Meridian Source - May 4, 2023

Thursday, May 4, 2023

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

VOLUME 5 I ISSUE 45

Ribfest funder to pull wheelie GEOFF LEE WRITER

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Lloydminster is shaping up to be the capital of Father’s Day celebrations.

The fourth annual Ribfest will be held in conjunction with the Just Kruzin Show and Shine at the Servus Sports Centre on Father’s Day weekend June 16-18.

The more the merrier concept could also involve the Lloydminster Flying Club, which hopes to bring back its fly-in breakfast that weekend.

The good news was shared by Aaron Buckingham at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster’s Monday lunch, speaking as a volunteer for Border City Connects transportation service that raises funds at Ribfest.

“Border City Connects is always trying to find synergies of how we can benefit others and so many mutually beneficial things,” said Buckingham.

“We tried last year and weren’t successful.

This year we were successful.”

Buckingham says if

the fly-in breakfast is a go, Border City Connects shuttle vans will bring passengers from the Lloydminster Municipal Airport to the car show and Ribfest.

Border City Connects provides transportation services to the residents of Lloydminster and area that have special needs or mobility issues and provides rides to out-of-town medical appointments.

“Making Lloydminster the place to be on Father’s Day in the midwest is the idea.

We’ll try to get all that happening that weekend,” said Buckingham.

He also thanked Rotary for supporting Border City Connects while giving a personal shout-out to their Lobsterfest fundraiser at the Lloyd Ex this Saturday when the Dream Vacations draw will take place.

“I’m looking forward to having my name called this year on Saturday night while we’re at Lobersfest. I’ll be there with my Dream Vacation ticket,” said Buckingham.

He’s still buzzing over winning a trip to Niag-

Youngsters lead Pitch-in Week charge

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Vancouver-based improv actor, Scott Patey, centre, tested a rock, scissors, paper contest at the Rotary Club of Lloydminster’s Monday lunch meeting. In this heat, Charles Lamb, left, upended Ron Gillies. Patey will run a similar event at Rotary’s Lobsterfest this Saturday. Tickets are still available.

ara Ontario in last year’s draw after 18 or 19 years of buying tickets.

“It was really beneficial to win that trip last year. I didn’t take it. I took the cash because my daughter (Lindsey) was competing (with Cheer Force Jets Alpha Jets) in Vegas and I needed the cash to help us get there,” he said.

Last-minute tickets to Lobsterfest and the Dream Vacation draw are available by calling Rotary president, Anita Schmidt, at her Vivid Salon at 780-874-9067.

Vancouver-based improv actor Scott

Patey will be at Lobsterfest leading a fun rock, scissors, paper contest for various purposes that he tested during the Rotary lunch.

In other Rotary news, Buckingham is thrilled his 17-year-old son Zander is the club’s candidate for the upcoming Adventures in Citizenship trip to Ottawa for youth.

Zander will be joined in Ottawa by Border City Rotary candidate, Zoenela Herath, a Grade 11 student at Holy Rosary High School.

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Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Mayor Gerald Aalbers speaks to Grade 7 students at Father Gorman Community School on Monday morning during Pitch-In Week kick-off activities.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

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It’s Pitch-In Week in Lloydminster, and to help kick things off, students at Father Forman Community School teamed up with the City to start the annual community cleanup.

The annual event includes the community-favourite PitchIn Week, presented by Mary Brown’s, from May 1-7. Throughout the week, residents are encouraged to sweep sidewalks, pick up lit-

ter, and complete other cleaning measures within their properties and nearby community spaces.

“Today is the kick-off to Pitch-In Week and we’re starting here at Father Gorman school,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers on a windy Monday morning.

“We’re engaging other community groups and organizations to take some time this week and get involved and pitch in.

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Thursday, May 4, 2023

Source File Photo FROM PAGE 1

Buckingham noted he joined the Border City Rotary around 2000 because his grandfather died from polio, a disease that Rotary International has helped t o near ly eradicate globally over decades.

Buckingham says he also took his kids with him to Rotary and he enjoyed hosting foreign exchange students and supporting local students on Rotary adventure programs.

“I thought how cool would it be one day if my kids got to do that,” he mused.

His son Zander is a Grade 11 student at Ho l y Ro sary H igh School and flies to Ottawa on May 13.

Students will meet with the Speaker of the House, Members of Parliament that are around and visit the Canadian War Museum and National Gallery of Canada. They will also attend a ceremony with Indigenous peers.

In addition, they will attend a swearingin ceremony for new Canadian citizens.

Buckingham says Zander is “super comfortable” with the opportunity to go, but not so thrilled knowing he will have to report back to Rotary as a guest speaker.

“That was the least happy I’d seen him,” joked Buckingham.

“He’s not really a public speaker, but we’re going to force him!”

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Four enter regional election fray

File Photo Graphic

United Conservative Party, Dawn Flaata, New Democratic Party, Tigra-Lee Campbell, Green Party and Darrell Dunn the Alberta Party will be running against current MLA Garth Rowswell for the Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright riding in the upcoming Alberta general election.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

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And they’re off.

The Alberta general election is underway as an initial four-horse race in the Vermilion-Lloydminster-Wainwright riding.

Alberta’s chief electoral officer, Glen Resler, confirms the Writs were issued Monday for the May 29 general election.

“We are excited to welcome Albertans back to the polls this month,” said Resler.

“Returning officers have been appointed, and we are in the process of recruiting and training nearly 20,000 election officers to conduct voting in the 87 electoral divisions across the province.”

MLA Garth Rowswell, United Conservative Party, Dawn Flaata, New Democratic Party, Tigra-Lee Campbell, Green Party and Darrell Dunn the Alberta Party nominee, are the first registered candidates in the riding.

May 11 is the deadline for all party nominations.

Rowswell says he’ll be campaigning in Lloydminster sometime this week.

“Our first goal is to get all our signs out and get started up and then go from there. We’ll just get the signs out and we’ll go around and ask people for their vote,” said Rowswell on Mon-

PITCH-IN WEEK FROM PAGE 1

“These are the young people that are going to guide us going forward and we really need their input to help support things at home as well as in the community.”

Aalbers also wanted to remind the public the City’s annual hazardous waste round-up is taking place this Saturday at the Lloyd Exhibition.

“People often wonder where they can put those items they can’t put in the garbage or in the recycle bin, the Exhibition is the place to bring them, on Satur-

day morning.

The Meridian Source will provide more election coverage throughout the month.

Flaata’s Facebook page notes she was a former small business owner and lab assistant in Vermilion.

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Returning officers have been appointed, and we are in the process of recruiting and training nearly 20,000 election officers to conduct voting in the 87 electoral divisions across the province.

She worked there as a constituency assistant to a former MP and MLA. Faata is an active volunteer in her community and served with the Vermilion Chamber of Commerce, the Rotary Club, and the Vermilion Valley Lodge for seniors.

Campbell lives in Lloydminster and is running for the Green Party as the head of the Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity Foundation, a not-forprofit company registered in the Province of Alberta.

They promote economic and

day at 10 a.m.”

During this event, residents are encouraged to properly dispose of aerosols cans, antifreeze, batteries (wet and dry), cellphones, cleaning products/ solvents, drugs and pills, fertilizers, laptops and notebooks, medications, metal, monitors and printers, paint, pesticides and weed killers, propane tanks, sharps (in a punctureproof container), toxic products, TVs, used oils and filters, and various household electronics.

Aalbers also encour-

social equity by connecting to and enhancing community support, by working collaboratively.

Campbell’s organization is a recent recipient of a 100-plus Women Who Care Lloydminster fundraiser.

Dunn confirmed he is officially running for the Alberta Party on Tuesday.

The short election campaign could be difficult for all parties to establish themselves with the electorate but that suits the incumbent Rowswell just fine.

“It’s nice to get in and get ‘er done and get on with life,” said Rowswell.

Other parties running candidates in Alberta are the Advantage Party, Alberta Party, Independence Party and the Liberal Party.

Voters are encouraged to register or update their information at www.voterlink.ab.ca until May 17 or by contacting Elections Alberta or their local returning office before 4 p.m. on May 20.

Electors can also register to vote at any advance voting location in Alberta or at their assigned voting place on election day.

Those who are already registered to vote at their current address do not need to register again.

ages Lloyd residents to take some time and clean up greenspaces throughout the city.

“If you see garbage, please take the time and pick it up, and do it as a family,” he said. “It’s great to go out as a family and teach your children, or let your children teach you, about cleaning up.”

GFL Environmental was also onsite helping ensure kids knew how to properly sort garbage and recycling with its popular Hoops Challenge.

“The Hoops Chal-

lenge is to create awareness of what goes in which bin, or into a bag, and honestly, the kids always nail it,” said Brett Chambers, Operations Manager, GLF Lloydminster.

“We do it with people closer to my age that aren’t as familiar with the recycling program or organic program, and fortunately, the kids are crushing life on that one.”

It may be pitch-in week, but Chambers is encouraging all Lloyd residents to keep going after May 7.

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Thursday, May 4, 2023

Darrell Dunn seeks Alberta Party vote GEOFF LEE WRITER

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It’s a Dunn deal.

Ll o y d mins t e r resident Darrell Dunn is the Alberta Party candidate for the Vermilion-LloydminsterWainwright riding in the Alberta general election on May 29.

Dunn joins MLA Garth Rowswell with the United Conservative Party, Dawn Flaata with the New

Democratic Party and Tigra-Lee Campbell with the Green Party as the riding candidates to date.

On his Linkedin page, Dunn recently wrote, “Making a run for the Alberta Party in Vermilion-LloydminsterWainwright. Should be a busy 27 days. Get curious, get engaged and please vote!”

Dunn is a licensed private investiga-

tor for his company, D.W.Dunn Legal Solutions, as well as a commissioner for oaths and small claims and mediations.

He is also a corporate secretary for the Alberta Party and a member of its board of directors.

Dunn studied law a n d h i s t o r y a t A t h abasca University.

In 2020, Dunn made an unsuccessful elec-

tion bid to seek a seat on Lloydminster City Council.

“

Should be a busy 27 days. Get curious, get engaged and please vote!

Dunn is also a member of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care

Society.

The group’s president, Graham Brown congratulated Dunn at Tuesday’s meeting for being nominated.

Brown is asking members to prepare questions about senior i ssu e s f o r a p o ssi bl e all-candidates forum in Lloydminster.

More information about Dunn’s campaign will be available shortly.

Supplied Photo

Lloydminster resident Darrell Dunn is running for the Alberta Party in the Vermilion-LloydminsterWainwright Alberta general election on May 29.

Residential street sweeping to begin May 8 MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Seasonal street sweeping is underway within the city as crews begin cleaning the downtown and main arterial routes before moving to residential areas on Monday, May 8.

Residential street sweeping follows curbside collection zoning, which is available

at Lloydminster.ca/ curbside. Sweeping will begin in the blue zone, followed by yellow, pink, and green, before finishing in orange.

Residents are encouraged to help do their part by not parking on the street when sweepers are scheduled to be in their area.

Signs are posted in residential neighbour-

hoods, advising residents at least 36 hours in advance of sweeping operations. If signs remain posted into the weekend, residents are permitted to park their vehicles on the street; however, vehicles must be removed the following Monday to allow street sweeping operations to continue.

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Thursday, May 4, 2023

LSAS working from ground up TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

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It’s been a tough go for the team at Lloydminster Sexual Assault Services (LSAS) as they slowly watch the foundation of their almost100-year-old building crumble.

“We had already seen things start to happen such as sewer damage and flooding, and there were also times when we had to be closed to the public because of things happening inside the building,” said Heather Sinfield, community initiative director, LSAS. “Long story short, in July of 2022, Jody Herbus from BioClean told us our foundation was crumbling and was in desperate need of repair as soon as possible.

“We got the quote of $450K, which was just astronomical for our small organization.”

To help cover the costs of building repairs, LSAS hosted its Night Under the Stars fundraiser Gala for its 40th Anniver-

SWEEPING FROM PAGE 4

To speed up sweeping operations, residents are asked to set out waste and organics carts after 7 p.m. the day before pick up and remove them by 7 p.m. the same day of the pickup.

Weather permitting, residential sweeping operations are typically carried out between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m., Monday to Thursday, before moving to other areas for the remainder of the night.

During this time, residents are a s ke d no t to park on the street.

Weekly street sweeping operations conclude Friday at 6 a.m. to allow equipment maintenance before resuming

sary on Feb. 11.

“We worked hard with the gala and are currently sitting at $85K, which is a great start, but what we’re hoping to do now is try and raise $250K with the Foundation 500,” explained Sinfield.

“With Foundation 500, we’re essentially asking 500 individuals, businesses, families, organizations, however people want to combine reso urc es, to do nate $500.”

Built in 1927, the LSAS building was the original Lloydminster City Hall and carries quite a bit of Border City history.

“The history is huge.

We also have old banker vaults in our building that house all of our files and has an oldschool dial lock … it’s a beautiful building to try to keep in our community and not utilize the space in an effective way,” said Sinfield.

“We do want to sustain it for another 100 years. We’re coming up on 100 years in 2027

and we went to create that space for another 100 years.”

A lot of work has also been done throughout the building over the years thanks to financial support from the community.

“It feels like home, it’s comfortable and safe, and we get a lot of comments like that from our clients about how they feel like they’re able to heal from something very dramatic because of the love, care and compassion that’s been put into the building,” she said.

“That’s effort not only by our staff and board but by the community donations and effort that’s gone into it.”

Sinfield also noted the heavy traffic LSAS saw throughout 2022.

“That foundation supported 800 individuals in our community and surrounding areas in 2022. I’m in my 14th year at the centre and that is the largest number of clients served during my time there,” she said.

“What we’re seeing is, it’s continuously growing. From January to March of 2022, we had 90 new intakes; that’s one per day, and it’s very overwhelming when that happens because our waitlist is also sitting at 150 people who want to access support services.”

From a community and provincial standpoint, Sinfield explained two out of three girls will experience some form of sexual violence before the age of 18, and one out of three boys will experience it.

“Another statistic that’s really important is sexual violence doesn’t happen by strangers, 85 per cent of it is perpetrated by someone we know and trust. We’re looking at parents, caregivers, coaches, siblings, babysitters, aunts, uncles … family members who are doing this within our communities.”

To support Foundation 500, call 306-8258255 or email reception@lsas.ca

on Monday.

Updates on the progress and location of street sweeping operations can be found on the city’s website at

Lloydminster.ca/Roads.

Motorists are advised to exercise caution around street sweepers and maintain a safe distance of at least eight

metres from all equipment. Residents with questions about the street sweeping program can call 780-8743700.

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No fire ban in Britannia, yet GEOFF LEE WRITER

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The RM of Britannia is ready to join the regional fire ban club at a moment’s notice with more warm, dry and windy days in the forecast.

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When we get to the point where we’re satisfied the fire index warrants having a fire ban, we’ll put one on.

Deal 401CS_S341 Text ENG_GPS Art ENG_GPS_OPEN Art COM BKG

Size: 9.45"w x 6.25"h

Fire bans went into effect in the RM of Wilton, the RM of Frenchman Butte and the County of Vermilion River starting April 27.

“We haven’t put on yet, but it’s certainly a time when you’ve got to be a little cautious,” said deputy fire chief Aaron Buckingham with the Britannia Fire Department earlier this week.

“This happens every time in spring where it gets a little dry before

Content Review Full colour

things start to green up and of course with the winds we’ve been experiencing lately, it makes it a little bit worse.”

Buckingham thinks it’s probably close to imposing a ban.

“We go off the provincial fire weather index.

When we get to the point where we’re satisfied the fire index warrants having a fire ban, we’ll put one on,” he explained.

The index for the Lloydminster region of Saskatchewan has been high for several days with extreme the next level up.

T h e B r i tanni a Fi r e Department has been busy despite not having any grass fires in the area.

“We did a mutual aid call for Maidstone on Saturday afternoon this weekend because they were busy on a couple of calls,” said Buckingham.

“A lot of the areas around, you can see the County of Vermilion River and many areas

Photo by Shelly Hannis-Sim

A grassfire by Onion Lake Cree Nation could be seen for miles over the weekend.

… on our channel of 911 dispatch there were seven different departments in our zone that were all working on Saturday afternoon. So it’s a busy time of year.”

Buckingham says when you are getting into the farming season with a rural fire department make sure you’ve got some kind of water handy whether it be a tank of water and carry a fire extinguisher.

“Things happen when you’re farming. Make sure you are carefully discarding any smoking materials,” he said.

COMING SOON

GRAND OPENING SALE 8-DAY CELEBRATION OF OUR NEW STORE 341_ Lloydminster Docket # 191510 10/20/22

STARTS THURSDAY, MAY 11, 2023 AT 8AM

4104 - 80th Avenue, Lloydminster

45th St.

Yellowhead Hwy.

75th Ave.

80th Ave.

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Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 9:00pm Saturday: 8:00am - 8:00pm Sunday: 9:00am - 6:00pm

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Thursday, May 4, 2023

City driving range/golf course open for season MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre was excited to announce the opening of its driving range last Friday, and the 18-hole championship golf course last Saturday for the 2023 season.

The ultimate golf experience awaits golfers of all levels, with the added convenience of a PGA of Canada teaching facility and practice green.

“We’re excited to welcome golfers back to the Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre as we begin our 2023 season.

Our team has worked tirelessly to ensure our facility is well-maintained and equipped to provide the ultimate golf experience to our guests,” said Joël Turcotte, Director, Recreation and Cultural Services.

“With the opening of our driving range and golf course, we look forward to delivering exceptional service and are proud to continue to serve as a top destination for golf enthusiasts in Western

Canada.”

The Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre is home to one of the top golf courses in Sask.

The course has hosted prestigious tournaments such as the Saskatchewan Amateur and PGA of the Saskatchewan Championship.

The course caters to beginner and seasoned golfers with four sets of tee boxes ranging from 5,700 to 7,000 yards.

“The Lloydminster Golf & Curling Centre offers a unique challenge to golfers of all levels with its immaculate fairways, challenging hazards and beautifully manicured greens,” said Marty Wheaton, Golf Professional (PGA of Canada).

“I’m excited to share my passion for the sport and help our guests make the most of their experience.”

Annual memberships, passes and onetime bookings are available online at LGCC.ca or by contacting the Pro Shop at 306-825-5494 or visiting in person.

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Thursday, May 4, 2023

City mourns fallen workers

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

John Stevens, safety officer, City of Lloydminster, officiated a National Day of Mourning ceremony and flag lowering to recognize fallen workers outside City Hall on Friday morning.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

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No Lloydminster residents are counted among the 162 Alberta and 39 Saskatchewan workers who lost their lives due to workplace incidents in the past year.

That was a nugget of good news shared during a National Day of Mourning ceremony outside City Hall on Friday highlighted by a flag-lowering exercise and a moment of silence for lives lost.

John Stevens, a

safety officer with the City of Lloydminster led the proceedings including the signing of the event proclamation.

“The National Day of Mourning is one of those days where we come together to recognize we have a really

big role to play when it comes to workplace incidents, injuries and tragedies,” said Stevens.

“It’s a sombre day where we know people’s lives have been lost and it allows us to reaffirm our commitment to ensuring we provide a safe workplace and do everything that we possibly can to prevent these terrible incidents.”

Stevens says we are fortunate in Lloydminster where no one has lost their life or suffered an injury or illness due to their work in 2022.

“We have a really good community that really has a focus on providing a safe workplace and working in a safe manner,” he said.

The special ceremony was hosted by the city with support from the Lakeland Regional Safety Committee and the Lloydminster Construction Association, which hosted a BBQ

lunch at its location.

ATCO provided tents and refreshments for a sizeable gathering of people who took in the local ceremony.

“

We have a really good community that really has a focus on providing a safe workplace and working in a safe manner.

Since 1984, Canada has observed April 28 as the National Day of Mourning.

Flags at all government buildings in the province fly at halfmast in remembrance of those who died because of workplace injuries and illnesses.

Sask recently announced a five-year Fatalities and Serious Injuries Strategy to help eliminate injuries and fatalities.

The strategy was

released through WorkSafe Saskatchewan, a partnership between the Workers’ Compensation Board and the Ministry of Labour Relations and Workplace Safety.

Alberta has Heroes’ Fund to help families of first responders whose lives were tragically lost on the job, while the Workers’ Memorial Fund helps to create permanent memorials to honour fallen workers.

“Alberta’s government continues to make the health and safety of our province’s workers a priority,” said Minister of Jobs, Economy and Northern Development Brian Jean.

“We recently updated the Occupational Health and Safety Code to reflect our modern workplaces and we are increasing access to workplace health and safety training for students.”

Thursday, May 4, 2023

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Thumbs up again for Try A Trade GEOFF LEE WRITER

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The first bi-provincial Try A Trade since 2019 fulfilled its mission to promote the trades as a career option to high school students.

This year’s event, held at Lloyd Ex, introduced students to 51 designated trades in seven industries with lots of trades demonstrations from exhibitors on April 26.

“We’ve had full support from all our schools once again,” said Dorothy Carson, executive director of the Lloydminster Construction Association that organizes the event.

“We’re expecting just over 1,600 high school students from the region to come through.”

The annual drill for students is to see and try some trades in action, chat with tradespeople to learn how they started their careers and meet with

prospective employers.

Blaine Stephan, coowner of Guardian Plumbing and Heating with his brother Joey, set up a soldering and drainage pipe demo with plenty of students taking turns.

“We love being able to show kids what plumbing and heating is all about,” said Stephan.

“There’s a lot of misconceptions. They think all they’re going to do is play around with toilets.”

Guardian set up a sewer camera for students to inspect the actual lines underneath the Lloyd Ex floor.

Stephan says they’ve seen kids who never thought of this as a career, all of a sudden thinking maybe they should get into one of the highest-paid trades with no student loans.

“We are able to dispel some myths. We love it,” he said.

“I am glad to hear a lot of teachers are start-

ing to redirect some of their students to look at the trades as a really good option for them because we need more people in the trades.”

Kiana Weber, who attends H. Hardcastle School in Edam says she might take up welding and follow in the footsteps of her uncle after trying some soldering at the Guardian booth.

“It’s good. It’s harder than it looks,” she said.

Students could also explore a career as an HVAC technician using the power of virtual reality (VR) to complete tasks at the Regina Work Preparation Centre Inc. booth.

The demo run by Dan Cronan, a virtual reality marketer for the centre, involved students using an Oculus system in a CareerLabsVR experience.

“Currently, we are running with an HVAC technician, so working on heating and air

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Mia Peters, left, a junior pipefitter with the Legacy Regional EMS, helps Grade 9 Loon Lake student Autumn Harrison use a skill development tool during Try A Trade at the Lloyd Ex on April 26.

conditioning units,” explained Cronan.

Students used VR to learn how to fill up the refrigerant on an air continuing unit.

“Technology is helping out significantly,” said Cronan.

He also believes VR and Try A Trade gives students the ability to

try out different careers to find out what they are interested in and actually see it firsthand and how it works.

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PAGE 10 Thursday, May 4, 2023 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Viewpoint Letter to the editor ...

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 Toll Free: 1-800-327-3899 Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday.

All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion.

Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.

Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

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Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Production Manager: Amanda Richard CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca NEWSPAPER DELIVERY If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification.

Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca

2017

We share a duty to plan for Lloydminster’s future

MAYOR GERALD AALBERS SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

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When I first sought to become your mayor, I knew it meant giving fully of myself to the people of this city, including my time, my voice and my heart.

Over these last seven years, I have done my very best to honour the faith and trust you’ve placed in me for two consecutive municipal elections.

Since taking office, my fellow councillors and I have endeavoured to conduct ourselves with honesty and integrity at every turn, working hard to earn your trust and respect by ensuring transparency and fostering community inclusion in major decisions impacting our community.

Recently, a national discussion around 15-minute cities has raised concerns about f u t u r e f r eed oms and liberties in Canada and,

in particular, Lloydminster, as we plan for the long-term design of our community.

In case you’ve missed the headlines, there are a number of people in our community – and Canadawide – who believe there is a global movement afoot designed to shape neighbourhoods that restrict movement and human interaction and place residents in a constant state of active surveillance.

On April 24, more than 85 residents attended a City Council meeting to learn more about the City’s proposed draft Municipal Development Plan (MDP), a document titled ‘Connection to our Future.’

This document is designed to guide future land use and planning within city limits.

Over the course of the afternoon, 20 people addressed Council to express concerns and voice opposition to the draft MDP. I was glad to see so many residents take part in this important community discussion; however, I was also saddened by the level

File Photo of fear among those in attendance who seemed to believe this Council is part of a hidden global conspiracy designed to restrict and surveil the community.

As your mayor, I can state with total confidence that we, as your City Council, have undertaken all of our actions with Lloydminster’s best interests at heart.

As a city, we recently annexed land adjacent to the west side of the city to prepare for Lloydminster’s future growth.

This has resulted in the need to replace the 2013 MDP document as required by provincial legislation. We as a council will continue to respond to and move forward with planning for how our community will look, function, and support our quality of life over the next

50-plus years.

Without a solid MDP, we cannot develop.

Without development, we cannot grow. Without growth, we cannot ensure a healthy, prosperous community with something to offer our future residents and businesses.

The input from the recent public hearing has been clearly heard by both Council and Administration, and we are working on clarifying terms and intent.

We encourage you to join the public Governance and Priorities Committee meeting on Monday, May 15, where City Administration will present an updated draft of the MDP document for Council to review and discuss.

Naturally, we must ensure our Municipal Development Plan represents the community’s wants and needs for the future of Lloydminster, which is why we have advertised and hosted several engagement opportunities over the past year, garnering feedback from hundreds of residents that took time to share their input.

If you have questions on this matter – or any other topic – please ask! Send an email to our Administrative offices via info@lloydminster.ca. If you’d like to learn more about our vision for future development, please visit www.connectlloyd.ca.

- Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers, City of Lloydminster

PAGE 11 Thursday, May 4, 2023 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Opinion

Leeway from Lloyd: Notley campaigns in blue jeans!

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley is more comfortable in jeans than pantsuits. I chuckled when I heard that pitch line in one of her party’s pre-election commercials aired on Global TV. A few months ago, Notley went on record to say the NDP intends to make the May 29 election campaign about policy and not about UCP leader Danielle Smith as they did against Jason Kenney in 2019.

The Notley wears jeans statement is meant to show her as being more Albertan than cityslicker Smith, who has yet to be seen leaning

on a fence post sporting denim in ranch country.

For the record, 2016 U.S. presidential candidate Hilary Clinton lived in a pantsuit that generated a lot of supporters around the social media hashtag “Pantsuit Nation.”

Public image can certainly have a huge influence on voters before and after elections.

Former Canadian Conservative Party leader Robert Stanfield was so close to defeating the Pierre Elliot Trudeau Liberals in 1974, if not for a fumbled football photo of him on the front page of the Globe and Mail.

Many people believe that image cost him the election and he is forever remembered for that image.

I actually attended the

Premier Notley met with Prime Minister Harper during the Calgary Stampede July of 2015. File Photo Conservative Party of Canada leadership convention in Toronto as a teen and thought Stanfield was the most boring man on Earth compared to Trudeau who looked good in a canoe while paddling in buckskins. How Canadian is that?!!

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He was also a great skier who did a lot of heli-skiing north of Revelstoke B.C. Too bad he hated oil.

John F. Kennedy is widely believed to have won the first 1960 presidential TV debate against Richard Nixon by the way he looked compared to Nixon, not

what was said.

On TV, Kennedy looked healthy and confident and had a relaxed manner, easy charm, and a quick sense of humour that added to his appeal.

Nixon was sweating under the TV lights and his facial stubble showed prominently on

the black and white televisions of the day.

Call me shallow, but I’m voting for Notley just because she wears jeans and a belt buckle and seems friendly around people and cattle in open fields. What more can you ask of a leader? Policies? Don’t be silly!

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 4, 2023

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.

Square Dancing Introduction NEW LOCATION! Intro to square dancing will be held on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at City Church, 5115 49 Street. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller.

Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE! Bingo at the Moose The Moose Lodge,

located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m.

The Rocket Man & The Piano Man The Rocket Man (A Tribute to Elton John) and The Piano Man (A Tribute to Billy Joel) will be on stage at the Vic Juba Theatre on May 7 at 7:30 p.m.

Tickets are $60/person and available online

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

or at the theatre’s box office, 780-872-7400.

Spring Fling Sale The Lloydminster Potters Guild will be hosting their annual Spring Fling Sale on Sunday May 7 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Lloydminster Museum and Archives. Meet the Artisans and shop hand-crafted pottery.

Jamboree There will be a Jamboree at the Tulliby Lake Communiplex on

Saturday, May 6, at 7 p.m. Admission is $10, participants free, and lunch will be served.

For more info, call Darlene at 780-870-5591.

Cribbage Tourney The Lloydminster Moose is holding a cribbage tournament on May 7 at the lodge.

Registration starts at 9 a.m. and games will start at 10 a.m. Enter as a team of as an individual. Cost is $25 and includes refreshments.

Twelve games guaranteed. Prize money awarded for the topthree teams, it’s also the final tournament of the season.

Bowl for a Buzz The 2nd Annual Bowl for a Buzz Scotch Doubles Glow Bowling Tournament is being held on May 13 at Lloyd Lanes Bowling Alley at 7 p.m.

The cost is $60/team *only 48 teams being accepted* All ages and abilities welcome! To r egist er , call Amy at 780-214-2549. Registration deadline is May 5. Payment to be made via e-transfer upon registration. All proceeds go to the Lori Craven Memorial Ball Tournament.

The Stampeders at the Vic Juba Canadian rock trio, The Stampeders, hit the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on May 14 for a 7:30 p.m. show to help celebrate 50 years as a band. Tickets are available at the Vic Juba box office and are $83.

Mother’s Day Dinner Treat your mom to the ultimate gift this Mother’s Day with a delicious dinner buffet at Rolling Green Fairways while listing to live acoustic music by local artist Brianne Gammond. Reservations are required, so book your spot now to make this day unforgettable for the special woman in your life! Call 780-872-1660 or email info@rollinggreen.ca to book your reservation today.

Strategies for Managing High Blood Pressure The Sask. Health Authority is hosting a Strategies for Managing High Blood Pressure class on May 23 from 9-11 a.m. in the Prairie North Plaza’s Suite 109. To register, please call 306-8206262. This class is free.

Moose Lodge Rummage Sale The Moose Lodge, located at 5213 57 St., is hosting a garage/rummage sale on May 26 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. and May 27 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tables are $20 ($10 for Moose members in good standing.

For more info and table rentals, contact Susan at 780-872-1871.

Spring Rev Up Car Show The Lloydminster Motor Club is pleased to present its Spring Rev Up Car Show, which is scheduled for May 28 at the Lloydminster Exhibition by the Nissan Hall. It’s the

club’s season opener and the event will include food on the go, music, and as always, a wide variety of cars, truck, bikes, and more!

The show is scheduled from noon until 5 p.m.

120th Anniversary Celebration The Friends of the Lloydminster Regional Archives is pleased to present the 120th anniversary celebration of Lloydminster. The celebration is being held on June 7 at the Legacy Centre, 5101-46 St. View the old photo collection and reminisce during the 11 a.m. luncheon, which will be followed by entertainment at noon. Cost is $20/person. To purchase tickets, contact Shirley Aston at 639536-0719 or Lynne Smith at 780-872-4184.

She Shed Raffle Returns!

The She Shed Raffle at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 is back! Support the Lloydminster Legion by getting your tickets for the She Shed Raffle! The grand prize is a shed valued at over $11,000 or $5,000 in cash! Get your tickets today to be in for the early bird draw. Tickets are $10 each and available at Cliff Rose for Clothes, Midway Towing or any Legion member. Grand prize draw is July 1!

- If you have something you’d like to see in our community calendar, please email it to taylor@meridiansource.ca

Thursday, May 4, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

13

Try A Trade another terrific success FROM PAGE 9

Another Try A Trade keener is steamfitter Graham Hammel who helps to man an electrical soldering demo every year for Lakeland College in Vermilion.

“

There’s everything here for them to come a take a look at and give it a try and see if it’s something they might want to try later on and plant that seed.

"I really enjoy it. I've been doing it for the last eight years," said Hammel.

He will be in Edmonton this week assisting students at the Provincial Skills Competition.

"They are our future, so I help them out," he said.

Frank Tremmel, president of Precision

Contractors can relate well to Try A Trade youth since he started out at Precision when he was in high school.

"I worked my way up.

I got my ticket (journeyman mechanic) through Precision. I don't pull wrenches anymore, but I've got a vested interest.

I'm a firm believer in apprenticeship and the trades," he said.

Tremmel brought a new excavator to the event for kids to sit in and see what it's all about.

He says Try A Trade brings in kids who never get exposed to any of this stuff, the trades, welding, mechanics, or plumbing.

"There's everything here for them to come a take a look at and give it a try and see if it's something they might want to try later on and plant that seed," said Tremmel.

This year's Try A Trade also attracted

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Chris Richards with Astec Safety helped Grade 10 students Kieran Brebner, second from right and Tyra Myszczyszyn, right from McLury High School in Wilkie with a fire extinguisher inspection during Try A Trade at the Lloyd Ex last Wednesday.

some first-time exhibitors including First Truck, Brandt Truck and Trailer and Bandit

Bar raised for Lloyd thermal oil GEOFF LEE WRITER

..................................

Lloydminster thermals are on a productive roll this year with Cenovus Energy reporting a first-quarter profit of $636 million, down from $1.6 billion in the same quarter last year.

Company president and CEO Alex Pourbaix gave a shout-out to Lloydminster production while delivering his last quarterly financial results

on April 26 to start his new role as executive chair.

He told a conference call, Cenovus continues to optimize its development and operating strategy of Lloydminster thermals and Sunrise oilsands to support improved production volumes.

“At our Lloyd thermals, we have production solidly back over 100,000 barrels per day, while Sunrise will benefit from

the first new well pad since 2017 when we start up a pad around the end of 2023,” said Pourbaix.

In its guidance for the year, Cenovus cautions it expects upstream production for 2023 to be between 790,000 and 810,000 barrels of oil equivalent per day, down from its December prediction for between 800,000 and 840,000.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 17

Energy Services.

SaskJobs also set up a booth to talk with students and employers

about jobs.

"We encourage all the trades in all seven industries to join us

and promote their trade to our youth and the general public," said Carson.

PAGE 14 Thursday, May 4, 2023 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Two baseball immortals on deck

The 2014 Lloydminster Twins celebrate another NSRBL championship in this Source file photo.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

..................................

Leo Wurtz, a Lloydminster director of the Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame, is rounding the bases again to promote the induction of a former pitcher from the area and a local team into the hall.

He told the Meridian Source, Neilburg pitcher, Larry Flicek and the Lloydminster Meridian Twins team from 2000 to 2014, will be ind u ct e d int o t he hall at the Alex Dillabough Centre in Battleford on Aug. 19.

“I called Flicek on Sunday to congratulate him,” Wurtz said last week.

More will be written about Flicek before the induction weekend.

The Meridian Twins will go down in local baseball lore as one of the winningest AA teams in the North Sas-

katchewan River Baseball League (NSRBL) in the province.

The information Wurtz provided shows the Twins won 10 league championships, including six in a row from 2009-2014 and were among the top AA teams in the NSRBL and province for over a decade.

That’s not bad for a

team that entered the league in 1996.

In 1999, Stacy Walker took over managing the team, and with a solid young core of local players, exciting times were ahead for the Twins.

The team won its first NSRBL championship in 2000 and hosted the AA provincial championships in 2001, 2003 and 2005.

In 2002, they hosted and won the A provincial championships along with their second NSRBL title and were named SBA Senior Team of the Year.

The twins are part of the rich baseball history in Lloydminster w i th th e f i r st l e agu e starting up in 1907.

The Meridians were formed in 1938 and their games were followed closely until they disbanded during the Second World War. After the war, the Oilers were formed and many great ball players were given jobs in the oil industry so they

could play in town.

The 1950s and 60s are fondly remembered for local ball fans as Slim Thorpe and Russ Robertson who were key in bringing a semipro team to town.

They are also two pillars of the community recognized by the naming of the Thorpe Recovery Centre and the Russ Robertson rink at the Servus Sports Centre.

In 1954, the Lloydminster Meridians joined the Weste rn Ca nad a B a se ba l l League and were led by Dominican-born Curly Williams, who was an all-star shortstop and third baseman.

The league folded in 1961 and the Lloydminster Greencaps then joined the Northern Saskatchewan League where they played for years.

In the mid-80s with softball and slopitch becoming popular, baseball died out.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Supplied Photo

The Lloydminster Meridian Twins baseball team, pictured in 2011, will be inducted into the 2023 Saskatchewan Baseball Hall of Fame at the Alex Dillabough Centre in Battleford Sask, on Aug. 19. The induction is for the team’s performance from 2000 to 2014.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

HRHS sending two to BioSteel All-Canadian Girls V-Ball Games TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

..................................

Norah and Emerson Matthews are about to go where no Holy Rosary High School Raider has gone before, the BioSteel All-Canadian Girls Volleyball Games.

Set for June 3-4 in Toronto, Ont., the inaugural Games will feature the top U16 and U17 female volleyball players from across Canada at the University of Toronto’s Goldring Centre for High-Performance Sports.

The two-day event will be hosted by Canadian actor and comedian Gerry Dee and see the top 24 players in their respective age groups compete against each other.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Norah Matthews, left, a Grade 11 student at HRHS, will be competing in the BioSteel All Canadian Girls Volleyball Games in Toronto in early June. Her sister, Emerson, who’s in Grade 10, will also be competing in the Games.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Matthews sisters to compete on National stage FROM PAGE 15

Norah is a Grade 11 student at HRHS and will be competing with the U17s, and her sister, Emerson, a Grade 10 student at HRHS, will be competing with the U16s.

The Matthews sisters met with media last week to talk about this exciting experience.

“

I love volleyball a lot and would play it everyday if I could.

“I’m really excited to meet new people and see which coaches I get,” said Norah.

“I like to play with people who want to win as much as I do, and I think they invited a lot of competitive players.”

During the school year, Norah, who’s a middle, plays for the senior team at HRHS and for club, she plays in Saskatoon with Husky Volley Club.

“I love volleyball a lot. It’s probably been my favourite sport since Grade 8 when I started playing at HRHS, and I don’t think I’d ever get tired of it,” she said.

“We play all year round, from school to club, to beach, and provincials as well. We never get a break but I love it.”

Emerson shares her sister’s love of volleyball and can’t wait to get to Toronto.

“It’s amazing I got picked for this and I really want to see where I rank in Canada with all of these other girls,” said Emerson.

“I’m hoping to learn, whatever I can really, with all of these awesome coaches.”

As an outside hitter, Emerson also started playing volleyball at a young age and truly loves the sport.

“I think it’s going to be really fun to see who I’m playing against and

LLOYD TWINS FROM PAGE 14

The minor baseball program was revived in 1989 by Kathy and Brent Smithson, Bob Ermel, Greg Payne and others.

By early 1996, Bart and Graydon King, Bernal Ulsifer and Randy Taves started talks of Lloydminster once again having a senior baseball team.

Tave s who was t he

Canadian Comedian Gerry Dee is excited to host the BioSteel All-Canadian Girls Volleyball Games in Toronto. File Photo who I’m playing with. They’ll mostly be the same skill set as me, so it’ll be super fun.”

For host Gerry Dee, the level of excitement is mutual.

“I am thrilled to host this event with the support of BioSteel, Mizuno and Volleyball Canada,” he said in a statement.

“Having three kids playing volleyball has exposed me even more to this great game over the past eight years. This is a day to recognize the best young female players in Canada and showcase their talents on a National level.

“It’s another opportunity to grow girls volleyball across the country.

I’m also delighted that we have Lauri Holomis, Teresa Resch and Luana Harris as advisors for this event.

These three women have all excelled in their respective fields and are great role models for these young women as they continue their education and their future after volleyball.”

city’s parks and recreation director helped get additional funding f o r th e u p grad e s at Legion Ball Park as Lloyd was hosting the 1997 Alberta Summer Games.

There were a lot of volunteer hours from others like Dr. Corin Berg, Kyle McIntyre, Brad Kendall and the Ermel and Smithson coached midget team

getting the infield sod laid outfield fence replaced, the new backstop and a sound booth.

It was important to get that volunteer base and interest to justify the money that went into the field for the Summer Games and it largely started with creating a senior team.

Enter the Meridian Twins in May 1996 and the rest is history.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Lloyd thermals on an uptick FROM PAGE 13

Pourbaix took the opportunity, to sum up his leadership period at Cenovus with Jonathan McKenzie, the new president and CEO. “The strategy we set at the beginning of my tenure in 2017 was r e a l l y s i m p l e — o p t imize our cost structure, strengthen the balance sheet and ensure market access for our upstream production,” said Pourbaix.

“I can confidently say that we have delivered on all three and then some and I would like to thank everyone who made it possible.’

He noted he is “truly excited” to see McKenize lead the company forward.

Keith Chiasson, executive vice president downstream, touched on long-term plans for the Lloydminster upgrader and refinery in question period.

“We are obviously spending a fair amount of time looking at the opportunities to integrate our world-class upstream assets with the Lloydminster area and complex,” said Chiasson.

We actually are advancing at the refinery bottleneck oppor-

tunity right now. And that will expand the capacity of the refinery, we are also looking at a second bottleneck that will essentially increase throughput by almost 60 per cent over the next few years at the refinery.”

Chiasson noted the refinery is also a feed to the upgrader to bring over some higher quality condensate upstream dilbit (diluted bitumen) and process it at the upgrader.

Dilbit makes it easier to transport bitumen by pipeline with some benefits for the upgrader. “...Then we can recy-

cle that condensate, but also looking at the upgrader and pulling out additional diesel production out of the asset, as we process more dilbit through the combined infrastructure that we have there,” explained Chiasson.

“So pretty exciting opportunities that we are seeing there. A robust list of opportunities that we are progressing and ongoing debottlenecking, and improvements in those assets.”

Pourbaix noted those projects will return their cost of capital at a $45 West Texas Intermediate price environment.

Life is a bowl of Crocuses MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND

Our son and his partner brought us a bowl of crocuses on Sunday.

They had been checking out some pastures by the river and stopped on top of one of the high hills to pick some.

You know spring is here when the crocus blooms; it’s like a traffic light turning green, from now on life on the farm is going to pick up speed.

The flowers may not last long but it sure was nice to see they

(and we) had made it through another winter.

The crocus was my mother’s favourite plant. I can’t see them without thinking about her.

As a young girl growing up on our home place, she and her sisters would wade the creek and walk a halfmile south to a gravelly hill to pick some to grace the dinner table.

I suspect grandma McNeil was just happy to get the kids out from underfoot for an hour or two after having them cooped up all winter in a small house.

Having as a boy made that same excursion myself a few times, there were always plenty of diversions.

Beavers, muskrats, ducks, and geese in the creek. Even the occasional weasel or mink looking for mice.

Overhead sandhill cranes are making their way north, calling out encouragement to each other in flight.

Blackbirds claiming some cattails for their own.

Swallows going after the first mosquitos.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 4, 2023

Lloyd pioneers challenged by fires, change

File Photo

WHISPERS OF THE PAST SANDRA L. BROWN

“The royal road to success is surveyed by forethought and graded by perseverance and hard work. If weeks of wise planning and systematic applied efforts, can guarantee the unqualified success of any human undertaking…”

In part, these sentences referring to a

well-attended Sports Day in 1910, sum up the character of the western prairie pioneers.

This event was well enjoyed by the visitors and paid tribute to the capability of the Lloydminster district to produce fast horses, skilled athletes, and good farmers with their record-setting grain.

The organizers were credited with providing a very successful event.

With the steady rising of temperatures,

area farmers completed their spring seeding in record time and broke new land for future crops.

Prairie fires were abundant and most folks stepped up to stop the damaging flames.

Indiscriminate in their progression as the hungry flames demolished everything within their path, some hardfought fires were fortunately stopped a short distance from town.

In contrast to the car-

23051BS0 23051BS1

loads of horses arriving by rail was the rare appearance of an automobile driving on the Lloydminster streets.

With progress came the advertising of gaspowered machinery on the same newspaper pages as that of horse and oxen-drawn imple-

MIDWEST MIN. FROM PAGE 17

Hawks glide on the wind looking for unsuspecting mice or gophers in the hay field.

Baby calves ran and jumped, enjoying the warm sun while their mommas explored the maternity pasture for blades of new grass.

And of course, the soothing sound of frogs croaking in the twilight.

Meanwhile, dad could be seen beside

ments. The largest farming outfit equipped in the district to date was a 32 hp J.I. Case engine and a set of 10 gang plows operating in Northminster.

An auction selling livestock and imple ments brought in fairly good prices for an area homesteader.

New residents arri ve d f ro m Bri ta i n to coax a living from the ground, set up a new business or hired on with an established merchant.

The land was also purchased from neighbouring folks in the United States. Records were made not only in sports but also in the quality of grain and livestock.

With the increased supply of cream, the Lloydminster Creamery had a record amount of 1350 pounds of butter in one week.

Change is never easy

as it may bring about progress which many folks are wary of. Common sense doesn’t always rise to the top of the cream separator.

A greater understanding of change may lead to acceptance.

However, there are always exceptions to the rule as evidenced by some of the craziness in our world.

I hesitate to speculate what our pioneers would think about the legalization of marijuana, which infers this drug is safe to use, or th e l a te st d e bac l e o f human rights regarding coverings or lack thereof.

The pioneers who came to this area more than a century ago worked together as a community.

They did this in spite of the constant change experienced while living far from their homeland.

the old shop, getting e qu i p me nt r e ad y f o r spring seeding but he too would stop every once in a while to check out a new bird call.

He was a master at identifying our feathered friends and often could replicate what he was hearing in an effort to teach me, fruitlessly I may add, what species it came from.

Signs of his misspent youth wandering pastures on horseback?

There is so much to

take in if you don’t let spring get by without noticing its beauty and promise of renewal.

Go for a stroll in the country; I guarantee it’s good for the soul.

Vern 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.

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PAGE 19 Thursday, May 4, 2023 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Sask leads nation in economic growth Manitoba and Alberta, which all had higher growth than the previous year.

In the last couple of months, Saskatchewan saw a 53 per cent increase in housing starts in March 2023 compared to March 2022, wholesale trade increased by more than 30 per cent in February 2023 compared to File Photo MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

..................................

Saskatchewan is once again leading the nation in one of Canada’s key indicators of economic growth.

“

It’s no surprise our economic growth led the nation for 2022.

On Monday, Statistics Canada released the 2022 Real Gross Domestic Product report, showing Saskatchewan with an increase of 5.7 per cent from 2021, ranking first among the provinces.

In 2022, the agriculture, forestry, fishing and hunting industry increased by 45.6 per cent from 2021, the highest percentage change among Saskatchewan industries.

“Sask’s economy has been leading the country for many months and it’s no surprise our economic growth led the nation for 2022,” said Premier Scott Moe. “Combined with significant private sector investment, it is clear Saskatchewan has the food, fuel and fertilizer the world wants and needs, which is translating into good jobs and growth that works for everyone.”

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On the labour force front, 9,500 new jobs were created in March 2023 compared to March 2022, an increase of 1.7 per cent.

PAGE 20 Thursday, May 4, 2023 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridansource.ca

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Ab stAndswEll, CErvEzA, CdC AustEnson, CdC MAvEriCk, sundrE. Peas vEry EArly yEllow, ForAGE PEAs, Polish CAnolA, sPrinG tritiCAlE mastinseeds.com 403-556-2609 WE BUY DAMAGED GRAIN HEATED... LIGHT BUGS... TOUGH MIXED GRAIN SPRING THRASHED WHEAT... OATS PEAS... BARLEY CANOLA... FLAX “ON FARM PICKUP” WESTCAN FEED & GRAIN 1-877-250-5252

AGRICULTURE

Wanted old advertising: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi etc.

Call 306-221-5908 BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER for sale in lucrative central Saskatchewan market. Modern automated workflows, digital footprint, exceptional growth potential, building optional.

Motivated seller. Email tjenson@ccgazette.ca.

FOR RENT INDEPENDENT ADULT LIVING apartments in Martensville, SK. Spend your retirement years in a community close to family/friends in the Saskatoon area that has large city services and small town safety and charm. 2 bedroom suites available. More information at www. chateauvilla.ca, 306281-4475 or chateauvilla@sasktel.net NOTICE

Integrity Post Frame Buildings SINCE 2008

Built with Concrete Posts Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and More sales@ Integritybuilt.com 1-866-974-7678 www. integritybuilt.com

NOTICE

AGPRO SEEDS LTD. BUYING HEATED, DAMAGED OFFGRADE CANOLA & FEED GRAINS. #1 buyer on the prairies, top price paid! Call/text: 306873-0481, AgPro Seeds bids: agproseeds. com, Email: sales@ agproseeds.com FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.

MISCELLANEOUS 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.

PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 49 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306649.1405 or visit www. swna.com for details.

Find QUALIFIED, LOCAL EMPLOYEES, using the strength of community newspapers!

Visit www.swna.com or call 306-649-1405 to find out how!

Thursday, May 4, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Local Business Directory

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, May 4, 2023

GARAGE SALES To advertise here call 306-825-5111 or email admin@meridiansource.ca

FREE

5921 - 50 Avenue Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4

PLACE YOUR AD IN 1 ISSUE FOR $15 OR 2 ISSUES FOR $20

Facebook post included!

Deadline every Tuesday at 10:00 am.

Thursday, May 4, 2023

MERIDIAN SOURCE

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MERIDIAN SOURCE

HOME

Thursday, May 4, 2023

AWESOMENESS NEW LISTINGS

INGENUITY

EXCELLENCE

FEATURED LISTING

NEW PRICES

#26 2715 - 73RD AVENUE

2606 - 45TH AVENUE

Unique bi-level floor plan in a fantastic neighbourhood. Fully fenced yard, 2 tier deck & storage shed.

• 4 beds, 2 full baths and open concept living, dining and kitchen.

•

1394 sq.ft 4 bed, 3 bath bungalow located in the quiet gated community of Lakeshore Estates.

• Oversized double attached heated garage, professionally landscaped yard with underground sprinklers.

•

509,924

AB

279,900

$

MLS A1227412

SK

$

MLS A2043654

CONDO LIVING

2818 - 67TH AVENUE

PARK LANE ESTATES

Family home in a great Parkview neighbourhood on a quiet street.

• Vaulted ceilings, maple cabinetry, hardwood in the main, brand new furnace, water tank and A/C. •

50371 RGE RD 3280

BRAEHILL

372,225

$

AB

AB $354,999 MLS A1258967

SK $229,000 MLS A1252437

MLS A2043375

SK

$

4505 - 37TH STREET

242,400 MLS A2012748

SK

$

224,000

LA TIERRA

Beautiful 4 bed, 3 bath bi-level with attached heated double garage, located on a quiet crescent.

• Fully fenced and landscaped back yard with deck and garden area.

•

MLS A2033567

MERIDIAN

TUXEDO PLACE

369,924

$

SK

MLS A2042187

AB

$

127,500

MLS A2033600

AB

74,500

$

MLS A2038090

AB $182,000 MLS A2024116

MAKE LLOYDMINSTER YOUR HOME

SK

454,900 MLS A2021785

$

AB

369,900 MLS A2018503 AB

$

329,500 MLS A2000999

$

MULTI UNIT

AB

316,900

$

MLS A1238533

AB

$

799,000 MLS A2011386

COMMERCIAL SPACES FOR LEASE

RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES

UNIT #124

ALBERTA

UNIT #114

MERIDIAN PLAZA

5675 - 43 St. AB $13.50 sq.ft. MLS A2017426 AB $12.50 sq.ft. MLS A2037478

MERIDIAN PLAZA

SK $12.00 sq.ft. MLS A2032646

2ND FLOOR

6608 - 42 St.

PLAZA 51

AB $9.50 sq.ft. MLS A2037491

6807 - 42 St. 5209 - 49 St. (Kitscoty)

AB $9.00 sq.ft. MLS A2019924

LOTS AND LAND 15.6 ACRES

6608 - 42 St.

SK $12.00 sq.ft. MLS A2032641

COWAN LAKE

PARADISE HILL

1 Bed, 1 Bath $700 READY! 2 Bed, 2 Bath $1100 READY! 3 Bed, 1 Bath $1200 READY! 3 Bed, 2 Bath $1300 READY! 4 Bed, 2 Bath $1400 READY! SASKATCHEWAN

4516 - 46 St. (Main Floor)

2 Bed, 1 Bath $1000 READY!

APPLY ONLINE TODAY AB

45,000

$

MLS A2006040

MLS A1234104 MLS A1234097 $ SK SK 45,000 EACH

14,500

$

MLS A1243713

coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

Brad Gilbert Jennifer Gilbert Broker (SK) Broker (AB)

Rick Schesnuk Caleb McLean Realtor® Associate Broker

Each office is independently owned & operated.

3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 Sandy Hardy Realtor®

Judy Bexson Realtor®

www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com

780-875-3343

facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty

Brandon King Property Manager

instagram.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty