goose, fishing for catfish (catch and release) on Alberta or Saskatchewan lakes, or even a bear cub in its den. (which, incidentally, came about through a fishing trip).
For Fahner being outdoors, hunting his food, that’s second nature for him. And what he hunts, the family eats. He enjoys
everything from Goose burgers, made by a local butcher shop, to the freezer full of bison that he’s presently enjoying. He’s been shooting since he was a small child.
He’s Métis, and is also active with the Métis Nation of Alberta.
He’s worked with them on Winter Fishing Camps with Métis kids. He’s also working on a new project that will be televised that
Changes to hunting regulations for 2025
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
There have been some changes to the Alberta Hunting regulations for 2025 hunting season.
Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen says “As we head into the 2025-26 hunting season, hunters should carefully review this year’s guide due to a number of regulatory updates.
“Earlier this year, Alberta’s government was proud to introduce amendments to both the Wildlife Act and the Wildlife Regulation, modernizing our approach to wildlife management.
“These changes recognize Alberta’s ongoing committment to conservation and the effective stewardship of the province’s wildlife populations, ensuring hunting is safe and sustainable for generations to come.
“We work hard to ensure hunting rules and regulations reflect current scientific knowledge and align with best practices across Canada.
“Key improvements include streamlining enforcement, reducing
administrative burdens, improving clarity for hunters, and introducing new hunting opportunities.
“When properly managed, hunting in Alberta plays an important role in balancing ecosystem health and raising funds for conservation.”
The definition of an Alberta Resident has changed to be someone whose primary residents has been in Alberta for at least a six-month period
preceding the relevant date, and who is a Canadian citizen, or permanent resident of Canada, or someone who has living in Canada for the 12month period preceding the relevant date, or who is a full time Armed Forces of Canada member.
Hunters must now remove and return any tracking devices found on animals who are legally killed or found dead to the Wildlife Service.
Hunters may now shoot
from a non-powered wheelchair or mobility aid without requiring a ‘Weapons Discharge Permit’ while hunting.
The minimum age for youth to hunt big game is now 10 years old, so a 10year old can hold a big game licence and apply for draws. Minors who
hold a federal minors firearm permit may be exempt from supervision requirements.
A minimum edible portion of big game must be recovered by hunters if fit for consumption on big game.
Residents may access outfitter-allocated big game licences. Anyone who kills a male sheep over one year of age must deliver the complete, unaltered skull with horns and eye intact within 14 days of the close of the season or 30 days after the date the animal was killed.
Continued on Page 22
Carfentanil deaths on the rise in Alberta
Alexandra Noad Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
A sedative intended for large animals is believed to be the cause of a recent increase of opioid related emergencies, specifically to the Edmonton region.
According to the Canadian Center of Recover Excellence (CoRE) carfentanil can be up to 100,000 times stronger than morphine and 100 times stronger than fentanyl, with microgramlevel amounts causing life-threatening overdoses.
Rob Tanguay, senior medical lead of compassionate intervention at Recovery Alberta, says many drug users become highly tolerant to drugs, including fentanyl, and need stronger substances to get a high.
“The reality is, for a drug user who happens to be highly tolerant shifting to a more potent drug creates a sense of euphoria or high they couldn’t get before and it’s something that people will seek out.”
During the week of Aug. 25, Emergency Health Services (EHS) in Alberta responded to 321 opioidrelated events, which was a 39 per cent increase from the previous week, and Edmonton accounted for 73 per cent of those calls.
While EHS numbers can vary and more calls don’t necessarily indicate more deaths, Recovery Alberta is concerned about carfentanil’s growing presence in opioid-related deaths.
From January to May of
this year, 68 per cent of opioid deaths in Alberta involved carfentanil, which is a 10 per cent increase from last year.
However, in Edmonton the number of deaths involving carfentanil jumped from 17 per cent to 78 per cent.
There have not been any reported deaths form opioid overdoses involving carfentanil in Lethbridge since 2023. However, Tanguay says that doesn’t mean it has not already made it into the drug supply here.
“We’re worried what’s happening in Edmonton is (carfentanil) is replacing fentanyl and that’s extremely scary.
“Just because we don’t see it today in Lethbridge doesn’t mean it’s not there today and won’t be affecting us tomorrow.”
Naloxone can help during an opioid overdose involving carfentanil, but multiple doses may be needed to reverse its effects. Naloxone kits, available at most pharmacies, contain a single dose each. Opioid agonist treatment (OAT), such as Suboxone and methadone remain the standard approach and there are no carfentanil-specific treatments.
Recovery Alberta continues to expand OAT, which helps stabilize people, reduce cravings and prevent overdose.
Tanguay adds that OAT is a major part of the Compassionate Intervention Act, to help those who are suffering addiction to get the help they need.
“We will be doing it
with peers and people with lived experience, we will be doing it with a medical approach, which will include medications, and we will be doing it with as much evidence-informed processes as possible.”
As part of this effort, advanced care paramedics in EHS’s Mobile Integrated Healthcare Program can give first-line OAT medication right in the community. Communities with Mobile Integrated Healthcare include Leth-
bridge, Red Deer, Medicine Hat, Edmonton, Camrose, Peace River and Calgary.
An emergency response team is currently in place to monitor clients in and around Hope Mission’s Herb Jamieson Centre in Edmonton. The team of primary care paramedics, nurses and health care aides are responding to mental health and addiction crises including overdoses.
Tanguay encourages everyone to carry Nalox-
one kits and to have compassion toward the vulnerable population.
“People don’t choose to live homeless, people don’t choose to live in
poverty, people don’t choose to live suffering with addiction, but we as a society have chosen to allow it and that has to stop.”
Outdoors
Continued from Page 9
who wouldn’t normally have an opportunity to hunt. The Métis Nation recently purchased some land near Tofield, and Fahner has been in to scout it out. The plan is to spend a day with a group of kids, he says, “Where we show them everything about whole hunting.” From the hunt, to the kill, and finally, return to the Fahner’s where his wife Joan will prepare wild meat for dinner.
Fahner says he’s excited about working with Métis youth, and teaching those who’ve never had a chance, “showing them about whole hunting practices.”
He’s also gone into local schools where he’s talked to students about hunting, trapping, fishing, and how nature is changing to adapt to the environments.
He also works with the Métis Nation on bird counts, banding projects, including a new one building Motus towers in Alberta, similar to those in Saskatchewan and Manitoba, which are used to track banded birds, recording where and when they go by to determine migratory routes, stopover sites.
Other conservation work he does includes water testing and fish sampling, pollinator studies, and even berry
picking Fahner has said that “Being Métis comes with a responsiblity toward protecting our lands, waters, and wildlife, which we’ve been working hard to do for generations.”
Fahner used to trap and hunt coyotes, but since the bottom dropped out of that market, with prices dropping from $135 to just $15 per animal, it’s no longer worth his time.
He still does some trapping, and likes to accompany a friend who hunts cougar.
Fahner usually isn’t too far from his two labs, Maggie and Sadie, and they feature often in his photos.
Fahner retired recently, and he is actively looking forward to doing photography, which he’s become more and more interested in over the past few years.
The next thing on his wish list is to purchase an actual digital camera, so he’s not so reliant on his phone, and not limited to its zoom capabilities, then he plans to start exploring nature photography even more.
He has no plans to slow down, planning to be more involved in conservation and environmental studies.
DEAN FAHNER PHOTO
Geese and ducks sometimes turn their bodies while coming in for a landing. It’s called “to whiffle,” a behaviour where they rapidly twist and roll their bodies to quickly lose altitude. This erratic, tumbling motion resembles a falling leaf and can be used to slow down when coming in too fast, avoid predators, or escape hunters. Dean Fahner grabbed this photo from his blind, which may have been the thing to tip off this goose that all was not well!
DEAN FAHNER PHOTO
Avid outdoorsman Dean Fahner has passed along his love of hunting to his family, above his daughter and son-in-law in the blind with their quarry.
Nature provides craft inspiration
Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporter
You can get creative this fall with some fun crafts that can be used for Thanksgiving, holiday cards, or simply as a hands on, sensory experience for any age.
Found online, the ideas pictured are unique and all materials needed are found in nature. Fallen leaves are the base of these crafts.
The possibilities are only limited to your imagination. Test your skill and imagination by creating any animal you can think of. Examples include birds, squirrels, dinosaurs, caterpillars, and nature scenes.
By using the leaves in different ways, ripping or cutting into shapes
needed, almost anything can be crafted from leaves, branches, and needles. This activity is a great way to strengthen fine motor skills as well as relax or unwind.
Being creative can improve mood, concentration, and dexterity, while offering a mindful way to de-stress.
"The hands-on nature of crafting involves movement, dexterity, and coordination, which can contribute to improved physical well-being," the Diversitech Global website says, “from reducing stress and boosting selfesteem, to improving cognitive abilities and promoting an active lifestyle.”
At any age, remember to create and have fun.
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the RCMP will be lost if the national service is pushed aside.
Funding levels and formulas for infrastructure continue to be inadequate for expansion and maintenance, the RMA says. The problem goes back two or three decades, Westerlund said.
The RMA — which represents 69 municipal jurisdictions that blanket more than 85 per cent of the province’s landmass — estimates that an infrastructure deficit affecting its member municipalities has reached $17.25 billion. Given current funding trends, the deficit will grow to more than $40 billion by 2028, the association predicts.
The roads and bridges portion alone of today’s deficit is about $14 billion, the RMA has calculated.
Devin Dreeshen, the minister of transportation and
economic corridors, said he’s “all ears” if municipalities have innovative ideas to fund the maintenance and expansion of roads, bridges, and water and wastewater infrastructure.
The government “loves working with RMA and all the rural municipalities across the province, because they truly are what makes Alberta great,” said Dreeshen, the member for Innisfail-Sylvan Lake.
“To make sure we have thriving rural communities is important,” he said, noting that the resource sector operates in the countryside.
“We obviously want to help as much as we can.”
That desire is behind $118 million in grants in the current budget to municipalities for water and wastewater projects, he said, and some of the grant approvals address the added pressure of serving the resource industry.
“But demand is always greater than the dollars that we have available,” Dreeshen stressed.
Williams, the member for Peace River, said relation-
ships and attitudes are in the right place. The RMA’s president has “an open mind, looking to try to find solutions while looking after the best interests of all of her members,” the municipal affairs minister said.
“If you care about the ratepayers across every single county in the province, and I care about all the citizens of the province, then we're fighting for the same end. Starting from that position puts us to great advantage. No one's looking to dunk or score points in this relationship. We're looking to find productive solutions.”
Williams continued: “Will there be differences? Of course... I have an ultimate responsibility to make sure municipalities are run well. That's a different role than the RMA has as an advocacy body for the wideranging views of many, many municipalities.”
Rural municipalities are “on the ground and on the frontlines,” he said, meaning they can provide feedback he and the government need.
Seeking more money at every turn, however, won’t work. That’s especially true given the deficit situation the province is in and the desire to be “as fiscally prudent as we can be,” Williams cautioned.
“But if it’s all about finding common ground and finding innovative solutions and making sure that we prioritize the right things at the right time for municipalities, then that’s where we can find a huge amount of forward movement.”
Westerlund concurred that a rural perspective is
important. “Sometimes it's easy to make decisions and have theories and suggestions in downtown Edmonton, sitting in the legislature,” she said.
Provincial lawmakers need to “take a walk in our shoes to see what's actually happening and truly understand the direction that we're going in,” she said. “If what you're trying to fix is not broken, why are we fixing it?”
Just after his rural tour, Williams said he was impressed with the entrepreneurial spirit and wealth of
innovation demonstrated by community leaders. Westerlund said she’s “not surprised” that Williams hears about entrepreneurialism and “the passion and the drive of rural Alberta.”
She continued: “I eat and breathe it every day, and I couldn't be more proud of the people we have living on the rural landscape. They are resilient a bunch, and when push comes to shove, for every problem and every issue that we have, we have 10 or 15 solutions.”
New SAIT certificate to funnel grads straight to employer
Kaiden Brayshaw Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Samir El Jamal, a recent Aircraft Maintenance Engineers Technology grad at the Southern Alberta Institute of Technology, was hired by Lufthansa Technik Canada after
completing his program. For future students like El Jamal, the pipeline from his alma mater to his current employer will be streamlined, something El Jamal is admittedly jealous of. With its first intake this spring, the Southern Alberta Institute of Technol-
ogy’s (SAIT) new Gas Turbine Technician Certificate will help train the next generation of aviation mechanics and potentially guarantee them job placement.
The certificate will include support from Lufthansa Technik Canada’s (LTCA) Fuel
the Future initiative and will prepare graduates with the technical skills and regulatory awareness needed to meet increasing demand for gas turbine expertise, according to a SAIT-issued press release.
SAIT will be Alberta’s first post-secondary
school to offer a program of this kind and will be “uniquely positioned to meet the needs of a growing aviation sector across Calgary,” the release reads.
At least 10 students from every 32 student cohort will be offered a sponsorship opportunity,
through the Fuel the Future initiative. LTCA will provide chosen students with financial support to cover tuition costs and tools, a salary during their studies and guaranteed job placement with LTCA following completion of the program.
Continued on Page 18
Hay bales being made while the sun shines in early September on the west end of Beaver County.
Beaver County resident Doug Kauffman's celery this year grew massive roots, stunting the stalks, at his home east of Tofield. "I could tell people this is a turnip," he said with a laugh. Kauffman wondered if maybe the epsom salt he put on the plants could have caused this unusual growth.
KARI JANZEN PHOTOS
Two New Holland combines harvest a field of canola north of Holden on Tuesday, Sept. 16.
A Beaver County farmer empties the canola from the combine into the grain trailer south of Ryley on Wednesday, Sept. 10.
LISA KUFLAY PHOTO
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
“It’s a great opportunity for them,” El Jamal said of the sponsorship.
“The program that SAIT has set up for them, as well as the help that (LTCA) is going to be providing to students, is going to create opportunities for everybody.”
Max Schramm, President and CEO of LTCA, said that the inspiration for the initiative came from diversity and equity.
“We noticed when we went through the school that there was one demographic that was missing, which was lower income classes, visible minorities quite often. We asked, ‘why is that?’ and the answer was the cost, or the perceived cost, of such programs, are becoming such an entry barrier for students that they don’t feel comfortable applying for these positions,” he said.
“We as an industry have an obligation to the community to make this industry more accessible and to allow people from lower income classes, all walks of life and visible minorities, to have a chance at actually becoming a mechanic without having to worry.”
Schramm said that sponsorship recipients will apply directly through LTCA’s website, and go through a thorough selection process.
“We’ll be putting these positions out at the beginning of October,” he said.
Above the minimum 10 recipients in each cohort, Schramm said that if more applicants show high-level talent, the
company will sponsor accordingly.
Schramm said that LTCA’s investment is complementary to other recent aviation-based provincial projects.
“WestJet, obviously, is at the center of the growth that you’ve seen in Alberta. Last week’s announcement, which
was absolutely phenomenal with CAE to create a training centre here in Alberta, is just another testament of the willingness of the sector to grow here in Calgary and in Alberta,” he said.
Dr. David Ross, President and CEO of SAIT, said that the LTCA partnership adds to the re-
cent opening of the Imperial Energy Innovation Centre on modernising programs and integrating students with industry.
“We’ve been very lucky, the partnerships that we’ve been able to build over the recent times, I think are outstanding,” he said.
“We’re seeing international companies from around the world understand us, come to us and they realize the quality of the graduates, in terms of that hands-on experience, we want our graduates to be ready
day one, not have to go to an organization and be retrained redeveloped, but they’re ready to start their career and add value to those organizations, and this program will be part of that.”
Stay safe on the farm this fall by reducing hazards
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
From 2011 to 2020, 624 Canadians were killed by agriculture-related injuries, averaging 62 deaths per year, according to Canadian Agricultural Injury Reporting. Fifty-four per cent of fatalities were related to machinery, 58 per cent of those who were killed were farm owner/operators, and 11 per cent were their children.
“People are the most important resources on any farm. As a farm owner, you want to see every employee, including family members, go home safely at the end of the day,” FarmSafe Alberta’s Safety Planning Guide for Farms and Ranches says.
Hazard identification is one of the first steps in preventing injuries on the farm.
“Hazardous situations may be created by animals, machines, or processes, chemical and biological materials, environmental conditions, and personal lifestyles. A hazard is a situation, condition or behaviour that has the potential to cause injury or loss,” the guide says.
Once a hazard has been identified, the next step is to apply
control measures to eliminate or reduce the risk of harm. The FarmSafe guide recommends using the hierarchy of controls which is listed in order of effectiveness: Eliminate, Substitute, Engineered Controls, Administrative Controls, Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
“For instance, an engineered control is deemed to be more effective at reducing risk than an administrative control. Furthermore, an administrative control tends to be more effective than personal protective equipment. PPE should always be considered as the last line of defense for the worker should the hazard occur. As you consider the hierarchy of controls, determine if the hazard could be completely eliminated or if any substitutions could take place,” the guide says.
Engineered controls include guards, fences, ventilation systems, barricades, and automatic shutoff devices.
“An engineered control places a structure, barrier, design, or modification between the worker and the hazard and can reliably minimize the hazard and reduce the source of the exposure,” the guide says.
An example of an administrative control measure is pre-
ventative maintenance.
“To proactively avoid hazards and lost productivity caused by the breakdown of equipment, tools, and machinery, you should develop a preventative maintenance policy and equipment maintenance schedule.
Equipment breakdowns can cause injuries, property damage and costly production delays, all of which can be reduced by the use of a preventative maintenance system. Base the standards for the maintenance program on the manufacturer’s recommendations, industry standards, past incidents, and data from hazard
assessments,” the guide says.
As mentioned, PPE is the last on the hierarchy of controls, and is recommended to be used in addition to the other controls.
“PPE should be your last resort, and should always be used in combination with other control methods. PPE is often the easiest control to apply, but it is usually the least effective,” the guide says.
During Canadian Agricultural Safety Week in March earlier this year, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation RJ Sigurdson encouraged farmers to keep operations safe, sus-
tainable, and successful.
“Effective and proactive health and safety measures are an integral part of thriving farming operations. As farmers and ranchers prepare for the upcoming season, it’s important to remain diligent and focused on safety. I encourage you to take the time to renew your commitment to safety, because even one injury is too many. Employers, workers, and the government all have a role to play in agricultural workplace safety. Let’s work together to make sure Alberta farmers and ranchers stay safe,” he said.
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO ADVERTISE WITH AND SUPPORT LOCAL CANADIAN MEDIA INSTEAD OF AMERICAN SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES?
WHEN YOU DITCH INDEPENDENTLY OWNED AND OPERATED CANADIAN MEDIA, CONSIDER THE IMPACT IT’S HAVING ON ALL OF US
The skins of black bears and cougars may now be abandoned and wasted only if the edible portions of the meat of those animals are recovered.
If the skins are abandoned, the meat must be tagged like other big game animals such as deer, elk, or moose.
Antlered mule deer Landowner Licences will be limited to 25 per cent of the total resident permits in each WMU and provided on a first-come, first-served basis.
The mandatory submission of white-tailed and mule deer heads for CWD surveillance has been expanded for 2025.
Dogs may now be used to hunt black bears in September and October in certain WMU’s.
Double-crested Cormorants are considered a game bird and huntable during duck seasons. Their flesh may be abandoned or wasted but
dead birds must be recovered from the field and properly disposed of.
Hunters may now shoot at migratory birds from an unanchored, powered boat; however, the boat cannot be moving due to the momentum imparted by a
motor (or sail).
Turkey can now be hunted with any weapon that is not prohibited for hunting upland game birds.
Anyone guiding a resident hunter for game bird hunting for gain or reward must be a regis-
tered guide and outfitter or working for a registered outfitter. That outfitter must be hunting under a waterfowl privilege in the fall season but doesn’t need a waterfowl privilege when hunting with resident clients in the spring
white goose season.
The minimum edible portions of game birds that must be recovered by hunters, if fit for consumption, are the breasts.
Youth under 10 are exempt from the need for a provincial game bird licence while hunting game birds; however, they must be with a licenced adult and any birds they harvest will be considered part of the adult’s limit.
The minimum draw weight for bows has been reduced to 35 ounds to draw an arrow 28 inches to its head.
It is now legal to use a leashed tracking dog to help recover shot at big game that is presumed dead or wounded. The
dog may only be brought into the area after the shot, and must remain leashed at all times.
Muskrats and doublecrested cormorants can now be hunted by an owner or occupant, or a resident authorized in writing by the owner or occupant, without a licence on private land.
Minors who possess a federal minors firearm permit and who are using that firearm in accordance with their permit’s conditions may be exempt from being supervised while using a firearm for hunting.
Landowner permission should be sought by all hunters before going on any privately owned land.
