The Tofield Mercury Sept. 2, 2020

Mercury

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Wednesday September 2, 2020 Vol. 103 Issue 02

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Tofield male assaulted repeatedly by roommates

BRSD estimates 88 per cent of students will return to class in fall

Tofield’s 25th Annual Ry-Tof Slo-pitch tournament cancelled

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Private ceremony marks Ryley’s last graduation – Class of 2020

Qualified for the cancelled 124th Boston Marathon, Mercury administrator channelling her accomplishment into a virtual run

Brent Anderson was the Master of Ceremonies for the last Ryley graduating class – Class of 2020 as the community came together to celebrate the milestone on Saturday afternoon, Aug. 29 at the Ryley Community Centre. MOUSH JOHN PHOTO Moush John Tofield Mercury

Ryley community and surrounding areas came together to bid a fond farewell to the last graduating class of Ryley School – Class of 2020.

On Saturday, Aug. 29 the Ryley Community

Centre came alive as 16 graduates, and their friends and families celebrated the milestone.

Graduates included – Juan Mira Arroyave; Kallen Burns; Jayson Forstner; Dylan Fuller; Cole Hellekson; Reilly Holowachuk; Evan Hunt; Delayna Koch; Logan

Landrie-Budd; Mackenzie Larson; Reanna Neiley; Logan Oslund; Daniel Romaniuk; Cody Weight; Taylor Yeske; and Ethan Zemlak.

Master of Ceremonies was Brent Anderson, while valedictorian was Logan Oslund.

The ceremony started

at 2 p.m., and commencement exercises kicked off with the processional.

Anderson addressed the graduates, welcoming each one on stage with introductions, followed by messages from dignitaries.

Continued on Page 2

Tofield administrator Michelle Anderson on a run.

KERRY ANDERSON PHOTO. See story on Page 3.

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

Ryley Class of 2020 Continued from Front Page This was followed by valedictorian Logan Oslund’s speech.

Class historians Cole

Hellekson and Daniel Romaniuk were next as they spoke about each of their classmates.

Rounding off the event was the presentation of

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diplomas. However, instead of a school respresentative handing their diplomas, each student received it from a parent.

During the ceremony, social distancing protocols were in place with

each family sitting with their own group.

Anderson thanked the parent volunteers, and the Village of Ryley, acknowledging all those who had been involved in makingthe event a success.

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Back to School This September school is going to be a little different but I’m sure I speak for all of the staff when I say we have missed our students dearly and will be excited to have them back in the building. Our staff are committed to our students having a positive and safe environment at school and we will continue to work hard to make that happen. We will do some careful planning following the directives from Alberta’s Chief Medical Officer and Battle River School Division. I recognize that this is a new circumstance for all of us.

There will be questions and challenges and we will do our best to work through these. We will all need to be patient and flexible and will find our way by working together. We will ensure parents, students and the community are informed as information becomes available and as planning is completed. I am grateful to work in a school with strong community support and look forward to a successful year for our students.

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - Page 3

Tofield Mercury administrator channels her accomplishment into a virtual run Kerry Anderson Tofield Mercury

After years of hard work, culminating into qualifying and being accepted in the 124th Boston Marathon but having it cancelled twice because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Michelle Anderson will be participating with other Boston participants from all over the world, virtually, on Sept. 7.

“I will be circling Broadmoor Lake in Sherwood Park 25 or 30 times until my Garmin tells me I am done,” said the Tofield Mercury administrator.

Done means 42.2 km.

“I qualified for Boston after having finished in 3:39 at the Edmonton Marathon in 2019. It took a lot of hard work to get a time good enough to qualify for Boston, so I was pretty disappointed when it was cancelled,” Michelle admitted.

The preparation and

commitment involved is unthinkable to the average person.

“It’s a formulated process of running specific distances and hills every day,” she said.

“Some days you run quickly but shorter distances, other days much longer distances. You build up stamina as you go.” she said.

Training for a marathon takes weeks, some days running the better part of a marathon. As the run date gets closer, Anderson sometimes runs over 30 km as part of a training day.

“It’s a bit addicting,” she confides. “It’s hard work but I love the feeling of accomplishment.”

What started out as a mother of two young boys trying to get back into shape, has led to mounting goals, achievements, disappointment and now redemption.

Anderson was living in Lindbrook, west of Tofield, when her and a

few other young moms decided to begin running as a social way to get healthier.

“We ran up 834 north of Tofield, or around acreages and subdivisions,” said Anderson, now 46. “The Running Room (Edmonton) has practice runs Sunday mornings open to anyone. Living in the Tofield area at the time, I thought it would be a better idea to get a group together there.

We started with Jenn Sideroff, Sherri-Lynn Wenger and Heather

Wideman. Sometimes another person would join from time to time.”

One of the first marathons the ladies did was the Multiple Miles for Myeloma in Calgary, which supported a cause close to Michelle as her mother-in-law passed away from the disease.

“It was pretty wonderful showing support for Sylvia’s battle, and I could not believe how many of my friends and family showed up for the event.”

In 2012 Anderson and her family moved to

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It’s a formulated process of running specific distances and hills every day. Some days you run quickly but shorter distances. You build stamina as you go.

Sherwood Park where things got real for her athletically. She joined the Crossfit Machine Shop gym, became a yoga and fitness instructor/trainer, and started stretching out her runs.

“I started with a Learn to Run for Women program at the Sherwood Park Running Room. I was always drawn to running and wanted to learn how to do it properly,” she said. “I’ve never looked back since then, only forward; Continued on Page 7

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Page 4 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020

FEATURED LISTINGS

Tofield male assaulted by roommates Cpl. Leigh Drinkwater Tofield RCMP

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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 • Range Road 184 and Township Road 540 66.47 acres

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The Tofield RCMP responded to 31 occurrences from Aug. 24 to

Aug. 30 including, four traffic complaints and one Motor Vehicle Collision. The K Division Traffic Unit issued 19 violation tickets for various traffic offences.

On Aug. 24, Tofield detachment received a complaint that a suspicious vehicle with a 'Sask Power' decal was in the area of Township Road 500 and Range Road 180, the driver claiming he was in the area checking

power meters – homeowner thought this was suspicious as Sask Power is not a provider in Alberta. Patrols were made, however due to the time delay in reporting, the suspicious vehicle was not located.

Also on Aug. 24, the Tofield RCMP received a complaint from a 12-yearold Tofield resident that her bicycle had been stolen near Busy B. No Continued on Page 5

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NW ¼, 20-54-18-W4 158.3 acres 80± cultivated Price $700,000

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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

2020/2021 TOFIELD SCHOOL TOFIELD SCHOOL REGISTRATION INFORMATION: Timetables can be accessed on Maplewood.

If you have not received your timetable or cannot access it, please let us know.

Elementary and Junior High Students will receive an email from their homeroom teachers by the end of August to avoid any confusion on the first day of school (September 3rd).

There may be slight adjustments to supply lists to help support Covid-19 safety requirements.

Bookings for course changes for Grades 10-12 can be made over the phone by calling 780-662 -3133 (emails work too).

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - Page 5

Loose Ends: A squirrel named Scruffy

Carol Livingstone Tofield Mercury Columnist

We always take a big bag of unshelled peanuts along when we go camping, to feed the squirrels.

There are always squir-

rels and we enjoy watching them dart out of the cover of the trees on a zigzag path to the peanuts left in plain sight on the picnic table.

Their reaction once they’ve reached the peanuts is either joy or disdain. Joy as they snatch up nut after nut and haul them off to their hidey-hole or disdain that we interpret as ‘What kind of place you running here? Better work on your presentation.’ The boys took to

leaving both shelled and unshelled. Shelled was always more fun to watch because they’d stuff their faces until their cheeks bulged before running home. With the unshelled it was one at a time.

On our recent camping trip we were visited by two squirrels. I know, all squirrels look alike but we were pretty sure these were the same two.

Each came from a different direction and seemed to have a discussion be-

forehand about who went when.

The bigger one wasn’t one for visiting. Not timid really, just all business, like his boss had given him a short half hour for lunch. Fast food, eat and run.

The smaller one – the boys names him Scruffy – was all over the place and not shy at all. No sixfoot rule for him. From day one he’d scamper up onto the guys’ laps or come from behind to perch on a shoulder, not

caring if they hand fed him or not. Hi, how you doing? Thanks for the invite. He’d zip along the bench, then up to the tabletop, quick as a wink. He preferred the unshelled nuts and made trip after trip, one nut at a time – it was exhausting to watch. Oh to have the metabolism of a squirrel! I’d get so much more done every day!

The highlight of the squirrels’ visits for me was the day Scruffy decided I needed his per-

RCMP report Continued from Page 4 suspects at this time, but the bicycle is described as a girls' bicycle, 24” frame, Movelo, Algonquin model, blue with pink decals.

On Aug. 25, there was a report of ongoing assaults. A male reported being assaulted repeatedly by roommates and sought assistance getting back to family north of Edmonton. Charges not warranted, and the complainant was helped out

by Beaver County Victim Services who provided transportation for the individual.

On Aug. 26, Tofield RCMP received a complaint of theft of fuel from construction equipment.

Although video surveillance was provided to police, and a pickup truck and trailer were noted, no license plates/suspect descriptions were gained from the video.

On the same date, a resident from a neighbouring community reported his Ford sedan stolen from his residence after accidentally leaving his garage door open overnight. It is believed that these two events are related as the same pickup truck and trailer were noted in additional video surveillance.

Also on Aug. 26, residents in the area of Twp. Rd. 514 and Rge. Rd. 190

reported suspicious vehicles continuously driving in the area and pulling into driveways, and sought advice on how to deal with the problem.

On Aug. 27, Tofield RCMP received anonymous information of a chronic impaired driver in the Tofield area. Patrols were made, however the vehicle was not located.

As well on Aug. 27, a suspicious vehicle complaint was received about a white van in a nearby acreage subdivision. Police checks on the license plate provided showed that the van wasn’t stolen, however may have been making deliveries in the area due to popularity of on-line shopping.

On Aug. 28, numerous reports overnight to the Tofield detachment about

suspicious vehicles and people in the alleys in neighbouring villages, while later that day the detachment received a report about stolen fuel from a rural residence, and a stolen vehicle from High River was recovered on Hwy. 14 at Twp. Rd. 500. Unknown at this time if all of the incidents are related.

On Aug. 29, Tofield members were dispatched to a suspicious vehicle that appeared abandoned on Rge. Rd. 171, but was gone on arrival. The complainant did provide a license plate number, which was checked by police. The registered owner was called, and advised that he had a flat tire, and

sonal attention. One minute he was on the table where I was seated and the next he was on my shoulder and then – Hey, there’s a squirrel on top of my head! In my hair! He was so light I’d hardly noticed he was there before he’d moved on. My boys said they expected me to freak out.

Really?! It was just our dinner guest, a squirrel named Scruffy. The thought never entered my mind.

The Tofield Mercury once replaced with a spare, he drove home.

Later the same day a report of an assault was received by the detachment. Investigation revealed that there was a dispute between a landlord and a tenant that became physical with one party being charged with assault, and released with court date in Vegreville.

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Page 6 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Keep the conversation going!

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Opinion

Email us your letter to the editor: news.tofield@gmail.com

Policing and politics should never mix

EDITORIAL Kerry Anderson Tofield Mercury Publisher

Is anybody but me getting sick and tired of these destructive “protests”? On the weekend a statue of Canada’s first Prime Minister Sir John A. Macdonald came crashing to the ground in Montreal.

Some vandals, at the end of a march to defund police, unbolted the statue and toppled it from its pedestal several feet above ground. As gravity took effect, the likeness of Sir John A’s head broke from the statue and rolled to the grass in the park.

Not disrespectful enough, the vandals then spray painted the statue with graffiti.

It appeared that the police had already been defunded, because they simply stood back and watched the ruination of an expensive piece of public art. The vandals were neither stopped or arrested,

and that can only happen on order from some brain-dead politician. Instead, police used a blowhorn to order the crowd to disperse.

Pretty please . . .

During the day, about 200 people peacefully marched in the rain under umbrellas. Organizers call their group the Coalition for the BIPOC Liberation and demand cities reduce their police budgets by 50 per cent. That I would like to see, but not in Alberta.

There are presently some 70,000 police personnel in Canada with wages exceeding $5 billion. So essentially the group is asking for $2.5 billion to be redirected into mental health treatment, civilian conflict resolution services, and trauma-based emergency services.

I don’t think anyone could argue that those aren’t worthwhile goals, and a peaceful protest in Canada is a civilian’s right. But there is greater need than ever for proper policing, and essentially two things seem to occur simultaneously whenever a savage protest occurs.

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

First, there is often no clear distinction about whether the vandals were even one of the original protestors. A crowd becomes a mob when there is devastation of public or private property during a march to bring attention to change. Mobs lose the respect peaceful protestors gain. This particular group seems guilty by association, failing to deny the vandals weren’t part of their Coalition or even quash reports that they had prior knowledge of the plan

to deface public property.

Secondly, police not arresting vandals at a protest doesn’t allow the group to separate itself from simply being a mob. It also sends a terrible signal to taxpayers, that the very things your tax dollars go into paying for can be destroyed by any tiny group of people who don’t like it.

Yes, tiny group.

Metro Montreal is a city of 4.1 million people. The defund police protest involved .005 per cent of the popula-

tion, meaning 99.995 per cent of Montreal residents didn’t have a problem with the amount being spent on policing. Doesn’t majority rule?

As for Sir John A., a petition with almost 50,000 signatures had asked for the removal of the statue because they don’t feel the first PM did enough to help indigenous communities or stop the residential school system. Although that may be true, there were 18 Prime Ministers following him who had the advan-

tage of better knowledge coming from increasingly modern times. They too, didn’t understand the harm being done to these school children.

Although history is not perfect, and either was Sir John A. Macdonald, he led Canada for a couple of decades at a time when we had no phones, automobiles weren’t even invented, there was no railway, and Canadians had little understanding of anything other than the daily problem of survival and feeding oneself.

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Kerry Anderson

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*Advertisements designed, set, and produced by The Tofield Mercury, as well as original photographs, articles and columns, editorial content, and other printed materials are protected by copyright and may not be used or reproduced without the expressed and signed written consent of The Tofield Mercury. In addition, we reserve the right to edit, delay, and/or refuse any and all material submitted to us without notice. Submitted Letters to the Editor and Opinion columns reflect the exclusive thoughts and opinions of the article’s author, and do not represent those of this publication, nor its publisher and staff.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - Page 7

Boston Marathon accomplishment Continued from Page 3

making bigger and bigger goals.”

The first year as a serious runner Anderson did a couple of five kilometre races, and they went well, she thought.

“That’s when I thought I would try a half marathon the following year. That experience was quite horrible,” she laughs. “I gave up the longer distances, and at that time I thought forever.”

In 2015 however, things changed.

Michelle started feeling stronger through her Crossfit training and decided to give long distance marathon running one more try.

“I thought it would be fun to travel for races. I had more experience running by then, and was far stronger so my husband (Kerry) and I flew to Toronto to take on the Toronto Water-

front (Half) Marathon.

“That went so well I entered my first ultra marathon the following year (Blackfoot Ultra, west of Tofield).” An ultra is any distance beyond the 42.2 km of a marathon.

More confident in her abilities, Anderson continued entering Alberta marathons and now has a couple dozen medals of achievement. But her most cherished accomplishment has been the Chicago Marathon.

“We discovered entering marathons was also a wonderful way to travel,” she said. “In 2018 I entered Chicago and we had a great time seeing the sites in such a huge city. My husband walked me to the starting line with 50,000 other people,” she said.

“Kerry books our flights, picks out the most appropriate place to stay, and then we decide on what we will do

there. My food and beverage consumption is quite regulated until after the race, but then we go crazy trying out the local cuisine,” she said.

“When the original April date for the marathon was postponed I was initially angry, because I had finished nearly all the training for Boston and trained in the winter which is tough on the body. But I was consoled that at least they had postponed it till September. When they made the call to cancel (end of May) I was so crushed and disappointed.”

Early in the summer the famous marathon announced it would have a virtual marathon instead, with finishers getting medals of accomplishment just as they would have at Boston.

“At first I thought absolutely not,” Anderson

admitted. “Then a couple minutes later I thought - maybe. It would be pretty cool to have a medal from the virtual and (hopefully) the actual Boston Marathon too some day.”

Since people have found out that the Boston Marathon will be going on locally, her support has been fantastic.

“I’ve been so surprised and overwhelmed with the support people have shown me. I have a friend who's been doing much of my long runs with me, and so many friends and family who are planning on coming out to cheer, walk or run.”

Michelle will be taking on the Boston Marathon at 8:00 am in Sherwood Park on Sept. 7. “Spectators, just like in a real marathon, help keep you going.”

”

Back to School We have some worries with regards to our children returning to school next week, in particular with our daughter with special needs. She does not have a good understanding of COVID19, as to how it is transmitted and how it affects other people. She understands that she needs to keep her distance from everyone and wash/sanitize her hands more often, but she doesn't really grasp the possible consequences of not doing those things and can be easily distracted. She has some heart issues and the uncertainty of how this pandemic can affect her health weighs on us of course. With everyone doing their absolute best, we still feel the pressure on teachers and educational assistants will be significant. But having been a part of the school community for a long time, we have no doubt that everyone involved with our daughter will do their best to keep her safe, as well as all the other students in the school.

Sarah McLaughlin, parent of Grade 6 student, Tofield School

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Tofield and Area Church Directory Tofield Alliance Bardo Lutheran Church Sunday Worship @ 10:30 am Church Pastor - Calvin Andringa

Sunday Worship - 10:00 am • Sunday School • Life Groups • Youth Group • Music & Worship • Senior Activities 780-662-2762 • 5907 - 49 Street

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Worship services can also be accessed online @

Salem Mennonite Church 49232 Rge Rd 184 Tofield, AB

Pastor Mark Loewen 780-662-2365

www.bardolutheranchurch.weebly.com Sunday service in-person and drive-in

Pastor Kevin Langager 780-662-3411

at 10:00 am. Also available online at: www.salemmennonite.ca

Holden United Church Tofield Community Church ALL SAINTS UKRAINIAN ORTHODOX CHURCH Tofield United Church Pastor Ken Stumph

Due to COVID-19 in-person worship services have been suspended.

Online services will take place and can be listened to on the phone. For login info please call: 780-662-3471 or email: beaverpastoralcharge@gmail.com

Rev. Adam Hall

780-662-3166 Sunday Worship @ 10:30 am Service available online @ www.tofieldchurch.com You can attend live services with COVID-19 social distancing guidelines in effect.

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The Beaver County

A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, September 2, 2020, Volume 13, Issue 36

After months of wrangling, county passes resolution to create municipally controlled corporation Patricia Harcourt Beaver County has finally agreed to the terms of the Beaver Municipal Solutions’ conversion to a municipally controlled corporation.

In a unanimous vote, county council passed the four resolutions required to incorporate the regional landfill just northeast of Ryley, with the county as one of five shareholding municipalities.

This is the culmination of many months of negotiations by the county on behalf of its residents to ensure the agreement was, in the minds of county officials, the best deal possible.

The county had passed the MCC business plan in May, which converts the Beaver Regional Waste Management Services Commission (known as BMS) into Claystone Waste Ltd. After the county held two public hearings, one virtual and the other in-person, the MCC Steering Committee met Aug. 4 “to consider all input and remaining concerns,” stated county CAO Bob Beck, in his report.

At the Aug. 4 meeting, the steering committee passed a motion by Jim Kallal, who sits on the committee and is reeve of Beaver County, that certain county concerns would be part of amendments to the documents of incorporation.

These included the Good Neighbour Grant amendments in the unanimous shareholder agreement, amendments to the mandate and roles document and business plan, and wording to the trust deed

to ensure protection of the post closure fund.

Beck said the legal team and consultants then amended those documents “to incorporate the changes requested by the MCC steering committee.”

“These three items from the county are now included in the various documents,” he said, at the county’s Aug. 19 regular meeting of council.

Division 1 Councillor Kevin Smook noted that the county’s concerns over the “cumulative effects” issues caused by the landfill, such as trucks tracking mud on the highway, birds and odour, are not included in the documents as earlier promised.

He assumed that the cumulative effects issue “will be dealt with by administration not in the documents…It’s definitely something we want to keep tabs on,” he said, promising his input as long as he is involved.

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) said that if these effects on local residents are not listed in the MCC business plan, he hoped the newly incorporated board “will continue working on it.”

Kallal then spoke up to say he “wants to clear this up,” asking Clr. Smook “to carry a message (to the BMS/MCC) that cumulative effects is a living document that will always be reviewed,” by the county to ensure something is being done about the problems.

“Absolutely,” replied Smook, who sits on the MCC steering committee. Smook made the motion to pass all four resolutions to agree to

the creation of Claystone, but a vote was not taken at that time as Hrabec wanted to make comments.

Hrabec said “the scope and magnitude of the proposal meant having to ensure the interests of the ratepayers was being done.”

To that end, he brought forward concerns regarding lack of transparency on the part of BMS, which is why he pushed to prevent elected officials from comprising the new MCC board.

The county also had an evaluation done of the MCC’s proposed business plan, crediting the county’s due diligence and duty to ask questions for amendments to the business plan.

“Beaver County asked its fair share of questions,” he said, adding that the county councillors on the BMS board “represented the county well.”

But he also said it “concerned me that no one else at the table had any concerns,” referring to other shareholding municipalities.

“If it wasn’t for the county cumulative effects (document) would never have been formulated.”

Because of that, the problems with mud, safety, birds, etc. “will continue to be worked on,” he said.

Hrabec believed that “all of council and administration came to the table,” with the result that “transparency has been increased” on the part of the landfill.

County interests were “looked after,” he said, giving the example of fairness and the breakdown of the commission.

“Beaver County does not receive its fair share but it was extremely

hard to open the formula up,” he said, referring to the shareholders’ agreement. For that reason, he said: “Beaver County agreed to keep it as is.”

And he said a proposal to increase the size of the Good Neighbour Policy grants given out

by BMS couldn’t be done because the Village of Ryley wouldn’t accept a change in the document.

Hrabec said this was unfortunate as the funds for both jurisdictions would have been “lucrative.”

And he said the Sept. 1 provincial legislation that would have made receiving funds as a commission impossible “forces us moving forward in order to be able to secure funds that wouldn’t be allowed after that date under the old BMS (structure).”

But he credited Beaver County’s concerns and advocacy during the MCC deliberations helping to secure the best possible for the residents of the county within that time frame.

Hrabec also said that the county would hold the new MCC accountable to continue playing fair with its members.

“I’m still not 100 per cent happy with this deal but it’s the best deal we could get,” he concluded.

“It’s been a long journey (but) good things come to those who work hard,” said Smook, adding he saw the incorporation of Claystone “a good move for Beaver County and the region.”

Following that, the motion was passed unanimously by council ending a long process of negotiation on the part of the county.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, September 2, 2020

Campers may get refund, but policy on tax penalties won’t change Patricia Harcourt It doesn’t break both ways. Beaver County Council decided to give a break to campers who couldn’t give five days’ notice when cancelling their camping spot due to special circumstances.

However, those who have lost their job will not get a break in penalties if they can’t meet their tax payment deadline.

Council had a lengthy discussion on changing the Campground Reservation Cancellation/Refunds Policy on Aug. 5.

Reeve Jim Kallal felt it was unfair that some people could not get a refund after being forced to cancel due to illness or other extenuating factor.

The policy changes provided to council Aug. 19 included the reference that “extenuating circumstances” preventing the usual mandatory five days’ notice would be considered when giving a full refund.

“Upon receipt of acceptable documentation, administration will have the discretion to provide refunds (less applicable service fees).” Council passed the revised policy.

Councillor Smook brought forward a resident’s concerns regarding the issue of people who will miss the deadline to pay their taxes because of a job loss getting penalized.

Council has already reduced the penalty by 50 per cent for taxes due on Nov. 2. Smook said the worry is that a resident being penalized “will fall further behind and never catch up.”

He noted that tax breaks have already

been allowed for certain oil and gas companies within the county, adding he was bringing the issue up “for discussion.”

Assistant CAO Margaret Jones listed the features already in place for taxpayers including the ability to pay monthly, give the county post-dated cheques, a 50 per cent reduction on the late payment penalty is already in place, and there is the ability to work out an agreement if behind.

There is also the chance to have an automatic withdrawal of 12 equal payments with no penalty allowed. “A significant number of people use it,” she said. People can also pay by credit card and through “Pay Simply.”

Kallal stated: “Beaver County is up against it,” but later added that “we certainly have a lot of young families who will be affected by what’s happening.”

“I think what the problem is,” said Councillor Barry Bruce, “is no money is still no money. A lot people have lost their jobs.”

“I think we’re going to get a lot of these calls,” said Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec, “as we get closer to tax time,” noting that unemployment is high as well.

Jones also pointed out that the oil and gas companies did not get a complete break but had made arrangements with the county. “The largest oil and gas taxpayer paid taxes in 12 equal payments,” so was penalty free.

“I do feel for the families impacted by this,” said Smook, to which Kallal said he shared the sentiment.

Beaver County Chronicle, September 2, 2020 - 3

County looking at bylaws after being told “you’re on your own” regarding water issues Patricia Harcourt At its Aug. 19 virtual meeting, Beaver County Council discussed the response received regarding two letters written to the Minister of the Environment and Parks Jason Nixon.

The first letter was regarding the change in procedure at Alberta Environment to responding to illegal works in waterways, wetlands, etc.

The county stated that “the province has downloaded the responsibility for enforcement of many illegal waterway acts to the municipalities,” stated CAO Bob Beck, in his report.

“They have kept the responsibility to deal with illegal draining of agricultural lands, but the response from the inspectors is very slow.”

The second letter dealt with a change in the requirement for environmental approvals and wetland compensation to fix or upgrade roads. “Council had advocated a change that would have exempted us from any requirements within the 66 ft. road allowance,” said Beck, con-

cerning the letter.

Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) who has been leading the charge regarding drainage issues praised the outcome of the letters.

“Administration did a good job getting the letters out,” he said, adding it must have “struck a nerve to get such a quick response…I think the letters were well worthwhile.

However, Division 1 Councillor Kevin Smook was dissatisfied with the response regarding beaver dams.

“This doesn’t clarify much in my eyes,” he said, with the statement that the EPA prefers landowners solve the issue locally with the county.

“I know it’s what they prefer we do but that’s not working,” he said.

“I don’t see a quick remedy for these things,” said Beck. “Going on private property needs a court order…To fix something without permission can get us in trouble (legally).”

He noted that, regarding a couple of property owners’ beaver dams that they don’t want

removed can affect a third party.

“We’ve tried working with people but sometimes it doesn’t happen,” he said.

“People expect us to help (in a civil matter but) a few times a year we can’t solve it.”

In another issue, if someone decides to block a drainage unit the province used to help the county using the Water Act. “Now they tell the county to use the tools provided in the Municipal Government Act and other legislation,” he said. “So we’ll have to figure that out.”

Council accepted the letters for information, asking administration to come back with recommendations on how to address water issues that require the county’s input.

“We’ll bring back legal (opinions) on how to enforce things now that Environment is no longer helping us with issues,” said Beck, adding bylaws will be needed.

“We don’t have a lot of tools in the toolbox now,” he said. “We have the answer (you’re on your own) and will start working on it.”

2020 Construction Schedule

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Back to School

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

PROJECTED END DATE

June 8

June 19

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

June 22

June 23

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 –

June 29

July 2

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

Going back to school after a lengthy summer break can be challenging, a time of excitement, anxiety and even a bit of sadness for students, but returning back to school under COVID-19, can be even harder.

July 6

July 7

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

The new school year is full of many unknowns that can feel a little scary at first.

July 8

July 17

July 6 Apr 20 July 27 May 4 Sept 3 Oct 7 Feb 3 May 26 Aug 7

July 23 Nov 1 Aug 14 Oct 31 Oct 4 Nov 1 Sept 28 June 3 Aug 10

UPDATE – September 2

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

Saying goodbye to a summer of relaxation and fun isn’t exactly something most kids, even many college kids, look forward to.

Ongoing

A new semester means fresh new books, new teachers, new learning goals, new friends. School either through physical return or virtual schooling is important and hopefully a welcoming step.

Ongoing Complete Complete

At this time Beaver County Council and Staff would like to take this opportunity to say good luck, stay safe, may it be all you hope it will be, wishing you all much success in the new school year!

Ongoing

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, September 2, 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

TIME IS RUNNING OUT!

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.

APPEAL DEADLINE: September 23, 2020 Application No. 020020-20-D0044 Applicant: Steve Sigaty Location: SW 30-48-14-W4 Development: Change in Use from a Religious Institution to a SingleFamily Dwelling. Variance for front yard setback from 25ft to 3ft, interior renovations, add weeping tile and return grade to original level.

For the last month, Beaver County, like most rural municipalities, has been urging rural taxpayers to support the County in its efforts to oppose the Provincial Government’s plan to change the method by which oil and gas properties are assessed.

For more information on this issue, go to www.beaver.ab.ca.

The Province has not yet indicated when it will make a decision, however the input period will soon come to a close. Recent indications are that the Province is staying the course and has not yet been persuaded to abandon legislation that will reduce the method by which oil and gas industries are assessed.

These proposed changes are catastrophic to rural municipalities and especially to Beaver County. Older oil and gas inventories will receive the greatest benefit from the changes and Beaver County is home to these types of industrial assets. In fact, Beaver County ranks in the top 10 rural municipalities most affected by the new assessment model.

The County risks losing up to 15% of its revenue, reducing staff by up to 64%, or increasing taxes by 58% (non-residential) to 103% (residential)!

Of course, there are other strategies the County could employ to offset this impact, such as reducing or eliminating its contributions to services offered by our regional partners - fire protection, emergency services, recreation, and library services.

However, these are quality-of-life services that we all enjoy and they enhance the rural lifestyle that makes Beaver County a great place to live.

It appears that the public engagement efforts are having an impact. Even organizations that support the proposed changes are noticing that rural Albertans are standing up and speaking out against these changes.

Unfortunately, the large oil and gas companies are hoping to dissuade rural taxpayers by suggesting that without significant tax cuts, the companies cannot be competitive in today’s economy. A closer look at the solution proposed by the Provincial Government indicates that the large companies will be the primary beneficiaries of the change, yet there is no guarantee that the money saved on taxes will be reinvested in Alberta. In fact, struggling small to mid-sized companies – the companies that exist and employ residents in our communities - may actually experience tax increases of their own.

Likewise, the Canadian Taxpayers Federation, a nationwide citizens’ advocacy group dedicated to lowering taxes and promoting accountable government, recently released a report suggesting that municipalities could easily reduce spending to respond to this looming revenue crisis. The Rural Municipalities of Alberta has analyzed this report and is concerned with the limited scope of CTF’s review. To read RMA’s response, go to www.beaver.ab.ca.

IT’S NOT TOO LATE!! Beaver County encourages rural municipal taxpayers to continue to reach out to your MLAs to express your concern over the proposed assessment model changes. The impact will be far-reaching and long-lasting and there is no better time than now to be heard.

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.

Beaver County Land Lease Land for Lease by Tender

APPEAL DEADLINE: September 23, 2020 Application No. 020020-20-D0045 Applicant: Matthew Janzen Location: NW 12-50-19-W4 Development: Home Occupation - Blacksmith 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 Due to COVID-19 all appeal hearings will be by electronically until further notice.

Construction Update All of our new construction areas have now received both lifts of chip seal.

Following this application, there will be loose rock chips which can damage vehicles, especially at higher travelling speeds. You are encouraged to drive slowly on the fresh chips until the road can be brushed off, or avoid the road altogether.

Please note that these dates are weather dependent and can be affected by changing weather.

During this construction phase, please use another route, or be cautious when you need to drive through construction zones (local traffic only). Beaver County's goal is to provide a healthy, injury free work environment for all employees, contractors, visitors and general public. Already this year we have had people exceeding the posted speed limit through our construction zones, endangering staff, contractors and the public.

Thank you for your support and patience while we improve the road network.

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10

Beaver County is accepting tenders for the lease of the following parcel of land:

Plan 1670 TR, Lot R1 in SE 16-50-20-W4 (13.35 ac).

More information regarding this property can be found on the County’s website at https://www.beaver.ab.ca/departments/planning-development/land-for-lease. A bid form is available at the Beaver County Service Centre, 5120 – 50 Street, Ryley, or on the County’s website at https://www.beaver.ab.ca/departments/planningdevelopment/land-for-lease. The highest or any bidder will not necessarily be accepted.

Sealed offers will be accepted by the undersigned no later than 4:30 pm, Wednesday, September 9, 2020.

Kim Vana Development Officer Beaver County Box 140 Ryley, AB T0B 4A0

SEPT. 10

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - Page 9

BRSD estimates at least 88 per cent of students will return to in-class instruction Moush John Tofield Mercury

As students of Battle River School Division (BRSD) head back to a new academic year this fall, Communications Director Diane Hutchinson estimated that about 88 per cent of students will access in-class learning.

“BRSD is offering the At-Home Learning program in order to accommodate families who are more comfortable having their children continue to learn at home this fall,” Hutchinson explained.

BRSD is offering an athome learning program for students at all grade levels, covering the full program of studies, which is more in-depth than the ‘emergency’ learning that was available in the spring.

“The numbers are still changing, but about 700 BRSD students are signed

up for this service,” she added. “Parents can still make a decision about whether their children will take in-person school

or at-home school until the first day of classes, on Thursday, Sept. 3.”

At-home learning will start Tuesday, Sept. 8.

BRSD is providing instruction based on a quarterly system this year, to make it more possible to accommodate

students at home and also students who want to transition between home and school at different points in the school

year. Students / families will be permitted to switch at four different Continued on Page 16

20091UU0

20091AA3

Page 10 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - Page 11

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Page 12 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020

L

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The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - Page 13

Town of Tofield cancels Ry-Tof Slo-Pitch Moush John

Tofield Mercury

This weekend would have been Town of Tofield’s 25th Annual RyTof Slo-Pitch tournament, but it had to be cancelled like many others, according to Vanita Eglauer, Recreation/Facilities Coordinator.

“The Ry-Tof tournament won’t be held this year,” Eglauer said.

“The decision to cancel the tournament was made in May, prior to the registrations being accepted, based on the guidelines set forth by AHS regarding camping, sporting events, gatherings etc.”

She added that they have had to cancel the Don’t Hibernate Fair as well.

“That event too will not run, but information is available for groups/organizations on the Town website.”

Some of the communi-

ties/organizations planning to operate with inperson programming are as follows: Tofield Minor Hockey; Tofield Skating Club hosting their registration night on Sept. 9 from 5:30 – 8:30 p.m. at Tofield Arena; Tofield Community Church hosting their youth groups; and Soaring Peacock Art Classes, among others.

Eglauer added, “There are several groups hoping to operate, for instance, 4H Beef and Multi Club, Sea Cadets etc., while others are providing the community with online opportunity, such as Confident Kids Safety Courses, Rachelle Dueck Music/Tutoring, The Write Group etc.!

“We’re planning to open the Tofield Arena, however, the public skating, Shinny, and Parent & Tot’s Skates are not being scheduled at this time.”

Afternoon floor curling is scheduled to resume on Monday, Sept. 14 at the Tofield CommunityHall.

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Obituary Robert “Miles” Rose June 19, 1952 – Aug. 14, 2020

Born June 19, 1952 in Tofield, Alberta and died August 14, 2020 in S h e l l b r o o k , Saskatchewan. After a long career as a Journeyman Insulator working in Alberta and farming at Tofield, the family moved to S p i r i t w o o d , Saskatchewan to

expand the farming operation.

Later, Miles and his partner Trish moved to Estevan, Saskatchewan where he resumed his career as an insulator in the oilfield industry and farming on a smaller scale. He loved working with and raising his cattle and horses.

Miles battled kidney cancer for five years with bravery and a never give up attitude.

Miles will be forever loved and missed by his partner of 13 years in love and life, Trish

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family members along with friends are left to recollect the special man he was.

A graveside service was held at the Tofield Cemetery on August 22, 2020.

Donations can be made in his memory to the Cancer Foundation of Saskatchewan, 2004545 Parliament Ave., Regina, SK, S4W 0G3 or https://cancerfoundationsask.ca/donate/inmemory-gift/ “I know that I still get to love you but I just wanted you to stay”

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.

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Holmes. He loved and was so proud of his children, son Brad (Lisa) Rose and grandchildren Coleby and Tenille, daughter Kendra (Todd) Sanders and grandchildren Dalton, Theoron and Ray-Elle.

He leaves three sisters to remember him, Phyllis (Don) Wood, Linda (Clayton) Meers, Dixie (Ed) Donnan and was predeceased by his brother Conrad Rose and by his mother Agnes Rose and father Earl Rose. Many nieces, nephews and extended

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Page 14 - The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020

Ryley Class of

2020

Taylor Yeske.

Cole Hellekson.

World Suicide Prevention Day is September 10th Working together to Prevent Suicide

,

Juan Mira Arroyave.

Cody Weight.

Ethan Zemlak.

Mackenzie Larson.

The Tofield Mercury, Wednesday, September 2, 2020 - Page 15

Logan Landrie-Budd.

Daniel Romaniuk.

Evan Hunt.

Reanna Neiley.

Kallen Burns.

Dylan Fuller.

Logan Oslund.

Delayna Koch.

Suicide Prevention Awareness Event Being held Wednesday, September 9th Working together to Prevent Suicide

World Suicide Prevention Day is formally September 10th

Jayson Forstner.

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

BRSD Continued from Page 9 points: • Quarter 1: Sept. 3 to Nov. 10; • Quarter 2: Nov. 16 to Jan. 29 • Quarter 3: Feb. 1 to April 20 • Quarter 4: April 21 to June 29 According to Hutchinson, this system will also make it easier for both students and teachers to transition if schools are required to move from ‘Scenario 1 schooling’ to a different reality.

“For high school students, this system means that they will take only two or three courses per quarter and finish a complete course in each nineweek period of time,” she said. “Grade 12 Diploma

Exams will be available at the end of each quarter.”

She added that until Sept. 1, teachers were meeting in different grade or subject level groupings to talk about which curricular outcomes they will cover during each quarter.

“That does not mean every elementary/junior high teacher will be teaching exactly the same thing every day, but it does mean they will all cover the same material in each nine-week quarter of time,” Hutchinson noted. “For high school teachers, they’re also talking about how a course can be delivered in a full morning or afternoon block of time.”

Bus drivers have been reviewing all safety pro-

tocols and learning the new cleaning requirements for school buses during sessions this week; however, bus routes, etc. are still changing somewhat, as people continue to make decisions about at-home or in-person learning, but families have their pickup/drop-off times by now, according to Hutchinson.

All school staff will have training in safety protocols before students arrive next Thursday, Sept. 3.

BRSD has purchased more than 100,000 disposable masks, in order to have ongoing supplies available for staff use to supplement what Alberta Education is providing, as well as for emergency

”

Back to School spray bottles of disinfectant for classroom/office use; and supplies to make 560 tubs of disinfecting wipes for buses and highneeds classrooms.

Hutchinson further explained that BRSD is retrofitting water fountains in several schools, so that every school is equipped with a water bottle filling station.

“Water fountain spouts will be out of service,” she said. “We are also adding three hours of custodian time to every school, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily, to cover the extra cleaning and sanitizing duties that will be required.”

The board will hold their first meeting of the new school term on Thursday, Sept. 24.

use by students, with Alberta government is supplying about 10,000 reusable masks – two per school staff member and two per student in grades 4 to 12 – and also a quantity of face shields for staff.

Besides this, BRSD has purchased – 370 wall mount hand sanitizer dispensers; 20 pedestal hand sanitizer dispensers; 1,900 hand sanitizer dispenser refill cartridges; and 3,000 pump bottles of hand sanitizer. The Alberta government is also providing a stock of hand sanitizer.

Among extra disinfecting supplies, BRSD has purchased – 220 cans of aerosol disinfectant; 1,000 microfibre cloths for classroom use; and 1,000

On one hand I worry about my kids contracting COVID, not so much for their health, but if they transmit to others like their grandparents who are older.

But, I know school is so very important for development, and in rural settings it can be more isolating without school. That being said, I also know I am not a teacher, and lack the skills needed to help my kids learn many concepts, and in-person learning with a teacher is always better. There are many unknowns, but I’m confident our schools in Tofield will work hard to make it a safe setting for our kids, the teachers, and other staff. It is up to us as parents to decide what we feel most comfortable with in these unusual circumstances, and make a choice that is best for each of our families.

Lisa Priestley, parent & Tofield School Parent Council Chair

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