Meridian Source - May 16, 2024

SOLAR FLARES LIGHT NIGHT

amazing photo by local photographer, Jason Whiting of Videre Images. Whiting captured this image at Whitney Lake, Alta.

City making case for new air service

A campaign to restore commercial airline service to Lloydminster has taken flight after WestJet cancelled its Calgary to Lloydminster service in April 2024.

HM Aero consultants kicked off public presentations on a commercial air service study at Startup Lloydminster and the Lloydminster Municipal Airport on Tuesday and Second Cup on Wednesday.

Aviation planner Ben Crooks told the audience the city received a regional airport development grant with the loss of WestJet to conduct market research on regional travel needs to prepare detailed business cases to pitch to prospective airlines.

“With those packages, the city through economic development and the airport will be able to go to prospective airlines with that detailed information to more clearly articulate why they should come to Lloydminster,” explained Crooks.

He didn’t know when a commercial air service could come back to Lloyd, but he said he knows city staff are quite keen to get a marketing package out to the airlines in August or September when the study is done.

“There’s been some preliminary discussions already with the city on some potential airlines. From what we understand, it’s a high priority for the city,” said Crooks.

Lloydminster is also conducting an online survey that has generated more than 500 responses on travellers’ needs and expectations of commercial air service from the municipal airport.

“It’s all with the goal of attracting a new airline to come to Lloydminster and restore that connectivity,” said Crooks.

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers also made it clear WestJet can -

celled its Calgary to Lloyd service purely for economic reasons and nothing more.

He said there is something to say about our airport over others, including free parking, five minutes to get through security and “boom you’re on an airplane.”

“We want to take the next step and that’s why we brought it to our consultants.”

Katlin Ducherer, the city’s economic development officer says the airport is a significant economic driver for the community.

“It can be used as a tool to attract workforce and additional business,” she said.

Ducherer notes the online survey which ends on May 24 aims to engage travellers within 150 kilometres of Lloydminster.

“We’ll take this information; we’ll formulate it and go through it and really look at what routes, times and people’s perceptions go into that ‘sell piece’ for marketing to airlines, she said.

The survey data will include when customers travel, how they travel and the different routes they would like to take in the future.

“Our goal is to make a business case that we can attract that commercial flight service to Lloydminster,” said Ducherer.

The scope of the study will include an update of the airport master plan completed by Aero in 2020.

The update will reflect the changes in air services at the airport since COVID, the retiming of capital projects and the identification of new projects.

“We’ve heard a lot about the desire for a bathroom past security and food and beverage options and things like that. We’ll be considering those improvements with city staff when we update the master plan,” said Crooks.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Ben Crooks, an aviation planner with HM Aero, led a presentation at Startup Lloydminster on Tuesday on a commercial air service feasibility study the city has contracted. The goal of the study is to pitch our airport to prospective airlines when the study wraps up in August or September.

Low-cost Lloyd attracts home buyers

Local Realtor Dave Kadun, who owns DK Real Estate Group, has found success promoting Lloydminster as a low-cost housing city for buyers across the country.

He shared his strategy providing a snapshot of the city-wide real estate market as a guest speaker at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster’s Monday luncheon.

“We’re moving into much more of a balanced market and it won’t be long before we’re in a sellers’ market,” said Kadun citing a year-over-year market shift in the first quarter of 2024.

“Inventories are continuing to drop and demand is rising.”

Kadun says if the Bank of Canada lowers its interest rate in June that will increase demand and prices for housing.

He says the hottest markets in Vancouver, Calgary and Toronto are making prices in Lloydminster attractive to sellers in those markets.

“Last week, I had two families move from Chilliwack B.C. to Lloydminster with not one tie to Lloydminster. The only reason they picked Lloydminster was the cost of living,” said Kadun.

He says the family was a middle-aged couple and their adult kids who sold their three-storey townhome for $795,000 and bought a singlefamily house in Lloyd for $305,000 in cash.

They said the cost of living and small community is where it’s at,” reported Kadun along with being able to work remotely.

“That’s what we’re seeing as a constant,” he said.

Kadun said he also recently sold a house in Lloyd to a 27-year-old man for $480,000 in cash after his house in Markham ONT. fetched $1.1 million—well over the listing price of $975,000.

“He didn’t want to negotiate. He saw the value— no ties to Lloydminster, but he sees the value of living mortgage-free.

“So that’s what I’ve been pushing since last year for out-of-province people to come to Lloydminster. This is where you have the opportunities and it is helping to drive the real estate market,” said Kadun.

In the first quarter of the year, there were 151 active residential listings in Lloydminster, the lowest since 2014. In 2021, there were 400 in the first four months.

“At that time, you could throw a stone and find a house. It was so easy,” said Kadun.

“Now, it’s getting to the point where we’re having trouble finding homes.”

I n April this year, 60 residential properties sold in the city and 192 since January, compared to 48 sales in April 2023 and 135 in the first quarter of 2023.

“We’re seeing an increase where buyers

are not scared of the interest rate anymore,” said Kadun, noting March, April and May are typically the highest months for sales.

“Whether it’s somethin g that continues through the rest of the year is something we’re trying to figure out.”

He says condos are starting to move, but they are still priced low because of higher fees.

“The desire for them especially from an investor standpoint is not there,” said Kadun.

He says it’s getting tougher to find affordable rental properties.

“Lloydminster could use more multi-family housing, but to find an investor to build that and make a profit is extremely hard because the cost of building is through the roof,” he said.

“Rents will continue to go up. There’s no break coming in.”

Kadun says projects such as the Cenovus Energy Hub are helping to drive up rents by bringing people to the city.

As for new housing, he says it’s so expensive to build a house in Lloydminster right now.

“Until the r esident resale market catches up to new home construction, the focus is going to be on resale homes,” he said.

Kadun told Rotary he has expanded his real estate reach to Orlando Florida helping Canadian Snowbirds relocate to the region.

He also let on his company is a cloud-

based realtor with his wife, Jennifer, a DK agent herself.

Kadun was a former RCMP officer in Saskatchewan who retired due to post-traumatic stress disorder and became a Realtor in 2015.

“What I enjoyed about being a police officer was talking with people. I love interacting with people so being a Realtor gives me an opportunity to continue to talk with people,” said Kadun.

“I actually attribute that to my recovery (in progress). Real estate has been a healing factor for me.”

Lloyd Realtor Dave Kadun, owner of DK Real Estate

minster as a low-cost housing destination with

ers. He talked about that and the local market at

day luncheon.

Lloyd pitches in for downtown garden

It was green thumbs up for the first planting of goldenrod at the new Community Garden on 49 Street.

A group of supporters, led by project volunteer, Amy Roper held a groundbreaking on Friday with Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers turning over the first shovel of soil.

“We’re just thanking everyone who has been a part of our journey to get here. We’ve been planning for

about a year,” said Roper who explained the short and longer term plans.

“We just want to introduce everyone to the site and say thank you. We are going to plant a couple of plants, have some cupcakes and tomorrow, we are having our perennials swap.”

Volunteers were also hoping to install six raised beds made by students at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School on Saturday.

Holy Rosary High School

students have made some trellises to be installed and local sculptor Mick Classen is building some concrete plant beds.

The community garden is located next to Red Bicycle Communications with the goal of giving everyone an opportunity to meet their neighbours growing plants and food together.

“We’re calling it a big social experiment,” said Roper.

“There’s no space rental or membership fee. We’re just opening it up to the public.”

There will be set days and hours for people to weed, water and harvest together.

“We’ll just harvest things as they ripen and go from there and see how we all get along,” said Roper.

An on-site sign explains all of the rules and hours to tend to the garden.

“People are very excited about this project. I think Lloydminster is ready for something like this to have a space where people can garden together,” said Roper.

Roper is a weaver who works part-time at Busy Bee Meals and thought it would be great to walk around

downtown and come across a garden.

She calls herself a “chaos gardener” and a supporter of the downtown.

She even joined the Downtown Redevelopment Committee last fall to promote the city’s core.

“I’ve been talking about community gardens online and I was taking pictures of different sites downtown, asking the city would this be an appropriate site,” said Roper.

Red Bicycle CEO Jill Kelly heard about the idea and jumped at the chance to offer the green space downtown for $1 a month if Roper took on the project.

“Downtown is a special area and I truly believe that downtown in any community should be the heart of your community,” said Kelly.

“We’re seeing a resurgence and some great things the City of Lloydminster is doing in the redevelopment of downtown which is fantastic.”

Kelly says downtown businesses can also do their part to make Lloydminster a community where everyone can thrive.

“One of these ways is

through nourishment,” she said.

There’s a QR code that explains all the plantings, which will include perennials, strawberries, raspberries, asparagus and some Indigenous plants.

Onion Lake Elder Florence Blois gave it her blessing after a land acknowledgement in a group circle led by Tinisha Young, manager of Indigenous support services at Lakeland College.

Lloydminster artist, Brandi Hofer spoke about a mural she will paint on the east wall of Red Bicycle during the Lloyd Ex Fair in July based on a photo by Randi Noble at Yellow Finch Images.

“It’s two little girls dressed up as fairies playing in the garden with a lot of floral elements to suit the space and the community garden,” said Hofer along with some Indigenous imagery.

“I think people will respect and feel a part of it. I think that’s important where these spaces are bringing people together. That’s what we all aim for in life, connection with others.”

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

The Community Garden on 49 St. held a groundbreaking Friday. Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers scouped the first shovel of dirt so Elder Florence Blois from Onion Lake First Nation, left, and project lead, Amy Roper could start the planting with goldenrod.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Young bookworms at home in library

The Lloydminster Public Library is proving to be a fertile breeding ground for young bookworms.

The library hosted a tour of three Kindergarten classes from Winston Churchill School last week with more opportunities in store for young people to explore the world of books.

“We have a ton of programming for young people,” said library director Cheryl Sikora during the first school tour last Tuesday.

“We’re gearing up for our summer reading program which will have a ton of activities in the library and also out in the community, so we’re excited to get the kids excited about continuing their literacy journey this summer.”

Ditto the enthusiasm of teacher Madisyn Schille who brought her class of young kids to tour the library, read two books, make a bookmark craft and check out a book.

“It gets them excited about reading and it gets their family excited about reading. It’s just a fun morning that we get to come out in our community,” said Schille.

“Three different classes are coming over the next two days. There

will be about 60 Kindergartens from Winston Churchill here today and tomorrow.”

Schille says the youngsters are already diving into reading at school with lots of picture blocks and recognizing different letters.

“They are starting with some very basic books. They are just on the cusp of reading, so this is a way to get them excited about it,” she said.

“It’s nice to take them on field trips and

explore our community and the great resources it has to offer.”

Young River Rosenkerr stepped forward to state his favourite part of the tour was “all of it.”

He also grabbed the Robert Munsch book, Moose! from a shelf and turned his hands into antlers to add to his excitement.

When it was Leo Roost’s turn to talk about what they used to create bookmarks, he

explained, “We all use stickers and crayons.”

Those comments invited Sikora to say how important it is for the library to reach people of all ages, particularly the little ones.

“We have lots of things for them to do in the library and we just want to be part of their lives moving forward and to help them remember reading is fun,” she said.

“We want to be part of that in their journey.”

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Winston Churchill School Kindergarten student River Rosenkerr goes into moose mode as his teacher Madisyn Schillle opens Moose! by Robert Munsch during a recent class tour of the Lloydminster Public Library.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Triathletes to say cheese at finish line

Miller All Seasons Park on June 14.

This year’s ATB Financial Lloydminster triathlon will be a photo finish for teams.

That’s a prediction from race director Anthony Bender for the upcoming ninth edition of the event at Bud

“We have another addition this year where there’s going to be a photo op at the finish line for the teams,” explained Bender.

“We’ll have hopefully a little gallery there for them to set up. They’re

always looking to take pictures at the finish line but we haven’t had anything set up there.”

This year , Bender says it will just be a backdrop “kind of like a triathlon vibe.”

The perennial swim, bike, and run drill for young athletes will max

the upcoming Saskatchewan Summer Games in Lloydminster.

The top three individual male and female finishers in the 12-15 age group qualify to represent the zone triathlon team at the July 21-27 Games over the same course.

The qualifier will be held at the end of the ATB triathlon with a 400-metre swim, 8 km bike and 2 km run.

About 15 athletes are registered for the qualifier.

Bender says the qualifier for individuals fits the ATB theory of getting kids interested in sports with teams until they gain the confidence to do it on their own.

out with 804 athletes, just over the cap of 800 kids from the Lloydminster and Catholic school divisions.

“It’s full,” declared Bender who is also the vice-principal of Ecole St. Thomas School.

“It’s a great event for kids.”

This year’s individual and team competition for kids will include a sanctioned qualifier for

GARDEN FROM PAGE 4

The site will also host a mid-summer garden party to further engage residents collectively.

Counc. David Lopez who is on the Downtown Redevelopment Committee gives the community garden a

“That’s the whole point,” he said.

Bender says whether some athletes go on to bigger and better competition is entirely up to them, but it’s not the purpose of the ATB triathlon.

“Our goal is to keep kids active,” said Bender who revealed the secret sauce behind the success of the event.

“We got over 70 vol -

thumbs up from the city.

“It’s nice to have people like Amy that are here in the community that want to engage people to come downtown and have the initiative to do this community garden and

unteers and sponsorship is great because the town is super supportive of this.”

“We have a great committee of people. It’s because of that that it runs so smooth.”

Bender also gives kudos for the title sponsorship from ATB Financial.

“They’re community-minded. They get a good value for their buck too. They know what it’s all about,” he said.

“So, we are thankful that we have sponsors like that that are interested in helping out the community.

“You can see what happens when a community works together to put on an event like this. It’s great for kids.”

Bender says not to be overlooked is the fact ATB also sends people from the Lloyd branch to help out at the event.

“Maybe that’s not noted in the past, so it’s not only sponsorship; they support it with manpower too. We’re pretty thankful for that.”

have an area to congregate and be part of the downtown community,” said Lopez.

“I t fits in perfectly with the beautification that’s going on in 50 St. and bringing a green area to the downtown area.”

File Photo

This year’s ATB Financial Lloydminster Triathlon for kids will include an older age group qualifier for the Saskatchewan Summer Games and a finish line photo zone for teams. Pictured are kids from the 2023 event dashing from the Bioclean Aquatic Centre to the bike transition at Bud Miller All Seasons Park.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Recent 12 Street staking explained

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Recent staking along the north side of 12 St. from 59 Ave. to just east of the ACTO Electric substation at 12 St. and 75 Ave. may have some motorists wondering what it’s all about.

The City of Lloyd -

minster reports the staking is related to ditch re-grading to support future development of the Lakeside neighbourhood.

Musgrave Agencies has long-term plans to build a mix of residential, retail and commercial properties in the Lakeside subdivision.

Source File Photo

Last week in the field: Sask crop report

Spring seeding is officially underway in Saskatchewan with 12 per cent of the this year’s crop now planted.

“Saskatchewan farmers are back in the field doing what they do best and in many ways better than anyone in the world,” said Saskatchewan Agriculture Minister David Marit.

“Our producers have generated record agri-food exports for each of the past four years, growing crops with some of the world’s smallest carbon footprints compared to other compet -

itive jurisdictions. While seeding is underway, I encourage everyone to stay safe and especially to be aware of farm equipment on the province’s roads during this very busy time of year.”

Widespread rainfall was welcomed this week by producers throughout the province. The provincial seeding progress of 12 per cent is behind the five-year average (2019-2023) of 23 per cent and the 10-year average (2014-2023) of 20 per cent. Seeding is furthest advanced in the southwest and southeast parts of the province.

Seeding progress has been slower in the east-central and northeast regions where spring snowfall accumulations were higher.

The southwest region is the furthest advanced in their seeding operations with 23 per cent of that region seeded so far. The southeast is also making good progress and is reporting 16 per cent complete. The northwest and west-central regions are at eight per cent and five per cent respectively.

The east-central and northeast regions are further behind at four per cent and three per cent respectively.

Most of the province received rain in varying amounts. The most rainfall was recorded in the Moose Jaw area with 103 mm. The Stalwart area received 65 mm. The Rose Valley and Hague areas received 55 mm. The Hafford area received 33 mm over the past week.

Although the recent mois -

ture caused delays to seeding, it allowed the topsoil moisture conditions to improve across the province.

Topsoil moisture for cropland is rated at eight per cent surplus, 79 per cent adequate, 12 per cent short and one per cent very short. Hayland is rated at four per cent surplus, 74 per cent adequate, 18 per cent short and four per cent very short.

Pasture topsoil moisture conditions are reported at three per cent surplus, 70 per cent adequate, 22 per cent short and five per cent very short.

Spring runoff was reported in mid-April at 74 per cent below average, 22 per cent average and four per cent above average.

Out of the reporters, 58 per cent reported that the amount of runoff received would be sufficient to fill dugouts and other water bodies within their area.

Livestock producers are

hopeful that the recent moisture will improve pasture conditions to ensure cattle have adequate feed while out to pasture.

Fifty-nine per cent of producers currently estimate that there will be no shortages of on-farm surface water supplies for livestock with 23 per cent estimating that shortages may occur in one to two months depending on future moisture conditions. Eighty-one per cent of producers are not concerned with water quality for their livestock.

With calving almost complete, many livestock producers are moving their cattle out to pasture.

When the weather allows, producers will be back in the fields spraying and seeding throughout the province. Producers are reminded to be safe during their field activities and while transporting equipment across or alongside roadways.

File Photo

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PAGE 10

Thursday, May 16, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Thank you, John, for sharing this threephoto series of a bird checking out the backyard for a new place to call home!

Left: Mike From Canmore, Submitted to the Meridian Source

Thank you, Mike, for submitting another beautiful photo of the mountains in Canmore! If you’d like to see your photos in the Source, please email them to taylor@meridiansource.ca

ASK THE EXPERTS

Leeway from Lloyd: Seniors, city to combat loneliness Opinion

Combatting loneliness among seniors is an issue that we will be hearing more about soon.

A member of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society is looking for ideas from other seniors to share with the city that hopes to come up with some solutions.

As a senior myself, I think of a lot of reasons why some elderly people are feeling isolated.

For instance , not all seniors use or know how to use the Internet or their cell phones and thus miss out on electronic postings of events or sharing common interests

Won social media.

Many seniors also lack mobility and hence independence, so getting around town to a social event requires a bit of planning on their part.

Someone in a wheelchair can’t just go out of the door and travel on a whim to have a coffee with a friend, especially during the winter like other fully able-bodied people can.

All of their trips hav e to be planned which can add to a feeling of isolation or reliance on others.

Any senior with mobility issues is kind of ruled out from participating in many recreational activities like pickleball where they could make friends.

Not every old person wants to play cards all

day either.

Add loneliness to housing and other topics to be addressed by the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society. Source

Seniors who have lost a spouse can definitely lose the social connections they had when they were a couple or don’t have anyone to talk to about how they feel or how to get out of their funk.

Someone who has just retired may feel

lonely having been cut off from their workplace social circles. As for solutions. there could be a range of social events for seniors throughout the year, grouped by interests and abilities to participate along with transportation to take them there.

Also, a lot of seniors don’t just want to be around other seniors so some intergenerational activities or involvement with young students could be arranged. Cost is anothe r factor as some seniors are on fixed incomes and can’t pay for fees,

OP-ED: BUT, WHO IS MY NEIGHBOUR?

e have been inundated with the “Housing Crisis” for about six months now since it became a thing on our prime minister’s radar.

The crisis itself has been around a lot longer than that but hadn’t really blown up into a recognizable thing until the last year or so.

What interests me are two primary features; firstly, the nature of the topic itself and secondly, the level of public participation that has resulted across the country.

Work has been going on in both Canada and the U.S. for some time relative to amending land use bylaws (LUBs), including in our own city. All of this is ostensibly about creating more affordable housing. In simple terms, if you increase density (fourplexes, townhouses and apartments) it makes for more affordable housing as compared to single-family units. You go up instead of out.

The trend to end exclusive singlefamily zoning has already come to most major Canadian cities. Minneapolis ended it in 2020 and the city’s housing stock has since grown by 12 per cent.1

For many, including myself, there was little appreciation or understanding about what the changes were and the underlying drivers. A careful reading of the Housing Needs Assessment, recently tabled at city council,

shows a significant level of baseline data input is derived from Canadian Mortgage and Housing definitions and data.

When that is added to Trudeau’s talk about “better zoning” such as four units on a patch of land without having to go through a messy public hearing, you begin to see where the public concern comes from.

For example, Trudeau’s housing czar Sean Fraser made it clear that if Calgary wanted federal funding it must legalize such housing as fourunit multi-plexes citywide. The city must “end exclusionary zoning.”

If the city played ball it stood to see $228 million out of the deal.2

Ex cept, first Calgary would hold public hearings to listen to what people had to say, and that’s where things got messy with up to 650 speakers.

The public debate has been passionate and divided along generational lines. Proponents, often younger people, believe that more densification and variety are necessary to give younger people a chance to buy into affordable housing. Oppone nts, generally older, established folks, want to retain the status quo fearing loss of value, loss of community character, parking problems and the like.

Indeed, about a year ago our own council saw the largest attended pub-

equipment or an Internet connection, so free social events and lunches could be part of the mix.

It’s great that the city is looking at this problem but it’s up to us seniors to help each other. Got any ideas? Let the Seniors Care Society know.

lic hearing in recent memory with a wide range of speakers and perspectives regarding homelessness, housing and the proposed LUB. This is a complex and challenging debate that is not going to go away soon.

-

Darrell Dunn

Citations: 1. Braid, Don, “No matter how much they talk, single-family zoning will end in Calgary”, Calgary Herald, April 27, 2024. 2. Bell, Rick, “Trudeau-Gondek blanket rezoning sure feels like a done deal”, Calgary Herald, April 12, 2024.

File Photo

File Photo

CALENDAR OF EVENTS

The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.

Passport to YLL

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147

Cards, games, food, meetings and live music

BINGO IS BACK!

Bingo is back at the Moose Lodge every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. Must be 18 to play.

Spades Tourney

The Legacy is hosting a Spades Tournament on May 16. Play begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10. Lunch is available for $12/person. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more.

Classified @

The Civic Canadian rapper and record producer Classified will be live at the Centennial Civic Centre on May 18. Tickets are $45 and available through Eventbrite.

Cribbage Doubles Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on

May 23, bring a partner for some friendly competition around the table. Play begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10, lunch is available for $12. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more.

Notorious Football Camp

Welcome to the Notorious Youth Football Camp! Join us on May 25 for a day of intensive training and skill development led by experienced coaches and CFL alumni, including Shawn Gore, Junior Turner and Adrian Clarke. The cost is $81.21 plus tax and tickets are available through Eventbrite. The training day will take at Holy Rosary High School and will be moved indoors if the weather isn’t cooperating. For more information, check out the event’s Facebook page.

Border City Métis Society AGM

The Border City Métis Society’s annual general meeting is being held on June 2 at 2 p.m. in the auditorium at the Border City Aboriginal Head Start Program, 5009–48 Ave. Memberships are due; lunch will be served.

Reconciliation Information Sharing

Grace United Church, Lloydminster extends an invitation to discuss and learn about reconciliation and decolonization. Join Charlene Bonnar for an evening series of information sharing, Wednesday, June 5, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Church Hall. Bonnar teaches in the University Transfer Program at Lakeland College and has spent time unlearning her colonial

upbringing and connecting with Indigenous culture and spirituality. Discussion and information sharing continue Wednesday, June 5, 7–9 p.m. at Grace United Church, 4708–50 Ave. in downtown Lloydminster. This series of discussions will continue June 5 and concludes on June 19.

69th Annual Lea Park Rodeo

The 69th Annual Lea Park Rodeo will be held on June 7 at 6:30 p.m. and June 8-9 at 1 p.m. with the dance in the Marwayne Arena to follow at 9 p.m. on Saturday. Win a 2024 Dodge 3/4 ton. Truck tickets are $100. Call 780205-9010 or 306-8216352 for more details.

Downtown Streetfest

The City of Lloydminster is excited to once again host its

annual Downtown Streetfest, which is being held on June 8 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The fun kicks off at the Olive Tree for a free pancake breakfast from 9-11 a.m. with activities for the whole family taking place throughout the day.

2nd Reconciliation Information Sharing

You are invited to Grace United Church, Lloydminster to join in the learning and discussions about reconciliation and decolonization. Join Charlene Bonnar for an evening series of information sharing, Wednesday, June 19 from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Church Hall. Continue your learning journey June 19, 7–9 p.m. at Grace United Church, 4708 – 50 Ave. in downtown Lloydminster. This series of discussions will conclude June 19.

Hotel California at The Vic Juba VaughnCo Entertainment is excited to bring the original Eagles tribute, Hotel California, to the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Sept. 20 for a 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $60 each and available online or at the theatre’s box office. Call 780-8727400 for more info.

Taylor Swift Tribute The Vic Juba Community Theatre is excited to bring a Taylor Swift Tribute featuring Katy Ellis to the Border City on Wednesday, Nov. 13 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $39 each and are available online or at the theatre’s box office. Call 780-8727400 for more info.

- Have something you’d like listed in our community calendar? Email it to taylor@ meridiansource.ca

Sask surpasses $100B in exports over last two years

Saskatchewan’s exports continue to soar, totalling over $101.9 billion for 2022 and 2023 combined.

This is a 52.2 per cent increase from the previous two-year period of 20202021, which saw $66.9 billion in total exports.

“Saskatchewan is seeing unprecedented export growth; this success is only possible through building strong relationships with our international partners,” Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Har -

rison said.

“As a province that exports nearly 70 per cent of everything we produce, growing and diversifying our customer base is critical to the success of our economy. Our producers and exporters offer the sustainable and high-quality products the world needs, and we are now seeing those products expand to more markets than ever before.”

In 2 022-23, the province saw significant growth in exports to the United Kingdom (209.4 per cent), Brazil (131.3 per cent) and the United States (70.4 per cent)

when compared to 20202021. Countries with some of the highest total export value include the United States, Brazil, India, Japan, Mexico and Indonesia.

Sask atchewan also saw impressive growth for key export products.

In 2022-2023, exports of uranium increased by 1525.3 per cent, potash by 112.0 per cent and crude oil by 82.1 per cent when compared to 20202021. Other top commodities included wheat, canola oil and lentils.

Saskatchewan’s network of nine international trade and

investment offices has been instrumental in connecting the province to global markets, which, in turn, benefits the local business community. With new investments flowing in, and doors to international markets being opened, the province is well-positioned to provide the food, fuel, fertilizer and critical minerals the world needs.

Saskatchewan continues to see growth in other key sectors of the economy. Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers show Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increas-

ing by $1.2 billion. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent.

The Government of Saskatchewan recently unveiled its new Se curing the Next Decade of Growth - Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy.

This strategy combined with Saskatchewan’s trade and investment website, InvestSK.ca, contains helpful information for potential markets and solidifies the province as the best place to do business in Canada.

Thank you to the many Disability Service Professionals across Saskatchewan who play a vital role in ensuring people with disabilities are supported to reach their full potential and are able to participate fully in their communities. We are truly grateful for the high

and Protect

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

ATCO upgrades 12 St. substation

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Crews from ATCO Electric are expected to wrap up work shortly on upgrades to its Lloydminster substation at the corner of 12 St. and 75 Ave.

ATCO is replacing one of the three 144-kilovolt (kV) circuit breakers onsite and installing a 30-metre telecommunications tower within the substation fence line.

The project and licence were approved by the Alberta Utilities

SCommission (AUC) on Jan. 3 and is expected to be completed by June 20, according to the permit details.

ATCO’s application to the AUC for approval to alter and operate the substation was registered on Dec. 19, 2023.

ATCO has 30 days after completing the substation upgrades to file an energization certificate with the AUC to confirm the work has been completed and meets the permit and licence requirements.

It’s officially camping season in Saskatchewan!

ask provincial parks are ready to welcome visitors for a new season of outdoor fun with prepped campsites, wellmaintained trails and an exciting lineup of events and programs.

“We are so excited to welcome visitors back to our provincial parks this summer, as Sask Parks kicks off an exciting season of events, activities and new amenities for every type of camper to explore,” Parks, Culture and

Sport Minister Laura Ross said. “We are proud of the work done to continue providing an accessible, and affordable, destination for residents and visitors alike.”

Visitors can participate in new programming and events that will keep them entertained throughout their stay.

Families can also take advantage of free, self-use Discovery Packs filled with fun crafts and activities, found around the province and available for checkout.

New this year, visitors will receive a reminder email 72 hours before check-in, highlighting the curated programming and events for the duration of their stay, to not miss a moment of the action.

Source File Photo

Ducks win inaugural game over Lashburn

The boys of the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League (NSRBL) are back on the mound with this season seeing added representation from the Border City.

The Oil City Ducks played their inaugural game in the NSRBL on Tuesday night as they played host to the Lashburn Cardinals (also in their inaugural season), besting the Cards 6-4 to a packed diamond at the Driven Energy Legion Ball Park.

At one point in time, the Border City could

have been considered the hub of the NSRBL with the Twins, Jays and Expos, but due to a lack of interest from younger players, the Jays and Expos folded.

Years later, players and the community as a whole seem excited about the future of the league with the addition of the Ducks and Cards.

The Ducks’ roster is heavily comprised of former U18 AAA Prairie Pirates players, which will help the boys gel quickly, but it’s also a sign the NSRBL isn’t the “old boys club” it was once considered.

The Ducks are back

on the mound at Legion ballpark this Tuesday as they host the Glaslyn Orioles for a 6:30 p.m. game. The Ducks host the Wilkie Brewers at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday, May 26 before hitting the road for a six-game stretch.

The Lloydminster Twins also played their home opener on Monday against Standard Hill, losing 6-1 to the Lakers. The Twins are back at Legion ballpark to host Lashburn on May 22 after a tw0game road trip to North Battleford and Standard Hill. The action starts at 6:30 p.m.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

The Oil City Ducks played their first game in the NSRBL on Tuesday night, besting the Lashburn Cardinals 6-4 at the Driven Energy Legion Ball Park. The Ducks are back on the mound this Tuesday as they host the Glaslyn Orioles at 6:30 p.m.

HRHS earns Group B provincial silver

Two athletes from Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) are finishing their secondary school sports careers on a high note after winning a Group B Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association silver for badminton at provincials in Edmonton.

It was overwhelming because it was our first year playing together, and it was also our first provincials together.

This may have been their first year playing together, but the senior girl’s doubles te am of Andrea Castelo and Loriss Baluyot achieved what they didn’t think was possible over the weekend of May 3-4 as they returned with some new hardware.

“We were already happy to make it to provincials, so winning something just added to it more,” said Castelo. “We made the best of the last day of competition

and ended up with a silver.”

“We were so happy,” added Baluyot when asked what she was feeling while standing on the podium.

“I t was overwhelming because it was our first year playing together, and it was also our first provincials together.”

Both girls are relatively new to competitive badminton, but you’d never guess that was the case through the way they speak of the sport.

“(The key to success on the court is to) try your hardest and just have fun; don’t overthink it because it’s going to mess with your mental state. It’s all about keeping that mentality and staying focused,” explained Baluyot.

Being a team sport, Castelo and Baluyot both had great things to say about each other, having spent a fair amount of time together preparing for provincials.

“She’s someone I can trust; she’s always there covering me,” said Castelo. “If we’re down, she’s always bringing us back up with words of encouragement.”

“She was good. She had my back every time and I think we have a good connection,” added Baluyot.

HRHS guidance counsellor and one of the badminton coaches, Jason Almond, backed up Baluyot’s statement when it came to girls’ connection.

“This turned out to be the perfect connection; they’re both strong players and bringing them together to be partners this year seemed like the perfect marriage,” he said, noting one word to describe both athletes would be resilient.

“It was really exciting because their chemistry connected right from the start.”

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Supplied Photo

Holy Rosary High School student athletes Loriss Baluyot and Andrea Castelo were all smiles after winning a Group B silver medal at Alberta Schools’ Athletic Association badminton provincials in Edmonton from May 3-4.

Flavor Fest another tasty success

something Bobcats GM Nigel Dube was pleased to see.

“We added more picnic tables and some yard games throughout the venue just trying to build it better every year,” he said.

It may be their off-season, but fundraising efforts for the Lloydminster Bobcats never stop, which was recently evident as the team hosted its second annual Flavor Fest funder.

Held on the concrete floor of their home barn, the Cen -

tennial Civic Centre, Flavor Fest went off without a hitch on May 4 with several improvements from last year to add to everyone’s overall experience.

Held in the Lloyd Ex’s WLS Convention Centre last year, Flavor Fest is comparable to A Taste of Edmonton, with food and drink vendors from

throughout the region coming together to share their creations with the Border City.

The location change offered more room for tasters and vendors with this year’s event featuring an increase in vendors with roughly 35 in attendance, as well as ample seating for tasters,

“A great time was had by so many last year that word of mouth helped us a lot. This year saw more excitement around the event, we added vendors and a new larger location … we took people’s ideas and feedback from last year and improved this year with things like more picnic tables, a larger event, a ‘cooler’ event (not as warm inside the event), and it made it all that much better.”

Dube also talked about the

importance of team fundraisers such as Flavor Fest.

“It’s huge. I think we’re up to six or seven events now as fundraisers for the Bobcats, and I think the big part people don’t understand, and we’re grateful and appreciative of it, is the fact it’s all volunteer-driven,” he said.

“We also want to bring something cool and unique to Lloydminster where people don’t have to leave the Border City through Flavor Fest, the Daddy Daughter Dance, Ladies Night, the Bob Troup Memorial Golf Tournament, our evening of champions … we’re trying to create events to give the locals an outing, too.”

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Above: The team from Chopstix Pho & Grill kept busy during Flavor Fest as a popular vendor at the Lloydminster Bobcats’ second-annual fundraising event. Right: Courtney Stang sings her heart out as Brent Ference accompanies her on the cajon.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Thursday, May 16, 2024 MERIDIAN SOURCE

I am going to ask you to sto p and think for a moment.

Where did you get the best service in the last seven days?

Was it a restaurant?

Tire shop? Dentist?

Online order?

And what made that business or person stand out from the rest?

L ike you, I do know poor service when I get it.

Sometimes it is in surprising places, like

Careers

What defines service?

a health care professional’s office which consistently overbooks, running their clients through like cattle in a chute, always taking longer than is necessary if committed to quality over quantity. Or a re tail store worker who just shrugs their shoulders when asked where a particular item might be located.

I hate to say this out loud, but I love Amazon. You order what you want, when you want, usually at very competitive pricing. It is delivered to the

door in a guaranteed time frame, and if for some reason the product doesn’t suit, it is easily returned.

I know, I know. It takes jobs away locally.

B ut fighting traffic and wandering around big box stores trying to find the same article, only to discover it is sold out even though it was just advertised, is just a waste of time in my opinion.

Some companies have built an incredibly loyal client base around a commitment to service. You may pay more for their support, but if you

need them, they will be there as promised.

But too many time s, people think good service means their “wants” deserve to come first before anybody else’s.

T he same Amazon and Wal-Mart “always open” business model has made them believe you should be able to get what you want, when you want.

For e xample, the late Saturday night phone call by someone wanting to see a cabin the next morning at a location an hour plus away. No re gard for either

Sask construction sector continues to grow

On Monday, Statistics Canada released Saskatchewan’s building permit figures, which show an increase of 15.8 per cent year-over-year growth for March 2024, compared to March 2023 (seasonally adjusted). This places Saskatchewan well above the national decrease of negative 15.2 per cent.

“The increase in the value of building permits demonstrates the confidence that individuals and industry have in making long-term investments in Saskatchewan,” said Trade and Export Development Minister Jeremy Harrison.

“This growth is only possible through the deliberate efforts we have made to foster a competitive business environment,

lessen regulatory burden and make Saskatchewan a reliable place to invest. These factors are contributing to attracting record private capital investment into the province, which is leading to new jobs being created in our communities.”

In March 2024, building permits in Saskatchewan totalled $176 million (seasonally adjusted).

The total value of building permits represents the dollar value of construction permits for residential and non-residential buildings.

The provincial economy has seen rapid growth lately, with Statistics Canada’s latest GDP numbers indicating that Saskatchewan’s 2023 real GDP reached an all-time high of $77.9 billion, increasing by $1.2

billion, or 1.6 per cent. This places Saskatchewan second in the nation for real GDP growth, and above the national average of 1.2 per cent.

Private capital investment is projected to reach $14.2 billion in 2024, an increase of 14.4 per cent over 2023. This is the highest anticipated percentage increase in Canada.

To build upon these positive results, the Government of Saskatchewan recently unveiled its new Securing the Next Decade of Growth: Saskatchewan’s Investment Attraction Strategy. The strategy was launched in conjunction with a new trade and investment website, called investSK.ca. Both the strategy and website will solidify Saskatchewan’s standing as the best place to do business in Canada.

the Realtor’s plans for the day with their own family, or the property owner who is being asked to vacate it for the showing at short notice. Especially when you find out the prospect has been camping at the lake the entire previous week and decided the best time to check it out was before leaving for home that afternoon.

Y es, like any other self-employed person, I know there are times

when customers may need some extra care, but I really would like to see some courtesy and common sense from time to time.

Ver n McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation. Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

MIDWEST MINUTE

VERN McCLELLAND

PAGE 19

Thursday, May 16, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

306-825-5111

admin@meridansource.ca

NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS

ESTATE OF DOROTHY LOUISE HILL, who died on October 17, 2023.

If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by June 24, 2024 and provide details of your claim with.

ARMSTRONG HITTINGER

MOSKAL, P.O. Box 1680

3801A - 51 Avenue

(Southridge Commons)

LLOYDMINSTER, SK S9V 1K6

If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

nominations for celebrating seniors Provincial volutneer awards

Gala on Sunday, September 29, 2024

Conexus Arts Centre, Regina

You can nominate a deserving senior volunteer who contributes to Your communitY!

Nominees must be:

- 55+

- Reside in Sask

- Be a volunteer in your community

Go to SSM website for more information: www.skseniors mechanism.ca OR email ssm@skseniors mechanism.ca OR phone

306-359-9956

Deadline for nominations is June 14, 2024

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Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www. swna.com.

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Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers! Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-4535372.

HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATORS

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Lots of work all season. Camp/R & B provided. Competitive wages. Valid drivers license req’d. Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction and Transport Co. Inc. Box 100, Arborfield, SK S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844

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GET YOUR MESSAGE SEEN ACROSS Alberta. The Blanket Classifieds or Value Ads reach over 600,000 Alberta readers weekly. Two options starting at $269 or $799 to get your message out! Business changes, hiring, items for sale, cancellations, tenders, etc. People are increasingly staying home and rely on their local newspapers for information. KEEP people in the loop with our 80 Weekly Community Newspapers. Call THIS NEWSPAPER now or email classifieds@ awna.com for details. 1-800-282-6903, 780434-8746 X225. www. awna.com.

• Sidewalks are cleared and clean

• Mailbox is visible

• Mailbox is emptied on a regular basis

• Pets are tied or in a fenced yard

Please call 306.825.5111 if you have any questions or concerns. To

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GARAGE

GRACE UNITED CHURCH

April 27 ,2024 at the age of 98 years.

Loretta was survived by: her children, Wayne (Lynda) Solie, Janice (John) Erkelens, Gaylene (Gene) Rindero, Todd (Gail) Solie; nine grandchildren; nineteen great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and friends.

Loretta was predeceased by: her loving husband, Al; parents, Frank and Pauline Helfrick; and

her siblings.

The Prayer Vigil for Loretta was conducted from St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church. Lloydminster, AB, on May 2,2024.

The Funeral Mass of Christian Burial for Loretta was held at St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church, Lloydminster, AB, on May 3, 2024, with Father Arun Rodrigues officiating. A recording of the service is posted on McCaw Funeral Service website under Loretta’s obituary.

Donations in memory of Loretta may be made to St. Anthony’s Roman Catholic Church or Heart and Stroke Foundation.

McCaw Funeral Service Ltd., of Lloydminster, Alberta administered the funeral arrangements.

CARD OF THANKS

The Solie family would like to thank all those who showed their support and had Loretta in their thoughts and prayers.

Brad Gilbert Broker (AB)

Sandy Hardy Realtor® Judy Bexson Realtor® Jennifer Gilbert Broker (SK)