Macdonald stated she was told the hydrants may only require some gaskets and O-rings and won’t require digging up the pavement.
After looking at the proposed operating budget Coun. Clark German complimented the CAO.
“I think you did an excellent job Elaine,” said German.
He also asked the CAO if she’d had a chance to look into the amount of water Big Valley actually purchased, but Macdonald answered she wasn’t able to do that yet.
German noted he felt the village should be as prepared as possible for water purchases because an unexpected and non-budgeted purchase could have a big financial effect on the village.
During discussion Coun. Amber
Hoogenberg asked why numbers show the village’s water usage has dropped year to year.
Macdonald answered the village has had a couple of leaks repaired over the past few years.
Hoogenberg also mused that the water tower has been drained and refilled which may have also played a role.
RME DAY!! From left: Wade Gero (Regional Aftermarket Sales Manager), Regan Dick (Heavy Equipment Technician 2nd Year), Garrett Hauck (AG Equipment Technician 4th Year), Kyle Giesbrecht (Shipper and Receiver), Cyndi Hogan (Branch Aftermarket Manager), Quinton Rude (Parts Technician 2nd Year), Jordan Hogan (Parts Technician First Year). Missing from photo: Mason Mehl – Assistant Parts Sales Manager, Daryl Peers – Sales Consultant AG Equipment, Wylee Thiessen – AG Equipment Technician 1st Year, Skyler Skappak – AG Equipment Technician 4th Year. Draw winners: Shannon Hauck – RME lawn chair/tool package, Harvey Brown – Cooler/Hoodie package, Jordan Wurz – Cooler/T-Shirt package, Kerry Molzan – Toolkit/First Aid Kit package, Jason Fildey – RME table/cooler package, Wayne Scarff – Cooler/Hoodie package, Laura Allen – Cooler/Hoodie package. RME Corporate draw for E-bikes will be made March 28.
town thriving
-PHOTOS BY
Oyen Lodge news March 24-28
BY DIANNE SPATH
Hello Everyone. It seems mother nature wants to change things up a bit again. From beautiful weather to freezing rain to some snow, but overall, it’s still been a good season.
The Oyen Lodge Residents and staff would like to extend our condolences to Madeline Nichols and Muzyka families on the passing of Ken Nichols. Ken lived in the Life Lease Condos before he moved to the Auxiliary. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. March has come to an end, and everyone is looking forward to a beautiful April.
Monday started with exercises, followed by Catholic Church with Father Rodell. Monday afternoon was bingo. In the evening the 4H Club was at the Lodge to play games with the residents, and they brought donuts to share with the residents at coffeetime.
Tuesday morning started with exercises and the regular bus run downtown, followed by a one-on one with a resident playing scrabble. In the afternoon there was an ice cream parlor. Floats, sundaes, and banana splits were served. Taylor Neilson was at the Lodge to play piano before supper.
Wednesday morning was Church with Brad, followed by crossword games.
Wednesday afternoon was shuffleboard games. Wednesday March 26th was “National Epilepsy Day”. The residents wore purple to raise awareness for people with epilepsy and help them see that they are not alone. Lavendar is internationally recognized as the flower for epilepsy.
Thursday morning was the last day for the Grade 9 class to do the story writing activity with the residents. In May the students, residents and residents’ families will get together for a final gathering to celebrate their accomplishments in the book that they will be publishing.
A one=on=one with a resident was decorating for spring and easter, and in the afternoon was the regular birthday bash which rhubarb cake with strawberry ice cream was served along with coffee and tea.
Friday started with exercises, followed by horse races. Willie the #4 horse was the top winner that day. In the evening there was music by Jorgenson’s.
Just a reminder that on April 2nd, Delbert Pratt will be at the Lodge with his cowboy poetry and signing books at 7 p.m. On April 8th, Alberta Clothing, Avon and mini bake sale will be at the Lodge from 10:00-2:00 p.m. Have a great week everyone.
ALBERTA HEALTH SERVICES
BCAS Gymkhana Series Finals — PeeWee,
Novice, Junior & Senior
Evaluating online health information
Many Canadians go online to search for medical and health-related informa tion. The internet is the first source of in formation for many people, before even speaking to a doctor or other healthcare provider.
Online health information can have many positive impacts on our health knowledge, behaviours, and well-be ing. Unfortunately, the quality and ac curacy of online health information is not consistent, including social media where information quality can be very low.
Being able to evaluate online health information is an important skill.
How do I evaluate online health information?
Use the steps below to evaluate the
PHOTOS BY DIANA WALKER
Novice Champion Lakota Miller accepts buckle from Barry Wagstaff on behalf of Mashon Ranches.
Pee Wee Reserve Champion Murphy Culligan
4th PeeWee Sadie Ross
Junior Champion Andi Powell receives buckle from Sponsor Leah Walker Down Under Contracting
OPINION: How did we get here?
BY JOAN JANZEN
Two kids biking in an unfamiliar neighbourhood said, “We could be lost and not even know it.” Canadians could also be lost and misled and not even know it.
In the documentary ‘The Deadliest Scandal in Canadian History,’ Aaron Gunn explained the journey which led to more than 50,000 opioid deaths in Canada over the past ten years. The number accounts for more casualties than during the Second World War, while violent crime has gone up 50% in Canada since 2015. He asked one simple question: “How did we get here?”
When first responders became overwhelmed with the drug crisis, Ottawa came under pressure. Faced with a crisis, NDP and Liberals responded by decriminalizing the possession of 2.5 grams of illicit drugs for personal use, which were not confiscated.
The plan was to reduce the stigma of using these substances and to normalize drug use in public. The Surrey MLA said the police were powerless because it wasn’t illegal to use drugs in public places.
Sam Sullivan, former mayor of Vancouver, said with the help of government grants, addicts were put in one place and isolated from the rest of the population. “This created a nightmare,” he observed. Soon every small town had a downtown east side. “It was a failure of government policy.” Although BC has 14 percent of Canada’s population, it had 32% of Canada’s total amount of overdoses.
The four pillars of addiction treatment are prevention, harm reduction, treatment and law enforcement. However the government’s solution was based solely on harm reduction. A Globe and Mail Heading read: “As physicians, the ‘safe supply’ of opioids is
one of the best tools we have to tackle Canada’s drug-poisoning crisis.”
This led to kiosks of drug paraphanelia providing crack pipes and videos of how to use them. In the documentary, a BC woman from the Fraser region observed: “How far have we fallen as a country - from one that would hide cigarettes behind a curtain to one that would give you a crack pipe in a vending machine?”
Dr. Michael Lester, a Toronto addictions physician, described safe supply as handing out Dilaudid, a very powerful opioid. Addicts were given 25 eight-milligram tablets per day. For perspective, he said a cancer patient is given 3 milligrams a day for pain, while addicts were given hundreds of milligrams a day. Dilaudid isn’t as powerful as fentanyl, but it’s highly addictive, and you can overdose from it, as well as transition to using something stronger.
Dr. Keith Humphreys, professor at Stanford University, said there’s been a change in the way people think about harm reduction. Drug use is considered a right, no different than any other lifestyle choice.
Aaron Gunn talked about safe supply to David, an outreach worker and former addict. “They’re not stopping, they’re just trading their safe supply for fentanyl. If anything they’re using more fentanyl because now they have the means to buy it,” he explained. “The government has literally flooded our streets with drugs so much so that the price has collapsed making it even more attainable to drug users.”
When the Mayor of Port Coquitlam started communicating to the province that this was a problem he received backlash from the media.
And the government responded by Investing a lot more in safe supply.
When results of this devastating experiment began to be revealed, the me-
TO THE EDITOR:
Letter to the Editor Policy
We welcome the opinions of our readers in the form of letters to the editor, as long as submissions do not include: • Profanity, vulgarity and/or obscenities • Slurs and/or personal attacks • Misinformation We reserve sole discretion to decide whether or not a reader submission will be published. We will not publish anonymous submissions or letters containing personal attacks. We reserve the right to edit or refuse all letters.
dia denied it, the government covered it up and issued a gag order on RCMP.
In a series of drug busts, RCMP found prescription pills including dillies (Dilaudid) in big seizures in Prince George and Campbell River. However the government still wouldn’t admit it was a problem.
Meanwhile, police in London, Ontario, finally admitted the pills were being used as currency for fentanyl. London had safe supply since 2016; by 2023 RCMP seized 30,000 pills … the equivalent of 10,000 overdoses.
Dr.Jenny Melamed, who has watched the industry for 20 years, said some of the former policymakers now own heroin fentanyl companies.
Calla Barnett, a community activist in Ottawa said, “It looks like business owners have set up not-for-profit corporations in order to receive federal monies to fund their businesses, and that business is handing out addictive opioids.”
Aaron interviewed Greg Sword whose 14-year-old daughter died of an overdose. When she first overdosed at the age of 13, he turned to the BC Government for help. A psychiatrist wouldn’t allow him in the room when she was examined, and promptly reported there was nothing wrong with her. Months later she went to East Vancouver, picked up free dillies at a pharmacy and fatally overdosed. “How do you deal with the biggest drug dealer when it’s your own government?” Greg asked.
The Vancouver Sun reported, after facing mounting pressure, on Feb 19, 2025, the BC NDP government finally admitted that a “substantial amount” of government-prescribed safe supply was being diverted, and that the diverted drugs were being trafficked provincially, nationally and internationally by organized crime. They announced an immediate end to their experimental “unwitnessed safe supply” program. Sixty pharmacies are now under investigation for offering illegal kickbacks to addicts with safe supply prescriptions.
It’s a step in the right direction but of little consolation to the families of the 50,000 Canadians who died from drug overdoses since 2015. Meanwhile, Ontario’s safe supply program continues to this day. In fact a Feb. 27 headline in London, Ontario read: “Look to safe supply research, not disinformation campaigns, London doctor pleads with Ottawa”.
Aaron Gunn interviewed a London resident who made the following observation: “London police officers, employed with taxpayer money, are removing opioids from the streets that have been provided by the Canadian government. And if that’s not madness, I don’t know what is.” After reviewing this condensed summary of Aaron Gunn’s documentary, you may be beginning to see how Canadians can be lost and misled.
Pop89: “Go to your room, Mr. President”
BY MADONNA HAMEL
Well, that was nice for as long as it lasted. For a minute, we Canadians were all getting along. Mind you, how long does a family stay united when their sole reason is a shared enemy? The situation last week, with the whole Elbows Out Love-fest, awakened an inter-provincial alliance not in resistance to America - but in disgust with America’s commander-in-chief.
Hopefully we can continue to stay focussed on our shared similarities. But now that Carney has called an election, he’s got his work cut out for him. We are retreating into our regional camps and highlighting our differences. And, if we’re not careful, our internal cries for attention to local causes in the race for the prime minister’s office will weaken our collective stance against the loose cannonballs coming from the south.
I was enjoying Carney doing his dad thing: telling toddler T. that there would be no discussion until he took a time-out. I’m “not going to respond to every little comment” you make when you’re talking trash, kiddo, he said. So you just go to your room and think about what you’ve done. Because “your words are
disrespectful and they’re not helpful and they need to stop before we sit down and have a conversation.”
I’ll continue with my analogy from last week’s column of a rich older dude (USA) trying to force himself on a younger gal (Canada). The words in quotes are the president’s actual words: Look, you need me. And frankly, I need you, well, ok, your land, which “I would cherish”, believe me. And sure, “I don’t really care” who your dad is, “that’s not what’s important to me.” What’s important is “you’re meant to be my 51st” wife. And if you don’t want to come peacefully into my cherished fold, well, I’ll make your life a living hell because you are, by far, “the nastiest” girl I’ve ever had to deal with.”
The president is behaving like a full-blown addict in the final stages of his addiction. And what is he addicted to? Chaos. He gets his hit from the rush of being insulted and fabricating new insults. He is the perpetual victim even as he sits in the position of the most powerful person in the Western world. And when you are dealing with an addict deep into his disease you do not try to rationalize with him. Because you can’t rationalize with the irrational. We make a fatal mistake if we think we just need to get the man to see the insanity of his verbiage. In the same way, we know better than to try to talk sense to a babbling, repetitive drunk; we need to respond to Mr. Chaos with a: We’ll talk after you sleep it off, pal.
Notice of Application Confined Feeding Operation
Acadia Hutterian Brethren Ltd. operating as Acadia Colony Farming Co. have filed Application LA25021 with the Natural Resources Conservation Board (NRCB) to obtain an approval to expand an existing confined feeding operation (CFO) on the NE 7-26-3 W4M in the Municipal District of Acadia, Alberta. The application is to construct an addition to the existing layer barn (total dimensions will be 108.2 m x 30.5 m) and increase chicken layer numbers from 15,444 to 48,960 This will bring total animal numbers at this CFO to 600 swine farrow to finish, 100 milking cows (plus associated dries and replacements), 48,960 chicken layers, 400 ducks, 2,500 chicken broilers, 100 geese, 100 turkeys, and 22,000 chicken pullets.
Filing a Response
Any person who is directly affected by the application may submit a written response to the NRCB. The response must be received by the NRCB on or before 4:30 pm on May 1, 2025 Submissions should be made to the NRCB address provided below. All attachments sent electronically must be in a pdf format. A copy of the responses will be sent to the applicant for comment. Responses regarding the application may be posted on the NRCB’s public website, as they are public records and are non-confidential.
Your written response must include your name, the legal land description of your residence or landholdings, mailing address, phone number, and email. You must also explain how you are directly affected For further information please refer to the fact sheet “The Permitting Process for Confined Feeding Operations in Alberta” at www.nrcb.ca
Failure to submit a written response affects your right to apply for an NRCB Board review.
Viewing the Application
A complete copy of the application and supporting documents submitted by the applicant under the Agricultural Operation Practices Act may be viewed on the NRCB website at www.nrcb.ca (under Confined Feeding Operations / Notice of Approval and Registration Applications) The application will also be available for in-person viewing at the Lethbridge office by appointment If you require further information, please contact the approval officer listed below.
Kelsey Peddle, Approval Officer
100, 5401 1st Ave S Lethbridge AB T1J 4V6
kelsey.peddle@nrcb.ca
T 587-334-2560
The closing date for submissions: 4:30 pm on May 1, 2025
Dated at Lethbridge AB, on April 1, 2025
Unfortunately, the president is surrounded by others with their own addictions; to chaos, yes. To power. To that adrenaline rush of walking too close to the edge. Or that to that equally dangerous terminally unique status that magically imbues them with the power to change him. They promise that, at some point, things will “get back to normal”. Or “calm down”. Or “settle”. But addicts don’t like “calm” or “normal”, or “settled.” Serenity makes them nervous. In fact, they wouldn’t know it if they saw it. They only know how to react to a jazzed up, cranked, animosity-fuelled environment. They are tuned to messes so they can keep hollering: “Don’t mess with me!”
Every addict’s drug of choice is More. You won’t ever hear an addict say: No thanks I’ve had enough. In this case: more land, more compliments, more money. Anyone that can offer an addict “more” is their new friend. And once the river of plenty runs dry, well, then, to use the casino lingo: all bets are off. Suddenly, your new best friend is a traitor, and never has anyone been more hurt, more misunderstood, more insulted, more betrayed. Never, ever. Because addicts are also fond of absolute terms - they “always” and “never” their way through their days.
Sadly, especially for the rest of us, addiction is a progressive disease. The only way an addict ceases his increasingly unmanageable behaviour is if he 1) goes into recovery, usually requiring a moment of profound awareness through hitting bottom. Or 2) gets committed to a mental health facility or 3) goes to prison. There is also the horrible possibility he dies due to an overdose of “more”. Because there is no empire big enough to please his hunger. Just like there are not enough bottles of whiskey in the world to quench an alcoholic’s thirst.
A cautionary tale comes to mind: The Emperor’s New Clothes. No side-kick can both convince the emperor of his nakedness and at the same time point and marvel at his new outfit. Eventually, as with all victims of someone else’s hubris, his aides will topple alongside him; addicts always drag their enablers down with them.
Unfortunately, while Carney can say: “Sorry, I’m not talking to you until you make sense,” he can’t send this addict to his room. He also can’t convince the American public that their president is somehow doing this for our own good. I recently read this deluded statement from a “concerned” American about Canada: “Are we making them a state to take their resources? Or are we making them a state to make them better for themselves and us?”
Can Carney get it through to Americans that they are not “making us better”? Let’s hope so. He can remain true to his principles. If, as he says, he values “humility” above all virtues he must see his way through the next weeks with a focus on a united Canada. We can’t afford slipping into animosity between ourselves, like bickering kids in a family threatened with enforced foster care.
Humility is nigh impossible when you’re in the limelight. Pray Carney humbly does what’s best for Canada.
WELCOME
YOUNGSTOWN!
With the closure of the ECA Review, we have decided to add the community of Youngstown to our mailing list. DID YOU KNOW?
print and publish 1100 copies of the Oyen Echo each and every week?
Underdog Jays show spring potential
BY BRUCE PENTON
Toronto Blue Jays have gone eight full seasons without winning a playoff series and every baseball expert posting pre-season prognostications says that number will likely be nine when the 162-season comes to a close Sept. 28.
BY BRUCE PENTON Sports Columnist
In fact, the oddsmakers in Las Vegas predict the Blue Jays will finish fifth in the five-team American League East, perhaps the toughest division in baseball. All this despite an outstanding spring training season, in which they led the A.L. in wins.
But you never know. Maybe outfielder Addison Barger will carry his impressive spring training stats into the regular season or maybe he’ll be sent down to Buffalo. Maybe 41-year-old Max Scherzer will find his 2013-18 magic and post a 20-7 record or something similar. His colleagues in the starting pitcher rotation include veterans with talented arms — Chris Bassitt, Kevin Gausman, Jose Berrios and last year’s breakout star, Bowden Francis, who posted an 8-5 record with a 3.30 ERA. Potentially, that group could thrive, especially if the offence packs a bit more punch than it did last year. Vladimir Guerrero, Jr., who has reportedly cut off negotiations on a contract extension and could become a free agent, or a trading chip, could have a monster year, especially if he’s intent on impressing potential suitors for his free-agent talents. Guerrero, Jr., batted .323 last year with 30 home runs, and with free-agent slugger Anthony Santander batting either before him in the lineup, or following him, pitchers will have to think twice about pitching around the Jays’ two big bangers.
Other solid bats for the Blue Jays belong to Bo Bichette, who suffered through an injury-plagued season last year, and free-agent signee Andres Gimenez. Bichette played only 81 games and batted a lowly .225 in 2024, but he’s a career .290 hitter and if he’s healthy for 162 games, another season around .300 can be expected. Gimenez is expected to start at second base after four seasons with Cleveland Guardians.
Santander, who crushed 44 homers for Baltimore last year, will patrol the outfield with George Springer and Daulton Varsho, both of whom are coming off so-so seasons in 2024, but still carrying potent bats. Springer has averaged 23 home runs a season during his 11-year career while Varsho, who has played only three full seasons, has averaged 21 homers when he’s played a full year.
Surprise contributors to the Jays could be infielder Will Wagner, who batted .305 in 24 games for the Jays after being acquired last July from Houston for pitcher Yusei Kikuch, and Barger, who batted only .197 last year but has enjoyed a tremendous spring, hitting .370 in his first 14 games.
“The floor was raised because of our own guys’ expectations after the way things went last season,” manager John Schneider told Rob Longley of the Toronto Sun. “And then having guys like Max (Scherzer), (Anthony Santander), (Andrés) Giménez come in … you add those personalities and you kind of see guys feeding off each other.”
• Steve Simmons of the Toronto Sun, lamenting Mitch Marner’s lack of joy in the public forum: “Often in post-game or off-day interviews, he appears as though he’s on the witness stand for a trial of something he’s perceived to have done wrong.”
• Bob Molinaro of pilotonline.com (Hampton, Va.): “With the NFL reporting no injuries on the tush push in 2024, critics within the league will have to come up with another reason to ban the play. An inability to stop Jalen Hurts can’t be one of them.”
• Globe and Mail columnist Cathal Kelly, on the Leafs’ problems: “The Leafs don’t need more centres. They need more therapists.”
• Another one from Cathal Kelly: “The Leafs aren’t a bad team. They’re a bad marriage. Every April, they break up. And every summer, despite being warned by all their friends, they get back together.”
• Janice Hough of leftcoastsportsbabe.com: “RIP George Foreman, only 76. Not a boxing fan but he was one of the greatest. Wonder how many millennials think of him as the grill man?”
• Vancouver comedy guy Torben Rolfsen: “The Dallas Mavericks announced a season-ticket increase for next year. That should go over well. ’Hey, we traded away the most popular player in history. How do we top that?’ Just watch.”
• Another one from Rolfsen: “Giannis Antetokounmpo just joined the 20,000 career point club and can now access the VIP lounge at the Milwaukee international airport.”
• Headline at fark.com, after Sandro Mamukelashvili of the San Antonio Spurs scored 34 points in 19 minutes: “Spurs player sets record in 19 minutes. I think the record is how many times announcers mispronounced his name.”
• Another fark.com offering: “Ref accidentally helps Leafs win, vows to get back to screwing them over in the playoffs.”
• Jack Finarelli on his sportscurmudgeon.com website, suggesting the new owners of the Boston Celtics may have overpaid with their $6.1 billion purchase of the team, going on to quote comedian Steve Martin: “I love money. I love everything about it. I bought some pretty good stuff. Got me a $300 pair of socks. Got a fur sink. An electric dog polisher. A gasoline powered turtleneck sweater. And, of course, I bought some dumb stuff, too.”
Care to comment? Email brucepenton2003@yahoo.ca
Annual General Meeting
Prairieland Athletic Association
Wednesday, April 9, 2025 at 7:00 pm
402 - 5th Avenue East
To
call 403-664-3774
GYMKHANA: Junior Reserve and third place tie, Lakota Miller and Murphy Culligan
Special Areas proposes to shun newspapers
Editor’s Note: This column appeared in last week’s Consort Enterprise. It affects readers of The Oyen Echo as well. Please see the ad on page 7 of this newspaper.
BY DAVID BRUHA Publisher, Consort Enterprise
It was rather shocking to learn that Special Areas is trying to shirk their basic responsibility of communicating important information out to residents. A notice in this paper (Page 12) reveals their plan to stop advertising Public Notices in newspapers and simply post stuff on the Special Areas website. The draft “Advertising Bylaw states: “Any information required to be advertised under section 606 of the Municipal Government Act of a bylaw, resolution, meeting, public hearing or other thing shall be given, in accordance with the time-lines prescribed in section 606, 2.1. Electronically by posting the notice prominently on the Special Areas Board website”.
One of the basic responsibilities of any government agency is to get information OUT to residents and concerned parties. Whether that be through media advertising, Canada Post, directly through email, or a combination of these tools, the obligation is to communicate with residents in regards to proposed bylaws, resolutions, meetings, or public hearings. Posting to a website is not a valid way for government to keep the public informed of changes that may affect them.
Of course the reason behind this proposal is to save a few dollars, which amount to a drop in the bathtub in regards to a proposed development. An example is the Natural Resources Conservation Board’s ad in the March 19 issue of Consort Enterprise giving notice of an application for a “Con-fined Feeding Operation” involving up to 11,000 head of cattle. It is un-likely that the cost of properly advertising this ‘Notice’ would impede the project. A responsible government body would insure the development permit fee would cover the associated costs of administration, including necessary advertising.
The wording of Special Areas’ proposal is to post pertinent information to their website - obligation met. End of story.
Other municipal jurisdictions have advertising bylaws that include all methods of communication: local news media, social media, websites, email, etc. The Special Areas’ proposal limits communication to only their website.
There is a healthy dose of irony attached to this as
Special Areas relies on local newspapers when they issue press releases with the expectation that they will be published along with the local news. It is an acknowledgment that local news media provide an audience and a valuable service, just not when they have to pay for advertising. It is quite insulting that an affluent government body, that claims to be a partner in sustaining a healthy regional economy would expect the local newspapers to work for free – to somehow exist and be viable without income. Advertising revenue is what keeps the doors open and employees paid in local news rooms. How many members of the Special Areas Board or Advisory Council get up each morning and go to work without any compensation for their efforts?
Cutting costs is sure to be admired, but this proposal comes at the expense of the same residents that Special Areas is charged with serving and creates a precedent that leaves residents grossly under served and news outlets short of revenue.
The theory is that pertinent information is on the website - available to all. But how is someone to know a Public Notice has even been posted unless they make a daily habit of visiting the Special Areas website looking for something random. By extension of this policy, to keep informed with information that used to be sent out to residents, a person will have to make a habit of searching the Special Areas website, several Government of Alberta websites, Natural Resources Conservation Board website, Alberta Energy Regulator website, as well as a dozen Federal Government websites and probably any websites for nearby villages and towns. The responsibility of informing residents will fall onto residents, expected to spend half their waking hours checking websites to see if anything has been posted.
I am confident that practically no one wakes up to their day and thinks, “I better check the Special Areas web-site for Public Notices, and County of Paintearth website, and Village of Veteran, and the ERCB, and...
A further bit of irony is that the proposed Advertising Bylaw is contradictory to the Special Areas own “Public Participation Policy”, and this statement: “Special Areas recognizes the value of public engagement as part of the municipal decision-making process and is committed to creating opportunities for meaningful public participation in municipal decisions that directly impact the public. We’re all neighbours, and all need to have a say on issues that affect those of us who live and work in the Special Areas.”
Just don’t expect to read about it in your local newspaper...
Booknotes: Town of Oyen Public Library
FICTION:
Maggie’s Miracle : A Novel / by: Karen Kingsbury
Tell Me What You Did : A Novel / by: Carter Wilson
Treason of Sparta / by: Christian Cameron
The Haunting of Room 904 : A Novel / by: Erika T. Wurth
A Place to Call Home : An Amish Romance / by: Linda Byler
Onyx Storm / by: Rebecca Yarros
CHILDREN’S BOOKS:
Pel,Yak Little Duck : Learn to Count in Plains Cree / by: Sandra Lamouche
Paw Patrol Magnetic Drawing Book
NON-FICTION:
Writing, Presenting and Communicating with Confidence
PERIODICALS: Popular Mechanics
OYEN LIBRARY OF THINGS: Portable DVD Player
SERVICE OPTIONS:
The library is currently open as usual, but we have added a curbside service option as well. If you prefer to pick up materials this way, please call ahead or email to let us know which day to put them out.
If you are unable to come out to the library due to physical conditions we can do deliveries within the town limits. Please just give us a call at the number listed below.
Shred Happens : So Easy So Good / by: Arash Hash
Aircrew : The Story of the Men who flew the Bombers
GYMKNANA: PeeWee Champion Josie Young accepts her buckle from Sponsor Ty Wilson of Lazy TL Angus.
Keeping seniors moving in rural Alberta
Alberta’s government is investing $3.5 million to partner with Healthy Aging Alberta to expand transportation and mobility services for seniors in rural communities.
Whether for connecting with neighbours and the community, going grocery shopping or a visit to the doctor, seniors living in rural Alberta often rely on accessible transportation services to maintain their independence. According to Statistics Canada, transportation challenges are a key barrier to participation in social activities for seniors. Rural communities are vital to the province’s identity and success, and Alberta’s government is supporting their growth and prosperity by helping seniors age with dignity and respect in their own homes and communities.
“This investment will provide a lifeline for seniors and those with mobility issues by empowering them with the freedom to access essential services and social outings. Our government is making sure seniors can remain active and independent by investing in this program, helping seniors age in the rural communities they call home.”
Jason Nixon, Minister of Seniors, Community and Social Services
As part of a three-year partnership, Alberta’s government is investing $3.5 million so Healthy Aging Alberta can provide accessible and affordable transportation services for seniors and Albertans with mobility issues across 19 rural communities. This project helps more seniors and Albertans with mobility issues access services that are vital to their health and well-being.
“It is important to ensure all Albertans have access to safe and affordable transportation especially in rural areas where accessing transportation can be challenging. This program will help make it easier to run errands, connect with friends and family, and carry out appointments in our rural communities.”
Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors
The Healthy Aging Alberta provincial
transportation project started with five communities in 2023. From October 2023 to November 2024, nearly 7,200 rides were provided to seniors and persons with mobility challenges in rural communities through this program. The project is now being expanded to a total of 19 communities, with Phase 2 adding 14 additional communities throughout the province. Communities with a high percentage of low-income seniors were prioritized and successful communities were chosen based on need and their readiness to implement or expand assisted transportation services.
“Transportation is a lifeline for older adults, enabling older Albertans not only to access essential services, but also to remain actively engaged as volunteers and caregivers — roles that form the foundation of vibrant, interconnected communities. Healthy Aging Alberta and the United Way of Calgary celebrate the Government of Alberta’s continued leadership and investment in this critical social infrastructure.”
Karen McDonald, provincial director and chair, Community Leadership Council, Healthy Aging Alberta
PLACE: OYEN SENIORS RECREATION CENTRE 310 - 2 ST. W., OYEN, AB
The purpose of the proposed Advertising Order is to establish alternative methods of providing notice to the public of ministerial orders, resolutions, meetings, public hearings and other things as required by Section 606.1 of the Municipal Government Act
Copies of the proposed Advertising Order are available online at www.specialareas.ab.ca and at Special Areas District Offices during regular business hours. Electronic copies of the proposed Advertising Order may also be requested by emailing public.input@specialareas.ab.ca
Any person adversely or otherwise affected by this action, and wishing to address the Board relating to this matter, may attend the public hearing at 2:00 pm on April 8, 2025. Time limit of oral presentations is subject to the Chair’s discretion.
Written comments and suggestions are invited and should be addressed to proposed Advertising Order. Submissions must contain your full legal name and physical address. Submissions may be mailed to:
Maeghan Chostner, Communications Officer
Special Areas Board
Box 820, 212-2nd Ave. W. Hanna, AB T0J 1P0
Submissions may be emailed to public.input@specialareas.ab.ca
Written submissions must be received by 4:30 pm on Wednesday, April 2, 2025.
Submissions will be presented publicly to the Board at the above hearing date.
given
to Section 606 of the Municipal Government Act.
Seniors and individuals with mobility issues in these communities will now be able to rely on increased access to affordable transportation and mobility services delivered by local community organizations and partnerships. This includes more frequent trips being available, new routes for out-of-town services, additional accessible vehicle options, and more. With this investment, Alberta’s government is improving seniors’ quality of life by helping them age in place and remain independent, addressing mobility challenges in rural communities and supporting caregivers across the province.
“The expansion of Healthy Aging Alberta’s provincial transportation project is a positive step in supporting seniors in rural Alberta. This investment will provide many seniors across the province with greater access to essential supports and services, which is an essential aspect of prosperous rural communities.”
Kara Westerlund, president, Rural Municipalities of Alberta
APRIL 8,
of Smoky River (Falher, McLennan, Donnelly, Girouxville)
The purpose of the proposed Public Hearing Order is to establish procedures for public hearings, including the requirement for public hearings held under Part 17 (Planning and Development) of the Municipal Government Act to be conducted by electronic means.
Copies of the proposed Public Hearing Order are available online at www.specialareas.ab.ca and at Special Areas District Offices during regular business hours. Electronic copies of the proposed Public Hearing Order may also be requested by emailing public.input@specialareas.ab.ca
Any person adversely or otherwise affected by this action, and wishing to address the Board relating to this matter, may attend the public hearing at 1:00 pm on April 8, 2025. Time limit of oral presentations is subject to the Chair’s discretion.
Written comments and suggestions are invited and should be addressed to proposed Public Hearing Order. Submissions must contain your full legal name and physical address. Submissions may be mailed to:
Maeghan Chostner, Communications Officer
Special Areas Board Box 820, 212-2nd Ave. W. Hanna, AB T0J 1P0
Submissions may be emailed to public.input@specialareas.ab.ca
Written submissions must be received by 4:30 pm on Wednesday, April 2, 2025. Submissions will be presented publicly to the Board at the above hearing date. This notice is
BCAS Gymkhana Series Finals — PeeWee, Novice, Junior & Senior
See more Gymkhana photos throughout this issue. PHOTOS BY DIANA
Senior Champion Evy Miller accepts buckle from Sponsor Jayme Miller of Miller Ranches Reserve Champion Megan Sunderland
Sibbald news
BY LEE SWITZER
Spring has sprung! Windows are open to fresh air and sheets are drying on the line. Baby calves are arriving as are geese and many more birds.
Bentley Robertson and Brandt Lyster were playing provincial hockey with the U15 A team this past weekend in Wainwright. They belong to a team from the three C league, Consort, Coronation, and Castor. The boys won their first three games then lost 3 -2 to Kitscoty in the semi final. Very well done boys! Hockey is rapidly winding down just in time for dance festivals to begin.
Quinlee Molzan dances with Wilson School of Dance while Macy Lyster dances with Breaking Ground studio. Both studios will be heading to various competitions in the next two months. Enjoy this beautiful weather. Take care everyone.
Special Areas board announces new chair
Special Areas is pleased to confirm that effective March 21, 2025, Shaune Kovitch has been appointed as the new Chair for the Special Areas Board. Shaune has been a part of the Special Areas team for more than twenty years, most recently serving as Director of Municipal Services.
“Shaune brings a proven track record of delivering complex, challenging projects at an extremely high level. More importantly, he has a genuine interest in connecting with people. This means he understands what makes Special Areas so great – the people we employ and the communities we serve. I look forward to seeing Shaune excel in his new role.”
Jordon Christianson, Former Chair –Special Areas Board
As a Crown agency, the Alberta Public Agencies Governance Act governs the Special Areas Board. This recruitment began in late 2024 and was managed as an open and competitive process. Current Board Members worked closely with the Alberta Public Agency Secretariat on this recruitment, ensuring local priorities and knowledge were strongly represented throughout the process.
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“I am very excited for the opportunity to lead this organization and continue the tradition of exceptional service to our ratepayers and region. I want to thank Jordon for his leadership over the last ten years. Jordon always stressed how important people are to our success, and I look forward to building on that in my term as Chair. Jordon was always calm and collected, no matter how difficult or challenging the situation was. His ability to find the best path forward for both Special Areas and the entire region is one of many things I will miss.”
Jordon Christianson will remain in an advisory role until June 2025 and will continue to provide support on key regional projects like the MD of Acadia and Special Areas Irrigation Project. This will allow for a substantial transition period for this change in leadership at Special Areas.
To learn more about Special Areas Advisory Council and Board members, please visit. https://specialareas.ab.ca/about/ board-and-advisory-council/.
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Shaune Kovitch
Jordon Christianson
MARIAN PEERS
July 2, 1944 - March 20, 2025
Marian Peers was born on July 2, 1944 in Rosetown, Saskatchewan and passed away peacefully on March 20, 2025.
I grew up on a farm near Anglia, Saskatchewan with my dad Fred, mom Florence and brother Keith Millard. During my school days the horse and buggy would be my means of transportation but once winter hit we’d occasionally jump on the train to get to and from school and piano lessons in Rosetown every Saturday. After grade 12 I went to sec ondary school and became a teacher.
My first teaching job was in Sibbald, AB. after 1 long year there, I took a job in Acadia Valley. While teaching in Acadia Valley, I met my future husband Murray Peers. Once Murray and I married and started our family, I became a stay-athome mom to our four children Shari, Bruce, Brent and Raeanne. We enjoyed yearly family vacations and every second year we made the 899 mile trip to Union Bay British Columbia where my parents retired. Get togethers at Christmas and other holidays with the Skinners were a big part of our family traditions.
I’ve always loved volunteering and was involved with the United Church Women, Acadia Valley Community Club, Acadia Valley Community history book committee, as well as helped compile two Acadia Valley Cookbooks. I was a member of he Seniors Centre and was an active member of the Order of the Eastern Star. I served on the school board for 25 years. I made many miles to and from
Dunmore up and down the 41 highway, and made many friends along the way. Although I spent a lot of time volunteering, my favorite thing to do was watch all the sporting activities my children and grandchildren were involved in. Having 6 grandchildren I logged many hours on the sidelines and bleachers watching different sports. I’m sure my five great grandkids will see their parents and grandparents watching with the same enjoyment.
Predeceased by her Mom and Dad, Candy Skinner (best friend/cousin), her loving husband Murray; Keith and Pat Millard.
She is survived by her children Shari (Stephen), Bruce (Carmen), Brent (Heather), Raeanne (Gary). Her grandchildren Kayla (Travis), Brooke (Ryan), Dylan (Mackenzie), Kenton (Nicole), Kaden & Kohen; and 5 great grandkids Lillian, Kenneth, Morgan, Ethan and Kieran, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
This was written in Marian’s own words. Memorial tributes may be directed to Acadia Valley Community Club, Alzheimer’s Society of Alberta 306 10430 61 Ave NW Edmonton, AB or to a charity of the donor’s choice.
Funeral Service was held on Saturday March 29, 2025 at 1:30p.m. at the Oyen United Church in Oyen, AB. To leave a message of condolence or memory, please visit ofsmacleans.com
Funeral arrangements in care of MacLean’s Funeral Home, Oyen, Alberta.
GROWING
BY ANGELA CLEMENT
In this time of unrest and unknowns I cannot help but see the process of grief at work in all of us. At a time when we are shaking our heads and wondering how we could possibly be in this space, we are at the same time grieving what was. No it wasn’t perfect, we complained a lot, we still do. But yet the thought of not knowing what lies ahead seems so much worse. Certainly our sense of security is shaking a little as we wonder how bad things could really get. The news does not help us. Let’s face it, these reporters are just as concerned as we are. We all have our own thoughts about what might happen next. Yet no one REALLY knows for sure.
When I lost Blaine, there was a lot of uncertainty. I had no idea how life would go for me. In fact, three years later, it is still unfolding. I know it will continue to unfold as long as I live. I was told life is short, that we need to live life to the fullest and that happiness comes from within and yet losing my best friend and husband of thirty-five years was the thing that helped me completely and fully comprehend the fragility of life in a way I could have never understood otherwise. What I felt when the rug had been ripped out from under my feet was something I cannot fully describe. It was the worst thing I could have ever imagined. There was a lot of fear and for good reason. There was so much I didn’t understand, so much I couldn’t com-
prehend and I felt so alone. And yet now looking back, I see what I have learned through that experience. I learned something about myself and what I truly value in life. I know what I want to stand up for in this life and I know what is important to me. Going through what I went through, those values are front and centre and they govern my every move and how I react to the world around me.
I know that I cannot control the world around me and I also know that I have full control of how I respond to the world. I know that the fear that everyone feels right now can only be conquered with compassion and support for others. We can pull together. So many of us in this country and those neighbours of ours down south are grieving the loss of what we had. We had a sense of security at a certain level and we all can see that perhaps things may drastically change. Yet fighting and reacting with hatred is not what we need. Just like when I lost Blaine, I can drop into my heart, give myself grace, acknowledge my fear and not lose focus on what is good in the world. I trust that if I stay centered within and keep my heart open that I will know exactly how to respond and so will so many others. We all go through this process of grief. This is another opportunity to embrace it and use it to pull together, to support one another and to inspire and give hope at a time when we need it most.
Grief is a pathway to transformation. It is sacred. We all go through it. It is not easy and it is not all bad. Humanity all share this experience in different ways. We can embrace it and allow it to connect us in ways we never knew were possible and teach us things we could not otherwise understand. Sending you lots of love, Angela
BCAS Gymkhana Series Finals — PeeWee, Novice, Junior & Senior
CEREAL
SUNDAY, APRIL 6
• Cereal & District Board of Trade 2025 Marathon Bingo 1:00 PM & 5:30 PM starts (Doors open at 11:30 AM) at the CJ Peacock Centre (415 Main Street). Admission: $10 for each session (ie $10 for the afternoon; $10 for the evening)
- Cereal Cottages Coffee on Tuesdays 10:30 - 11:30 AM
- Quilting Club weekly Wednesdays 10:00 AM - 4 PM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
- Cereal Playground most Tuesdays 10:00 AM at the CJ Peacock Centre.
EMPRESS
SATURDAY, MAY 10
• Empress & District Fine Arts, Cultural and Leisure Society Plant & Pie Sale 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM. Empress Community Hall.
• Empress Community Yard Sales 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM. More than 10 families! Don’t miss it!
- Game Night Saturdays at 6:00 PM at the Community Hall. Come join us for a night of fun and excitement. Play games and hang out with friends and family.
- Classic Movie Night every Tuesday at the Empress Community Hall at 7:00 PM. Bring your blanket & lawn chair. Popcorn, chips, candy, pop, water and hotdogs available in the canteen! Free Admission. A different classic film each week. Sponsored by Empress & District Fine Arts, Culture and Leisure Society.
OYEN
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 2
• Oyen Lodge with Town of Oyen Library present Del Pratt, Author and Cowboy Poet! 7:00 PM Oyen Lodge
dining area. Book signing and cowboy poetry.
TUESDAY, APRIL 8
• Oyen & District Curling Club AGM 7:00 PM. All members are encouraged to attend.
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 9
• Prairieland Athletic Association Annual General Meeting 7:00 PM at 4025th Avenue East.
THURSDAY, APRIL 10
• BCAS & Royal Canadian Legion #208 present ALL CANDIDATES FORUM 7:00 PM Legion Hall Oyen. Live steame on The Oyen Echo Facebook page. Lunch provided by Big Country Agricultural Society.
FRIDAY, APRIL 18
• Ecumanical Good Friday Service held at Oyen Evangelical Missionary Church at 11:00 AM. All are welcome.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 7
• Regular Pot Luck and Meeting for the Oyen and District Seniors (50+) at Oyen and District Seniors Recreation Centre. Pot Luck at 6:00 PM and Meeting at 7:00 PM. Call Lynda 403-6640908 or Beth 403-664-2462 for further information.
- Oyen Town Council meet 2nd Tuesday of every month 6:00 PM in Council Chambers.
- Community Choir every Wednesday at 7:00 PM in the Evangelical Missionary Church. The choir will perform at the Ecumanical Good Friday Service on April 18th.
