City gathers to celebrate nation’s birthday
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Red and white covered Bud Miller All Seasons Park on Tuesday as thousands celebrated Canada Day in Lloydminster.
Despite a heat warning and periods of rain, families packed the grounds early and stayed late, enjoying a full day of music, food, and family fun. The celebration concluded with a fireworks display that lit up the sky.
A Canadian Forces CF-18 fly-by got the events underway with a roaring fly-past. Opening remarks from Mayor Gerald Aalbers and other dignitaries followed shortly after. Local Juno-nominated country-pop artist Jordyn Pollard closed out the evening with a high-energy performance at 7 p.m.
Something was happening in every corner of the park. The Guardian Fun Zone drew steady crowds
as kids bounced on inflatables, climbed walls and threw toy axes.
Horse-drawn wagon rides circled the trails while the petting zoo kept little ones busy. The Lloydminster Hot Doggers also showed off their skills with a K9 agility act.
“It’s great to see such a diversity of our community come out from various ethnic backgrounds to celebrate Canada Day,” said Aalbers.
“Many people have received a Canadian citizenship over the last number of years in Lloydminster and have chosen to make Lloydminster their home. It’s terrific to see them come out and take part in the day.”
At the Adventure Zone, riders held on tight atop the mechanical bull and the more flexible took on the rock wall. The Tot Spot offered a quieter escape with storytime and a princess castle.
Attendees also had the opportunity to beat
the heat as the city’s public swimming program provided a welcome break during the afternoon, in addition to a jam-packed splash pad. Nearby, food trucks and farmers market vendors sold snacks and handmade crafts.
MP Rosemarie Falk, who attended the events, said the being Canadian means so much to her.
“To be Canadian, I don’t even have words to sum it up. The fact we love and respect democracy, we respect the rule of law, we respect the diversity which strengthens us and our country,” said Falk.
“The fact so many have laid down their lives so we could enjoy freedom and those wonderful things which make us Canadian.”
As the sky darkened, families gathered one more time along the waterfront as the fireworks show launched right on schedule, closing the celebration with a colourful bang.
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Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE photos
Community strongly supports Archie Miller Arena
The community has shown strong support for the Archie Miller Arena as the City of Lloydminster considers the storied barn’s future.
“I really want to thank the people of this community and surrounding (area) that gave us those comments,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “This is one of the highest turnouts of fielding input from the community we’ve ever seen. That’s as much as I’ve seen in eight years.”
The item was presented to council on June 16, giving options for the future of the nearly 60-yearold arena.
The utilization of the Archie increased to 88 per cent from 2023 to 2024 with all five indoor ice facilities averaging 88 per cent prime-time use.
Engagement opportunities from the community showed the importance of the Archie Miller Arena.
“Some engagement takeaways we heard, the Archie Miller arena is widely regarded as an essential community hub,” said Joel Turcotte, director of recreation and cultural services, City of Lloydminster. “There is overwhelming support to keep the Archie Miller as an ice facility.”
The City of Lloydminster currently has one indoor ice facility per 6,262 persons, not including the Cenovus Energy Hub.
The vast majority of use at the arena is youth.
“What the slide shows is that 70 per cent of our weekday prime time, 65 per cent of our non-prime time and 67 per cent of our weekly hours are being utilized by juniors and youths,” said Turcotte. “Scheduling is tight, and user groups are advocating that later times is not of benefit to youth.”
Based on future population growth, metrics show the need for more ice space in the city.
“Future infrastructure needs, based on population growth of 1.5 per cent annum, Lloydminster should consider adding an ice pad by 2041,” said Turcotte. “Assuming all other arenas are in good working order.”
Hearing from the community, additional space for dry-floor sports was identified.
“I also want to state that with the opening of Cenovus Energy Hub, we will have a new pad full season,” said Turcotte. “That alone will also help utilization of dry-floor space.”
The ice plant is something that is nearing the end of its life at the Archie.
“That ice plant is incredibly old. We actually found out we bought that ice plant from Delburne, Alta., in 1994 and it was already 10 or 15 years (old) when we bought it,” said Turcotte. “Currently, it’s working. Built in 1984, its lifespan is expiring quickly, so a replacement plant is probably needed within the next three to five years.”
Coun. Justin Vance was happy to see the response from the community.
“It seems like the people have spoken and want to keep the Archie around for a long time to come,” he said. “I’m happy to see the public support for keeping the arena around.”
Questions around the remaining life span at the arena were answered by administration.
“I think the building assessment said you can get 10 to 15 more years if you didn’t do anything to the building,” said Tracy Simpson, executive manager of community development services. “If we continue to invest in it, continue to maintain the roof, do repairs as required, we could get longer out of that life expectancy.”
The modernization option for the arena shows a potential $5.2 million investment, with outlines showing what’s needed and what isn’t.
“Option one for modernizing can be a progression, it doesn’t need to be everything,” said Simpson. “If we never do the ‘nice to haves’ it’s totally fine, they’re there for consideration by council and what we hear from the community.
“The plant is definitely the priority. It’s working fine right now but we’re definitely one big problem away from it not working the way it needs.”
She says it’s becoming more difficult to patch it as parts are difficult to find.
“It’s harder and harder, as we understand from our teams, to find parts,” said Simpson. “I think it’s important to be proactive there so we don’t have a plant malfunction mid-year that impacts our season.”
A new sheet of ice would cost the city more than fixing the Archie.
“In the study, it does tell us that a new ice arena would cost between $18 and $20 million, a single sheet,” said Turcotte.
Council accepted the report as information and requested the item be brought to a future meeting.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Housing group talks shelter standards
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The City of Lloydminster’s lack of housing was on full display during a public presentation regarding minimum shelter standards.
“Lloyd is dying in housing,” said Becky Schille, executive director of The Olive Tree during the June 16 council meeting.
Schille and Kagan Kneen, executive director of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter, representing The Housing Working Group, presented the minimum shelter standards to council.
Schille outlined the standards and their purposes.
“A framework that seeks to raise the bar for shelter services in our city and reflect both the needs of our most vulnerable and the concerns of the community,” she said.
Schille’s work began in January 2024 when she started looking into shelter standards after observing an increased demand for temporary housing services and a growing interest in establishing new shelters in Lloydminster.
“It became clear that we needed a consistent thoughtful approach to how emergency shelters are developed and operated,” said Schille.
She says the standards recognize shelters as a critical entry point to the broader housing continuum and must offer more than just temporary relief.
“They must provide real opportunities for people to move forward, to stability and independence,” said Schille.
The standards are intended to be aspirational in nature, providing advice and guidance to existing and future emergency shelters. The report outlines guiding principles for shelters.
“The guiding principles that run through every section emphasize respect, safety, equity and harm reduction,” she said. “These principles reflect what we’ve heard from residents.”
While the city doesn’t fund or run shelters, Schille says this is an
practices for the community.
Kneen also noted working closely with the city would help them if funding opportunities arise.
“When it comes to funding opportunities and asking for different grants, it helps saying, ‘We work really closely with the city,” he said.
Coun. Jim Taylor asked where they were seeing these standards across the province.
“We’d like to see the provinces take the lead on this and put something forward,” said Schille. “I just kind of pulled shelter standards from cities that were the same size as ours.”
Coun. Michael Diachuk was happy to see this document come to council.
“I think when members of our community are looking at any housing solutions within the community, there’s really a lack of confidence and fear of the unknown,” he said. “This document, I’m hoping, will create a sense of confidence in the fact all these organizations have worked together to put together a proposal to meet the needs in a way.”
Regardless of the document’s existence and the efforts put in by nonprofits, housing still remains a challenge.
“We could build hundreds of transitional houses and not meet the need,” said Schille. “For home-based, we’ve had great success. Our bottleneck is housing, always housing.”
When asked about the future of the document, Tracy Simpson, executive manager of community development services, said the city could provide support.
“The city doesn’t regulate shelters,” she said. “We have no authority over that industry, so the document is definitely a best practice. Something we would encourage and support and want to see in our community.”
Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers says this is an opportunity to advocate and spread the message.
“We could share this with other municipalities,” he said. “Bringing the level of government above us to the table and saying ‘Listen, this is a solution that’s being driven locally but we need your support.’
“Back to the funding and programming going forward, I think we can play a very key role in taking that message forward.”
Town of Vermilion loses two in finance department
the town.
The Town of Vermilion has seen some major changes in its finance department.
Brian Liebel, director of corporate services, as well as the financial controller have resigned from their positions, according to town documents.
“We have accepted the resignations of our director of corporate services and our financial controller,” said CAO Shannon Harrower. “We’ve advertised both positions and will be looking forward to welcoming new members to our team in the coming months.”
Deputy Mayor Joshua Rayment thanked Liebel for his service with
“Thank you to Brian Liebel, who was our director of corporate services. He’s been with the town for numerous years and he’s been our CFO (chief financial officer) for the entire time council’s been here,” he said. “Big thank you to Brian for all his work with us over the years. It was great working with him and (I) wish him well in his future.”
The finance officer position is still posted on the town’s website, while the job posting for the director of corporate services is no longer there.
The Meridian Source reached out for comment regarding the resignation but heard nothing back until comments were made during the June 24 regular council meeting.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Photo courtesy Town of Vermilion
Texas 4000 group feeling the love in Lloyd
in Grace United Church.
The Texas 4000 Ozarks Route group pedalled through wind and rain for a pitstop in the Border City on Saturday, June 28.
The group, comprised of 20 University of Texas at Austin students, is part of a 4,000-mile cycling journey from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska, to raise money and awareness for cancer research.
I wanted to do it to honour members of my family and anyone who I knew along the way who’s been affected by cancer.
The Ozarks Route takes participants across the American Midwest before entering Canada south of Winnipeg. Riders then travel along the Yellowhead Highway through Saskatoon before heading north after Edmonton. The goal is to raise $550K for cancer research.
Lloydminster has been a regular stop for riders for years thanks to hosts like Dick Arie and his wife, Donna. The couple makes riders like John Kangos, a 22-year-old participant from Austin, feel right at home along the journey.
“Texas 4000 is a student-based non-profit organization from the University of Texas at Austin. We have a lot of missions that include spreading hope, knowledge and charity about cancer and raising funds for cancer research,” said Kangos, a recent psychology and French degree graduate who plans to go to law school. “Our big thing is a summer ride from Austin to Anchorage.
“Along the way, we engage communities, hear their stories and take their stories with us.”
After a cold day battling headwinds from North Battleford, Kangos was in high spirits after a shower at the Servus Sports Centre and a meal at Chopstix Pho and Grill before a good night’s sleep
“I’ve loved Canada,” he said, noting the joke among riders is that Canada is the place where the ride gets hard. “It’s very unknown, it’s a different country, it’s colder than the U.S., there’s wind and rain, but it’s been amazing so far.”
The Border City stop marked Day 43 of 70 for the group. It also marked the end of the longest day on the bikes.
“Going from North Battleford to Lloydminster today, we had terrible headwinds all day,” he said, noting days like that make the ride worth it.
“Pushing through those situations, seeing how everyone grows and finding something in yourself to get through it.”
Kangos explained each rider has their reasons for getting involved in the 4,000-mile journey. There was, however, a constant.
“I wanted to do it to honour members of my family and anyone I knew along the way who’s been affected by cancer,” he said, adding a majority of the Texas 4000 team shares that sentiment.
“All of us have some connection to cancer, but something we’ve learned on this ride is that cancer does affect everyone, or they know someone who’s been affected by it.”
CONTINUED ON PAGE 9
The Texas 4000 Ozarks Route group was feeling the love in Lloydminster on June 28 after a hot meal at Chopstix Pho and Grill and a good night’s rest in Grace United Church. The group had breakfast at Spiro’s before hitting the road to Vegreville for the night. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Warming van a success in Lloydminster
extreme weather over the course of this program,” said Lancaster.
A June 16 presentation to Lloydminster council regarding the mobile warming shelter outlined last year’s success and details of operation.
In 2024, a point-in-time count showed 60 unsheltered individuals living in the community. Last year, without a warming shelter in place, the city committed $100,000 from a reserve to fund the van. This ensured anyone without shelter in the frigid Lloydminster winter would have somewhere to stay warm.
“The mobile warming shelter was activated 28 times between Jan. 2 and March 15, with the longest consecutive activation being Feb. 1 to Feb. 19,” said Patrick Lancaster, manager of social programs and services, City of Lloydminster.
“On average, we would see 27 individuals served per night, with the lowest being 24 and the highest being 30.”
A pair of complaints was received related to individuals disembarking from the van. The city, however, also received some positive feedback.
“The city and partners did not receive any reports of casualties caused by
The city indicated several businesses and organizations appreciated the van, as it provided an option when they had to ask individuals to leave their property in extreme conditions.
A breakdown of how the funds were used was also presented.
“The total cost for 28 activations was $61,924.69. Forty-eight per cent (went) to driver security and agency support. Fifty-two per cent (went) to vehicle rental,” said Lancaster.
A total of 62 per cent of the budget was used. Remaining funds stayed in the reserve.
The city also pursued funding opportunities but were unsuccessful.
“We’ve submitted funding first at a provincial level and we were directed to connect with the federal government,” said Lancaster.
“The federal government indicated they have reaching homes programs administered by the rural development network in Alberta and the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan on the Saskatchewan side. The rural development network applications were closed, but we are in contact with them. There is an opportunity to look towards that for the future.
“In regards to the Métis Nation of Saskatchewan, they will not provide funding to municipalities, but there could potentially be an application if done jointly with a non-profit organization.”
Program partners made several recommendations for consideration if the program operates again. One is adjusting the hours to be from 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. Another is lowering the threshold to -25 C with windchill. Rotation of staff and volunteers, providing access to washroom facilities and daytime operation were included.
Coun. Justin Vance spoke to the success of the program.
“I think, overall, it was a success just from looking at these numbers,” he said. “Seeing there was no fatalities during the warming bus, those are good to see. Obviously, it’s not a situation we want to have every winter, to have to do a warming bus. We’d like to see a more permanent solution.”
No further progress has been made as far as what this winter looks like.
“With the program, it could potentially be delivered in the same manner the next go-around,” said Lancaster.
Tracy Simpson, executive manager of community development services, said groups were waiting on the decision of the land use bylaw before proceeding.
“There was significant changes in the way not just shelters, but warming spaces, could be operated,” she said about the land use bylaw.
With the land use bylaw now complete, Simpson said they could take it back to the housing working group to see what options look like this winter.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
View of Lloydminster city hall from the air. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
City of Lloydminster looking for feedback on upcoming budget
Residents in the City of Lloydminster have an opportunity to give input into the upcoming budget.
“We always appreciate people’s input,” said Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers.
“Do you want to see more money put towards snow removal? Do you want to see more money towards roads, more money towards education?”
When it comes to allocating money, the city makes decisions on what will stay and go in the budget.
Budget time is a chance for elected officials in Lloydminster to engage with residents about costs and services in the city.
“I really like having that opportunity to engage with taxpayers, saying, ‘Well, what does this cost, what does that cost,’ ” said Aalbers. “So they truly understand the cost factors.”
Residents are also encouraged to reach out and chat with a councillor if they have any questions.
“Council members are always open to be approached any time,” he said.
As part of the survey, the city is asking about allocating funding toward items such as roadway repair and maintenance, protective services, parks and green spaces, leisure services, general municipal services and growth and sustainability.
Residents can also provide full comments on any item during the survey and at the end of it.
Last year, Lloydminster had $110 million in operating expenditures and $52.9 million in capital costs.
A paper copy of the survey is available at city hall or can be filled out online at yourvoicelloyd.ca/2026budget.
Residents gathered for the budget engagement in 2024 Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Seniors’ signatures shunned by minister
As the letter-writing campaign for a Jubilee Home replacement by the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society (LCCSCS) moves forward, the minister destined to receive the letters shunned a planned meeting with the group.
A rece nt barbecue hosted by the organization aimed at raising money, awareness and gaining signatures was a great success. They served over 300 people, raised over $2,000 for community organizations and obtained over 140 signed letters.
How the event turned out and the campaign’s progress delighted group members and LCCSCS board member Paul Richer.
“It was an amazing day considering the weather. We were extremely happy with the turnout and the signatures obtained,” said Richer. “This campaign is going to go throughout the summer.”
A PLAN TO HAND OVER THE LETTERS
When the dual caucuses of both Alberta and Saskatchewan came to town, Saskatchewan Health Minister James Cockrill attended. MLA Colleen Young had arranged for him to attend a meeting with the LCCSCS at
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4 p.m. that day. Cockrill opted out of the meeting moments before it started due to another emergency situation occurring in the province.
The plan was to hand over 2,000 letters to the minister ahead of that meeting.
Although disappointed Cockrill didn’t attend, the group, led by society president Graham Brown, continued the meeting with Young, MLA for Kindersley-Biggar, Kim Gartner and MLA for Cutknife-Turtleford, James Thorsteinson.
The group made a presentation and asked questions on the current state of the Jubilee Home. They also wanted to learn about the next steps to move forward with the replacement.
According to Young, Cockrill holds the keys to the next steps. She also noted he had to push for the Jubilee Home to be at the top of the priorities list. This would require the support of the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Ministry of Health. Both help build the list.
However, she didn’t know where a replacement stood, as she had not had those conversations with the minister.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH RESPONSE
In a statement to the Meridian Source , responding to that question, representatives from the Ministry of Health stated the following.
“The Government of Saskatchewan is aware that replacing Jubilee Home is a priority for many residents in the community,” stated department officials.
“The ministry wants to review the recommendations from the ongoing needs assessment. Only then, will they move forward on recommendations surrounding the home.”
A needs assessment done over a decade ago also recognized a replacement was necessary.
The biggest question is, “Where do we stand on the list of priorities?”
“With respect to infrastructure projects, the Ministry of Health works with its partner organizations, including the Saskatchewan Health Authority and the Saskatchewan Cancer Agency, to ensure investments are made to address the highest capital priorities,” stated ministry officials.
“Consideration of major projects occurs every year as part of the province’s annual budget development process. This work takes into account the need to deliver safe and effective services across the province. There are many competing needs and all must be reviewed as part of the budget process.”
MOVING FORWARD
The group says they will not let the issue fade. They plan to continue collecting letters and pushing hard throughout the summer. There is even talk of delivering the letters directly to Cockrill’s office in the Battlefords.
As Richer put it, “This is not just about a building, it’s about dignity and care for our seniors.”
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
LCCSCS members meet with MLA’s from Saskatchewan. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
Cancer crusaders battle on
Above: The Texas 4000 Ozarks Route group says good night to Dick and Donna Arie in Grace United Church on June 28 before having a post-ride debrief and getting some well-earned sack time. Below: A map showing the Ozarks Route from Austin, Texas, to Anchorage, Alaska. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
Kangos also explained the cross-country trip gave him and the team some perspective on international relations.
“With everything going on in the world right now and the tensions between Canada and the U.S., politically, us being here seems to make a difference for people,” he said. “We’re really appreciating Canada, and we sing O Canada every morning.”
Sunday’s ride took the team from Lloydminster to Vegreville for the night before pedalling their way to Edmonton on Monday. As for the stop in Lloyd, Kangos noted the hospitality was top-notch.
“Dinner at Chopstix was awesome, and for breakfast, we’re going to Spiro’s. I hear a Greek family owns it, and my family is from Greece. I’m excited for it,” he said, explaining the meals were provided by the two Rotary Clubs in Lloydminster.
For hosts Dick and Donna Arie, who are both cancer survivors and have been involved with the ride for over a decade, the ride is special.
“It’s a hell of a feat,” said Dick, explaining it takes a special kind of person to volunteer for the trek.
“The kids have to write essays and go through interviews to make sure the right people are selected. If I were that age, I’m not sure I’d be volunteering to do something like this, mainly because I didn’t know many people with cancer back then.
“Cancer is sneaking down to younger and younger people these days and it’s important to fund cancer research and support what these young people are doing.”
Thursday, July 3, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Are you ready for the Lloyd Ex Fair?
EDITOR TAYLOR WEAVER
Can you believe summer has started and the Lloyd Ex Fair kicks off next week? Time flies when you’re having fun!
This year marks 120 years of the Lloyd Ex Fair and the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association is pulling out all the stops.
The four-day event runs from July 9 to 12, with the annual parade kicking things off on Wednesday at 10 a.m.
The M eridian Source even rearranged next week’s production schedule so we can be a part of the action with our very own float.
Make sure you say hello as we go by ... we may even have treats for you!
The fair has been a highlight of my summer for the 11 years I’ve called Lloydminster home. It seems to get bigger and better each year thanks to the hard-working, dedicated staff and board members who plan it. This year is no different.
One thing I’ve heard from the public is disappointment due to the absence of free concerts. Well, guess what, the Lloyd Ex heard these comments and decided to include all live entertainment for this year’s fair in the cost of admission!
Rock out with Spandex Nation, High Limit, Garrett Gregory and an Elvis tribute performer ... it won’t cost you more than what you paid at the gate!
The fair includes everything from trade shows, monster truck shows, karaoke, a street hockey tournament, science shows, lumberjack shows, goat shows, dog trials, all-things-equine and more. So, I ask again, can you believe the Lloyd Ex Fair starts next week?
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We’ll see you at the parade!
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Thursday, July 3, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Chris’ A-Z: Mall of memories
I feel like I was one of the last generations to grow up in that amazing “mall time.”
When I was a young lad in Kitchener, Ont., I would frequent our local malls. We had Fairview Park Mall in Kitchener and Conestoga Mall in Waterloo, Ont., the neighbouring city.
I would often go with my parents and my grandparents and I remember how small I felt walking through those halls. Well, I was small, so it made sense why it felt larger than life. It was an amazing experience.
Here in Lloyd, the LloydMall entered the picture back in 1973. The original draws were Safeway, which is still there, and The Bay.
Most of the shopping of the era was done in downtown at 50 Ave. and 50 St.
With the new player in town, shopping shifted onto 44 St.
Many recognized the importance of being able to have such a shopping establishment under one roof and moved into the mall. Charles Lamb Photography was one of the original tenants. He firmly believed in the power of the mall, while some believed it was a passing trend.
In 1979, the mall completed Phase 2, doubling in size and bringing in a Zellers.
Today, the mall still stands as a proud symbol of not only Lloyd’s history but its shopping needs.
When I moved here, I was shocked at how much
is in the mall. I’ve been to and lived in plenty of small to mid-size cities, but have never seen a mall as active as this one.
It goes to show people still like the mall experience. I love walking in, seeing all the stores and knowing I may spend hours in the mall. You can grab food, do some clothes shopping, or check out the public library.
I’ll never forget being a kid in a mall and seeing
all the people shopping, all the different noises and sounds. I got to enjoy plenty of family time and see my friends walking around. Whenever I go back and visit Ontario, I often head back to a mall and I still see familiar faces.
Here in Lloyd, whenever I walk into the LloydMall, it takes me back to a much simpler time. Not only can I get my shopping done under one roof, I can also reminisce.
Gray Matters: Public outrage comes too late
Let’s talk about reporting on crime and justice, specifically, the line the public draws between them. To me, it seems it’s not at the scene of the crime. For example, an impaired driver is stopped, charged and their name shows up on our website and social media.
The public reaction? “Why is this news? It’s just a drunk-driving charge.” “There are worse things going on” or “Are we going to hear about distracted driving charges next?”
Sharing RCMP news releases is an important part of what we do, both good and bad.
Now, let’s change one thing. That same impaired driver gets behind the
wheel again, only this time, they plow into a family of four.
The community wakes up and it’s now a tragedy. Now we’re outraged. Now it matters.
We demand life sentences. We want names. We cry for justice.
The very same charge is now a headline. The same person goes from “meh” to monster.
So, what’s the line? It seems to me it’s not logical, it’s the body count. We don’t want to talk about how many of these so-called “minor” charges are near misses.
It might remind us of how many times we’ve taken that chance or how many “just another” DUIs were seconds away from tragedy.
It’s easier to ignore the uncomfortable reality that the first charge was the warning.
Newsrooms get accused of fearmongering or dragging people through the mud. When tragedy strikes, however, those same voices cry out.
“Why didn’t anyone stop them?” “How could this happen?”
Do me a favour and pick a lane.
Public safety isn’t reactive, it’s preventative, and if we’re only paying attention after the tragedy after caskets roll by, don’t we become an accessory to the act? Acceptance grows in the silence some demand when it’s “just another DUI.”
In my opinion, whether they like it or not, the public needs to know the fact people survive drunk-driving charges every single day. Not because it’s harmless but because they got lucky.
Luck is not a policy. It’s not protection. It’s roulette with other people’s lives. Every emergency services worker attending tragic scenes because people didn’t heed the warning will attest to this. I say this as a volunteer with the Blackfoot Fire and Rescue.
If that makes you uncomfortable, good. That’s the point. If you don’t like seeing impaired driving charges in the news, maybe ask yourself why it takes death to make us care. Maybe the problem isn’t the reporting, maybe it’s our tolerance for risk, until it’s our family on the front page.
The main entrance of the LloydMall in Lloydminster. Source file photo
Adobe Stock photo
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Passport to YLL
To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax
Cards, games, food, meetings, live music
Intro to Square Dancing
Modern square dancing lessons are being offered every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 5115 - 49 Ave. 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. For more info, contact 780-872-2493 or visit SquareDanceLloydArea.com.
Bingo at the Moose Lodge
Bingo will be held every Monday and Wednesday, except holidays, at Moose Lodge 5213 57 St., Lloydminster. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games starting at 7 p.m. Must be at least 18 to play.
Real Canadian Wrestling at Cheers Live
Real Canadian Wrestling returns to Cheers Live on July 18 from 7:30 to 10 p.m. for Fight Night Vol 2. Witness jaw-dropping moves, intense rivalries, and unforgettable moments as wrestlers battle it out in the ring. Whether you’re a hardcore fan or just looking for a fun night out, this event is sure to keep you on the edge of your seat. Tickets are available online through eventbrite.ca and are $22.63 each or $427.33 for a VIP table.
Hot Mess Comedy Tour at The Sticks
The Hot Mess Comedy Show, a night of unfiltered stand-up comedy from the beautifully chaotic mind of Indigenous comedian Shy Sapp, will be
at The Sticks Billiards and Lounge on July 18 from 8:30 to 10:30 p.m. Tickets are available at eventbrite.ca and are $20.
Pubnight at the Legacy Centre
The Legacy Centre is hosting Pubnight on July 23. Doors and dancin’ at 5 p.m. and supper’s at 6 p.m. then dance to Robert’s All Country a new band out of Unity. Cost is $20/person at the door. All members and guests welcome. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.
Cribbage Doubles Tourney
The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on July 24. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10/person to play and $12/person for lunch. All ages welcome, bring a friend for a day of cards! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.
Legacy trip to Regina
The Legacy Centre has an overnight trip planned to Regina for a Saskatchewan Roughriders game from July 25 to 26 when the Riders host the Edmonton Elks. The cost is $359/ person (double occupancy) and includes the bus ride, hotel, game ticket and lunch on the way home. If interested, call the Legacy Centre at 780-875-4584. The deadline is Thursday, July 4. All ages are welcome!
LVE Street Team Fundraiser Barbecue
The Lloydminster and Vermilion for Equity Street Team is hosting a charity barbecue on July 26 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre. Get a burger or hotdog with chips and a drink for $10 with proceeds going to the street team. There will also be face painting by donation and a bake sale. Email info@lvefoundation.com for more details.
Community-wide
garage sale
The United Filipino-Canadians of Lloydminster and Area, in co-ordination with the City of Lloydminster, is planning a community-wide garage sale on July 26 starting at 9 a.m. The idea is simple: everyone planning a garage sale hosts it on July 26 to offer bargain hunters as many options as possible on one day.
Paradise Hill Summer Bash featuring Jade Eagleson
The Paradise Hill Summer Bash returns to the Paradise Hill Arena on Aug. 9 from 5-11 p.m. Supper is from 5-7 p.m. at the Paradise Hill Community Centre before the arena opens at 7 p.m. Drew Gregory plays at 8:15 p.m. and Jade Eagleson plays at 9:10 p.m. Tickets are $75.88 or $27.96 for supper only. Tickets at Eventbrite.ca
- Have something you’d like listed in our calendar? Email it to taylor@meridiansource.c a
ALERT seizes guns, charges Lloyd teen
An 18-year-old from Lloydminster is facing firearms trafficking charges after Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT) seized 18 guns at a rural property near Marwayne.
Zachary Gayton, 18, was arrested following a June 4 raid by ALERT’s organized crime team. The operation took place with help from Kitscoty RCMP at a rural residence roughly 40 kilometres northwest of Lloydminster.
Investigators say Gayton, who unlawfully possessed all the firearms, was attempting to sell them online. They said the investigation is ongoing and one weapon was missing a serial number.
“It’s not unreasonable to say this seizure provided a huge intervention towards keeping the community safe,” said ALERT’s Insp. Brad Lundeen.
“More often than not, someone acquiring stolen firearms is using them to commit further criminal offences.”
They also seized ammunition and prohibited over-capacity magazines.
The firearms will undergo forensic and ballistics testing at ALERT’s provincial firearms lab. The Lab specializes in restoring serial numbers, among other abilities. They can also help trace weapons back to previous crimes.
Gayton faces weapons trafficking and multiple other firearms-related charges.
The Alberta government funds the organization, which brings together law enforcement agencies to target serious and organized crime.
Anyone with information about drug or gang activity can contact local police or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS. Calls to Crime Stoppers are always anonymous.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Sandy Beach Market sees 60-plus vendors
Looking ahead to the market in August, Kozak couldn’t thank the event’s sponsors enough.
Organizers and vendors praised the weather gods on Sunday as Sandy Beach Regional Park held its first market of the summer.
The market became a summer tradition for lake residents in 2019 with 14 vendors to promote the park. It’s grown to 62 artisan vendors plus several food vendors and attracts hundreds of attendees.
“There was so much interest in this year’s market, to the point of having a wait list,” said the park’s general manager Char Kozak. “We decided to place vendors in the centre of the market to maximize our space and get as many people in as possible. It worked out really well.
“I love the selection. We have quite a few artisan vendors offering great selection.”
Sunday’s market was the first of two for the year, with the second scheduled for Aug. 3. According to Kozak, the market has special meaning to Sandy Beach residents.
“We’ve really gotten our name out there and it’s helped the park so much. We have so many new people coming out here, which is amazing.”
Lloydminster resident Ainsley Karolat made her market debut with her allnatural skin care business, Nourished by Nature.
“I started making it for myself and was giving it to friends as Christmas gifts and everyone was encouraging me to start selling it,” said Karolat.
“The market’s been good today and foot traffic has been good; it’s a busy market.”
Cora Nydokus of The Yarn Sister has been a vendor at the market for three years and said Sunday’s turnout was amazing.
“Everyone who’s come by has been great,” she said. “The weather is beautiful and sunny, everyone’s been so pleasant and this market is well organized. I love coming to this market. It’s one of my favourite ones to come to.”
Charlotte Harwood of The Krazy Kat Lady Bannock and Baking from McLaughlin said the market’s growth over the years has been great to see.
“I never expected to add on a beading business and start teaching Bannock classes in schools, which I’ve never done before,” she said. “Today turned out amazing and it’s nice to see new vendors and returning vendors.”
“This wouldn’t be possible without our amazing sponsors. Scorpion Oilfield is one, Gold Horse Casino consistently sponsors the stage for our live music, and the Tasty Zone is sponsored by Dominos and Quiznos. We also have Home Hardware, Arbys, the Lloydminster and District Co-op and more,” she said, noting other exciting news from Sandy Beach.
“We have our kitchen running full time at the park, so anyone coming out for golf or staying at the park can get food there. We’re also licensed (for liquor)for the first time this year, which is exciting. It’s going to be a fantastic summer.”
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR ..................................
Sandy Beach Regional Park’s first summer market of 2025 offered something for everyone. The second market is on Aug. 3. Taylor Weaver MERIDIAN SOURCE photos
Vermilion RCMP record successful year
Vermilion RCMP is ringing in a successful year of policing.
Sgt. Corey Buckingham, Vermilion RCMP detachment commander, presented to Vermilion council on June 24. The presentation updated council on the priorities and activities of the RCMP in Q4, running from January to March.
Buckingham outlined the RCMP’s goals for the year and how they achieved them, while speaking to RCMP activity in the province.
“While there has been some fire activity in the province, we haven’t been impacted,” said Buckingham. “We haven’t had to deploy any resources.”
He says while Alberta did play host to the G7 summit in Kananaskis, they did not deploy any resources to that event, either.
RCMP set out a number of priorities for the year, including community relations, crime reduction and police visibility.
Through community priorities, the RCMP performed compliance or condition checks. The goal was to get 100 in total for the year, with the Q4 update reporting 56 curfew checks, they doubled their goal.
“We also had some good results from doing those checks,” said Buckingham. “Whether it’s offenders that were held accountable to their conditions, maybe spent some extra time in custody because of breaches, or they thought there was too much pressure on them, meaning they stayed home.”
He also said some individuals felt there was too much pressure on them, so they left the area entirely.
“There is that communication piece. There’s awareness for wherever they’re going and they get notified so they can do the follow-up checks as they see fit,” said Buckingham.
Vermilion RCMP has also been engaged with the community, having hosted two town halls. One of them was in Innisfree and the other in Derwent.
RCMP also launched a new Facebook page aiming to have more communication with the public. They set a goal of 50 public communication, which includes media releases, Facebook posts, Voyent/RAVE alerts.
“We ended the year with 67, again, exceeding our goal,” said Buckingham.
The third priority was police visibility, which they set a goal of 360 documented vehicle stops, ending the year at 614. Two check stops were completed in Q4 bringing the total to seven for the year.
RCMP’s three priorities will remain the same. Some initiatives, however, will change.
“We’re going to stick with the same goal of 100 (curfew checks),” he said. “We feel we had some good success with that.
“The public communications piece, adjusting the goal from 50 to 52, so the goal is one per week.”
Check-stop initiatives will not be tracked moving forward.
“The check-stop initiatives, we’re going to drop,” said Buckingham. “Just because we didn’t feel it necessary to track those, we can still do them.”
Another priority moving forward for the RCMP will be related to spousal abuse, as they work to bring awareness to some of the different services available to people.
“We’ve seen an increase in our spousal abuse type files over the last couple years here,” said Buckingham. “One of our initiatives is also to do some sort of quarterly, whether it’s a media release or information-type session. We haven’t ironed out the specific details.”
Deputy Mayor Joshua Rayment applauded the RCMP for the work they’ve done.
“I think its great you guys have been exceeding all of your targets,” he said. “I hear nothing but positives about you guys around the community.” Buckingham also announced his departure as detachment commander with his final day being June 27.
“I want to thank you, Corey, for how great it’s been to work with you over the last three and a half years,” said Rayment. “It’s been excellent. Thank you very much for attending and giving us your reports and being an excellent community member.”
At the detachment, there are currently nine established positions with seven working. Buckingham says there were eight working but with him vacating his position, that number is back to seven.
“The promotional process is in place to fill my position,” said Buckingham. “We have a vacant constable position that we haven’t had much luck with to this point.”
Cpl. Brittany Pegg will be the interim detachment commander.
Some promising news was also brought forward regarding the possibility of filling the vacant spots.
“I’ve received some kind of promising news that we’re going to have a K division go through Depot,” said Buckingham. “The hope is we’re going to see a troupe go to depot later this year and the entire troupe of up to 32 people will all be coming to K Division.”
He put in a request for additional members, which is currently going through the process.
“That workload analysis was basically updated in the spring,” said Buckingham. “From there, I completed my end of things, being a business case. The workload analysis, at least the wording they used, supported at least two additional positions.
“My ask was for four additional positions over the next couple years, along with an additional public servant position.”
He says the ask has moved to the district level.
“My understanding, that’s gone to district, it’s been supported at the district level and now it just goes up from that point,” said Buckingham. “It just comes down to funding from the province to fill those positions.”
Buckingham also reflected on his time in Vermilion.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time living and working here,” he said.
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Google Maps screenshot of the Vermilion RCMP detachment
Lakeland College hosts crop day
Lakeland College will host Alberta Crop Diagnostic Day on July 23 at its Vermilion campus. The event invites farmers, researchers and industry professionals to explore the latest in crop management and production practices.
They will host one of three sessions expected to occur throughout the province of Alberta over the summer. The other events are July 22 in Lacombe and Aug. 6 in Falher.
Alberta Grains, Alberta Pulse, Alberta Canola, SARDA, Western Crop Innovation and Lakeland College organize the series.
“We are excited to once again partner with Alberta Pulse Growers and Alberta Canola,” said Lara de Moissac, agronomy programs specialist with Alberta Grains.
“Industry partnership continues to play a crucial role in extension efforts,” she said.
“Without the collaboration between the crop
commissions, Lakeland College, SARDA Ag Research and Western Crop Innovations, these diagnostic days would not be possible.”
Lakeland’s event is themed Cultivate and Connect and includes field sessions and live demonstrations.
Experts from Lakeland College, Canola Council, Alberta Grains, Bayer Crop Science and Alberta’s agriculture ministry will lead sessions.
Topics include soil fertility, crop disease, grasshopper thresholds, fungicide timing, seeding date effects and shelterbelt planning.
“We’re excited to host the Alberta Crop Diagnostic Day at Lakeland for a second year,” said Francois Paradis, Lakeland’s dean of applied research.
“This is a hands-on, practical opportunity to learn, collaborate and connect with leaders across the agricultural industry.”
Seventy-five people are able to attend. However, they must register ahead of time. Lunch is provided.
Registration for all Alberta Crop Diagnostic Day events is available online.
The college serves over 6,000 students through its Vermilion and Lloydminster campuses, and online.
The Vermilion campus includes more than 3,700 acres of farmland and advanced facilities for applied research and student learning.
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Lakeland College is busy, even in the summer. MERIDIAN SOURCE file photo
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Vehicle extrication an important skill
For years, local fire crews have relied on the Lloydminster Rescue Squad for vehicle rescues and freeing trapped people after crashes.
Today, each department performs its own extrications.
Legacy Regional Protective Services has trained all three of its stations since 2017. The City of Lloydminster has done this work for over a decade and the County of Vermilion River (CVR) has been performing extrications for years.
To show these skills in action, Legacy Regional firefighters performed a live demo at Lashburn Day on June 14. They removed two “patients” from vehicles using spreaders, cutters and the Jaws of Life.
“Today, we’re just doing it as part of Lashburn Day,” said Regional Fire Chief Dean Peters. “We came down to celebrate the parade and we’ve got some firefighter training going on. We’re going to do a vehicle extrication demonstration for them.”
Event organizer Carmen Landstrom said the team was excited to return.
“They loved doing it last year,” she said. “This year, they wanted to go bigger and better.”
Peters said the event helps firefighters stay sharp and shows people what they do on the job.
“It’s very important. We’ve got a lot of highways; the Highway 16 corridor keeps us very busy. We spend a lot of time keeping our skills honed,” said Peters, noting the tools also help attract new recruits.
“Often, we have people thinking about firefighting,” he said.
“They get to see the great toys we play with … it encourages people to join.”
County firefighters ready for the worst
CVR Protective Services handles extrications across all eight of its fire districts. That includes crashes on county roads and provincial highways.
Legacy Regional Protective Service firefighters demonstrate vehicle extrication during Lashburn Day on June 14. Dan Gray Meridian Source
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
“Our fleet includes both light and heavy-rescue trucks,” said Kirk Hughes, CVR Fire Chief and director of protective services. “They carry the tools we need to safely remove a trapped person.”
Some fire engines also carry extra sets of equipment, allowing crews to handle more than one crash at a time.
“If we face a major incident with more than one entrapment, fire districts help each other,” said Hughes.
“It is not unusual for a motor vehicle collision on a major highway to involve more than one department,” said Hughes. “We have both mutual and automatic aid agreements built into our protocols to allow for the highest level of service during those types of incidents.”
A demonstration of this co-operation occurred last year when Legacy Regional Protective Services, Paradise Valley firefighters and the County of Vermilion River officials attended a fatal plane crash south of Lloydminster.
County crews respond to about 60 to 90 incidents a year. Some involve animal strikes, others are rollovers or major entrapments.
Training is key and the demonstrations made one thing clear: outside of Britannia, local departments no longer rely on outside help.
From Vermilion to Lashburn, crews now have the training, tools and teamwork to take control when seconds count.
Notice of Public Hearing
Dan Gray MERIDIAN
Chef’s Got Your Back supports youth
The Lloydminster Community Youth Centre (LCYC) is cooking up a tasty fundraiser it hopes the whole community will get behind.
The Chef’s Got Your Back fundraiser, scheduled for Aug. 27 at Rolling Green Fairways, will include a delicious meal, art and auctions to raise funds for programming at the LCYC.
The centre is an entity of the SPARK Foundation, formerly known as The Interval Home Society. The inclusive drop-in centre for kids aged 12-18 averages 6,000 youth visits annually and relies on local businesses and residents for funding.
Chef’s Got Your Back will feature a menu inspired by the minds of the centre’s youth, something Patty Milnthorp, community engagement liaison at LCYC, is excited about.
“We polled the kids and they each got to pick three of their favourite meals, favourite drink and favourite dessert. We took the top three for each and we’re working with the chef at Rolling Green to bougie it up,” she said, noting you’ll want to save your appetite for this one.
“We’re doing mini taco bites in place of taco-ina-bag and brisket sliders in place of sloppy joes ... with more to come, but we don’t want to ruin the surprise. The kids and I will also be making banana bread for dessert.”
The evening will feature about 20 different silent auction items valued between $200 and $500, as well as a main auction piece. The main piece will be a handmade four-by-four-ft. mosaic by Saskatoonbased artist Kasey Johnston. The mosaic will be made filled with four-by-four-in. squares designed
by LCYC kids.
“I chose wood burning and a form of encaustic so we could narrow down the colour options moving into a larger piece,” said Johnston.
“Using wood and wax, I’m going to be able to make it more cohesive, while still having a bunch of different voices available within that.”
Having experienced domestic abuse in her childhood, the SPARK Foundation holds a special
place in Johnston’s heart.
“Something that saved my family was going into an Interval Home-style house,” she said.
“This was a really cool opportunity to give back and I think life has no meaning unless you’re contributing to something bigger than yourself.”
Tickets for the Aug. 27 event are $70 each or a table of eight for $550. They are available at sparklloydminster.ca/chefs-got-your-back
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Kasey Johnston works on squares to be used in the mosaic being auctioned off at the
Chef’s Got Your Back fundraiser at Rolling Green Fairways on Aug. 27. Taylor Weaver MERIDIAN SOURCE
Thursday, July 3 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE
ON THE ROAD AGAIN
Lloyd-area boys step up to plate in key roles with 15U AAA Cardinals
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Reid Bannerman of Lloydminster and Keaton Smith of Kitscoty are on a season-long road trip, of sorts, as impactful members of the 15U AAA St. Albert Cardinals baseball team.
Head coach Ben Grabia says the two small-town players not only have brought their game-breaking talents to the Cardinals, but they’ve also helped shape the culture of the Baseball Alberta Provincial League club.
“The most important thing I can say about Reid and Keaton is that they never complain,” Grabia said. “They just do their work and bring a liveliness to the team.
“They immediately brought life to the group. They fit in right away and were not shy to intermingle with the group of guys.
“They’re both just really mature kids for that age. I’m a teacher as well, so I’m around a lot of kids this age, and the two of them have aboveaverage personal skills and social skills, which is really good to see.”
Commuting from home for practices three times per week, plus games essentially every weekend, Bannerman and Smith and their parents have made an all-in commitment that has carried from winter to spring and now to summer.
Even during school days throughout the spring months, they still made regular trips to St. Albert for evening practices.
“They’re expected to be there just as early as the other guys, and they always show up early and don’t complain and get to work,” said Grabia, whose roster otherwise includes 11 players from St. Albert and one from Edmonton.
“I think Reid and Keaton have brought a lot of perspective to the team, ‘If these two guys can put in a two-and-a-half-hour drive each way, every single day, these (other) guys can put in the same amount of work.’ It’s kind of brought a really good culture to our team.”
BATTING HIGH IN THE ORDER
Bannerman and Smith will celebrate their respective 15th birthdays just three days apart in July. They’ve been ringleaders with a St. Albert team that sports a 14-10 record in Tier 1 league play. (The Cardinals spent the Canada Day weekend in Delta, B.C., for a tournament).
Bannerman as a catcher/outfielder and Smith as a pitcher/third baseman have been constants for the Cardinals. Both players are slotted high in the batting order. Bannerman is at No. 3 of late and Smith is at cleanup, sporting .327 and .366 batting averages, respectively.
Those assignments are a clear measure of the respect the Cardinals’ coaches have for their Lloydminster-area imports, who showed up for tryouts in March after the demise of the Prairie Pirates AAA program at home.
It didn’t take Grabia long to realize that he wanted the duo to stay for the summer.
“It was middle of March,” he recalled. “They both walked in (to tryouts) together. I saw them take five swings and I knew that they were on the team, for sure.
“I remember the first day we took (batting practice) outside with them and they’re both just lacing baseballs all over the field — opposite, pull side, up the middle, it doesn’t matter — and our group of guys were like, ‘Yeah, we’ll take these guys. They can play.’
“They’ve both been super. They’ve been in our top five players, for sure.”
In early June, with the Cardinals’ other catcher injured, Bannerman caught all four games in St. Albert’s weekend series against the Parkland Twins.
“Reid caught every game the whole weekend and didn’t complain, and his play didn’t dip at all,” Grabia said. “That’s the value he brings to our team. He’s a very fluid athlete and does a lot of the little things really well.”
BANNERMAN AT HOME CATCHING
It’s no wonder Bannerman loves everything about being a catcher, even getting dirty from blocking balls, dusty plays at the plate, and his basic-but-trusty catching gear.
“I like throwing people out,” he said with a smile. “That’s always fun. There’s lots of action. You’re kind of in the play a little bit more. You’ve always got something to do, plays to be yelling. It keeps me more involved. That’s the way I like it.”
He pitches on occasion but mostly he’s behind the plate or in the outfield.
“I think I’m a pretty solid hitter, too,” said Bannerman, the Cardinals’ leadoff man early in the season.
He remembered hockey season was still going when he and Smith thought about making the
CONTINUED ON PAGE 22
move to St. Albert to continue playing baseball at a high level.
Reid Bannerman (left) of Lloydminster and Keaton Smith of Kitscoty are integral parts of the 15U AAA St. Albert Cardinals this summer in the Baseball Alberta Provincial League. Along with their fielding prowess, they’re among the team’s top hitters. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Bannerman played defence with the Lloydminster Blazers 15U AA hockey team that was a provincial finalist the past season.
“I’ll see how I do in ball this year and see what happens after that,” he said about possible hockey plans for the coming season. “I’ve always kind of liked baseball a little bit more. Just found it a little easier and been a little better at that than hockey.”
Bannerman comes from a baseball family with farming roots near Turtleford. His older brother Jared, back home from college, plays senior with the Mervin Flyers in the North Saskatchewan River Baseball League. Youngest brother Jace is part of the 13U AA Prairie Pirates in Lloydminster.
Reid Bannerman is going into Grade 10 at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School. On those long car rides to and from St. Albert during the school year, he did homework and sometimes slept before and after practices. He said it was important to keep on top of his studies and “not goof around” at school, especially on days the local boys were leaving class early for baseball.
Bannerman’s natural smarts and high baseball IQ have served the Cardinals well.
“He’s a lot quieter than Keaton, but Reid has a really mature sense of knowing when to talk,” Grabia said. “He knows what to say to his teammates at the exact right time, and when just to stay quiet.
“Reid asks a lot of questions and brings that (information) to the team. He wants to learn and he’s always asking myself and the other coach as much as
he can, because he’s catching and he’s playing such a thinking man’s game, which is awesome to see.”
From the get-go, Grabia made a personal connection with Bannerman. Grabia’s girlfriend is from Paradise Hill, Sask., and she and Bannerman’s cousin are close friends.
“It’s a small world,” Grabia said. “That was kind of my first interaction with Reid — ‘Hey, you’re a Bannerman’ — and then we started talking.”
Bannerman already describes it as a constructive and enjoyable summer on and off the field.
“We decided to give it a shot in St. Albert and see how it went,” he said. “It’s turned out great.
“Maybe the drives get a little long. On the way back home, they’re a little bit tiring. But, overall, it’s been fun.”
Bannerman and Smith have played on the same ball teams for three consecutive summers, so that familiarity and friendship made the adjustment to playing far from home that much easier.
“It’s great,” Smith said. “It’s like having a brother out there. Someone to rely on and someone you know really well. You’re not going in blind.”
At the same time, the Cardinals’ hometown players have welcomed the Lloyd-area boys with open arms, Smith said.
“Oh yeah, they’re super nice guys.”
SMITH SHOWS SPEED, SKILL
Grabia rates Smith, a big right-hander, as the team’s top pitcher, a powerful hitter and as fast a runner as he’s seen at the 15U level.
“He has above-average speed and strength,” the former 18U coach said about the gregarious Smith. “Keaton is also one of the funniest guys I’ve ever been around. He brings a lot of joy to the team. He’s super personable.
“On the field, he’s overpowering to other teams. He’s our best pitcher. He also plays third base and we’re kind of transitioning him to the outfield, because I think that’s a long-term place for him, just with his speed.
“Keaton is a plus-plus athlete. He’s the best athlete I’ve seen.”
The Cardinals and their opponents have seen some of that athleticism this season.
Smith, six-foot-two and 180 pounds, pitched a no-hitter through five-plus innings during a June 1 victory in smoky conditions at Fort McMurray.
He’s a weapon at bat, too, as evidenced during a Calgary tournament on the May long weekend at the spiffy new Webber Wildcats facility.
“One of our games was on the 18U field, so it’s probably like 340 (feet) to the corner,” Grabia recounted. “In the third inning, Keaton hit one over the fence. I just knew off the bat that it was gone. It was cool. Something I’ve never seen before, for a 14- or 15-year-old kid to do that.”
Even with their roles entrenched in the St. Albert lineup, Smith and Bannerman make an extra effort not to miss any practices. On off days, they also work out together back home.
“You’ve got to get your reps in, or else you can’t get better,” said Smith, bound for Grade 10 at Kitscoty High School. “Practice makes perfect.
“My fastball is usually my (best) pitch. It averages around low 80s, high 70s, and my curveball is usually high 60s, low 70s, and then my changeup is usually low 70s to mid 60s range.”
Smith also studied or slept for much of the spring practice trips and sometimes listened to Major League Baseball broadcasts of his favourite team, the Toronto Blue Jays.
Hockey is on Smith’s plate, too. He had an 80-point season last winter with the U15 A Tier 1 Kitscoty Knights, who won their league and took silver at provincials.
Smith is proud of those accomplishments and his older brother Rhett’s achievements as a football player with the Alberta Tier 3 provincial champions from Holy Rosary High School in Lloydminster.
Coach Grabia believes his Cardinals are in solid contention for a Tier 1 berth in the provincial 15U AAA baseball championship Aug. 1-3 at Red Deer, home of the first-place Braves.
Regardless of how the summer ends, the Cardinals hope Bannerman and Smith return to St. Albert to play in the 18U program.
“The two of them would fit right in,” Grabia said. “I know that.”
15U AAA CARDINALS FROM PAGE 21
Keaton Smith. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Reid Bannerman. John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
Lightning strike Foster in fourth round
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
From the Florida sunshine this week, Tampa Bay Lightning prospect Aiden Foster can taste NHL life, even if development camp is just a sneak peek.
The 18-year-old forward from Lloydminster arrived in Tampa overnight Saturday (June 28), just hours after the Lightning selected him in the fourth round of the NHL draft with the 127th pick overall.
“They set everything up really good for us,” Foster said Sunday night as prospects gathered for Tampa’s weeklong camp. “It’s a really nice hotel spot and our meal tonight was really nice, so we’re pretty lucky. We’ll see how the week goes.
“That’s the exciting part of all this, just getting a glimpse. It kind of makes you want it more. It’s an eye-opener. You can take everything you learned from here back and it gets you ready for pro, which is obviously the goal.”
Foster’s goal became a step closer to reality at about 1 p.m. Saturday when the Lightning called his name during the second day of the NHL draft from Los Angeles. He was sitting at home in Lloydminster, watching TV coverage of the draft with his family and his girlfriend and preparing to host more family members later that afternoon for his high school graduation barbecue.
“It worked out good — it was a draft and grad barbecue,” said Foster, part of the Class of 2025 from Lloydminster Comprehensive High School.
“It was just me and my family watching, and then everyone else came over after (I was drafted) — my uncles, aunties and grandparents.”
Foster has spent two years with the Prince George Cougars of the WHL, playing a physical brand of hockey that endeared him to teammates and feared many of his opponents. His draft stock rose appreciably in the second half of the season, with NHL Central Scouting ranking him 89th among drafteligible North American forwards. Factoring in goaltenders and Europeans, that projection was right in the ballpark with Foster’s selection late in the fourth round.
His sister Alivia, who plays defence with the U18 AAA Lloydminster Steelers, heard the magic words — Prince George — in the background while TV broadcasters were talking just seconds before Foster’s name was called.
“It was kind of weird how it happened,” Foster recalled. “My sister jumped up and said, ‘You got drafted,’ but no one else heard it.
“A couple of seconds later, my name popped up on the screen and I was just like, ‘Holy crap.’ I was speechless and just hugged everyone. It was an unreal feeling. I still can’t really believe it.”
The six-foot-three, 180-pound Foster made a believer of the Lightning, whose head scout and Western league scout followed him closely during the past season and did their homework on the Lloyd boy.
At least five teams, particularly the Florida Panthers and Toronto Maple Leafs, had shown substantive interest in possibly drafting Foster or at least inviting him to their development camp if he wasn’t selected.
“You never really know (what could happen),” he said. “I was really surprised, to be honest.”
That draft unpredictability was evident with the players ranked immediately above and below Foster. Brandon Wheat Kings forward Carter Klippenstein, rated 88th among North American skaters, went to the Minnesota Wild in the fourth round, 123rd overall, while Halifax Mooseheads forward Liam Kilfoil, ranked 90th in the same category, wasn’t selected in the seven-round draft.
BUDDIES RIGHT ON CUE
Foster’s draft shock still hadn’t subsided when a couple of surprise visitors showed up in his garage that rainy afternoon as his family was setting up for the celebratory barbecue. His hometown hockey buddies — Kade Fendelet from the junior A Bobcats and Cayden Wildeman from the junior B Bandits — were wearing Tampa hats, right on cue.
“That was pretty much half an hour after I was picked and they were already there to congratulate me,” Foster said. “It was pretty crazy and all happiness at the same time, and to see my buddies there and how excited they were, it was really cool.”
Fendelet and Wildeman had rushed to Lids store in the Lloyd mall and bought Tampa caps. Soon after, Foster’s family members from Saskatoon and his grandfather from Lloyd purchased the remaining Lightning hats in the same shop.
“They all showed up to my house wearing Tampa Bay hats, so that was pretty cool,” he said. “I guess the person working in the store was saying, ‘What’s the big thing with these Tampa hats?’ They got the last five. They sold out.”
Before he even had a chance to sample any Lightning team clothing, Foster already had a busy afternoon of congratulatory calls and interviews.
“My phone was blowing up and a bunch of people from Tampa called me, and then I hopped on a Zoom call with media from down here (in Florida),” he said.
“I was wearing a collared shirt and some nice pants, just ready for the barbecue. I was kind of prepared, but when (my draft selection) happened, I couldn’t really wrap my head around it. I can’t really believe I’m here (in Tampa) now
Soon after the Tampa Bay Lightning selected Lloydminster’s Aiden Foster in the fourth round of the NHL draft last Saturday, his buddies Cayden Wildeman (left) and Kade Fendelet (right) showed up at Foster’s home wearing new Lightning hats. Submitted photo
and part of this organization.”
Lightning vice-president and general manager Julien BriseBois was among those who called Saturday to welcome Foster to the team.
STRAIGHT TO CAMP
A few hours later, Foster drove to Edmonton to catch a red-eye flight to Tampa for the development camp. While the week is filled with skates, workouts and testing, the fun part of the prospects’ schedule included a Rays’ Major League Baseball game Tuesday, July 1.
For most of his life, Foster played competitive baseball along with his hockey pursuits.
One of the first players to congratulate Foster on Saturday was Prince George teammate Josh Ravensbergen, the six-foot-five goaltender selected in the first round Friday night when the San Jose Sharks chose him 30th overall.
Foster and Ravensbergen became close friends in Prince George, along with Cougars forward Terik Parascak, a first-round selection of the Washington Capitals last year. Before this year’s draft, Parascak and Ravensbergen both spoke highly of Foster for his character and his value to the Cougars.
Lightning scouts recognized those same traits in Foster, whose tenacious play and willingness to stick up for teammates earned him first-line duty the past winter with Cougars stars Parascak and Riley Heidt, a Minnesota prospect.
“For (the Lightning) to take the risk on me shows what they’ve done for me and what I have to do for them,” Foster said.
MORE LOCAL FLAVOUR
Among the 31 players participating in Tampa’s development camp this week is Alaskan-born goaltender Anders Miller, who began the past season playing junior A in Lloydminster before graduating to major junior with the WHL’s Calgary Hitmen. The undrafted Miller, 18, is a Lightning camp invitee.
During his Lloyd school days, Foster remembers watching Tampa win two of the franchise’s three Stanley Cup championships. He has admired skilled and gritty Lightning forwards like Brandon Hagel, Brayden Point, Anthony Cirelli and, more recently, Conor Geekie.
“Now, to be part of the same organization is really cool,” Foster said.
A decade ago, Hagel was playing U18 AAA with the Fort Saskatchewan Rangers when he was called up to the Whitecourt Wolverines to play an Alberta Junior Hockey League game against the Bobcats at Lloydminster’s Centennial Civic Centre.
That’s the same rink where Foster skated up through the Lloyd minor hockey ranks, graduating to the WHL in 2023.
He grew up cheering for the Calgary Flames, who made headlines Friday when they chose Macklin, Sask., centre Cole Reschny in the first round, 18th overall. Reschny, a 92-point man with the Victoria Royals this past WHL season, is headed to the University of North Dakota this fall to continue his hockey journey.
Reschny’s younger brother, Anderson, a defenceman, signed with Prince George this spring after the Cougars selected him in the second round of the WHL draft. Anderson plans to play with the U18 AAA Saskatoon Blazers this coming season.
Bryce Pickford, a defenceman from Chauvin, Alta., became a Montreal Canadiens’ prospect Saturday when he was drafted in the third round, 81st overall. Pickford, 19, is a member of the WHL
champion Medicine Hat Tigers.
Foster is going into his third WHL season with Prince George, which picked him in the third round in 2022.
Along with scouting at the regional level, Tampa’s head scout watched Foster about six times this past year, including a couple of playoff games. Foster had six points in seven playoff games and continued to make his presence felt physically. He’s a willing fighter who accumulated 260 penalty minutes — and 27 points — in 134 regular-season games combined the past two years.
“I bring the energy,” he told reporters who asked about his style of play. “I want to play with grit and play the hard game, kind of be a fan favourite. Throw those hits and be physical, which fans usually like.
“Every team’s goal is winning the Stanley Cup, which is mine, too. A big thing for me is being a playoff player and being a big player in the big moments.”
Foster and his family celebrated a truly big moment Saturday in the border city of Lloydminster.
Lloydminster native Aiden Foster (second from left) poses with fellow 2025 draft selections. Submitted photo
Lloyd golfers in their element as hosts of junior provincials
As the best young golfers in Saskatchewan come to Lloydminster for the junior provincials, the local participants are teeing up from a position of strength.
“Not having a long drive to a tournament is nice to have,” said Lloydminster junior Carson Mazzei. “To sleep in your own bed, it’s good.
“I didn’t do Sask provincials last year, but the tournament was in Yorkton, so that would have been a decent drive.”
This year’s junior provincials run July 8-10 at Lloydminster Golf and Country Club, which last month hosted a Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour tournament involving many of the same players.
“The course has been really nice the last couple of years, with a new grounds crew,” said Mazzei, a 17-year-old going into his senior year at Lloydminster Comprehensive High School.
Mazzei has a good read on the Lloyd course, not only from playing it for years, but also because he’s working at the club this summer.
He’s the oldest of the small Lloyd contingent entered in the junior provincials. His brother Drew, 15, is also in the mix.
Right between the Mazzei brothers, age-wise, is Graydon Moore, who turns 16 in the fall.
Moore also works at Lloyd’s city course, and he’s noticing an increase in interest at the junior level.
“It’s nice to be at the course all day,” he said. “I know a lot of guys that go golfing here. Lots of kids my age or younger. So, lots of junior golfers are out, which is really good to see.”
Moore is even more excited to see the junior provincials in his backyard.
“We had a tournament here about four weeks ago, and it’s just going to be nice to have a home-course advantage again,” he said.
Moore, entering Grade 11 at Lloyd Comp, will try to capitalize on his knowledge of the tendencies of the local course and its layout.
“I’d say tee shots (are the key), where to put the tee shots,” he said. “It’s a really tight course, so you’ve really got to know what to hit and where. Yeah, try to keep it consistent. Try and put confident shots out on the fairways.”
U.S. GOLF TRIPS
Moore experienced a big boost of confidence this winter as he made a few U.S. golf trips.
“I quit hockey last year to pursue golf more,” he said. “I made a couple of trips down south in the winter. I went to California with the family, and then I went to Florida with my mom.
“I went to the Henry Brunton Academy in Florida and spent a week there. It was amazing, a great experience. I played a tournament down there and I got second.” Mazzei and his brother have continued to balance golf with competitive hockey. Carson’s busy spring included top-40 skates with prospects for the U18 AAA Lancers. He was a member of the U17 AAA Lancers last winter.
The U18 AAA Lancers have taken a break until their main camp in August, but Mazzei is still skating at least a couple of times a week in preparation for the final tryouts.
Along with his hockey commitments, Mazzei has been golfing daily. A week after the Maple Leaf tour event in Lloydminster, he was invited to a one-day tournament in Canmore for an Alberta stop on the same junior tour. He was able to gain a measure of redemption after what he described as a disappointing performance the previous week in windy and rainy conditions at Lloyd.
“I felt quite good in Canmore,” Mazzei said. “I didn’t shoot great — it was a really tough course — but I did feel a lot better, especially bouncing back from the weekend before.”
CHALLENGING COURSE
Mazzei concurred with Moore’s assessment of the challenging Lloyd course.
“Yeah, it’s quite narrow and quite bushy — a lot of bush,” he said. “It’s pretty tough to find your ball if you’re not hitting good off the tee.”
Regardless of his placing in the junior provincials, Mazzei said his goal for the prestigious event is to play consistently.
“Playing well would be good,” he said. “It’s definitely a tough course. If I play well, I’ll just be really happy, especially bouncing back from the last tourna ment in Lloyd.”
At that Maple Leaf stop in Lloyd, his younger brother played solidly in the juvenile division. It’s been that kind of season for Drew, who just finished Grade 9.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
From left, Carson Mazzei, Drew Mazzei and Graydon Moore are among the five Lloyd
Onion Lake ushers in summer in style
Proposed Internet Tower in the RM of Wilton No. 472
Proposed Internet Tower in the RM of Wilton No. 472
Please take notice that MCSnet is proposing a tower 150ft free-standing tower in RM of Wilton No.472
Proposed Internet Tower in the RM of Wilton No. 472
Please take notice that MCSnet is proposing a tower 150ft free-standing tower in RM of Wilton No.472
LOCATION
Please take notice that MCSnet is proposing a tower 150ft free-standing tower in RM of Wilton No.472
LOCATION
● SE 7-49-26 W3
LOCATION
● SE 7-49-26 W3
● SE 7-49-26 W3
The purpose of this tower is to provide enhanced Broadband Wireless Internet Services in the area along with VOIP (Voice over IP) telephone services.
The purpose of this tower is to provide enhanced Broadband Wireless Internet Services in the area along with VOIP (Voice over IP) telephone services.
The purpose of this tower is to provide enhanced Broadband Wireless Internet Services in the area along with VOIP (Voice over IP) telephone services.
All equipment complies with Health Canada's Safety Code 6, including combined effects within the local radio environment at all times. The installation will respect good engineering practices, including structural adequacy. The tower will be constructed in compliance with Transport Canada's aeronautical obstruction marking requirements.
All equipment complies with Health Canada's Safety Code 6, including combined effects within the local radio environment at all times. The installation will respect good engineering practices, including structural adequacy. The tower will be constructed in compliance with Transport Canada's aeronautical obstruction marking requirements.
Any person(s) wishing further information, having questions, comments or concerns are asked to contact MCSnet on or before the close of consultation period August 4.
All equipment complies with Health Canada's Safety Code 6, including combined effects within the local radio environment at all times. The installation will respect good engineering practices, including structural adequacy. The tower will be constructed in compliance with Transport Canada's aeronautical obstruction marking requirements.
Any person(s) wishing further information, having questions, comments or concerns are asked to contact MCSnet on or before the close of consultation period August 4.
Proposition de tour Internet dans la municipalité rurale de Wilton n° 472
Any person(s) wishing further information, having questions, comments or concerns are asked to contact MCSnet on or before the close of consultation period August 4.
Proposition de tour Internet dans la municipalité rurale de Wilton n° 472
Veuillez noter que MCSnet propose l'installation d'une tour autoportante de 150 pieds dans la municipalité rurale de Wilton n° 472.
Proposition de tour Internet dans la municipalité rurale de Wilton n° 472
Veuillez noter que MCSnet propose l'installation d'une tour autoportante de 150 pieds dans la municipalité rurale de Wilton n° 472.
EMPLACEMENT
Veuillez noter que MCSnet propose l'installation d'une tour autoportante de 150 pieds dans la municipalité rurale de Wilton n° 472.
EMPLACEMENT
● SE 7-49-26 O3 (Sud-Est de la section 7, canton 49, rang 26, méridien ouest 3)
EMPLACEMENT
● SE 7-49-26 O3 (Sud-Est de la section 7, canton 49, rang 26, méridien ouest 3)
● SE 7-49-26 O3 (Sud-Est de la section 7, canton 49, rang 26, méridien ouest 3)
Le but de cette tour est de fournir des services améliorés d'Internet sans fil à large bande dans la région, ainsi que des services de téléphonie VOIP (Voix sur IP).
Le but de cette tour est de fournir des services améliorés d'Internet sans fil à large bande dans la région, ainsi que des services de téléphonie VOIP (Voix sur IP).
Onion Lake Cree Nation celebrated its annual sports days from June 27 to Canada Day with a full lineup of events in front of big crowds and generally co-operative weather. Along with food and fellowship, the weekend of fun included the Incredi-Bull Rodeo, pony chucks and chariots, Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association races, wild pony and wild horse competitions and the inimitable Indian Relay. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Le but de cette tour est de fournir des services améliorés d'Internet sans fil à large bande dans la région, ainsi que des services de téléphonie VOIP (Voix sur IP).
Tout l'équipement est conforme au Code de sécurité 6 de Santé Canada, y compris les effets combinés dans l'environnement radio local en tout temps. L'installation respectera les bonnes pratiques d'ingénierie, y compris l'adéquation structurelle. La tour sera construite en conformité avec les exigences de marquage des obstacles aéronautiques de Transports Canada.
Tout l'équipement est conforme au Code de sécurité 6 de Santé Canada, y compris les effets combinés dans l'environnement radio local en tout temps. L'installation respectera les bonnes pratiques d'ingénierie, y compris l'adéquation structurelle. La tour sera construite en conformité avec les exigences de marquage des obstacles aéronautiques de Transports Canada.
Tout l'équipement est conforme au Code de sécurité 6 de Santé Canada, y compris les effets combinés dans l'environnement radio local en tout temps. L'installation respectera les bonnes pratiques d'ingénierie, y compris l'adéquation structurelle. La tour sera construite en conformité avec les exigences de marquage des obstacles aéronautiques de Transports Canada.
Toute personne souhaitant obtenir de plus amples informations, poser des questions, faire des commentaires ou exprimer des préoccupations est priée de contacter MCSnet au plus tard le fin de la période de consultation 4 août .
Toute personne souhaitant obtenir de plus amples informations, poser des questions, faire des commentaires ou exprimer des préoccupations est priée de contacter MCSnet au plus tard le fin de la période de consultation 4 août .
Toute personne souhaitant obtenir de plus amples informations, poser des questions, faire des commentaires ou exprimer des préoccupations est priée de contacter MCSnet au plus tard le fin de la période de consultation 4 août . MCSnet
MCSnet
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Attn: Project Department
Ph: (866) 390-3928 Ext: 797
P.O.
Box 98, St.Paul, Alberta T0A 3A0
Attn: Project Department
Email: projects@mcsnet.ca
Ph: (866) 390-3928 Ext: 797
P.O. Box 98, St.Paul, Alberta T0A 3A0
Email: projects@mcsnet.ca
Ph: (866) 390-3928 Ext: 797
Email: projects@mcsnet.ca
John MacNeil photos
“Yeah, he did very well in that Lloyd one,” Carson said. “He’s been hitting the ball quite well. Good ball-striking so far this year.”
Lloydminster bantam golfers Charlie Kappel and Cooper Roberge are also registered for the junior provincials. They played in the Maple Leaf tournament last month, with Roberge posting a second-place finish in their division.
Carson Mazzei said those young guns are showing promise on the golf course.
“They’re very consistent,” he said. “They don’t miss the fairway very often. I don’t play with them very often. Just from what I’ve seen, they maybe don’t hit it the farthest but have a great short game. They hit the ball straight.”
FAMILY AFFAIR
About 90 boys and almost 20 girls were registered for the three-day Saskatchewan junior provincials.
For the Mazzei brothers, the family affair extends to their first cousins Chloe and Jace Wills, junior golfers from Kyle, Sask.
The Wills siblings plan to stay with the Mazzei family during their Lloyd visit.
Carson Mazzei said he and Drew joined the provincial golf circuit in large part because of their cousins paving the way.
“It’s great. I always wanted to do tournaments when I was younger, but we didn’t really know what to do. My cousins have been on this tour for quite a while, so we joined in for one of those events. They’re around the same age as us.”
Chloe Wills has just graduated from high school and now is bound for Missouri to study and golf at the collegiate level.
GOLF AND HOCKEY
Carson Mazzei has struck a workable balance between golf and hockey, which essentially has become a year-round sport with its extensive training in the off-season.
He believes participation in multiple sports provides a mental break from one or the other.
“For sure, if you have a bad day, it helps to take your mind off it (when you) do the other sport or something else,” deduced Mazzei, whose favourite school subject is math.
The individuality of golf makes it “a little more” nerve-racking than a team sport like hockey, he said.
Carson Mazzei, 17, is the oldest of the Lloydminster golfers entered in the Saskatchewan junior provincials on his home course July 8-10.
John MacNeil MERIDIAN SOURCE
“It’s all up to you (in golf). It’s more of an independent sport, so it all depends on what you do and what you can control. It kind of puts a bit more pressure on you.”
Mazzei and the other four Lloyd participants in the junior provincials will try to turn any perceived hometown pressure into an advantage next week.
“Yeah, just kind of using it to focus and hit some good shots,” Mazzei said. “Have a good mental game and just worry about each shot at a time.”
PAGE 29
Thursday, July 3, 2025
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