brought to council

City offers fun activities

By Lori Larsen

You can give the gift of your time and talent to someone this year with a handcrafted piece of art or decoration that you made yourself during one of the City of Camrose’s seasonal programs.

Camrose youth are invited to participate in Youth Art Class offered Wednesday, December 1 from 5 until 7 p.m. at the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre.

What about giving someone a special handcrafted decoration that will be appreciated for many years?

Children can join the City of Camrose Kids’ Craft event on December 18 from 10 a.m. until noon and make bell Christmas decorations out of clay pots.

Then adults are invited to the Adult Craft Event on December 18 from 1 until 3 p.m. to craft Christmas string art on distressed wood.

Supplies are included in the cost of registration.

Visit the City of Camrose website at www.camrose.ca/en/ recreation-and-leisure/ programs-and-courses. aspx#Christmas-Craft-Day to check availability.

What a wonderful way to express your creative side, get out of the house and visit with some other crafty Camrosians.

Participants must show proof of vaccination through a QR code, a current negative PCR test or exemption. Social distancing and masking will be in effect.

Just because it is winter doesn’t mean there can’t be adventure. The City of Camrose will be hosting a three-day Mini Winter Adventure Camp for children ages six to 12 on December 28, 29 and 30 from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Participants will spend the days with camp staff snowshoeing, building snowpeople, tobogganing (weather permitting), playing games and doing crafts. There are only 40 spots available.

If you are ready to slide out of 2021 and into 2022, then the City of Camrose has a family fun-filled way to do just that, with the New Year’s Eve Day Tobogganing Party. Details are in the planning for a fun and safe way to bring in the New Year. Stay tuned for more details–don’t let this party “slip” away from you.

City of Camrose recreational facilities follow the Restriction Exemption Program.

Darrin & Cheryl’s share: $1385✽

This is Darrin and Cheryl. In 2020, they got a $1385 profit shares return. They invested their share in their business, Holbie’s Glass. It’s been a fixture in Killam for 25 years – almost as long as Darrin and Cheryl have been Vision members. Cheryl likes banking with Vision for that little-bit-extra feeling she gets from profit shares. Darrin says the best part is the greeting he gets when he calls the branch: “What do you need, Holbie?” whatsyourshare.ca

Real people. Real results.

project Profit Shares Campaign 2021 publication Camrose Booster Country BoosterCity 2022 budget client By Lori Larsen Vision Credit Union size 7" x 4.5" 1/4 page horizontal

During the November 15 docket 3862 City of Camrose Cominsertion Week 5 iVY desiGn inc. 403 275 3909mittee of Whole meeting, administration presented | info@ivydesign.ca the 2022 Budget for consideration of any amendments prior to the budget receiving council approval at the December 6 regular council meeting.

The 2022 budget presented to current council was prepared in 2020 by the council at that time in order to provide the current council with the option to utilize the approved budget as a basis for any discussions that may occur during the first month(s) of the current council’s fouryear term.

Three options presented to current council including: continue with the 2022 budget as originally approved; amend the 2022 budget for major anticipated variances; or restart the 2022 budget process.

Administration recommended amending the 2022 budget for major anticipated variances as follows.

The wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) project costs have increased from $42.2 million to approximately $51.2 million, increasing the requirement for funding in the form of debt (by $9 million), which results in increased debt servicing costs in the future. “This may require the increase of utility rates from the current budget to fund the debt servicing costs in the future,” explained City of Camrose Financial Services general manager Travis Bouck, in his report to council.

Bouck further reported that a second major anticipated variance since the 2022 budget, which was approved in 2020, includes a significant increase in inflation. “In addition, the budget included a freeze in compensation for all levels of staff in 2022. The impact of inflation on costs (including compensation) may be partially offset by increased user fees.” Bouck explained that council previously passed motion 414/21 to increase the levy by $90,000 in order to ensure that all inflationary impacts are funded (including the increase to the Mayor and councillors’ remuneration approved by the previous council during the September 7 regular council meeting). A third anticipated major variance reported by Bouck included increases to the overall cost of the electricity and natural gas forecasted revenues for the service providers, resulting in additional franchise fee revenue expected to be realized in 2022 in comparison to the current budget. Bouck suggested council consider amending the budget to reflect the increases. The final anticipated significant variance listed in the report was that of one piece of equipment (mower) within the fleet that will need replacing years in advance of the original estimate due to the current condition. “Funding will be supplied from the Equipment Reserve and no additional levy will be necessary.” Within the 2022 Budget (approved in 2020 by the council of that time), utility rates included an increase of one per cent to water, one per cent to wastewater, and no changes to recycling or solid waste collection. Administration recommended amending the budget to increase water rates by three per cent to address longterm asset management requirements, and increase wastewater rates by five per cent to fund increased debt servicing requirements on the WWTP project. Bouck noted that a five per cent increase on wastewater will likely be required every year for a minimum of four years to fully fund the increased debt servicing. No changes were recommended to recycling and solid waste collection. Bouck explained that the average household spends approximately $44.10 per month on water utility, therefore a recommended three per cent increase would equate to $1.32 extra monthly (for average household) to $45.42, an annual increase of $15.84 for the average household. Further, the average household, according to Bouck, spends approximately $33.80 per month on wastewater utility, therefore with a proposed five per cent increase to wastewater utility, an average household bill will increase by $1.70 for a total bill of $35.50 monthly, and with an overall annual increase of $20.40. The franchise fee revenues included in the 2022 current budget were reported as follows: electricity $2,254k (increase from 14 per cent to 15 per cent), natural gas $1,628k (remains at 27 per cent), totalling $3,882k. Bouck reported that based upon the latest correspondence from Fortis and ATCO regarding the approved riders and forecasted consumption prices, and assuming that the increase to 15 per cent on electricity will come in effect on April 1, 2022, administration currently projects the Franchise fee revenue will be as follows: electricity $2,333k, natural gas $1,852k, totalling $4,185k. “The total levy to collect based upon the current budget is equal to $26,294,110. Total taxes adjusted for growth in 2021 were equal to $26,204,110. This is equal to an increase in taxes of approximately 0.3 per cent.” He further explained that the 2022 budget currently contains a contingency in the amount of $217,000 originally recorded to cover inflationary costs, uncertainty due to COVID-19, and an estimate for vacancy allowance. “The inflationary costs and the vacancy allowance continue to need to be considered in conjunction with any amendment; however, administration does not believe that the $150,000 included within the contingency related to COVID-19 costs is required for 2022.”

According to the report, administration estimates that considering the impact of a five per cent inflationary increase on fees and charges combined with the less-than-expected COVID-19 operational costs offsetting some of the inflationary concerns, that the required contingency is approximately $150,000 for 2022; a decrease of $67,000 from the $217,000 contingency included in the current budget.

Bouck concluded, based upon the lower required contingency, administration recommended that the 2022 budget be amended such that the total tax levy increase is equal to zero per cent.

Councillor Lana Broker inquired as to whether or not the utility costs in Camrose were in line with what surrounding municipalities are charging. “I believe Camrose is a fair amount cheaper, so by charging this extra three per cent, in a way it is bringing us closer to what other surrounding people get charged.”

Bouck indicated that there was a comparison done, but at the time of the meeting, did not have the exact data available.

Mayor PJ Stasko suggested amending the 2022 budget with major anticipated variances (Option 2) requesting the thoughts of council.

Council directed administration to bring the 2022 budget back to the December 6 regular council meeting.

City counts down with Christmas contest

By Lori Larsen

Outside of some of the continual programs and services offered by the City of Camrose, the team in the Recreation and Culture department have cooked up some seasonal fun.

On the first day of Christmas, Camrosians gave to all, photos depicting holidays.

The Twelve Days of Christmas Photo Contest encourages residents to submit photos beginning December 10 up until December 21, depicting subjects posted by the City for the 12 days of Christmas.

The City will be posting the subject of the first photo on December 9, so participants are asked to send their photos in by 4 p.m. the following day to recreation@camrose.ca. Photo subjects will be posted by 4:30 p.m. the day prior. For example, the subject for the December 11 photo will be posted by 4:30 p.m. on December 10.

“We will post our favourites on social media as well as instructions to enter for the next day,” explained City of Camrose Community Services Chuck MacLean Arts Centre recreation program coordinator Christine McCord.

Each photo submission will be entered in a random draw for a chance to win a $50 gift certificate to a local business of your choice.

It’s a fun way to kick off the Christmas season and share some of your traditions and the fun and exciting ways you and your family and friends spend the holidays.

For more information, visit the City of Camrose website at www.camrose. ca/en/recreation-andleisure/12-days-of-christmas.aspx.

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Giving Tuesday a reminder of the goodwill to help others

By Lori Larsen

It is more than a meal or a gift for a child. It is more than the muchneeded personal care items or the dollars used to provide them. The generosity of others is about hope.

It gives those in need hope that they can make it through this season with a little less on their shoulders, built on the knowledge that people they don’t even know care and want to help.

One of the most difficult realizations for any person is that their circumstances have changed and that every day is a challenge just to survive.

This season, take time to really look at others and make an effort to understand that everyone is walking through life the best way they can. Take time to appreciate the struggles of others by being patient and kind.

Choose and use your words wisely, because what you may forget in an instant has the potential to stay with someone else for a lifetime.

Use your hands and your strength to pull someone up instead of pointing fingers to put someone down.

In the world today, where the only two things that are certain are uncertainty itself and that every person has the potential to be great in another person’s life, chose to be that person.

Giving Tuesday, November 30, is so much more than the donations so generously given by those who can for those who need. It is also about giving of your time, your attention, yourself and supporting the cause of others. It is a gift that is not only felt by the recipient, but also the person giving.

A depth of gratitude is felt by all the amazing organizations, agencies and individuals in Camrose and area, who selflessly continue to provide support to others in need in our community.

If this pandemic has taught us anything, it’s that the human spirit can conquer so much if given the chance to fly.

The automotive section of

One-of-a-kind 1956 Chevrolet Apache

By Murray Green

David Wood of Donalda owns a modified 1956 Chevrolet Apache truck.

Chevrolet didn’t make extended cab pickup trucks back in the 1956. “It has two cabs that were put together to make an extended cab. The doors were fabricated to make them fit and everything works, including the windows,” said David.

The truck sits on a 2003 Silverado heavy duty frame and offers modern conveniences that you would find on a model in 2003.

“It is all stock with a 6.0-litre engine, air conditioning and cruise control. A friend of mine, Bob Dietrich, built the truck and I bought it from his wife. He had a shop (North Star Autobody) north of Red Willow. Bob restored the body and made everything to fit the 2003 chassis. It has rear bag suspension on it, so it has been modernized to be a good cruiser,” explained David.

He owned a NAPA auto parts store, from where Bob used to go and get his parts. The two quickly became friends. Unfortunately, Bob was in a bad car accident and had to sell his business. He passed away last spring.

“David brought the truck out to the cemetery during the service, so everyone got a chance to see EXTENDED CAB

Murray Green, Camrose Booster

David Wood wanted to honour his friend by taking over his 1956 Chevrolet truck that was modified to include the modern conveniences of a 2003 model.

the truck again,” said Ber- was red, so his truck had to nice, Bob’s mom. “Owning be red.” a body shop, he fixed and Introduced in March restored a lot of vehicles, 1955, Chevrolet’s new Task but his favourite project Force series was quite a was always his red 1956 departure from their existtruck. His favourite colour ing line of pickup trucks. Smooth, rounded sheetmetal replaced the old pontoon-style fenders, and large, wrap-around windshield glass offered better visibility and gave a more contemporary look. And for the first time, an eight-cylCar or Truck inder motor was available under the hood. His extended cab with Memorabilia? a shortbox is one of a kind. “I can cruise at 100 kilome- Perhaps you own vintage automotive tres an hour and still enjoy repair or diagnostic tools. Tell us what the look of an old truck. I like the look of the truck you have. Or perhaps you have terrifi c and being unique. You can memories or tales from being in the trade. almost go to sleep driving Allow us to share your stories. it,” David chuckled, about the smooth ride. Contact Murray Green, News Reporter It is the best of both worlds, merging mid-century style with the modern Phone 780.672.3142 Email murrayg@camrosebooster.com technology in a vehicle. “With the V-8 engine, it has a four-speed automatic transmission. The guy built it to drive, not for show. It has a fifth-wheel hitch in it to pull his holiday trailer to go camping,” shared David. “It is enjoyable to drive and I like the uniqueness of it,” he said, on why he wanted to own the truck. “The hood opens the other way. He left it like it should open normally, but just to be different, it opens to the front. It took a long time to build this truck. I can’t imagine the amount of labour that went into this truck. I helped out a little bit. Once in a while, I would stop and

FUN FACTS Aside from slight emblem changes, 1956 Chevy visit him and lend a hand.” truck exteriors were unchanged. The long options list from the prior year was back, including power steering, power brakes, whitewall tires, full wheel covers, chrome front and rear bumpers and a factory-installed radio. Very similar to 1955 Chevy trucks, the fender emblems were two pieces and were mounted above the horizontal line on the fender. The emblem on the front of the hood was now longer on the bottom than top. The front hood emblem had a cast-in V of a V-8 truck. Identification numbers were: 3A half-ton, 3B half-ton long bed, 3E three-quarter ton, 3G one-ton, and so on.

Designed by Ned Jordan, these pickups featured a stylish wraparound windshield, hooded headlights, and an egg-crate grille, while the traditional pontoonstyle fenders found on Advance-Design models were eliminated. A Task Force half-ton pickup could also be fitted with Chevy’s historic 265-cid overhead-valve V-8. However, the 235-cid six remained standard.

The Custom Cab option included chrome interior doorknobs, arm rests, dual-sun visors, a cigarette lighter, and a large wrap-around rear window. Starting in 1956, V-8 engine blocks were machined with an oil filter boss, allowing a full-flow oil system.

All light-duty trucks were called Apache, medium-duty trucks were called Viking, and heavy-duty trucks were called Spartan.