1037 by Vermilion Voice

Lloydminster Auto Club Holds Annual Show And Shine

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

The Lloydminster Auto Club held its annual specialty vehicle show and shine on July 20 at Lion’s Park, marking yet another successful year for car enthusiasts and the local community. With no entry fee, attendees were encouraged to make donations, with all proceeds collected at the event going to support a local charity.

Established in 1978, the Lloydminster Auto Club has a rich history of bringing together automobile enthusiasts.

Despite the,sweltering, sultry weather conditions, along with smoky air from wildfires throughout the province and neighbouring provinces attendees enjoyed the impressive lineup of 80 specialty vehicles, making it one of the largest exhibitions on the grass to date for the club. Enthusiasts from near and far flocked to the event, with participants showcasing their prized automobiles from areas all over Alberta and Saskatchewan such as Sherwood Park, Camrose, North Battleford, and Saskatoon. The event truly highlighted the passion and dedication of

the Lloydminster Auto Club and its members.

As attendees enjoyed the exhibition, Lasting Impressions and Prairie Lilly Coffee, the event’s food vendors, provided delectable eats and drinks to satisfy everyone’s cravings. Adding to the festive atmosphere, Area 51 DJ Service filled the air with a mix of tunes, energizing the crowd and enhancing the overall experience.

In 2023 attendees demonstrated incredible generosity, enabling the club to present a cheque to Border City Connects. Continuing this tradition, this year’s event will also donate its proceeds to support a local charity, with the chosen organization to be announced at the 2025 car show.

Reflecting on the success of the show, club presidentr Dave Deeg expressed his gratitude to all participants and fans who contributed to the event’s triumph. He remarked, “I would like to thank everyone that participated as well as all the fans that made it out to the show, as they are the ones who made the show such a success. We look forward to doing it again next year.”

Members of the Lloydminster Auto Club on July 20. Photos Lorna Hamilton

Tyler Morrissette from Lloydminster with his 1969 Pontiac Firebird

From left, new president Otis Rusling and former president Dave Deeg presenting a cheque.

Lorna Hamilton Reporter

Local Alison Jackson Second Olympic Run

Cyclist Alison Jackson (daughter of Ken and Mavis Farkash of Vermilion), also known as “Action Jackson,” is set to compete in the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris, starting on July 26 when she participates in the Opening Ceremony (streaming on CBC Sport live at 11.30a.m. MDT, local Vermilion time). This marks another significant milestone in Jackson’s illustrious career, adding to her extensive list of accolades.

In a recent press release, CTS, a global leader in endurance coaching, announced, “CTS is proud to support Canadian cycling champion Alison Jackson, who was named to the 2024 Canadian Olympic Cycling Team for the Road Race and Time Trial on June 26th, 2024, (The Women’s Cycling Road Race is Aug 4, streaming live on CBC sports from 6.00-10.00am MDT, local Vermilion time). The winner of the 2023 Paris-Roubaix Femmes and four-time Canadian National Champion, Jackson is now a two-time Olympian, following her participation in the 2020 Tokyo Games.”

Canada’s final Olympic quotas confirmed the selection of road cyclists based on their global performances and adaptability to the Olympic course. Cycling Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee recently announced the roster of Team Canada cycling athletes nominated to compete at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games.

The 21 athletes representing Canada include:

BMX Racing: Molly Simpson (Red Deer, Alta.)

Jackson races professionally for EF-OatlyCannondale and is recognized as a strong all-around rider with a powerful sprint. She clinched both the 2023 Paris-Roubaix Femmes and Stage 2 of the 2024 La Vuelta Feminina in sprint finishes.

CTS CEO Jeff Pierce, previously the HighPerformance Director in charge of Selection at USA Cycling, commented on Jackson’s selection, saying, “This selection is a great honour for Alison. Olympic Team selections are the toughest to achieve as they happen only once every four years, the number of quota positions is limited, and everyone is vying for them. An athlete must perform consistently at the highest levels of interna-

Mountain Bike: Isabella Holmgren (Orillia, Ont.), and Gunnar Holmgren (Orillia, Ont.) Road: Olivia Baril (Rouyn-Noranda, Que.), Derek Gee (Ottawa), Alison Jackson (Vermilion, Alta.), and Michael Woods (Ottawa) Track (Endurance): Erin Attwell (Victoria), Dylan Bibic (Mississauga, Ont.), Ariane Bonhomme (Gatineau, Que.), Maggie ColesLyster (Maple Ridge, B.C.), Michael Foley (Milton, Ont.), Mathias Guillemette (TroisRivières, Que.), Carson Mattern (Ancaster, Ont.), and Sarah Van Dam (Victoria) Track (Sprint): Lauriane Genest (Levis, Que.), James Hedgcock (Ancaster, Ont.), Kelsey Mitchell (Sherwood Park, Alta.), Sarah Orban (Calgary), Tyler Rorke (Baden, Ont.), and Nick Wammes (Bothwell, Ont.)

tional racing over a significant time period just to be considered.”

In preparation for the Paris Olympics, Jackson has been undergoing special heat training, which involves intense indoor sessions. “It’s a thing that a lot of teams are doing, basically trapping in that heat in a white painter’s suit, heat suit, and sweating as much as you can just to be able to manage the heat,” Jackson explained. She also participated in the Baloise Ladies Tour in Belgium which began on July 17 (concluding on July 21) for additional race preparation.

Reflecting on her journey, Jackson recalled watching the Olympics as an eightyear-old and being inspired by rhythmic gymnastics and synchronized swimming.

“This would be the most amazing thing to do,” she thought.

Now, as a two-time Olympian, Jackson shared, “It feels like a big success. Only the top 2 cyclists in the country get chosen for the Olympic Road Race. To

be one of Canada’s best athletes and earn a spot to Team Canada for my second Olympic Games is something I’m really proud of. To come from a small prairie town to the top of elite sport is something all of Vermilion can get excited about and be proud of!”

Alison Jackson’s determination and success continue to inspire as she gears up for another Olympic challenge, representing Canada on the world stage. Jackson also commented, “Honoured and excited to represent my country, my community, my family, my fans, my teammates, and that little girl who just wanted to PLAY and say YES to all the wild new opportunities God put in her way.” You can check out Jackson’s Instagram at @aliactionjackson if you would like to follow along.

It’s hard not to love a good donut, or the Olympics. Photos supplied by Alison Jackson

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Ree Represents Canada At World University Rowing Championships

uly 4–6 was a riveting weekend for the local Ree family as Sam Ree, a third-year biology student at the University of Victoria (UVic), represented Canada at the FISU World University Rowing Championships in Rotterdam, Netherlands and narrowly missed the podium, finishing fourth in the men’s eight behind Italy, Germany, and Austria. Despite his father Todd Ree’s experience as a lightweight rower for the University of Alberta, Sam’s journey to becoming an international rower has come somewhat unexpectedly.

Growing up in Vermilion, Sam was not involved in rowing; instead, he was a competitive Nordic skier, representing Team Alberta for several years. Near the start of his schooling at UVic, he filled out a form expressing an interest in learning to row. The university’s rowing coach invited him to walk-on tryouts involving various physical tests such as throwing a medicine ball and jumping for distance and height. Sam recalls not being sure how the tryouts went.

Good news came soon, as Sam received an email saying he had been selected to move into the novice rowing program at UVic. The purpose of the program was to teach students how to live like athletes and see if they could learn to row. Sam was part of this novice learn-to-row program for six weeks, at the end of which he was notified that he would move on and race for UVic.

Sam spent that first year learning the ins and outs of the sport, and

at one point, held the second fastest novice score ever recorded for a 2,000-meter test on the ergometers, or indoor rowing machines. This, says his father, is how Sam figured out he had found his sport.

Standing at 6’3” and weighing 205 pounds, Sam’s physical attributes and natural athleticism saw him progress rapidly. By his second year, he had made it into UVic’s 2V boat (top 16), and in his third year, he earned a spot in the prestigious 1V boat (top 8).

In April of this year, Sam received word that he had been selected by Rowing Canada to represent the nation at the FISU World University Rowing Championships in early July. He has spent the past few months preparing for this event, and arrived early in the Netherlands to train and acclimate to the time difference. His parents travelled to cheer him on.

The athletes’ journey to Rotterdam was self-funded, highlighting the dedication and financial commitment required of athletes competing at this level.

“The whole experience of racing internationally and representing Canada was incredible for me,” said Ree. “As a crew, each time we went to the start line we got better and better, which is the best feeling you can have in rowing. In the final, we put together our best race yet, being in the running for a medal at the halfway point in the race. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to outsprint the Italian crew for a bronze medal, but all of us walked away extremely happy with our effort.”

“We were so very proud of him, and his teammates, and it was incredible to watch him compete at this level!“

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said his mother Sandra Kathnelson Sam’s achievements have filled his hometown with pride. His story is a testament to the incredible opportunities that can arise from trying new

things and pushing beyond one’s comfort zone. The Vermilion community, along with UVic, is eager to see him perform again on the international stage

coLumNist / LocaL News

Dawn Hames Columnist

This cake lends itself to being complimented with a variety of summer berries and slightly sweetened whipped cream. A sponge cake can be served unfrosted or frosted with a slightly thinned vanilla butter cream icing. It would be pretty to garnished the cake with fresh wild rose petals, which by the way are edible. It is a perfect cake for celebrations such as birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, barbeques and summer picnics. There must be absolutely no egg yolk in the egg white mixture, because even the smallest amount will prevent the eggs from whip -

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Farm Sponge Cake

ping properly. I often separate each egg, into a small bowl, before adding it to the larger bowl, to prevent any yolk from going into the bowl with the egg white. Also, the beaters used to beat the egg yolk mixture must be thoroughly washed and rinsed to remove any trace of egg yolk before they are used for whipping the egg white. The success of this cake is all in the method. Using white sugar gives a lighter cake, however, using brown sugar lends a wonderful caramel flavour. I often use up the extra egg yolks by making a batch a batch of hollandaise sauce for eggs Benedict, or to have with asparagus or sole. If your hens are really laying, and you end up with a lot of eggs, this is a good way to use them up, plus this cake is full of healthy protein and fats.

Farm Sponge Cake

11 egg whites at room temp for 30 minutes

1/2 teaspoon cream of tartar

1/2 cup sugar

6 egg yolks

1/2 cup warm melted lard or butter

1 cup water

2 teaspoons vanilla

2 cups cake flour, or organic unbleached flour

1 cup granulated or brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder

1/2 teaspoon sea salt

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees. This is a three-bowl cake. Bowl 1.) sift together the flour, 1 cup of sugar, the salt and baking powder. Bowl 2.) place the 6 egg yolks and with an electric mixer, beat the oil into the eggs a teaspoon at

a time. Add the vanilla and slowly add the water to the egg yolk mixture while beating. Bowl 3.) beat the egg whites until foamy. Add the cream of tartar. Continue to beat until very soft peaks. Slowly add the remaining 1/2 cup sugar and continue to beat, all the while ensuring that the egg whites are at the soft peak stage (the peak flops over). Add the flour mixture into the egg yolk mixture a quarter at a time. Continue beating until well blended. Gently stir one third of the egg white mixture into the egg yolk batter, until just blended. Gently fold the remaining egg white mixture into the egg yolk batter. Pour into a tube pan and bake for 60-70 minutes. Invert the pan while cooling and allow cooling completely before removing from the pan. Cut with a serrated knife.

Volunteers Ready Grounds Ahead Of Fair

With less than a week to go before Vermilion’s biggest—and many would say best—event of the year, over 100 volunteers gathered at 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 20 at the Vermilion Agricultural Society’s fairgrounds for a work bee lasting into the afternoon.

In the northeast corner of the grounds, members of the Vermilion 4-H Sheep Club helped shovel wood shavings into pens that had been set into place by club parents. A crew of volunteers who had just shown up that day willing to work where tasked with the enormous job of repainting the railings white, which they did cheerily. “We just showed up and asked what they needed,” said Kate Gilberg, who credits her own volunteer involvement to her older kids: in years prior, they would come with their dad when their mom had to stay home to take care of the younger children. Now they all volunteer together.

A “hydration team” brought hot and cold beverages around to volunteers, keeping them cool and hydrated on the sunny day made hazy by light smoke.

Over at the equine barns, a small team worked on replacing boards on the stalls, while others worked on moving the jump standards—the pairs of stands used to hold up rails for showjumping horses. The Ag Society has twenty of these jump standards, which J. R. Robson School art and shop students constructed and painted based off of the Ag Society’s fair-based ideas. Billi Walton-Ronning from Camrose has a history of designing the fair’s jump courses, which takes a few hours on the Wednesday before the fair. “They all say that when Billy does the course, it’s amazing,” raved the volunteers.

The Light Horse Committee of the Ag Society is strong, and the fair boasts

sage, and other equine classes. “We’re always busy [over the course of the three days of the fair and the days prior] and always looking for volunteers,” said Dallis Franke, co-chair of the Light Horse Committee. “We’re trying to attract the youth; it has kind of dwindled down since COVID,” she continued.

Improvements to the riding ring and a new shavings bin will make the facilities more user-friendly. There is also a new scale house and platform for the beef scale, and a replanking and expansion of the announcer’s stand that will better meet the needs of rodeos and gymkhanas.

Arguably the most iconic accessibility feature of the Vermilion Fair are our beloved peoplemovers, which shuttle people of all ages around the grounds. Iron Goose Metal Works constructed three new and improved peoplemovers to replace the old ones. With the assistance of a few volunteers at the work bee, they were completed and made ready for operation. Narrower than the previous generation, these have four-wheel steering that enables them to take tight corners around the ring road and are able to hook together.

The Ag Society was also able to build a brand-new cooler through the help of a fiscal donation. The cooler will help facilitate the concessions and Barley Bin as well as serve as cold storage.

In the weeks leading up to the fair, one of the more startling changes many in the community have noted was the removal of seven large hybrid poplars lining the outside of the chuckwagons’ track between the washrooms and Old MacDonald’s Barn. Ag Society President Justin Clark explained that the trees had been experiencing progressive decline and root rot over the past few years, and were either dying or already dead. Storms earlier in the season had caused

branches to break off, leaving the possibility that a broken branch lodged in a tree could fall on a fair-goer.

The difficult decision to remove these shade providers was not one that was made lightly, but the Ag Society is moving forward with succession planning that involves the planting of new trees. These will be the first planted since the ones just removed were planted several decades ago. “We have a vision; it’s just going to look worse before it looks better,” said Clark. Lloyd Rumbolt’s team from Lloyd’s Limbs has been chipping in with their machinery and labour to help bring the dead and dying trees down to make room for a new generation of trees that we can all be proud to help plant and watch grow.

The new lawnmower racing track will see its second major performance at the fair, following its inaugural appearance at the third annual Gears and Cheers event the Sunday after Father’s Day. Races will run again there in September, so keep an eye on the Ag Society’s social media for dates.

New food vendors, repaired crossings, old tractors brought in by the CASE IH Chapter 38 Collectors Club, and the tractor pull being expanded from one day to two all add to the ever-improving event. The names listed here represent just a small portion of the individuals who have come together to labour in love for this community. As Clark shared on a recent Facebook post, “I don’t feel like I fully captured my sincere appreciation for the people around me who are making this happen— every year I’m so humbled by the efforts, support, and collaboration our community offers. We hope to see everyone at our 118th fair—thank you for attending, sponsoring, volunteering, or however you support the efforts of so many people around me are putting into this event, we are truly surrounded by so many unsung heroes. This year’s fair, as every year prior, is the result of over a year of collaboration and planning by countless individuals to pull off an incredible event.” We can’t wait to see you all there!

Lukas Smith, Madison Flanders, & Timothy Barmentloo of the Vermilion 4-H Sheep Club prepare pens in the sheep barn on Saturday, July 20 in preparation for the 118th annual Vermilion Fair July 25–27. Photo Caylie Gnyra

Letter To The Editor-The Former Mayor’s Response

Submitted

To the Residents of Vermilion

After waiting a month to gather my thoughts and emotions from my disqualification as Mayor on June 14, I think it’s time transparency takes place. I know every citizen of Vermilion would appreciate that and is entitled to that.

First, a heartfelt thank you to all the people who chose me and voted for me, you all trusted that I could be part of a council to help guide and build Vermilion in a positive direction, to be the spokesperson, and to represent Vermilion with honour and passion. I woke up every day and gave my absolute best. I never claimed to be perfect, but my honesty is pure I wear my heart on my sleeve, no matter what the topic or obstacle I encountered; I never ran or quit!

The truth is though, I have battled and endured more attacks and mental challenges from a few councillors than I did from any citizens of this town. The anxiety and constant mental bullying I endured from Councillor Pulyk was uncomparable in my life. I have battled anxiety and mental bullying my entire life, and Pulyk recreated those fears to me on a weekly basis, there is no reason or excuse for this to happen in a professional adult environment.

It started with his cold demeanor during our first phone call four days after I was elected. He gave his list of committees he “wanted” and said goodbye. Within three more weeks after the phone call my first code of conduct from Pulyk arose, acting on behalf of a citizen. He said that my Mayor application was not legal as it had whiteout on it! And that under a general MGA rule I should be disqualified! The irony and what really shows his true intent is that Councillor Martin had whiteout on his application too, but no code of conduct was issued against him! I am sure you can see the precedent being set. Pulyk said the whiteout on Martin’s application was not his or his “citizens” concern. Two weeks later once council members had completed some research I was found innocent.

During a conversation at a council meeting one Tuesday, he asked me three very deliberate questions, I said they were boring. He point of ordered me, demanding an apology. If I did not apologize, he could make a motion to have me removed from that meeting. With huge displeasure, I apologized. After this apology incident, CAO Lucus, Pulyk and, I had a private meeting in my office to clear the air, I said “Rob, do you have a problem with me?” He answered with, “I am Councillor Pulyk to you, and I am Councillor Pulyk to you everywhere, all the time!” What arrogance and he never demanded that from anyone else on council. Another sign I should have realized his intentions.

A year into council I mentioned to a staff member that Pulyk is always trying to corner me, and get me, well less than an hour later, to my surprise, I ran into Pulyk at Co-op Gas Bar, he comes straight to me, not even a Hi, and his first words, “I am not trying to get you,” and shakes my hand. Remember shaking hands is a sign of trust, and honour. Well, five months later Pulyk brought nine codes of conduct against me. One was as simple as no town letterheads on any of the emails that I sent out. I am not a computer wiz, and I always put Mayor Throndson, something simple, but to him, world peace was put into jeporady. To mention the other eight would be a waste of ink. In total nine codes of conduct were brought against me over a five-month period. Why not address them as they arose. Why, because you get a bigger bang with all at once, execute instead of educate! Is that how we teach in schools or workplaces. I was found guilty of four out of nine. This is the start of the “Door Incident!” On a Friday in March 2023, it was morning when Councillor Conlon and CAO Lucas handed me my verdict on the codes of conducts. Council took away my privilege to go to a three-day convention later that month in Edmonton. Those conventions are filled with learning seminars, speakers, and gatherings with other elected officials. I think that’s what a mayor should do for the Town! But in Pulyks world, a letterhead fault was more important

than a Mayor bettering himself. My biggest fault, in a long long time was my anger getting the best of me, as I left the east doors, I kicked the panic bar (that opens the door) and left. A few weeks later, Pulyk asked why the doors did not open. I said, ”With all honesty, probably me, I was mad and I kicked it when I left the code of conduct meeting!” Two weeks after that, a code of conduct from Pulyk came against me that I acted in a poor behaviour that a Mayor should not portray. Yes, my anger at the moment was extremely inappropriate, and I own that. I owned kicking the door too, but now council deliberates and wants me to pay all $3,600 for a panic door bar that is 20 plus years old, and in the Lloyd Lock & Key report, “The worn out parts could not be replaced.” I offered $1,800 to pay for the damage, council refused it an wanted the full $3,600; so we went to arbitration (which is my right, and cost the Town approximately $3,000), and it is found that Council cannot enforce the costs on me, that it is the role of administration! That was all determined in October or 2023. Then I received a bill in the mail for $7,129 on November 29, 2023. Why $7,129 you ask? Because administration in their great wisdom replaced the adjacent panic bar on the door next to it, and I quote, “Because the new one and old one did not match in colour!” So that is how we get to a $7,129 door. Two panic bars, one I broke, and one did not match. I basically laughed at the bill, along with a little anger, and said not a snowballs chance in hell am I paying that! A local guy said it could have been a $1,200 to $1,500 fix. But now new doors open with an electric FOB, or Designed to, as the old doors opened with keys. I wonder who is paying for the ‘upgrade?’

Who gets a bill for $7,129 with no proof of what you are paying for? I did receive a receipt on April 30th, 2024 the night I was informed they were going to remove me as Mayor.

So, in the elected officials “Rule Book” any elected official with an outstanding bill greater than $500 for 90 days, must resign or be disqualified by a Judge in Court of Kings Bench, so on April 30, 2024, 13 months after the door was broke, and 153 days from when the bill was sent to me, (remember its 90 days, so why wait for 153? seems odd!) council gave me the ultimatum. I was completely caught by surprise. I had a few weeks earlier offered the $3,600 and call it square, it was Denied! So that night I offered to give some money by May 3rd, and the answer was no! I was devastated that what I thought was a team effort, all of us working together, including the CAO was nothing more than a hoax! I did not know this rule even existed along with two or three other council members. Where’s the teamwork? Where’s the friendly reminders on the 60th, 70th, even 85th day that “Mayor, if you do not pay even $5 by the 90 day mark, this happens. ATCO gives warnings when a power bill is late, the Town don’t? It’s like there were forces working together to have me disqualified! Where was the etiquette, compassion to work together? It’s like watching an accident you could easily prevent, but why bother. I wanna see the crash! Some key notes, How do I pay a make believe number? Who pays a make-believe number. Also, our CAO resigned two weeks earlier, read into it what you wish and not to mention Councillor Martin coming after me with 12 codes of conduct on April 16, 2024. These 12 codes were gathered over approximately a three month period. Why now Martin after two years of Greg being Greg did you decide to code of conduct me at that time? I have not changed at all after two and a half years. Council found me guilty on three of the 12. This verdict was also given to me on the night of April 30, 2024. So the punishment for those three codes were losing my right to run any council meetings til the end of my term, and stripped me of all my committee appointments! Yes, I swear, and Martin wrote me up! Yes, I said an inappropriate/ bad comment to an employee, but who is my friend and who I bantered with on all my office visits, and she did not complain,

but a manager overheard and reported me. That complaint sat on a desk since February 2nd, 2024. So, does anyone other than me see all the buildup of crap against me? Two backstabbing councillors, an administration that eavedropped my every word! I know I am far from perfect, and I am definitely not a politician, but these are all facts the public is entitled to know!

It was going to cost me $3,500 to go to court to battle disqualification, why bother a couple toxic councillors made that impossible for me to want to win and return.

I was Mayor for two years, seven months. I attended meetings with many other Mayors, Councillors, MLA’s, from all over AB and not one complaint from any of them. I represented Vermilion with upmost dignity, not one comment or complaint. But from within my own team, my own councillors and administration I had 11 code of conducts from Pulyk, 12 from Martin, and one from administration. The one from administration I called a Town employee, no council members are allowed to reach out to any town employee but all I was looking for was the concern or well being of an employee! Ya that world peace thing again, not to mention the 18-20 point of orders from Pulyk directed at me. His rude debate that we do not have a $3,000 budget for Talk of The Town Newsletters for the Seniors, that we should buy an IPad and place it at the front desk of the town hall for the seniors to come use it to gain town information, ludicrous theory. He pushed me so hard in that debate I recessed and left the meeting and did not return. He never pushed or instigated with anyone else but me. When my anxiety was pushed to the limit by one individual, it made me not want to go to work. I never knew when or why Pulyk would attack me. I was mentally bullied my whole term by Pulyk, it affected my work, my personal life, it affected me! And he hid behind his MGA Rule book and code of conducts and tormented me every chance he could. That is not right, and is disgusting really, nice team player. Martin proved his true colours too by blindsiding me. He was running around behind my back, for months, asked manipulative questions to my friends, Councillors and to administration. He exaggerated his 12 codes of conduct to make me look bad, when he took my power, he “allowed” me to speak at St. J Grad, which was a brutal exaggeration of events, St. J wanted me to speak!

These two councillors displayed arrogance, self-righteous, pompous, bullying attitudes towards me. You know what I hate? Manipulating, Lying, Exaggerating Bullies!! I wonder who wants to be the next mayor. Pretty obvious, people need to see and hear how Pulyk disrespected and bullyed me and how Martin exaggerated and attacked me! One Councillor said to me, “Could you be less Greg? What be shorter?” I see his point, but people voted for “Greg”, not the make believe version. Another Councillor told me I got to play the “game” better. What game? False Personality, Manipulation, Back Room Chats, Deliberate Backstabbing? No Thanks, I stayed true to me right to the end, I said I would not quit and I did not!!

I have the upmost respect for the other four councillors. Councillor Whitlocks heart and dedication to the Seniors of Town is second to none.

Councillor Conlon’s true concerns of being more accountable on spending are more than apparent and great to see.

Councillor Snow, who very few people know is a blessing to council. His life experience and morals are so valuable to this council.

Councillor Rayment, his intelligence, common sense and life’s journeys is a huge asset to council.

These four members had the Towns best interest first all the

time, I am proud to have worked with them. I consider them friends forever. We as council did some great things and made some good and steady progress. I have faith in those four who will continue to lead this town in the proper direction.

I did an interview with Chris Brown, he interviews Mayors/Councillors all across Canada, I did one with him May 30th, 2024. He has a podcast called Cross Border Interviews with Chris Brown. It was released June 7, 2024. Ironinc, I was disqualified June 14, 2024. The podcast is about 30 minutes, please listen. After the interview, we chatted 1 on 1, and he said Vermilion is so lucky to have a mayor so involved with the community and shows such passion and commitment. I shed a tear knowing I was on my way out, Sad Really. But as Pulyk said, a rule is a rule, you broke it and council must enforce the rules. No one is untouchable. In my words my 10 good things I have done or stood up for in this town outweighs an exaggerated bill and an outdated rule that should be abolished! I did not drive 120km/ hr through a school zone and spray paint the town hall with obscenities. I stood up to saying I have rights, and I am not paying an exaggerated bill, or being forced to quit my position!

Towns that prosper are not governed out of a book, but common sense and moral values. Successful farmers farm with their hearts and minds and common sense, not out of a book! I am proud of being part of the Vermilion Lodge Board, we as a group turned that place around to a happy positive place for seniors to live, I feel sorry for them, as the mayor can’t come visit anymore. I stood up as the only person on council to state how wrong it was to buy a work truck from Calgary for Town use. Crazy! I saved all the beautiful trees on Becky Scott trail into the park. The CAO wanted them gone, they were wrecking infrastructure. Crazy to even imply it!! At the end of the day who was punished me or the Town? Well me directly, and the Town indirectly, I am one of Vermilions biggest advocates. It’s a great town, I love it here, Ironically 731 people voted me in, 4-6 people took me out!

This full letter will make it to the desk of our MLA Garth Rowswell and I hope it will be hand delivered to the Honourable Ric McIver, Minister of Municiple Affairs. He can wonder why two councillors resigned last term and a Mayor was disqualified this term, and there is only 1 common denomonator of it all…Pulyk!!!

Vermilion is a great, safe, fun place to live and be part of. The character of the unelected leaders and volunteers here are 2nd to none, Vermilion has a positive future ahead. Enjoy it, Embrace it, Be Part of it!

Thank you with all sincerity Vermilion, thank you for listening, and supporting me. I am truly thankful. It has been an honour I will never forget and cherish every moment forever.

Greg Throndson

Local Pair Competes At World Stock Dog Championship

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

She describes him as “very driven and enthusiastic,” “up for anything,” and “just a really good dog to be around.” Link, Brianne Bellwood’s 8-year-old border collie, demonstrated his intellect, agility, and close relationship with his owner at the World Stock Dog Championship at the Calgary Stampede July 9–10.

Having just celebrated its 27th year, the World Stock Dog Championship challenges stock dogs to move three sheep through an obstacle course and into a pen in an arena in under four minutes, receiving points as they pass obstacles while aiming for the fastest time. Sixty dogs completed two rounds of this sheep-herding competition to determine the top 12 who would advance to finals.

Bellwood and Link won their first round— a surprise to Bellwood, who knew they had passed all the obstacles and penned the sheep but didn’t realize how quickly they had done so. In their second round, they ran out of time and didn’t get a pen, and ended up finishing 14th. However, their combined standings allowed them to move on to the finals, where they finished 11th overall. The two have competed at the World Stock Dog Championship before but this was the best they have ever done. “He did well,” says Bellwood, but admits, “I needed to get some more experience and get my nerves under control.”

Link is the first dog that Bellwood has competed with, having started with him when he was a year or two old. He is also her first border collie. “He’s a really good dog. He’s like my buddy,” she says. “We’ve definitely learned so much together and I’ve learned so much from him. He always gives me 100 per cent and he’s willing to learn and try again. Any new thing I want to try like sheep or cows or even ducks, he’s up for it.”

In addition to stock dog competitions, Link also participates in agility and likes dock diving. Bellwood explains that there are a lot of opportunities for dogs to train in this area and over into Saskatchewan, including with cattle and in sheep field trials. Together, they have been having fun learning and training and trying different types of competitions and sets of skills while traveling different places and meeting interesting people.

Bellwood says she appreciates all the support and mentorship that the individuals in the stock dog community have provided, and feels fortunate for the opportunities that are available to new handlers by the knowledgeable veterans of the sport. “I have found that they are a welcoming group of people that give back and are encouraging and supportive of new individuals,” she says.

Bellwood herself is no stranger to working with animals, having worked at Lakeland College for the past 15 years, where she currently serves as department chair in Agricultural Sciences and instructor in

the Veterinary Technology program. Link has attended labs for students to practice their bandaging and other techniques. Link has also been known to visit St. Jerome’s School, where kids there take turns reading to him.

Another of Brianne’s stock dogs has also helped move the Yellowhead Grazing goats that come to town to tackle invasive weed species and graze hard to reach areas— yet another example of how useful dogs can be. “Sometimes it’s just easier with a stock dog,” says Bellwood, noting that “one

good dog can replace two or three people to help get things done.” “There are things where I don’t know how I would get things done if I didn’t have a dog to help me,” she attests.

Bellwood and Link performed at the Dog Days of Summer demonstration event at the Vermilion Agricultural Society’s fairgrounds on Canada Day, and will return to the venue on Thursday, July 25 from 1–4 p.m. to help with the mutton busting event, for anyone interested in watching this remarkable team at work.

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Summer Soccer Builds Skills And Confidence

On the first Wednesday evening in July, about twenty soccer players from U7 to U17 gathered around Steven Westergaard, a surname familiar in the local soccer community over the past several decades. Their purpose? The first practice of the summer season.

As the regular soccer season came to a close in late June, registered players’ parents were contacted by the Vermilion Soccer Association with the option of extending the season into the summer for an additional $20. Keen to play the game but unsure what to expect, parents and players gathered on the bleachers amidst a sea of gopher holes as far as the eye could see.

Vermilion Minor Ball would like thank the following businesses for their generous support and donations to the 2024 U15D Alberta Softball Provincials…

• Webb’s Machinery Ltd.

• R360

• Nutrien Ag Solutions

• Vermilion Credit Union

• Cargill

• Ireland Farm Equipment

• Richardson Pioneer

• G3

• Selte Fuels

• College Park Motors

• Quick Shot Mechanical Ltd.

• Rock Solid

• Ram River Environmental Consultants

• Modern Edge Painting

• Mau Lam

• Baddocks Power Products

• Rural Roots/Barnyard Creations

• Cornerstone Co-op

• Simple Pleasures

• Burnt Rock Adventure Co

• Harbrook & Paisely

• RONA

• Long’s Value Drug Mart

• Night Owl

• Decals & Sign Obsessions

• MACK Clothing/Sage Apparel

A huge thank-you goes to The Town of Vermilion Employees for the hard work they put into preparing the diamonds. As well as to the Machine Shop for the signs at the Pioneer Park Diamonds and Bowtell and Associates Wealth Management and Amped Electric for powder coating the signs.

Accompanied by assistant coaches Rochelle Horne, Justin Selte, and Grady Ganton, Westergaard gathered the group of all ages and led them together in a warm up involving ball touches and stretches, with younger players benefiting from seeing the techniques and discipline of older players all around them.

Westergaard then split the group into three smaller groups according to age, with the U7s and U9s playing together, the U11s and U13s playing together, and the U15s and U17s together. He set up three sets of drills, including small-sided games, and Horne, Selte and Ganton assisted as he explained the drills to each group and provided real-time feedback.

The small-sided games, with just two or three players per side, ensure many more touches on the ball per player than a regular sized scrimmage, explains Westergaard. Many of the drills, too, focus on getting touches on the ball or working on defensive tactics. The littlest players enjoy age-appropriate games like “What Time is it, Mr. Wolf?” while dribbling a soccer ball.

Before and during the practices, parents assist with gopher hole filling—a seemingly futile effort that needs to be done before every practice and game, but an important task for preventing injuries.

Despite the blazing heat beating down most evenings, players and parents are ecstatic about this opportunity to extend the season and really focus on skill development. There are hopes that the program will continue and expand next spring, with talks of the possibility of a weekend skills camp to kick off the outdoor season.

Indoor soccer will be running beginning sometime around late September or early October. Keep an eye out for registration information and deadlines through Vermilion Soccer Association on Facebook or by visiting www. vermilionsoccer.ca.

Vermilion Minor Ball would like also like to thank all the volunteers who helped make the 2024 Minor Ball Season another successful year.

Brianne Bellwood’s border collie Link moving sheep at the World Stock Dog Championship at the Calgary Stampede July 9–10. Photo submitted

Assistant Coach Rochelle Horne plays a soccer-themed game of What Time is it, Mr. Wolf during summer soccer on July 17. Photo Caylie Gnyra

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Haugan Competes In Czech Republic

The Dance Impressions by Ryan community was brimming with pride as one of their veteran dances, Rian Haugan of Mannville, joined Team Canada at the Dance World Cup Finals in the Czech Republic June 27–July 6 to compete in a group tap performance called “Jet Set.”

Haugan has danced with Dance Impressions by Ryan since the tender age of two, and is the fifth dancer from the group to make it onto Team Canada Dance, a remarkable achievement for such a small town.

A group of Dance Impressions students went to Reisa, Germany in 2019 to represent Team Canada, traveling to Calgary every second week leading up to the trip to participate in rehearsals with the rest of the team. Haugan was a younger student at the time, and her mother, Rachel Stavely, explains that the family never anticipated that kind of experience would be something they would fall upon.

However, in April of 2022, Haugan won a placement award at the Standing Ovation competition in Fort Saskatchewan. She was 9 at the time and was the highest scoring dancer in tap under 12. This won her a position with Team Canada Tap.

Stavely explains that Haugan’ tap solos and group dances are high quality and that she does well with her solos, winning multiple awards for them. She says, “Between her and Miss Ryan [Wilson, the owner of Dance

Impressions], they make a great team. Miss Ryan is very good at what she does as a teacher, and my Rian has musicality abilities so that really enables her to understand—you need musical skills to do well at tap.”

“One thing I’ve been super impressed with,” says Stavely, “is the time Miss Ryan takes with her dancers is the time to explain music and how dancing falls appropriately with the music, so if you don’t have natural musicality, it is something that she teaches. And I believe this has a big part in how her numbers turn out so flawlessly on stage.”

Haugan was supposed to go to Portugal in 2023, but because of Covid restrictions, auditions were not held to create teams in the western part of Canada. Fortunately, Haugan’s position was held for this year’s team. Now 12 years of age, Haugan has had the experience of competing internationally in a small group. Her team comprised 7 girls from around Edmonton and represented western Canada, and Haugan traveled to Edmonton for rehearsals with them over the course of the year. While they did not place on the podium, Haugan’s team took 12th position out of 28, still a remarkable achievement.

Having opened Dance Impressions in 2001, Wilson explains, “We seem to have a history of having students that get to an international status of achievement, especially in tap. We’ve had students reach that level in jazz, ballet, lyrical, and contemporary. Tap is super strong for our school.”

Stavely agrees, saying, “Miss Ryan is

excellent at fostering skills in her students. She strives for excellence in her students to be the best they can be. Her expectance from her students to be the best they can be is a quality that we love about Dance Impressions. Not only does Miss Ryan foster excellence; she also fosters a great work ethic, dedication, and resilience—other great qualities we love and choose Dance Impressions.”

Dance Impressions by Ryan offers a wide variety of classes, from Moms & Tots, PreBeginner Jazz, Tap, Hip Hop, Ballet, Pointe, Lyrical, Contemporary, Agro, and even Yoga. Some Ukrainian dancers from the local Samotsvit club take ballet for extra training. Wilson explained that a former student trained with her across all genres while also taking Ukrainian dance, and at one point, confided in Wilson that she might quit Ukrainian dance and focus on the other genres. “Don’t you dare,” said Wilson, explaining how Ukrainian dance was a unique skill set that set her apart from other dancers trained in ballet. In time, that student got certified to teach ballet herself, and is now the head ballet teacher for Cheremosh, a semi-professional Ukrainian dance group based out of Edmonton.

As for Haugan, her first step after her ten days in the Czech Republic was on a plane to Italy, where she and her mother toured before hopping over to Paris—the first time to both locations for both of them. “We would have never planned or thought of going to Europe if we weren’t invited,” Stavely says.

Will another international competition be in

Kitscoty Multi Club

Haugan’s future? The organization that puts together Team Canada dances holds auditions, so she might audition in the future. For now, on behalf of Dance Impressions, Wilson says, “We are so proud of Rian and all her work earning this prestigious experience!! A spot on Team Canada is an honour.” Haugan reflects on her time with the team, saying, “It was honestly such a great experience to learn so much more while also having fun and making new friends that I hope will last forever.”

Registrations for Dance Impressions by Ryan are now open for classes that start in the fall. Register at https://app.akadadance. com/customer/login?schoolId=AK603306J

Jace Moir

Submitted

Kitscoty Multi Club had an exciting month in June with our achievement day and wind up. The club held achievement day in the senior’s center with each project having a display for members to show what they’ve done and learned over the year, followed by the auction of pies and goodies. We all had fun being part of the auction. Thank you very much to the parents, grandparents, family members and community members who came out to support us. We really appreciate it. A special thank you to Ed McCormick who came out to make it a real auction. You always make it a lot of fun!

We wrapped June up with a weiner roast. Families had lots of fun playing the bounce house, eating s’mores and hotdogs and spending time laughing together. Bingo was a huge hit for the adults and the kids! We will put out an announcement in August/September to let families know when we’ll start up again, we’re always happy to have new families join us in ‘learning to do by doing.’

Tap dancer Rian Haugan representing Team Canada at the Dance World Cup Finals in the Czech Republic June 27–July 6. Photo credit: Reimagined Portrait Art (Kim Morritt)

Railway Safety And Awareness At The Vermillion Fair

Lorna Hamilton, Reporter

As the Vermillion Fair approaches on July 25, 26, and 27, it’s an exciting time for locals and visitors alike. Alongside the festivities, CN Police will be present to ensure public safety around the railway property. It’s crucial to remember that walking on railway tracks is both dangerous and illegal.

“A reminder that railway property is private property and walking over or along the railway track is trespassing. People who trespass on railway property could

receive a violation ticket under the Petty Trespass Act 2(1)(a) for $600. Please do your part and cross the railway tracks at designated marked crossings and be a role model to others,” said Dean Solowan, Constable-Mountain Division Community Resource Officer.

Safety Guidelines and Statistics

Stay Clear of Tracks: Trains overhang a minimum of three feet from the rail. Any object within this zone is at risk of being damaged, as trains cannot stop quickly.

Cross at Designated Crossings: Never take shortcuts under or between

trains. You never know when a train might move, and such risky decisions can have life-altering consequences.

Trespassing accidents are the leading cause of rail-related fatalities, accounting for 79 per cent of all rail fatalities. Crossing accidents have seen a slight decrease, with 13 fatalities in 2023 compared to 14 in 2022.

Understanding Train Whistles

Train whistles serve as crucial safety devices, alerting motorists and pedestrians to approaching trains and warning trespassers to leave the rail right-of-way.

Locomotive engineers follow detailed instructions outlined in the Canadian Rail Operating Rules (CROR) regarding when and how to sound whistles. The CROR is regulated under the Railway Safety Act, and CN complies with these regulations set by Transport Canada.

Emergency Contact Information

In case of an emergency, motorists and pedestrians are encouraged to contact the CN Police Emergency Number at 1-800465-9239. This number is posted at every public crossing within the network and includes the CN subdivision name and mileage point. This information is vital for emergency responders and the public to report emergencies. The phone line is staffed 24/7. For public inquiries, you can call 1-888-888-5909.

Stay safe and enjoy the Vermillion Fair while being mindful of railway safety regulations.

Lorna Hamilton, Reporter

Friends Of Vermilion Health Centre: Will Be At The Vermilion Fair

The Friends of Vermilion Health Centre, a dedicated group of individuals committed to enhancing patient care, will be making their presence felt at the upcoming Vermilion Fair. Known for their relentless efforts in fundraising, the group has played a significant role in procuring essential equipment for the local Hospital and Long Term Care facility.

The Friends of Vermilion Health Centre was established with a noble mission in mind: to raise funds through public donations, suppers, baseball tournaments, and various other events to acquire vital equipment for their community’s healthcare institutions. In 1994, the group received recognition as a Registered Charitable Organization, solidifying its commitment to supporting local healthcare.

Before the pandemic struck, the majority of their funds were generated through public donations and their renowned “Trip of the Month” lottery. However, when travel became restricted during COVID, the group quickly adapted their approach and initiated a “Cash” Lottery instead. The lottery has proven successful, with an annual Early Bird draw of $1000 in October, followed by monthly draws of $1000 from January to November, culminating in a Grand Prize draw of $10,000 in December. The funds raised through these efforts have been invaluable in improving patient care and providing much-needed equipment for the Hospital and Long Term Care facility.

As they gear up for the 2024 Cash Lottery, the Friends of Vermilion Health Centre are proud to announce that 2000 tickets have been printed for the draw,

each priced at $20. Tickets are conveniently available for purchase via cash and e-transfer, making it easier than ever to support this worthy cause.

The impact of the Friends’ fundraising endeavors can be seen in the extensive list of equipment they have been able to provide over the years. From specialized equipment such as: laparoscopic eye cups and trigger hand pieces, endoscopic equipment for bladder, urinary tract (such as optical litho forceps, for crushing kidney stones), stomach, esophagus, and bowel procedures to equipment for minor orthopedic and general surgeries, they have left no stone unturned in their mission to enhance healthcare facilities in Vermilion. Notably, their collaboration with the local Rotary Club and CNRL Energy resulted in the construction of a delightful Gazebo in the Long Term Care courtyard, providing a peaceful haven for residents and their families.

Furthermore, the Friends of Vermilion Health Centre have made significant contributions to patient comfort and safety. With overhead track lifts for patient transfers, alternating pressure mattresses to prevent skin breakdown, and the innovative MotoMed exercise machine, residents in wheelchairs have been able to maintain their mobility and quality of life. The group has also facilitated the acquisition of portable patient lifts for both the Hospital and Long Term Care, further enhancing patient care. Their commitment to meeting the unique needs of patients is evident through their purchase of an Ambient Activity Board for residents with demen tia, as well as a Bariatric commode dents. They also have on order a meal

tray warmer for the kitchen and palliative room updates.

To support their cause and participate in the 2024 Cash Lottery, interested individuals can visit the Friends of Vermilion Health Centre’s ticket booth, conveniently located just south of the main grandstand at the Vermilion Fair. For those unable to attend the Fair, tickets will also be available at the Vermilion Farmers’ Market and Fantasy Flowers, or can be obtained from any Friends member. Additional information and ticket purchases can be made by calling 780-853-0856. Furthermore, charitable donations and memorial contributions can be made at local Funeral Homes, Scotia Bank, Fantasy Flow ers, and the Hospital Front Desk.

Vermilion Health Centre extend their heartfelt appre ciation to all who have generously supported their endeavors through

care landscape in Vermilion. As they gear up for the upcoming Cash Lottery, the Friends of Vermilion Health Centre eagerly look forward to continued support from the community to bolster their efforts in supporting the local Hospital and Long Term Care facility. So come one, come all, and be a part of this incredible initiative at the Fair!

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Coming events

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COLLECTOR/ ENTREPRENEUR PUR-

Think twice before disposing of any kind of batteries. As a result of improper disposing of a battery it may become damaged or punctured and they are a fire hazard as they explode if tampered with. So, look before you toss them, they are in cellphones, toys, rechargeable tools, solar lights just to name a few. All the transfer stations have a safe collection site for those batteries, please bring them in for safe disposal to prevent hazards to the entire operations.

you have something please contact: Kirby Whitlock at kwhitlock@vermilion.ca. or Greg Smith at gmjsmith@telus.net.

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Taking over from Deputy Mayor Kevin Martin, who had covered the rotating position over the past four months, Deputy Mayor Josh Rayment called the July 16 meeting of Town Council to order at 6 p.m. sharp.

During the Airport Advisory Committee Report to Council, Jeff Hancock introduced engineer & airline pilot Austin McDonald to speak about potential GPS approaches on behalf of JetPro Consultants. The company

July 16 Town Council

has been in talks with the airport about instrument procedure design to improve accessibility on the runway, particularly by fixedwing medevacs and STARS, in inclement weather. The capital cost for 2024 includes the runway survey and second-generation GPS approach for $4,000 plus an additional $5,000 to cover a flight check, in which the procedure is run through step by step to ensure it contains no errors. An annual maintenance fee of $4,000 is required, with an additional $5,000 flight check scheduled for 2027 to apply new criteria Transit

Canada has developed and check for new obstacles. For more information, visit www. jetpro.ca.

Director of Community Services and Interim Chief Administrative Officer Mike van der Torre recommended that council give first reading to Bylaw 6.2024, the Animal Control Bylaw. “The purpose of this Bylaw is to regulate and control the running at large of Dogs and Cats in the Town,” reads the recommendation.

“The Owner of a Dog or Cat over six (6) months of age shall obtain a license for that

Dog or Cat by submitting a written application and paying the applicable license, within Fifteen (15) days of becoming the Owner of such Dog or Cat, or taking up residence within the Town. If the Owner of a Dog or Cat over the age of six (6) months of age becomes the Owner of that Dog or Cat or becomes a resident within the Town between July 1st and December 31st in any year, the license fee required shall be Fifty (50%) per cent of the annual fee. Dog and Cat licenses are issued under this Bylaw are annually renewable and the Owner of a Dog or Cat required to be licensed pursuant to this Bylaw shall before January 15th in each year, renew the applicable license by completing the appropriate renewal form and paying a renewal fee. Any person who fails to license a Dog or Cat pursuant to this Bylaw or fails to renew a license previously issued before January 15th in any year, is guilty of an offence and liable, upon summary conviction, to a fine.

No more than three (3) Dogs and three (3) Cats shall be harboured or permitted to remain upon or in any land, house, shelter, room or place, building structure, or premises within the boundaries of the Town unless certain criteria is met.”

This bylaw was created because chickens were restricted in the old bylaw and will soon be permitted under the Urban Laying Hen Bylaw. There was also the addition of a penalty as brought forward by bylaw officer for animals that were found by the pound frequently.

Councillor Robert Pulyk highlighted a few things that were missing, namely, that a lifetime tag was not mentioned in the schedule, and that another bylaw about cats and dogs will need to be repealed as well. Van der Torre responded that both will be covered for the second reading. The first reading was passed.

Continued on page 15

Continued from Page 14

Van der Torre then read from his recommendation on Bylaw 7.2024, the Urban Laying Hen Bylaw, a rewrite of the original draft that had previously received first reading. The text of the recommendation is as follows:

“The purpose of this bylaw is to regulate the keeping of Urban Laying Hens to ensure order and compliance within urban settings. Key prohibitions include the banning of roosters and the requirement that hens kept must be licensed Urban Laying Hens.

To obtain an Urban Laying Hen License, an applicant must submit a form, pay a fee, and meet specific eligibility criteria, including property ownership and residency. The Town of Vermilion may issue a maximum number of Urban Laying Hen Licenses that shall be based on a maximum of 20 dwellings (residences) which may each obtain a maximum of 4 licenses. Criteria for refusal or renewal of a license include non-compliance with the bylaw, provision of false information, failure to pay fines or fees, or general public interest concerns.

Licenses are valid for a calendar year, are non-transferable, and must be produced upon request by the Town or a Peace Officer. This bylaw also establishes an appeal process for refused or non-renewed licenses, providing a structured framework for the management and control of Urban Laying Hen keeping within the town’s urban areas.”

Councillor Pulyk requested that Section 14 be clarified to note that hens are not to be disposed of in any of the Town’s waste disposal units. With this addition, the first reading of this rewritten Urban Laying Hen Bylaw was approved by Council.

Van der Torre then reported that the Parks, Recreation, Culture, and Environment Committee had requested to increase ice rates by 4 per cent for the

2024–2025 season, effective September 21, 2024. While the increase won’t make a huge difference for the 40 per cent operational deficit, van der Torre assures that it will help, noting that utility rates have gone up 15 per cent over the past few years. Notably, ice bookings from Edmonton have come in to fill black (unused) ice time because of the Town’s competitive ice rates. Council approved the motion to increase ice rates by 4 per cent for the coming season.

Councillor Kirby Whitlock, a member of the Doctor Retention Committee, brought up Evan Whitfield’s letter of support request, explaining that Whitfield is one of the medical students the Town of Vermilion has supported through his education in exchange for a 5-year contract in service to our community. Whitfield is a general practitioner who is undergoing training to become an anesthesiologist and looking forward to coming to work here next summer. Council gladly agreed to provide a letter of support to Whitfield to the University of Alberta and the University of Calgary.

Interim Chief Administrative Officer van der Torre reported that he had been catching up on emails and meetings have started to slow down since the start of his temporary move into the position, and that he is looking forward to some fun events coming up. Council extended deep appreciation for everything he has been doing as he straddles two administrative positions for the Town. He also noted he had attended the Regional Emergency Management Collective meeting in Lloydminster, where decisionmakers are running a series of meetings with NAIT students to develop local emergency plans following a tabletop at Lakeland College’s Emergency Training Centre in April of this year.

Van der Torre then gave his Director of Community Services report,

highlighting that a company would be coming down this week to do some gopher control on the soccer fields to start and expanding into the baseball diamonds in the provincial park using Rocon. At the U15 softball provincials tournament, held at the diamonds on the east side of town, visitors reportedly had great things to say about the venue and the gopher hole filling that had been done. Acknowledging the widespread frustration with the underground mayhem, van der Torre said, “We’re still working on it—it’s just expensive.”

Van der Torre also reported that the Vermilion Regional Centre had experienced some plumbing issues, and that the recreation centre had received a $250,000 grant to resurface the pool and the work should be done by September.

Director of Infrastructure and Planning Services Robert Dauphinee reported that there would be street improvement starting in July and ending about mid-August from Agland going south on 50th Street to the previ ous section that was done on 44th Avenue. He also extended gratitude to his staff for the stone work in front of the Credit Union.

Director of Corporate Services

Brian Leibel reported that the sand wich signs of the tax due date put up around town were well received, and that people had expressed gratitude for the effective reminder.

Manager of Economic Development

Mary Lee Prior was not present, but van der Torre reported that the Town’s pylon sign project has been awarded to a contractor and there should be a site meeting in the next few weeks to determine the path forward.

Accounts payable for June 19–July 16 was $1,233,933.89, a larger sum than usual because of fewer Council meetings in the summer months and more costly summer activity (e.g.,

paving).

During Council Round Table, Councillor Whitlock welcomed Dr. Al Oud, who had started the day previously, to the community. He also mentioned the

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Village of Mannville

Notice is hereby given that, under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, the Village of Mannville will o er for sale, by public auction, in the Village of Mannville Administration O ce, Mannville, Alberta on August 7, 2024, at 10 a.m., the following lands:

Linc Number

0012049987

0034900761

0013961438 Plan 2574P, Block 7, Lot 6

Notice is hereby given that, under the provisions of the Municipal Government Act, the Village of Mannville will offer for sale, by public auction, in the Village of Mannville Administration Office, Mannville, Alberta on

1. The property will be o ered for sale by auction, subject to a reserve bid and to certain registrations shown on the existing certi cate of title as described in section 423(1) of the Municipal Government Act.

1. The property will be offered for sale by auction, subject to a reserve bid and to certain registrations shown on the existing certificate of title as described in section 423(1) of the Municipal Government Act.

2. The property shall be offered for sale on an “as is, where is” basis and the Village of Mannville makes no representation and gives no warranty whatsoever including as to the adequacy of services, soil conditions, land use districting, building and development conditions, absence, or presence of environmental contamination, or the developability of the subject land for any intended use by the Purchaser. No bid will be accepted where the bidder attempts to attach conditions precedent to the sale of any parcel. No terms and conditions of sale will be considered other than those specified by the Village of Mannville.

2. The property shall be o ered for sale on an “as is, where is” basis and the Village of Mannville makes no representation and gives no warranty whatsoever including as to the adequacy of services, soil conditions, land use districting, building and development conditions, absence, or presence of environmental contamination, or the developability of the subject land for any intended use by the Purchaser. No bid will be accepted where the bidder attempts to attach conditions precedent to the sale of any parcel. No terms and conditions of sale will be considered other than those speci ed by the Village of Mannville.

3. The parcels listed above shall be subject to the tax sale if the total outstanding property taxes remain outstanding prior to the tax sale.

4. Successful bidders agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of the Village of Mannville’s standard Tax Sale Agreement, a copy of which shall be made available to prospective bidders at the Village of Mannville O ce prior to the tax sale.

5. A non-refundable deposit equal to ten (10) percent of the purchase price, by bank draft or by lawyer’s trust cheque shall be due on sale date, with the balance of the purchase price due on closing.

6. Purchasers are responsible for obtaining vacant possession.

7. If no o er is received for a parcel, or if the reserve bid is not met, the parcel will not be sold at the public auction. The Village of Mannville may, after the public auction, become the owner of any parcel of land not sold at the public auction.

8. All sales are subject to current taxes.

9. GST may apply on property sold at the public auction.

7. If no offer is received for a parcel, or if the reserve bid is not met, the parcel will not be sold at the public auction. The Village of Mannville may, after the public auction, become the owner of any parcel of land not sold at the public auction.

8. All sales are subject to current taxes.

10. Redemption may be e ected by payment of all arrears of taxes and costs at any time prior to the sale. Parcels may be deleted from this sale as the tax arrears and costs are paid.

Dated this 21st day of May, 2024. Jennifer Hodel,

9. GST may apply on property sold at the public auction.

10. Redemption may be affected by payment of all arrears of taxes and costs at any time prior to the sale. Parcels may be deleted from this sale as the tax arrears and costs are paid.

Dated this 21st day of May, 2024.

Caylie Gnyra Reporter

Rowing Club Draws High-Caliber

Coaches For Provincial Rowing Camp

Over the July 19–21 weekend, the Lakeland Rowing Club played host to its largest-ever provincial rowing camp, attracting over 30 rowers from across Alberta. The camp, held from Friday night to Sunday afternoon, saw participants from diverse backgrounds and skill levels gather on the Vermilion River for a series of intensive

training sessions. The camp began Friday evening with rowers taking to the water after supper. Peter Walsh, one of the organizers, mentioned that the camp has been running for about seven years, with a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic. “When we first had it, we had a lot of masters and recreational rowers coming for it. It has since evolved into a provincial camp, mostly attended by juniors preparing for the summer games,” Walsh explained.

Lacombe. To manage the large turnout and the expected heat, the rowers were divided into two groups. They started early, with sessions beginning as early as 6 a.m., and took significant breaks around lunchtime to avoid the midday heat.

I’ve ever seen,” Walsh lamented. “They’re choking out the river. We can’t cut them because they fall under Provincial Parks, and getting the necessary permits is too costly.”

The participants, ranging in age from 14 to 78, included both competitive and recreational rowers. They came from major cities like Edmonton and Calgary, as well as from smaller centres, like the Central Rowing Club out of

Coaches Michael Simonson and Tim Fleming, who have been pivotal in the success of these camps, led the training. Fleming, from Edmonton, serves as the Vice-President of Development for the Alberta Rowing Association and volunteers his time, while Simonson, from Calgary, works as the technical director for the Alberta Rowing Association. “Mike and Tim are incredible high-performance coaches. Their involvement has been a huge draw for participants,” noted Walsh.

Saturday’s activities included multiple on-water training sessions, culminating in a supper at the Heritage Pavilion where rowers and coaches could socialize and discuss the day’s events. Despite some challenges, including smoke and an influx of river weeds, the camp was deemed a success. “The weeds have been the worst

The camp also serves as the club’s biggest fundraiser of the year. Proceeds go towards purchasing and maintaining boats, insurance, and the upkeep of the docks, which are available for free to the Vermilion community. “It takes about four years to save up for a small boat, and big boats are about twice that cost,” explained Katie White, another organizer.

Despite the challenges, the atmosphere was one of camaraderie and determination. The camp provided an opportunity for rowers to hone their skills, whether they were just starting out or preparing for international competitions. As the rowers packed up on Sunday afternoon, there was a palpable sense of achievement and anticipation for future camps.

For more information or to get involved, visit the Lakeland Rowing Club’s Facebook page or contact lrcvermilion@gmail.com.