The Tofield Mercury Sept. 16, 2020

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Wednesday September 16, 2020 Vol. 103 Issue 04

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Beaver County councillors meet new Minister of Municipal Affairs

FCSS hosts World Suicide Prevention Day presentation

Tofield RCMP responds to 67 occurrences this past week

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Ryley’s Reum family honoured

Tofield Farmer’s Market starts up

Reum family members hold the plaque presented to them by MLA Jackie Lovely. SUBMITTED PHOTO

Moush John Editor

Last week Ryley’s Reum family were honoured and recognized for their 100 years of contribution to family farming.

The Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award was presented by MLA Jackie Lovely at their farm.

“Presenting the award

to the Reum family was an honour for me,” said MLA Jackie Lovely. “It’s a significant part of my role; it takes multiple generations of hard work and family commitment to achieve this award, and having grown up on the family farm myself – with now our fifth generation working the land together – these are particularly important mo-

ments for me.

“As the MLA I go to great lengths to personally deliver each Century award and have a small presentation and celebration with the family.

Therefore, gathering everyone together and paying tribute to the years of hard work that led to this acknowledgement is very special. I look forward to present-

ing more of these milestones in our community!”

Speaking to the occasion, Lois Reum (sister of David Reum who now makes the third generation ownership of the farm and currently resides and operates it) said, “This Century Farm award means more to those of us that were born Continued on Page 14

TOP: Lien Norie of Norie’s Fine Foods of Ryley shows off her homemade pickled jars and kimchi. BOTTOM: Homesteader at Heart’s jewellery on display at the Farmer’s Market.

MOUSH JOHN PHOTOS. See story on Page 9.

Page 2 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Beaver County councillors meet with newly appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter

MLA and Southern Rural Caucus Leader Nate Horner hosted a

meeting in Stettler on Friday, Sept. 4 to discuss the assessment model re-

MLA Michaela Glasgo, MLA Jackie Lovely, Minister of Municipal Affairs Tracy Allard, and MLA Nate Horner met with 13 municipalities in Stettler on Friday, Sept. 4 to discuss the controversial assessment model review the province is presently undertaking.

Litwin Laff's

view.

Also present were MLA’s Jackie Lovely and Michaela Glasgo, and newly appointed Minister of Municipal Affairs Tracy Allard.

There were a number of rural municipal councillors present, including Beaver County’s Reeve

Jim Kallal, and councillors Kevin Smook, Gene Hrabec, and Barry Bruce; Reeve Don Kroetch from Flagstaff County, a number of representatives from Camrose County, as well as other urban and rural municipalities, 13 in all.

Kroetch said it was a

very positive meeting overall.

Kroetch told his council during their Wednesday, Sept. 12 meeting that Allard introduced herself in her opening comments as the MLA from Grande Prairie, and said that Continued on Page 15

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - Page 3

Tofield-Ryley FCSS hosts World Suicide Prevention Day presentation Moush John Tofield Mercury

Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West FCSS marked World Suicide Prevention Day on Sept.

9 at the Town of Tofield office with a small presentation followed by a walk to raise awareness.

In attendance were MLA Jackie Lovely, Reeve Jim Kallal, Beaver County councillor Kevin Smook, Town of Tofield councillor Brenda Chehade, and other municipal representatives along with Victim Services representatives, Tofield RCMP, and community members.

Addressing the small gathering, all speakers shared their perspectives with Reeve Kallal sharing his personal story of his grandfather.

“When I think of the word ‘suicide’, I think of broken families, sadness, the loss of love, the loss of a valued life, and also the struggle that the victim of suicide endures,” said MLA Jackie Lovely.

“World Suicide Prevention Day is a reminder that as humans, we have a moral and crucial role and responsibility to provide support to prevent that from happening.

One loss is one too many.”

FCSS Director Tracey Boast-Radley added, “I think it is important to remember that everyone thinks and feels differently and each person’s situation is impacted by a variety of factors.

“Some may be suffering from a diagnosed or undiagnosed mental illness, others may be impacted by anxiety, financial strains, worry about putting food on the table, grief and loss,

childhood and/or other trauma and the COVID19 pandemic has added more stress for many. You never truly know how someone is feeling, but everyone can help by being supportive, being aware of available resources in and around their communities.”

Among other things, Radley said that one should take the time to say hello to someone; check in on their neighbour they haven’t seen in a while; or ask a family member how they are doing and if they can help when they don’t seem their usual self.

There are various resources that FCSS provides in order to support individuals.

As the founding member of Beaver County ARISE coalition along with Viking/Beaver FCSS and Alberta Health Services, TRBW FCSS are working to expand this coalition with partners and their focus is mental wellness, addictions, and substance use.

“There is absolutely a need for greater mental health supports,” she stated. “The pandemic is a new challenge that we must all learn to navigate.

Many have lost their jobs; schools have closed and

reopened with modified delivery options; health and safety is a top priority with public health regulations in place that we are not accustomed to.

“TRBW FCSS is trying to meet this challenge by ensuring our services are still available to our clients, talking to our residents and making them aware of other partner programs and resources available to them.”

Radley said that they would like the community members to know that they are not in this alone and the TRBW FCSS team is there to help and they are only a phone call away.

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Tracey Boast-Radley, Director of Tofield/Ryley/Beaver County West FCSS (left) along with MLA Jackie Lovely (centre) and various representatives from Beaver County, Town of Tofield, Victim Services, Tofield RCMP, and community members pose for a group shot at the Town of Tofield office on Wednesday, Sept. 9.

Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Tofield RCMP responds to 67 occurrences this past week Cpl. Andrew Gillan Tofield RCMP

The Tofield RCMP responded to 67 occurrences from Aug. 18 to Aug. 24 2020, including

one False Alarm, four traffic complaints and three motor vehicle collisions. The K Division

Traffic Unit along with Tofield RCMP members issued 34 violation tickets for various traffic of-

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fences.

During the early morning hours of Sept.

6, RCMP attended a business in Tofield to respond to a complaint of several people partying on a rooftop. Patrol was made but the party had ended prior to police arrival.

The evening of the same day, RCMP received a complaint of a possible impaired driver heading to Tofield. Patrols were made but the vehicle was not located.

Just after midnight on Sept. 7, the RCMP were advised of a suspicious vehicle parked in an alley in Ryley. Vehicle had left the area prior to police arrival.

Also on Sept. 7, the RCMP were advised of an attempted fuel theft from a construction site in Ryley. A fence was damaged but nothing was missing.

During the evening of Sept. 7, RCMP were contacted regarding some harassing voice mails.

Investigation revealed that messages were pertaining to a business transaction and the matter was civil.

On the morning of Sept. 8, a business in Tofield reported a break-and-enter that had occurred sometime over the long weekend.

Extensive damage was sustained to the business. The matter is still under investigation.

On Sept. 8, the RCMP received a report of an abandoned vehicle in a rural area. The registered owner was contacted and confirmed arrangements were being made to have the car towed.

Later that day, Tofield RCMP were advised of a fuel theft from a business in Ryley. No suspects at this time.

During the afternoon

of Sept. 8, multiple complaints were received of gunfire in a rural area outside of Tofield.

RCMP were unable to locate the source of the gunfire but it was believed to be hunters.

On the morning of Sept. 9, a concerned citizen reported that he observed a person drinking beer while they were driving.

RCMP made a patrol and intercepted the vehicle. During the traffic stop, signs of alcohol impairment were observed on the driver and he was subsequently arrested for Impaired Operation of a Conveyance. The driver later refused to provide a breath sample at the detachment and was also charged with refusing to provide a breath sample. The RCMP would like to thank the public for being diligent with reporting impaired drivers and helping keep our roads safe.

In the early morning of Sept. 10, RCMP were called to assist EMS with a patient who was refusing treatment after trying to hurt themselves. RCMP searched around Tofield and were successful in locating the male and ensuring they received the proper medical treatment.

On the afternoon of Sept. 10, a resident of Tofield reported receiving several calls regarding a phone phishing scam. The caller repeatedly claimed to be from the CRA in an attempt Continued on Page 5

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - Page 5

Loose Ends: The S-Word

Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist

A radio DJ was having second thoughts about what he called ‘being too rough on’ September. It was only September 2nd

but apparently things like lower temperatures, yellowing leaves falling to the ground (where thy needed to be raked), and pretty girls wearing more clothes were high on his list of September’s wrongdoings. He decided to ease up on September, perhaps realizing that everything he was irked with was the norm for this time of year. Like it or not, summer is over, fall has arrived and trees shedding and young women cov-

ering up is all in preparation for, dare I say it?

Winter.

It makes me shiver just to think of it, and I’m trying not to, but the truth is there for all to see. Geese flying south. Warnings to cover up your gardens because frost is expected in low-lying areas. And the dreaded S-word popping up in conversations several times a day.

People living in the southern part of our province were told to prepare for the S-word

back in August. It actually did fall in Caroline, which is near Sundre .

And a couple of days later, we got reports of the S-word in Calgary. I say we but I mean Hubby, who likes to keep up with news both good and bad and then, despite my covering my ears and chanting nahnah-nah, reporting it to me.

His opinion is that the S-word will happen and walking around with my head in the sand

won’t change a thing. (It isn’t sand, its quilt batting which is far more comfortable, warmer and doesn’t fill my ears with grit.) That, in fact, Farmer’s Almanac has predicted, as they are known to do, that the coming winter will be cold and S-word filled. I didn’t need to know that.

Thankfully, we haven’t had firsthand experience with the S-word here – yet. And soon I won’t be able to ignore the cold,

RCMP report Continued from Page 4

to gain more info from the complainant.

RCMP would like to remind the public that you should never give out personal details unless you can confirm who you are talking to.

During the evening of Sept. 10, RCMP were dispatched to a disturbance at a residence in Tofield.

Both parties were separated for the night to allow things to cool off.

Alcohol was a factor.

Also during the evening of Sept. 10, RCMP received a call of trespassing on pasture land. Patrol was made and RCMP located hunters loading up after a hunt and confirmed they had permission to be on the land.

Information was passed on to Fish and Wildlife.

In the wee hours of Sept. 11, the RCMP were called to an alley in Ryley after a neighbour had reported seeing flashlights running around. RCMP attended and confirmed that no one was there.

Later in the morning of Sept. 11, RCMP received a complaint of attempted theft of a truck from a residence. Damage was sustained to the steering column but the culprits were unable to start the truck.

Around noon the same day, the RCMP received a request to assist with serving an eviction notice.

RCMP directed the landlord to the Landlord Tennant Board for assistance with the eviction process as RCMP do assist with

removing people from their residences.

Later in the afternoon of Sept. 11, RCMP were advised of a missing elderly person who had left their home on foot earlier in the day. RCMP attended and located the missing person and transported them to hospital to get checked out by a doctor.

On Sept. 12, the RCMP were contacted regarding a Child Custody Agreement. Investigation revealed that the parenting order was not police enforceable. Both parties were instructed to contact Family Court to have the Order amended.

The evening of same day, RCMP were dispatched to a 911 hangup in Beaver County. Police spoke with the resident who was trying to arrange

wet stuff but until then I’ll stay away from windows and wear so many layers indoors that I become a warm wooly ball that has to be rolled from room to room.

I’d be the first to throw Old Man Winter a wild welcome back party if he could assure me that a miserable winter would mean death to Covid 19.

Ice made the dinosaurs extinct but apparently it won’t touch that darn virus. So who needs the S-word? Not me.

Make sure they know you want your vehicle brought to

a ride to Edmonton for a vehicle appointment.

Members explained that RCMP are not available as an Uber and directed the resident to contact a cab company should they need a ride. The resident was also explained that 911 is for emergencies only.

On Sept. 13, RCMP received a report of horses on the railroad tracks near Holden. Patrol made however the owner had successfully rounded them up before a train arrived.

On the evening of Sept.

13, RCMP responded to a lost hiker at the Blackfoot Recreational Provincial Park. The hiker had become lost once the sun had gone down. Luckily the hiker's phone held a signal and they were eventually able to get

back to the trail head in one piece.

Around midnight on Sept. 13, RCMP received a report of theft from a farm truck. The complainant was working the field in a thrasher and watched an early 2000s Dodge dually pulled into the approach. Several occupants exited the truck and proceeded to smash a window on the complainant’s truck. The suspects took off with a wallet and several firearms that were being stored in the truck. Investigation is ongoing. As harvest is upon us RCMP would like to remind the public to secure personal vehicles in the field as much as possible. Also refrain from leaving the keys in the vehicles and anything else of value.

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Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Keep the conversation going!

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Opinion

Email us your letter to the editor: news.tofield@gmail.com, or drop it in at our office

More diversity in Hollywood

EDITORIAL Kerry Anderson Tofield Mercury Publisher

I don’t watch the Academy Awards, but I am a movie lover. In fact I have enjoyed watching some of the greatest movies of all time, giving little thought to whether they are deserving of an Oscar. Oddly, I have also watched them all giving little care about diversity.

Shocking and shameful, I know.

It seems that I care more about quality and entertainment.

Yeah, I am looking at you “Mission to Mars.” Not so fast, “Doctor Sleep.”

Wasting my hard earned, middle class dollars, on terrible movies really irritates me far more than wondering if there were enough parts for black or brown skinned people, or gay or transgender actors.

I am so shallow that I just want to see a good movie.

We all know Hollywood has a history of bowing down to the politically correct crowd, and that you have to be a Lefty to even get work in the entertainment industry. But have they now gone too far? Even for them? Have the polit-

Published Wednesday of each week by: The Tofield Mercury 5312 - 50 Street P.O. Box 150, Tofield, AB T0B 4J0 Ph: (780) 662-4046 Fax: (780) 662-3735 news.tofield@gmail.com

ically correct now got their tentacles on the world of creativity.

Will Kubrick movies soon be burned at the stake?

According to the new Academy Awards Best Picture rules, films must meet at least two of four new standards that stipulate roles both onscreen and be-

hind the scenes be filled by “underrepresented’ groups including race, sexuality (LGBTQ), disabled, and women. Of course, the only thing they aren’t concerned with is political diversity.

And . . . let me get this straight. Women are underrepresented in the movie

industry (Woman in Red, Woman in Black, Woman in Green, Woman, The Other Woman, Woman in Trouble, Woman in Love, Woman is a Woman, The Woman, etc.)?

Maybe Hollywood should consider giving the best film Oscar to movies that are actually the best

made and most entertaining like they once did, and just get out of the business of politics altogether.

Just like most of their movies, Hollywood is pretty bad at it.

I mean come on, the winner of the 2018 Best Picture award goes to: “The Shape of Water”.

Please . . .

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - Page 7

Dear Editor, On Tuesday, Sept 1, I was travelling to Tofield coming from the east.

I was about a-mileand-a-half east of the IGA store in Tofield, with the lay of the land. About 100 swallows could be plainly seen for half a mile in both directions, and traffic could easily slow down to allow them to fly off.

Because when I went by the first time, with just a slight reduction in speed, the birds moved off the road.

On this trip I saw three dead birds on the road. On my way back half an hour later, there were about 15 dead

Letter to the Editor

birds. It was shocking.

What I fail to understand is how anyone could get a thrill out of

that kind of destruction and recklessness!

With that kind of mentality or the lack thereof,

I wonder if all wildlife is subject to the same treatment by this individual, and should that be the

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Page 8 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020

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The Beaver County

A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, September 16, 2020, Volume 13, Issue 38

Councillors argue over subdivision dust control and ‘east versus west’ road upkeep Patricia Harcourt Road issues struck close to home for two councillors as Reeve Jim Kallal pushed for work to be done in Carey Ridge Estates, which he represents in Division 2.

The estates were discussed at the Beaver County Council Meeting Sept. 2 regarding the possibility of oiling the roads there or using terracem road in 2023.

Councillor Kevin Smook said he was “standing up” for his residents by putting forth a motion that included three roads in his Division 1 in the updated five year road plan (2021-2025), as well as Carey Ridge Estates and 1.5 miles on Range Road 182 (2022).

A tabling motion was made by Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3). Some councillors couldn’t decide on what to do with the roads in Carey Ridge Estates without seeing if the subdivision’s development agreement with the county provided any guarantees about future upkeep.

Director of Transportation Dan Blackie said the county was “going to have a tough time in the next few years” with the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding ended by the province next year.

“It will change what we can and cannot do,” he said, regarding infrastructure work. He recommended against oiling roads preferring the durability of terracem.

The oil placed on roads start to crumble within months of the substance being applied, he said. “It’s not worth it to oil anymore.”

Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson referred to a condition attached to the Carey Ridge development agreement that the subdivision

roads be oiled going forward.

He queried if the residents there might be willing to pay the difference between the cost of an oiled road and the better terracem product. “Originally (the county) was supposed to supply dust control (to Carey estates),” he said, but terracem “would eliminate upkeep and headaches.”

But Assistant CAO Margaret Jones informed him that this was offered to the resident in the estates who rejected it as “too expensive for them.”

Two councillors stated that oiling roads was becoming a thing of the past.

“I agree oiling is not the thing to do,” said Pederson.

“I agree with Dan, oil doesn’t take weight well,” said Division 4 Councillor Barry Bruce. Blackie said that water trucks and garbage trucks go into the estates frequently and would wreck any oil application over time.

But Bruce wondered how long an oiled road would last in a subdivision. “It’s a bitter pill for me to swallow,” he said, regarding the expense of putting terracem down instead.

Blackie replied that the oil “wouldn’t last a year…cement keeps the water away (whereas) oil is pushed up leading to patching.” Water and garbage trucks would “beat it up,” he said of oiled roads. “It just doesn’t hold up.”

Kallal added that “it’s not fair to ask ratepayers what they want,” stating the county should put terracem down and the roads would be alright for five or six years. He also felt that asking ratepayers for more money to do it was unfair when they pay “the highest taxes in the county.”

“Oil will not stand up in there,” he said, of the subdivision in question.

The residents see the benefits of terracem on the roads leading into the subdivision then must endure the dusty roads in it.

Smook then spoke up, stating that all residents should be treated fairly.

His motion went with recommendation no. three from administration including R.R. 182 for 2022 and Carey Ridge Estates for 2023.

But he also added three subdivisions that were not part of that recommendation. These Division 1 roads included Meadowbrook, Birch Grove and Country Squire Estates, all for 2023-2024 in the road plan, “subject to final budget approval in each calendar year.”

Bruce asked if these new additions all had previous agreements such as was the case in Carey Ridge, and Smook said they did not. “But they all expressed a desire to me,” he said, to have their roads fixed within these subdivisions.

“How can I (in the eastern half of the county) justify voting for this?” said Bruce, noting his ratepayers also had good roads at one time and now can’t get their grain deliveries or harvesting done due to those same roads. And some of his ratepayers pay $20,000 in taxes as well but “get bogged down in an empty truck.

How do I justify paying for roads for recreation vehicles and SUVs in the west end driving back and forth to the city?”

Bruce said that isn’t equality for the farmers.

Smook defended his motion by saying that other areas besides Carey Ridge Estates should be allowed consideration as well.

“Good roads attract people (that) do they do drive to the city,” he said, adding he “doesn’t think it’s possible to terracem every road in the county…I’m just bringing forward concerns regarding growth and taxes in the west end.

“I don’t see why we would treat other subdivisions different,” said Smook, than Carey Ridge Estates.

To this, Hrabec said it was important to find out just what the agreement with Carey Ridge Estates had been as it appears to be different from other development agreements.

“I do believe there was a difference in what those expectations are,” he said, concerning Carey Ridge. He also agreed with administration that using terracem over oil would set a precedent with a cost difference of about $70,000 between the two products. I want to see that (agreement) before I make any decision,” said Hrabec.

While Kallal called it “admirable” for Smook to put R.R. 182 into his road plan motion, he felt that Smook’s “adding three subdivisions in a cavalier attitude” was not.

Kallal accused the previous council in which Smook was reeve prior to the last municipal election as ordering the surface of the road in Carey Ridge Subdivision to be torn up.

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2 - Beaver County Chronicle, September 16, 2020

Councillor speaks during suicide prevention awareness event

Dale Pederson (centre), Division 5 councillor for Beaver County, speaks to those present concerning the impacts of suicide during an awareness event held Sept. 9 in Viking.

PATRICIA HARCOURT PHOTO

Dust Control Continued from BCC1

Smook then challenged Kallal to “look back and show me a motion where I participated in turning (the road) back to gravel.”

Kallal replied that this was not in a motion, “but (the previous) council did that…When we came back as a council (after the last election) it was a gravel road.

This was “the newest subdivision in the county…in your reign (as reeve)…council previously in your wisdom decided to tear up the road,” Kallal said, to Smook.

“Carey Ridge is the only one we put that condition on that developer,” said Kallal. “It was the only subdivision the county had where a condition was put on the subdivision road to be surfaced (oiled) back then.”

Smook replied: “If a condition says the developer puts it in (surfacing the road) at the developer’s expense, I want to see if the county was (mandated) to maintain the road in the future. If it’s the county’s obligation going forward in the agreement, it’s open for discussion.”

Blackie said his instruction were to do patchwork in the Carey Ridge Estates as it is now “half oil and half gravel.”

“There is no other example in the

county of a Carey Ridge Estates,” continued Kallal. “People bought their property with the expectation it would be maintained.

He called Smook’s motion “a total curve ball” done “with a cavalier attitude” towards the county’s budget.

“I’m just standing up for my people,” said Smook.

“We all know that’s the condition we laid on the developer (at the time Carey Ridge was developed),” said Kallal. “If we can’t take care of our commitment that we (as a county) put on a developer, that’s very wrong…These are the highest paying taxpayers in the county.”

Kallal said that the former mode of divisional budgeting where each councillor would get a certain amount every year to apply to roads as they saw fit would have meant he would have dealt with the issue himself. “Now it’s just the five year plan,” he said, when it comes to deciding how to handle roads.

“I think we’re on the hook for $69,000,” said Hrabec, if the Carey Ridge Estate road agreement says the county is responsible for the subdivision going forward.

“That’s why it’s important to see that agreement ,” he said, adding: “We can also check the conditions on Clr. Smook’s own three subdivisions.”

Hrabec’s tabling motion pending these questions being answered was passed. So there will be no decision made on Smook’s original motion until the next meeting of council.

Beaver County Chronicle, September 16, 2020 - 3

Reeve reports on meeting with premier Patricia Harcourt Reeve Jim Kallal (Division 2 Councillor) reported on a meeting he held with Premier Jason Kenney, along with Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3).

Kallal said the meeting lasted about 90 minutes, and the two councillors gave Kenney a letter from Beaver County regarding their opposition to recent developments regarding oil and gas assessment.

This is now under the control of the province which wants to lower taxes to companies in this downward economy, but the move would cause sharp tax increases for municipalities that depend on this as a source of revenue.

“We had an interesting discussion with an official,” he said. “We all know we’re heading to Stettler on Friday,” where the entire Beaver County Council later attended a meeting with the new Minister of Municipal Affairs and local MLAs. That meeting was held regarding the oil and gas assessment situation as a prime topic of

discussion.

The reeve has also met recently with Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely.

“I’ve been in contact with MLA Lovely,” he said, who visited Beaver County to look over the roads and “made a list.”

As for the roads, Kallal said that “public works is out there and things are happening.”

Although Division 1 Councillor Kevin Smook called it “a great opportunity to meet the premier,” he questioned “who was invited and who hosted it?”

“It’s usually customary for all of council to attend,” Smook noted.

To that query, Hrabec said he was invited by a ratepayer to a PC Association meeting. “The ratepayers paid for it,” he said.

Added Kallal: “It was a great opportunity to get to the crux of what is going on in the province.”

Hrabec commented later on in the council meeting of Sept. 2 that he was surprised at the provincial officials who he said “did not expect” the opposition from rural municipalities to the oil and gas assessment proposal.

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2020 Construction Schedule Schedule is subject to change depending on the weather. **ECD – Es mated Comple on Date TBD – To Be Determined TASK RGE RD 182 TerraCem (from TWP RD 494 north to bridge 3 miles) Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (1st li of chip seal) Phase 3 (2nd li of chip seal) Phase 4 (Final sweep of chips) BRUCE 1st ave between Queen and Main street - TerraCem Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (1st li of chip seal) Phase 3 (2nd li of chip seal) Phase 4 (Final sweep of chips) BRUCE Queen street between 1st and 2nd ave - TerraCem Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (1st li of chip seal) Phase 3 (2nd li of chip seal) Phase 4 (Final sweep of chips) BRUCE 2nd ave between HWY 857 and Main street - TerraCem Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (1st li of chip seal) Phase 3 (2nd li of chip seal) Phase 4 (Final sweep of chips) RGE RD 145 between Hwy 14 and TWP RD 484 - TerraCem Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (1st li of chip seal) Phase 3 (2nd li of chip seal) Phase 4 (Final sweep of chips) TWP RD 514 between RGE RD 193 – 195 - TerraCem Phase 1 (Cement) Phase 2 (1st li of chip seal) Phase 3 (2nd li of chip seal) Phase 4 (Final sweep of chips) Gravelock – (loca on TBD) Culvert Maintenance Road Oiling (loca on TBD) Patching Oil Roads Patching/Shoulder Pulls (loca on TBD) Backsloping- TBD Gravelling Dust Control - 1st Applica on Dust Control - 2nd Applica on

START DATE

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June 8

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June 22

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Phase 1 – Complete Phase 2 – Complete Phase 3 – Complete Phase 4 –

June 24

June 25

Phase 1 – Complete Phase 2 – Complete Phase 3 – Complete Phase 4 –

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July 2

Phase 1 – Complete Phase 2 – Complete Phase 3 – Complete Phase 4 –

July 6

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4 - Beaver County Chronicle, September 16, 2020

Beaver County Service Centre 5120 - 50 Street Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca

Time is Running Out - contact your MLA!

Notice of Development Permits

How does the assessment work?

The following Development Applications have been APPROVED (except where otherwise noted) by the Development Officer under the provisions of Land Use Bylaw No. 98-801, subject to the right of appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board.

With the on-going discussion regarding proposed changes to the oil and gas industry assessment model, many are asking – what is this type of assessment?

Oil and gas industries have several types of property: a) below-ground oil and gas pipelines, b) below-ground wells, c) above-ground well heads and associated machinery, equipment, and buildings.

Assessment of each of these types of property is regulated by the Province of Alberta. The assets are not based on market value like the assessment of homes and acreages; rather the assessment is determined by size, materials, depreciation, etc. This method is intended to assign an objective value to the industry’s assets.

The Provincial Government has been receiving pressure from oil and gas industries to adjust the assessment model so that their taxes will be lower. The industry claims that to be competitive in today’s marketplace, property taxes must decrease substantially.

However, what may not be known to many is that the oil and gas industry in general, and specifically, the companies in Beaver County, have already received some help in this direction.

In 2018, the Provincial Government assumed responsibility for the assessment of certain industrial properties, including oil and gas. These properties had previously been assessed by municipalities, however the industry felt that the assessment regulations were not being applied consistently throughout the Province.

County Council is confident that the County’s assessment team had been applying the assessment regulations accurately, however we respected the Government’s decision to implement this new system in the interests of fairness and consistency. Note that in order to pay for this service, the designated properties are charged a separate mill rate (i.e. separate tax) to reimburse the Province for its costs.

Secondly, in 2019, the Provincial Government targeted shallow gas producers for additional tax relief. The industry was granted a tax break equivalent to 35% of its property taxes. Following that, the Government adjusted the method by which this industry is assessed so that they would receive the same 35% reduction in property taxes from that point on. In the first year of this program, the Provincial Government paid the County a grant for the taxes it was not able to collect, however in 2020 and going forward, other County taxpayers must make up the shortfall in taxes. The amount of this tax relief is approximately $70,000.

Finally, the Provincial Government has placed limitations on the mill rate charged to oil and gas companies. Municipalities are not permitted to levy a mill rate to non-residential assessments that is more than 5 times the residential mill rate. This ensures that businesses and the oil and gas industry are not bearing more than a reasonable share of the municipality’s tax base. The County’s current mill rate ratio is approximately 4:1.

The County has also done its part to assist the industry. County Council supports oil and gas industry as they are sources of economic activity, jobs, and municipal tax revenue. The County is committed to maintaining the infrastructure (roads and bridges) needed to access industry assets (well sites) and works with our intermunicipal partners to provide a quality lifestyle for company employees.

In the last few years of economic challenges, the County has agreed to negotiate one-year tax payment agreements with specific companies. The County has met with some success, but unfortunately other companies have not paid any of their taxes. For the first time in its history, the County is faced with year-over-year uncollectible taxes. Including 2020, the County will be forced to write off $5.6 million of uncollectible taxes. To buffer the impact on other taxpayers and maintain service levels, Council has been forced to use reserves and the BMS grant to offset the loss in revenue. However, this is not sustainable in the long term.

Despite all these measures, the oil and gas industry is calling for more. The Provincial Government’s latest proposal to assist the oil and gas industry by adjusting the model by which it is assessed will unfairly shift the burden of taxes to small commercial and residential taxpayers. Even the small to mid-sized oil and gas companies – the companies that exist and employ residents in our communities – will experience tax increases.

This will result in a loss in tax revenue of up to $3 million. The County will have to respond and without large industrial growth or exploding residential expansion, it may have no choice but to reduce service levels, cut staff by 64%, increase taxes, or implement a combination of these options.

County Councillors have been working hard to put this issue in front of our MLAs and request that the changes be reconsidered. Your voice will have significant impact as well.

You may contact: Contact MLA Jackie Lovely at 780-672-0000 or camrose@assembly.ab.ca Honourable Rick Wilson at 780-360-8003 or maskwacis.wetaskiwin@assembly.ab.ca The new Minister of Municipal Affairs, Honourable Tracy Allard, at 780-538-1800 or grandeprairie@assembly.ab.ca.

APPEAL DEADLINE: September 30, 2020 Application No. 020020-20-D0047 Applicant: Logan Haeberle Location: NW 11-49-14-W4 Development: Second Dwelling - 1520 sq. ft Mobile Home

APPEAL DEADLINE: September 30, 2020 Application No. 020020-20-D0049 Applicant: Natasha Zajonz Location: SE 6-51-19-W4 Development: Detached Garage (1200 sq. ft) and Variance for front yard setback from 38m to 25m.

APPEAL DEADLINE: September 30, 2020 Application No. 020020-20-D0050 Applicant: Lane Skori Location: SW 12-46-11-W4 Development: Second Dwelling - Mobile Home (1520 sq. ft).

Any person wishing to appeal a decision may do so by serving written notice on the prescribed form (stating reasons for the appeal) and submitting the applicable fee of $200.00 to the Secretary of the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board at the following address.

The notice of appeal must be submitted before 4:30 pm on the appeal deadline date shown above, or be postmarked by the appeal deadline date. The prescribed form is available at www.beaver.ab.ca or at the County office.

Further information regarding the above decision(s) may be obtained from the County Office, Ryley, Alberta.

SECRETARY Subdivision and Development Appeal Board Beaver County, Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 (780) 663-3730

Seeking Quotations Request for Quotations Beaver County is seeking quotations (RFQs) for the following work for the 2021 & 2022 gravel crush and supply.

The supply will be split into two halves West End & East End, using Secondary Highway 855 as the dividing line. Interested parties may submit RFQ’s for either the West End or the East End or both, as per the requirements listed on or before September 23, 2020 @ 10:00:00am.

Please visit our website www.beaver.ab.ca or www. purcasingconnection.ca for further details and/or submission forms.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - Page 9

Tofield Farmer’s Market returns for another season Moush John Tofield Mercury

Tofield Farmer’s Market made a comeback this past Friday, Sept. 11 at the Tofield Community Hall. “It was quite the experience holding the first Farmer ’s Market after the COVID-19 lockdown since March,� said Yvonne Brown, main organizer and operator of the Farmer ’s Market. “We had been getting calls asking us when we’d start up again, and many of the community members were saying just run with it, open the doors, and let it happen, and so we finally did!�

Brown said after speaking at length with the Town of Tofield staff she believed she could finally start it up. “All the social distancing measures had to be put in place,� she added. “We had long conversations with Vanita and

Dave; but despite all the rules and guidelines we decided to give it a go, and amazingly it went very well.�

There were 16 tables with a steady flow of customers throughout the afternoon. “We need more baking and veggie stall holders but the ones present did very well,� Brown stated. “We served pie and coffee in the meeting room and sold out of pie. A huge shoutout to all those who contributed in any way.�

Among the stall owners were Belle Henderson, Brenda Oancia,

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Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - Page 11

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Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020

The

CLASSIFIED AD RATES $10.75+gst first 25 words 39¢ each additional word PICTURE BOLD $10.00 $5.00 WEEKLY REVIEW Ph. 780-336-3422 Email: vikingreview @gmail.com TOFIELD MERCURY Ph. 780-662-4046 Email: adsmercury @gmail.com LAMONT LEADER Ph. 780-895-2780 Email: lmtleader @gmail.com ____________________ ANNOUNCEMENTS ANNOUNCEMENTS

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Helen Tanton 780-888-6800 33tfnc ____________________ FOR FOR RENT RENT 2 bedroom house in Sedgewick. Large fenced yard and shed. No smoking. Pets negotiable. $1,100/month includes utilities. $1,000 DD. Contact Ian at 780-995-6146 ________________________ Smaller 2 bdrm home close to school in Viking. Available Sept. 1.

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Phone 587-783-0276 ___________________ HELP WANTED WANTED HELP APIARIES OF ALBERTA PRIDE requires an Apiary supervisor foreman (NOC8252) for full-time (40+ hrs/wk) year round employment $27.50/hr depending on experience. Applicant must have a minimum of 5 yrs (seasons). Full-time in Canadian style commercial Apiary environment. Contact Gerard Sieben gsieben@mcsnet.ca TM34-39p ____________________ LAND FOR FOR SALE LAND SALE Land for Sale: 160 acres. NE 21-51-17 Beaver County. $2700/Acre. 95 cultivated acres seeded to hay in 2016.

Remainder is currently in pasture/slough hay. Contact Mike @ 780-719-4953 after 6 pm.

TM37-40p ____________________ LOOKING FOR LOOKING FOR EMPLOYMENT EMPLOYMENT Class 1 Driver with clean absract. Lives in Viking area.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - Page 13

Remember When

FISH FARMING IN ALBERTA: Farming fish started in the Tofield area in 1985 – when John Bjornson and his family started up their business six miles west of Tofield. They developed the concept, found the funding in 1984 and started construction in 1985. They have doubled their capacity once, and now they are looking at doubling again and still can’t keep up with the demand. Bjornson states he learned most of what he knows through the school of hard knocks. This image appeared in The Tofield Mercury dated March 11, 1997. Photo by Anne Francoeur.

Blanket Alberta Ads take approximately 10 days to process

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These blanket classified ads are produced through a joint agreement by The Community Press, Viking Weekly Review, Lamont Leader, Tofield Mercury and Alberta Weekly Newspaper Association (AWNA). These ads appear in all AWNA member papers (120 papers) for the cost of $269.00 (+gst) for the first 25 words, $8.00 per word over 25. To place a blanket classified, call a CARIBOU PUBLISHING representative at 780-385-6693 or email ads@thecommunitypress.com.

__________________________ AUCTIONS AUCTIONS

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Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020

Reum family Continued from Front Page and raised on this farm, than words can explain; it is an incredible highlight of our generation and a huge reminder of the family history that came before us.

“It is very comforting to know that any of us can see and visit our family home at any time and be able to share it with our children. We will strive to keep this in the Reum family for more generations to come!”

In 1883, Martin Reum emigrated from Norway to the United States with his parents. In 1898 they moved to North Dakota and on Oct. 8, 1919, Martin and his wife Christine immigrated to Ryley.

They purchased uncultivated CPR land, built a home, and broke up the land over the next few years.

“They started a herd of dairy cattle and sold milk and cream,” Lois re-

called. “The milk was picked up by a milk truck and was delivered to Round Hill and later to Ryley. Martin delivered the cream in cans to Ryley were it was trans-

”

Daniel Reum’s first two-room house still stands on the property as a reminder of the heritage ported by train to the NADP creamery in Edmonton.”

The land was then passed down to one of his 10 children, Herman Reum, who later sold it to his brother Daniel Reum.

MLA Jackie Lovely, right, with Reum family members holding the plaque presented to them last week in recognition of their 100 years of family farming achievement.

“Daniel is our father; him and my mother Lillian along with my four siblings – Philip, David, Alana, and Robin – and me lived and worked on the farm over the years,” Lois explained, adding that she is the fourth sibling of five. “My dad continued to operate the

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The original homestead of the Reum family, a reminder of the heritage of the current Reum family. farm with a combination of dairy, beef, and grain farming.

“Dairy farming was maintained with cream being delivered in cans to Camrose up until 1987; and when he passed

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away in 1996, our brother David sold the last of his own beef cattle two years later in 1998 to focus on grain and hay farming, which continues to the present day.”

According to Lois, farming like any other industry has seen many changes.

“Martin would have used horse-drawn equipment, Daniel used mechanical equipment, and now very large sophisticated electronic equipment is used on the farm,” she said. “Modern-day equipment has changed farming significantly. For example, seeding that would have taken three weeks by horse-drawn equipment is now reduced to a mere eight hours for the same amount of land!”

Some of the old things that still remain on the

farm are a few of the outbuildings, that even though they are well weathered, hold sentimental value and a lot of memories for the Reum family.

“Some of the old machinery and equipment still dot the landscape today,” Lois noted. “The original log house had to be removed for safety reasons in the late 1990s, however Daniel Reum’s first two-room house still stands on the property as a reminder of the heritage of the current Reum family.

“There is also still a huge birch tree next to the driveway that has been there as long as any of us can remember and may possibly be originally planted by Martin and Christine Reum. It is an honour for our family to have achieved this.”

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020 - Page 15

Minister Allard FEATURED LISTINGS PROPERTIES LAMONT COUNTY Modern Industrial Shop • 15,000 sq ft Industrial shop built on 42.8 acres in Lamont County adjacent to the town of Lamont. Shop was built in 2006 with drive thru bays and has 24’ clear ceilings, 16’ by 16’ doors, floor sumps, exhaust fans, tool crib, 5-ton bridge crane, 600 amp power and 1,500 sq ft of office space. Site has access to highways 29, 15, 831. There is 15 acres of gravelled yard with chain link fencing. located at 195043 HWY 29 Lamont County. Price $3,175,000 • N1/2 of NE ¼ -7-53-18-W4 71.80 acres 8.77 acres yard with chain link fence, partially gravelled, power, 4 yard lights, could be commercial use if proper permit is obtained. Balance of parcel is fenced with 5 wire and 4 wire. 35± acres of hay. Corner of HWY 16 and RR 185. Price $399,000. Seller is a licensed Realtor™ in the province of Alberta • W4-18-54-10 SW ¼ 160 acres 110± cultivated acres. RR 183 between TWP RD 540 and 542 price: $320,000 • Parcel #1 Plan: 0826846 Block 1 Lot 2 Parcel #2 Plan: 0826846 Block 1 Lot 3 156.60 acres total 145 combined cultivated acres RR 175 and TWP 544 Price: $575,000 • RR 184 and TWP RD 540 85.43 acres SOLD

SOLD

• Range Road 184 and Township Road 540 66.47 acres

SOLD SOLD

FARMS TOWN OF LAMONT

Alberta Minister of Municipal Affairs Tracy Allard met with local rural and urban municipalities in Stettler on Friday, Sept. 4 to answer questions and get feedback on the assessment review models the province is presently considering.

Continued from Page 2

prior to her being named to Municipal Affairs, was a strong advocate for rural Alberta regarding the assessment model review.

“She told us, ‘We’re going to make this right.”

Kroetch said that the issue is presently on pause, with no decision to be made until October now, and that Allard indicated that she will be consulting with other rural municipalities.

Lovely said, “Minister Allard is travelling throughout the province to consult with all stakeholders in hope of deter-

mining a solution to accommodate the needs of the rate payers, municipalities, and the oil companies.”

Kroetch and Lovely said that the meeting format was question and answer, with each municipality given an opportunity to share their concerns, and ask questions.

Kroetch stated, “It was apparent that she really sees the issue through a rural lens, and that was very reassuring.”

He said the panel “did a lot of listening,” and added “she appears to see her role in Municipal Affairs as an opportunity to give municipalities the

tools to serve their residents better.”

Lovely commented, “Ours was a fulsome discussion, and Minister Allard responded to all questions. When I followed up with those present from our three municipalities (Beaver, Flagstaff, and Camrose) there were positive comments about the meeting and the dialogue with the Minister.

“Participants expressed that they felt that their concerns had been heard, and Minister Allard indicated that she will continue with her consultation and a final decision will not be rushed!”

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• Price Reduced! Plan:1424641 Block 1 Lot 1 Town of Lamont Hwy 15 RR 193 77.96 acres fenced dugout 15 acres cultivated and the balance pasture.

Price $150,000 SOLD

SOLD

SOLD

• Price Reduced! W4-19-55-9-NE ¼ Town of Lamont Hwy 15 TWP 552 79.96 acres fenced 15 acres cultivated and the balance pasture. Price $150,000

FARM LAND IN CHIPMAN • SE ¼ 29-54-18-W4 121.45 acres 80 acres cultivated with some trees Price $250,000 • S ½ of SW ¼ -20-54-18-W4 80 acres all in hay and trees near Highway 15.

Price $150,000 • NW ¼, 20-54-18-W4 158.3 acres 90 acres cultivated with power, a nice building site and trees Price $375,000 • SW ¼, 29-54-18-W4 127 acres 102 acres cultivated along Highway 15 Price $275,000 • SW ¼ 30-54-18-W4 (North ½) 78.83 acres fenced pasture land Price $140,000 • SW ¼, 30-54-18-W4 (South ½)- 72.12 acres Fenced pasture land Price $130,000

BEAVER COUNTY • W4-16-4836-SW 160 acres near Holden. Small house, power, gas, and septic system well treed yard. Price $419,000.00 • W4-19-51-15-SE ¼ 155.9 acres usable for pasture of hay near Tofield.

Fenced and cross fenced with multiple water sources. RR 192 and TWP Rd 512 Price: $519,000

TWO HILLS COUNTY RECREATION LAND • Price Reduced! W4-12-55-27 NW 146 acres with 1/2-mile frontage on the North Saskatchewan river. HWY 29 and RR 123 50± acres of cultivation power at property Nicely treed lot for a building site. Price $350,000

STRATHCONA COUNTY HOBBY FARM • Price Reduced 53142 RGE RD 224 40.03 acres with 35 ± cultivation. 1950 built 1000 sq ft bungalow on property with large shop and various other buildings. Future local industrial zoning on property and located in Bremner concept plan. Price $1,595,000

Norman Hill Broker Call (780) 449-5622 email nhill01@telus.net www.hillrealty.ca

Page 16 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 16, 2020

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Council Corner As Town of Tofield residents prepare for winter, large item curb side pick-up a help Summer has ended, and Fall is certainly upon us. As the seasons change, we have seen the hustle and bustle that we have become accustomed to with children returning to school.

This has provided both an exciting and anxious time for parents, grandparents, caregivers, children, and our teachers. As the new school year begins, we wish a successful school year to all involved in what has quickly become our new normal.

As the season changes many also view this as a time to prepare for the winter months and clean or purge their households of items that may have long been forgotten. Tofield, and the Beaver County region are unique in a program provided for residents.

Through Claystone Waste (Formerly Beaver Municipal Solutions) large item, curb side pick-up will once again be available. The date for this program has been set as Tuesday October 27, 2020.

The items must be placed curbside the night before pickup and must not be on the grass or lawn, as this will not allow for equipment to pick up the items. Also, please ensure that items are placed at least 3 meters from parked vehicles. Of note, fridges, freezers, and water coolers are acceptable for pick up, however, a $25.00 freon

sticker must be purchased form the Town Administration office and be placed visibly on the items.

A list of some of the acceptable items are things such as: couches, mattresses, tires, and propane tanks. Claystone is asking that items such as grass clippings (must be bagged) tree branches, general waste and small items continue to be placed in the bins provided.

Concrete, and electronic waste can be taken to one of the available transfer stations or directly to Claystone Waste, located in Ryley, Alberta.

Honour the past...

Build the Future

Given this program is available to all residents in Tofield, please do not place large items beside the large residential bins.

Drivers are not able to physically pick these items up. This creates issues around the bins for regular pick up, as well being potentially unsanitary and certainly unsightly.

As Tofield continues to move forward through the pandemic, Mayor and Council wish each of you continued health, success, and well-being.

Respectfully submitted, Mayor and Council