Two Hills Regional Chronicle - July 2021 by Natraja Media

Two Hills Regional Chronicle July, 2021

P.O. Box 156, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 w w w. t w o h i l l s c h r o n i c l e . c o m

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Alberta Municipalities support RCMP County declares state of emergency

Sergeant Robert Daisley by Sonny Rajoo

unicipalities across Alberta sent several letters to Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu, calling for the province to continue with the retention of the RCMP as it has done for several decades. The matter arose when the Premier Jason Kenney was looking into the feasibility of the province to have its own police force as they currently do in Ontario and Quebec. Every letter expressed in no uncertain terms community support

for the continuation of the RCMP serving as its primary law enforcement agency. “The RCMP is an iconic and well respected law enforcement agency that Canadians turn to in times of need throughout our country. Alberta should not be an exception to this rule,” wrote Omar Mughrabi, Mayor of the Lac la Biche County. Similar sentiments were expressed by several villages, towns and counties from across the province. Local municipalities such as the Town and the County of Two Hills joined in their combined efforts to write to the Alberta Urban Munipalities Association (AUMA) to strongly express their view to continue with the RCMP. In an interview with the Two Hills Regional Chronicle, Sergeant Robert Daisley of the Two Hills RCMP responded to our request for a comment, “As long as the RCMP is the Provincial Police Force in Alberta, we will strive to provide professional, accountable policing services and to keep our communities safe. I am proud to be a member of both the RCMP and the community and I hope that it will be possible to continue to be both.”

by Sonny Rajoo

ith Alberta seeing 56% of its total income from agriculture compared to 39% in the oil and gas sector, farmers and the role they play in our economy is becoming increasingly important. With this in mind, many counties throughout Alberta have declared Agricultural States of Emergency. Although the drought has affected some areas more than others the very dry conditions have led to disaster and places a heavy burden on current and future farming operations and therefore affected many in our cherished agricultural community. “In this statement the County of Two Hills sent, “On July 21, 2021 the County of Two Hills Council unanimously declared a state of Agricultural disaster for the County of Two Hills No. 21. This declaration was made to call attention to the severe drought conditions seen throughout the County. Although some areas have recently received small amounts of rain, the lack of moisture in some areas has resulted in little to no hay, silage or pasture. The insignificant rainfall received across the County has left crops decimated. Producers are encouraged to consult AFSC or visit their

Councillor Sonny Rajoo appointed as Deputy Mayor

website for updated information on assistance programs. The County of Two Hills Council issued this declaration of Agricultural Disaster to encourage the Provincial and Federal Governments to initiate necessary programs that may provide relief to producers. In the past, such relief has varied from income tax deferral programs to Farm Disaster Assistance programs that could assist with such matters as the emergency supply of cattle feed. At the July 21, 2021 Regular Council meeting, it was resolved that: County of Two Hills Council declares a local State of Agricultural Disaster due to the hardship weather conditions and drought have placed on local farmers. The County of Two Hills will notify Provincial and Federal Governments of the State of Agricultural Disaster and request a disaster recovery program be set up to address this agricultural disaster. Producers are encouraged to contact AFSC at 1-877-899-2372 or visit their website -- www.afsc.ca -- for the most updated information. For information regarding the declaration of Agricultural Disaster contact the County of Two Hills Agricultural Services Department, Agricultural Fieldman, Elden Kozak at 780-657-3358.

Councillor Sonny Rajoo who is serving his fourth term as Town Councillor, was sworn in as Deputy Mayor of the Town’s regular council meeting July 13th. The position is rotated on an annual basis and this is Rajoo’s fourth time holding a similar position. Our picture shows Mayor Leonard Ewanishan administering the oath of office to Councillor Rajoo. The next municipal election will be run on October 18th of this year. (Photo by Colby Klassen)

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

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July 2021

Alberta is officially Open for Summer

Virtually all COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted as Alberta leads Canada by entering Stage 3 of the Open for Summer Plan.

s of July 1, Albertans are now free to gather indoors and outdoors, places of worship and businesses can operate at full capacity, the provincial mask mandate is repealed, and people can safely get back to doing all of the activities they enjoy. “This is a fantastic day for Alberta. We have crushed COVID-19 and with cases plummeting and vaccine uptake climbing, we are Open for Summer. With vaccines on our side, businesses can once again thrive, and Albertans can get back to their normal lives. Together, thanks to the sacrifices made by Albertans, we have made it through this terrible time. Now, a new day dawns and the future looks bright.” said Jason Ken-

ney, Premier. To date, 72.8 per cent of eligible Albertans have received their first dose of vaccine, and 42.4 per cent have received both doses, offering a strong level of community protection in the province. Alberta Health estimates that 50 per cent of eligible Albertans will be fully immunized by July 6. Mandatory isolation and quarantine rules remain in place, and masking is still required in hospitals, continuing care, mass transit, ride shares, and taxis. “Thanks to the tremendous efforts of Albertans and the power of modern medicine, now is the time to safely pivot from strict restrictions to vaccine protection to keep people safe. As we lift restrictions, I urge Albertans to continue to do their part by getting fully vaccinated.” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health. All COVID-19 restrictions are now lifted unless otherwise indi-

65 per cent of eligible Albertans fully vaccinated More than 2.4 million Albertans are now fully protected from COVID-19, having received two doses of vaccine.

s of July 29, 65 per cent of eligible Albertans have received both doses of vaccine through Alberta Health Services, community pharmacies and physician clinics. Alberta remains above the national average for full vaccinations and has a higher percentage of people fully vaccinated than the United States, France and Germany, among others. “I am pleased that Alberta is still seeing a great demand for doses of vaccine, and I would strongly encourage any Albertans who have not yet got their first or second doses to do so as soon as they can. There are lots of appointments available all over the province, and we want as many Albertans protected against COVID-19 as possible.” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health. In addition, 75.8 per cent of eligible Albertans have received at least one dose of vaccine through Alberta Health Services, community pharmacies and physician clinics. All Albertans are strongly encouraged to get vaccinated with both doses as soon as possible to protect themselves, their loved ones and their communities. “Vaccines are the most effective way to get past the pandemic. They’re safe and highly effective. This is another

important milestone, but we will keep pushing for more and more Albertans to get the vaccine. If you haven’t gotten both doses, now is the time.” said Jason Kenney, Premier. Bookings for first and second doses are available provincewide. Albertans can book appointments through AHS online, by calling 811 or through participating pharmacies. First-dose walk-in clinics are available at multiple locations. All Albertans 18 and over are eligible to enter the Open for Summer Lottery once they’ve received two doses of COVID-19 vaccine. Prizes feature two more draws for $1 million each and travel packages. “Thank you to all Albertans who have taken the step to get fully protected with two doses of vaccine. Getting vaccinated doesn’t just protect your health but also the health of your family, friends and neighbours. If you haven’t yet received your doses of vaccine, now is the perfect time to do so.” said Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health. Albertans with two doses can also register for the separate Outdoor Adventure Vaccine Lottery, which features prizes for hunting, fishing and wilderness experiences. (Source: Alberta.ca)

cated. Health officials have created a general guidance document (General guidance for COVID-19 and other respiratory illnesses) for all sectors to help Albertans safely transition into Stage 3. Limited measures will remain in effect to protect continuing care and acute care settings, and to offer additional safeguards until all Albertans have had the opportunity to receive their second dose of vaccine. • Confirmed cases of COVID-19 are still required to isolate for 10 days. • Close contacts of confirmed cases are still required to quarantine. • Quarantine length continues to be based on vaccination status. • Protective measures in continuing care settings remain in effect. Masking will continue to be required in limited and specific settings: • Continuing care and acute care settings. • Public transit, taxis and ride sharing. Albertans may wish to consider individual risk factors and choose to wear masks in other public indoor settings.

Get fully vaccinated Albertans are encouraged to continue booking appointments for first and second doses to ensure full effectiveness and long-lasting protection. Anyone who has not yet booked their vaccine can do so by visiting alberta.ca/vaccine to find available appointments with AHS or participating pharmacies across the province. Select locations are offering walk-in clinics for first doses. Alberta is providing an extra incentive to Albertans who are vaccinated through its Open for Summer Lottery. To register and for complete details, visit alberta.ca/lottery. Alberta’s government is responding to the COVID-19 pandemic by protecting lives and livelihoods with precise measures to bend the curve, sustain small businesses and protect Alberta’s health-care system. “We are entering a new phase in our fight against this virus. As we gather and celebrate with our loved ones, I encourage every Albertan to continue to get their vaccines, make safe choices and support each other with compassion through this time of transition.” stated Dr. Deena Hinshaw, chief medical officer of health. (Source: Alberta.ca)

Premier Jason Kenney issued the following statement to recognize Heritage Day:

Happy Heritage Day

“Heritage Day is a great moment to celebrate our province’s history and achievement. “From Indigenous Peoples who first established communities here to pioneers from every corner of the world, Alberta has been a place where people have come to build their lives and thrive. It has become a home to countless people who have come here to build a better life for themselves and their families. “From the onion-domed churches that dot our Prairies to the first mosque in Canada in 1938, our province celebrates those who came with a diversity of beliefs and faiths, all working toward this shared Alberta dream. “Alberta has not been perfect, and we must continue to confront the mistakes made in the past. “But that does not change the fact that together, we have built the greatest place in the world to live, work and raise a family. “This Heritage Day, let us all appreciate and celebrate everything that makes us proud to be Albertan.”

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

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Town of Two Hills Council meeting highlights for meeting on June 22, 2021 CORRESPONDENCE: 2021-126 MOVED by Councillor M. Tarkowski that the Correspondence be acknowledged as presented and filed. CARRIED

ADMINISTRATIVE REPORTS: Public Works Report The Public Works Foreman’s Report was provided to Council in advance for their review. 2021-123 MOVED by Councillor M. Tarkowski that the Public Works report be acknowledged as presented and incorporated into the minutes. CARRIED Chief Financial Officer Report The Chief Financial Officer’s report was provided to Council in advance for their review.

S. Rajoo that the Chief Financial Officer’s report be acknowledged as presented and incorporated into the minutes. CARRIED Chief Administrative Officer Report The Chief Administrative Officer’s report was provided to Council in advance for their review. 2021-125 MOVED by Councillor E. Sorochan that the Chief Administrative Officer’s report be acknowledged as presented and incorporated into the minutes. CARRIED

2021-124 MOVED by Councillor

NEW BUSINESS: 150 ft MCSNet Tower MCSNet has determined that the best location for them to set up a 150 Ft Internet Tower would be behind the library and in front of the AXIA Supernet Compound. The tower will be enclosed in a 12’x12’ fenced area. This way they are able to hook up to the Supernet (now or in the future when they get up to 100 customers). If they don’t hook up to the Supernet now, the internet service will still be better than what is available in town currently. The speed is predicted to be 50-80 Mbps download and 10 Mbps upload. MCSNet will also continue to try to run their fibre line to Two Hills. 2021-127 MOVED by Councillor S. Rajoo to sign the agreement and allow MCSNet to set up a 150 ft Internet Tower behind the library. CARRIED

reached out to our Banking Relationship Manager and is waiting to hear back for the best options on proceeding to invest $176,960 into the recommended accounts. 2021-128 MOVED by Mayor L. L. Ewanishan to deposit the $176,960 into restricted reserves. CARRIED 2021-129 MOVED by Councillor E. Sorochan to invest $176,960 into the recommended account. CARRIED 2020-1003 Face Covering Bylaw As the Province reopens and Provincial laws supersede local municipal Bylaws, does the Town want to continue with the local bylaw that is in place. 2021-130 MOVED by Mayor L. L. Ewanishan to rescind bylaw 20201003 Face Covering Bylaw as of July 1, 2021. CARRIED

ACE Debenture The Chief Financial Officer has

Supporting Indigenous-led mental health efforts

Alberta’s government will invest nearly $8 million to support Indigenous-led efforts to care for mental health, including supporting the healing of residential school survivors and their families.

hrough the new Residential School Mental Health Support Grant Program, First Nations, Metis Settlements and the Métis Nation of Alberta will be eligible to apply for funding to support a variety of services and supports. This includes counselling services and traditional healing practices such as talking circles for individuals, families and communities affected by Canada’s residential schools and the ongoing tragic discoveries of children’s remains. More than $2.8 million will be available through this program, allocated through grants of up to $50,000 each. “The funding is a part of the Alberta government’s efforts to address the painful legacy of residential schools. Mental health supports are especially important as burial sites

continue to be uncovered. We are committed to working with First Nations and Métis peoples to achieve real and meaningful improvements in all aspects of health and well-being.” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Health. “Trauma associated with residential schools is far-reaching and dramatically impacts community. The path to reconciliation is through independence. We hope this funding will provide more independence for Indigenous and Métis peoples in Alberta to improve their mental wellness and begin recovering from community trauma.” said Mike Ellis, Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addictions “The recent discoveries of unmarked gravesites across the country continue to reopen the wounds for the families of those who were lost. This grant is another step in addressing the painful legacy of residential schools and helping families find closure. Now is the time to support

each other so we can collectively heal and continue to work towards reconciliation.” stated Rick Wilson, Minister of Indigenous Relations “The mental health and wellness of all First Nations have been impacted in some way by residential schools. We all know someone or have heard stories of what happened to our children who were taken away. The trauma runs deep and significant effort needs to be made to heal. This funding is a welcome step in that direction.” said Chief Douglas Beaverbones, O’Chiese First Nation The goal is to have this funding available as soon as possible to support the mental health of First Nations and Métis people as investigations begin at former residential school sites in Alberta. More information on the application process will be available soon. In addition, Alberta’s government is providing $4.9 million over two years to the Alberta Health Services (AHS) Indigenous Wellness Core. The AHS Indigenous Wellness Core partners with Indigenous peoples, communities and key stakeholders to provide accessible, culturally appropriate health services for First Nations and Me?tis people and the Inuit in Alberta. The overall vision is to achieve health equity for and with

Indigenous peoples in Alberta. The $4.9-million funding commitment represents a sustainable approach to addressing the ongoing mental health needs of Indigenous peoples and communities. Alberta’s government also continues to provide funding to a number of programs focused on supporting the mental health needs of Indigenous peoples across the province. This includes providing grant funding through the Wellness Core to roughly 50 Indigenous communities and organizations to implement community-based life promotion projects for youth and to support suicide prevention efforts, as well as more than $5 million allocated to organizations that serve Indigenous peoples through the COVID-19 Community Funding Grant Program. “We appreciate the Alberta government commitment to work with us to support the mental health and well-being of our people. Through funding and collaborative partnerships, we are moving in the right direction. It will take ongoing effort to truly address the impact of residential schools.” said Regional Chief Marlene Poitras, Assembly of First Nations Alberta Association

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Community celebrates Gladys Mahowich’s retirement

by Sonny Rajoo Photos by Judy Rudkowsky

t was March 2003 when Gladys Mahowich moved to Willingdon from Dawson Creek and started working for Dawn Bidulock and Loralie Tatarin who owned the ATB Financial Agency in Willingdon. The Wetaskawin born Gladys always enjoyed working with people and was a natural fit to be a customer service representative for ATB Financial.

On November 1, 2010, Gladys purchased a business and the building and successfully ran the agency for 10 years, when Dawn Bidulock bought back the agency, which continues to run very successfully. The recently retired Gladys with husband Wally, spend time gardening and general yard work and enjoy their retirement living life at a busy but slower pace. Your many customers joined Dawn Bidulock in thanking you for your service, your warmth and hospitality and wish you every peace and happiness over your much deserved retirement.

July 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

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Canada Day celebrations warm the hearts of many by Jared Rajoo

Charlotte Rayner celebrating with her parents Jeff and Krystal Rayner, grandparents mothers side Norm and Bettyanne Brake, and grandparents Fathers side Kim and Eric Rayner.

Canada Day is celebrated across the country marking the date that Canada became an independent nation. Canadian pride running freely, the holiday is a chance to enjoy the first of the Summer holidays. Canadians across the country and around the world show their pride in their history, culture and achievements. It’s been a day of celebration, where many festivities are held across the country, since 1868. Residents of our county were no different. Embracing the values and love for Canada and what it means to be Canadian. This would be a particularly celebratory day as restrictions that were imposed on the province due to the outbreak of COVID-19 have been lifted allowing life to slowly return to normal. Yet despite the celebrations, many have taken the time to pay respects to those affected by the Residential Schools. The findings of the unmarked graves of children on or near the grounds of former residential schools in different parts of the country are a shocking reminder of the oppression and violence perpetrated by Canada’s colonial institutions against First Nations, Inuit and

Message from MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk

ATB Financial Customer Appreciation a success!

TB Financial July 23 in Willingdon Customer Appreciation and Welcome Back of Agent Dawn Bidulock was an amazing day! It was so great to see everyone that came out!

(Left to right) David Bolivar Sr Financial Advisor, Joell Maddox Willingdon Agency CRS, Stacey Mattock Business & Ag Relationship Manager, Angie Halvorson-Vandale Vegreville Branch Manager, Dawn Bidulock Willingdon Agent, Tammy Holmes Vegreville PB Specialist.

Métis peoples. Acknowledging and raising awareness of the atrocities inflicted on Indigenous peoples is essential on the path to reconciliation. Canadians stand with Indigenous communities across the country during this time of mourning. More than ever, Canada Day is a time for all Canadians to show empathy, understanding and humility. It is also an opportunity to educate ourselves, to reflect and to redefine our relationship with July 1st, while reaffirming our commitment to ending the systemic racism and discrimination faced by Indigenous peoples. We encourage you to learn more about First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. We must learn from the lessons of our past and move forward on a shared path of reconciliation. Together we move forward as brothers and sisters not divided by race, religion, or any other dividing factor united by the love we share for the beautiful country we are proud to call home. When we sing “we stand on guard for thee” we are reminded that we stand on guard to protect the ideals of our loving home.

have some exciting news to share with you about another renewable energy project for our constituency but before I share those details, I wanted to give a special thanks to our Premier, Jason Kenney. It was an honor and a privilege to host Premier Kenney in our riding for a couple of hours on Thursday and I was able to update him on a project I am about to tell you about, the Two Hills RNG Facility. On July 8, a division of ATCO announced that it will be building a renewable natural gas facility north of Vegreville. What makes this gas renewable is, according to ATCO, it captures methane emissions that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere. RNG uses methane produced from the decomposition of organic material, such as agricultural by-products and manure. This also can include waste from water treatment plants and methane that

is emitted from landfills. ATCO is partnering with Future Fuels Ltd. and turning methane into heating fuel. The organic waste needed to create RNG will come from neighboring municipalities. This facility will produce enough RNG to heat 2,500 homes. The RNG will be fed into the natural gas grid and will contribute to reducing our carbon footprint. One thing Premier Kenney has mentioned is that diversifying Alberta’s energy mix as well as our economy is a key part of our government’s strategy, and one I fully support. ATCO estimates that this project will result in the reduction of over 20,000 tonnes of C02 emissions per year. Another great benefit of this initiative is it will also create new skilled jobs for our riding as workers will be needed to keep the facility up and running. This project is now in the detailed engineering phase and ATCO anticipates that if everything remains on schedule, the project will be operational by towards the end of next year. Along with the partnership announced between Suncor and ATCO in May for clean hydrogen production in The Heartland, this is a very exciting time to be in the Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville riding. Our best days are ahead! Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk, MLA Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

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Message from MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk

hen July comes around, so many Albertans are thinking about the stampede. Along with this, a big announcement came from Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen that I wanted to share with you. The ministry will be looking for ways to support sustainable growth in our province’s beef sector. As you know, Alberta is a key beef supplier to local and international markets and improving our competitiveness is critical to supporting the Alberta Beef and Canada Beef brands. Our government is partnering with the Canadian Cattlemen’s Association, Alberta Beef Producers and Alberta Cattle Feeders’ Association to undertake a competitiveness study that will provide important insights and data for this

essential industry. We have the potential to increase capacity and the study will help determine where additional investments could be made to find efficiencies and achieve an optimal processing level. The study can also look at other measures to increase competitiveness, like the possibility of legislating price reporting, like the United States, to facilitate open, transparent price disclosure and provide all producers and processors with comparable levels of market information. Everyone in our constituency knows how important our beef producers are to our economy and many of them are right here. I look forward to updating you about the progress of this initiative as our government works on this important study. I may be biased but I think our ranchers produce the best beef in the world!

July 2021

New Century Farm and Ranch Award recipients Over 50 farm families have been awarded Century Farm and Ranch awards in 2021.

he Millarville Ag Society, recipient of a 2021 Ag Society Innovation Award, recently hosted Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Minister Devin Dreeshen, as he presented 3 Alberta farm families with Century Farm and Ranch Awards – the Herman and Barbara Praeker family, the K. Glenn Wills family, and the Stuart and Ruby SinclairSmith family. The Praeker family operates a 4000-acre cow/calf, grain and oilseed farm at Strathmore. The original quarter section was purchased in 1918 through a general land sale by William Herman Praeker. The K. Glenn Wills family was also awarded the 125 Year Farm Recognition Certificate for having continuously owned and actively operated the same land for 125 years or more. The Wills family operates

a 320-acre mixed farm at Springbank. The original quarter section was homesteaded by George Searle Wills in 1892. The Sinclair-Smith family operates a 920-acre cattle and hay ranch in Millarville. Francis SinclairSmith purchased the original quarter section in 1908 through the Soldier Settlement Board. The Alberta Century Farm and Ranch Award recognizes farm families who have continuously owned and actively operated the same land for 100 years or more. Successful applicants will receive a custom made, cast bronze plaque to mark this significant milestone. Since the program’s inception in 1993, over 1900 farm families have received Century Farm and Ranch Awards, 54 in 2021.

Send us your stories and information. We love to share the stories that matter the most to our community. Email Niri at news@twohillschronicle.com or Jared at publisher@ twohillschronicle.com. Be sure to reach out to us on Facebook.

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Straight from the Heart

Editorial

Agriculture: a strong part of Alberta’s economy by Sonny Rajoo

Page 7

From the Publisher’s Desk

by Jared Rajoo

griculture and the Oil and Gas industry are the left and right eye of Alberta’s economy and in recent years they have both taken a hit thereby affecting the provincial budget and its consequences including funding cuts. As I study the importance of farming and its ramifications in human settlements across the world, I realise how since ancient times farmers played a key role in nations on every continent. It was the sugar cane industry that led people from India to South Africa starting in 1860 and since then people of East Indian descent played a key role in that once prosperous nation which is currently experiencing political turmoil. The COVID pandemic has added insult to injury and I have personally lost

several friends and relatives to this dreaded disease. This pandemic has showed us once again how important farming is to our survival. It was farming that led the Mennonite community to leave Western Europe to go to Russia at the invitation of Catherine the Great. From there the industrious group of people made their way to various countries across the world including Canada, the United States, and Mexico. It was farming that attracted Mexican workers to North America due to harvest crops thereby providing a lifeline to the agricultural industry. Through the centuries we have seen how farming has remained the mainstay of many nations survival. I have often said that you may need a lawyer once or twice, a doctor perhaps once or twice a year, a plumber or electrician on a few occasions but you need a farmer three times a day. The pandemic has proven to us all that while some of us have the luxury of working from home, a farmer does not have that choice. Whether it’s low commodity prices, drought or wildfires, we appreciate your sacrifices and challenges. To all in our agricultural sector WE SALUTE YOU!

Have a news article you want to share? Email Niri at news@twohillschronicle.com, Jared at publisher@twohillschronicle.com. We love to cover the stories that matter to you. Be sure to check out our website at www.twohillschronicle.com. This issue and all previous issues are available to view and download. Like us on Facebook.

reetings to all our regular readers. As it seems, just as you think you have everything figured out, life has a funny way of teaching you that there is always more to learn. Firstly, I would like to apologise to our readers for the delay in the paper. Due to problems at both ends of the world, it took a bit longer to come together this month. Truly it has been a very trying time for people all around the world. While Canada is experiencing record high temperatures and drought, severe flooding has devastated Germany. The Olympics are in full swing while the new COVID variants are spreading rampantly. Here in South Africa, we had experienced our own bit of insanity. Following the arrest of former President Jacob Zuma, many of his supporters took to the streets and large scale riots and protesting ensued resulting in billions of rands in damaged and stolen property. Law enforcement officials, private security companies and neighbourhood watch groups worked together to help establish order. I have found that it is in times of great adversity that we find our greatest strengths. The unquenchabe fire of human will that burns within each of us. The drive and desire to keep on going despite the urge to give up. Shortly after the commotion begun, more and more communities stood together hoping to protect their homes and families. Many got together to assist law enforcement while others provided meals and supplies to volunteers and officials. The beauty of love and community spirit far outshines all the dark and dreary things of this world. Working together and being in a community strengthens us. Gives us help in times of need. A shoulder to lean

Two Hills Regional Chronicle P.O. Box 156, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0

on when you feel like you just can’t go on. Being in an age when most of us are always on our devices scarcely acknowledging even our own household, it was amazing to sit around a fire and be enthralled by stories long past. As in past times, young and old men alike sitting together and sharing a meal and ideas. As iron sharpens iron so do friends sharpen each other. I’ve often believed that some of the best stories can not be found in any book but in the minds of those who have come before us. Ever since my childhood, I have loved to sit with my grandparents and their neighbours and learn about how life was lived when they were younger. Their experiences and struggles. Giving us a glimpse into a world we will never truly know. So if you get the chance, visit your elders and get to learn about the beauty of the world they lived in before us. Wishing you all a safe and happy summer. Despite restrictions being eased, I urge you all to remain cautious as the Delta and Lambda variants are causing numbers to rise drastically. Please adhere to all the guidelines set by Alberta Health and if you have not yet, book your appointment to become vaccinated. Until next month, stay safe and stay healthy.

Our Team Jared - publisher@twohillschronicle.com Niri - news@twohillschronicle.com Sonny - (780) 657-3536

The Two Hills Regional Chronicle is proud to serve the County of Two Hills and surrounding areas. We also distribute to local outlets at convenient locations as well as the Saddle Lake Cree Nation. (Approx. 2500 copies).

We can also be found online at

www.twohillschronicle.com and on Facebook.

www.twohillschronicle.com

Jared Rajoo Publisher

Niri Rajoo-Jeevanath News

Sonny Rajoo Reporter/Sales

Page 8

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Two Hills FCSS

4712-50th St Two Hills AB T0B 4K0

(780) 657-3540 www.twohillsfcss.com

Youth Centre The Youth Centre is open during the summer! Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday’s from Noon till 6:00pm. Ages 11-18

SParks Program

The Two Hills FCSS Sparks program is well underway. A big thank-you to Two Hills Medavie Health Services and The Two Hills Fire Department for a wonderful tour.

Two Hills Family Resource Network

FCSS Office Information and Referrals

If you need assistance in accessing available community and provincial services and supports, please contact the office.

Meals on Wheels

Call the Two Hills FCSS office at 780-657-3540 and a member of the staff will assist you in joining the Meals on Wheels program and will answer any questions and/ or provide additional information.

Seniors Transportation

Available on Tuesday and Thursday mornings within Two Hills town limits.

FCSS Staff Heather Landiak– FCSS Executive Director Marjorie Skoropadyk – FCSS Youth Centre Coordinator Tamie Smith – FRN Coordinator Connie Waddle– FCSS Program Coordinator Yolande Williams– FCSS Program Assistant

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Page 9

Hindu Heritage Month: Joint statement Ron Orr, Minister of Culture, and Muhammad Yaseen, Associate Minister of Immigration and Multiculturalism, issued the following statement on Hindu Heritage Month: “Alberta’s government is proud to announce that August will be recognized as Hindu Heritage Month in Alberta going forward. This is an important way to show our appreciation for the Hindu community and all that they do to strengthen this great province. “Through the COVID-19 pandemic, Hindu temples in Alberta stepped up to support their members and the wider community through neighbourhood food banks. This exemplifies the generosity of Alberta’s Hindu community. “For all Albertans, this month gives us opportunities to learn more about Hindu faith and culture, celebrate Albertans of Hindu A U G U inclusive, ST 2021 heritage and help build welcoming communities for all. “On behalf of the Government of Alberta, we hope Hindu community members have Resource Network - Two Minister Hills and Area News Letter Muhammad Yaseen, Associate a wonderful month celebrating their faith, of Immigration and Multiculturalism customs and traditions of their heritage.”

FRN NEWS

VOLUME 2

The Kalyna Ron Orr, Minister of Culture

Family

WHATS NEW WITH US!

CAMP CREATOLOGY Are you 12-18 and looking for a place to learn, grow and express yourself? This is the place for you! Mondays from 2-4pm at the Library

TAKE A BREAK Hello all you caregivers! Have you taken some time for you this month? Come over and have a coffee. Time to relax and recharge. Learn some new tips, or reinforce the strategies you already know. This program is every Tuesday from 2-4. Want to join through zoom? Email for invite.

IT'S AUGUST ALREADY??? Whew what a whirlwind! Has it really been a month of summer already? There has been so much going on at the FRN that it has flown by. July was the start of the summer programs and I would like to thank all of the families that came out to spend time with us here at the FRN. If you haven't yet, I look forward to meeting you! July saw programs such as Mommy and Me, Pancake and Play, Petite Picasso, Camp Creatology, Movement & Me, Take-A-Break , Baba & Me and Positive Parenting. Between Junk Journals, and bird feeders we have been creative, growing and learning. August is gearing up to be just as fast paced. There is a time change to the programs that will be running so be sure to take a look our calendar. This month we are partnering up with the Two Hills Wellness Coalition and putting on a Rock Painting event for the community. Keep and eye out on our Facebook page for new events, reminders and more. If you have any questions, comments or want to join our programs feel free to message on Facebook, call or send me an email.

PETITE PICASSO Creative learning for ages 0-6. This program has changed times to Wednesday 10-11:30. Come out with your little ones and make some messy art fun.

MOVEMENT & ME Time to get moving! All ages welcome, come out and enjoy some movement fun. This program is on Thursday mornings from 9:30-10:30

BABA & ME Special time for grandmothers (and grandfathers) to spend with their little ones. Thursdays August 5th and 12th from 2:30-3:30

VOLUME 10

Location: Two Hills Centennial Hall 5301 45 Ave Email: tamie.smith@twohillsfcss.com

Phone: 780-657-3540 Website: www.twohillsfcss.com

ISSUE 8 2020

Page 10

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Chief medical officer of health COVID-19 update

am pleased to be back to provide another daily update and to talk about the next phase of our COVID-19 in our province. First, here are today’s numbers. In the last 24 hours, we identified 194 new cases and completed about 7,100 tests. Our positivity rate was about 2.9%. Currently, 84 people are being treated for COVID-19 in hospital, including 18 admitted to the ICU. Cases have risen recently, almost entirely in those who have not been fully vaccinated, as we expected would likely happen as people come in close contact with each other again. Similar trends are being seen in other provinces that have lifted restrictions. I am pleased that overall, hospitalizations continue to decline and we will keep watching these closely. As I’ve said before, vaccines dramatically reduce the risk of severe outcomes and the risk of infection. For example, since July 1, people who were not fully immunized made up • 95% of all cases of COVID-19, • 94% of all those who have needed hospital care for COVID-19, • and 95% of all COVID deaths. Having two doses of vaccine has never been more important. The Delta variant spreads more easily and that second dose is critical for protection. That’s why it’s good news that more than 64% of eligible Albertans are now fully immunized and 75% have had at least one dose of vaccine. We still need to increase these numbers, but this is encouraging progress. With so many people protected by vaccines, and doses available right now for everyone 12 and over, the threat of this still dangerous virus is shifting. While COVID-19 cases may rise in the coming weeks and months, a surge of hospitalizations and other severe outcomes is much less likely thanks to vaccines. I know that the rise in cases over the last week has created some anxiety in people. After all, we have all been closely watching case counts for well over a year. When we first heard of COVID-19, we knew little of the virus, and there were no treatments or vaccines. This meant we needed to enact unprecedented measures to protect human life and to prevent our health care systems from being overwhelmed. We have made incredible sacrifices – staying away from loved ones, closing the doors of our businesses and cancelling important events – all to protect one another. These sacrifices were necessary at the time. Today, we are in a very different place. Vaccines are able to drastically reduce the risk of not only contracting the virus but, more importantly, getting severely ill. From a public health standpoint, this has changed how we need to look at this virus. As we have always done, we

need to weigh the direct impacts of COVID-19, against the indirect impacts that come from our interventions, especially on children and other vulnerable groups. With a vaccine readily available, the need for the types of extraordinary restrictions we used in the past has diminished. At the same time, we must also start preparing for other health challenges. Last year, we saw an extraordinary decline in other respiratory viruses. In fact, there was not a single case of seasonal influenza identified. We expect that to change soon. With the unprecedented public health measures used over the last year no longer in place, we will likely see higher levels of other respiratory viruses like influenza starting late this summer and into the fall. Vaccines for some viruses, like influenza, are available. But it will mean more patients needing testing for clinical reasons and, in some cases, medical care. We need to make sure that Alberta’s health system is able to support all patients. That is why we are making changes to bring COVID-19 measures in line with how we handle other respiratory viruses, while keeping strong measures in place to protect Albertans. After the past 17 months of restrictions, I know this will likely feel like a dramatic shift for many. We have grown accustomed to protective measures, and so some anxiety is only natural. I want to assure Albertans that some things will not change, not tomorrow and not any time this year. We will continue respond to COVID-19 and keep key measures in place to protect everyone, including: • Having vaccine appointments widely available • Testing symptomatic Albertans for whom this information will change their treatment, • And preventing and managing outbreaks in high-risk locations like continuing care. However, we will start to change several other things gradually, while keeping a close eye on hospitalizations in Alberta. The first changes will happen tomorrow, and are relatively small. As of tomorrow, quarantine will no longer be universally legally required for close contacts of confirmed cases, although it could still be required in some high-risk settings or for outbreak management.We are still recommending that close contacts who are not fully immunized avoid public places for 14 days, And we still have mandatory isolation for both positive cases and symptomatic people. Anyone who knows they have been exposed to COVID-19 should monitor for symptoms and should seek testing if they become symptomatic. We will also stop routine asymptomatic testing for close contacts. This will help reduce wait times and ensure timely results in the coming

months. But to be clear: anyone experiencing symptoms should still isolate from others and will be able to get tested provincewide. As quarantine is no longer required, contact tracers will no longer call close contacts. We recommend where it is possible to do so, positive cases notify their close contacts. Public health will start focusing on identifying and managing outbreaks only in high-risk locations, such as continuing and acute care and highrisk workplaces. We’ll keep watching COVID-19 closely, and will take whatever actions are needed to manage any high risk outbreaks or severe cases, as we do with any communicable disease. Over the next two weeks, we will closely monitor these changes and adapt as needed, to give more time to vaccinate Albertans before the remaining changes begin on August 16. These upcoming changes in midAugust will be more significant. For example, provincial masking orders on transit, taxis and ride shares will be lifted on that day. Of course, masks may still be required in specific settings like vaccination sites, hospitals and continuing care facilities. At this time, we are not planning to require universal masking in schools. However, we will be recommending it as a temporary outbreak intervention in response to respiratory outbreaks. Schools will also be asked to support those who choose to wear masks. We know that many parents and teachers have questions, and a guidance document is being finalized and will be released in mid-August to support return to school. In addition, starting August 16, isolation will no longer be universally legally required if you test positive for COVID-19, although it may be required in some high-risk settings. It will, however, continue to be strongly recommended in all settings. Staying home when sick will remain an important way to care for those around us by not passing on any infection, COVID or any other. Testing will continue to play a part of our COVID-19 response in Alberta, but it will be changing. Starting on August 16, we will no longer recommend that all those with mild symptoms seek testing, but rather should stay home until they are feeling better. Testing will be available for Albertans with symptoms where it is needed to make treatment decisions. This can be done through assessment centres until the end of August. After August 31, testing for COVID-19 will be available for patients whose sypmtoms are severe enough to need care in hospitals or physicians’ clinics. It will conducted when needed for informing treatment decisions, and as needed for outbreaks in high-risk settings. At the same time, we will also be launching a wastewater testing pro-

July 2021

gram to monitor the province. Testing wastewater has proven to be an accurate and valuable tool in providing early warning of a possible rise in cases. This program will work hand in hand with individual testing results to give us a good sense of where COVID-19 is in the province. More information on this testing program will be released in the coming weeks. I know that this is a lot of information to take in so I encourage all Albertans to take the time to review the changes at alberta.ca. As I’ve said many times, COVID-19 is not something we have to fear, but it is something we need to respect, and we will continue to do so. These changes are a necessary step forward, one that will let us keep supporting those who become severely ill, But also help us care for those who get sick from the flu or other viruses. I want to be clear that COVID is not over. COVID-19 is still a very serious virus, and it can have life-threatening consequences. And it is now primarily infecting people who don’t have their vaccine who are the minority of those who are eligible. The high protection from vaccine I spoke about earlier has been seen since our vaccine program started. 95% of all cases since January were unvaccinated or still developing immunity in the early days after a first dose. The same goes for hospitalizations, where 92% since January had no vaccine or were still within two weeks of their first dose. Just one patient of the 18 in the ICU right now was fully vaccinated – all the rest did not have the benefit that two doses of vaccine offer. So, I want to end today with “a call to arms”, to borrow a phrase from other public health colleagues. Please get vaccinated. If you haven’t gotten both your doses yet, this is your time. If you are between the ages of 20 to 39, and think you are not at risk from infection, it’s important to know that more than 1,400 Albertans of your age have needed hospital care for COVID-19 over the last 17 months, and 200 have needed ICU care. This does not include those who go on to develop long-COVID, with serious implications for their lives. Now is your best chance to protect yourself and to prevent passing infection to your friends or family.For those who have concerns about myocarditis, it’s important to know that in a study of healthy college athletes who were infected with COVID-19, the occurrence of symptomatic heart inflammation was 100 times greater after infection than the rare events observed after vaccine. Please use reliable information to make decisions, and join the millions of Albertans who have gotten vaccinated. I encourage you to take the opportunity to access this lifesaving intervention and make the choice to get protected.

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Brosseau Cash Calender winners for June Date $ Name Address 1 20 Amanda Lyndon Two Hills 2 20 Dustin Bateyko (Marilyn) Two Hills 3 20 Brett & Laurie Taschuk Two Hills 4 20 Adrian Coutu Two Hills 5 100 Destiny Marsh Glendon 6 20 Tony Weir Drumheller 7 20 Shannon Hoff Two Hills 8 20 Shaun & Janelle Peters Two Hills 9 20 Brandi Whelan St. Paul 10 20 Mary Wysocki & Yolande Williams Two Hills 11 20 Ed Lapaschuk & Terry Dulaba Two Hills 12 100 Cassy Ewing London, UK 13 20 Kristy Chapman Prince George, BC 14 20 Mercedes Charlebois Two Hills 15 20 Melanie Thomas Vegreville 16 20 Sylvia Lapaschuk & Yolande Williams Two Hills 17 20 Collette Orlecki Two Hills 18 20 Doug Ewing Vegreville 19 100 Kerricia Bodnar Saddle Lake 20 20 Emma McKain Vegreville 21 20 Paul Dahoy Vermilion 22 20 Mary Trach Two Hills 23 20 Laurie & Brett Taschuk Two Hills 24 20 Gilles Boulianne Brosseau 25 20 Shaun & Ernie Rosychuk Two Hills 26 100 Rene Roy (Rochelle) Beaumont 27 20 Joan Kornicki Vegreville 28 20 Candide Ouellette St. Paul 29 20 Melanie Zayak Two Hills 30 20 Kelly & Jackie Soprovich Edmonton

Page 11

Brosseau Cash Calender winners for July Date $ Name Address 1 20 Matt C Grant Myrnam 2 20 Yolande Williams & Linda Boyd Two Hills 3 100 Linda Fedoruk St. Paul 4 20 Catelyn Kolenosky Viking 5 20 Jolene Wigington Beaver County 6 20 Robert Berlinguette Prince George 7 20 Henri Boulianne St. Paul 8 20 Jordan Stefiuk Two Hills 9 20 Mary Wysocki Two Hills 10 100 Wayne Yuskow Two Hills 11 20 Ian & Suzanne Andrashewski Willingdon 12 20 Stan & Andrey Andrashewski Willingdon 13 20 Denise & Al Bileski Ardrossan 14 20 Julie Williams & Michelle Taschuk Two Hills 15 500 Henri Boulianne St. Paul 16 20 Brenda Nelson Guelph, Ontario 17 100 Norman & Yolande Theroux St. Paul 18 20 Grasford Davis Edmonton 19 20 Barry A Williams (Ayden) Two Hills 20 20 Barry G Williams (Greyson) Leduc County 21 20 Renne E Yuskow (Elizabeth) Two Hills 22 20 Sherri Chisan Saddle Lake 23 20 Danielle & Clint Boutin Two Hills 24 100 Danielle A Boutin (Ayden) Two Hills 25 20 Bev Laschowski Musidora 26 20 Chelsea Orlecki Two Hills 27 20 Maryann Chomlak Two Hills 28 20 Victoria Pirnak Edmonton 29 20 Kim Ouellette St. Paul 30 20 Brian Latka Edmonton 31 100 Lorraine Bachelet Two Hills

CONGRATULATIONS! Brosseau Days 2021 September 4 & 5 Slow-pitch Tournament 12 Teams Maximum $100 entry fee -3/7 format Registration deadline: August 23, 2021 Call/email registrations to: Danielle dano.williams@hotmail.com or 780 603 0792

Pancake Breakfast Sunday, September 5th 9:00 – 10:30 a.m. Breakfast Raffle Wheelbarrow Raffle Children’s Raffle Concession Available Camping Fees - $20 per unit/tent for the weekend (Not per night)

Firewood not supplied

The Brosseau Community Centre Board thanks the Alexander Boida Memorial Ball Park committee for the donation of the dugouts and the bleacher. It’s a wonderful addition to our grounds.

Thank you

Page 12

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 13

Diversifying the economy with cutting-edge tech

The Technology Innovation and Emissions Reduction (TIER) fund is supporting a new facility in southern Alberta that will create jobs and cut emissions by transforming agricultural waste. ta’s agriculture value chain.” Brad Orr, director, Canola Council of Canada “Canary Biofuels will provide long-term diversified business opportunity for R.K. Heggie Grain and Transmark. Local canola producers will have direct market access to the growing biofuel industry, and the livestock industry will get a much-needed supply of canola meal. Canary Minister Nixon, George Wadsworth, MLA Nathan Neudorf, MLA Biofuels is natural fit with R.K. Heggie Grain Grant Hunter, Reeve Lorne Hickey, and Steve MacDonald at the site and Transmark to proof Lethbridge County’s new Canary Biofuels facility. vide the company with feedstock for the plant lberta’s government is using sify the economy with cutting-edge and rail infrastructure to the get $4.7 million from the TIER technology and to create local jobs finished product to international fund through Emissions Reduction and opportunities.” Grant Hunter, markets.” Brent Peterson, vice-presAlberta to create a $28.6-million fa- MLA for Taber-Warner cility in Lethbridge County that will “Emissions Reduction Alberta ident, Transloading, Transmark/RK produce an estimated 70 million li- continues to identify and invest in Heggie Grains

tres of high-value renewable fuel. This facility will be the first of its kind in Canada, turning local agricultural waste, inedible animal fats and used cooking oil into biodiesel fuel and glycerin. The facility will buy more than $375 million of local feedstock from farmers over the next five years, generating about $500 million in revenue and supporting up to 130 local jobs in fields like engineering, construction and transportation. It will also cut about 224,000 tonnes of emissions each year – the same as reducing emissions from the electricity used by 41,000 homes. “Alberta is home to world-renowned expertise on cutting agricultural emissions, and the Canary Biofuels facility is another worldclass project Alberta’s government is supporting to diversify the economy and create jobs. I’m pleased to see the expansion of another groundbreaking Alberta-based technology that is cutting emissions and getting Albertans back to work.” Jason Nixon, Minister of Environment and Parks The facility’s biodiesel will have up to one-third the carbon intensity of petroleum diesel. The renewable fuel produced at the facility has also been pre-sold to a leading Canadian supplier of biodiesel whose customers include fuel retailers, wholesalers, distributors and fleet managers across Canada and the United States. This builds on Alberta’s strong record of environmental, social and governance actions. “As world leaders in agricultural emission reductions, Alberta farmers will be key beneficiaries of the renewable diesel produced at this facility. Projects like this showcase the steps Alberta is taking to diver-

fund for a range of programs that are reducing emissions, boosting the economy and getting Albertans back to work.

Quick facts • The new Canary Biofuels facility is expected to be operational by fall 2021. • TIER helps industrial facilities, which account for more than 60 per cent of Alberta’s total emissions, find innovative ways to reduce emissions and invest in clean technology to save money and stay competitive. • Emissions Reduction Alberta invests revenues from TIER to accelerate the development and deployment of innovative clean technology solutions. • Since 2009, Emissions Reduction Alberta has committed $649 million toward 204 projects worth $4.5 billion that are reducing emissions, creating competitive industries and leading to new business opportunities in Alberta. These projects are estimated to deliver cumulative reductions of almost 35 million tonnes of emissions by 2030.

opportunities that accelerate the inTIER funding novation required to strengthen Alberta’s economy and reduce greenThe TIER system is funded by house gases. Canary’s project will large industry that pay into the fund create new revenues for western Cawhen they do not meet emissions nadian agricultural producers and help meet the growing North Amer- targets. Alberta is using the TIER ican demand for biodiesel. This project is another example of what can happen when government, industry and entrepreneurs come together to deliver better economic and environmental outcomes.” Steve MacDonald, CEO, Emissions Reduction Alberta This funding is part of the province’s commitment of up to $750 million for emissions reduction and economic diversification programs and projects through the TIER fund and other funding that will directly support about 9,000 jobs and inject $1.9 billion into Alberta’s economy. “Canary Biofuels is Alberta’s first Generation 2 biodiesel producer with its flagship facility in LethCUSTOM FEED bridge. Canary is excited to lead the path in Alberta in abating emis- If you are interested in our custom feeding services, please call Highsions through sustainable wasteland @ (780) 768-2466 based biodiesel production that supports the energy and agriculture RETAINED OWNERSHIP industries in Alberta and the PraiIf you are interesting in retaining ownership of your calves through ries. Canary would like to thank all to harvest, phone Highland @ (780) 768-2466. its investors and partners, including the Government of Alberta, for INVESTMENTS their tremendous support. Canary Please contact Denise at (780) 768-2466 to inquire about investment is proud to support Alberta in crecattle currently available. ating new jobs and helping Alberta industry on its journey to net zero.” NW 27- 54 -14- W4 George Wadsworth, CEO, Canary Box 400 Vegreville, AB Biofuels T9C 1R4 “Canadian canola is used in bioPhone: (780) 768-2466 fuel production around the world Fax: (780) 768-3888 because it’s a low-carbon, sustainable and renewable resource. We are excited to see more investment in Lethbridge that will directly benefit canola farmers and Alber-

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

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July 2021

RCMP Update from Sergeant Robert Daisley of the Two Hills RCMP

looked on the Environment Canada website and in all of June, July, and August last year, there was only one day where the temperature exceeded 30C (Vegreville station). So far in June and to this writing on July 19, there have already been ten days over 30C! The Fraud of the Month for June is the “CRA Scam”. In this scam, the fraudsters claim to be from the Canada Revenue Agency or Service Canada and call to tell you that you have unpaid taxes or a warrant from the RCMP for failing to pay your taxes. I have received numerous calls of this nature and of course they are all fake! The called will make various claims such as that your SIN

has been compromised, you owe back taxes, you have an outstanding balance, or that you have committed a financial crime. They often threaten that if you don’t speak to them immediately you will be arrested, fined, or deported. If you haven’t been cheating on your taxes, it should be immediately apparent that CRA isn’t going to call you to tell you that you have been caught. If you are cheating on your taxes, this isn’t the CRA because the CRA will send you a letter to tell you what they want. They will also not ask for or accept payment via Bitcoin, money transfer, or pre-paid gift cards. Visit http://www.antifraudcentrecentreantifraude.ca/index-eng.htm

to learn about more scams or read this column next month! “Speeder of the Month” is a 79-year-old woman from Two Hills who whipped past a marked police vehicle at Cougar Tire. She was clocked at 95km/h as she left the 50 zone going into the 60 beside Geleta Park. By the time police caught up to her, she was already up to 138km/h! Her excuse? She had to go to Vegreville to update her cell phone plan! She received a ticket for $309. If you want to see more about what the Two Hills RCMP are up to, check out our Facebook page @TwoHillsRCMP If you have a topic you would like addressed in the next column, please send me a message at Robert.Daisley@rcmp-grc.gc.ca. I don’t have to mention your name if you’d prefer to have your identity stay confidential. Until next month, stay safe out there! Sgt. Robert Daisley, Detachment Commander, Two Hills RCMP

Check out this issue and our previous issues on our website www.twohillschronicle.com. Like us on Facebook.

Minister of Justice and Solicitor General Kaycee Madu comments against Trafficking in Persons “As we observe World Day against Trafficking in Persons, Albertans join our friends and families around the globe in calling for an end to the evil and illegal act of human trafficking. “In our province, we are doing our part to protect the vulnerable among us who are targeted by traffickers and to bring these heinous criminals to justice. We have passed the Protecting Survivors of Human Trafficking Act to make it easier for survivors to get protection orders and to enable police to respond to potential human trafficking situations more quickly. With increased support for Alberta Law Enforcement Response Teams (ALERT), the province has created specialized human trafficking and exploitation units to support victims directly, investigate trafficking activity and work with local groups to build networks that support victims and survivors. With these proactive steps, we are giving a voice to every Albertan who is committed to standing with survivors and against those who would harm our way of life. “We look forward to receiving the Alberta Human Trafficking Task Force’s recommendations this year and taking further action to carry forward the spirit of World Day against Trafficking in Persons to make human trafficking a thing of the past, both in our province and the world.”

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Agriculture

Page 15

Impacts of the drought on crop quality indicators

ecent crop reports from Western Canada have described the effects of record-high temperatures and lack of rainfall that have stressed crops. These reports indicate that some crops have matured faster than normal, or stagnated in their development. The longer these conditions persist, the greater the negative impact will be on crop and hay yields, grain quality and ultimately, farm cash receipts. In mid-July, the Alberta government reported that 36.6% of the crops were in good to excellent condition compared with the five-year average of 74.1%. Saskatchewan Agriculture and Food reported that the majority of the crops were rated in poor to good condition. Manitoba Agriculture-Food and Rural Initiatives reported that topsoil moisture continued to decline, with crop, hay and pasture conditions all deteriorating at the same time. The first cut of hay in Manitoba was completed with little expectation of a second cut in most parts of the province unless significant rains arrive, coupled with cooler temperatures. Weather and soil moisture conditions vary across Western Canada A large proportion of crop production in Canada occurs on the Prai-

ries where farmers have faced challenging weather and soil moisture conditions so far this year. Western Canada experienced above-average temperatures for the last month that progressively intensified from Manitoba through to British Columbia (Map 1). Since April 1, most of the Prairies received from 40% to 85% of average precipitation since the beginning of the growing season, while the interior of British Columbia has received less than 40% of average precipitation (Map 2). The concern expressed by many farm operators is that the current drought conditions have hit at the worst time of crop development. In canola, for example, flowering can become heat stressed beyond 30°C which can lead to smaller or aborted pods, fewer seeds per pod and ultimately lower yields. How Statistics Canada monitors the impact of the drought on crop development Statistics Canada monitors crop conditions on a weekly basis using coarse resolution satellite imagery as part of the Crop Condition Assessment Program (CCAP), which is funded by Agriculture and Agri-

Food Canada. The CCAP uses the Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) to monitor changing crop and pasture conditions. Based on the NDVI, for the week of July 19 to 25, 2021, growing conditions are lower to much lower for most of the Prairies and British Columbia compared with normal (Map 3). With the CCAP, the geographic extent of crop conditions and the degree of change by region can be compared with the normal for any region of Canada. When the current NDVI value is higher than the average, crops are greener with higher leaf volume, and when the NDVI value is below the average, crops are less green and have lower leaf volume. For example, crop conditions in the regions south of Calgary are below last year and below the long-term average, indicating that the drought is now having an impact on the quality of crops in that area (Infographic 1). A similar situation can be found for many other regions of Western Canada. However, it is important to note that not every region is experiencing the same impact, and conditions may still change in the coming months. For some regions, crop conditions

in 2021 are similar to those during the 2002 drought How bad are current crop conditions this year compared with 2002, the last time severe drought conditions affected crops in parts of Western Canada? According to the NDVI, the crop conditions this year are equivalent to or lower than 2002 in the extreme southwestern part of Saskatchewan and southern Alberta. In Eastern Canada, NDVI values for 2021 are similar to the normal from Ottawa to Montréal, lower than normal from Trois-Rivières to Québec, but lower to much lower than normal for the Niagara Falls– Port Huron–Owen Sound region of Ontario. The Maritimes are, for the most part, experiencing a normal year based on the NDVI values. Despite the heat and lack of rain in parts of the country, the situation could still improve if cooler temperatures and rain come in time to mitigate the decline in yields and quality. On August 30, Statistics Canada will release estimates on the production of principal field crops, which will provide a more comprehensive overview of the impact of the drought on Canadian crops in 2021.

Map 1: Mean temperature difference from normal (in degrees Map 2: Percent of average precipitation from April 1 to July 25, Celsius) from June 22 to July 19, 2021 2021 (during the growing season), by province

Map 3: Vegetation growth index as of the week of July 19 to 25, Infographic 1: Normalized Difference Vegetation Index values 2021 compared with normal (1987-2020), by census consolidat- from 2021, 2020 and the normal (1987-2020) by Julian week for ed subdivision for Western Canada the region of Foothills (south of Calgary), Alberta

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

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July 2021

HIGHLIGHTS

JULY 27, 2021 JULY 21, 2021 Council Meeting DECLARATION OF AGRICULTURAL DISASTER: On July 21, 2021, the County of Two Hills Council unanimously declared a state of Agricultural disaster for the County of Two Hills No. 21. This declaration was made to call attention to the severe drought conditions seen throughout the County. Although some areas have recently received small amounts of rain, the lack of moisture in some areas has resulted in little to no hay, silage or pasture. The insignificant rainfall received across the County has left crops decimated. Producers are encouraged to contact AFSC at 1-877-899-2372 or visit their website -- www.afsc.ca -- for the most updated information. The County of Two Hills Council issued this declaration of Agricultural Disaster to encourage the Provincial and Federal Governments to initiate necessary programs that may provide relief to producers. In the past, such relief has varied from income tax deferral programs to Farm Disaster Assistance programs that could assist with such matters as the emergency supply of cattle feed. For information regarding the declaration of Agricultural Disaster contact the County of Two Hills Agricultural Services Department, Agricultural Fieldman, Elden Kozak at 780-657-3358. COMMUNITY CONNECTIONS: Historical Designation: Council designated the Shandro Community Hall a Historically Significant Building.

TRANSPORTATION:

NOTICE – New Traffic Controls: In accordance with Bylaw No. 19-90, Stop Signs shall be placed in the East/West direction of RR 124 intersecting TWP 552.

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING: Wednesday August 18, 2021 in Council Chambers at 10:00 a.m. For further information contact: Sally Dary, CAO, County of Two Hills at 780-657-3358.

PREPARATION OF COMBINED ASSESSMENT/TAX NOTICES Notice is hereby given that the 2021 Combined Tax and Assessment Notices have been mailed as of June 22, 2021 to all property owners in the County of Two Hills No. 21. Accurate Assessment Group Ltd. provides assessment services to the County of Two Hills. If you have any questions or concerns regarding the assessment of your property, please contact Sean Cosens, Farmland and Assessment Standards Manager at 1-780-464-4655 ext. 2229 or contact the Administration Office at 780-657-3358. Please be advised that the final date of appeal is Tuesday, August 31, 2021. Procedure for Assessment Complaints is documented on the back of Property Assessment and Tax Notices. Property Taxes are due on or before October 31, 2021. No penalty if paid on or before this date. Penalties may be reviewed on the back of the issued notice. PAYMENT INFORMATION If you pay your taxes by bank teller or internet banking please choose COUNTY OF TWO HILLS as the Payee. Please DO NOT PAY your County of Two Hills property taxes to the Town of Two Hills, this will result in penalties. Internet banking can be used if you bank with any of the following institutions: TD, ATB, BMO, any Credit Union, CIBC and Scotia Bank. Please use your Roll Number as your Account Number. Property Tax may be paid by credit card, through Option Pay. Credit card payments may be processed online on the County website www. thcounty.ab.ca or in-person. If you choose to make a payment with a credit card please be aware there is a 3% service fee that will be processed on the credit card at the time of transaction.

MONTHLY PRE-AUTHORIZED PAYMENT PLAN The County of Two Hills has monthly pre-authorized debit for Property Taxes. If you would like additional information, please contact the County of Two Hills Administration Office at 780-657-3358.

2021 MUNICIPAL ELECTION The next general Municipal Election will be held in the County of Two Hills on October 18, 2021. Nominations for the 2021 Municipal Elections are now open. All nominations must be received at the County of Two Hills Administration Office on or before Nomination Day, Monday September 20, 2021 by 12:00 p.m. (Noon). NOMINATION HOURS: The Returning Officer or designate will receive nominations of candidates for the local jurisdiction election during the regular business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday from January 4, 2021 to September 17, 2021 and till 12:00 p.m. September 20, 2021. For more information, please visit www.thcounty.ab.ca or contact: Sally Dary, Returning Officer at 780-657-3358.

Tuesday August 3, 2021 is National Watermelon Day!

Public Works 780-657-2499

Natural Gas Utility 780-657-2446

Page 17 Two Hills Regional Chronicle PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT AGRICULTURAL SERVICE BOARD

July 2021

ROADSIDE MOWING PROGRAM

The County of Two Hills encourages developers, builders and contractors to apply now for your 2021 development permits. Development permits allow construction to start anytime within 12 months of the permit issue date. For further information on obtaining your development permit please contact: Gary Buchanan, Director of Planning & Development by phone at 780-657-3358 or by email: gbuchanan@ thcounty.ab.ca

Please be advised that persons wishing to cut hay on road allowances, agricultural ditch cutting must be completed prior to August 1 of each calendar year. The County of Two Hills Roadside Mowing Program along municipal roads will begin August 2, 2021 in Division 5. All standing grass will be cut with no exceptions, swaths will be respected. Should you desire to cut hay on road allowances not adjacent to your property, please be courteous and contact the landowner to verify if they desire to cut the same for themselves. Questions or concerns may be directed to the ASB Department at 780-657-

PUBLIC WORKS ROAD CONSTRUCTION & CLOSURES

3358.

2022 ASB CALENDER The Agricultural Service Board will be publishing a 2022 calendar! All photos must be within the County and agriculturally related (ie. livestock, landscape, harvest, etc.). Please be advised that preference will be given to landscape submissions. Photo submissions open August 16, 2021 and close September 30, 2021. Submission information will be posted at www.thcounty.ab.ca or on the County’s Facebook Page.

Please be advised that: TWP 560 EAST OF HWY 36 TO RR 120 is currently UNDER CONSTRUCTION, expect traffic delays. Further, the same shall be closed while oiling, having an advertised detour route; and, TWP 542 BETWEEN RR 140 AND RR 141 is CLOSED due to bridge repairs for approximately 3-weeks. Please visit www.thcounty.ab.ca for road closure updates. GRAVEL SALES The Public Works Department would like to advertise to qualifying residents 2021 gravel sales, available until September 30, 2021. Effective 2021, all private gravel sale deliveries will be the responsibility of the purchaser. The gravel pick-up date must be booked through the Public Works Office; a minimum of 24-hours’ notice is required. For inquiries, please contact the Public Works Office at 780-6572499.

FIRE RESTRICTIONS & PERMITS

Please be advised that a Fire Ban remains in effect. The extreme dry and hot conditions have impacted County residents. As a result, based on ever changing conditions, the County of Two Hills from time-totime issues Fire Restrictions and if necessary, Fire Bans. These are to ensure the safety of all residents and emergency personnel tasked with extinguishing fires. Please refer to www.albertafirebans.caor www.thcounty.ab.ca for current fire status levels and specific associated restrictions and permissions.

Please be advised that all County of Two Hills Offices will be closed Monday August 2, 2021 for Civic Day.

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Agriculture

Update on cattle imports and exports

Year-to-date cattle exports are at one of the lowest levels in 15 years, while imports are increasing.

July 2021

Implications for the dry spring wheat crop The 2021 U.S. and Canadian spring wheat crops have faced dryness issues since seeding.

‘Canadian cattle exports for the first half of 2021 are down 23% compared to 2020 and 26% lower than the 5-year average,’ says Jason Wood, livestock market analyst with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. ‘Year-to-date, Canadian cattle exports in 2021 are the lowest in about 15 years.’ Wood says the decline in cattle exports has been influenced by a number of factors. These include expansion of the U.S. cattle herd over a

6-year period starting in 2014. The US beef cow inventory increased by over 2.6 million head, reducing the need for imported live cattle. Since 2014, the Canadian beef cow herd has declined by 297,000 head, reducing the available supply of cattle for export. Canadian cattle processing capacity and plant utilization levels have also increased, supporting growth in the Canadian cattle feeding industry and demand for cattle.

Record temperatures the last week of June added more stress to struggling crops,’ says Neil Blue, provincial crops market analyst with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. ‘Many areas on the Prairies and in the United States have experienced abnormally dry conditions, which in turn has affected wheat prices.’ The Minneapolis hard red spring wheat futures rallied the week of

‘

June 28 to the highest level since dryness concerns in 2017. In Alberta, hard red spring wheat prices reached $360/tonne ($9.80/bushel) or higher. ‘Likely implications of lower hard red spring wheat supplies for next crop year are improving price spreads to lower quality wheats and higher protein premiums,’ explains Blue.

In 2020, live Canadian cattle exports were 669,670 head, down 7% from 2019 and 6% lower than the 5-year average. Canadian live cattle exports to the U.S. have been trending lower, with 2020 being 46% lower than 2014. Feeder cattle exports for 2020 were down 36% from 2019 and 73% below 2014.

Removing the 6-week disruption period increases the utilization rate for western Canada beef slaughter plants to 96.3% in 2020. The utilization rates indicate plants are running near capacity and significantly higher than the 5-year average of 83%.

The USDA released crop condition ratings on July 6. United States spring wheat conditions dropped another 4% to just 16% good to excellent. Montana wheat crop conditions dropped sharply to only 7% in good to excellent condition. North Dakota wheat crop conditions dropped 2% to 18% good to excellent. Rain in the previous week helped spring wheat conditions improve in Minnesota to 35% good to excellent. ‘Following the U.S. Independence Day holiday, wheat futures were sharply lower on rain and forecast rains in the northern U.S. and south-

ern Canadian Prairies. The U.S. and southern Prairie spring wheat crops are headed out, so maximum kernel count is set. Rain in the dry areas could still result in a good quality wheat crop, but yield is unlikely to be above average,’ says Blue. For more information, contact Neil Blue: Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays) Phone: 780-422-4053 Toll free: 310-0000 before the phone number (in Alberta) Email: neil.blue@gov.ab.ca

Slaughter capacity

Weekly federally inspected Canadian cattle slaughter capacity is approximately 66,860 head. In the west, federally inspected cattle slaughter capacity is just over 51,000 head or 76% of Canadian capacity. The national federally inspected beef plant utilization rate was 92% in 2019. Western Canada federally inspected cattle slaughter plants had an average utilization rate of 93.4% in 2019. For 2020, the western Canada utilization rate averaged 89.6%, including 6 weeks in April and May when weekly utilization rates were below 70% due to COVID-19 plant disruptions.

Cattle imports

‘The demand for cattle has turned Canada into a net importer of feeder cattle in recent years,’ explains Wood. ‘For the January to April 2021 period, 134,660 head have been imported from the U.S., an increase of 95% from 2020 and more than double 2019. Alberta cattle imports from the U.S. are 88,870 head for the January to April period, an increase of 165% from 2019.’ In 2021, Alberta cattle imports accounted for 66% of total Canadian cattle imports, compared to an average of 44% over the last 5 years. For the January to April 2021 period, Canada’s net cattle imports are about 100,000 head, up significantly from a year ago.

Farmers’ Markets Easier to Find Alberta Approved Farmers’ Market App now available for download.

he process of finding a farmers’ market in the province is made easy through Alberta Agriculture and Forestry’s mobile app and website – sunnygirl.ca. The site and app have all the pertinent information on where approved farmers’ markets are located, when they operate, and their contact information.

‘Almost 80% of Alberta households shop in this market channel with customers spending about $70 per visit,’ says Eileen Kotowich, farmers’ market specialist with Alberta Agriculture and Forestry. ‘More than 80% of this is spent on local food.’ Kotowich adds that with a minimum of 80% of vendors making, baking or growing the products they are selling, Alberta approved farmers’ markets are a great way for small entrepreneurs to test their products, ideas and learn valuable business skills. Currently, Alberta has more than 150 Alberta approved farmers’ markets serving over 100 communities.

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Page 19

More support for Canadian families dexed the CCB for the first time in July 2018. This indexation means that the maximum benefit amounts and income thresholds at which benefits begin to be reduced are increased. • As an added measure in May 2020, the government delivered almost $2 billion in additional support through a special, one-time top-up of the CCB of up to $300 per child, benefitting approximately 3.7 million families.

or the past five years, the Canada Child Benefit (CCB) has helped lift 435,000 children out of poverty by providing approximately $25 billion each year in tax-free support to about 3.5 million families. The global COVID-19 pandemic has added a wide range of unpredictable expenses for Canadian families. That’s why the Government of Canada has taken action, through the CCB Young Child Supplement, to help parents cope with the pressures of the pandemic, make life more affordable for families, and grow the middle class. Today, the Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, highlighted additional temporary support in 2021 through the CCB Young Child Supplement for families with children under the age of six. A payment of up to $300 for each child under the age of six will be issued today to families entitled to the CCB. This measure will benefit approximately 1.6 million Canadian families and approximately 2.1 million children under the age of six. “Having young children at home during the COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for many families. Parents should never have to make the impossible choice between paying bills and putting food on the table. These additional supports for families through the Canada Child Benefit will help us weather the storm together as we build back a stronger, more prosperous Canada.” said Minister of Families, Children and Social Development, Ahmed Hussen. Through this measure, parents will receive a total of up to $1,200 for each child under the age of six in addition to regular CCB payments in 2021. The first and second CCB Young Child Supplement payments of up to $600 combined were issued on May 28, 2021. The third payment was issued today, and the final payment will be issued on October 29, 2021. As part of today’s measure, families entitled to the CCB for a child under the age of six with a net income of $120,000 or less in 2020 will receive one tax-free payment

of $300 per child. Families entitled to the CCB for a child under the age of six with a net income above $120,000 in 2020 will receive one tax-free payment of $150 per child. The Government of Canada has also raised the regular CCB, for the fourth year in a row, starting on July 20, 2021, to help parents keep up with the rising cost of living and to better provide for their children. For the 2021-22 benefit year, the maximum annual CCB is $6,833 per child under the age of six and $5,765 per child aged six through 17, representing over $350 more per child than when the CCB was first introduced in 2016. “We know that family life has been made more stressful by the COVID-19 pandemic and the recovering job market. I am delighted that our government continues to support families and vulnerable Canadians. I know these benefits have had, and will continue to have, a positive impact in the lives of our children.” said Minister of National Revenue, Diane Lebouthillier. As we finish the fight against COVID-19 and build back better for everyone, the Government of Canada will continue to provide extra support to Canadian families to help them afford healthy food, short-term child care, and at-home learning activities.

• The CCB Young Child Supplement payments that were made on May 28, 2021, for each of the first two quarters – January and April – were based on the family net income for 2019. • Today’s payment and the October payment are based on the fam-

ily net income for 2020. This may mean that payment amounts differ for some families midway through the year. • Families that already receive the CCB will not need to take any action to receive supplement payments. However, families do need to file their 2019 and 2020 tax returns to access them. • Families that have not yet filed for either year could still be entitled to receive the CCB and the CCB Young Child Supplement by filing their income taxes as soon as possible. • Agencies that receive children’s special allowances (CSA) payments will also receive the tax-free CCB Young Child Supplement equivalent payments of $300 for each child under the age of six for whom the CSA is paid in January, April, July, and October 2021.

We love to cover the issues that matter most to our community and showcase the beauty of our region to the rest of Canada and the world. Send us your stories or suggestions to Niri at news@twohillschronicle.com or Jared at publisher@twohillschronicle.com. We love feedback.

Two Hills Inn Restaurant Bar Hotel Liquor store now open!

Quick facts • Thanks to the Canada-wide early learning and child care agreements the Government of Canada recently signed with British Columbia, Nova Scotia, Yukon, Prince Edward Island and Newfoundland and Labrador, more families with children under six will have access to $10/day early learning and child care within the next five years. • The CCB is a simple, tax-free monthly payment based on income, and provides increased support for those who need it most, to help with the cost of raising children under 18 years of age. • The Government of Canada in-

Check out our rooms -Newly Renovated -Daily, weekly & monthly rates 780-657-2750

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Have you heard about the Kalyna Family Resource Network (FRN)?

RN’s provide a wide range of services and supports that focus on strengthening parenting and caregiving knowledge, social support, coping and problem-solving skills, access to community supports and resources, improving child and youth development, building resiliency, and fostering well-being for children aged 0 to 18 and their caregivers. Delivery options include online, in person, group, and individual sessions. This resource is made possible by the Government of Alberta and is designed to provide a “hub and “spoke” model of delivery, meaning multiple agencies working together to achieve the same goal. 1. Vegreville & Area. The office is location at 5106 48 Ave. For more information or to contact us you can phone 780-632-2912 Email: vegfrnhub@telus.net or find us on Facebook/ Instagram @ Kalyna Family Resource Network- Vegreville & Area 2.Lamont County Region. The contact location is in the town of Lamont at 530350th Ave. Service area includes Lamont, Burderhiem, Mundare, Andrew, Chipman, and St. Michael. Contact us by calling 780895-2233 Ext.244 or email erin.t@lamontcounty.ca. Find us on Facebook at Kalyna Family Resource Network Lamont County Region.

3.Mannville-Minburn-Innisfree Kalyna. The contact location is in the village of Mannville at the FCSS office 5004 – 49 Street. Service area includes Mannville, Minburn, Innisfree and Ranfurly. Find us on Facebook @ Manville-Minburn-Innisfree Kalyna Family Resource Network. Contact us by calling 780-581-4149 or email mmifrn1@gmail.com 4.Two Hills & Area. Programs and services are offered in the Club Room of the Two Hills Centennial Hall (5301-45 Ave). Service area includes Two Hills, Willingdon, Hairy Hill, Derwent, Myrnam, Musidora and Beauvallon. Find us on Facebook @ Kalyna Family Resource Network - Two Hills and Area. Contact us by calling 780657-3540 or email us at th.frn.coordinator@twohillsfcss.com. WJS Canada The office is located at 533450th street Vegreville. WJS Canada offers two visitation programs under the Family Resource Network grant, The Caring Families Program (families with children 0-6, including prenatal services) and the Family Resilience Program (families with children 7-18) in all network areas. Contact us by calling 780-201-4618

July 2021

Alberta Senate appointment: Premier Kenney Premier Jason Kenney issued the following statement on the July 29 appointment of senators to fill Senate vacancies across Canada:

“

Today, Prime Minister Trudeau showed contempt for democracy in Alberta by appointing a hand-picked representative of Alberta to the Senate of Canada in advance of our province’s Senate elections. “The Prime Minister knows full well that Alberta will be holding elections for Senate nominees in October of this year. I personally informed him of our forthcoming Senate elections at our July 7 meeting in Calgary, and told him that the Alberta legislature had adopted a motion calling on the Prime Minister not to fill the two current Senate vacancies but to wait for Albertans to choose their own preferred Senate candidates. “Alberta’s tradition of electing Senate nominees goes back to the 1980s. We have had four Senate elections in the past, and five nominees to the Senate selected by Albertans in these elections went on to be appointed and to represent Albertans in Parliament democratically.

“The Prime Minister’s decision shows contempt for democratic decision-making, and for Alberta voters in particular. “As a forum for representation of regional interests, the Senate plays a vital role in our federation. It is essential that senators have a mandate from Albertans to ensure that they actually defend our vital economic interests, as elected Senator Scott Tannas and Senator Doug Black did in defending Alberta from federal intrusion into our exclusive constitutional jurisdiction to develop our resources by fighting the ‘No More Pipeline’s law’ (Bill C-69) and the ‘tanker ban’ (Bill C-48). “Sadly, the Prime Minister’s decision to snub his nose at Alberta’s democratic tradition is part of a pattern of flippantly disregarding our province’s demands for a fair deal in the Canadian federation and the desire of Albertans for democratic accountability.”

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Page 21

Creating jobs through the responsible management of Alberta forests A new forest management agreement means long-term investment, and secure and sustainable fibre access in southern Alberta, ensuring years of reliable forest management, stable, good-paying jobs and millions in economic contributions.

lberta’s government is entering into a new forest management agreement (FMA) with Crowsnest Forest Products Ltd. Over its 20year term, the new agreement can mean up to approximately:

• $32 million in increased payments to the province in the form of timber dues, holding and protection charge payments • $225 million to Alberta’s GDP It also means reliable, well-paying jobs for hundreds of hard-working Albertans. In 2019, direct employment by the companies contributed more than $16 million in salaries and wages, with an average salary of over $80,000. “I’m honoured to announce Alberta’s first forest management agreement since 2009. Alberta’s foresters are the best in the world and help protect our 87 million acres of forests. Foresters develop 200 year forest plans, replant two trees for every one they harvest, reduce wildfire risk, combat tree pest and disease, and create good paying jobs with long term investments in our province.” said Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Agriculture and Forestry.

“We applaud the Government of Alberta for the Forest Jobs Action Plan to provide secure access to wood fibre. The conversion of our timber quotas to a forest management agreement is an important step in the long history of the company. It provides the tenure security vital for our continued investment in the company, in our people and in the surrounding communities.” said Barry Mjolsness, Owner and President, Spray Lake Sawmills.

Forest Management Agreements An FMA is the most secure type of forest tenure, providing a company with rights to establish, grow, harvest and remove timber on Crown land in a manner consistent with sustainable forest management principles and practices. FMAs also establish numerous legal obligations for companies, including the development of forest management plans. They provide sustainable forest management for all Albertans, protect biodiversity, increase forest resilience and reduce the risk of catastrophic wildfires and mountain pine beetle outbreaks. This FMA does not increase the amount of wood the company can

harvest. However, it does provide them with secure and sustainable fibre access for the next 20 years. Both companies have long histories of managing Crown forests and attaining a variety of third-party certifications for sustainable forest management. While there is no legal obligation to hold these certifications, they demonstrate a commitment to responsible forest management principles and practices, as well as Indigenous engagement. The FMA commits them to increased environmental stewardship—including water conservation—and indigenous consultation.

Forest Management Planning The development of forest management plans is an important legal obligation for FMA holders, turning commitments into action in the field on environmental practises. FMAs bolster the reforestation obligations of the harvester, requiring them to plant two trees for every tree felled. The current forest management plan for the area is in effect until 2026. Future plans will be prepared by Crowsnest Forest Products Ltd. with the objective of ensuring that the long-term objectives, principles

and practices of sustainable forest management are maintained and consistent with the South Saskatchewan Regional Plan. Indigenous, stakeholder and public consultations take place before a forest management plan is considered for approval by the government. With respect to this FMA, the Government of Alberta consulted with seven First Nations: the Blood Tribe, Stoney (Chiniki) Band, Piikani Nation, Stoney (Wesley) Band, Siksika Nation, Tsuut’ina Nation, and Stoney (Bearpaw) Band.

Forest Jobs Action Plan The new FMA is in alignment with the Forest Jobs Action Plan initiative to provide companies with secure access to wood fibre. FMAs help make forestry a key component of Alberta’s recovery by committing sustainable, long-term fibre access for forest companies, while enabling our forests to continue to provide environmental, social and cultural benefits that can be enjoyed by future generations. (Source: Alberta.ca)

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Team Canada opens strong in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics After a year long delay due to COVID-19 the Tokyo 2020 Olympics are well under way. Athletes from around the world are competing to bring pride to their individual nations. Despite the rise of new cases, the individuals competing appear in top form and the local officials are doing their best to ensure the health and safety of all those present. Team Canada has been making significant contirbutions as well as they bring home many awards, break records and showcase the strength of Canada and its athletes. We wish Team Canada great success and all the best and to let them know we are routing for them. Though you may have to face the competition alone, you have the support of the entire nation behind you. Below and on the adjacent page we have a few of our proud moments from the Olypics so far.

Canadian swimmer Penny Oleksiak competes in the Women’s Canadian swimmer Kylie Masse celebrates after winning silver 200m Freestyle during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on in the Women’s 200m Backstroke finals during the Tokyo 2020 Wednesday, July 28, 2021. (Mark Blinch/COC) Olympic Games on Saturday, July 31, 2021. (COC/Leah Hennel)

Canadian divers Jennifer Abel (Right) and Melissa Citrini-Beaulieu react after winning silver in the women’s three-metre synchronized springboard diving during the Tokyo Olympics in Tokyo, Japan on Sunday, July 25, 2020. ( Frank Gunn)

Canada’s Caileigh Filmer (left) and Hillary Janssens react after their bronze medal win in the women’s pair rowing final event during the Tokyo Summer Olympic Games, in Tokyo, Thursday, July 29, 2021. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Nathan Denette)

Lisa Roman, Kasia Gruchalla-Wesierski, Christine Roper, An- Canadian weightlifter Maude Charron reacts after winning gold drea Proske, Susanne Grainger, Madison Mailey, Sydney Payne, in the Women’s 64kg category during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Avalon Wasteneys and Kristen Kit of Canada celebrate after win- Games on Tuesday, July 27, 2021. (COC/Stephen Hosier) ning the gold medal in the women’s rowing eight final at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Friday, July 30, 2021, in Tokyo, Japan. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)

July 2021

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 23

Team Canada opens strong in the Tokyo 2020 Olympics

Canadian Jessica Klimkait defeats Kaja Kajzer of Slovenia to win Canada celebrates after winning the bronze medal in softball the bronze medal in judo during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games against Mexico during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on Tueson Monday, July 26, 2021. (COC/Stephen Hosier) day, July 27, 2021. (COC/Mark Blinch)

Michael Woods, of Canada, competes in the men’s cycling road Canadian skateboarder Annie Guglia competes during the Torace at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Saturday, July 24, 2021, in kyo 2020 Olympic Games on Monday, July 26, 2021. (COC/Mark Oyama, Japan. (Pool Photo via AP/Tim de Waele) Blinch)

Canada’s Zhang Mo competes during the table tennis women’s singles third round match against Germany’s Petrissa Solja at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Monday, July 26, 2021, in Tokyo. (AP Photo/Kin Cheung)

Eleanor Harvey of Canada, left, and Pauline Ranvier of France compete in the women’s individual Foil round of 32 competition at the 2020 Summer Olympics, Sunday, July 25, 2021, in Chiba, Japan. (AP Photo/Andrew Medichini)

Canadian badminton player Michelle Li plays against Martina Canadian BMX rider Drew Mechielsen competes in the BMX CyRepiska of Slovakia during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on cling racing final during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games on FriWednesday, July 28, 2021. (COC/Leah Hennel) day, July 30, 2021. (COC/Mark Blinch)

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

International Self-Care Day: Associate Minister Ellis

Associate Minister of Mental Health and Addiction Mike Ellis issued the following statement on International Self-Care Day: “International Self-Care Day, observed annually on July 24, is a reminder that our lives are greatly affected by the choices we make each and every day. “Taking care of ourselves is one of the best things we can do to support our own wellness. From meditating or exercising to quitting smoking or eating well, improving our own mental, emotional and physical health is essential. It is through these actions of self-care we can improve our lives and have a positive impact on the well-being of our loved ones, colleagues and community. “Albertans are caring and community focused. It can be easy to forget that we must take care of ourselves first so that we can do

our best to care of others in our families and communities. “As Alberta recovers and we move into an Alberta renaissance, we all need to remember to practise self-care and reach out when we need help. Talking with friends or family is a great place to start, and if you are in need of some additional support to maintain your mental wellness we are here for you. Call the Mental Health Help Line toll-free at 1-877-303-2642 to access confidential support, information about programs and services, and referrals. “I hope that all Albertans remember to practise self-care so that we can be the best version of ourselves for those around us.”

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Page 25

Supporting parents by increasing access to affordable child care Alberta continues to support parents by making child care subsidies available to even more families.

upported by investments from the federal government, Alberta is directing $45 million to further support families earning up to $90,000 with their child care costs. This means approximately 12,000 more children will receive support, including children enrolled in preschool programs. Parent choice is important, and that’s why Alberta’s government is directing $4.25 million of this funding to support families with children attending licensed preschools. Eligible families will receive $125 per month to assist with fees for child care. Previously, subsidy funding was only available for licensed daycare, family day home and out-

of-school care programs. The province is also directing over $4 million to provide wage top-ups for early childhood educators in preschool to support the Alberta government’s commitment to high-quality child care for

all Albertans. “Our government knows access to safe, high-quality, affordable early learning and child care options will make a difference for working parents and their children, and support Alberta’s economic recovery. These investments are targeted, based on what we heard Albertans need, and are the next step in our longer-term strategy to support the choices parents are making.” Rebecca Schulz, Minister of Children’s Services “This is great news for preschools in Alberta. Preschool educators work hard every day to support children and their early childhood education. Including preschool educa-

tors in wage top-ups now recognizes that preschool education is a venue for high-quality child care on the same level as daycare and out-ofschool care programs. It will help us to retain and attract qualified staff. Reintroducing preschool subsidy will make it easier for parents to access high-quality educational care for their children.” Jennifer Sissons, owner and director, A Child First Preschool “As early childhood educators and preschool owners, we’ve been passionately advocating for these changes to preschool subsidy and wage top-up. This will help us acknowledge and retain our skilled educators. It will also give parents some welcome financial relief. Thanks to the Government of Alberta for addressing these concerns. We’re ecstatic about this announcement.” Dina Ottoni-Battistessa and Tristan Katz, Alberta Preschool Advocacy Association

Quick facts • Starting Sept. 1, families earning a household income of up to $90,000 will be eligible to receive child care subsidy. Prior to this change, the eligibility threshold was up to $75,000.

• Parents eligible for subsidy under the new changes can check if they’re eligible and apply for subsidy online starting Aug. 16. • Families who are seeking subsidy for licensed preschool programs must meet the same child care eligibility criteria as daycare and out-ofschool care, and can apply through the current system. • The subsidy will be $125 per month for all eligible families with children enrolled in a licensed preschool program. • The average preschool fee in Alberta was $190 per month in March 2020. • Preschool wage top-ups will support up to 1,300 certified early childhood educators working in licensed preschools. More information will be provided to preschool program operators in the coming days. • This announcement builds on the increased support for parents that use out-of-school care. Effective July 1, subsidy rates have increased for eligible school-aged children enrolled in out-of-school care programs, for the months of July and August.

Congratulations to Avery on her graduation

Your candidate for councillor Division 4, County of Two Hills. On October 18, 2021.

Clark, Elmer

Congratulations to Avery on her graduation. Avery will be attending Bay College in Escanaba, Michigan where she will be studying sports, science, and working towards a Bachelors degree in Kinesiology.We are very proud of Avery’s accomplishments, including receiving a partial scholarship to play softball for Bay College Norse. Love, Baba[Elaine] and Gido[Emil]

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

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July 2021

Nestor Saskiw : One of the Winners of the 2021 Honour Roll 30 years and has been secretary for more than 15 years and counting • He is, again the go- to person for access into the Myrnam Elks Hall. • Nestor was the Chair of the Two Hills and Area Crime Watch for 10 years • He was also a Board member on the provincial Students Finance Board for 6 years • Nestor is the Chair of the Pastoral Charge for the Two Hills United Church and was a member of the Beauvallon United Church until it closed down

estor Saskiw of the Myrnam & District Agricultural Society is one of the two Winners of the Honour Roll. The Alberta Association of Agricultural Societies has recognised Nestor, as well as Gladys Menzak of Ranfurly Ag Society, for their outstanding contribution to the development and advancement of agricultural societies in Alberta. Agricultural Societies are volunteer driven, not-for-profit organizations whose mandate and diversity make them invaluable in the communities that they serve. These are the attributes that Nestor has and has contributed towards the Myrnam Ag Society: AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY CONTRIBUTIONS • Nestor has been on the board of directors for over 30 years, since 1988

• Nestor has been the parade marshal for over 20 years (1999-2019) • During the years of bull sales and rodeos, board member Nestor was the person that made the trips for supplies, prizes, scales, panels, etc • Nestor is the ‘go-to’ person for anyone needing access to the arena as he lives the closest. This includes health inspector, safety inspections, 4-H clubs, organizations hosting meetings, craft show setup volunteer, emergency contact for alarm system or any other emergency, etc • Nestor is the organizer and contact for the arena interior sign rental customers

to pick up propane for the Zamboni • He gladly makes trips to the larger centres to pick up needed groceries, barbeque or anything required. REGIONAL CONTRIBUTIONS • Nestor is one of the volunteers that attends the regional meetings and reports back to the board and membership. • He represents our ag society by attending the ag events in the neighbouring communities. HISTORY OF COMMUNITY

• Nestor always gladly gets quotes and assists with renovations and repairs

• Nestor is both a long-time member and continues to hold position of secretary for the Myrnam Senior Citizens Center

• Nestor volunteers his time and fuel

• Nestor is an Elk member for over

KALELAND ESTATES • Homes for rent in the County of Two Hills • 5 Km from Town • Affordable rates • Large yards • Multiple units available

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• Nestor is a long time Board member of the Myrnam Curling Club and is again the local contact for entry into the curling rink. • As a retired school principal, he continues to be a voice within all the organizations for support of the Myrnam School whether it be for awards, educational events and allowing the school use of any of the facilities. Nestor Saskiw is clearly a very valuable, community supporter and has participated and continues to participate in any and all community events, fundraisers and community improvements. Congratulations Sir. Two Hills Regional Chronicle salutes you!

Have a news article you want to share? Email Niri at news@ twohillschronicle.com, Jared at publisher@twohillschronicle.com. We love to cover the stories that matter to you. Be sure to check out our website at www. twohillschronicle.com. This issue and all previous issues are available to view and download. Like us on Facebook.

HOUSE FOR SALE

House For Sale $255,000 Near Two Hills Golf Course Ph 780-983-4203 for Viewing

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Page 27

Aunt Niri’s Fun Corner

From my corner

Hello precious readers, This month is going to be a little different from the previous months, as I am reaching out to you for some advice and your input. Since the inception of The Two Hills Regional Chronicle, I have included a page dedicated to fun activities and puzzles, catering for the various age categories of the younger generation. From Colouring-ins to Maze Fun, from Sudoku to Crosswords, from Word Search to Number Games. All these were selected to cater to everyone’s differing needs and interests, whilst still learning. Here’s my little dilemma…I would love to continue this activity page. I have a lot of joy in putting out this page, but I would appreciate it more if I am providing more for the preferences of the readers. This is where

you, darling readers, come in. I urge you to please drop me an email, news@twohillschronicle. com with your suggestions, preferences, and areas of interests. This may even include some activity that you would love to have included, jokes and riddles, or an article or little poem, and these will be included in our Activity Page, at the discretion of the publisher. Being a teacher by profession, learning and education will always be close to my heart. I have realized that the older one gets and the more one learns, the greater is one’s revelation that there is a vast spectrum of knowledge that one has not attained yet…. I want to learn more, experience more, understand more. More about animals, more about human nature, more about the different places in the world, more about food,cultures, traditions, and ways of life. What about you? What would you like to learn more about? Please let me know. So how do we eat this elephant of knowledge? One little bite at a time. Together, we can and will learn more, and have fun doing it. I look forward to hearing from you. Love always, and God bless! Niri

Canada Day Fun Facts Canada Day 2021 has been rather unconventional. Between Covid-19 restrictions, limitations, vaccinations, and the repercussions of heatwaves and wildfires that spanned the month of July, we can all agree that 2021 has been a year unlike any. Although most Canadians celebrate this national holiday in various ways, some may not be aware of the historical significance. Here are some interesting facts that you can use to impress your friends: Were you aware that...? • The name Canada derives from an Iroquoian word for “village,” kanata, that French explorers heard used to refer to the area near present-day Quebec City • On June 20, 1868, Governor General the Viscount Monck issued a royal proclamation asking for Canadians to “celebrate the anniversary of the confederation.” • This holiday was given the statutory value on 1879 and was designated as the Dominion Day. • Canada was known as officially as Dominion Day until October 27, 1982. However, many ordinary Canadians have considered it as Canada Day long before the official name change. • The move to change the celebrations name to its present name was greatly inspired by the Canada Act. • Cross-country television transmission by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation began on Canada Day in 1958 while Colour television was first introduced in Canada nine years later, on Canada Day in 1967 • The year 2011 marks the 144th celebration of Canada Day which commemorates the day that Canada became a nation. • On July 1st, 1923, the Canadian government enacted the Chinese Immigration Act, stopping all immigration from China. Chinese Canadians began to refer to July 1 as Humiliation Day and refused to participate in Dominion Day celebrations, until the act was repealed in 1947. Here are some famous people born on Canada day: Pamela Anderson, Dan Ackroyd, Lady Diana the Princess of Wales, Missy Elliott, Jamie Farr, Rod Gilbert, Debbie Harry, Olivia de Havilland, Estee Lauder, Carl Lewis, Sydney Pollack, Alan Ruck, Liv Tyler. Canada Day kicks off, what Canadian’s call, “those two months before winter starts”. Thank you, Comfort Life for the information provided!

Summer Bugs Word Search L

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 28

July 2021

Increasing publicly funded orthopedic surgeries Increasing orthopedic procedures in chartered surgical facilities (CSF) will reduce wait times for publicly funded highneed surgeries such as hip and knee surgeries.

new request for proposal (RFP) focuses on expanding orthopedic procedures in Edmonton and Calgary zones. Facilities in these areas have the skills and resources to increase surgical capacity quickly while maintaining high-quality care for Albertans. This is part of the Alberta Surgical Initiative (ASI) to ensure all Albertans receive scheduled surgeries within clinically appropriate targets. A similar RFP was released for ophthalmology surgeries in April 2021. “We know timely access to surgeries is important to Albertans and significantly impacts their quality of life. Many orthopedic surgeries have long wait-lists, with many Albertans waiting longer than experts determine is clinically appropriate. CSFs are one way to add capacity for publicly funded surgeries and are also a part of our surgical recovery planning.” said Tyler Shandro, Minister of Alberta Health Currently, all publicly funded orthopedic surgeries take place in AHS facilities. This RFP is an innovative way to provide safe, low-risk surgeries without cost to patients by using chartered surgical facilities. This will allow hospitals to focus on

emergency and more complex surgeries. As part of the RFP process, physicians were engaged over several months to provide their advice on what procedures could be safely moved out of the hospital setting. All successful facilities will follow AHS policies and practices, ensuring Albertans continue to receive consistent, safe, high-quality care. AHS will continue to perform more complex orthopedic surgeries in hospitals. The Alberta Surgical Initiative is focused on increasing and improving access for Albertans to all surgeries across the province, starting with those surgeries with the longest wait-list. While the initial expansion of procedures is in Edmonton and Calgary, there will be opportunities to expand surgeries in all zones in time. Additional RFP opportunities for CSF providers in other regional centres and for different types of surgeries are expected in the fall. “This expansion will improve Albertans’ access to orthopedic procedures, reduce wait times for surgery for patients and provide capacity for procedures requiring hospital care. High-quality, safe care for Albertans

is always our top priority.” said Verna Yiu, president and CEO, Alberta Health Services. In addition to increasing capacity at CSFs, Alberta’s government has invested $120 million in capital funding over three years in AHS-owned facilities under the Alberta Surgical Initiative to reduce wait times for more complex surgeries that cannot be performed in CSFs.

Quick facts

• Alberta first began offering some publicly funded surgical procedures in chartered surgical facilities in the early 1990s. • That contracted work has grown over the decades, with 43 chartered surgical facilities now under contract with AHS to provide ophthalmological and dermatological surgeries, ear, nose and throat surgeries, oral and maxillofacial surgeries, some gynecological surgeries and reconstructive plastic surgeries. • These are publicly funded procedures performed in private facilities in the community, which allows AHS – like many other health systems across Canada –

to expand surgeries and reduce wait times. • Surgical wait times have been impacted by the pandemic, with the total surgical backlog in Alberta estimated at approximately 40,000. AHS is currently working through the province’s surgical backlog and is leading the country in eliminating this backlog. AHS is now exceeding 100 per cent of monthly pre-pandemic surgical volumes. • The final cost per procedure will be determined through contract negotiations once successful proponents have been identified. Costs will be less than historical costs in hospital and volume increases will allow better pricing per procedure. Savings will be reinvested into additional surgeries. • The total contract spend available for orthopedic surgeries in chartered surgical facilities for the 2021-22 fiscal year is approximately $13 million. • As part of this expansion, the amount available for orthopedic surgeries in chartered surgical facilities is approximately $140 million over seven years. (Source: Alberta.ca)

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Page 29

SAVE UP TO $500 WHEN YOU PURCHASE CO-OP ® PREMIUM LUBRICANTS. Choosing the right lubricant products that protect your equipment is an important part of being harvest-ready. This year, Co-op is helping you prepare for the busy season ahead with our Harvest Oil Sale. From now until October 3, 2021, you can save up ® to $500 when you purchase the following CO-OP Premium Lubricants:

• D-MO® (Diesel Motor Oil) 15W-40 • T-HF (TRANS-HYDRAULICTM Fluid) • SONIC® BLUE GUARD® GREASE • SONIC® RED GUARD GREASE • SONIC® POLY EXTREME GREASE

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*Product must be purchased during the Harvest Oil Sale. May not be combined with any other promotional offers. Minimum purchase: 40 litres and/or a combo of litres and kilograms. Environmental charges extra (where applicable). Coupon valid on listed products/pack sizes only from July 5 – October 3, 2021. See in-store for details.

www.cornerstonefuel.ca CO-OP®, CO-OP® design, D-MO® and BLUE GUARD® ®Registered trademarks of Federated Co-operatives Limited. TRANS-HYDRAULIC™ ™Trademark of Federated Co-operatives Limited. SONIC® ®Registered trademark. Used under licence.

81228 Wk 28

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Budget 2021 measures under new Canada Student Financial Assistance program begin August 1st

oung people have been among the hardest hit throughout the pandemic – experiencing more job losses than any other age demographic. Since the beginning of the pandemic, the Government has moved swiftly to implement a number of measures to ensure students and recent grads have access to the financial assistance they need to help support their post-secondary education. These measures included the historic Canada Emergency Student Benefit, which provided income support to over 700,000 students last summer and the creation of over 300,000 youth and student employment opportunities since the start of the pandemic. As Canada’s economy recovers, the Government is continuing to make historic investments to ensure that students continue to have the supports and opportunities they need to build a better future for themselves. Today, the Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough visited Kwantlen Polytechnic University in Surrey, British Columbia

to speak with students about the $4.5 billion of funding from Budget 2021 that will support greater access to post-secondary education. Under the new Canada Student Financial Assistance Program (CSFA Program), students will have access to direct financial support through the form of Canada Student Grants (CSG), Canada Student Loans and Canada Apprentice Loans, making it easier for them – as well as recent graduates – to pay off their student debt. “Young Canadians must be at the center of Canada’s recovery not only to help them rebound today, but to invest in their future success and the long term prosperity of our country. Post-secondary education is an incredible opportunity that all Canadians deserve the chance to pursue. That is why it is so important that we reduce the barriers for young Canadians with disabilities as they make that transition. Investing in higher education is how we can level the playing field and ensure every Canadian has a real and fair chance at success.” said Minister of Employment, Workforce Develop-

ment and Disability Inclusion, Carla Qualtrough. More than 580,000 students each year rely on federal grants and loans to help them cover the cost of their tuition, school supplies, and living expenses. In 2020, the Government doubled Canada Student Grants (CSG) for one year, this investment helped cover approximately 90 per cent of the average undergraduate tuition in Canada for students who needed it the most. As of August 1, 2021, the Government is extending the doubling of CSG for an additional two years. This means that the maximum amount available for the CSG will be up to $6,000 for full-time students and $10,000 for students with disabilties until July 31, 2023. The Government is also making permanent the flexibility for students to use their current year’s income when applying for the CSG, so those in financial need will not have their previous workforce participation count against them. The Government recognizes that many graduates are struggling to begin their careers in a challenging labour market. That is why the waiver of interest accrual on student and apprentice loans has been extended to March 31, 2023. This will mean savings for approximately 1.5 million Canadians repaying student and apprentice loans, the majority of whom are women. Looking to the future, Budget 2021 will make post-secondary financial supports more accessible over the long term. The Government will extend disability supports under the CSFA Program beyond recipients with life-long disabilities to recipi-

ents whose disabilities are persistent and prolonged. This change will benefit an estimated 40,000 recipients with non-permanent disabilities each year allowing access to up to $22,000 in grants, in-study supports, and specialized repayment assistance on their loans. The Government also intends to enhance the Repayment Assistance Plan so that no one with an income of $40,000 or less will have to make payments on their student loans. This enhancement would support an estimated 120,000 additional Canadians with student and apprentice loan debt each year. “For many students at Kwantlen Polytechnic University and across Canada, financial support is a key factor in their ability to study and to succeed. KPU is where thought meets action so it is appropriate that Minister Qualtrough is here to not just to discuss, but also to deliver more financial assistance for students. It is wonderful to hear that this support extends to individuals facing persistent and prolonged disabilities, recent graduates struggling in the current labour market and Canadians affected by the pandemic who want to enhance their skills.” said Dr. Alan Davis, President and Vice Chancellor, Kwantlen Polytechnic University. Taken together, the Government of Canada’s response to the current crisis represents the largest ever investment in young Canadians and one of the largest youth support packages around the world. By investing in our young people today, we are securing Canada’s growth and economic prosperity for future generations.

Get involved in Tree Check Month across Canada this August

t is peak season for adult woodboring insects to be spotted outside of trees, and their impacts are most obvious in the summer. Invasive pests like the emerald ash borer, LDD moth (Lymantria dispar dispar) and hemlock woolly adelgid are serious threats to Canada’s economy, environment and society. This August, the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) encourages everyone in Canada to take an active role in protecting Canada’s plants by

joining plant health enthusiasts from coast to coast to coast who will be participating in Tree Check Month. It only takes a few minutes to check so please take a quick trip outside to inspect the trees in your yard or in and around your community. Start by looking at the whole tree, then focus on specific areas. Look for unusual or sudden changes in tree health, including leaf discolouration, bark cracks, insect holes and tunnels under bark that has

come off. Start your inspection at the roots, move up the trunk and along the branches, looking for noticeable insect populations and evidence of feeding activity on the leaves. “By taking action this Tree Check Month, you’ll help keep our beautiful landscapes free from invasive species. Together, we can protect Canada’s plant resource base while supporting continued economic growth.” said the Honourable Marie-Claude Bibeau, Minister of Agriculture and Agri-Food. Everyone in Canada is encouraged to share photos of invasive species on social media using the hashtag #TreeCheckMonth. Contact the CFIA with any suspicious finds for your area, especially if you see the spotted lanternfly for example—an insect that we want to keep out of Canada. The sooner the CFIA receives a report that a new pest has been found or a known pest is in a new area, the quicker CFIA scientists can investigate the source and prevent further spread.

“Let’s all get involved in Tree Check Month this August. When we make discoveries in our own backyards and report them, we are contributing to community science. The early detection and reporting of pests in Canada allows the CFIA to act fast to protect our health and well-being.” said Dr. Bill Anderson, Chief Plant Health Officer for Canada and Executive Director, Plant Health and Biosecurity, CFIA. By becoming familiar with pests in your community and by participating in Canada’s Plant Health Hero Challenge, you can help spread the word about Tree Check Month and the importance of plant protection. Use the hashtag #TreeCheckMonth when reporting your actions and in your conversations on social media. Although the International Year of Plant Health has just ended, vigilance is still key, and everyone in Canada can play an important role in keeping our plants and trees healthy to lay the foundation for a better future.

Two Hills Regional Chronicle

July 2021

Page 31

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Contact us to advertise your business here. Email Niri at news@ twohillschronicle.com or Jared at publisher@twohillschronicle.com to Advertise your business here. Great request pricing or to submit your request for a call to discuss our oplow rates to fit your budget. Email Niri at tions. We have plans to cater to all budgets and always do our best to ensure our customers satisfaction. news@twohillschronicle.com or Jared at publisher@twohillschronicle.com. In addition to being featured in our print version available free within the County of Two Hills, it will be included on our website with direct links to your business helping you gain the most exposure. Reach out to us on Facebook, Whatsapp, email and we will do our best to assist you. Should you have any questions, comments or suggestions, please feel free to let us know. FOR RENT We aim to be a responsible, trustworthy community minded newspaper Land for Rent: Four Quarters for cash lease providing our County with reliable up-to-date news of the issues the Spring 2022, Two Hills area. Ready for affect us. canola. Phone (780) 991-6552

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Two Hills Regional Chronicle

Page 32

July 2021

122-2nd Ave, Hairy Hill, AB T0B 1S0 $89 500 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH Cozy 2 Bedroom Home on a Huge 15,397 SQ. FT. Lot in the Quiet Community of Hairy Hill Alberta. 15,397 sq. ft. Lot. Value Priced Property in the County of Two Hills.

5118-51 Ave, Willingdon, AB T0B 4R0 $62 500 3 BEDROOM 2 BATH Excellent Opportunity to Own a 1400+ sq. ft. Home with a Single Attached Garage and a 2 Car Detached Garage on 8910 sq. ft. Lot at a “Great Price” in the Friendly Community of Willingdon.

29-562007 RNG RD 113 RD, County of Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 $494 000 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH Absolutely - Gorgeous Property Located at Lac Sante Cottage Country in the County of Two Hills. 2.1 Acres of Scenic Property with Mature Trees Plus Partial Lake View!

4603-51 Ave, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 $129 500 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH Well Maintained and Upgraded 3 Bedroom Home with Attached Garage Located on 13905 sq. ft. Corner Lot in Two Hills. Value Priced Property in a Great Location!

133-2nd Ave, Hairy Hill, AB T0B 1S0 $110 000 2 BEDROOM 3 BATH Well Maintained Mobile Home with an Addition, Part Basement, Attached 15’ x 34’ Garage and a 16 ‘x 32’ Detached Garage in the Friendly Community of Hairy Hill. Great Starter Home or Retirement Property.

5003-53 St, Two Hills, AB T0B4K0 $340 000 3+2 BEDROOM 2 BATH Like New 2010, 1440 sq. ft. Home with a 24’ x24’ Oversized Double Garage on a 7590 sq. ft. Fenced Lot, Located in the Friendly Community of Two Hills. A Must View Property!

5012-50 Ave, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 $104 900 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH Very Well Maintained and Upgraded 2 Bedroom Home, Close to Shopping, Schools and Most Amenities in the Friendly Community of Two Hills. Perfect Starter Home or Retirement Property!

120019A & B TWP RD 554, County of Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 $1 100 000 320 acres with 2 Homes 320 Acres of Agricultural Land in The County of Two Hills, 1700 sq. ft. Log Home was Built with a 860 sq. ft. Triple Garage. A Definite Must View Property!

4602-52 Ave, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 $205 000 3+1 BEDROOM 3 BATH Upgraded 4 Bedroom home with attached garage in the Friendly Community of Two Hills. Many upgrades .huge 8500 sq. ft. Fenced Lot. Must View to Appreciate All this Property has to Offer!

4710-47 St, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 $79 900 2 BEDROOM 1 BATH Affordable, Well Maintained and Upgraded 3 Bedroom Home with Garage Located on a 50’ x 150’ Lot in the Friendly Community of Two Hills. Value Priced Property in Two Hills!

4811-47 St, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 $169 000 2+2 BEDROOM 2 BATH Well Maintained and Upgraded Home on a Choice Lot in the Friendly Community of Two Hills. 8677 sq. ft. Lot Features Garage, Metal Covered Storage Building, Quality Home at a Value Price!

5107-48 St, Myrnam, AB T0B 3K0 $235 000 2+1 BEDROOM 2 BATH 1979, 1100 sq. ft. Home with a 2 Car Garage Located in the Friendly Community of Myrnam. Excellent Location as Only a Block from Schools & Recreation Facilities. Perfect for a Retirement Couple or Young Family!

122004 HWY 36 (TWP RD 560), County of Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 $240 000 5+1 BEDROOM 3 BATH Completely Renovated 1914, 1 1/2 Story Character Home. Just minutes form Lac Santé in the County of Two Hills. A Must View Property!

541011 Rng Rd 133, County of Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 $290 000 4 BEDROOM 2 BATH 24.24 Acres of Rolling Land with Beautiful Lake View, 4 Bedroom Home, 3 Car Garage and Miscellaneous Out Buildings in the County of Two Hills.

5217-51 Ave, Willingdon, AB T0B 4K0 $114 000 2 BEDROOM 2 BATH Original Family Ownership of this Well Maintained 985 sq. ft. Home with Garage on a Huge 8513 sq. ft. Lot in the Friendly Community of Willingdon. Solid Home at a Value Price.

5302-48 St, Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 $189 000 2+2 BEDROOM 2 BATH Well Maintained 4 Bedroom Home On A Prime Location In The Friendly Town Of Two Hills. Perfect Investment Property or for the Person Who Requires Lots of Storage. This Is A Must View Property!

Royal LePage Home-wise Realty 5013 48 Street, Vegreville, AB T9C 1T9

Ralph Soldan - Realtor

Cell: 780-603-0944 Email: ralphsoldan@royallepage.ca www.royallepage.ca/en/agent/alberta/vegreville/ralph-soldan/20960