Ready for the next journey ... Biggar Central School 2000 Kindergarten teacher, Dani Vavra gets her students lined up, June 20, ready to celebrate a landmark day ... Graduation! The day was one of huge smiles from both proud parents, grandparents and, of course, the students as they get ready to start the next journey on their education journey. (Independent
by Kevin Brautigam)
Photo
Biggar Central School students hit the Recreation Complex, June 19 for their annual Track and Field Day. Postponed from the previous Thursday due to smoke and dreary weather, the athletes had a beautiful day to push their limits, encourage one another, and put in stellar performances. While you can never win if you don’t try, giving your all is a learned behaviour - on the track or off. Kids were pushed to their limits in the spirit of fun, but were encouraged to encourage others. With the school year coming to a close, kids had fun away from the books! (Independent Photos by Kevin Brautigam)
With seeding complete in the province, producers are busy with in-field spraying and other activities such as hauling grain, according to the weekly crop report for the period of June 10-16. A good general rain is needed to help push crop development and ensure the crop doesn’t begin to deteriorate in condition.
There were some isolated showers over the past week with some areas seeing heavy rain and hail. While the moisture was welcome, the intensity of these storms left some crops damaged. The most rainfall reported over the week was in the Meadow Lake area which received 64 millimetres. Other heavy rainfall amounts were reported in the Coleville area with 46 mm, the Bruno area with 40 mm and the Prince Albert area with 31 mm. Many other areas of the province received small spotty rains ranging between two to 10 mm, while others were
The regular meeting of the RM of Biggar No. 347 was held May 27 at the municipal office at 9 a.m. Attending were Reeve Jeanne-Marie de Moissac, Councillors Brad Poletz, Melanie Peiffer, Dale Thomson, and Brian Watson (Absent: Greg Mundt and Mark Sagon), Administrator Sandi Silvernagle, Assistant Administrator Maria Danychuk, and Foreman Darren Comstock. The following are some highlights of the meeting.
• 9:08 a.m. Councillor Mundt joined the meeting.
Council agreed to suspend the meeting at 9:30 a.m. to open a Public Hearing regarding the subdivision development permit application
Seeding complete
fortunate enough to get upwards of 20 to 30 mm over the week. Even with the rainfall over the past week, topsoil moisture conditions continue to decline provincially. Cropland topsoil moisture is rated as one per cent surplus, 40 per cent adequate, 45 per cent short and 14 per cent very short. Hay land topsoil moisture is rated as 34 per cent adequate, 41 per cent short and 25 per cent very short. Pasture land topsoil moisture is rated as 27 per cent adequate, 42 per cent short and 31 per cent very short.
Most crops are reported as being normal in their development for this time of year. However, many producers are reporting that without rain soon crop development will be delayed on later seeded crops and hastened for the more advanced crops as they respond to the drier conditions. Spring cereals are rated as 13 per cent ahead, 72 per cent normal and 15 per
cent behind. Oilseeds are rated as five per cent ahead, 68 per cent normal and 27 per cent behind. Finally, pulse crops are 14 per cent ahead, 77 per cent normal and nine per cent behind. Crop conditions across the province are mainly rated as fair to good. Producers are reporting that crop conditions will quickly deteriorate if rain is not received soon.
Dry conditions coupled with windy days continues to be the largest source of crop damage and severity ranges from minor to moderate depending on the region. There were many scattered hail events this past week with damage ranging from minor to severe. Fall seeded crops in later development stages were heavily impacted and are unlikely to recover, but less advanced crops should be able to bounce back. The heavy rains resulted in some flooding which has left crops washed out or sitting in standing water. Pressure
from grasshoppers and flea beetles remains rated as minor to moderate and producers are actively working to control these pests to minimize damage.
Producers will continue to actively scout and apply crop protection products to ensure pest pressures are managed while conducting other farming activities. Cattle producers are frequently evaluating pasture conditions and hauling water and feed as necessary. Producers and the public are reminded that conditions remain dry across the province and every precaution should be taken to limit the risk of fires.
For many producers, this is still a stressful time of year and producers are encouraged to take safety precautions in all the work they do. The Farm Stress Line can help by providing support for producers toll free at 1-800-667-4442.
Credit Union donates to Food Bank ... Biggar and District Credit Union and Biggar and District Insurance Services May Casual for a Cause donation was given to Biggar and District Food for Thought. Summer is typically a slower time for donations to the Food Bank but the need does not change during these months. They are in particular need of canned fruit, vegetables, and beans at all times the year. They are also always grateful to receive any excess items from people’s gardens. Hampers go out the third Wednesday of every month. Pictured: Biggar and District Food for Thought volunteer, Barb deHaan, left, receives a cheque from Biggar and District Credit Union employee, Cherry Dalisay. (Submitted Photo)
RM of Biggar council minute highlights
submitted by Dwayne and Leeann Zagoruy, and the subdivision development permit application submitted by John and Helen Zagoruy. The Public Hearing was held until 9:45 a.m. with no one in attendance or written comments. Council later approved the permits. The regular Council meeting continued at 9:45 a.m.
Council agreed that the April 2025 Bank Reconciliation and Financial Statement be received and filed as presented.
Council agreed that cheques, online payments, online utility payments, Mastercard, monthly remittances, and April payroll in the amount of $257,107.26,
be approved.
Council agreed that Division 1, 2, 3, 5, 6 Councillor reports were accepted as were the Reeve, Administrator and Foreman reports.
• 11:38 a.m. Councillor Mundt left the meeting.
Council reviewed and understands the Road Haul Agreement provided by the Rural Municipality of Glenside for the hauling of gravel from the Mundt Pit, and directs Administration to obtain the necessary signatures and return the agreement to the municipality.
• 11:42 a.m. Councillor Mundt rejoined the meeting.
Council agreed to approve the quote from WC Consulting to provide
onsite testing services of the 20,000 yard gravel crush of type 106 traffic gravel completed by Dmytryshyn and Sons Ltd. at the Goring Pit, to be completed in June.
Council has reviewed the Intensive Livestock Application submitted by Golden View Colony, and hereby directs administration to initiate the discretionary use process.
Council agreed that the following correspondence be accepted for Council’s information and filed: Town of Biggar - Landfill Fees. Professional Storm Chaser - Chris Chittick Speaking Opportunity. Agriculture in the Classroom - Thank You. Biggar Wheatland Library - March 2025
Report. Town of BiggarBRDFA Letter. Council agreed to hereby agree to purchase 7,816.1 yards of 106 spec. gravel at a rate of $11 per yard from Stacey Mundt Farms Ltd. and Jennifer Mundt Farms Ltd., for a total purchase price of $85,977.10. Council agreed to approve the disbursement of cheques as follows: $42,988.55 to Stacey Mundt Farms Ltd. for 2025 Gravel Purchase; $42,988.55 to Jennifer Mundt Farms Ltd. for 2025 Gravel Purchase; $2,137.68 to Git-R-Done Welding Ltd. for repairs to Monarch Well tanks. Council agreed to
by Sgt. Dereck Crozier, Biggar Detachment
This past week 32 occurrences were handled by the Biggar Detachment.
A Stihl grass trimmer was stolen from a back yard. Owner says it had a custom head on it with a harness.
If anyone is missing a child’s bike and adult bike, the pair were located on the side of Highway 14 after what appears to be a tumble off their transport vehicle.
CP Rail reporting a vehicle collided with one
Playing on a Green Card
donate $100 to the Biggar Old Time Music Festival, $100 to the Excell Tire Show N Shine, $100 to the Biggar Golf Club’s Fifth Annual Par 3 Tournament. Council has reviewed and considered the membership fee, and hereby approves the payment of the 2025 Network RM annual membership fee of $1,343 to the Agricultural Health and Safety Network. Council resolved to hereby approve the third and final reading of Bylaw 4-2025, being a bylaw to dispense with the mailing of Assessment Notices. • Meeting adjourned at 2:58 p.m.
Biggar
RCMP report
of their rail trucks at a crossing on Highway 656. A black and red side-byside was reporting being driven by an impaired operator through the Third Avenue Park. The driver did not wish to stop for police and fled the area only to further flee on foot after crashing into the bushes and trees at the end of Fourth Avenue a short time after. The good news is they are slowly running out of things to drive while under the influence. Maybe a good old fashion horse would be the safest - at least we can trust the horse to return to the barn. Take care out there!
Vaadeland brings down the house! ... Jake Vaadeland and the Sturgeon River Boys hit the Biggar Majestic Theatre stage, June 17. Coming off the Arts Council show this past January, Vaadeland once again put on a fantastic show, proving the Cut Knife resident deserved the Juno hype. Left to right: Joel Rohs, Jake Vaadeland, Stephen Williams and Jake Smithies. (Independent Photo by Dale Buxton)
by Gage Haubrich, Prairie director, Canadian Taxpayers Federation
Saskatchewan keeps blowing its resource windfalls like there’s no tomorrow.
Just like you wouldn’t count on a one-time bonus to pay your monthly bills, the province shouldn’t build its budget on volatile resource revenues. It’s time to break the cycle and start saving by setting up a heritage fund (a savings account for the province built from oil, potash and other non-renewable resource revenues).
and schools, but when governments build budgets on temporary resource windfalls, it leads to instability: cuts one year, overspending the next.
This isn’t a new idea. In fact, Saskatchewan had a chance to do this more than a decade ago.
setting aside debt repayment, a heritage fund launched in 2013 would be worth about $4.2 billion today and generate roughly $210 million in annual interest.
That interest income alone could allow the government to cut the 15-cent-per-litre fuel tax by six cents without losing revenue. For someone filling up a minivan weekly, that’s about $230 a year in savings.
The government has another chance now. It must take it. Saskatchewan blew the boom.
Here’s how it works: when resource prices spike, the province sets aside some of the windfall in a fund instead of spending it all. That money grows over time and generates interest income, creating a reliable cushion for future spending or tax relief without relying on short-term booms. These revenues help pay for highways, hospitals
Back in 2013, the province commissioned a report from former University of Saskatchewan president Peter MacKinnon, who recommended creating a heritage fund that “allows for one-time resource revenues to become a lasting source of wealth, while stabilizing government use of these volatile revenues.”
The government ignored the advice. And it’s been missing out ever since.
Had Saskatchewan followed that recommendation and begun setting aside resource revenues or used them to pay down debt, the province would be in a far stronger position today. Even
Resource revenues are volatile. Oil and potash prices are driven by global markets and weather, things the province can’t control. One year, prices soar. The next, they collapse. That’s why building a budget around them is risky.
In 2023, the Saskatchewan government forecasted a $1-billion surplus in its budget. By yearend, that surplus had dropped to just $182 million. According to the province’s own report,
“significant decreases in non-renewable resources revenue combined with higher crop insurance payments” caused the shortfall.
The lesson is clear: you can’t run a stable government on unstable income.
A smarter approach would be to cap how much of the annual budget comes from resource revenues - say, 13 per cent, the average over the last decade. Any revenue above that threshold could be
automatically saved in a heritage fund. That would give Saskatchewan both stability and longterm financial security.
Other places are already doing this and reaping the rewards.
Last year, eligible Alaskans received $1,704 each in dividends from their state’s heritage fund. Norway’s fund, now worth more than $2.5 trillion, generates enough income to cover about 20 per cent of the national budget annually. It pays to save.
If Saskatchewan had used its windfalls wisely since 2013, either by building a fund or paying down debt, its current debt wouldn’t be projected to hit $23.5 billion by the end of this year. It would be closer to $1.6 billion.
Twelve years ago, the province was told to prepare for the future. It didn’t listen. That mistake has already cost billions.
by Bill Whitelaw, Chair
of the Canadian Society for Evolving Energy Canada’s energy future is being held back by a critical obstacle: our elected officials don’t understand energy.
At all three levels of government, most politicians lack even a basic grasp of how our energy systems function. That ignorance isn’t just a knowledge gap - it’s a leadership crisis. Energy systems are evolving rapidly, and our leaders are ill-equipped to manage the complexity, trade-offs and consequences involved. With few exceptions, their understanding is superficial, shaped more by talking points than substance.
By “energy systems,” I mean the complex web of technologies, infrastructure, markets and regulations that generate, distribute and manage power - from oil and gas to hydro, nuclear, wind and solar. These systems are deeply interconnected, constantly changing and central to every aspect of modern life. Yet the people making decisions about them often have little idea how they actually work. This shows up frequently in public life: dodged questions, scripted answers, vague platitudes. Many politicians skate across the surface of issues with the thinnest understanding. The old adage “a little knowledge is a dangerous thing” perfectly describes Canadian energy politics today.
Decisions about energy directly affect household utility bills, climate goals, industrial competitiveness and grid reliability. Yet politicians tend to be tethered to the dominant energy source in their own
region - oil and gas in Alberta, hydro in Quebec, nuclear in Ontariowithout grasping how those systems connect or conflict. Canada’s energy landscape is fragmented, with each province operating under its own regulatory framework, infrastructure constraints and political pressures. That makes coordination difficult and systemslevel thinking essential. This isn’t a left-versusright issue. It’s not oil and gas versus renewables. It’s a national failure to understand the integrated systems that power our lives and economy. Canada is, functionally, energy illiterate, and our elected officials reflect that reality. We flip a switch, pump gas, turn up the thermostat and rarely ask how or why it works, or what it costs in environmental or economic terms.
Take the Clean Electricity Regulations
as one example. Introduced by the federal government to drive Canada’s electricity grid to net-zero emissions by 2035, the CERs require provinces to sharply reduce or eliminate fossil fuel-based power. But in Alberta and Saskatchewan, where coal and natural gas still dominate, those regulations landed with a thud. The federal government failed to account for regional infrastructure limitations, market structure differences and technology readiness. The result? Immediate backlash, legal threats and political gridlock - not because climate action is unwelcome, but because the policy was crafted in a vacuum of systems-level understanding. Adding to the problem is the dominance of bureaucrats and political handlers in shaping what passes for energy
INDEPENDENT
messaging. Speeches are often a patchwork of statistics and sanitized clichés, stripped of nuance or depth. Many politicians simply deliver what they’re handed, guided more by risk management than insight. The result is policy that’s disconnected from the realities it aims to change.
A handful of elected officials do have realworld energy experience, but even that is often narrow, based on one role or one sector. It rarely translates into the kind of broad, integrated knowledge needed to lead across multiple interdependent systems. The risks of this fragmented thinking are immense.
What’s needed is mandatory education - an energy information and insights toolkit for anyone seeking public office. This shared curriculum would cover how electricity
and fuel systems work, the economics of energy markets, climate dynamics, environmental tradeoffs and public policy principles. It should be grounded in both natural and social sciences and structured to develop systems thinking, so that decisions are informed by how energy technologies, markets and governance truly interact.
Imagine if thousands of politicians - urban and rural, left and right, federal and local - learned from the same textbook. Politics wouldn’t vanish. Disagreements wouldn’t disappear. But the debate would shift from tribal talking points to informed discussion. And for once, Canada might start moving forward on energy, not with noise or paralysis, but with purpose.
Bob Mason Notable Notes
That is a kind of funny name, but it it pertinent to me. The psychiatric people probably have some technical term for it, but that is the one I use.
Many, many years ago, Y.T. (Yours Truly) was really impressed by a picture show he went to see. Not only did the show have some of his favourite actors and activities in it, but he has never forgotten the theme of the whole thing - misinformation.
Aside from the usual B.S. pertaining to U.S. supremacy in everything, which usually turns me off immediately, it really had a darn good story that pointed out some of the failing characteristics and fallacies of us all.
Story: Two cowboy drifters ride in to the local town and stop at the dusty old bar. In comes an excited young guy who announces that one of his neighbours is dead and all his cattle are gone.
After some quick discussion, a man called the “Major” of the Civil War farm, I guess, decides to lead a posse, and trail the “rustlers”.
They follow the cow tracks and finally catch up to three men who are camped for the night.
There is also a bunch of cattle nearby. Of course they accuse them of stealing the cattle and killing the owner.
All three campers claim innocence, and one of them, who has a wife and child back at his ranch in the next valley, even produces a piece of paper saying he bought the cattle. But no ... after some discussion the posse decides to hang them all anyway.
So they left the three hanging in a tree and drove the herd back to town. They were back in the bar having a drink. After all, they had just hung three men, when in walks the fellow who the excited kid said was dead, and says that as he has just sold all his cattle, and there are “drinks on the house!”
Silence.
There are many things like this that have occurred many times all over the world. The name of this one was called “The Oxbow Incident” and therefore Y.T. likes to call similar situations the “Oxbow Syndrome”.
For years when we were kids, it was common knowledge that during the “Frank Slide” in southwest Alberta, everyone was killed except a little girl who was found sitting on a rock, crying. The story of Frank Slide was well documented, and sure, everyone who happened to be underneath it got killed. But hundreds survived. Yet the story persisted for years of the one “lone” child who survived.
Being a Canadian and, of course, being used to being classed as being a little simple, it has always confused me
The Oxbow Syndrome
why any animal would choose to live in northern Washington State and southern Alaska when their is so much of British Columbia in between! And why their buffalo became extinct except in Montana while, according to Mel Hurting, the Wood Buffalo National Park was being established in the north!
There have been thousands of these often mistaken and sometimes really biased reports, often with terrible consequences. The Forces were no exception. Tilly was one example of misinformation that came down from higher Echelon. Division and Brigade were convinced that the enemy had withdrawn from it, and we knew they were still there, but they sent us in anyway!
I suppose that the stuff I’m writing about has been around forever and we’ll just have to live with it!
I remember reading glowing reports and listening to wonderful descriptions of people we knew quite well, and wondering “How can they ever say that of that awful person?”
Closer to home, I understand that there are some descriptions of Y.T. as being a wonderful guyand then there are others! I wouldn’t want to knock the newspapers at all but sometime ago I read somewhere that advertising is really an influential thing.
“It’s tough,” wrote Allan Fotheringham [Aug. 31, 1932-Aug. 19, 2020 - “Dr. Foth” was a Canadian newspaper and magazine journalist], “when the
media writes bad stuff about you. But it is even worse when they won’t write anything about you, good or bad!”
I’m afraid that somewhere along the line of human progress, our values of a fact being a fact have been scuttled for the sake of self-betterment.
We have thousands of laws to protect us from almost everything and yet what a confusing, endless effort it must often seem to the makers of those laws!
It is no compliment to our national mental image when in a Maclean’s magazine editorial, Anthony Wilson-Smith claims that our Canadian politicians often employ what is know as the “3 D” process: Delay, Deny, Distort, when faced with any challenge, they want us to express our opinions
NEW HORIZONS ACTIVITIES
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF BIGGAR NO.347 PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Biggar No. 347 intends to adopt a bylaw under the Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 1-2010 known as the Zoning Official Community Plan
INTENT
The proposed bylaw amendment will increase the size of a livestock operation from 100 animal units or more to 300 animal units or more in order to be considered an intensive livestock operation.
REASON
The reason for the amendments is to allow livestock operations between 100 animal units and 299 animal units to be established without requiring approval as an intensive livestock operation which requires Council’s approval as a discretionary use under the provisions of the Zoning Bylaw.
PUBLIC INSPECTION
Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Municipal Office, located at 201 2nd Avenue West, in the Town of Biggar, between the hours of 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. Copies of the proposed bylaw are available at the Municipal Office at a cost of $5.00.
PUBLIC HEARING
Council will hold a public hearing on July 15, 2025 at 11:00
in the Municipal Office Council Chambers to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the Municipal office before the hearing.
Issued at the RM of Biggar this 26th day of June, 2025 Sandi Silvernagle, Administrator
when they know darnwell that we don’t have enough information to form one! No wonder so many of us are misinformed! And then, at the risk of appearing brainwashed myself, what are our goals in life anyway? Did that billionaire, who was much later found out to be crooked, enjoy his yacht anymore than the local peasant who enjoyed his Volkswagen?
It seems Y.T. is getting carried away with all this philosophic stuff. But maybe it isn’t as new a thing as it sounds! Misinformation has been part of our lives forever, and one might just as well give out with his offbeat opinion whether it’s any good or not.
Or maybe we’d better not do anything, eh?
RURAL MUNICIPALITY OF BIGGAR NO.347
PUBLIC NOTICE
Public notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality of Biggar No. 347 intends to adopt a bylaw under the Planning and Development Act, 2007 to amend Bylaw No. 1-2010 known as the Zoning Bylaw
INTENT
The proposed bylaw amendment will amend the definition of an intensive livestock operation from 100 animal units or more to 300 animal units or more.
REASON
The reason for the amendments is to allow livestock operations between 100 animal units and 299 animal units to be established without requiring approval as an intensive livestock operation which requires Council’s approval as a discretionary use under the provisions of the Zoning Bylaw.
PUBLIC INSPECTION
Any person may inspect the bylaw at the Municipal Office, located at 201 2nd Avenue West, in the Town of Biggar, between the hours of 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 12:30 PM to 4:00 PM, Monday to Friday excluding statutory holidays. Copies of the proposed bylaw are available at the Municipal Office at a cost of $5.00.
PUBLIC HEARING
Council will hold a public hearing on July 15, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. in the Municipal Office Council Chambers to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed bylaw. Council will also consider written comments received at the hearing or delivered to the undersigned at the Municipal office before the hearing.
Issued at the RM of Biggar this 26th day of June, 2025
Sandi Silvernagle, Administrator
Christine Ibbotson
Ask The Money Lady
Dear Money Lady
Readers: Do your adult children suffer from “affluenza?”
Hello to all ATML Readers - don’t worry, it’s not the flu or a virus. It’s something we parents have done to our Millennials and Gen’Zs. This is to all those parents who are now dealing with defiant, selfabsorbed adult children in their 20’s and 30’s who seem to no longer want to listen to your pearls of wisdom.
Affluenza is a term that was first coined by Fred Whitman in the 1950’s to describe a child that grows up with social and financial privilege. This is quite common these days, whether you are wealthy or not. Many parents have overindulged their children making our new generation of young adults one of the smartest and most educated group of all time; but also, the
In Canada, Pollinator Week 2025 is celebrated from June 16 to June 22. This event was initiated by the Pollinator Partnership which is a United States not for profit dedicated to the health, protection and conservation of all pollinators. This annual event has grown internationally and involves a broad collaboration of diverse partners. Pollinators are organisms that play a crucial role in plant reproduction by transferring pollen from the male part of a flower (anther) to the female part (stigma). Pollinators are vital for the produc-
most entitled. Let’s face it, as a parent today, you want nothing but the best for your children. Most parents have worked hard all their lives and generally want their children to have a better life than they did. You want them to have the necessary skills to be successful adults, have a solid education, and be whatever they want to be. You have instilled in them the self-confidence to “go out and get what you want,” and we now see a shift in our current young workforce.
Employers must work at keeping good employees. You can’t push around a Millennial or Gen’Z at work or they’ll just quit. Gone are the days of their parents where we would just “swallow our pride, say nothing and grin and bear it.”
No, now this workforce wants more, and they won’t put up with the things their parents did. In fact, even parents are having difficulty controlling their adults kids who have been heavily manipulated by TikTok, Instagram and other socials that have further parented our kids away from traditional values.
But be careful. As parents try to hold on to their relationships, remember there’s a
fine line between giving enough and giving too much. Some parents are not able to say “No” and sometimes they should. Even though your child is an adult now, It is still necessary to still teach the lesson that we don’t always get what we want. Let me ask you (mom and dad): Did you get everything you wanted out of your life?
As parents aging with a dwindling runway to earning an income and retirement fast approaching, it is necessary for young adult children to understand that the monetary well is almost dry. There is no bottomless pit of bailouts, cashouts and monetary lifts. Parents need to keep their money to age with dignity.
I know you want to always help out your kids and you feel a great personal pull to do so, but stop! Your kids need to learn about life like you did - the hard way sometimes.
You can’t always be there to pick them up. Love, mental support and being their personal advocate cost nothing but love. Love is the only thing you should be giving now if your children are in their 30’s. Concentrate on your monetary and financial future. I know it’s hard to
do, it’s hard to let go and detach a little; but do yourself a “good thing,” and protect your longevity ... and maybe for some, your sanity. Why not attend one of my free presentations provided every month around the country. We’re bringing together keynote speakers, community partners, and experts who can provide practical strategies to help you navigate your life. One great topic I do is on “Aging in the TwentyFirst Century” or for your adult children they may prefer “Millennial Saving Strategies.” I’m trying to reach my readers and provide free advice events at community centres and libraries across Canada. Checkout my website (askthemoneylady.ca) to find out when I will be in your area, and how you can register to attend. And don’t forget to come and see me after, I want to meet you!
Good luck and best wishes!
Written by Christine Ibbotson, author, finance writer, syndicated national radio host, and now on BNN Bloomberg News, and CTV News. Send your money questions (answered free) through her website at info@ askthemoneylady.ca
by News Canada
You don’t have to leave home to have a great vacation. With its vast landscapes, vibrant cities and diverse cultural heritage, Canada offers an array of opportunities for unforgettable staycations.
Whether you’re exploring local attractions, transforming your backyard into a private oasis or hitting the road, here are some tips to help you plan the ultimate staycation.
Set the scene at home. Transform your home into a retreat. Think cozy movie nights, spa vibes in the bathroom or outdoor dining under string lights. Consider what helps you unwind and bring that into your space. Before you unplug, make sure your home is protected. Review your home insurance policy to ensure you’re covered for things like water damage, theft or unexpected incidents.
Plan local adventures. Act like a tourist in your own city by visiting museums, hiking trails,
Pollinators and Pollinator Week
tion of many crops, including fruits, vegetables, nuts and seeds and also contribute to the health and biodiversity of ecosystems. They include a wide variety of species with bees being the most common. However, other important pollinators include butterflies, moths, wasps, flies, some beetles, hummingbirds and bats. Bees are the most important group of pollinators. With the exception of a few species of wasps, it is only the bees that deliberately gather pollen to bring back to their nests for their offspring. Bees also exhibit a behaviour that is called flower constancy which means they repeatedly visit one particular plant species on any given foraging trip. A female bee on a single foraging trip may visit hundreds of flowers, transferring pollen throughout the entire trip. Other pollinators like butterflies, moths, flies, wasps and beetles visit the flowers to feed on the nectar - or the flower itself and do not
collect pollen. There are an estimated 20,000 different species of bees worldwide with about 3,600 that are native to North America (north of Mexico). Their body length ranges from two to 25 millimetres and range in colour from dark brown or black to red or metallic green and blue. Some have stripes of white, orange, yellow or black and a few even have opalescent bands. Pollinators are vital for the environment and human food supply being responsible for one out of every three bites of food we eat. However, pollinator populations are declining globally due to habitat loss, pesticide use and climate change. It is essential for us to protect and support pollinators in order to maintain food security, ecosystem health and biodiversity. There are many things that you can do to help provide habitat for pollinators. Plant native plants as they have co-evolved with local insect species and provide a suitable
source of nectar and pollen. Plan for continuous bloom in your garden which is not only good for pollinators but lovely for the humans too. Provide diverse flower shapes and colours to ensure you can attract and provide for all pollinators. Choose a sunny spot as most pollinators are cold-blooded and need the sun’s warmth to be active. Ensuring you have shelter from the wind to allow your pollinators to be more comfortable. All living critters need water, so a shallow bowl filled with rocks is a great way to provide water to even the smallest pollinator. If you leave a messy bit somewhere in the garden, you will see that many pollinators will be found in this area. If you do not like to view the messy bit, tuck it in behind some vegetation so you can not easily view it. Last but not least, do not use pesticides. Patricia Hanbidge is the Lead Horticulturist with Orchid Horticulture. Find us at orchidhort.com;
by e-mail at growyourfuture@gmail.com; on facebook @orchidhort and on instagram at #orchidhort Tune into GROW Live on our Facebook page face-
beaches or even that new restaurant you’ve been eyeing. Planning a few off-the-beatenpath adventures can make your staycation feel fresh and exciting. If you’re using your car for day trips, make sure your auto insurance is up to date. Insurance providers can sometimes offer features like 24/7 roadside assistance and accident forgiveness, so you’re covered even when you’re close to home
Create a flexible budget. Even though you’re staying close to home, expenses can still add up if you’re not careful. Set a budget to keep things in check, but make sure to leave some wiggle room for spontaneous fun.
A great staycation is all about balance, relaxation, adventure and peace of mind. With the right plans in place, you can fully unwind and have fewer things to worry about while you’re in staycation mode.
book.com/orchidhort or check out the Youtube channel GROW youtube. com/channel/UCzkiUpkvyv2e2HCQlFl0JyQ?
Patricia Hanbidge Orchid Horiculture
Calvin Daniels Agriculture
by Calvin Daniels
It was a sunny Father’s
Day afternoon and for something to do that was a little bit different, the better half and I headed west of Yorkton to take in the Happy Centre School Vintage Tractor Show. Now to be completely transparent I have no particular affinity for anything with a motor be it a car show, tractor pull, stock car races or in this case vintage tractors circa 1980 and earlier, but I
do appreciate the passion people have for hobbies, mine just happen to be board games, reading, disc golf and fishing.
That said there is a certain intrigue associated with old farm iron.
I see a tractor some 45 years, or older, starting up and being put through its paces - at Happy Centre that included a slow race, and chain
in a box competitionsand I wonder will any of the machines rolling off assembly lines be operational in 2070?
Given the number of computer controls used today and how obsolete that tech will be some four decades into the future, it seems less likely than the old machines from a half century ago.
It’s also interesting
up your heals in
when considering old farm machinery just how different farming is today. It’s difficult to imagine a farmer heading to the field to cultivate with a unit covering only a dozen feet each time around the quarter section. And, the tractor sans a cab to protect from the sun, air conditioning to keep cool, radio to listen too, or computer to track the operation for posterity.
The machinery used has changed too.
The rod-weeder made Morris Industries a success for years, but that tech is obsolete and the long-time Yorkton-based company is gone too.
Changes in agriculture is very much the norm.
The Tractor Show at the Happy Centre School grounds was also interesting in as much as the community around the rural school
have managed to keep the school house viable for such events in an era where most rural schools - once as common as wooden elevators - are like the visible Prairie sentinels, all but gone.
There is an obvious resilience to those around Happy Centre to put in the effort to keep the school itself viable and then to hold events like the tractor show which is commendable in an era where volunteers are increasingly scarce as we become focused on just making ends meet.
The day didn’t turn me into a lover of machines, but it reinforced my appreciation to those who keep ag history operating. That is important because we should also know our past, and appreciate it was very different but was also the foundation of farming today.
Kick
retirement, Mr. J! ... Biggar Central School 2000 will be a slightly emptier place as Will Johnson hangs ‘em up and retires after a 37-year career. Principal Sean Lockwood, right, congratulates Mr. J, on his big day during the Colour Day ceremonies with a suitable piece of equipment to sit back in and relax. Congratulations, Will! You will be missed in the classroom and the playing field, but we’re sure, we’ll see you around! (Independent Photo by Dale Buxton)
The Saskatchewan Traveller . . . The Alberta Ride
by
Trudy and Dale Buxton
After a brief stop for fuel and necessities we continue on our way.
We have decided to get off the Number 1 Highway and take to the back roads.
We hang a left on Highway 550 heading northeast as we are making our way home.
It’s amazing the sites and the history that you
will encounter on the back roads, and this day is no different.
We only go a few miles on Highway 550 and just off the road we run into some old agriculture equipment and a few old cars, listed on the building was the Countess Museum.
Countess is one of those small communities that if you blink you go right on by, but after further investigation we find that Countess at one time was an active community.
The first settlers came into the area around 1913 and it was the railroad that helped establish a village.
The name Countess came from the Canadian Pacific Railway and named the community after the wife of Marquis Bassano, a shareholder in the railroad.
Countess was part of the whole colonization of Southern Alberta along with the irrigation projects that made agriculture possible in the region.
There was an influx of Mennonite/Mormon families that had come to the community, a Bible school was established in the 1920’s.
The economy was mainly agriculture until the discovery of oil and gas which is still producing today.
There is not many people left in Countess as there are lots of communities along the rail line that disappear through time.
Next up along Highway 550 is the community of Rosemary.
Rosemary received its name from Countess Rosemary Millicent, the daughter of the Fourth Duke of Sutherland.
Interesting enough is that the rail line from Bassano to Empress is commonly named
the Royal Line as most communities along that line was named after members of the Royal Family.
Like Countess, most of the settlements along this stretch of rail came from the highly advertised incentives given by the CPR to entice new families to the area.
The first settlers were the French but were replaced by young Mennonite families who settled on vacated farmsteads in the region.
Along with the Mennonites and Mormons came a number of Japanese families, today the landscape of the village still is from the original families that homesteaded in the area.
The community population is around 500 people and the slogan for the community is Land of Promise.
When we toured around the community you can tell that Rosemary keeps that small town atmosphere, while being close to other larger communities like Brooks which is only about 30 kilometres away.
Running into these communities is the reason we try to stay off the big highways, if we had stayed on the Number 1 we would have missed these places.
Stay tuned next week as we proceed north on Highway 35 - Veterans Memorial Highwaytowards home.
Welcome to Rosemary, Alberta
Countess Museum
BCS2000 Teale Awards 2025 Recipients
Presented
Presented
Teale Scholarship
Presented By: Debbie Robinson, Worth Matron of Acacia Chapter No. 3, Order of the Eastern Star, Biggar Recipient: Carson Mair
Town of Biggar Outstanding Community Service Award
Presented by: Mr. Jim Rickwood & Camille Box
Recipient: RJ Dalisay
B.C.S. 2000 Staff Scholarship
Presented by: Ms. Natalie Chupik
Recipient: Nola Derks and RJ Dalisay
Royal Canadian Legion Scholarship
Presented by: Mr. Dale Buxton Recipient:Kieran Massie
Biggar & District Credit Union Scholarships
Presented by: Mr. Bryce Kramer
Recipients: Kori Owens-Nahorney, RJ Dalisay
Prairie Malt Ltd. Scholarships
Presented by: Ms. Natalie Chupik
Recipient: Kori Owens-Nahorney, RJ Dalisay
St. Gabriel’s Catholic Women’s League Scholarship
Presented by: Mrs. Louise Singer Recipient: Emily Hodgson
BCS2000 SCC pursuit of Excellence Scholarship
Presented by: Ms. Natalie Chupik
Recipient: Emily Hodgson
New Creations Community Players Scholarship
Presented by: Mrs. Melissa Silvernagle Recipient: Kori Owens-Nahorney,
Prairie Sky Recovery Resiliency Award Presented By: Mrs. Jaqueline Hoffman Recipient: Nola Derks
Governor General Medal, 2024: Presented by: Ms. Natalie Chupik Recipient: Althea San Pascual
Independent Communications Scholarship
by: Mr. Dale Buxton & New Creations Community Players Scholarship
by: Mrs. Melissa Silvernagle
Recipient: Amelia Smith
Our Home: Canada Day and Reconciliation
by Claire Mantyka of the Biggar Museum and Gallery
This July 1 marks 158 years of Canadian confederation.
As Canadian national pride rises to an all time high amid political discourse and international displays of Canadian greatness, celebrations have become more elaborate. We celebrate the beginnings of Canada as a selfgoverning colonial nation with parades, fireworks, barbecues, and abundant maple leafs.
However, to Indigenous peoples, Canada Day represents a less joyous time.
When Canada declared itself a country in 1867, the traditional rights of Indigenous peoples were heavily restricted. The Founding Fathers wanted Canada to expand, which meant interfering with Indigenous lands and practices. This legacy continues today, as First Nations and Metis people are continually pushed to the side and silenced.
As we further our national reconciliation efforts, I found myself struggling to balance taking pride in being Canadian while also supporting Indigenous
reconciliation. It felt like I had to pick one or the other. So I asked, how do I find the balance between feeling pride in my home and acknowledging the harmful historical roots of Canadian dominion?
The first step I took was becoming educated on the full history of Canada, including the shameful parts. I also familiarized myself with First Nations, Inuit, and Metis history, which thanks to online sources has never been easier.
On Canada Day and beyond, supporting and boosting Indigenous voices and perspectives is key to understanding and building relationships. I support local Indigenous businesses, especially women and LGBTQ2S+ owned businesses. Many people choose to wear orange rather than red to show support for victims of Residential Schools.
Making a point of celebrating Indigenous excellence all year helps many to develop a sense of pride, such as on the recent National Indigenous Peoples day. I am also redefining what my Canadian pride means to me. I am proud of our national journey towards reconciliation. I am proud that Canada
is influencing other nations to increase their reconciliation efforts. I am proud that my home includes the rich, diverse histories and culture of First Nations, Inuit, and Metis Peoples. I am proud that my country represents peace and progress.
The Biggar Museum was recently recognized with awards of excellence in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion by the Museums Association of Saskatchewan. We are committed to telling the true histories of Indigenous groups of the area and beyond.
Having discussions around reconciliation and national pride are difficult, but necessary. I am choosing to embrace the complexity of Canada’s history and Canada Day because I love my home in spite of its flaws. Canada Day has always been about coming together to celebrate our mutual success. I still have a long way to go to find the right balance of pride and reconciliation, and so does the rest of Canada.
Despite this, I continue to feel optimistic about our home.
Rick
was recently awarded the Saskatchewan
School Athletic Association Service Award for his involvement in school athletics having coached basketball, volleyball, track, cross-country, golf and badminton, as well as officiating for football, track and other sports. Garchinski will also be retiring this year after a 34.5 year teaching career, and he will be sorely missed by the community, staff, and students. Congratulations, Rick on the Service Award, and congratulations on a stellar teaching career! (Submitted Photo)
Budgeting for a summer vacation: Save smart and stay covered
by News Canada Relaxation, exploration, creating memories -
the allure of a summer vacation is hard to resist. But the financial and logistical challenges of travel can add stress to the planning process.
With a little foresight and smart financial planning, you can enjoy your dream getaway without worrying about your wallet.
Here are some simple steps to help you budget wisely and protect what matters most while you travel: your finances, your peace of mind and your home.
Start your planning by setting a clear and realistic travel budget. Consider your current financial obligations and set a maximum budget that won’t impact your everyday needs. Break it down into categories like:
• Transportation.
• Accommodations.
• Food and dining.
• Activities and entertainment.
• An emergency fund.
Tracking your spending during the trip can help you stay on target and avoid post-vacation financial regret.
Don’t overlook travel insurance. While it might be tempting to skip travel insurance to save money, it’s one of the most important investments you can make for your trip. From flight cancellations to medical emergencies, travel insurance provides coverage that can save you thousands of dollars in unexpected costs. Protect your home while you’re away. Your home deserves just as much attention as your travel plans. Before you leave, make sure your home insurance policy is up to date and covers potential risks like breakins, water damage or power outages.
Some insurance providers offer personalized insurance and will work with you to ensure you have the coverage you need to feel protected while away from home.
By planning your budget carefully and protecting both your travel and home, you can embark on your summer adventure with confidence.
St. Gabriel Principal awarded SHSAA Service Award ... St. Gabriel School Principal
Garchinski, right,
High
Achievement Day…Sunday June 22 was the setting for the Monarch Multiple 4-H beef Club Achievement Day. This annual event had a change of venue at the 4 Ever R Acres Arena in Grandora. All the members of the club came out with thier cattle groomed and ready for show. The next event for the club is Regionals held in Saskatoon July 5, 6, and 7th (Independent Photo by Dale Buxton)
Major League Baseball in 2025 has produced a wide variety of spectacular catches, some outstanding hitting, precise pitching and more than a few surprises, with the Toronto Blue Jays’ early-season performance one of the leaders in that ‘surprise’ category.
If you thought a Rafael Devers trade from Boston to San Francisco was a shocker, how about the Blue Jays at one point in June being eight games above .500, solidly in second place in MLB’s most competitive division, the A.L. East, and - if the season ended today, which would be a shock - in a wildcard playoff position.
Blue Jays’ fans enjoying the 2025 surprise
Pre-season prognostications by baseball insiders pegged the Blue Jays for another last-place finish in their division, which lately has been dominated by the Yankees, Red Sox and Baltimore Orioles. The Jays, according to the experts, were likely to battle it out for fourth place with Tampa Bay.
But if somebody named Cal Raleigh (a catcher with Seattle) can be on a pace to belt 60 home runs and if Aaron Judge can be batting around .370 near the halfway pole, and if Max Fried can prove to be one of the best free-agent signees ever (9-2, 2.05 ERA with the Yankees), then what’s so surprising about the Blue Jays being a contender?
One of the team’s least celebrated players, catcher Alejandro Kirk, is one of the major providers of diamond magic that has propelled the Blue Jays to their unexpected heights. After 76 games, Kirk was batting .311 and was striking out only once in every 10 at-bats. Behind
the plate, Kirk has been well above average, with his defensive stats ranked third in the A.L.
Think how good the Blue Jays could be if their No 1 off-season signee, outfielder Anthony Santander, was performing anywhere close to what he did last year. His 44 home runs with Baltimore in 2024 was the magnet that led to his $92.5 million fiveyear contract offer from the Jays, but he has been more poof than pop in this season’s first 76 games. Santander had a mere six home runs and a .179 batting average in mid-June, and was on pace for 13 homers.
At the team’s seasonending banquet, Jays’ management should ask that Santander return part of his salary due to non-performance.
Besides Kirk, Toronto is also getting solid offensive performances from outfielder George Springer, shortstop Bo Bichette, Vladimir Guerrero,Jr., and decent bat work from rookie third-baseman Addison
Barger.
The Jays’ big three starting pitchers have been so-so, with Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman and Jose Berrios giving Toronto a chance every time they take the mound. In a tight game, bet on the Jays, because closer Jeff Hoffman has been an A.L. leader all season in saves. In fact, at last glance, the Jays’ were tied for the A.L. lead in saves.
Add it all up, and while Canadian fans aren’t expecting a repeat of 1992-93, when the World Series flag flew north of the 49th parallel, it’s great to have a contender again.
Let the surprises continue.
• Jack Finarelli at sportscurmudgeon. com, on food fare at the Houston Astros’ stadium: “A foot-long hot dog garnished with BBQ beef brisket, mac-and-cheese and fried pickles. And for dessert, a roll of Tums.”
• Scott Michaux of globalgolf.com, on the rough at Oakmont, site of the 2025 U.S. Open:
“Old-fashioned USGA/ Oakmont punitive gougeout rough - the way hell intended golf to be played.”
• Vancouver columnist Steve Burgess, on the Stanley Cup final: “The Oilers were hoping it would be different this year. It was. Six games this time.”
• Cathal Kelly of the Globe and Mail, on Florida’s dominance over the Oilers, especially the great play of goalie Sergei Bobrovsky: “If the Oilers were getting Panther’d overall, they were mostly getting Bob’d.”
• Vancouver comedy guy Torben Rolfsen: “There are two seasons of clothing in Edmonton: Parkas and Oilers sweaters.”
• Rolfsen again: “Aaron Rodgers signed with the Steelers ‘pending a physical.’ How about a ‘psychological’?”
• From the Canadian parody website The Beaverton on Florida’s Stanley Cup win over Edmonton: “The City of Calgary has announced a co-belligerents victory
parade, where a photo of Connor McDavid looking sad will be paraded through the streets.”
• RJ Currie of sportsdeke. com: “Erik Guay retired as Canada’s most decorated skier with 25 podium finishes and two overall titles. In the minds of Canadians, he’s 1-2 with Justin Bieber for going downhill fast.”
• Headline at fark.com, after Browns’ draft pick Shedeur Sanders was ticketed for driving his car 101 mph in a 60 zone: “Shedeur Sanders has had enough of Cleveland and decided to leave really quickly.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun: “What a nice pickup Jonathan Toews is for the Winnipeg Jets, no matter how much he has left. The Jets are a team that has to learn how to win when it matters. Toews is a professor on the subject.”
• Care to comment? E-mail brucepenton2003@ yahoo.ca
Bruce Penton Penton on Sports
25072GE0
Business & Professional …
ARIES –
Mar 21/Apr 20
Nothing is too much for you to handle right now, Aries. But don’t take on even more as a way to prove something to someone. That could be a recipe for trouble.
TAURUS –
Apr 21/May 21
Your physical energy is strong right now, Taurus. This may work to your advantage regarding your relationship. Your desire for love and passion is intense right now, so explore it.
GEMINI –
May 22/Jun 21
Matters of the heart may need a little work right now, Gemini. If things haven’t been going too smoothly, you might have to examine the dynamics of the relationship and make changes.
CANCER –
Jun 22/Jul 22
You have an incredible passion for life, Cancer. It’s attracting friends and family members into your circle. Partner with someone who shares your energy.
LEO –
Jul 23/Aug 23
Leo, if things aren’t going smoothly at work, be careful about blaming yourself. You need to look at the bigger picture and figure out who all the players are in this situation.
VIRGO –
Aug 24/Sept 22
Virgo, even when others may count you out, you can be full of surprises. Do not let a recent success go entirely to your head, however. You still have a lot of work to do.
GAMES PAGE …
Sept 23/Oct 23
Libra, even though you may like to plan ahead and take things slowly, sometimes you need to throw caution to the wind. When an opportunity all but falls in your lap, run with it.
SCORPIO –
Oct 24/Nov 22
Scorpio, recent conflicts may ignite some mixed feelings, which could prove confusing. Think about solutions that potentially benefit all around you, including yourself.
SAGITTARIUS –
Nov 23/Dec 21
You might not be having the best luck right now, Sagittarius, but things can change quickly. Keep your chin up and your eyes set on your goal. Networking may help you move forward.
CAPRICORN –Dec 22/Jan 20
Capricorn, if you have any health questions, make an appointment to talk to someone right away. It is important to stay ahead of things.
AQUARIUS –Jan 21/Feb 18
Something that has been taking up a bulk of your time is finally coming to a close, Aquarius. This will be a big relief and a lot of stress will be lifted in the process.
PISCES –Feb 19/Mar 20
People keep coming up to you expecting all of the answers, Pisces. Don’t feel pressured to please everyone. Right now you may be content to enjoy some alone time.
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51. Tributary of the High Rhine
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38. Forbid
41. A way to explain
43. Not around 45. Evoke or suggest
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49. Dekameter
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12. Expression of disappointment
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56. Affirmative (slang)
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The Name by Warren Charlton, Biggar Associated Gospel Church
Jesus is the name of which I write.
At his birth he was given the name Jesus “for he will save his people from their sins.” Jesus means his business and delight is to save sinners. His name Jesus implies that he will be successful in securing their full salvation.
It was for this purpose that Jesus came into the world.
The objective of his death on the cross, his burial in a borrowed tomb, and his resurrection was to save sinners. That is why we declare, “There is salvation in no one else, for there no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.”
If you or I are to be saved from our sins against God, the only person who can save us is Jesus. If you were to ask, “What must I do to be saved?” the answer is, “Believe in the Lord Jesus, and you will be saved.”
Jesus alone is the Saviour of the world for “God has highly exalted
him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.”
On the day Jesus returns in glory, without exception, you, me and every person will worship him whose name is Jesus.
That is not true now.
Today the name Jesus is used in profanity and is despised by many, but in Biggar there are people who love to sing: What a beautiful name it is/What a beautiful name it is/ The name of Jesus Christ my King/What a beautiful name it is/Nothing compares to this/What a beautiful name it is/The name of Jesus.
The name Jesus is divides people into two groups. To discover which group you belong ask yourself, “What is my reaction the name: Jesus?
St. Gabriel roman CatholiC ChurCh 109 - 7th Ave.W, Biggar Father Edward Gibney Parish Phone: 306-948-3330 Saturday Mass.......7:00p.m. Sunday Mass....... 11:00a.m. our lady of fatima CatholiC ChurCh, Landis Sunday Mass.......9:00a.m.
Presbyterians, Anglicans and Lutherans St.Pauls Anglican Redeemer Lutheran 205 4th Ave. E 319 7th Ave. E
JUNE 22 10:30am Regular Worship (St.Pauls) AUGUST 24 10:30am Regular Worship (Redeemer) Have a Safe Summer
Rev. Daphne Bender Pastor’s cellular Phone: 1-306-621-9559 Office Phone: 306-948-3731 (Messages are forwarded to Pastor’s phone immediately)
Biggar associated gospel church 312 - 8th Ave.W. and corner of Quebec St., Biggar Sunday Service 10:30 a.m. All are welcome to come and join us Biggar United ChUrCh
REGULAR SERVICES
June 29 Regular Service Next Service August 10, 2025 Minister Dale Worrall Inquires Call Church Office 306-948-2280 Leave Message
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH SATURDAY SERVICES BIBLE STUDY 10:00a.m. CHURCH SERVICE 11:00a.m. 320 - 6th ave.east contact: 306-951-8445 3 abn www.amazingfacts.org
NEW BEGINNINGS CHURCH ...In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope...1Pe 1:3 You are Invited Sunday Tea and Coffee -10:15am Worship - 10:30am 323 MAIN STREET, Biggar For more info - Philip Watson - 250-487-8476
What counts as distracted driving? Tips to reduce electronic distractions
by News Canada
Picture this: you’re on the road with your seatbelt buckled and phone out of sight because you’re a responsible driver. You’ve safely stopped at a red light when you hear a text message ding on your phone. You check the message and punch
out a quick one-word reply.
No harm done. Light turns green and off you go.
But did you know that by writing out that one word, you may be breaking the law?
All provinces and territories in Canada have bans on using cellphones or hand-held electronic devices while driving. Penalties can include fines and demerit points. What can you do legally while driving?
• View the display screens of GPS units.
• Use a hands-free wireless communication device if you absolutely have to take a call.
Even with these exceptions, it’s wise to reduce distractions from your phone or other devices as much as possible. According to CAA, you’re 23 times more likely to be involved in a collision if you text while driving and four times more likely if you talk on a phone.
Focused driving helps save lives and maintains your good driving record, but it can also help save you money. For instance, safe, nondistracted driving could
lead to insurance savings from providers. For their customers who haven’t been in an at-fault or partially at-fault accident for at least six years and have accident forgiveness in their policy, they could be “forgiven” for the first at-fault or partially at-fault accident. This means their premiums won’t increase at renewal as a result of the accident.
“Canadians work hard, and we want to help them secure the best protection while keeping money in their pockets by making them aware of how they can save on their insurance,” said Bruno Jauernig, a Canadian insurance provider.
“From claims-free rewards for safe drivers, to preferred rates for alumni and professionals,
policy discounts and savings start to really add up, which could make a huge difference for Canadians, especially in today’s economy.”
Here are some ways you can reduce electronic distractions:
• Know your route: Map out a route before driving, or use the voice navigation feature on your GPS or map app.
• Set a playlist: Decide before you drive what music to listen to. If you are travelling with others, designate a DJ in charge of setting the vibe.
• Turn off notifications: Put your phone on vibrate to limit incoming distractions. Remember, there’s nothing so important it can’t wait until after the car ride is over.
