Always better – always better read
8 Pages
September 19, 2017
The Bashaw Bus has been available to transport rural residents in the communities of Edberg, Ferintosh, Duhamel, New Norway and Bashaw since 2013, to access shopping, appointments, education, and numerous other amenities offered in the city of Camrose. However, the ultimate goal of the Battle River Bus project has always been to achieve transportation services for the entire Battle River region, eventually with daily services for all rural residents.
Jerry Gauthier has been driving The Bashaw Bus for 3 years.
Inside...
Many advocates are working to make this goal a reality. On Saturday, September 23 everyone is invited to The Transportation Information Day ll at The University of Alberta, Augustana Campus. The Ministry of Transportation will be there to talk about Proposed Rural Pilot Projects, Regional Cooperation and the Alberta Transportation Strategy. Numerous additional speakers with the goal of making rural transportation accessible to all Albertans will be offering their perspectives on this opportunity. Highlights include ribbon cutting with Pogo CarShare and insights from Canmore-Banff and Rocky View Regional Transit experiences. For more information refer to page 4 of this week’s Country Booster. To register for the Rural Information Day phone 780-672-9315 or email source21@telus.net
News Features…
Visit our website: www.camrosebooster.com
Win a colour enlargement of your farm!
Photos by Sue Nelson
Keeping Rural Albertans _on _ _ the
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, September 19, 2017 – Page 2
Who’s Who
Hello, Old Friend
in the
The M108S by Kubota
Electricity Zoo KEEPING TRACK IN A CHANGING MARKETPLACE AFREA has been busy keeping up with developments in the electricity sector and advocating on behalf of our member REAs. Listed below with a summary description, are a few of the items we have been working on and information about the regulatory bodies we interact with when we represent you. 1. The Market Surveillance Administrator is reviewing the Regulated Rate Option at Alberta Energy’s request. On June 1, 2017, the Regulated Rate Option was capped at $0.068/ kWh through passage of Bill 16 in the Legislative Assembly. The AFREA continues to provide feedback on this change and is working closely with the MSA. 2. FortisAlberta Inc. has applied for an order from the Alberta Utilities Commission to: a) confirm its service areas on land annexed by municipalities, and b) compel REAs to turn over wires, substations, and their corresponding members. AUC Proceeding 22164 is ongoing. It directly involves three REAs that are AFREA members. The AFREA is representing its members and one additional REA in disputing this application. We have engaged legal counsel and technical consulting expertise to assist us. 3. The Alberta Utilities Commission (AUC) is tasked with investigating distribution-connected generation. Proceeding 22534 involves how renewable (solar, wind, hydro) and alternative energy sources could be expanded in Alberta to produce electricity close to power users. The AFREA is participating as a key stakeholder in this proceeding, at the request of the AUC.
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While we ask for member input into these cases, we recognize it’s a zoo – not just technical detail, but of too many acronyms and players to keep track of. But it is possible. Here’s a list of “who’s who” to detangle it for you. Thank you to our member REAs for representing their members and the unique nature of their REA when providing input. It will continue to be needed! Please keep reading your E-News for updates in these matters.
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4. In June 2017, the AUC approved changes to Rule 024: Rules Respecting Micro-Generation. The AFREA has represented our members’ interests in this Consultation. The Rule changes were effective July 4, 2017. After 75 years in the business, the environment has likely never been more complex than it is now. Even in these far-reaching scenarios, we have not mentioned all the agencies involved in running Alberta’s electricity industry.
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Balancing Pool: The Balancing Pool is an independent corporation created to market power from older generation contracts that were unsold after the electricity market was deregulated. Market Surveillance Administrator (MSA): The MSA monitors the wholesale electricity, retail electricity, and natural gas markets investigating issues that come to its attention through surveillance or complaints. Utilities Consumer Advocate (UCA): The UCA represents, informs, and educates consumers on electricity (utility) matters.
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Crop facility in Forestburg By Murray Green
Richardson Pioneer expanded its retail crop inputs network across Western Canada through the acquisition of two new crop inputs facilities in northeastern Alberta. Richardson Pioneer acquired Webb’s Crop Services in Vermilion and Agro Guys near Forestburg. Both businesses are independent, full-service retail crop inputs centres that provide local customers with seed, fertilizer and crop protection products. The acquisitions closed on Aug. 31 and employees joined the Richardson Pioneer team on Sept. 1. “Both businesses have been key service providers in their markets. We look forward to establishing a presence in these communities by working with local farmers to provide them with leading products and technologies, year-round support through our agronomy team and Richardson Pioneer’s bestin-class service,” said Tom Hamilton, vice-president, agribusiness operations.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, September 19, 2017 – Page 3
Real Estate FARMS • ACREAGES • RANCHES 4 ACRES BARE LAND IN DAYSLAND – Great place to build your dream home. Close to golf course and school. Asking $150,000. S-45 4 ACRES IN DAYSLAND – with 1400± sq. ft. bungalow home newly ungalow galow ho ho m mee C iith n EDne U with Datt renovated garage ted ePdR bbasement, basem basemen asement, l E aattached ICE tRlarge and heated insulated shop. $499,900. S-44 NEW LISTING – Quarter on highway four miles north of Bawlf, could be pasture or grain. $549,000. S-115 ACREAGE – With meat processing business, remodelled home, shop and two quonsets on 7 acres between Daysland and Strome. $700,000. S-92 1.5 ACRES WITH POWER – on Highway 13 at the town of Daysland. $80,000. S-103 QUARTER BETWEEN HOLDEN AND BRUCE – currently in grass but could be excellent grain land. S-108 GRAIN FARM EAST OF CAMROSE – with parklike yardsite and two homes. Available with two or four quarters of quality grainland. S-109
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300 ACRES OF PASTURE/RECREATIONAL LAND – overlooking the Battle River with amazing building sites. S-110 NEW LISTING – Quarter of pasture land for tender between Viking and Kinsella subject to Ducks Unlimited Conservation Easement Agreement. Good fences, dugout, corrals and 10-acre non-habitat area on which to build your yard. S-121 NEW LISTING – 80-acre farm east of Camrose. Great opportunity to expand or start your own operation. Older 3-bedroom home on 80 acres which could be cultivated or left as pasture. Property is fenced and has a dugout. Call George. S-117 NEW LISTING – 480-acre cattle and grain farm with excellent home and yard north of Two Hills. S-118 NEW LISTING – Quarter on Hwy. 21 north of Bashaw great for cattle or horses. Riding arena and nicely renovated house. $990,000. S-119 NEW LISTING – Heated insulated 40’ x 60’ shop in Heisler. $75,000. S-120
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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, September 19, 2017 – Page 4
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Stolen Dodge truck found damaged
Rural transportation day By Lori Larsen
Living in rural Alberta, especially for seniors, can pose some concerns when it comes to transportation in and out of the city to access vital services, shopping and other business. Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN) has partnered with the Association for Life-wide Living (ALL) in an effort to develop safe and viable alternatives to private transportation for residents living in rural communities. Residents of Camrose and surrounding areas are invited to Rural Transportation Day II on Saturday, Sept. 23 at the University of Alberta, Augustana Campus. Minister of transportation Brian Mason will be in attendance along with other guests that include Dr. Ross Danyluk, executive director Strategy and Policy Branch Transportation Alberta, Martin Bean, chief administrative officer Bow Valley Regional Transit Services Commission, City of Camrose councillor Max Lindstrand speaking on the Camrose Community Bus and Dr. Peter Berg
with Alberta Rural Development Network (ARDN). The day begins at 9 a.m. with morning prayers by indigenous elders followed by registration, music and coffee at 9:30 a.m. As part of the initiative to find solutions to the issue of rural transportation the Association for Life-wide Living (ALL) has partnered with ARDN in developing the Battle River Bus (BRB), a regional transportation option for the Battle River Region. Operating on an on-call basis the BRB runs once or twice a week transporting residents of smaller communities in the Battle River region to and from Camrose for the day. The long-term vision for the BRB includes an eventual system with interconnections to the entire region with the possibility of a daily service that would allow riders to access employment as well as services. For more information email source21@telus.net or telephone 780-672-9315.
4925-48 Street, Camrose Phone 780.672.3142
September 4
READING UNIVERSITY GRAD Submitted Photo Reading University graduate Porter Hawkins, from the Tofield campus receives his certificate of recognition from University of Alberta associate dean of Academic Dr. Karsten Mundel during the summer graduation ceremony. The Reading University program is a four week summer program sponsored by Battle River Community Foundation, Battle River School Division and the Augustana Campus of the University of Alberta and is intended to increase the literacy skills of children in Grades 2 and 3 who are not yet reading at grade level.
Police assisted with a family custody dispute. A 30-year-old female was removed from the residence and transported to a friend’s residence. A Dodge truck was stolen from a business in Camrose County. The truck was later found damaged and abandoned at a county residence, which was victim to a break and enter. Several tools, a quad and a 2007 blue Chevrolet truck were stolen. September 3
Police responded to a single vehicle collision north of Camrose along Highway 833. A fence, power pole and the vehicle suffered extensive damage. The 23-year-old driver was issued a three day licence suspension.
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, September 19, 2017 – Page 5
Wild Rose Co-op agrees to redistrict changes By Murray Green
DID YOU KNOW…
Wild Rose Co-op asked Camrose County to redistrict farm land to provide a general framework for future land use and to assist with future development and subdivision applications within the 13 hectare (33 acre) parcel of land in the county at Pt. SW 33-46-19-W4. After councillor Brian Willoughby moved the amendment, councillor Jack Lyle moved third reading for the bylaw that also passed at the regular Aug. 22 council meeting. Originally, council had several concerns about the proposal on June 27 and asked Wild Rose Co-op to make some amendments before bringing it back to council. “It is anticipated that the site will initially provide full crop input services to between 25 to 50 co-op members. The plan is to grow the customer base over time,” indicated county manager of planning and development Anjah Howard at the June meeting. “The long-term plan is for blended fertilizer to be delivered directly to farms from the Federated Co-op central blending facilities that have been constructed in Saskatchewan and will be developed in Alberta. The remainder of the quarter section will be utilized for test plots and farming.” Lyle moved, “That council amend Bylaw 1398 to redistrict Pt. SW 33-4619-W4 from A-Agricultural to RCI-Rural Commercial Industrial by reducing the size from 40 acres to 33 acres and relocating the rezoning to the southwest corner of the quarter section.” The preliminary site design includes a sales office, a heated garage, a chemical storage shed, fertilizer blender and storage bin, and several pieces of equipment and bins. After the June public hearing council asked coop to address the issues that were raised during the process. Wildrose Co-op
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Wild Rose Co-op met with specific individual landowners and held another Open House on Aug. 1. Based on the feed back, the redesignation was reduced from 40 acres to 33 acres and relocated to the south property line to create additional buffer between the developed site and the existing residential uses. This change also addresses other issues with this proposal. The Co-op has also begun a Traffic Impact Assessment for the project, as required by Alberta Transportation. Some concerns were aest hetics /noise / dust, decreased property values and traffic safety. “I spoke by telephone with Wayne Nikiforuk. I explained the changes to the proposal and asked if he would like to meet with us in person to discuss any
concerns. He stated that he didn’t want to meet and that the move to the south west corner of the quarter should help move the project forward,” said Wild Rose general manager Carol Rollheiser. “I also stated that we met with Alberta Transportation and they thought it best that we move the access road to the south quarter line to lessen the impact on the closest neighbours for turning lanes.” Co-op officials met with proposed neighbours Glenda and Ernie Shiell and reviewed the amended plan and the changes to the location of the proposed redistricting acres. They had someone attend the open house and also received a letter. Councillor Trevor Miller voiced his approval of the work that was done to
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TRANSPORT 780-781-4228 EDBERG, AB 17-Bale Self-Loading/Unloading Truck comply with the proposed changes to the bylaw. “We would like to note specifically that this planned development is located approximately 800 metres from the road to the first set of acreages and approximately 1.3 kilometres from the entry way to Avonroy Acres,” added Rollheiser. The site development will be designed to contain storm water runoff,
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to ensure compliance with existing regulations. The planned dugout on the site will be utilized to provide a water source for fire protection. The Wild Rose Coop will work with the Camrose Fire Department and the County Regional Fire Chief to ensure that appropriate facilities are developed for fire protection.
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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, September 19, 2017 – Page 6
Round Hill holds major car show
A huge crowd gathered for the fifth annual Round Hill Harvest Show and Shine, organized by the Round Hill and District Agricultural Society. About 150 classic automobiles were on display and other events included a threshing demonstration, pancake breakfast, chicken games and a pie sale on Sunday, Sept. 3. Young visitors were given a taste of the history of automobiles, farming and great food. For everyone else, it brought back fond memories. Photos by Murray Green, Camrose Booster
The COUNTRY BOOSTER, September 19, 2017 – Page 7
County wetland projects to proceed
SAVE THOUSANDS
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Camrose County has been given permission to pursue road projects that are near wetlands. “Thank you for discussing your concerns about the wetland replacement on Aug. 14. I appreciate the ongoing desire of your council and administration to seek a solution that fits both the needs of your municipality and expectations of provincial policy,” said Ronda Goulden, assistant deputy minister of environment in a letter. “I understand Camrose County has the option of pursuing the permittee responsible approach toward fulfilment of wetland replacement obligations (as described in the Wetland Mitigation Directive). Provided the requirements regarding wetland avoidance and minimization of impact have been met, it would be up to the County to propose permittee responsible replacement as a means of offsetting any loss of wetland area and function,” said Goulden. “If the proposed wetland replacement project meets the expectations of the designated director and is executed in accordance with the Wetland Restoration Directive, it would eliminate the need for payment of an in lieu fee,” she added. Should the County wish to pursue the permittee responsible option for wetland replacement on any upcoming regulatory applications under the Water Act, it is encouraged to work with the appropriate regulatory approvals manager to ensure the application and proposed wetland restoration project are appropriately presented and meet the expectations of the designated director. “I hope the proposed solution proves satisfactory to you and Camrose County and with this approach the County’s development projects are able to proceed in a timely manner.” County administration was happy with the response. “I’m not going to say we won the war, but we made significant advances with regards to our discussions with Alberta Environment and alternative options, rather than paying penalties to Ducks Unlimited,” said County administrator Paul King. “We have been authorized by Alberta Environment, even though they are not finished with the directive, to do the permitting responsible with wetland replacement. We have been exempted from paying the fee provided we provide an alternative wetland replacement policy. This is very satisfactory to us.”
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is published for Controlled Distribution By CAMROSE BOOSTER LTD. Blain Fowler, Publisher Circulation 12,660 copies Providing coverage to the communities of Camrose (RRs and Boxes only), Ohaton, Edberg, Meeting Creek, Donalda, Bawlf, Kelsey, Rosalind, Daysland, Heisler, Strome, Forestburg, Galahad, Castor (farms), Killam, Sedgewick, Lougheed, Coronation/Brownfield, Alliance, Hardisty, Amisk, Hughenden, Czar, Metiskow, Cadogan, Provost (farms), Armena, Hay Lakes, New Sarepta, Round Hill, Kingman, Tofield, Ryley, Holden, Bruce, Viking, Kinsella, Irma, Wainwright (farms and lock boxes), New Norway, Ferintosh, Bashaw, Bittern Lake, Gwynne, Stettler (farms).
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday, 8 a.m. to 12 noon
Phone 780-672-3142 Fax 780-672-2518 News email: news@camrosebooster.com Display Ads email: ads@camrosebooster.com Classified Ads email: ads@camrosebooster.com Website: camrosebooster.com
4925-48 Street, Camrose, AB T4V 1L7 The most effective, most economical advertising medium in the Camrose area. The entire contents of THE CAMROSE BOOSTER and THE COUNTRY BOOSTER are protected by copyright and any unauthorized reproduction of it, in whole or in part, without consent in writing, is expressly prohibited.
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The COUNTRY BOOSTER, September 19, 2017 – Page 8
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The farm appearing in this photograph is located in the Camrose trading area. If you recognize it as yours, come to the Camrose Booster, 4925-48 Street, Camrose. You will be presented with a free 8” x 10” color enlargement of the photo.
• This week’s prize must be claimed by October 3, 2017. • This week’s Mystery Farm is sponsored by the businesses on this page.
Rural Services
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Wild Rose Co-op Locations in Camrose, Killam, Sedgewick, Viking, Galahad, Alliance and Hardisty
DIRECTORY CABINETS
Camrose Custom Cabinets 3623-47 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-7875 Toll Free 1-800-251-9705
INSURANCE
Camrose Insurance Services Ltd. MICHAEL KELEMEN 5704-48 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-9251 Phone 780-672-2273
BUILDING MATERIALS
Hauser Home Hardware Building Centre 6809-49 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-8818
Visit Nufloors today for ALL your floor covering needs. 3810-48 Avenue, Camrose Phone 780-672-4983 Toll Free 1-888-672-4983
Add a flag to your farmyard We sell top quality, long-lasting flags – from Canadian and provincial flags to flags from countries around the world. Choose from many sizes to suit your specific needs. 4925-48 Street, Camrose Phone 780-672-3142