Ponoka News, August 27, 2014 by Black Press Media Group

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Vol. 66, No. 35 | WEDNESDAY, AUG. 27, 2014 | 403-783-3311 | EDITORIAL@PONOKANEWS.COM

Storm sweep Battle River league titles Story on page 30

Ponoka veteran receives Korean War Medal Story on page 5

Flower Power Katelyn Borgdorff and Roger Van Haren take a look at the many colourful flowers and plants on display at the Home, Hobby and Horticultural Show at the Ponoka Legion last weekend. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Please see our story on page 16.

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2 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Unfit structure set for destruction BY AMELIA NAISMITH

A rental property on 5111 49th Avenue, belonging to the Town of Ponoka is marked for demolition. The decision to tear down the structure came at the Aug. 19 council meeting, and at $8,000, it’s less expensive than repairing the building. Acting CAO Betty Quinlan says fully repairing the building would take two to three years. An inspection company recently evaluated the structure. “They did identify that there were several major structural defects in the building,” said Quinlan. Currently without a tenant, Coun. Mark Yaworski asked if it was inhabitable. “Technically it’s not really great . . . you could live there,” said Mayor Rick Bonnett. Planning and development officer Betty Jurykoski says the structure is on property owned by the town, where a new town hall could be built in the future. Until that time, the town is holding the houses for rent. However, this one has reached the end of its life. The demolition project is ongoing, says Jurykoski and a tendering process is a next step.

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Talk about cold: Mayor Rick Bonnett took part in the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge Aug. 22. Daughters Paige and Brooke (not pictured) dump the ice water on his head.

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Baptist Church acquires public laneway

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BY AMELIA NAISMITH

The alleyway running directly west of the First Baptist Church is being closed by the Town of Ponoka for a title transfer to the church. The alleyway runs between the church building and

its parking lot. The church’s request was given third and final reading at council’s Aug. 19 meeting. The first reading of the resolution was March 25 and a public hearing was held April 22. A notification from Alberta Transportation revealed the request to close the alleyway

EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE Due to the Labour Day holiday, September 1st, the Ponoka News will have an early deadline of

Thursday, August 28 at 5 pm for display and classiﬁed advertising. Sorry for any inconvenience this may cause. Enjoy your long weekend!

would be rejected by Alberta Land Titles because legal land description was incorrect. However, a technical amendment was made by council. “Bylaw 334 was amended as advised, sent to the Minister of Transportation to endorse, it was returned by the minister’s office to us,” said planning and development officer Betty Jurykoski. The First Baptist Church wants the title Tine Roelofsen of the alleyway as they have been undertaking the upkeep of it since Ponoka 1964. Alberta A letter written Hospital to Jurykoski from the church explained “Our 4 way stop Twp 424 group has maintained, 0.5 km cleared the snow, and Ø Highway 2A kept this alley open for B Bobtail Nursery public use. We would like to consolidate the property for optimum www.bobtailnursery.ca use of our resources.”

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PONOKA NEWS 3

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Drayton Valley man found asleep in stolen vehicle arrested and charged with refusal. Pellet gun fired Maskwacis RCMP responded to a complaint of shots fired Aug. 21 at 12:20 p.m. on the Samson Cree Nation town site. Officers contained the area of the surrounding two houses and traffic was diverted for an hour. Investigations determined a pellet gun was used in the building, which caused damage to a window. There were no injuries in the incident and charges are pending on a Maskwacis man. Break and enter Police are looking for suspects involved in a break in Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. at a home west of Ponoka on Range Road 284. Culprits gained access to the home through a window screen. An antique firearm and a computer were taken from the home. The matter is under investigation. Speeder on Highway 2 A motorist might have made a bad decision by traveling at speeds in excess of 163 km/h Aug. 15 on Highway 2. Officers stopped the 31-year-old male driver from Calgary on Highway 2 near Menaik Road. He now faces a mandatory court appearance. Saskatchewan woman arrested with Edmonton warrants Police arrested a 26-year-old North Battleford,

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Police in Drayton Valley helped with the arrest of a suspect involved in a break-and- enter at a Ponoka car dealership. Alarms alerted Ponoka officers that the lobby window of the dealership was broken Aug. 20 at 1:50 a.m. Upon arrival, it was determined several keys were taken from the dealership. While police were working on their investigation, RCMP in Drayton Valley found a 23-year-old Drayton Valley man sleeping in a black Ford pickup reported stolen out of Lacombe. All the keys taken from the Ponoka dealership were accounted for in the vehicle. Motorist refuses to provide breath sample Multiple complaints of an erratic driver resulted in the arrest of a 21-year-old Leduc man last week. With the help of concerned motorists, members of the Ponoka Integrated Traffic Unit were able to stop the driver southbound on Highway 2 north of Highway 53. Officers say motorists witnessed a red GMC Sierra weaving in and out of traffic and slamming on the brakes. Upon stopping the driver, officers could smell liquor and found him to be slurring his words. The man refused to provide a breath sample and he was

Sask. resident Aug. 22 at 3:30 p.m. after refusing to leave the Centennial Centre for Mental Health and Brain Injury. The woman was not a patient and doctors had to call police to assist as she refused to leave. It was determined the woman had 13 warrants for her arrest out of Edmonton. She was released on $200 cash bail. Police responded to a total of 70 calls last week. Roof fire Members of the Ponoka Fire De-

partment were called to a roof fire on the afternoon of Aug. 24 in the Lucas Heights area. Hornets were found on the roof by the homeowner who sprayed them with WD-40. A small fire erupted but the department had the fire out in short order. There were no injuries and little damage from the incident. If you have information on any crime call Ponoka RCMP at 403783-4472 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Disqualified driver fails to attend court BY AMELIA NAISMITH

After being charged with operation of a motor vehicle while disqualified and failing to appear, Justin Tye, 24, a Red Deer man, has pled guilty to both counts and was fined $250 for failing to appear and $1,000 for driving while prohibited. He was also given a 12-month driving prohibition. Tye was caught Sept. 21, 2012, speeding south of Ponoka on Highway 2. It was determined he was a disqualified driver who had lost his license on Aug. 24, 2012. Tye also failed to appear in court in October 2013 for the issue and a warrant was issued for his arrest. Finally appearing in court Aug. 22, 2014, Tye’s counsel informed the court that Tye was not present to face his driving charge because his life was in turmoil. A recent move had resulted in the loss of his lawyer’s number and

he had also gone through 10 surgeries after a 6,000-pound pipe crushed his arm. However, once he was aware of the warrant, Tye contacted the authorities. Unsafe firearms conviction Firearms charges have led to a heavy fine for a Red Deer man. Adley White received a $2,000 fine and 24-month firearms, ammunition and explosives probation after being charged with careless use and storage of firearms and unauthorized possession of firearms. On July 9, Ponoka RCMP received a complaint, leading them to White’s former residence where they seized three .22 calibre rifles, a 20-gauge shotgun and a Winchester .308 calibre rifle. There was no indication that White had any proper documentation or licensing for the firearms and at least one of the guns was loaded.

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4 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Your Guide To Local Houses of Worship CHURCH DIRECTORY Associated Gospel Churches of Canada

CHURCH OF THE OPEN BIBLE Pastor Jerry Preheim • Pastor Matt Sealy 3704 - 42 St. Ponoka 403-783-6500 Worship Service 11:00 a.m. • churchoftheopenbible@telus.net

FIRST BAPTIST CHURCH PONOKA

Sr. Pastor Paul Spate Erin Dirsten - Fac. Youth & Family Min. 5109 - 57 Ave. Ponoka www.fbcponoka.org 403-783-5533 Bible Discovery Hour 9:30 a.m.

Worship Service 10:30 a.m.

NEW COVENANT BAPTIST REFORMED CHURCH Currently meeting at Ponoka Christian School 6300-50 St. Worship Service Sunday 10:30 a.m. Everyone Welcome! phone: 403-783-6962 • www.baptistreformedponoka.org

PARKLAND REFORMED CHURCH South on 2A, West on Spruce Road 403-783-1888 Worship Service 10:00 a.m. & 2:30 p.m. Rev. Mitch Ramkissoon www.parklandurc.org

PONOKA ALLIANCE CHURCH 4215 - 46 St. Pastor Norm Dibben 403-783-3958 Sunday Service 11:00 a.m. The Christian & Missionary Alliance

PONOKA WORD OF LIFE CHURCH Pastor Rob McArthur

403-783-5659

Sunday @ 10:30 a.m. Corner of Hwy 53 & Hwy 2A (former Crossroads Restaurant)

www.wordoﬂife.ca

PONOKA UNITED CHURCH Minister: Beatrix Schirner

ponokaunited@shaw.ca

Sunday Service 10:00 am. 5020-52 Ave. Ponoka

Phone: 403-783-4087

SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH PASTOR DAVE BEAUDOIN 6230-57 Ave. Ph. 403-783-6404 Saturdays 9:30 - 12 Noon dsjjb@xplornet.com ponokaadventist.ca

SONRISE CHRISTIAN REFORMED CHURCH Pastor W. Delleman Worship Service 10:30 a.m. ½ mile south of Centennial Centre for Mental Health & Brain Injury

403-783-6012 • www.sonriseponoka.com

ST. AUGUSTINE CATHOLIC CHURCH Fr. Chris Gnanaprakasam, S.A.C. Mass Times: 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 9:00 a.m. Sunday

5113 - 52 Ave., Ponoka, T4J 1H6 403-783-4048 stachurch@shaw.ca

ST. MARY’S ANGLICAN CHURCH Rev. Donna Willer Rev. Jessie Pei 5120 - 49 Ave. Ponoka

403-783-4329

Sunday Service: Holy Eucharist 10 a.m. www.stmarysanglicanponoka.com

TRINITY EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH 5501 - 54 Ave. Ponoka 403-783-4141 Sunday Service: 10:30am Sunday School: 10:30am Pastor Tim Graff • trinityponoka.ca

ZION CHRISTIAN FELLOWSHIP Pastor Fred Knip 9 miles east on Hwy 53 403-782-9877 Jr. Church during service for children Sunday Service 10:30 am

Real is there for you and everybody else A couple of weeks ago, my friend Rob wrote for this column. He mentioned that, in his opinion, the National Football League’s season starting was ‘real’ football at last. And I wondered about that. Did he mean that four down football is a truer version of the game than the three down Canadian variety? Or is that because this style of football started south of the border, and he meant that this is the original game? It also made me think that if the NFL is real football then it follows that the US is a real country and if so, what about Canada? I think we’re a real country. A real nice one to live in, actually. Or did he mean something else? The truth is, that I’m a ‘Rider fan and the CFL is real enough for me, but in a way both Rob and I are mistaken. What we call soccer is the real form of football, right? (By now I hope you realize I’m having a bit of fun at Rob’s expense.) Okay, enough of that, let me get to the point. Which is that the word real moves us into conversations about what actually matters in life. Real life, work, family and everything else that puts us up against actual things and not just ideas. One thing that many people think is just an idea is hope. Nice if you have it, but you can do okay without it, too. I’m not so sure. Real hope was a part of Rob’s column and I couldn’t agree more

William Delleman Sonrise Christian Reformed Church

strongly. Like him, I too believe that faith in Christ Jesus produces an actual experience of hope that keeps a person going for the long haul. And I don’t just say that because it sounds nice or hopeful. Earlier this summer, I had the opportunity to take some youth on a trip to Sioux Falls, South Dakota. We call those trips “short term missions.” The point of going is to see the world from a different perspective than you have at home among familiar things, places and people. While we were there, my group had the opportunity to wash windows for a woman named Rosalie. She is in her late 80’s and has a bad knee.

When we knocked, it took so long for her to get to the door, I didn’t think anyone was home. She made it to the door though, with her walker. She thanked us for coming and we got to work. When the job was done. Rosalie invited us in and the group was treated to a soft drink, cookies and chocolate. But that wasn’t the good part. The real reason we were there soon became clear. Because as we ate and drank and visited, she told us how good her life had been. She had lived there a long time, married, had children, raised them and watched them move away into lives of their own. She and her husband had had a good marriage, but he was gone now. As was a nephew who had been hit by a car while riding his bicycle just a few weeks earlier. (That hit home, I ride around Ponoka a lot.) And then she told us that no matter what, she was doing well, that she never lost hope. She spoke with great calm about all of this and the last thing she shared was her joy and thankfulness that there was always someone willing to bring her to church Sunday morning. Her hope stayed strong. There is more to what she said, but I expect you get the idea. What we heard and witnessed was something real. Real faith, real contentment, real hope. It’s there for Rosalie and he’s there for you too.

Enough of being bullied by corporate interests Dear Editor, A problem described in three articles, the editorial “Water meter debate”, “Arab Spring wilts under continued cronyism”, and “How Alberta blew through an extra $41 billion” all stem from a similar thinking. “It’s not what you know, it’s who you know” is a popular slogan in the business world. That does seem to be the way things “work” especially in politics. I suspect that “cronyism” and lobbying power are behind all decisions made by all our politicians, at all levels of governance. That Neptune outfit probably embarked on some type of “sounds good” campaign and there was no “other side” for the town council to consider, so, since it sounded like a good idea, they went with it. It never seemed fair or right to me that so much money has been wasted money over the years due to PC “cronyism”: a number of local people profited greatly at taxpayers’ expense by being appointed to provincial boards and such. Federally,

it is no better. Just look into the gigantic octopus of sorts that is the Christian conservative coalitions in Canada and the USA, and the power they have over Harper and his Cons and thus, over the policies made which we are governed by. Another word for “cronyism” or lobbying might be bullying as demonstrated by the current humanitarian crisis happening in Gaza. The Israel Defence Forces have the power and are allowed to commit great numbers of violations of United Nations Security Council resolutions, the U.N. Charter, the Geneva Conventions, international terrorism and other international laws because Israel has long campaigned for the sympathies of the world and now has the support of a number of countries, especially the U.S.A. Unfortunately, Harper and his ignorant Cons have also thrown the full support of Canada behind this bullying. Thank goodness for the Internet; if not for it, we would be limited to only propaganda issued by the most powerful in our world. But now, because more information is readily available about what

is really going on, especially behind the scenes and outside of the scope of traditional media, it is getting more difficult for the powerful to enslave the poor and middle class masses of the world. Most of the conflicts in the world these days are basically power struggles between the ruling elites and the masses, “the chosen people” and the others; the bullies and the “caring few” (those conscientious people not brainwashed by the bullies). We, the people, are standing up to centuries of these old patriarchal ways of seizing power, subjugating the people, and then blaming and making the people pay. The result of all this resistance to the old patriarchal/colonialistic way of thinking seems like chaos, but it is really a good thing since it is part of the process that leads to changing the consciousness, and vote, of people worldwide. We, the people/the masses, will no longer accept the bs those old dudes and their corporate interests try to govern us all by. Evone Monteith Ponoka

PONOKA NEWS 5

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Reflections of Ponoka

Ponoka veteran receives Korean War Medal

Photo by Susan Whitecotton

George Streeter of Ponoka proudly displays the ‘Ambassador for Peace Medal’ which he received from the Government of Korea as a special token of their sincere and enduring appreciation for service performed during the Korean War in 1950.

BY MIKE RAINONE FOR THE NEWS

George Streeter, 82, still has many vivid memories of the horrific year that he spent serving with his Canadian Army mates fighting in the bitter Korean War of 1950. He had joined the Canadian forces in 1948 at the age of 17 years, then took special training at bases in Shiloh, Manitoba and Wainwright, Alberta, which would also serve as a prison camp. Streeter was a member of the Royal Canadian Horse Artillery First Field Special Forces Regiment that would eventually be sent to the Korean Battle front. It was during that nonstop confrontation that 27,000 brave Canadian soldiers would fight shoulder to shoulder to bring peace to the war-torn region, with 516 of our proud soldiers making the supreme sacrifice. A story of hardship and bravery. The first day on the front lines for the young Canadian soldier was May 4, which was his 19th birthday, but all that he could recall was that they all had to grow up real fast when they suddenly realized very quickly that they were right in the middle of a war. George Streeter’s crew were in charge of the vital maintenance of the telephone lines, which were strung across the battle grounds and

were the only form of communications for the Canadian contingent. During the shooting and bombing, the lines were quite often damaged or broken, and it was up to George and his mates to crawl across the rugged terrain and complete the repairs while the battle raged on. He was quick to explain that while they were attending to the tasks, they wore no helmets, no insignia, and had no rank, and carried only their tools and a Leigh Enfield rifle, which carried 10 rounds with one in the chamber, while the enemy were constantly trying to sneak into the ranks of their foes. Needless to say that long year of war in Korea may have ended in a truce, but it took its toll, with countless Canadian soldiers returning to their home bases wounded and in extremely stressed condition, and so sadly to many who were left behind. When it was all over, one of

Remember When...

Photo courtesy of Fort Ostell Museum

Many of us went to the classic Ponoka Red Brick School over the years, and that great tradition of learning continues to this day. This magnificent 12-room educational facility was built in 1929 as our first composite high school, and many of the local ratepayers were very unhappy about the $60,000 cost. 85 years later this coming September, many elementary students will walk up that long sidewalk to the big front door, some for the very first time, and we wish them an exciting and fun year in school.

the three members of George’s line crew had been killed in action. Mr. Streeter, who is now the last living veteran of the Korean War in the Ponoka area, returned to Manitoba in 1951 and served for many years on the base. George would always make sure to stay in touch with the other lads in his family who were serving Canada in the war-efforts, including his father Henry, who fought in WW II and received the Coronation Medal, as well as his brothers Reg and Henry, who served in Egypt and Korea. He still stays in contact with Murray, who also fought in Korea, and would later become his brother-in-law. After leaving the forces, George Streeter worked as a millwright in a Hamilton area steel mill, and then later moved to Kitimat, B.C., where he faithfully served as a care-giver for his wife Aleza after she was seriously injured in an accident, and has continued to do so for many years. Along the way, they happily raised their family of six girls and two boys (yours-mine and ours), including Anna, Rose, Linda, Susan, Sandra, Jeanie, Todd, and Terry, and have been blessed with 38 grand-children and five great grand-children. The Streeters moved to Ponoka eight years ago to be with their daughter and son-in-law Wayne and Sandra Chisolm and family, and they really love it here, stating that it was the best move they ever made; the people are very friendly, and there is sunshine 93 per cent of the time. Wayne was a sergeant and star trek jumper in the Canadian Army, while George has been a long-standing member of the Masons, Shriners, and Legion, and enjoys

tinkering with his hobby of carpentry. A coveted award. Mr. Streeter and his family were thrilled in July when he received official notification from the Embassy of the Republic of Korea in Ottawa that he was one of the 2900 former Canadian soldiers to receive the coveted ‘Ambassador of Peace’ Medal as a special token of sincere and enduring appreciation for service performed during the Korean War. The document, which was marking the 64th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950, was written in both English and Korean, and expressed that the Korean nation have never forgotten the great legacy of the 27,000 Canadians who fought shoulder to shoulder with them during that desperate year of confrontation. The award confirms that thanks to the bonding, support, and ‘special partnership’ of the hardy Korean War Veterans, Canadians should always take special pride in knowing that their service gave the Koreans the greatest gift of all.....freedom, peace, and hope. George Streeter will always carry a great respect and pride for all the men and women who have been involved in the Canadian forces both at home and throughout the world, both yesterday and today. He stressed that it was a great honour to serve side by side with his regiment, as well as with such prestigious units as the Princes Patricia Canadian Light Infantry and thousands of other brave and dedicated soldiers. We congratulate him on his award, and sincerely wish him and his wife and family all the very best in the future.

6 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Opinion

Canada’s involvement in religious conflicts For the past two weeks now, Canada has been assisting the US and some European countries to arm Kurdish fighters in northern Iraq so that they can defeat the jihadist extremists fighting under the flag of the so-called Islamic State (ISIS), which purports to represent all the Sunni Moslems of the world through its leader, the caliph. The blitzkrieg kind of offensive of the ISIS forces, who captured large swaths of land on both sides of the Syrian and Iraqi border over the past two months and then their push to the north, threatening the Kurdish autonomous region, alarmed Washington and several other European capitals. Hence the decision by the Obama administration to launch air strikes and the decision by the US and France to arm the Kurds and Canada’s decision to assist them. And just last week, an ISIS extremist, understood to be of British origin from his accent, beheaded American journalist James Foley in front of a camera after the demand for ransom for his life was turned down. The top brass of the world’s most powerful military machine, the Pentagon, has described ISIS as the biggest threat to USA. This is the West, US in particular, reaping what it has been sowing for the last six decades or so. It was early in the Cold War years that US led efforts to create CENTO, Central Treaty Organization, bringing together Pakistan, Iran and Turkey, as South Asian counterpart to NATO, in order to encircle the Soviet Union from south with an alliance of Moslem-populated countries. During the years in the run-up to the Islamic Revolution

9/11, and then several attacks in European capitals, and now as ISIS in Iraq. But if you are of the opinion that these set of events are unfolding out of control, you might want to reconsider your position. The game of redrawing the borders in the Middle East has just begun and you can bet on Mustafa Eric the fact that as these lines are Editor written or read, some high level functionaries somewhere are brainstorming over maps of Middle East on how to extract the maximum benefit from the current state of chaos in the region. The July 13 edition of the London-based The Independent newspaper carried a spectacularly eye-opening piece,

revealing through the statements of the former head of MI6, Britain’s external intelligence service, how the Saudis had been looking forward to the launch of a military campaign by a Sunni jihadist force to wipe out all non-Sunni populations of the Middle East alongside other religious minorities, be it Alawites, Shia or Yazidis. The article also mentioned how the US administration was aware of the plans. Here we are, some 450 years after the St. Bartholomew massacre, still using religion as a tool of politics and with the same primitive monstrosity. Zealotry, particularly of the religious kind, is mercurial; you never know what it will target next. When one gets involved in religion-based conflict, then one should be ready to be targeted by one or the other party to that war. Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be well advised to remember that current Middle East quagmire is not a world war and he does not need to invite the enmity of jihadists on “high moral ground” foreign policy.

Prime Minister Stephen Harper will be well advised to remember that current Middle East quagmire is not a world war in Iran, President Jimmy Carter’s National Security Advisor Zbigniew Brzezinski stepped up implementation of the “green (Islamic) belt” policy, actively trying to revive religious devotion in what was then Soviet republics of Central Asia. When the Shah of Iran was deposed in 1979, a panicky Soviet leadership invaded Afghanistan in 1980, creating a buffer zone with CENTO countries, similar to what Vladimir Putin is trying to do in Ukraine these days. Invasion of Afghanistan by Moscow escalated the Cold War; the CIA support to the Mujahidin, the Islamic fighters resisting Soviet troops, in the form of training, money and military hardware, assisted the defeat of the Red Army, but also created a battle-hardened extremist religious formation which has come to haunt the West, first through

Judy Dick Manager

Mustafa Eric Regional Editor

Jeff Heyden-Kaye Reporter

Amelia Naismith Reporter

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PONOKA NEWS 7

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Deer Ridge Holdings rezoning request declined BY AMELIA NAISMITH

A number of rezoning requests were taken up at Ponoka County council’s Aug. 19 meeting with some applicants being granted their hope while others were denied. Following several letters speaking against its approval, Ponoka County councillors denied the rezoning of 29.5 acres of Deer Ridge Holdings’ land. “This application is for a subdivision on a farmstead and a possibility of three county residential lots in the bush area sometime in the future,” said county CAO Charlie Cutforth. The application was for the land in question to be rezoned as country residential. The land is located west of Ponoka, north of Highway 53 along Range Road 265. Adjacent landowner Robert Wilcox was strongly opposed to rezoning the land because he felt it would lead to increased noise pollution and ATV and recreational vehicle traffic along Range Road 265. “What once had been a quiet, peaceful area has slowly eroded into a high-traffic area,” wrote Wilcox in a letter submitted to council. Wilcox also mentioned past development of Deer Ridge Holdings, which was sold to be made into a Sharphead historic cemetery despite improper zoning, which he lives next to. “I’m not really happy about that and can only speculate on how much that devalues my property.” Cutforth and council were also unconvinced, as the land sold was a cemetery when that is not what it was intended for. “So now it becomes a matter of good faith, at least for the county,” said Cutforth. “How do you expect us to pass another one when we don’t know what you’re going to utilize it for?” added Coun. Mark Matejka. Shane and Shelley Archibald also wrote to council, as they too were displeased with Deer Ridge Holdings’ past. “We object due to the last time Deer Ridge Holdings had land rezoned as country residential they were able to sell it for another purpose.”

A letter from Alberta Transportation stated no objections or concerns. The rezoning application made it past first reading but was unanimously defeated at the second reading. Landowner disapproves of rezoning application Councillors approved the rezoning request of four and a half acres on a portion of land to move from agricultural to country residential, northwest of Ponoka along Meniak Road and Range Road 265. The land, belonging to Gerry and Joan Van Wolde, will be used to house a second residential structure for their daughter and son-in-law. The couple says approximately a third of the indicated land is unseedable. Adjacent landowner Gus Martens also attended council to speak against the application. He feels, if another house is built in the northeast section of Van Wolde’s land, it will limit his dairy farm’s future expansion opportunities. “For future complaints for smell or dust or working at night, I want to limit that.” The northeast corner is a wet area and Martens is concerned water will be deflected to his property and affect him. “If that land’s going to be built up to put a house there, that’s going to run onto my quarter.” “Drainage and everything has to be accommodated. You can’t create new problems for the neighbours,” said Cutforth, during council’s discussion. Taking into account the steps that would have to be taken to properly divert water if needed, councillors approved the request. Existing building site rezoned A 10-acre parcel of land, located along Range Road 15, is being rezoned by Brian and Audrey Altman. From agricultural to country residential hobby farm, the land is for a parcel of land for their son. Cutforth recommended the approval and councillors agreed it was appropriate.

Town Times

Ponoka, AB T4J 1P7 Ph: 403-783-4431 | Fax: 403-783-6745 | Email: town@ponoka.org Or Check us out Online: www.ponoka.ca

NOTICES AND ANNOUNCEMENTS TOWN HALL CLOSED Monday, September 1 for Labour Day. Please leave payments or correspondence in the drop box at the front door. Looking for a place to host a meeting, event, Christmas party, wedding, anniversary or birthday? Consider one of our venues available to rent for the day or by the hour. Facilities available: Kinsmen Community Centre, Hudson’s Green Nature & Activity Centre, Aquaplex back room or the hockey lounge.

EVENTS AND RECREATION Ponoka Downhill Derby When: September 6, 2014 Where: 42 Street & 43 Avenue Wanted: Downhill Derby Drivers. We have cars but need kids! If this is something you would like to try and are between the ages 6 and 16, please call Karen at 403-704-6903 or 403-783-6122 and she will get you into a car. For more information go to: www.ponokalive.ca

Upcoming Community Events August 27 – Passion & Grace: Centennial Park 7 pm September 6 – Downhill Derby 43 St. & 42 Ave; racing starts at 10 am September 8 – Rotary Park Playground Grand Opening & BBQ Ave@ 6pm

Nominate a Property for FREE Utilities The Pride in Your Property Contest is open to Town residents and businesses. Here’s your chance to nominate yourself, a business, or someone you know for having a well-kept property. Prizes are awarded to Residential and Business properties as follows: • Best Kept Residential - $500 Town of Ponoka Utility Credit • Best Kept Commercial/Industrial - $500 Town of Ponoka Utility Credit • Most Improved Residential - $750 Town of Ponoka Utility Credit • Most Improved Commercial/Industrial - $750 Town of Ponoka Utility Credit Entry forms are available at www.ponoka.ca, or pick up at the Town Oﬃce. Reward yourself or someone you know for their hard work and enter today! Deadline for entries is September 15th!

Aquaplex & Recreation Update: • The pool will be closed September 2 – 21, 2014 for annual shutdown. Lacombe will honour your passes during this time. • The Splash Park will close for the season on September 3, 2014 Arena ice bookings will be available as of September 5, contact Tamara at 403-783-0131 for availability and booking information.

Request for Proposal – Arena Concession The Town of Ponoka is seeking a Concessionaire to provide services on a year round basis with the main operation taking place from September 1 – March 31. The concession service is also to be made available to other activities that are scheduled in the Ponoka Culture & Recreation Complex during the oﬀ season. For more information, contact Wes Amendt, Director of Community Services at 403-783-0118 or email wes.amendt@ponoka.org.

Household Toxic Round Up & Community Paper Shred Saturday, September 13th, 2014 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Fire Hall. Check your kitchen, bathroom, laundry, basement, garden shed and garage for all your products and chemicals that you may not need anymore. Paper Cuts will be at the Fire Hall from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. accepting personal documents that the residents would like properly destroyed. There is no charge for this service.

Community Information & Registration Night Wednesday, September 3, 2014 5 - 8 pm Kinsmen Community Centre Hosted by The Town of Ponoka Community Services Department. All local organizations are welcome to participate. Limited number of tables available & there is a minimal charge for each table. For more information and/or to reserve a spot, contact Melodie at 403-783-4431. Last day to reserve a table is August 27!

Library Events STORY TIME: Ponoka Jubilee Library would like to invite children ages 3-6 to join us for Story Time! STARTING MONDAY SEPTEMBER 8TH, on every Monday and Friday until the end of May, the children will be introduced to the library and reading through a new story, and use their creativity to put together a unique craft. There are different programs offered on Monday and Friday, so feel free to come to every one! Programs run Mondays at 2:00 pm and Fridays at 11:00 am. We ask that parents stay with their children, and younger children are more than welcome to accompany their older siblings. No registration or payment required. BOOK CLUB: After the summer off, the Ponoka Jubilee Library Book Club is back in the swing of things! The September meeting will be on Sunday Sept. 7th at 2:00 pm, and the group will be discussing ‘Cutting for Stone’ by Abraham Verghese. Anyone who wants to join the Book Club is welcome, and copies of the book are available at the library. Regular Book Club meetings are at the Library on the first Sunday of the month at 2:00 pm, unless changed due to a holiday. Check out our Facebook events to see the complete list of our upcoming books! FAMILY LEGO CLUB: Ponoka Jubilee Library invites children & adults to take part in our Family Lego Club. Come build whatever your imagination can come up with! All Lego will be provided by the library, and the masterpieces will be put on display for all to see. UPCOMING MEETINGS: Friday Sept. 5 & Thursday Sept. 18, from 3:30pm - 5:00pm. REGULAR MEETINGS: Every second week, alternating between Thursday and Friday. Ages 4+, all younger children must be accompanied or supervised by older sibling or guardian. No Lego bricks will come into or leave the library. No fee or registration required.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK: “So be sure when you step, Step with care and great tact. And remember that life’s A Great Balancing Act. And will you succeed? Yes! You will, indeed! (98 and ¾ percent guaranteed) Kid, you’ll move mountains.” ~ Dr. Seuss (Oh, the Places You’ll Go!)

8 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

NOTICE

Water Meter Replacement Program Continues Almost 1,000 new water meters have been installed as part of the first round of the Water Meter Replacement Program. The total number to be replaced is 2700. The next round of water meter replacements is about to begin. If you are in the next round, you will receive an information package with details and information about how to set up an appointment. Reminder! These are NOT the same meters that have been in the news in Saskatchewan! There is no danger of ﬁre and Health Canada does not consider the low radio frequencies a health risk. • These meters are not electrical – they are water meters that run on a lithium battery. There is NO DANGER OF FIRE. • The new meters for the Town run on the same radio frequency as a baby monitor – they are a much lower frequency than microwaves and cell phones. Please be sure to contact the Town with any questions you have or check our website for detailed information. Water Meter pictures and descriptions OLD WATER METERS

Many meters in residences are still reading in ‘gallons’ and are over 30 years old. Some old meters had a newer ‘Neptune’ head attached to them, but are at least 25 years old and past their useful lifecycle. NEW WATER METERS During installation of the new meter, they will confirm a working shut-off valve or install a new one if required, as part of this process. They will also immediately check for leaks and backflow issues in your home. These new meters run on a battery so there is no danger of fire. They run on the same radio frequency as a baby monitor. Once an appointment is made, a professionally trained and certified Neptune Technology Group Installation Expert will come to your home to remove your old meter. They will carry proper Neptune ID. Neptune Technology Group is the most experienced water meter installation company in Canada. Once a new meter is installed, in addition to the shut-off valve, there are other beneﬁts: • You will be taking part in Ponoka’s contribution to Alberta’s Water for Life water conservation program. • The new meters will create more accurate, equitable billing, and help you pay for only the amount of water you use. They will also give you the opportunity to reduce your water waste and your water bills. • Less water waste means less stress and repairs on our Town’s water infrastructure and will help ensure less water losses every year. A complete package of information about the Water Meter Replacement Program is available online at www.ponoka.ca or for pick-up in person at Town Hall. Bylaw 2-91 notes it is mandatory to allow water meter replacement by the Town or its representatives. If you have any questions, contact the Town: 403-783-4431. To make an appointment for installation of a new water meter please call 1-800-667-4387.

PONOKA NEWS 9

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Smoothie time: Corey Powers sneaks a break

from work Aug. 21 to grab a free smoothie from Telus employee Tyla Thomas. The company was driving interest in its new fibre-optic network coming soon to Ponoka. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Couple urges county to strengthen unsightly premises bylaws BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Despite previously agreeing a conclusion had been reached, Ponoka County councillors are once again requesting unsightly premises landowner Albert Brown’s presence at council. At council’s Aug. 19 meeting, adjacent landowners Gary and Pascal Duff expressed their dissatisfaction with how the situation has been handled. It was Sept. 3, 2013 that the Duffs first stood before council regarding unwelcome development as they feel Brown is running a commercial auto wrecker business on land zoned agricultural. However, council has no concrete opinion on the status of the business and the issue became an unsightly premises dispute. “It has all the visibility of an auto wrecker operation . . . but the reality is the landowner had a different argument, and he’s entitled to that argument,” said CAO Charlie Cutforth. Despite their final decision to contact Brown, council was hesitant to take further action after their stipulations to rectify the problem had been met. “We have to follow what the previous council did, we can’t overturn that,” said Coun. Doug Weir. However, later in the meeting he added that because complaints had been made about Brown’s property, council needed to take another look at the situation. “We, as a council, have to do something.” “Can we arguably go back and

chase after him for unsightly premises after he’s complied with council in the past? I don’t think so,” said Cutforth. Pascal Duff feels it is the county’s way of dealing with such issues that has caused the situation to drag on so long without a resolution on both sides. “To go with nothing hard and fast, it’s ludicrous.” “My point is it’s still unwelcome development, as per your municipal development plan. Nobody wants to live next to an auto wrecker, that’s what it says right in your plan,” said Gary Duff.

“It’s your rights against his rights, that’s what it comes down to.”

ed. Council also requested that Alberta Environment inspect the area in question. “On agricultural land, they were prepared to take no action,” said Cutforth. The Duffs urged county councillors to take a look at bylaws used in other counties; something council agreed would be a good idea.

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“At the end of the day you have the power to do something about it,” he added. If the county’s bylaws were changed to handle these types of issues differently, Cutforth says there is a good chance every farmer’s “boneyard” in the county would be affected. Reeve Paul McLauchlin stated the Duffs view of the situation is more black and white than it really is. He added that county actions must take note of the “grey area” regarding commercial operations and private collections, and enforced bylaws and landowner rights. “It’s a slippery slope when you dictate what people can and can’t store on their property.” “It’s your rights against his rights, that’s what it comes down to,” he add-

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10 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

NFU supports backing out of insurance-based system BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

After talks between the Canadian Grain Commission (CGC) and Atradius Insurance over an insurance-based system protecting grain farmers collapsed, the National Farmers Union (NFU) voiced their support of the decision.

Terry Boehm, chairperson of the NFU Seed and Trade Committee said the existing bond system already provides 100 per cent coverage to farmers but the proposed change would reduce claim periods and farmers would lose five per cent of their claims to Atradius. “Ultimately the insurance-based plan was go-

“Agriculture is an extremely intense business, especially during those feeding and harvest moments.” Terry Boehm, chairperson of the NFU Seed and Trade Committee

ing to cost farmers money and didn’t offer the protection that the bonding system offers,” said Boehm. He suggested, in a press release, that the new deal would have removed CGC from oversight of licensed grain performance and given Atradius “de facto power over the terms of Canadian grain companies’ contracts with farmers.” CGC’s mandate is to protect the rights of grain producers and this proposed deal would take some of that control that the organization has over regulations, explained Boehm. A relatively short claim period of 45 days to submit non-payment claims is another area the NFU took issue with. Boehm said in an interview that most farmers are busy and may not have the time to even submit a claim. “It’s quite difficult for a farmer. I’m a farmer myself. You’re busy during seeding and harvest time and 45 days can go quite quickly between when you deliver some grain and then realize that you’re not receiving payment.” He suggests a farmer may not realize the issue until 30 to 40 days later, which gives little time to fix the problem. Limiting claims to 45 days protects the insurance company from liability but does not help farmers

facing issues, he added. “Agriculture is an extremely intense business, especially during those feeding and harvest moments,” stated Boehm. “Under the bonding system a farmer has 90-days,” explained Boehm. Insurance coverage of 95 per cent rather than 100 per cent under the current system also caused the NFU some concern. Boehm suggests taking an additional five per cent fee is unfair to farmers as the insurance company would already be charging a fee. “Why wouldn’t they pay 100 per cent to the farmer…and why would farmers accept 95 per cent?” Boehm asked. He feels the current system, with some minor adjustments, is still the best way to serve farmers. “We encourage the CGC to work on improving the reporting requirements so that the time-lag between company reports and CGC review of their bond security can be tightened up,” said Boehm in the press release. “By going to weekly mandatory reporting along with rolling security assessments for companies, the CGC could ensure there are no gaps in protection.”

County donation budget drained BY AMELIA NAISMITH

Ponoka County’s community donation capabilities are practically exhausted for the year, after setting the $1.6 million budget for requests. The official decision came after denying a request from the Rimbey Kinsmen for their skateboard park project, at county council’s Aug. 19 meeting. “This is the first soft no,” said Reeve Paul McLauchlin. CAO Charlie Cutforth says the resources the county uses to fill the donation requests are usually provincial. “The reason the county even has the resources to donate like this is the provincial MSI funding.” Throughout the year council has approved numerous funding requests, including: • The Blindman Handi-Van Society-$20,000 • The Ponoka Handi-Van Society-$18,000 • Klaglahachie Fine Arts Society-$30,000

• Ponoka Neighbourhood Place-$2,000 • Meridian Beach-$135,000 • Fort Ostell Museum-$5,000 • Ponoka Boys and Girls Club$10,000 • Big Brothers Big Sisters-$10,000 • Moose Hall-$20,000 • Rimbey Agricultural Complex$1 million • Liberty Hall-$50,000 Cutforth says Meridian Beach received $20,000 for public beach areas and another $75,000 to pave the public parking lot. Friends of the Lakefront also received $145,000. “That too is public beach area. It’s a pretty major project they’ve got going.” “My thoughts are we’re at a point right now where we’re probably tapped out for the year,” said McLauchlin. New and outstanding requests will be pushed to consideration in the 2015 budget.

LOCAL NEWS AT YOUR FINGERTIPS

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PONOKA NEWS 11

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

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Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Ponoka Chrysler’s Doug Brown braves the icy cold water in the Icebucket Challenge to raise money for ALS research. A total of $3,500 is reported to have been raised by Ponoka Chrysler. Submitted photo.

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PONOKA NEWS 13

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

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14 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Our friendly and concerned neighbourhood service providers and merchants have joined together to bring you these important safety tips. Have a happy, healthy and safe school year!

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ENTER and exit the bus in a single-file line, letting younger students go on first.

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PONOKA NEWS 15

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Dylan Stitt (left) and Kayla Chamberland (right) share a floating mat during one of the last days of Ponoka Youth Centre’s summer programming. The children spent the morning bowling and the afternoon at the Ponoka Aquaplex, Aug. 20. Photo by Amelia Naismith

SEE NEWS HAPPENING? Send us your photos Email us at www.ponokanews.com

We have all of your Back to School Supplies! CH EC K OU T T H E IN-STOR E SP EC IA LS !

Exercise Books Report Covers

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Now accepƟng school

Youth Centre summer programs conclude BY AMELIA NAISMITH

fied, supportive staff who really care about the kids.” Fall programming begins Sept. 2 — the first day of school — and the Youth Centre provides fully licensed and accredited after school child programming. Registration will be held during the town’s mass registration night, Sept. 3 at the Kinsmen Community Centre, and at Ponoka Elementary School’s back to school barbeque, Sept. 4. “We accept registrations on an ongoing basis,” Chernick explained. Fall programming includes teen drop-in and after school programs. The Youth Centre will also be open on most school PD days.

Although it feels like they have just begun, Ponoka Youth Centre’s summer programs are already coming to a close. “I can’t believe they’re over already,” said program director Morgen Chernick during one of the program’s last days; spent at the Aquaplex. Each day, the Youth Centre could service up to 55 children, ages six to 13, and the summer programs seemed popular among them. “Some days we had 50 kids attending,” said Chernick. “It was probably one of the highest attendances we’ve had,” she added. Many local excursions were made to PONOKA RISING locations such as the bowling alley, library SUN CLUBHOUSE and swimming pool. Other days were spent at the Youth Centre playing games such as The Amazing Race or Fear Factor. Field trips were For per month also taken to Fort Edmonton Park, Shakers We will pick up your paper, clean tins, Fun Centre and The glass, No. 1-5 plastic and cardboard. Jungle Farm. We also pick up cardboard from local businesses. “It was an awesome summer, the For more information on these programs please call kids had a blast,” said Chernick. “We’ve had Weekdays many amazingly quali-

Community Blue Box Program $12.00

403-783-5810

supplies for children in need, for the 2014 school year!

Drop-oī locaƟons include various businesses and Ponoka FCSS.

Look for our donaƟon boxes and coin jars!

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Sponsored by: Ponoka F.C.S.S. 5006-52 Ave., (403) 783-4462

-783-2299 5026 Chipman Ave 403 lies.com upp ces ﬃ ralo ent w.c ww

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Speed skater faces loss at nationals competition Page 23

S-aupvtoe-

UNITY CONN ECTIN G THE COMM

WS.COM 11 | EDITORIAL@PONOKANE Y, JAN. 22, 2014 | 403-783-33 Vol. 66, No. 4 | WEDNESDA

Calumet Curling Club celebrates 60 years Page 14

Reflections of Ponoka A life dedicated to sports, family, and community Story on page 5

Rainbow face

durWilla Loveseth gets her face painted ing Family Day festivities at the Ponoka Feb. Culture and Recreation Complex 17. There were many events throughout 8. Ponoka. Photos can be seen on page Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

WHEN YOU ADVERTISE IN 10 PAPERS OF THE PRAIRIE NEWSPAPER GROUP

PHONE: 403-783-3311 FAX: 403-783-6300

WWW.PONOKANEWS.COM

16 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Donna Rudd gives Geraldine Catalbas firsthand experience working with a silk cocoon during the Home, Hobby and Horticultural Show last weekend at the Ponoka Legion. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Horticultural show sees increase in entries

Unreserved Public Real Estate Auction

Edmonton, AB

October 30, 2014 | 8 am

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Wilfred & Mary Dunne

Will be sold to the highest bidder

10± title acres — Country Residential Acreage 3142± sq ft Home & 14 ft x 70 ft Mobile Home

Edmonton, AB auction

October 30, 2014

435078 Range Rd 253, Ponoka County, AB Plan 9620556; Lot 1

Main Kitchen – appliances included

Property Highlights Beautiful acreage just 6 km North of Ponoka, AB. This spacious 3142± sq ft bungalow is surrounded by mature landscaping including hazelnut, chokecherry, Saskatoon & spruce trees – enhancing the peaceful setting of country living. 24 ft x 26 ft detached insulated garage, 20 ft x 40 ft x 16 ft high RV shelter, 24 ft x 100 ft metal shop

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Directions From Ponoka, AB go 6 km (3.7 miles) North on Arbor Rd. Property on west side of road. Glenevis Stanger 16

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The most beautiful artwork, plants, fruit and crafts were on display last weekend at the Ponoka Legion during the Ponoka Agricultural Society’s Home, Hobby and Horticultural Show. Hosting classes for children and families was a new idea for the society and ag society president Lauraine Weir feels the new addition was a welcome change for attendees. Weir said the group’s main goal was to help celebrate agricultural living with a silk cocoon spinning, pull candy making, a hobbyhorse class and a freezer jam class. She feels those clinics, coupled with the agility dogs event helped create a fun atmosphere for everyone involved. “There was some fabulous stuff.”

This year there were 35 new entrants with a total of 1,641 entries, explained Donna Rudd, convener and manager of the show. “It’s one of the fun county affairs that is going to continue to grow,” said Rudd. She feels the Ponoka Legion is an ideal location and hosting the event there gave participants a lot of room to show off the many different agricultural, art, photography and craft displays. She says the event has deep roots in Ponoka with many participants turning up regularly for the last 30 years. There has also been an inclusive nature to the show, which has given opportunities for youths to show of their work. “That to me shows the future.” continued on page 18

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Ponoka News ADVERTISING ON THE WEB We are now offering advertising space on our website For more information contact Judy Dick Phone 403-783-3311 or email manager@ponokanews.com check us out at www.ponokanews.com

Ponoka News 403-783-3311 Ponoka News 403-783-3311

PONOKA NEWS 17

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Downhill Derby a source of fun for the whole family explained. For those who don’t have their This year’s Ponoka Downhill own soapbox car, the group has kits Derby will celebrate 10 years of and older cars for sale. Williams says young racers cruising down 42 Av- they are looking at a new generation enue at speeds of 30 km/h. of racers and the Downhill Derby The event, set for Sept. 6, is an organizers want to make it as accesopportunity for parents sible as possible. to get some hands-on “It’s a project There are three divisoapbox construction that you guys sions of racers: Division with their kids to con(6 to 8), Division B do together.” A struct a soapbox car and (9 to 11) and Division Downhill then race it down the hill. Karen Williams, Derby organizer C (12 and up). For those Parents still have time to wanting to get involved, register, as the sign up deadline is Williams suggests parents download Aug. 29. the Downhill Derby rules and entry Organizer Karen Williams says form at www.ponokalive.ca under they usually have 30 racers from Our Community tab. Ponoka, Lacombe and Blackfalds She says the rules will give and the fun event is an opportunity parents an understanding of the for kids to show off their work. She construction requirements for the says youths take a lot of pride in their races. Races start at 10 a.m. with creations. race registration at 8 a.m. For more “It’s a project that you guys (par- information call Williams at 403ents and children) do together,” she 783-4799.

A New Bundle of

Joy?

Share it with family & friends in the

BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

65 ROYAL CANADIAN AIR CADET SQUADRON

REGISTRATION: TUESDAY, SEPT. 2 • 6:30-9:00PM PONOKA CADET HALL (5006-51 AVE, PONOKA) CONTACT 403-783-4181 FOR ALTERNATE REGISTRATION DATES

Ponoka Minor Hockey

FALL REGISTRATION INFORMATION Regular Hockey Season Registration will be accepted on Wednesday, September 3 at Mass Registration at the Kinsmen Community Centre from 5 – 8 p.m. Goalie Skill Development – 10 sessions – instructor Steve Wagner. Will be oﬀered to registered goalies. Sessions run until Christmas (subject to change). Conditioning Camp – Beginning September 8th week at a cost of $60/player. Register at mass registration or by contacting the Coach Co-ordinator at whatever level interested in registering for. Interested in Referring? Referee Clinic is being held on September 20 and 22. Interested people will need to go to www.nczrc.ca for more info.

WHO: Youth 12 – 18 years old, Male or Female COST: FREE to Join WHAT DO AIR CADETS DO: Marksmanship, Survival, Leadership, Teamwork, Sports, Drill, Aviation, Aerospace, Flying, Citizenship, Make Great Friends, Have Tons of Fun! Plus extra activities such as; Band, Biathlon, Ground School, Effective Speaking, Summer Camps, Fun Social Events, so much more… CADET YEAR RUNS: SEP – JUN. TUESDAYS 6:30 – 9:00PM. PLUS SOME WEEKEND AND OPTIONAL ACTIVITIES REGISTRATION NIGHT (SEP 2): Beef on a Bun for NEW and RETURNING cadets Parents: Refreshments will be served during the registration and info session.

18 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Awards handed out at horticultural show continued from page 16 As trends change, so do the categories, explained Rudd. She said their goal was to accommodate the changes in what people are submitting by adjusting the criteria for submissions. She says there are not as many oil painting submissions but more pencil and crayon drawings and or-

ganizers want to recognize the hard work of artists. The date of the event was also pushed back to give those in the agricultural competitions more time to allow their veggies, flowers and fruit to grow a little more. Weir says the horticultural show is now a separate event from the ranch rodeo, which is set for the weekend of Sept. 6 at the ag event centre. She says this gives farmers and ranchers a chance 1St Ponoka Scout Group to complete some of their farm work before Wednesday, Sept. 3 the rodeo weekend. 5:00pm – 8:00pm The ranch rodeo is Kinsmen Community Hall set for Sept. 6 and the cowboy challenge for Beavers - Youths ages 5 to 7 Sept. 7, with a clinic Mondays 6:30pm - 7:45pm on Sept. 6. Weir says Cub Scouts - Youth ages 8 to 10 she will have a better Tuesdays 6:30pm - 8:00 pm idea what the society’s Scouts - Youth ages 13 to 16 membership thinks Thursdays 6:30pm - 8:00 pm about splitting the dates “It starts with Scouts” as this is their first year LEADERS REQUIRED! using this format. Winners: For info call 403.783.0703 or 403.704.9615 or email: Cmaz7@shaw.ca • Special Needs: Alli-

REGISTRATION

son Soosay • Seniors: Irene Rausch • All Things Christmas: Katie Huddleston • Junior Division 1: Amelia Bos • Junior Division 11: Rebecca Hamm • Arts and Crafts: Katie Huddleston • Agriculture: Kirstein Whiteside • Art: Lyle Langford • Knitting and Crocheting: Katie Huddleston • Arrangements and Houseplants: Joan Van Wolde • Horticulture: Gail Davis • Alberta Horticulture High Point Award: Gail Davis • Fruits: Fred Broska • Domestic Arts: Kirsten Whiteside • Quilts, Rugs, Wall Hangings: Deb Witvoet • Vegetables: Kirsten Whiteside and Fred Broska • Photography: Eldred Stamp • Sewing: Irene Rausch • Half Way Grove Women’s Institute Award for Blue and White Tea Cup Flowers: First: Gail Davis, second: Evelyne Gertsma • Urban Landscaping (less than three years old): Judy Shaver, second: Jac and Janette Vandenboek • Urban Landscaping (three years and over): Lorrie Jess, second: Frank Bedner • Urban Vegetable Garden: First Jac and Janette

Ponoka Minor Soccer Assoc. Indoor Development Registration & Information Night

Fall Leagues start Saturday, September 6 Youth (3 – 19yrs) - Sat, Sun, Tues or Wed Club 55+ - Tues am or pm and Fri pm evenings Mixed Adult League - Tues, Wed or Thur

Call NOW to reserve your spot. w Returning bowlers please call to let us kno which night you will be bowling

NEW BOWLERS WELCOME!

NITY U M M O C T A SEE YOU GHT! I N N O I T A R T REGIS For more information call

403-783-4515 or stop in at 4812 50 Street

Vandenboek • Rural Vegetable Garden: First: Frank Bedner, second: Lorrie Jess • Rural Junior Gardens: Division 1 – First: Amelia Bos. Division 11 - First: Cameron Bos Awards of excellence: • All Things Christmas: Nellie Bos • Quilts, Rugs and Wall Hangings: Wendy Gardner • Knitting and Crocheting: Christine Huddleston • From Scratch: Katie Huddleston • Special Needs: Essie Sossay • Junior Division 1: Michael Schmidt • Junior Division 11: Amelia Bos • Arts and Crafts: Johnathon Gertsma • Sewing: Irene Rausch • Domestic Arts: Kathleen McKelvie • Agriculture: K. Whiteside • Horticulture: Gail Davis • Fruits: Fred Broska • Arrangements and Houseplants: Gail Davis • Seniors: Norine Carlson • 4-H: Helena Winter • Art: Lyle Langford • Photography: Eldred Stamp • Vegetables: Fred Broska

Wednesday, Sept 3 at 5:00 pm Kinsmen Recreation Centre

Ponoka Skating Club

REGISTRATION

NIGHT Wednesday, September 3 5:00 - 8:00 pm

Kinsmen Community Centre

Hockey Learn to Skate

Sept. 15 - Oct. 15 • $220.00

www.skateponoka.ca

Age Groups: Under 6 Under 8 Under 10 (kids born 2005 – 2010) If there is enough interest we may have U12 and or U14 teams For more information: www.ponokasoccer.ca or call Greg 403-783-4249

PONOKA NEWS 19

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Cheer and protect our children going back to school

Less Fuel. More Power. Great Value is a comparison between the 2014 and the 2013 Chrysler Canada product lineups. 40 MPG or greater claim (7.0 L/100 km) based on 2014 EnerGuide highway fuel consumption ratings. Government of Canada test methods used. Your actual fuel consumption may vary based on driving habits and other factors. Ask your dealer for the EnerGuide information. ¤2014 Jeep Wrangler 3.6 L PentastarTM VVT V6 - Hwy: 9.3 L/100 km (30 MPG) and City: 12.7 L/100 km (22 MPG). 2014 Jeep Cherokee 4x2 2.4 L I-4 Tiger-sharkTM MultiAir ® – Hwy: 6.4 L/100 km (44 MPG) and City: 9.6 L /100 km (29 MPG). 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee 3.0L EcoDiesel V6 8-speed automatic – Hwy: 7.0 L/100 km (40 MPG) and City: 10.3 L/100 km (27 MPG). Wise customers read the fine print: *, ♦♦, , ‡, § The Trade In Trade Up Summer Clearance Event offers are limited time offers which apply to retail deliveries of selected new and unused models purchased from participating dealers on or after July 2, 2014. Offers subject to change and may be extended without notice. All pricing includes freight ($1,695) and excludes licence, insurance, registration, any dealer administration fees, other dealer charges and other applicable fees and taxes. Dealer order/trade may be necessary. Dealer may sell for less. *Consumer Cash Discounts are offered on select new 2014 vehicles and are deducted from the negotiated price before taxes. ♦♦$1,000 Bonus Cash is available on all new 2014 Jeep Wrangler models and is deducted from the negotiated purchase price after taxes. 3.49% purchase financing for up to 96 months available through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Example: 2014 Jeep Cherokee Sport FWD with a Purchase Price of $24,998 financed at 3.49% over 96 months with $0 down payment equals 208 bi-weekly payments of $138 with a cost of borrowing of $3,669 and a total obligation of $28,667. ‡3.99% purchase financing for up to 96 months available on the new 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4x4/2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo models to qualified customers on approved credit through RBC, Scotiabank and TD Auto Finance. Examples: 2014 Jeep Wrangler Sport 4x4/2014 Jeep Grand Cherokee Laredo with a Purchase Price of $20,798/$39,998 (including applicable Consumer Cash Discounts) financed at 3.99% over 96 months with $0 down payment equals 208 bi-weekly payments of $117/$225 with a cost of borrowing of $3,511/$6,753 and a total obligation of $24,309/$46,751. §Starting from prices for vehicles shown include Consumer Cash Discounts and do not include upgrades (e.g. paint). Upgrades available for additional cost. Based on 2014 Ward’s Small Sport Utility segmentation. »Jeep Grand Cherokee has received more awards over its lifetime than any other SUV. TMThe SiriusXM logo is a registered trademark of SiriusXM Satellite Radio Inc. ®Jeep is a registered trademark of Chrysler Group LLC.

Going back to school is an exciting September tradition that has been happening for countless decades, and is a great youthful experience and adventure that most of us will never forget, and that

our rambunctious children from tinnnies to teens should always look forward to. In just a few more sleeps, the hallowed halls of learning in Ponoka town and county schools will be packed with boys

and girls of all sizes and shapes full of energy after a great summer holiday. Hopefully they will all be looking forward to ten busy months of meeting new teachers, making lots of friends,

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joining in on school sports and showing off their new outfits. Let’s hope that it won’t take too long for them to learn to sit down and be quiet for more than ten minutes at a time, as well as hitting the books, solving the three R’s and tackling all those other worldly classroom subjects. AfMike Rainone ter the first few days of Hammertime picking up school supplies and getting the kids prepped for the ‘school rush’, it will be much quieter and stressfree for the parents, who can maybe now relax just a little and enjoy the wonderful 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekly silence and solitude of home sweet home. Of the utmost importance to all of us is the fact that all of these excited students (our future), along with their parents and teachers will be out and about in a hurry on their way to school, by walking, riding, or catching the good old yellow bus. Please slow down, drive carefully, and watch out for everyone, while always following the school zone rules and avoiding the very hefty fines for speeding in front of the schools or not stopping for flashing bus lights. In the meantime, here are a few favourite memories of our great adventures of school days. *Some of us will remember when the new class lists were put up in the window of the local newspapers and everyone dashed down for a peak, followed by screams of joy, or sobs because they didn’t get the teachers or the classmates they had wished for. *I took Home Economics from Mrs. Cline, mainly because there were lots of cooking hot girls in the class, but it didn’t do much good, because they used my cookies for pucks, and I still can’t cook 60 years later. Because of my size (short but sweet) and my constant chatter, I was always moved to the front of every class close to the eagle eye of the teacher. Remember your very first locker, which had a big pad-lock, and usually ended up full of smelly socks, shorts and running shoes along with pictures and souvenirs of your movie heroes and your wanna-be girl friends? *Are the desks bigger now? We had wooden ones that had ink wells and a small drawer that we stuffed with books, a bulging pencil case, a bag of marbles, a chocolate bar and yesterday’s sandwich and an apple to impress the teacher. *In the early grades, little boys and girls didn’t really get along, but then in junior high the dances in the gym began and the hormones started to kick in, usually resulting in holding hands, a crush a week, and maybe even a first date to an afternoon matinee at the local theatre, Dutch treat. If you had ‘wheels’ (four whitewalls) in high school you were a jock, but for most of us it was either walk, hitch a ride, or double her home on your bike. *Many of you will recall that each day we had to pack lots of books, loose leafs, binders, and lunch back and forth to school in a sack, but now they have back-packs and lap-tops, dine in the cafeteria, or eat out. I guess the rows of bike racks in front of the school have now been replaced by parking lots full of cars, but I bet the students in science class still get to experiment with frogs and mix things together in beakers and hope they don’t blow up. continued on page 20

20 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

continued from page 19 *Exams were always kind of scary. All bunched up together in the same room, writing all those answers on a time limit, and then having to wait an eternity for your report card and praying that you would get enough ‘passing marks’ to safely take it home. Bottom line, do your homework, try to be

FIRST CHOICE REALTY

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(PONOKA) LTD.

Broker/ Owner

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TYLER FESSLER

Associate

403-783-8881

RIVERSIDE Exceptional custom built home. Fully finished with high quality finishing throughout. Open floor plan with high ceilings, plenty of natural light throughout the main floor. Beautiful kitchen with maple cabinets and granite countertops. 5 bdrms. & 3 baths. Master features large walk-in closet and 5 pc ensuite complete with double sinks, separate shower as well as a soaker tub. Basement is fully finished with an additional 2 bdrms, large media room wired for sound, plumbing is roughed in for a wet bar. Plenty of storage space. Home features air conditioning, hot water on demand, in-floor heating in basement and garage. Beautifully landscaped yard with low maintenance. Located in a quiet cul-de-sac in Riverside.

real nice to your older brothers and sisters so that they will give you a hand, and don’t ever be afraid to reach out for a little help from your friends. *Math lost me completely in the 9th grade, but I was really good at English and wrote lots of essays or stories for others and to keep on the good side of the big guys. I always excelled at recess and selling or swapping my lunches, but some of my favourite subjects were cheer-squads, as well drama and glee-club because we got to get up on the stage and show-off to the rest of the kids. I don’t really think that our fabulous and vitally important equal opportunity institution of learning has changed very much along the way, but as we all have or will find out along the way in our classroom endeavours, one will soon realize that if you work hard, give your best effort, and have a little fun in the process, the chances of succeeding will always be well within your reach. In the meantime, keep smiling, and have a great week, all of you..

LISA SMITH 6000 - 48 Ave., Ponoka

NEW THIS WEEK! FAMILY STYLE BUNGALOW

$525,000

RIVERSIDE

$229,000

Photo by Amelia Naismith

1,130 SqFt BiͲLevel Main Floor Plan

Large family home with all living space on the main floor. Large living room with woodstove, 3 bdrms + an office, as well as large family room with woodburning fireplace. Over 2100 sq.ft. all on an oversized lot.

E UC

Associate 403-704-0646

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Molly, an American cocker spaniel, competes in the Hot Diggity Dogs agility demonstration as part of the Horticulture Show on Saturday, Aug. 23.

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- 2536 sq.ft. walk out 4 b/r, 3 baths - Bright Kitchen & Eating Area - Kitchen offers direct access to backyard - Double Attached Garage - Over-sized Single Garage in backyard

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AFFORDABLE ACREAGE LIVING! REDUCED

Central Location 1120 sq. ft. 5 bdrm & 2 bath Open concept throughout main ﬂoor Family room w/wood burning stove Upgrades include new ﬂooring, hot water tank & shingles - This is one for your “must see” list!

UPDATED CHARMER REDUCED

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- Double Wide Mobile - On its Own Lot - 1194 sq ft - 3 b/r, 2 bath - Vaulted Ceiling - Double Car Garage with Carport - Numerous Upgrades

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Lots of building sites Room for a few animals Easy access to Hwy 2A Home based business opportunity with ample room for shop or storage yard

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PONOKA NEWS 21

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Members of the Ponoka Flying Club took to the air and flew to Rocky Mountain House for breakfast, Aug. 23. Submitted photo

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22 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Century old cars stop in Ponoka on memorable adventure BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Classic car lovers had a big surprise Aug. 20 when two century-old cars made a stop in downtown Ponoka. Rebuilt with love and care, Ray and Lynn Fowler in their McLaughlin-Buick, along with Pat McKenna in his Studebaker SD4, decided to trek from Calgary to Edmonton last week using the old route by motorists in 1914. The group dubbed the trip Road From the Past and it did not take long for City TV to hitch a ride to document the epic road adventure complete with old-timey camping equipment and everyone dressed in clothes similar to that of the same time period. Many people took the long and harrowing trip from Calgary to Edmonton but it was in 1914 that a map was developed, giving travellers a reference point. There is only one surviving map from that time and it is housed in the Glenbow Museum in Calgary. This was no ordinary map either, said Mr. Fowler; reading up on the map showed tips for motorists such as a farmhouse on the left would have a working telephone or specific landmarks. “It would tell you about the hardware store in the town…Ponoka was there,” said Ray Fowler. Research took several years and between the two cars, the Fowlers and McKenna made seven trips to find the route that was as close to the original as possible. “You’re not going by road signs, you’re actually going by ‘turn right at the slough,’” said McKenna. Travelling with 100 year old equipment Fowler says his car is a Canadian built McLaughlin-Buick, decked out with all original parts, including a canopy roof and hand crank starter. There are only three left, stated Fowler proudly. “It’s a little beat up, because we use it a lot.” Driving on the modern roads, even the gravel roads, with old equipment brought many challenges for the veteran travellers. Fowler says they have a better appreciation of how people used to live. At the time of production, the McLaughlinBuick was most-likely considered a state of the art automobile but in today’s market of electronics in vehicles the McLaughlin-Buick is definitely a unique experience. Small hills or sharp turns become their own obstacles for these older vehicles; the McLaugh-

Receive

Pat McKenna and Lynn and Ray Fowler stand in front of their original 1914 classic cars Aug. 20 in downtown Ponoka. The travellers stopped in Ponoka during a weeklong trip from Calgary to Edmonton last week. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

lin-Buick has a safe top speed of 28 to 30 miles per hour. Anything faster, says Fowler, and the car starts to vibrate. “Every little hill you’re looking at, ‘Can I make it in third? No. I can’t make it in third, I’ve gotta stop now and change it to second,’” he explained. McKenna drives a 1914 Studebaker SD4 fivepassenger vehicle, also built in Canada and has all its original parts. He bought it some years ago and has a 1958 bill of sale to go with it. For McKenna, seeing the smile on people’s faces as they stop in different communities along the way has made the trip worth the effort. “Everybody loves to get in them,” stated McKenna. The challenge for him is driving a car with square-cut gears and a leather clutch. Stories that last a lifetime The three travellers have been using gravel roads and range roads

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as part of their route and have camped along the way using gear from the same time period. Every morning they update with City TV Breakfast Television in Calgary over how the trip has been and Fowler says there’s a story to tell every day. “Everybody has a bucket list and everybody has things they want to do,” said Fowler. Longtime friend and cameraman with City TV, Rod Maldaner, is filming a documentary called 100 Year Road airing Sept. 26 on the channel covering the whole trip. Maldaner said the moment the trip started, there has been something to film. On the first day of the trip the crew hadn’t even left the parking lot and Fowler’s right-rear wheel broke, forcing him to find a wheel of similar size and make somewhere in Calgary.

There is hours of video coverage that Maldaner has to go through because each day brought something different to cover. “When do you shut the camera off?” asked Maldaner excitedly. The story writes itself, stated Fowler, who praised the camera crew for filming in all weather conditions. One leg of the trip put the travellers on a head-on course with heavy rain and thunderstorms. Rather than hide in the car, the camera crew geared up and filmed these intrepid motorists battling the conditions and dealing with a flat tire at the same time. “You can’t stage that stuff,” said Fowler. “And you’ve gotta be there to catch it.” The trip ends at Chianti Café Aug. 28 in Edmonton where the old post office used to be in Old Strathcona.

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PONOKA NEWS 23

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Mare Nostrum

Losing Sucks

and the Central African Republic, the The last time “Mare Nostrum”(Latin for “Our Sea”) was numbers are going up fast. Five ItalAs we passed the surveys are compiled used as a political slogan in Italy, ian warships are dedicated full-time halfway point of Autowards the end of Mussolini’s fascists were claiming to Operation Mare Nostrum, and gust, the harvest itch July (and there’s still dominance over the entire Mediterraon many occasions in the past few started to creep back a few weeks left benean. This time it’s different. It’s the months they have picked up more than with equipment (and fore it’s in the bin!). name of the operation the Italian navy a thousand people in one day. This sitmentalities) getting One of the arms of is running to save asylum seekers from uation cannot last. prepared to “push ‘er drowning on the dangerous voyage in taly has made no threats to stop the U.S.D.A., the til she plugs”. Staopen boats from North Africa to Italy. the rescues and let the refugees drown. Farm Service Agentistics Canada’s July In a seaworthy vessel with a work“We do not want a sea of death,” said cy, released data as to production estimates ing engine and a reliable compass, Rear-Admiral Michele Saponaro, what’s been enrolled peg the Canadian it’s a ten-hour crossing and not very who runs the operation from the naval in government subdangerous at all. In a leaky, massively canola crop at 13.9 command centre. But Rome is lossidy programs this Brennan Turner overcrowded wreck that was scaving patience with its do-nothing EU million tonnes, below year, reporting 83.32 Gwynne Dyer Farm Lead enged somewhere along the North “partners”, and there is another way pre-report expectamillion acres of Think African coast by the people smugto address Italy’s problem. tions of 14.5 million. corn, 79.25 million Globally glers and sent off to Italy after a few The Schengen Treaty does not The government acres of soybeans, rudimentary repairs, it can be a death include Britain and Ireland, which agency is also suggesting 27.7 and 52.57 million acres of wheat. sentence. An estimated 20,000 people opted out, and four new EU members million tonnes of total wheat outwent down with their boats before reaching Italy in have not yet complied with its terms – but 22 of the put, including 4.95 million tonnes These numbers are all below the the past ten years. EU’s 28 members allow free movement across their of durum (Sidenote: durum prices U.S.D.A.’s official forecasts but the The most recent victims, on 23 August, barely borders for legal residents of all the Schengen counhave been elevated lately because F.S.A.’s lost acres ( also known as made it one kilometre off the Libyan coast before tries. This includes Italy, of course. So in theory if of quality concerns in Europe and “prevent plant”) also below that of their boat sank, leaving 170 people in the water. The Italy just gives the asylum seekers an ID card and northern U.S. states but are due for the U.S.D.A.’s at 1.54 million for Italian navy does not operate in Libyan territorial a document saying they have permanent residence, a pullback soon). Other oilseeds corn, 827,000 for soybeans, and waters, and the Libyan coast guard station near Qa- then they’ll leave for greener pastures. and pulse crops are seen having 1.36 million of wheat. rabouli, east of Tripoli, has no ships of its own. The “We’ll just let them go,” said Interior Minister Recent rains in eastern Austrahigher output than even last year’s coast guards borrowed a couple of fishing boats, but Angelino Alfano last May. “We want to clearly say lia will help maintain the size of big crop, including a new record only sixteen people were still alive by the time they to the EU that they either patrol the Mediterranean the winter crop as the region was of 5.9 million tonnes of soybeans, got there. border with us or we will send all those who ask for but this is more associated with in need of a good drink, otherwise The boats usually founder in international wa- asylum in Italy where they really want to go: that is, increased acres (versus increased the 25 million-tonne wheat crop ters, however, and then it’s the Italian navy’s job. the rest of Europe, because they don’t want to stay yields). These reports are always might’ve been scaled down. Operation Mare Nostrum began in October, 2013, in Italy.” continued on page 26 taken with a grain of salt though as and since then over 80,000 people have been pulled A previous Italian government briefly made from these sea-going death traps (though most were the same threat back in not actually sinking at the time) and safely landed in 2011 and then the rift Italy. Last weekend, the Italian navy rescued almost was papered over, but 4,000 more. Prime Minister Matteo This policy honours Italy’s humanitarian tradi- Renzi’s new governtions – but since all the people who are saved claim ment seems to mean political asylum on coming ashore, setting in mo- business. Italy not only tion a legal process that can last for years, the Italian wants its partners to navy is actually increasing Italy’s problem as the contribute money and first port of call for over half the undocumented im- ships to Operation migrants entering the European Union. Mare Nostrum; it also Most of them have a good case for claiming asy- wants them to share the lum: a large majority of the people reaching Italy job of looking after the • On September 1, 2014, Alberta’s general minimum wage will increase from are refugees from war and tyranny in Syria, Eritrea, refugees AND NOT and Somalia, with smaller number from various LEAVE THEM ALL IN $9.95 to $10.20 an hour. West African countries. Nor do they really want to ITALY. • The liquor server minimum wage will increase from $ 9.05 to $ 9.20 per hour. stay in Italy, which is going through a prolonged The EU is famouseconomic crisis and has very high unemployment. ly bad at making hard • Minimum wages are reviewed annually. Increases are based on changes to They would rather move on to more prosperous EU choices, but it’s finally Average Weekly Earnings and the Consumer Price Index in Alberta. countries further north. going to have to face up But international law says that refugees must to this one. claim asylum in the first safe haven they reach, and For more information about employment standards, Gwynne Dyer is an in the case of the EU that is almost bound to be It- independent journalist call 1-877-427-3731 or visit work.alberta.ca/es aly, because it is so near to Africa and because the whose articles on world post-Gaddafi chaos in Libya means that there is no affairs are published in 14083DG0 control over boats leaving the Libyan coast. 45 countries. Italy is now getting more than half of the EU’s entire refugee flow – probably well over NEED A 100,000 this year – and all of those people must stay in Italy. 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24 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Interest rates and debt about to catch fire Ontario and Quebec set to reap the whirlwind The era of low interest rates may be coming to an end. While interest rates have remained at historic lows since the 2008-09 economic crisis and subsequent slow world economic growth, recent dissent at both the Bank of England and the U.S. Federal Reserve over whether to continue a policy of low interest rates suggests that interest rates may rise sooner rather than later. Indeed, RBC apparently expects that Government of Canada bond yields will double to about 3.3 per cent by the end of 2015. The end of low interest rates should spark concern, given the accumulation of net debt particularly at the provincial level in Canada. Whereas 20 years ago, the preoccupation was a federal debt crisis, we may very well be on the verge of a provincial one given the changes in the fiscal and debt positions of the federal and provincial governments. In 2001 federal government net public debt was $565 billion, declining to $516 billion in 2007 on the eve of the financial crisis. As a result of the Great Recession’s revenue impact and fiscal stimulus programs, the federal net debt grew to reach $671 billion by 2012. Ottawa has

since managed to baltractiveness of cheap borrowing. As Livio Di Matteo ance the budget and it a result, debt service costs for the Troy Media can be expected that its provinces went up slightly during Columnist net debt will once again this period whereas they declined 26 edge downwards. per cent for the federal government. The case of the Provincial debt charges were $24.4 provinces is more disturbing. In billion in 2001 and grew to $24.8 billion by 2012. 2001, the total net provincial public The provinces, however, are not all equally debt in Canada was $290 billion. debt afflicted. Between 2001 and 2012, net debt Unlike the federal government, this growth ranged from an increase of 91 per cent total debt has risen relentlessly, for both Ontario and Quebec to a large drop in reaching $321 billion in 2007. With Alberta. After Ontario and Quebec, the largest inthe onset of the Great Recession, the creases in net debt over this period were for Prince provinces also incurred large deficits Edward Island at 87 per cent, New Brunswick at and their net debt soared to $510 bil- 64 per cent, Manitoba at 61 per cent and British lion by 2012. It should be noted that Columbia at 54 per cent. Down at the bottom with 80 per cent of this net debt is for On- Alberta is Saskatchewan, which saw a 45 per cent tario and Quebec. decrease in its net debt, Newfoundland with a 4 Between 2001 and 2012, the per cent decrease, and federal net debt grew 19 per cent. Nova Scotia, which exHowever, as a result of the long- perienced only a 15 per term decline in interest rates, debt cent increase. service charges fell from $39.7 bilWith a combined lion in 2001 to $29.2 billion in 2012 federal provincial net enabling the federal government to debt in 2012 of $1.2 reap an enormous fiscal dividend trillion and a comthat allowed it spend more and re- bined debt to GDP duce tax rates. ratio pushing 70 per Between 2001 and 2012, pro- cent, this mass of debt vincial net debt rose by 76 per cent. is generating combined While the provinces also reaped a debt service charges of fiscal dividend from the fall in inter- $54 billion annually. est rates, they were prone to taking While any interest rate on relatively more debt given the at- increases will gradu-

ally affect debt charges as debt rolls over to be refinanced, it remains that debt service costs will grow. Moreover, this will cause greater fiscal damage at the provincial level and particularly in Ontario and Quebec, which have the highest total and per capita provincial net public debts. While Quebec has embarked on the path to balancing its budget, Ontario is still lagging in its commitment towards budget balance and, in the meantime, both provinces will add billions of dollars more to their net debts. Rising interest rates combined with rising debt will increase debt service costs and crowd out important public spending on health, education and infrastructure. The resulting fiscal fire will be extremely unpleasant. Livio Di Matteo is Professor of Economics at Lakehead University in Thunder Bay.

Know the price of paying up Did you know? If you refinance your mortgage, switch lenders midway through your term or pay off your mortgage early, you could be in for an unpleasant surprise: prepayment penalties and thousands of dollars in fees. Understanding prepayment penalties can

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PONOKA NEWS 25

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

Soccer camp creates fun learning environment BY JEFFREY HEYDEN-KAYE

Last week brought more than 35 kids of all ages eager to learn the ins and outs of soccer to the Ponoka Secondary Campus pitch. Kids as young as four years old and those in their teens worked hard all week at the Challenger Sports soccer camp while soccer coaches from Great Britain gave them important tips to become better players. Coach Jack Sarahs said more than 1,700 coaches fly out from Britain to cities across North America in the summer. This is his second year with the program and he said he enjoyed mentoring older kids in advanced steps. The trick is in how kids are taught. “You need to get the balance of them enjoying soccer and learning the sport,” explained Sarahs. He suggests soccer is an ideal learning ground for developing social skills and learning the importance of team ethics. As this is the first year of the camp in Ponoka, Sarahs feels if Ponoka Minor Soccer decides to hire them again, the number of entrants will expand. There were three coaches working the young athletes over the course of the week and each one said the main focus was to develop a love for the game. Coach Sean Aspinarr

feels soccer is an accessible sport and relatively inexpensive to play. “All you need is a pair of cleats and some grass,” said Aspinarr. These camps not only train kids how to play the game better, they also drive interest in the sport and the more players there are, the better, he added. Coach Shannon Brannan taught young kids — aged four and five years old — how to play in the First Kicks and Mini Soccer programs. Brannan used fun games that gave these young athletes important soccer skills.

“You need to get the balance of them enjoying soccer and learning the sport.” Jack Sarahs, coach with Challenger Sports

She provided dribbling and soft touch skills that will be the basis for the rest of their soccer careers. “I enjoy that (age) group the most because you see clear development,” explained Brannan. Interest in the camp came from Lonny Behm, vice-president and co-ordinator of coach and player development for Ponoka Minor Soccer. He said he was pleased with the

Daniel Marcgh, Brayden Lubach and Chase McKelvie work on some soccer drills Aug. 20, at the Ponoka Secondary Campus soccer pitch, while Challenger Sports soccer coaches Sean Aspinarr and Jack Sarahs watch on. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

interest for the first year of the camp. Behm says Challenger Sports is the largest soccer camp in North America and the coaches have done well. “The coaches are super friendly,” said Behm. He heard of the soccer camp from other soccer associations that used Challenger Sports and found their response was positive. He is already

looking at bringing the group back to Ponoka next year and hopes to bring them earlier in the summer season. For Behm, the best part of the camp was giving kids a chance to play longer, learn more and seeing participants having a fun experience.

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26 PONOKA NEWS

Wednesday, Aug. 27, 2014

CALNASH AG EVENT CENTRE SEPTEMBER CALENDAR

Yard sale for missions:

Joann Doupe and George Bakewell take a moment to chat during the Trinity Evangelical Lutheran Church yard sale Aug. 21. The annual sale is a fundraiser for some of the missions the church supports. Photo by Jeffrey Heyden-Kaye

Losing sucks MONDAY 1

LABOUR DAY Private Booking

TUESDAY 2

Arena Closed

WEDNESDAY 3 BarrelPractice/ Open Ride 9am-1pm Open Ride 1-4pm

THURSDAY

FRIDAY

SATURDAY

SUNDAY