mh.hlcelectric@gmail.com
Lloydminster: 780-875-6880 | Provost: 780-753-6449 6506 50 Ave, Lloydminster, AB T9V 2W8
Woman rescued from inside garbage truck
Lloydminster RCMP responded to reports of a woman trapped inside a garbage truck early Tuesday, June 24.
The woman stated she was sleeping in a dumpster and ended up in the back of the truck.
Multiple units from the Lloydminster Fire Department responded to the issue with the truck, which had come to a stop in the parking lot
between Border City Clinic and H&R Block. Firefighters removed multiple bags of garbage before gaining access to the woman, co-ordinating with paramedics to remove her on a backboard.
She was moving at the time of extrication and could be seen sitting up on a stretcher shortly afterward.
According to RCMP, she suffered non-lifethreatening injuries and paramedics took her to hospital.
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
The Lloydminster Fire Department help extricate a woman from a garbage truck in the early hours of Tuesday, June 24. The woman was sleeping in a dumpster before ending up in the truck. Dan Gray Meridian Source
Smith, Moe talk federal issues in Lloyd
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith convened their caucuses in Lloydminster on June 18.
The goal was to advocate for significant changes to federal rules governing natural resources.
The joint meeting, held at the Lloydminster Exhibition, saw both leaders criticize federal policies, which they say are blocking economic growth and private investment in Western Canada.
“Today was also an opportunity for us, I think, as caucuses from Saskatchewan and Alberta to discuss some of the differences in alignment as well,” said Moe.
“Ultimately, (it was) to have a better understanding of what is happening in both provinces, where our similarities are and where our opportunities to work together are.”
The joint call focused on several federal laws both provinces want to be scrapped, including Clean Electricity Regulations and the proposed emissions cap on oil and gas.
“Together, we call for an end to all federal interference in the development of provincial resources,” said Smith. “The federal government must remove the barriers it created and fix the federal project approval processes, so private sector proponents have the confidence to invest.”
The premiers want the oil tanker ban on the northern West Coast lifted and are calling for new port-to-port export corridors.
Moe described this as “a generational strate -
gic project” that would connect the Pacific and Hudson Bay coasts.
“That opportunity has to be for all products,” said Moe. “Whether it be hydroelectricity or expanding our rail access. It also has to provide access for the oil and gas industry.”
Moe also noted Saskatchewan has over 100 natural resource projects ready to go in need of federal support.
“In Saskatchewan, we don’t have one or two or three projects that are a priority,” he said. “We have literally in excess of 100 projects that are a priority for us to continue to be a wealth creator.”
Liquefied natural gas shipments from Kitimat, B.C., should begin this week, a topic reporters touched on under the Liberals.
Smith said the fact two major pipelines were built under the Liberals “should not be seen as a success.”
“If we have to build another pipeline with federal taxpayer dollars, that would be a failure of the process,” said Smith. “The federal government simply cannot put so many barriers in the way; all private sector proponents are scared out of the realm.”
She pointed to cancelled projects like Energy East and Keystone XL, noting they could have added 2.5 million barrels per day of export capacity.
“That’s $55 billion worth of revenue year-afteryear-after-year, 40 per cent of which goes to provincial and federal governments,” she said.
Moe also responded, saying the issue goes far beyond pipelines.
“Policies are much larger than any single pipeline that might have to be built,” he said. “If we are going to achieve those aspirations of becoming the strongest economy in the G7, becoming a global energy superpower, we’re going to only do that by creating policies that are going to unleash the opportunity for investment.”
The premiers say access to tidewater via new corridors is crucial to moving energy and agricultural goods to global markets. They also see it as a way to move anything of value from coast to coast.
“Accessing world prices for our resources will benefit all Canadians, including our First Nations partners,” said Smith.
The joint meeting concluded with both premiers expressing their gratitude to each other. Moe called the day “a great event,” and thanked Smith “for bringing the entirety of your caucus one block into Saskatchewan here in Lloydminster, our shared border city.”
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Premiers Danielle Smith and Scott Moe are pictured during a meeting in Lloydminster on June 18. Dan Gray MERIDIAN SOURCE
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
NIPD event draws crowd despite rain
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Rain didn’t stop the Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre (LNFC) from hosting its National Indigenous Peoples Day (NIPD) event.
The gathering kicked off with lunch, which drew a large crowd.
“We’ll start with the opening prayer from an elder,” Deborah Munroe, executive director of LNFC, said before the event. “Then we’ll have our lunch and some showcase dancing like First Nations Dancers and Metis dancers, which would be the jiggers.
“We also have a live band that will be playing and we have events for kids.”
Emcee Grant Whitstone welcomed various speakers, including Audrey Parke, LNFC president, Munroe, Mayor Gerald Aalbers, MP Rosemarie Falk and MLA Colleen Young.
The annual event helps celebrate Indigenous culture.
“Indigenous Day is meant to showcase our culture and be proud of who we are and to celebrate the fact we’re still here,” said Munroe.
It was also an opportunity to bring out various vendors.
“We have an artisan market, a number of vendors coming to showcase and sell their items. They range anywhere from Indigenous medicines to beading and different crafts,” said Munroe, noting NIPD is an important day.
“As Indigenous people, we’re recognized, of course, one day a year, nationally,” she said. “It’s important to our history, to our culture, to reconciliation.
“It’s important we’re allowed to … now allowed to showcase our culture and speak our language and dance our dances and be who we are.”
The Lloydminster Native Friendship Centre hosted a National Indigenous Peoples Day event on June 21 Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source photos
Premiers dance around hospital timeline
Lloydminster residents have expressed the need for a new hospital for some time. Premiers Danielle Smith and Scott Moe, however, say there’s no timeline on making that hope a reality, yet.
The premiers convened in the Border City on June 18 for meetings when the subject of health care was addressed by members of the media.
“In the case of Lloydminster, we are constantly looking, alongside the province of Alberta, as to where our next investments are from a health care, acute care and hospital bed perspective,” said Moe at the Lloyd Ex.
Smith said the process for funding health care in Lloydminster is unique.
“I believe the hospital system, as well as the school system, fall under Saskatchewan authority. We have a cost-sharing arrangement for our percentage,” said Smith. “I think we pay about 60 per cent of the cost.”
An assessment is underway in Alberta to see where new acute care beds should be placed. Part of that work is moving patients out of hospital beds when they should be in other care.
“We need to have more home care, more longterm care, more mental health and addiction spaces,” said Smith. “Those are the spaces we’re trying to build first.”
Smith also said it’s about making sure patients are “in the right place, getting treated the right way,” before building more acute care space.
“I think both provinces have the ability to invest in health care. (This is) due to the relative strength of the economies that we have,” he said, noting Saskatchewan has built 25 health-care facilities in recent years.
Both premiers stated collaboration is key, pointing to Lloydminster’s unique situation as a city straddling two provinces.
“Mayor (Gerald) Aalbers has been a tremendous advocate on all things Lloydminster. He often refers to the Lloydminster Charter and will suggest changes he would like to see in that charter,” said Moe, adding work is ongoing.
“Where they need to be located, what is the age of the infrastructure and all of that is going through that process,” he said.
Local Business Directory
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Source file photo
Border City Farmers Market marks 50 years
concourse of the Servus Sports Centre and has been there ever since.
The market runs every Thursday from noon to 5 p.m. year-round and on Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. October through April.
“We have everything from birdhouses and baking to weighted blankets, Tupperware and Scentsy. It’s a little bit of everything and everyone puts their heart and soul into whatever they’re doing. They have a lot of pride in their work,” said Pattison, noting the market averages 20 vendors each Thursday.
“They come from all around. Most are local, but we have one from Viking and one from Irma.”
Vendor Alan Anderson, who’s now a regular while enjoying retirement, specializes in high-quality wood products and has penned several books he encourages customers to read.
“I’ve been a vendor here for about eight years and my favourite part is the vendors,” he said. “This is a community, and we help each other. A close second to the vendors is talking to the people that walk by. We talk about wood, writing, anything really.”
It was a special day at the Servus Sports Centre as the Border City Farmers Market and its vendors celebrated 50 years in the community.
The June 12 event featured the organization’s dedicated vendors, bouncy houses and face painting for the kids, a charity barbecue in support of Big Brothers Big Sisters and live entertainment by The Prairie Dogs.
Border City Farmers Market president Alice Pattison explained the market started as tents in the mall parking lot, before moving indoors to the Wildrose Pavilion (now Nissan Hall). It eventually found a permanent home in the main
Prairie Palette’s Lynn Lakusta started vending last spring and loves setting her table up each week.
“Meeting the people that come into the market is my favourite part; it’s wonderful,” she said. “We like to interact with them; show them all the special things we have to sell and serve them with.”
For Pattison, the market is all about supporting local.
“It’s too bad more people don’t come down and check it out regularly. We have a lot of unique stuff here and it’s great we’re inside.”
Above: Deputy Mayor Michele Charles Gustafson (left) and Alice Pattison cut the cake at the Border City Farmers Market’s 50-year celebration on June 12 at the Servus Sports Centre. Right: The Praire Dogs play their hearts out. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR
Each month, the Source highlights one member of the Lloydminster community as a fun way to bring us all closer together!
This month, we featured another local business owner and city councillor, Jim Taylor ! Jim has been the owner of Grindin’ Gears Bikes and Boards since it opened in May 2017.
If you didn’t do what you do for a living, what would you be doing?
Probably very well-rested.
It’s Sunday morning, what are you having for breakfast?
Eggs, toast, bacon and coffee.
If you could see one concert, what would it be?
Metallica again with my daughter.
If you could have one super power, what would it be?
Teleportation.
What was your childhood celebrity crush?
Natasha Henstridge.
What is your favourite TV show?
Whatever darn season of The Curse of Oak Island we are on now. Where is this treasure?
What’s your dream car?
A fully-restored Toyota FJ45.
What’s your fast-food guilty pleasure?
Gotta be Arbys roast beef sandwich, but only from Lloydminster.
Last book you couldn’t put down?
I’ve tried but I don’t get time for books.
Which person, alive or dead, would you like to have dinner with?
Kobe Bryant.
What’s the one thing you haven’t done that you’d love to do?
Heli snowboard trip.
What’s the best thing about Lloydminster?
Being able to be home in five minutes for lunch or quickly to pick up the kids for sports. The family and friends make it pretty great as well.
If we’re buying you’re having ....
A new Specialized S-works Turbo Levo 4, we are talking bikes, right?
What’s your favourite vacation destination?
Anywhere where there is a fresh snow and short lift lines.
What’s your weirdest habit?
I have to have good socks on every day.
What’s currently playing in your car or on your smartphone right now?
The Record Company.
What’s your biggest pet peeve?
Headwinds in every direction when out for a ride.
What are your words to live by?
If you ain’t got nothing nice to say, don’t say nothing at all.
Who’s your hero?
My wife and kids, their support and encouragement and vision gets you going every day.
The focus and determination they have is inspiring.
What was your most embarrassing moment?
Getting longtime customers’ names wrong, it happens daily.
Jim Taylor is the owner of Grindin’ Gears Bikes and Boards and a sitting City of Lloydminster councillor. Submitted photo
Source file photo
Province says Rush Lake leak still active
Saskatchewan’s government says the Rush Lake 2 leak is not fully under control, even as Cenovus works to stop
The Ministry of Energy and Resources confirmed it gave Cenovus approval to bring in drilling equipment, “to attempt new underground
mitigation efforts to stop the uncontrolled release.”
Cenovus said in a statement on June 23 that “this is a common operation in these circumstances and is not for production.”
The province also stated that no drilling was happening at Rush Lake when the leak began in May. The site was injecting steam to heat oil
underground and pump it to the surface.
While all equipment at the site belongs to Cenovus, the province is overseeing the response. That means checking data, approving cleanup plans and flying drones over the area to test the air.
Those drones test for hydrogen sulfide gas, also known as H2S. The ministry said while strong smells remain, tests show no threat to public health.
Rush Lake water safety
Cenovus has repeatedly assured the public and province that the water and river are safe. They repeated that claim in the June 23 statement.
“We continue to monitor nearby water bodies and there has been no impact,” said a Cenovus statement
Provincial officials also said there is no threat to drinking water. Cenovus has built berms to hold leaking fluids on site. Crews are collecting the muddy, silty water and sending it to waste facilities.
“Test results of water tributaries near the site show no fluid has made its way to the North Saskatchewan River,” assured ministry officials.
The province said it has not yet started a full investigation. That investigation will begin after the leak is stopped. They stated it’s too early to know what caused the leak or whether it could happen at other wells. Once the leak is fully stopped, the province will start its investigation and decide what cleanup work must be done.
For now, Cenovus continues managing the site with help from third-party experts. The province confirmed Cenovus is following reporting rules during the cleanup.
Two killed in plane crash near Vermilion
The Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) has confirmed it’s investigating the plane crash that occurred outside Vermilion on June 21.
“Two TSB investigators were deployed to the site of a small plane crash near Vermillion, Alta., for data collection,” stated government officials.
“A privately-registered Shinn Aircraft Engineering (Varga) model 2150A, C-GFHZ, was operating on a local flight from Vermillion (CYVG), Alta., with the pilot and a passenger onboard. Both received fatal injuries and there was a post-impact fire.”
The wreckage will be recovered and taken to the TSB facility in Edmonton for further examination.
Meanwhile, the Town of Vermilion extended its condolences June 22 concerning the incident.
“On behalf of the Town of Vermilion, council, and our entire community, I extend our deepest condolences to the families, loved ones, and all those affected by yesterday’s tragic accident near
our local airport,” stated Deputy Mayor Joshua Rayment.
“Our thoughts and prayers are with the families during this incredibly difficult time, and we want them to know that our community stands with them in their grief.”
He proceeded to thank the RCMP, firefighers and paramedics for their response to the incident.
On June 24, the MP for Lakeland added her condolences via social media.
“I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic plane crash near Vermilion over the weekend that claimed the lives of two Albertans. — a 46-yearold pilot from Slave Lake and a 76-year-old passenger from Mannville,” stated Shannon Stubbs.
“To the families, friends and communities of both victims: please know that my thoughts and heartfelt condolences are with you during this incredibly difficult time. No words can ease the grief of such a sudden and devastating loss, but I hope you feel the love and support surrounding you from across Lakeland and beyond.”
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Video screenshot
DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER
Filipino Festival brings culture to Lloydminster
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
The gloomy skies and rainy forecast couldn’t douse the strong Filipino spirit from Bud Miller All Seasons Park.
The fourth annual Filipino Festival brought an excited crowd to Bud Miller to celebrate Filipino culture.
Hosted by the United Filipino Canadians of Lloydminster and Area, the festival kicked off with a foot parade leading to the vendor area in the field by the amphitheatre.
There were cultural presentations, wagon rides, food vendors, live bands and a kids’ fun zone.
The Filipino Festival has grown considerably since its inception.
“We only expected hundreds of people attending the first time we organized it,” said Dowsan Antonio, United Filipino Canadians of Lloydminster and Area president. “Around 1,500 to 2,000 showed up that day.
“We are just so surprised. People said it becomes one of the tourist attractions of Lloydminster.”
The festivities were open to anyone wanting to enjoy Filipino culture. The event also aims to promote the culture.
“Our main purpose, of course, is to promote and inculcate among the young generations of Filipino Canadians the Filipino culture, traditions and customs,” said Antonio.
“It’s open to everyone, we have these Filipino Canadians committed to our culture and tradition and are proud of our culture and tradition.”
Despite rain, the Filipino Festival was a roaring success June 21 at Bud Miller All Seasons Park. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source photos
Thursday, June 26, 2025
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Viewpoint
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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
Dewberry students gain unique opportunity
Dewberry School was among 20 schools from across Canada recently selected by the natural resource charity, Inside Education to come together in Calgary to better understand the science, issues, technology and careers related to energy and climate.
In a country where energy and climate change can be polarizing topics and complex terms like the energy transition and net zero are frequently discussed, it’s no surprise Canadian youth are keen to engage and learn about actions they can take to create a sustainable energy future.
“Young Canadians should be provided with educational experiences that develop their critical thinking skills, promote innovation and creativity to understand energy topics and play an active role in shaping their energy future.
Generate was the 14th in a series of environmental youth leadership summits hosted by Inside Education, offering Canadian youth behind-the-scenes access to energy innovations in action, along with face-toface connections with those at the forefront of the new frontier of energy in Canada.
“Young Canadians should be provided with educational experiences that develop their critical thinking skills, promote innovation and creativity to understand energy topics and play an active role in shaping their energy future,” explained Kathryn Wagner, Inside Education’s executive director.
“Experiential learning opportunities like Generate equip youth with knowledge and leadership skills, providing a foundation for informed decision-making and ongoing commitment to responsible stewardship of our country’s natural resources.”
During the four-day summit, 180 participants
from across Canada were given a unique opportunity to meet and engage with an array of energy and climate experts, ranging from sector industry leaders/decision-makers like Lisa Pollio from Energy Safety Canada, Valerie Miller from Future Energy Systems at the University of Alberta, Vittoria Bellissimo from Canadian Renewable Energy Association, Mike Karach from Pembina Pipelines, and Jennifer Chen from Emissions Reduction Alberta.
Key highlights included an inspiring TED Talk session discussing the future of energy in Canada featuring three leading experts, intimate conversations with 19 roundtable hosts, and multiple off-site tours, including SAIT, where participants explored how post-secondary institutions are addressing energy and climate change challenges; CleanO2, where participants saw the innovation of turning captured carbon into soap; Carbon Upcycling, where captured carbon is turned cement; GoElectric, where combustion vehicles are turned into electric; Bow Valley College, where they learned about the impacts of development on wildlife; and Bonnybrook Wastewater Treatment Plant, where they learned about turning waste into energy.
Building on the knowledge and skills gained at Generate, each team is challenged to share their knowledge with their communities through an environmental action project to be completed by the end of the school year.
- Submitted by Inside Education
Submitted photo
Thursday, June 26, 2025 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Chris’ A-Z: A jubilant theatre opening
Vic Juba. There may not be a name more synonymous with Lloydminster.
That name in modern day is also closely associated with the theatre attached to Lakeland College. His list of achievements and his impact on the community will likely span multiple editorial pages, but today I was interested in the theatre.
To think of the border city without a community theatre seems odd these days. It’s such an integral part of the community, drawing in crowds for a variety of interesting acts gracing its stage.
The theatre started with humble beginnings. Juba and the theatre committee worked to raise money to make it a reality. They didn’t set themselves a time-based deadline, rather, goals for fundraising.
The cost was expected to be between $3 to $4 million with the city committing $2 million to the project. The committee wanted to raise $500,000 before hiring an architect and $1 million before
they started to dig into the ground.
The theatre wouldn’t be standing today without the community. Half the funds needed were raised thanks to people seeing the vision of having arts in Lloyd.
Juba was instrumental in the theatre project with the sod officially being turned on April 6, 2001. The same day it was revealed Juba would be the theatre’s namesake.
It was a surprise to him at the event that he was being honoured in such a way.
The theatre had some cutting-edge technology at the time which included an orchestra pit. Items could be lowered down and raised up, allowing for some innovative uses of the stage.
Today, of course, the theatre still operates and is a vital part of the City of Lloydminster.
Touring acts, locals and schools have all graced the stage at the community theatre. It operates today as a non-profit and offers a variety of shows for the border city.
The theatre brings art and culture to Lloydminster.
Many past performers and familiar faces have appeared on the stage, and many will continue to do so. The venue is active for over 175 event days a
Gray Matters: A bi-provincial prop
A week ago, both premiers, their respective caucuses and everything that comes with them came to Lloydminster.
It was a grandiose, “historical” event, taking place right under our noses at the Lloydminster Exhibition.
The cavalry of media that isn’t local was here in full force. That only happens for murders or something of this magnitude, so I’ve learned. CBC, the company set to open a bureau here, had five employees in town for the event.
Global, CTV, all the big players, plus numerous national outlets by phone, were all in attendance.
So, what was the purpose of this event? Of them gathering in Lloydminster as a collective? Demanding co-operation from the federal government on federal issues.
Yes, politicians use communities as backdrops for things not related to the community. It happens all the time. But considering our community has been asking for something like this for years, why not at least hear from some of our local groups and give them time in front of everyone?
Not to mention the numerous issues unique to Lloydminster — health files not being shared, a need for a new hospital, and desperately needed infrastructure funding.
I was made aware they talked about bi-provincial trade, which, in speaking with municipal officials, is a major issue here. But not the nitty-gritty stuff our citizens have demanded for years from their governments.
All the movers and shakers from both provinces were here. Anyone who could make a decision. And yet, we were just a prop, a backdrop to show the rest of the country they were united.
Both premiers even went as far as being non-committal to anything related to the hospital project. Rush Lake? No new information. Every other question from all the big media had nothing to do with our community.
If one thing came out of this for Lloydminster, it’s this: when our location tag flashed on national networks, maybe a few people Googled us. Maybe they’ll visit the place where history was supposedly made.
Too bad the footnote to that historical visit is just the same old, same old. No Lloydminster issues were solved here that day.
year, boasting a 550-seat venue. I love the idea of bringing these kinds of attractions to the city, helping the local economy and keeping Lloyd lively.
If you haven’t been to a show I’d recommend going, I was lucky enough to be at the theatre when a Ukrainian dance festival came to town. I was amazed by the beautiful lighting and comfy seats, taking in something I may not normally see.
Source file photo
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.
Passport to YLL
To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147
Cards, games, food, meetings, 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.
Onion Lake Cree Nation Sports Day
Onion Lake Cree Nation is hosting Sports Day at the Onion Lake Heritage Park Rodeo Grounds from June 27 to July 1. The five-day event features everything from bull and calf riding, pony chucks and chariot races, Indian relay racing, wild pony and rubber tire races, and a pancake breakfast at 9 a.m. on Canada Day!
Cribbage Doubles Tourney
The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on June 26 starting at 10 a.m. Cost to play is $10/person, lunch is available for $12/
person. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.
Canada Day at Bud Miller All Seasons Park Celebrate Canada Day this Tuesday with the City of Lloydminster at Bud Miller All Seasons Park. Presented by Anderson Insurance Group and Jason Arden and Associates, the fun starts at 1 p.m. on the amphitheatre main stage and opening ceremonies are at 1:15 p.m. Live music by locals will fill the afternoon and Jordyn Pollard goes on at 7 p.m. The day will feature food vendors, a farmers market, animal attractions and an 11 p.m. fireworks display will close out the night. The Bioclean Aquatic Centre will also be open from noon to 5 p.m. Anyone interested in taping a dip can register at lloydminster.ca/swim. We know how parking can be a nightmare on Canada Day and remind everyone of the free shuttle service running from the Servus Sports Centre parking lot starting at noon. The shuttle leaves the multiplex every hour and will leave Bud Miller every half hour. The City of Lloydminster also encourages everyone to bike to the park. Bike racks will be set up near the event site.
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.
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!
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
Media wall sponsored at Cenovus Hub
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
A new sponsorship for the Cenovus Energy Hub has secured naming rights to the facility’s media wall.
Renown Down Hole Solutions sponsored the new arena’s wall for $90,000.
“Renown has always believed in giving back to the community since day one,” said Renown Down Hole Solutions president Ryan Turner. “We try our very best to sponsor as much as we can.”
The media wall is located in the main event arena, meeting the needs of media covering events and sports.
The donation helps support the building of the new arena and the development of Lloydminster.
“This project wouldn’t be what it is without the generous support of businesses like Renown Down Hole Solutions,” said Coun. Jason Whiting.
“As someone with deep roots in Lloydminster, it means a lot to me to see local partners step up and invest in our community like this.”
The new arena is set to open in September.
Growing experiences and connections as deputy mayor
CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
Being deputy mayor is an opportunity for councillors to step into the top seat for a short time and gain new experiences.
For Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson, it was an experience to learn and connect more with her new role as councillor.
“I had a real unique opportunity to step into things that I might not have been able to experience,” she said. “Which is really awesome and has helped me deepen my connection to the community, but also to the councillor role.”
Charles Gustafson’s calendar filled up quickly as summer rolled in.
“I was able to cut the ribbon at the 50th anniversary of the Lloydminster Learning Council, but also the 50th anniversary of the Border City Farmers Market,” she said. “Both of them are very important to keeping residents connected to each other and celebrating our rural routes, but also places for people to call home.”
Her time as deputy mayor has been highlighted by a citizenship ceremony, something she says is very personal to her.
“I was at the citizenship ceremony on behalf of the city since we put that event on and it’s sponsored by Catholic Social Services,” said Charles Gustafson.
“I absolutely love a citizenship ceremony, mostly because it reminds me of when I took my own citizenship.
“It’s just a personal passion for me,” she said, noting her own experience obtaining her citizenship. “I had done that exact same citizenship walk when I was a youth and how important and inspiring it is to become a new Canadian.”
It wasn’t just local events that kept her busy as she travelled for a number of different conventions in her time as councillor.
“I was able to go to a couple of different conferences over the time,” Charles Gustafson said, having attended the mid-size city mayor’s caucus, Alberta municipalities spring caucus, the Saskatchewan Urban Municipalities Association and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
Getting to attend these different events and conventions has given her a broader perspective on the work she’s doing.
“I really think it’s important, especially to me, but I also think for the respect for the position, to understand the perspective from the table all the way up,” she said, describing it as a scale seeing it from zero feet, 10,000 feet, 20,000 feet and up.
“At FCM in Ottawa, I was able to see the 50,000 feet. Oh, this is how our municipal life ties into federal life and you can see the challenges with that.”
Her schedule may be busy, but her own expertise helps her manage her time effectively.
“In what I do as a personal development, coach I actually teach people, mostly women, to balance their life and their priorities,” said Charles Gustafson.
“So, I am practising what I preach.”
When it comes to the community, she believes people have been engaged in the work the new council is doing.
“There’s been lots of conversations around issues that we’ve had around the table, very respectful conversations,” she said. “I’m really inspired to know that we can have good quality discussions about issues and respectful conversations about issues.
“We’re talking to people and people are talking.”
Getting people engaged in council work has been something Charles Gustafson is passionate about, encouraging people to tune in weekly.
“I always encourage people to watch the live stream of council meetings,” she said. “I always share with them, put it on like a podcast, stick it on the side of your desk. You’re taking your Monday afternoon and you’re listening along.”
She says the city has good systems for transparency related to the work they do if individuals are paying attention and connecting.
If residents do have concerns, she says it’s important to connect and share what they are.
“I’ve had residents reach out to me,” said Charles Gustafson. “You can find it (her email) on the city website. Share what their concerns are.”
She has taken her new role as councillor in a way to help anyone understand the discussions and items around the council table.
“It is my aim to help people understand the complicated stuff. I think that’s part of the gifts that I bring to the table,” said Charles Gustafson.
Coun. Michele Charles Gustafson attended the 50th anniversary of the Lloydminster Learning Council Dan Gray Meridian Source
Celebrate Canada Day!
Happy Canada Day from the City of Lloydminster
Happy Canada Day!
Today is a time to come together and celebrate what makes Canada so special — the people, the land and the shared values that shape our communities. From neighbourhood barbecues to large public events, Canada Day is a joyful reminder of the pride we feel in calling this country home.
Whether you’re gathering with friends, enjoying live entertainment, or watching the night sky come alive with fireworks, I hope you take in the moments that make this day memorable.
Today is also an opportunity to reflect on the journey we are on as a country. While there is much to be proud of, we know there is still work to do to ensure Canada is a place where everyone feels valued and supported. Here in Lloydminster, we are proud to be part of a multicultural community that grows stronger through understanding and connection. By continuing to listen and learn from one another, we can help shape a future built on respect and opportunity for all.
Let’s take this day to celebrate and renew our commitment to the values that define Canada. On behalf of the City of Lloydminster, we wish you a safe and memorable Canada Day.
- Mayor Gerald S. Aalbers, City of Lloydminster
Fun ways to celebrate Canada Day
Do you want to celebrate Canada on July 1? On top of participating in local events, you could observe the day with family and friends. Here are some inspiring ideas.
Forehead name game
Write the names of famous Canadians, like politicians, athletes and musicians, on sticky notes and stick them to each other’s foreheads. Each person must try to guess who they are by asking yes and no questions.
Canadian potluck
Buying local is essential to your community’s economic vitality. Invite your family and friends over for a potluck that exclusively features food and drinks produced in the country.
Crafts contest
Enjoy some friendly competition with arts and crafts done in small teams. The goal is to create artwork symbolic of Canada, such as a beaver, the Rocky Mountains or a maple leaf. Take a vote to decide on the winner and hand out little prizes — made in Canada, of course!
Sing or dance to local music
There are plenty of Canadian music artists whose songs inspire the urge to cut a rug or sing along at top volume. Make a winning Canadian playlist and crank it up!
Typical Canadian sport
Work off that extra energy in good company by organizing a lacrosse or hockey mini-tourney — make it ball hockey if you don’t have access to a rink. After the games, gather around a barbecue to celebrate.
Mayor Gerald Aalbers helps kickoff Filipino Festival activities at Bud Miller All Seasons Park on June 21. Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source
Reasons to celebrate our beautiful country
On July 1, Canada comes together to celebrate in style with live events, entertainment, large gatherings, fireworks and parades.
Living in a nation filled with wonders and treasures, as well as passionate and inspiring people, Canadians have every reason to be proud of their country. Here are some examples of what makes Canada special.
Stunning nature
As the second-largest country in the world, Canada boasts breathtaking landscapes from Cape Breton to Vancouver Island, including the Bay of Fundy, the Saguenay Fjord, Niagara Falls and the Rocky Mountains, to name just a few. Of course, you can’t forget about the stunning Northern Lights!
Decorated athletes
Canada is a powerhouse of sports, especially in hockey, with remarkable victories in the 4 Nations Face-Off and a record for the highest number of wins among goalkeepers. Legendary Canadian goalies like Martin Brodeur, MarcAndré Fleury, Patrick Roy, Roberto Luongo and Ed Belfour dominate the top five.
Canada’s athletic achievements extend beyond hockey. Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir are the most decorated figure skaters in Olympic history. Clara Hughes has excelled in both speed skating and cycling. You can’t mention notable Canadian athletes without honouring the enduring legacy of marathon runner Terry Fox.
Delicious food
From poutine, butter tarts, Nanaimo bars and pastries shaped like a beaver’s tail to lobster rolls, Caesars, Montreal smoked meat sandwiches and even peanut butter, Canadians know how to indulge in delicious treats.
Revolutionary inventions
Many familiar inventions, including the telephone, sonar, insulin, the snowmobile, the walkie-talkie, IMAX technology, the electric wheelchair, the pacemaker, the goalkeeper’s mask and the garbage bag, stem from Canadian ingenuity.
Cheers to Canada!
Wishing everyone a fun and safe
We will be closed Monday, June 30 a and safe
Just Kruzin’ revs up another great show
Dunhaime was happy with the participation in the 17th annual Just Kruzin’ Car Show. Considering the weather, it was a fantastic turnout with nearly 200 cars attending, he said. “It was very, very respectable for the day, with the weather the way it was.”
Gerry
Dan Gray Meridian Source photos
Thursday, June 26, 2025
Foster’s fight raises his NHL draft stock
For at least a couple of reasons, NHL draft prospect Aiden Foster is the kind of player Don Cherry would probably like.
Foster, a feisty forward from Lloydminster, doesn’t plan to attend the draft proceedings June 27 and 28 in Los Angeles. It’s the same approach Cherry preached for years as a colourful commentator on Hockey Night in Canada, advising young players to stay home — and avoid potential disappointment — unless they were considered top prospects and probable picks.
Most notably, Cherry would respect Foster for his toughness, as evidenced through his two years with the Prince George Cougars in the Western Hockey League.
Foster is just 18, but he’s already considered one of the most feared fighters in the WHL and has enough highlight videos to fill an episode of Don Cherry’s Rock’em Sock’em Hockey.
While the game has changed from Cherry’s era of tough hockey, there’s obviously still room for fighters, or at least those like Foster who can back it up with considerable skill as well.
While he made a name for himself as a willing fighter during his 16-year-old rookie season, Foster broadened his game during a breakthrough sophomore year.
He spent a large chunk of this past season on Prince George’s top line with Washington Capitals first-round draft choice Terik Parascak and Minnesota Wild second-round selection Riley Heidt. Both of those players are already signed to NHL contracts.
Foster collected six points in seven playoff games, after scoring 11 goals and 20 points in 68 regular-season games, while amassing 136 penalty minutes and making room for the most talented Cougars to create offence.
“Yeah, me and Riley aren’t the most physical guys, so I think Aiden definitely brought that little extra grit to our line, kind of connected our skill, and his aggressiveness just opened up a lot of ice for us to do our thing,” Parascak, 19, said from Calgary, his off-season training base.
“As much as Aiden is a heavy forechecker and more of an aggressive guy, he does have that skill and shows good flashes of that and can put the puck in the net. So, he added a great deal to our line and was an awesome addition.”
Parascak, the 17th overall selection in last year’s NHL draft, has also become best buddies with Foster. They began their WHL careers at the same time. They also bonded as roommates on the road during the season.
“He’s definitely become one of my best friends,” said Parascak, a Lethbridge native. “Such a good kid and obviously a really good hockey player. I’m excited for this next week, for him, with the draft. Hopefully, all goes well. He’s definitely deserving of it. There’s not enough good things I could say about him.
“He’s a guy that’s willing to do anything for other people. You see it with his style of game — he’s willing to fight for teammates, he’s willing to play the hard game and do that side of things. I got to experience that, playing on a line with him for a lot of the season. He was always right in there, ready to stick up for guys, especially me.”
Foster racked up 88 penalty minutes (along
with 34 points in 38 games) in his lone U18 AAA season with the Lloydminster Bobcats (now Lancers), so aggressive play wasn’t exactly foreign to him when he arrived in the WHL.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 18
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Prince George Cougars’ feisty forward Aiden Foster of Lloydminster climbed 45 spots in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings for this weekend’s draft. John MacNeil Meridian Source
But he knew that to stay in major junior, he would need to make a strong first impression at training camp.
“Going into it, I didn’t know what to expect,” Foster said. “I just put my head down and trained hard. In the summer, it was obviously my goal.
“And then, coming in as a young guy, just did whatever it takes to get a roster spot, to get a role on the team. So, I kind of found my role, being physical, and coaches liked it, and I just tried to add to that. Then, I was fortunate enough to make it as a 16-year-old.”
Now six-foot-three and 180 pounds, Foster weighed about 165 pounds at that 2023 training camp, during which he didn’t play like a lean 16-year-old. He challenged older teammates, and eventually veteran opponents, asserting himself in old-school hockey fashion.
When a 20-year-old knocked off Foster’s helmet during camp, he dropped his gloves, despite the four-year age gap.
“Then, I just wanted to showcase myself, no matter what happened,” he said. “Just instinct, I guess. It kind of went from there. I didn’t have too much practice of it from before. Just went with what I’ve watched and learned.
“Last year, I wasn’t big at all. I tried to lie about my weight a lot and put weights on me for weigh-ins and stuff like that. So, it was more just the fight in
me, fighting guys 40 to 50 pounds heavier than me. I mean, I’m tall, so I’ve got a long reach, but it’s more of just who wants it more.”
Foster soon became a fan favourite in blue-collar Prince George, where work ethic and scrappiness are appreciated among the red-white-and-black faithful. Some of those Cougars’ fans even remembered his father Aaron playing with Prince George more than 20 years ago, en route to his ECHL minor-pro career.
Aiden, a third-round pick (61st overall) in the 2022 WHL draft, progressed so much in the second half of this season that he was ranked 89th among North American skaters eligible for this year’s draft. In those final NHL Central Scouting rankings, he jumped up 45 spots from the mid-season report.
“I was pretty shocked to see that kind of improvement,” said Foster, who was hoping to crack the top 100.
While he’s mild-mannered off the ice, Foster brings an emotional spark to the Cougars when he hits the ice, regardless of whether he fights. He has dropped the gloves — and held his own — against WHL heavyweights like Andrew Petruk and Reggie Newman, both two years older than Foster.
“There’s been a lot of big boys that I fought, just way bigger than me and you can just feel the strength when you’re fighting them,” he said. “They’re all tough and all spirited fights.
“I fought three fights in my first eight games, so lots of guys started coming after me. But I feel it brings the best out of me, when I’m emotionally invested in the game. I like that edge that I bring to the game. I feel like when guys are giving it to me, it lights a fire under me and gets me going.
“I found my teammates and my coaches, they all respected it and liked what I did. It was more of just finding the balance in when to fight. I feel like I learned the right way on how to fight and kick-start the guys in the room, and how it can impact a game.”
NHL ROLE MODELS
Foster remains cautious about serious injuries that can result from fighting in hockey, but he also believes it’s an important role to protect players.
He was encouraged to see the towering Matt Rempe embraced this season as a tough player with the New York Rangers, right from a fight on his first NHL shift.
Long-serving NHL forwards like Jamie Benn, Adam Lowry and Tom Wilson are among the physical yet skilled players that Foster likes to try to emulate.
“They’re all guys that play with skill but then play physical and are not afraid to drop ’em,” he said. “All leaders on their teams, too. Gritty hockey in a way. That’s kind of what I like to play.”
His buddy Parascak believes Foster’s style is rare in hockey nowadays.
“You look at the game it is today, there’s not many players like him,” said Parascak, who has 211 points overall in two seasons with Prince George. “He’s got size, he’s got that bit of skill, and he works hard. He plays a hard game. I’m really hopeful for Aiden that come draft day, he’ll hear his name called. If not, I have no doubt that he’ll keep working and he’ll find his way.”
Parascak likened Foster’s determination on the ice to that of “big-name players” like Sam Bennett and Matthew Tkachuk, two hard-nosed forwards fresh off a Stanley Cup championship with the Florida Panthers.
“Just the way they play the game — they’re in front of the net, they battle hard, they’re willing to do anything for their teammates, they’re willing to fight — they do a lot of those things,” he said. “Those are the guys that win Stanley Cups.”
Foster has grown up cheering for the Calgary Flames, just like his father and grandfather. Multiple teams have contacted him in advance of the draft. The Utah Mammoth invited him to their combine in early June.
If he’s not drafted, Foster is still hopeful an NHL team invites him to its development camp in July.
He planned to celebrate his high school graduation from Lloydminster Comprehensive this week and watch the draft from home this weekend with family and friends.
Don Cherry would likely approve.
FOSTER
NHL draft-eligible forward Aiden Foster (right), an 18-year-old Lloydminster native, has been a willing fighter during his two seasons with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars. Submitted photo
High-profile Cougars endorse Foster
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
As aggressive a game as he plays on the ice, Lloydminster’s Aiden Foster has a decidedly different reputation off the ice.
That’s the word from Foster’s teammates with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars.
Josh Ravensbergen, the top-ranked goaltender for this week’s NHL draft, considers the draft-eligible Foster one of his close friends.
“I didn’t have a car my first year (in Prince George), so he drove probably 10 minutes out of his way, every day, to come pick me up for practice,” Ravensbergen said of Foster. “I think that was really the start of (our friendship). Just a really nice thing to do.
“He’d pick me up and we were able to spend a lot of time in the car together and grow closer. It just shows the kind of character he has, going out of his way and giving guys rides. This year, too, he had to drive some of the rookies around when they got called up for playoffs and they didn’t have a car. He’ll do things like that. It shows he’s a good teammate and cares about you.”
During his two years as a forward with the Cougars, Foster has repeatedly stood up for his teammates with his physical play. In the process, he’s become a feared and respected fighter across the WHL.
“I think people on every team know who he is and probably don’t want to pick a fight with him,” Ravensbergen said. “But I think he’s grown his awareness and people know who he is and that he’s feisty, which is a good thing. They definitely look out for when he’s on the ice.
“It’s really good having someone in front of you who has your back. As a goalie, you’re not hit as much, but I’m sure the other players really appreciated that (presence), having somebody there that’ll stick up for you. Just a good team player.”
‘SUPER GRITTY PLAYER’
Ravensbergen is a first-round prospect who interviewed with 26 teams during the NHL draft combine this month in Buffalo. Multiple teams asked him about Foster, and Ravensbergen told those scouts that they would be wise to select such “a super gritty player” and likeable teammate.
“He’s a great guy,” Ravensbergen said from a Burnaby, B.C., goalie camp. Another high-profile Cougar — Washington Capitals’ prospect Terik Parascak — has also developed a tight friendship with Foster. Knowing him personally as a teammate, and as a roommate on the road, Parascak sees two sides of Foster.
“He’s really nice and a great kid off the ice,” said Parascak, a first-round pick last year. “I enjoy spending time with Aiden. Then, you get on the ice with him and you see that other side of him. It’s like two completely different personalities. It’s pretty funny. I just love the way he plays on the ic e, and love him off the ice, too.
“Our team, we tend to go to Earls quite a bit after practice and we spend a lot of time eating out together. Aiden is a guy that’s always there, always doing stuff with the guys, and loves spending time with everybody. He’s definitely a very well-liked guy throughout the group. He’s a big part of our team. A lot of energy.”
Foster, 18, attributes his energetic ways to a sports-filled upbringing. Along with hockey, he played elite baseball up until he was 16. He’s still spotted around Lloyd ballparks as an umpire.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 20
In his second season with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, forward Aiden Foster scored 11 goals and 20 points in 68 regular-season games, plus six points in seven playoff contests. Kyle Smutzki photo
“I love baseball,” he said. “Playing with all my great buddies, we had a tight group growing up. We were fortunate enough to go to Florida, probably one of my most funnest times in my life. A week in Disney World, playing in a baseball tournament with teams from all over. An unreal experience.
“I tried to play everything growing up. I played volleyball and basketball in school. I started to golf when I was really young. My grandpa got me into it. I golf as much as I can in the summertime and got into pickleball with the friends last summer. Just any kind of game to stay competitive and to have fun in the summer also.”
Ravensbergen, the six-foot-five, 190-pound goaltender from North Vancouver, can appreciate Foster’s love of sports and the outdoors. They were among the Cougars who liked to play pickup basketball at the rec centre in Prince George.
Growing up, Ravensbergen embraced snowboarding and biking, though he’s curbed his adventures lately to guard against injury.
After making the Cougars as a walk-on two years ago, he made great strides in short order and has gone from undrafted WHL goalie to first-round NHL draft candidate.
As the seven-round NHL draft looms, Ravensbergen’s story resonates with Foster.
“It’s always cool if you get picked,” Ravensbergen said. “But if you don’t get picked, it’s not the end of the world, either.”
Regardless of what happens this week, Foster’s summer involves regular workouts in Wainwright under Adam Huxley and in the company of pro, junior and university hockey players.
“I was always one of the taller, lanky kids growing up,” he said. “Now, it’s more about putting on muscle.”
HOCKEY-PLAYING SISTERS
Foster is the oldest of three siblings. Both of his sisters, 15-year-old Alivia and 11-year-old Avery, also play hockey.
Aiden watched Avery’s team while home for the Christmas break, and he was back in Lloyd this spring in time to see Alivia’s Steelers host the Esso Cup national U18 girls’ championship in the swan song for the Centennial Civic Centre.
“It’s fun to watch them,” he said. “I mean, they support me the whole time. To come home and watch them and see what they’re doing, it’s awesome.”
Foster and his family will keep a close eye on the televised draft proceedings this Friday and Saturday. While he’s rated 89th among North American skaters in the final NHL Central Scouting rankings, Foster knows there aren’t any certainties in the draft process.
“Hearing my name called at the draft would be the biggest accomplishment of my career and life,” he said. “It would be such an honour and I’d just be so down to earth, humbled, to hear my name. Just so joyed and thankful to everyone who has helped me get to this point, my family and friends, so I’m looking forward to seeing what shakes out.
“At the end of the day, if nothing happens, hopefully I’ll still get to go to a pro camp. It doesn’t matter. You can still get there. Everything happens for a reason. I’ve got my own road to what I want to do.”
FOSTER FROM PAGE 19
Pro prospect Aiden Foster, now going into his third year with the WHL’s Prince George Cougars, played his minor hockey in Lloydminster through U18 AAA with the Bobcats (now Lancers). Submitted photos
Rustlers salute club volleyball teams
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
More than 400 people gathered in the Lakeland College gymnasium June 17 as Rustlers Volleyball Club celebrated the group’s growth with its inaugural awards night.
About 200 athletes and as many parents showed up in the gym, fittingly enough, to recognize achievements and highlight the club volleyball program’s development in Lloydminster and communities throughout the region.
“As the club has grown, we’re trying to find different ways to recognize not just the contributions of coaches, but also those of parents and our athletes,” said club president Taylor Dyer, also the varsity men’s volleyball coach at Lakeland.
The 20 youth teams that make up the club are often busy with their respective practices, games and tournaments, sometimes in different cities, so the Rustlers don’t necessarily have an in-season opportunity to meet in the same building, let alone the same room.
“I thought it would just be a cool thing to promote Rustlers and what we’re all about and what we’re trying to do,” Dyer said after the ceremony as family members snapped photos of their favourite athletes.
“I thought tonight’s event was incredible and really showcased that, and the support all of our young athletes have for one another, and the great amount of time the coaches put in to make it possible for this many athletes to have such an opportunity.”
THREE MAJOR AWARDS
About 40 coaches, including assistants, were on stage as the Rustlers’ coach of the year was announced. In a vote among his coaching peers, Josh Ryan was selected from an elite group of four finalists.
Ryan, the master of ceremonies for the awards night, led the 16U Gold boys’ team to a silver-medal finish in the Saskatchewan club volleyball provincials this spring.
“Josh does a lot, not just with his own team, but supporting other teams within the club, doing one-on-one sessions with kids who are looking for a little extra help,” Dyer said. “He’s involved within our (collegiate) Rustlers here at Lakeland, as an event organizer. Just bleeds green and gold. So, he’s very, very much deserving of that award.”
Other major awards went to the Rustlers’ athletes of the year. The female recipient was Jorja Hamilton of her 18U Gold team.
The male winner was Will Reiniger of his 18U Gold club.
Hamilton is taking her volleyball talents to Lethbridge Polytechnic of the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference.
“Jorja is just an awesome kid,” Dyer said. “Her coaches had high praises for her, not just as a player, but also her character and all those things that go along with it. I think Lethbridge Polytechnic has got a real awesome human and player coming to them next year.
“Again, there were lots of potential choices we could have chosen from. She was a standout this year in terms of being the type of player we really pride ourselves in having in our Rustlers club.”
Vermilion’s Reiniger has played club with the Rustlers for four years, and he’s been part of Team Saskatchewan for the past three years. Early in June, he was chosen to the provincial team for the Canada Summer Games in St. John’s, N.L., this August.
After that national event, the St. Jerome’s Catholic School graduate is off to Medicine Hat College with twin brother Brett to join their older brother Logan with the ACAC’s Rattlers.
“Will Reiniger has been a staple within the (Rustlers) program for the last couple of years,” Dyer said. “Within his age category, he’s a standout
NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS
Any person claiming to be affected by a decision of the Development Authority may appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board by submitting written notice and the fees as per the Fees and Charges Bylaw (Bylaw 6-2025) within 21 days from the date of issuance to The Office of the City Clerk, Attention - Secretary of the Development Appeal Board at City Hall at 4420 – 50 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 0W2. City of Lloydminster Roxanne Shortt, ALUP Development Officer
Major winners at the first Rustlers Volleyball Club awards ceremony were (from left) Josh Ryan, coach of the year; Will Reiniger, male athlete of the year; and Jorja Hamilton, female athlete of the year.
MacNeil Meridian Source
athlete, being selected to Team Sask for the Canada Summer Games. In his high school season, he was chosen for the Ganza tournament in Edmonton with the Golden Bears, so he’s just been an outstanding athlete throughout his career. That led to his selection and moving on to play post-secondary as well at Medicine Hat College. It’s super cool for him to be recognized and then moving on after this.”
Reiniger, 18, thanked the Rustlers club for helping he and his brothers progress in the volleyball world. Youngest brother Ethan, 15, played with the 15U Rustlers this past club season.
TAX ENFORCEMENT LIST
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF WILTON NO. 472 PROVINCE OF SASKATCHEWAN
Notice is hereby given under The Tax Enforcement Act that unless the arrears and costs appearing opposite the land and title number described in the following list are fully paid before August 27, 2025, an interest based on a tax lien will be registered against the land.
Note: A sum for costs in an amount required by subsection 4(3) of The Tax Enforcement Act is included in the amount shown against each parcel.
DESCRIPTION OF PROPERTY
LOT 3C-BLK/PAR 2-PLAN 102175680 EXT 0
LSD 13-11-48-25-3 EXT 43
LSD 13-11-48-25-3 EXT. 43
NW 13-48-25-3 EXT 0
BLK/PAR C-PLAN 102130715 EXT 0
BLK/PAR B-PLAN 102130715 EXT 0
BLK/PAR A-PLAN 101695967 EXT 26
SW 31-47-27-3 EXT 0
SE 02-48-28-3 EXT 0
SE 10-48-28-3 EXT 0
SE 11-48-28-3 EXT 0
SW 11-48-28-3 EXT 0
SE 31-47-27-3 EXT 0
NE 10-48-28-3 EXT 0 NE 11-48-28-3 EXT 0
NW 11-48-28-3 EXT 0 BLK/PAR A-PLAN 102087255 EXT 0 LSD 14-11-48-25-3 EXT 45 LSD 11-11-48-25-3 EXT 7 LSD 12-11-48-25-3 EXT 41 BLK/PAR A-PLAN
* Penalty is calculated to the date of the Notice and will continue to accrue as applicable.
Dated this 23rd day of June, 2025 Jill Parton, Chief Administrative Officer
John
“I owe it all to my team and my coaches, honestly,” Will Reiniger said about being selected 18U Gold MVP and the club’s top male athlete overall.
“I’ve been with the team the last four years now, and every single year, they all want to give you the best that they can, always hard-working at practice. Nobody is really there just to goof around. Everybody was really dedicated to the team. And the coaches, as well, their drive to make us as best as we possibly could, that’s what got me to where I am today.”
COLLEGIATE PATH
It’s been that kind of a year for the Doug Smith-coached 18U Gold Rustlers, who are graduating six players to post-secondary volleyball programs. Along with the Reiniger twins bound for Medicine Hat, Rylan Smith is going to his hometown Lakeland College, Kolton Wildeman is committed to College of the Rockies in Cranbrook, B.C., Colton Campbell is off to Iowa and Jaydon Joyal is joining Augustana College in Camrose.
Rylan Smith, a Lloydminster Comprehensive graduate, steps in as a setter with Lakeland, a school most familiar to him.
“We’re super excited to have Rylan coming in,” said Dyer, whose brother Austin coaches the national women’s champion Rustlers. “Every year, there’s kids within our club that we’re going to have an opportunity to recruit to come play for us.
“That’s not really the goal, but it’s just an after-effect of the work that our coaches, and Austin and myself, our advisory board and everyone have done to increase the level of volleyball within the community. Every year now, on the men’s and women’s sides, we have players that can play at the next level and come play for our programs, which are great programs within our conference. We hope that’s a trend that continues, just with all the athletes we have coming to play for us.”
At the women’s level, along with Lethbridge-bound Hamilton, graduating Rustlers with college commitments are Lexia Chambers (Southeastern Community College in Iowa) and Cailyn Fraser (Williston State College in North Dakota).
Some of the younger Rustlers are also making waves beyond the Border City. The fast-rising Lennon Mari has been selected to the 17U provincial team, while Kayden Fenrich has been named to the 16U team.
Overall, the Rustlers’ awards night highlighted the accomplishments of all 20 teams — 13 female and seven male clubs — from 13U through 18U divisions.
“It was really awesome,” Will Reiniger said. “I didn’t realize how many more teams there were in every age group. I remember when I was 13 and Landon would have been in 16U and they were the only Rustler men’s team at that time. Now, there’s 13U all the way through 18U, and even multiple teams in some age groups.
“So it’s really cool to see how far Lloydminster volleyball has come. There’s some very talented players around this area.”
The Rustlers believe they made gains with and without medals this season, so picking a defining moment was difficult for the club leadership.
“That’s a tough one,” Taylor Dyer said. “There’s so many good ones to choose from. Whether it’s one of our teams surprising themselves and finishing a lot higher than maybe they anticipated, that for us is a success.
“Obviously, our 16U boys winning a provincial silver medal was a pretty big highlight. In our community, we aren’t often able to compete with the big, larger centres — Saskatoon, Regina and even Prince Albert for that matter. So, not a lot of provincial medals in our portfolio yet, but again, just the way we’ve grown the game and the sport, I think it’s been incredible. I anticipate us medalling more and more as the program continues to grow and get better.”
RUSTLERS CLUB FROM PAGE 21
With a silver-medal finish in the Saskatchewan club volleyball provincials, the Rustlers’ 16U Gold boys’ team had a banner year. John MacNeil Meridian Source
SPORTS Juniors dig Lloyd’s beach volleyball
The volleyball boom in Lloydminster has stretched all the way to the beach.
“This is the highlight of my summer,” said Matt Peck, head coach and director of the Rustlers junior beach volleyball program.
“I just absolutely love running this.”
A pairs tournament Sunday at the Bud Miller courts illustrated the level of interest in the junior beach program, which has grown exponentially from its modest start almost a decade ago.
“When I came here and started this eight years ago, we had 10 kids to start and beach (volleyball) just wasn’t really a thing that anyone considered,” said Peck, a former Lakeland College varsity player who’s now an assistant coach with the national women’s champion Rustlers.
“Now, we have athletes who almost prefer beach over indoor, which is so cool to see.
“The athletes do a really good job at creating the culture that we want, and it’s very welcoming. It’s really neat to see so many kids jump in and give it a go and fall in love with a sport that maybe they otherwise wouldn’t have played.”
Even during the busy June period of high school exams and other personal commitments, youth from Lloydminster and area signed up for the seven-week junior beach program in record numbers this year.
The first of three tournaments scheduled for this season attracted more than 40 pairs for competition in two age groups Sunday.
“The numbers have been crazy,” Peck said. “We have 100 athletes in the program this year, which is the most we’ve ever had, by far. We have 43 teams playing today — 111 matches — it’s the biggest tournament that I’ve ever run.
“We’ve got 18 teams here now, competing for one title, and then we have 25 teams split into two divisions for the older group.”
WINNERS’ CIRCLE
Ethan Reiniger of Vermilion and Korbin Klimek of Lloydminster were the champions in the younger division, which covers athletes aged 15 and under. Reiniger and Klimek, also teammates in the club season with the 15U Rustlers, prevailed in an 18-team field.
Later in the day, 25 pairs competed in the older division, which crowned two championship teams in that category for athletes aged 16 to 19. From a 12-team field, the Division 1 winners were the Lloydminster duo of Jory Wagner and Konlan Topp. They were also club teammates with the 17U Rustlers.
In the 13-team Division 2, the champions were young guns Adyson Krauss of Kitscoty and Eloise Benoit of Chauvin. The duo — previously 15U teammates with Momentum Volleyball Club — ousted older competition to capture gold.
It was a busy day for Krauss and Benoit. They were also finalists in the younger division.
Sunday’s weather was cooler than normal for late June, but decidedly warmer than Saturday’s falllike conditions. While their supporters were bundled up in winter coats and comforters, the athletes shook the weather like the sand in their feet.
The atmosphere was akin to a family tournament, or a day at the beach. That’s just what the founders had envisioned for the program.
“I grew up playing beach in Australia, and the culture is what made me fall in love with the sport,” Peck said. “It’s a lot more relaxed and casual than indoor. So, yes, it’s competitive on the court, but high-fives when you switch ends, and being nice to each other. We don’t want any parents yelling or screaming or anything like that.
“It’s really important to me and the kids that they play beach the right way. So, with the younger group, it’s a lot of teaching them that this is the way we do things. With the older group, most of them have been playing for a while now, so they get it and they run things the right way. The athletes love that it’s a little more relaxed, just by how competitive it can get on the court sometimes.
“We preach that beach is fun.”
OPEN TO ALL
While many of the beach players are experienced in competitive indoor volleyball, the program philosophy encourages everyone to give beach a try, regardless of their sporting background.
“Yes, a lot of them would be club athletes, but with beach we try to welcome everybody,” Peck said. “So, we have a few athletes that this program is their first ever taste of volleyball, which is really cool. Sometimes indoor is a little difficult to get into, whereas beach can sometimes be a little easier.
“So, a lot of them have plenty of volleyball experience. But my favourite is when we get athletes who this is their first time playing, or really young athletes. We have a 10-year-old girl here today who’s just crushin’ it.
“A lot of these athletes started their volleyball career with beach.”
Two practice sessions per week are part of the junior program. Collegiate players help with coaching, and in some cases they’re opponents for the high school kids looking for an even greater challenge.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 24
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS EDITOR
Above: Shayla Stark and Norah Hurd (not pictured) competed in the 15U division at the Rustlers’ junior beach volleyball pairs tournament. Bottom: Ethan Orbeck (left) and Ryan Tocher (right) were semifinalists in the 15U division. John MacNeil Meridian Source
“I have 15-ish college athletes who help coach this,” Peck said. “Our Grade 11 and Grade 12 kids like playing against the college athletes because it’s obviously a very good challenge and test for them.
“Some of our best Grade 11 and Grade 12 kids are going to end up playing college or university. So, the level at the top end is crazy.”
The other junior tournaments are set for July 6 (threes) and July 27 (fours).
“All my tournaments have just been one-day tournaments,” Peck said. “With the numbers and how many people we’re getting, I might have to run a twoday tournament next year. We’ll see.
“The numbers are just insane, which is great to see.”
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BEACH VOLLEYBALL FROM PAGE 23
Ethan Reiniger (left) and Korbin Klimek won the 15-and-under division in the Rustlers’ junior beach volleyball pairs tournament Sunday. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Above: Adyson Krauss (left) and Eloise Benoit were the Division 2 champions in the 16-and-over division in the Rustlers’ junior beach volleyball pairs tournament. They were also runners-up in the 15-and-under division. Below: Jory Wagner (left) and Konlan Topp won the Division 1 championship in the 16-and-over division. Submitted photos
Ethan Reiniger.
Pirates show resilience in weekend homestand
The 15U AA Lloydminster Prairie Pirates battled the weather and an injury bug last weekend as they won two of their three Baseball Alberta provincial league games at Hospital Field in Lloyd. The Pirates were missing three players because of injuries, but the depleted lineup went to bat and scored two wins Sunday — 18-12 over the St. Albert Cardinals and 15-5 over the Edmonton Angels in six innings. In cool temperatures Saturday, the Pirates fell 11-9 to Camrose Cougars Royal. The Pirates sport a 7-4-1 record in Division 1 play at the 15U AA level. John MacNeil Meridian
Source
Rhett Kuntz.
Luke Langley (left) and Tylan Ducherer (right).
U18 major Thunder to skate in Premier Hockey League
EDITOR
There’s a new player in Lloydminster’s hockey landscape.
Team ownership has launched the U18 major Border City Thunder, a Lloyd-based franchise in the independent Premier Hockey League (PHL).
Thunder president Trevor Bickerstaff says he created another hockey option in the Border City to give players more opportunities to play in a private league.
He said the PHL is comparable to the Junior Prospects Hockey League (JPHL), which includes Lloydminster Athletics teams in multiple age divisions.
Bickerstaff believes that while JPHL competition is “very good calibre,” the PHL alternative is much less costly.
“I’m hoping to put Lloyd on the map and give people another opportunity to play,” he said. “Hopefully next year, we can add another team. My goal is to get U16 next year to feed U18, for affiliates, and then get U15 the year after.”
The U18 major program has already signed five players, including three from Lloydminster. Bickerstaff anticipates more signings soon, as 25 players attended an ID camp last weekend in Sherwood Park.
“ID camp went really well,” Bickerstaff reported. “We sent out six (more) offers to players from the camp.”
Prospects came from Lloydminster, Cold Lake, Edmonton, Red Deer, Fort McMurray and even Montana.
Dean Segberg has been named head coach of the Thunder.
“I feel he brings a lot of knowledge and experience,” Bickerstaff said of the former Lloydminster minor hockey executive.
Silas Reeds, a graduate of the junior B Lloydminster Bandits, is on board as an assistant coach, working primarily with the defence. Another assistant coach, and a goaltending coach, are forthcoming.
Local goaltender Jayce Nelson, who played U16 AA in Lloyd last winter, was signed Sunday night after camp. Earlier local signings were centre Ayden Bickerstaff — Trevor’s son — and defenceman Ryder Gamey. Those two players were Alberta Rockies U16 teammates in the PHL for the second half of last season.
The Thunder also signed former Rockies forwards Daxton Lee of Red Deer and Tyson Whelen of Edmonton. Lee led his team last season with 22 goals and 44 points in 28 games.
Lloydminster’s flagship team at the U18 level is the AAA Lancers, who play in the Alberta Elite Hockey League.
JOHN MacNEIL SPORTS
The U18 major Border City Thunder, the new kids on Lloyd’s hockey block, include (from left) president Trevor Bickerstaff, players Ryder Gamey and Ayden Bickerstaff, assistant coach Silas Reeds and manager and performance coach Rene Weinkauf. John MacNeil Meridian Source
Bickerstaff put out the welcome mat to any players who don’t fit into the Lancers’ plans.
“If they don’t make it, or they don’t get the invite to the fall camp, they’re more than welcome to come skate with us (and) try out,” he said.
“We’re going to focus a lot on local kids, obviously being a local team, and we’re going to have some local sponsors. We’ll aim to promote local talent.”
Bickerstaff has partnered with Rene Weinkauf of World Class Gym in Lloydminster. Weinkauf serves as the Thunder manager and directs the team’s strength and conditioning.
Management is searching for billets for the coming season, while also developing an education strategy. The Thunder plan to structure as an academy in co-operation with the new Pursuit School of Sport opening in Lloydminster.
Bickerstaff expects the Thunder will skate in Lloyd during August in advance of their season opening later that month.
While all their PHL games will be on the road, as part of showcase-style tournament stops, the Thunder hope to schedule exhibition games in Lloyd and elsewhere.
Bickerstaff and his associates are confident there’s room for another development program in Lloyd to give prospects even more exposure.
“I just wanted to add something for people that
maybe can’t make the AAA team here, or can’t afford the JPHL, but want to make a name for themselves and have an opportunity to develop and shine,” he said. “We present that because our costs are much less.
“There’s still an ID process. There’s still a tryout process. You still need to have some skill.
“Because it’s a private league, there’s no parent coaches. It’s all paid staff, so there’s no favouritism at all.”
25072GE0
Ryder Gamey, a 17-year-old defenceman with the Border City Thunder U18 major hockey team, works out at World Class Gym under the watchful eye of Rene Weinkauf, the manager and performance coach. John MacNeil Meridian Source
PAGE 28
Thursday, June 26, 2025
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