April 12 Lamont Leader

Andrew celebrates Easter with annual Library Egg Hunt event

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Andrew Village building, which also houses Andrew School, was bustling with Easter activity on Apr. 8 as the local library held their annual Easter Egg Hunt.

Dozens of people attended the event where children could be heard giggling as they ran from the bowling alley to the weightroom and the library, holding baskets and searching for the eggs

hidden earlier by volunteers.

In addition to the Egg Hunt, families enjoyed cupcake decorating, games, Easter crafts and free pizza from Andrew’s Original.

Village librarian Rose Weleschuk said this is the second year the library has taken on the Easter Egg Hunt.

“The Public Library sponsors the event; we pay for everything. We hid the eggs everywhere, in the bowling alley, the plants, and in between the books in the library to help the kids be aware of the books there,” she said, adding every child went home with a large chocolate egg or a stuffed toy as well as a storybook. She said the event was bigger this year than last year.

“Last year we had under 50 kids registered and this year we had 57. It was a good turnout,” she said.

Andrew Mayor Merwin Haight, who was not present at the Egg Hunt, said he was happy the community celebrated together and was grateful to the Library board for hosting the event.

“I’m glad the Library board has taken this on, it’s a wonderful thing to have in our community,” he said.

Meanwhile, Library board chair Barb Leppek said she was also thrilled with the outcome of the Easter Egg Hunt and said bringing back the Easter Egg Hunt for the village the first thing on her priority list when she became chair in 2019.

“I’m just thrilled with how things went,” she said. “It’s for the kids.”

EASTER EGG HUNT

Four-year old Ella checks out a plant in the Andrew Village Library for eggs during the Library's annual Easter Egg Hunt on Apr. 8.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Six-year old Corbin proudly displays an Easter wreath he made at the Village of Andrew's Library Easter Egg Hunt Apr. 8. Jana Semeniuk Photo.

ANTONIUK REAL ESTATE LTD.

Mundare: E4918467 6.5 Acres nicely treed, 2 BDRM 1 up, 1 down, 896 sq.ft. completely remodelled home, DBL car garage, 3500g cistern, 3500g septic holding tank..............$279,000

Andrew: MLS E4302357 8.67 Acres nicely treed acreage, immaculate 2 BDRM home, triple car garage, 36x61’ Quonset, 19x37’ workshop $349,000

Chipman: 4 BDRM 1578 Sq.Ft Building with storefront and double garage on Main Street $89,000

Lamont: E430963 10 Acres nicely treed with a 1227 sq.ft 3 BDRM up Bungalow, partly finished basement. 40x60’ Quonset and 22x24’ Garage...........................PENDING

Lamont: 9.6 Acres, 2001 1520 Sq.Ft. Modular, 30 x 80 insulated heated shop, cement floor, 30 x 100 hog barn, many outbuildings ...................................$275,000

Chipman: 5020 49 Ave. Recently renovated, 2 BDRM Bungalow with single car garage on a 50’ lot..................................$105,000

Mundare: 5219 52 Ave, Will be finished renovation. 1 BDRM house with single car garage. Approx 8’ walls and metal roof.... $89,000

Andrew: E4328416 79.5 Acres East on Hwy 29, fenced pasture with a burrow pit dugout. There is a stand of tall poplars on a hill for a good building site....................... .....................................$168,000

Hilliard: E4324654 160 Acres fenced pasture with a dug out. Beaver Hill Creek goes through property $299,000.........PENDING

Is the Town of Lamont fair with One - Bedroom Utilities?

1) Vegreville $54.90/ mnth

2) Mundare $66/ mnth

3) Chipman $54.50/ mnth

4) Lamont $81.50/ mnth

Ray Cossey

780-916-9025

Realtor, Licensed Appraiser with Appraisal Institute Canada

Andrew: E4316009 80 Acres in Two 40 Acre Titles, will sell separately, 50-55 acres cult. balance, tall poplars....................$224,900

Chipman: E4326798 Bare lot, 50’ frontage, 4916 48 Ave...................................................................$18,000

Andrew: E432849 159 Acres on Hwy 855 South of Andrew. All in hay & pasture, 110 Acres were cultivated in the past, some potential revenue from abandoned compressor site.......... . $400,000

Chipman: E4324671 160 Acres, well fenced, some tree buffs, dug out. $275,000..................SOLD

Chipman: 1 BDRM house, 2 sheds, 50” Lot $79,000 ........................................................................PENDING

Hwy 16: 40 Acres 24 x 48’ Arch rib shop, concrete floor... $195,000

Hwy 16: 160 acres #3 soil, 1112 sq.ft. Kowal built house in 1982. 3 BDRMS up and 1 down with a finished basement and operational kitchen. Upgrades include high efficiency furnace, all windows and shingles $695,000

Josephburg: 146.95 acres #1 soil, 132 cultivated $880,000.....................................................SOLD

Andrew: 3 acres, nicely treed, older home, power only - no water. Garage, hip roof barn............$99,900

St. Michael: 2970 sq.ft. home with 2 BDRM, partial BSMT, single car garage on 3 lots with 3 septic tanks, many many upgrades....................................$129,900

UPCOMINGLISTINGS

Mundare: 3 Acres. 3 BDRM Mobile built in 1989, 6’ walls, extensive renovations with double garage...........................................................$199,000

Chipman: parcels

1) 10 Acre parcel, mostly open

2) 70 Acre parcel, 25% bush, 75% cultivated.

Mundare: 5 Acres, older 2 BDRM home, lots of outbuildings.

S1/2 NE-16-55-16-4 80 Acres, 70+ cultivated asking $280,000 SOLD SE-20-54-16-4 150.06 Acres, 140 cultivated asking .........................................................................$560,000

Allen Antoniuk

780-363-2147

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, April 12, 2023 -

Trump gains momentum, Stormy loses in court

BY JOHN MATHER

Last week’s persecution/prosecution of Donald Trump leaves me just stunned with the pathetic shape of America’s mainstream media and the politics of the country.

“This country is based on rule of law and everyone should be held accountable,” bleated the talking heads of CNN.

Well, yes, but if anyone can tell me this is not just a political witch hunt to try and ruin Trump I’ll gladly take that bet.

If there had been social media around when the Kennedy clan ruled the Whitehouse and congress of the United States, can you imagine the uproar. The same could be said for Lyndon Johnson. And Nixon was brought down by some great investigative reporting but no social media.

“The walls are closing in on him,” others stated with straight faces.

Trump, prior to becoming the president, was a New York developer and if you can survive and succeed successfully in that swamp, then there aren’t many walls that can worry you.

Trump has been to court before. He can afford high end lawyers.

Now these first charges are surrounding so-called hush money payments made to one porn star named Stormy Daniels

Apparently, and no one has denied this except Trump, she had a tryst with Trump well before he thought about running for president.

But once he decided to run, she decided to “tell all” and accept whatever money she could get for such titillating revelations.

Trump heard about this and made arrangements to have her paid to keep quiet through his lawyer.

That lawyer has actually done prison time and many say his word isn’t worth the paper it’s written on. So not a strong witness against Trump.

And from this episode, the New York district attorney, a Democrat, who is on record as saying he wants to “get Trump” has stretched this incident into 34 misdemeanour charges some which involve illegal campaign contributions.

The reality is Trump made a business deal all those years ago, and subsequently made further business deals to try and keep the Daniels affair from hitting the media.

After all, I very much doubt a “porn star” will be going out with Trump without some funds changing hands. That’s her job!

CONTINUED

CONTINUED

So all this is a business decision.

When the pictures emerged of Trump sitting in the New York court, the media prognosticators said they’d never seen him look so serious … so defeated… C’mon.

Trump sat in the White House for four years. He had to deal with world despots. He had the codes to a nuclear arsenal at his disposal. He made deals and signed bills affecting millions of peoples’ lives.

He sent young men to their deaths in foreign conflicts.

The CNN talking heads sit on their padded seats, smiling, through their expensive dental work, at the camera and telling us

they’ve never seen Trump look so serious.

And they expect us to believe them.

Nonsense.

As president he made some of the most serious decisions in the world, well above the pay grade of any CNN talking head.

He’s running to be president again in 2024. And like him or not, he’s leading all the Republican polls and this constant 24-hour promotion of him last Tuesday by the democratic lawyers and the left wing media only embolden him and build up his base.

And did you read about the decision made the same day Trump was in a New York courtroom, in another courtroom across the country in Los Angeles? Not too much said about this in the

mainstream media.

Stormy Daniels lost a defamation lawsuit she had filed against Trump and now has to pay him $300,000 in legal fees.

“I will go to jail before I pay a penny,” stated Daniels after the decision was rendered.

She said it was a “sad reality” that a “predator” like Trump “can openly brag about assaulting women and become president and be awarded money for his bad behaviour.”

I actually agree with her last comments, but I really can’t give her much credibility since “as a porn star,” she has made a living based on bad behaviour and unacceptable decisions in her own personal and professional life.

BY HAZEL ANAKA

Have you been captivated by the Edmonton Oilers run for the playoffs? As I write this, I don’t think the final rankings in each division have yet been determined. But you don’t have to be a coach, talking head on Sportsnet, or proud (player) parent to realize something special is (finally) happening for this team. Frankly, I think the fact I wasn’t a glued-to-the-tube basket case fan watching every televised minute helped them. In fact, I watched next to no hockey this season but was aware of the wins racking up.

And of course, our man Connor McDavid is having a record-breaking year stats-wise. The rest of the team is contributing and even the injury

FROM WHERE I SIT: The Cup

situation hasn’t been too bad though I gather that Evander Kane was out for a while.

When you don’t get to see your grandkids often, the degree of their maturation and growth is jaw-dropping. I was surprised, touched, relieved when during our Christmas visit to Colorado, Grady talked about the Oilers. Despite being in Avalanche country, the family is still fiercely loyal to the Oilers yet not blind to their faults and shortcomings. They are also not like some of those rabid fans who can’t fairly acknowledge and appreciate the skills and talents of opposing teams. Grady expressed what many of us think… we want the Oilers to win the Stanley Cup because no one deserves it more than McDavid. Winning the cup would solidify his loyalty to the club and the community. No one forgets where they were when they first hoisted hockey’s coveted prize.

We can’t be the fran-

chise that lets not one but two of the game’s alltime greatest players slip through our fingers. No one has forgotten the crying, heart-broken Wayne Gretzky who was sold to the LA Kings by Peter Pocklington. No reason, in the hearts and minds of fans, was good enough for such an act.

The dynasty was dismantled and the coming back from it has taken decades. Umpteen draft picks, seasoned players, lineup changes, partner pairings, and experienced coaches have all had a hand in the effort.

Most believe that McDavid is more talented than The Great One. A good measure of his greatness is the passion, work ethic, energy, and role modeling he brings to the job. There have been games, even seasons where Connor seemed to be carrying the team on his back and willing them from halfassed mediocrity to the brink of this year’s playoffs.

I want them to soar through the playoffs and

win the cup. For Connor, for the Oilers, for Edmonton, for all those who hung in year after endless year of rebuilding. I want Connor to be convinced that this team and this city is the only place on earth that he wants to be.

The reason we were dog sitting Gertie is because Hilary and Ash were in Los Angeles. While there, they attended the Oilers vs the Kings game in the Crypto.com Arena… is that not a dumb name? I was surprised when Hilary sent a photo of a

Go Oilers poster she made. I temporarily flashed back to the old teenage days of Tom Poti love. Despite the teasing and ridicule she endured, she thought he was great and her posters said as much. It seems the LA team or Crypto Arena have poster making supplies on hand for anyone to use and she did. Their seats were in the nosebleed section and cost about a $100 CDN each. Apparently, they were great seats because the Oilers action was at their end for two periods.

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Worship Leader Debra Morris

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Anyone watching the game on TV would have noticed all the Oilers fans in the building. What I wasn’t aware of, but they heard it loud and clear was that every time McDavid touched the puck, the booing and jeering began. By the time Nurse’s fluky empty-netter was happening, many LA fans had already left.

For the love of McDavid, I hope the Oilers have the maturity, patience, discipline, and self-confidence they’ll need for a successful cup run. The Cup couldn’t go to a more deserving guy or loyal fan base, from where I sit.

Lamont Alliance Church

5007 44 st., Lamont

780-895-2879

Sunday Service 10 am J OINUSFOR SERVICES

SUNDAYMORNINGS @ 10 AM

Pastor Darren Anderson

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Our Lady of Good Counsel, Skaro 1st, 3rd, 5th Sundays @ 9:00 am

St. Michael the Archangel, St. Michael 2nd, and 4th Sundays @ 9:00 am

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Bruderheim

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4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775

Sunday Worship 10:30 am

April 7 ~ 10:30 am

Good Friday Communion Service

April 9 ~ 10:30 am

Easter Sunday Celebration Service

All are Welcome!

Pastor Wayne Larson

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Call

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, April 12, 2023 - 5

County Council discusses Drahomanow recreation area funding

BY JANA SEMENIUK

A discussion was brought back to Lamont County Council Committee of the Whole during their Mar. 28 council meeting, to reconsider funding of the Drahomanow recreation area, which was cut off last year.

Members of the Drahomanow Society made a presentation to the council asking for reconsideration during the Mar. 14 council meeting.

The recreation area, located across the road from the Moscow Hall, had been receiving $8,000 per year from the County in annual donation funding for upkeep of the area but the donation was cut off during a Sept. 2022 council meeting in a 4-1 vote.

Division One Councillor Dan Warawa supported reinstating the funding, and said the Drahomanow Society provides a valuable service to the County.

“Here is a service that they do provide for the county, for the people in different areas to come in and use the park,” he said. “There's countless number of hours that are volunteered in there, also. And they're just asking for a little bit of help, they're not asking for a great amount. They hire people there to cut grass and clean up. So I would ask if we (could) relook at this again.”

County Reeve David Diduck said he received strong feedback from ratepayers on the issue.

“I received one email applauding the county

EIPS has special meeting on potential Andrew School closure

for not funding the Drahomanow Society further. And the email came from Division One,” he said. “And I received a phone call from a ratepayer in Division Two saying, ‘Good decision, don’t give them any more money’. So that’s the feedback I got.”

Divison Two Councillor Aaron Wick said the society received a provincial grant that expired 10 years from its inception and the County has been continuing with the funding since then for the past 18 years.

“I've had phone calls from three other societies, that it's not fair. How is it fair that we supply them with money to maintain their own facility?” he said. “I don't understand why we're paying somebody to cut their grass and take care of their facility. It is a very nice facility. But if they're renting it out as much as they are then it should maintain itself or it is no longer a viable entity to have.”

Division Four Councillor Roy Anaka and Deputy Reeve Neil Woitas echoed Wick’s statements.

Reeve Diduck suggested that the Society could apply for grant funding and they could also reach out to the Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA to research other grants they may be eligible for.

The councillors voted to accept the grant request update as information.

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Elk Island Public Schools held a special board meeting on Apr. 6 with only one item on the agenda; the possible closure of Andrew School.

Superintendent Mark Liguori asked the board to direct administration to prepare an information report regarding the possible closure of Andrew School and provide it to the trustees before the next regular board meeting Apr. 20.

While addressing the board during the special meeting, Liguori said Andrew School is ‘an important fixture in the community’ as it’s a hub for the village, but declining enrollments historically have made it difficult to provide quality programming.

He said the school, which has capacity for 380 students, currently has 62 students enrolled from grades K-6 (next

year’s projected enrollment is 41) giving it a utilization rate of 15 percent.

Andrew School is the most under-utilized school in Elk Island Public School Division, making it the most expensive school to run followed by Mundare and Bruderheim schools respectively. Lamont County’s only two other schools, Lamont Elementary and Lamont High School are ranked eighth and ninth most expensive schools to run out of the division’s total of 43.

Meanwhile, Liguori added that Andrew has two structural issues affecting their decision, the fire suppression system which will cost over $1 million to replace in addition to the roof which will cost over $2 million.

“Those (amounts) were based on estimates and bids that we had

received that will only be valid for another short period of time, at which point unless we undertake this work, we would have to most likely go back and do the rebid process,” he said.

Lamont County Trustee Colleen Holowaychuk asked Liguori to include in his report what the classroom configurations would be if Andrew continued to run at its projected enrollment, in addition to how many children in the area would be eligible to go to Andrew School. She also wanted to know if neighbouring school divisions could help by taking the students if Andrew School closed.

“We have a lot of students that are living up on the northern edge of our division, (and) their closest school is actually in another school division. Is there any possibility of working with

that other school division to do what is best and serve students best?” said Holowaychuk, requesting that this information be included in the report.

Meanwhile, Trustee Susan Miller and Trustee Jim Seutter requested information on what the closure would mean for ride times for students being bussed to other schools.

Andrew School also houses the village offices, library, weight room and bowling alley in addition to the school. They lost their junior high and high school in 2019 and 2020 as a result of declining enrollment. The next EIPS board meeting is scheduled for Apr. 20 at 10 a.m.

While the meetings are livestreamed on the division’s youtube channel, they are removed within 24 hours of posting.

SALE BY TENDER FARMLAND - LAMONT COUNTY

This land is hereby offered for sale by tender, subject to the reservations, exceptions, and encumbrances contained in the existing certificate of title: MERIDIAN 4 RANGE 19 TOWNSHIP 56 SECTION 15 QUARTER NORTHWEST CONTAINING 64.7 HECTARES (160 ACRES) MORE OR LESS. EXCEPTING THEREOUT: 0.506 HECTARES (1.25 ACRES) MORE OR LESS AS SHOWN ON ROAD PLAN 3745J. EXCEPTING THEREOUT ALL MINES AND MINERALS. 115+ acres cultivated land, balance to road allowance, lease road, trees. Three streams of lease revenue. 8 miles NE of Lamont, one mile from Hwy 831.No residential acreage yet. Sale subject to judicial approval on notice to successful tenderer. All tenders must be in writing and include a deposit of 10% of purchase price in certified funds [bank draft] payable to Daniel J. Mol Professional Corporation in Trust. Tenders to be addressed to Daniel J. Mol Professional Corporation and must be received by the close of business Friday, May 5, 2023 c/o Kolinsky Law, 10807 Castle Downs Rd NW #212A, Edmonton, AB T5X 3N7. Balance of purchase price to be paid by solicitor's trust cheque or certified funds 30 days from date of Court approval or deposit will be forfeit. Cost of title insurance to be shared equally between Purchaser and Vendor to facilitate closing. No conditional tenders allowed and the highest or any tender not necessarily accepted. Tenders will not be opened in public. Tender price excludes GST. Purchaser is responsible for all costs associated with registration of the Transfer. Vendor makes no warranties with respect to the land and no representations as to the property's size/measurement, condition or environmental status. Any unsuccessful tenderers will have their deposit returned by regular mail. For further particulars please contact: dan@moladvocates.com or call 778-400-5710.

Resident’s well collapses, left with no water approaches Mundare Council

Rozumniak asked why they couldn’t just put a pump into the second well on the property and get some water.

”

BY JOHN MATHER

Long time Mundare resident Marsha Woloschuk appeared before Mundare council April 4, to ask if she could have a water and sewer connection put to her home on the south side of Highway 15.

“I have a problem,” she said. “I’ve lived here for  long time. I moved into my first house when I was 20 years old and I’m now 91 years old. I’ve paid taxes that entire time.

“Where are my taxes going,” she asked. “I don’t have sewer and I don’t have water.”

“I pay for my garbage. Why can I not get water and sewer?

“I support the town through being a volunteer at the MRC. I’ve been a good samaritan in this town and I think I should have water and sewer.”

Accompanied by her daughter, it was explained to council that her well had caved in recently, forcing her and her daughter to haul water to her home. She does get some assistance from her son but since he works out of town, most of it falls to herself and her daughter.

“I have no water to wash clothes, and can’t take a shower,” she said. She added she had paid to have her well looked at and no one can do anything to help it.

It was explained to council that the south side of the town has never had services.

Woloschuk was told the golf course and the Whitetail area had paid to have that area serviced when it was developed.

Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla said he wasn’t sure if there were any grants available to put in a water line and an engineering study of the area would have to be done.

Woloschuk added the greenhouse located next to her property had put in a private water line many years ago and she

didn’t think she could tap off of it.

Zyla said he didn’t know the size of the water line at the greenhouse and it was owned by the greenhouse operators.

“It was put in to serve the greenhouse so it wasn’t necessarily designed to service anything other than the greenhouse.

Zyla added the greenhouse had a meter so if a line could be run off it to Woloschuk’s home, a separate meter could be put in.

She said they had a second well on the site, but no one seemed sure whether she could run a line from it to her home. Woloschuk said she had been told she could go to the Town and it would have to put water in for her.

Zyla said he didn’t know where she had come up with that information, but he didn’t think it was correct.

The ideal thing, said her daughter, would be to have town sewer and water.

“That was discussed many years ago, but it was rejected back then.”

Mayor Cheryl Calinoiu said they couldn’t change the past.

She said the Town would have to do some homework and then get back to Woloschuk.

“This is something new for us,” she said. “We’ll have to look into it and get back to you.”

“I can’t promise you anything, but we will get back to you.”

Councillor Sandra Nicholson said they would look into whether there were any grants available and try to find some sort of solution for them.

Councillor Rick Patrie said her issue wasn’t something that could be fixed in a week.

Zyla said the Town would have to talk to their engineers and get some cost estimates.

“We have to do some investigation and see what’s happening there,” he said. “But I

Woloschuk’s daughter said she wasn’t sure the water would be good.

to have a bath,” she said.

After the delegation left, the council did indicate the problem the situation posed but wondered how they could help.

Council decided to have Zyla contact the Town engineers to provide some rough estimates to provide water to the home.

can’t give you a specific timeline.”

Councillor Glen

“We just need some water to help out with the toilets and allow us

Zyla said they could get some cost estimates for getting water to the home.

PUBLIC NOTICE

BUNGE CANADA

They then tabled the discussion to a future meeting until Zyla can get some cost estimates.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND ENHANCEMENT ACT NOTICE OF APPLICATION

In accordance with the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act, Bunge Canada has applied to Alberta Environment and Protected Areas for an approval to construct and operate a canola oilseed processing plant. The proposed plant will process canola seed into oils for the food and fuel industries. The plant is designed to process up to a maximum of 4,400 metric tons per day (MT/day) of canola seed on a short-term basis. Under normal or average conditions, the plant is expected to process up to 4,000 MT/day of canola seed. The operation is located at Section 35, Township 55, Range 20, West of the 4th Meridian in Lamont County (within the Alberta’s Industrial Heartland), Alberta.

A directly affected person may provide input into certain regulatory decisions, as allowed by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act (section 73). Specifically, any person who is directly affected by this application may submit a written statement of concern within 30 days of the date of this notice to:

Environment and Protected Areas

Regulatory Assurance Section

Approvals Unit

5th Floor, South Petroleum Plaza

9915 - 108 ST

EDMONTON, AB T5K 2G8

Fax: (780) 422-0154

E-mail: aep.epeaapplications@gov.ab.ca

The written statement of concern should include the following:

- the application number 001-493326

- describe concerns that are relevant to matters regulated by the Environmental Protection and Enhancement Act

- explain how the filer of the concern will be directly affected by the activities proposed in the application

- provide the legal land location of the land owned or used by the filer where the concerns described are believed to be applicable

- state the distance between the land owned or used by the filer and the site in the application

- contact information including the full name and mailing address of the filer. Please provide a telephone number and/or email address for ease of contact.

Environment and Protected Areas will review each written statement of concern, seek more information if needed, and notify each filer by letter of the decision to accept or reject their written submission as a valid statement of concern. The Public Notice of this application will also be posted on the Department’s website at https://avw.alberta.ca/PublicNoticesViewer.aspx.

Statements of concern submitted regarding this application are public records which are accessible by the public and the applicant. Failure to file a statement of concern may affect the right to file a Notice of Appeal with the Environmental Appeals Board. Copies of the application and additional information can be obtained from:

Bunge Canada

Attention: Michelle Bublitz

1391 Timberlake Manor Parkway

Chesterfield MO USA 63385

Telephone: (314) 292-2652

Fax: (314) 292- 4652

Email: Michelle.bublitz@bunge.com

Please ensure the above suggested information relating to the description of your application is correct. Errors may result in the requirements to re-advertise the Public Notice.

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, April 12, 2023 -

“

I’ve been a good samaritan in this town and I think I should have water and sewer.

- Marsha Woloschuk

Machinery

Parcel #4 - NE 24-55-13 W4M

Located at 553048 Rge Rd 130

Being 18.76 Acres M/L with a House, Shop & More

Legal: Plan 0820021, Blk 1, Lot 1

Directions: 1 1/2 Miles West of Two Hills on Hwy

#45 to Rge Rd 130, North on Rge Rd 130 for 3 1/2

Miles on the West Side or From the Junction of Hwy #29 & Rge Rd 130, 1/2 Mile South.

This Beautiful Property includes an Approx. 10

Year Old House with a 2 Car Attached Garage, Shop, Gazebo & Stunning Yard.

The Executive Style Bungalow sells with a Fridge, Stove, Washer, Dryer, Dishwasher, Water Filtration System and Window Coverings. It has 3 Bedrooms

Upstairs with 2 Bedrooms Down Stairs & 2 Extra Rooms Down Stairs that could be a Bonus Room, Playroom, Home Theater or Office Space. It is Heated by a Boiler with In Floor Heat & Forced Air. Only Thing Not Completed in this House is the Basement Ceiling.

The Property has a 50'x80' with 20' Ceiling Steel

Structure that has a 18'x18' Overhead Door & a 10'x10' Overhead Door, New Boiler in 2022, Heated & Spray Foam Insulated plus Plumbed for a Bathroom.

As well as a Heated Parking/Sidewalk in front of the 2 Bay Attached Garage which is 26'x25' on the Short Wall & 36' on the Long Wall with Styrofoam Block Construction, Water into the Garage & Door Openers. It also Sells with a Gazebo, Play Centre, Green House, Garden Shed Located Behind the House and

Parcel #6 - House Located in the Town of Vegreville, AB at 5630 48A Street - Plan RN80, Blk 17, Lot 9

Selling at 1009 Sq Ft Single Detached Bungalow on a Corner Lot comes with Many Upgrades in the Last 5 to 10 Years including All Windows Replaced (Except the Living Room Picture Window), Flooring, Interior Paint, Kitchen Counter Tops & Backsplash, New Basement Bathroom, New Poured Concrete in the Basement, Weeping Tile, Sump Pump, Furnace, Central Air Conditioning, Hot Water Tank & Shingles, Plus a Central Vac. 2 Bedrooms on the Main Floor & 2 Bedrooms in the Basement (One has a Gas Fireplace) Plus 2 Bathrooms. Plus a 26'x22' Double Detached Garage with a Newer Concrete Floor & Storage Shed. Sells with a Fridge, Stove, Washer & Dryer

Parcel #2 - N 1/2 of the SE 10-55-12 W4M Located Near

Two Hills, AB - Being 65.75 Acres M/L

Legal: SE 10-55-12 W4M

Directions: 2 Miles East of Two Hills on Hwy #45 to Hwy #36, 1 Mile North on Hwy #36

65 Cultivated Acres that had Canola in 2022 & New 5 Wire Fence Last Year on 3 Sides.

Parcel #3 - S 1/2 of the SE 10-55-12 W4M

Located Near Two Hills, AB - Being 78.83 Acres M/L

Legal: Plan 1820005, Blk 1, Lot 2

Directions: 2 Miles East of Two Hills on Hwy #45 to Hwy #36, 1 Mile North on Hwy #36

Approx. 70 Cultivated Acres that had Canola in 2022 & New 5 Wire Fence Last Year on 3 Sides.

Real Estate Transactions are being Handled by Morrison Realty Kim Hughes (403) 704-3141

Sandy Craig (403) 358-8203 & Allen Olson (403) 783-0556

Parcel #1 - NE 20-55-11 W4M Located at 553056 Rge Rd 114 Being 161 Acres M/L with House, Shop & Barn Legal: NE 20-55-11 W4M

Directions: From Two Hills, East on Hwy #45 to Hwy #36, North on Hwy #36 to Twp Rd 554, East on Twp Rd 554 for 4 Miles to Rge Rd 114, South on Rge Rd 114 for 1/4 of a Mile

The Barn Shaped House sells with a Completely Renovated Kitchen, Fridge, Stove, 2 Washers & Dryers, Some Window Coverings & Water Filtration System. It has an Upstairs Master with a Walk In Closet & Ensuite, plus 2 Small Bedrooms & an Unfinished Bathroom. The Kitchen is Located in the Original Part of the House. In addition the Basement contains an Updated Bathroom.

The Property Sells with a Steel Quonset that is 41' Wide by 82' Long of which 44' is Divided and Insulated with a Wood Heater that Stays with the Property. It also sells with a 30'x60' Coverall Building, a 20'x24' Garage on a Cement Pad, Corrals & Panels. Plus a Shelter, Numerous Older Granaries/Outbuildings, Dog Run, Dog Houses, Garden Shed, Perimeter Fence Installed about a Year Ago & 2 Water Wells, one for the Barn & one for the House but Little Is Known about the Barn Well.

The Hip Roof Barn has New Tin Roof & an Automatic Waterer Located Near. New 5 Wire Perimeter Fence Last Year. Approx. 145 Cultivated Acres that had Wheat in 2022.

Parcel #7 - House Located in the Town of Two Hills, AB at 5018 52nd Ave - Plan 8309ET, Blk 13, Lot 2

Selling a Small Home with a Large 28'x28' Detached Heated Garage on a 150'x50' Lot. With a Kitchen, Living Room & Bedroom on the Main Floor, Plus Small Bathroom off the Kitchen. The Basement is Unfinished. This home has Central Air, an Updated Furnace & Hot Water Tank. It Sells with All Appliance (No Dishwasher) and Window Coverings.

The 28'x28' Double Car Garage comes with a Cement Floor, Insulation, Heat & Electric Door Opener.

Parcel #5 - 4.7 Acre M/L Residential Property Located in the Crissel Estates Subdivision of Two Hills, AB

Legal: Plan 1722361, Blk 1, Lot 12

Directions: West of Two Hills on Hwy #34 to Rge Rd 125, North on Rge Rd 125 for 1/4 of a Mile, West Side of the Road.

There is Power to the Property Line, However there are No Municipal Services for this Lot. The Purchaser will need to Drill their Own Well and Install a Septic System. Currently Zoned Country Residential.

O H :

Vegreville & Two Hills Houses

April 1st & April 8th from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 Noon

Farms & Acreages

April 1st & April 8th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m.

By Appointment

Jacob 780-632-9365, Aaron Olson 403-913-9644

Allen Olson 403-783-0556

License No. 165690

Vegreville councillor acclaimed as Fort Saskatchewan Vegreville NDP candidate

BY JOHN MATHER

Taneen Rudyk, a councillor from Vegreville, has been nominated to carry the NDP banner into the May 29 provincial election, taking on UCP incumbent Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk.

Rudyk has sat on Vegreville council since 2010, and just stepped down as the president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to run for the NDP.

The FCM website posted, “Ms. Rudyk has diligently served FCM and its members in various capacities since 2017, including as its 1st Vice President and President. She has skillfully led its national board of directors through challenging times as well as through numerous successes.

FCM thanks Ms. Rudyk for her continued and passionate championing of the role of local government in driving solutions for Canadians.

“I have lived and worked in this community most of my life, and

am proud to serve the people who call Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville home,” Rudyk said. “As a town councillor, I hear what hardworking Albertans are looking for from their elected leaders, and I know that this community will thrive under an Alberta NDP government led by Rachel Notley.”

Rudyk was born in Two Hills and raised on a farm near Hairy Hill. After finishing school at the University of Alberta, she returned to Vegreville with her husband to raise their family.

Rudyk, and her husband Andrew, have four children and operate a pipeline-welding business.

Rudyk also spends her time volunteering with the local hospital board and supporting the settlement of Ukrainian and Syrian newcomers.

“I have spent years focused on the priorities of my neighbours,”

Continued on Page 13

B B

NDP candidate Taneen Rudyk

Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, April 12, 2023

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, April 12,

PETER COTTONTAILAT BRUDERHEIM

The Easter Bunny (left top) gives instructions for the Bruderheim Easter Egg Hunt Apr. 8. A large crowd of more than 100 kids turned up to take part in the event which had them searching for 28 eggs at each of nine locations throughout the community. Each egg had a message which they had to bring to the finish line. The words when put together spelled out the lyrics to “Peter Cottontail” which the kids then had to sing. (Left bottom) This group of children raced to Bruderheim’s interpretive park to find easter eggs hidden by the Easter Bunny on Apr. 8.

John Mather Photos

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta),

NDP promises interchange already in UCP budget

BY JOHN MATHER

The Alberta NDP have issued a promise to fund the “first steps of a vital interchange that will support economic growth in the Industrial Heartland for generations.”

The interchange would be at the intersection of Highway 15 and Secondary Hwy. 830 leading north to the Shell Petrochemical complex in Strathcona County, just west of Bruderheim.

Alberta NDP leader Rachel Notley trotted out recently appointed Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville candidate in the upcoming provincial election, Taneen Rudyk, to make the announcement April 4 in Sherwood Park.

They were joined by Strathcona-Sherwood Park candidate Bill Tonita, Sherwood Park candidate Kyle Kasawski, and NDP Transportation critic Lorne Dach.

The only problem with

their promise to “launch a functional planning study within 100 days of taking office,” is that the proposed interchange has already been budgeted by the ruling UCP Party.

After Notley’s announcement, Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk, released a statement ,“Our government has already been working on this initiative. I have been working with the Minister of Transportation on details and finalization, and hope to share further information soon.

“I and our UCP government remain committed to improving transportation for the residents of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville, and all Albertans.”

Transportation  and Economic Corridors Minister Devin Dreeshen also posted an image of the 2023 budget showing

the project listed in the planning and engineering stages of development.

The project is described as supporting the oversize/overweight corridor movement and enhancing public safety on an economic corridor.

It is the only  project listed in the 2023 budget for Highway 15.

Rudyk said people living in smaller Heartland communities spend time commuting to larger centres for many reasons and many industries also use the surrounding roads and highways to transport goods and services.

“I am so proud to be a candidate for a party that is fully committed to investing in the future of this region and prioritizing growth and development in our Industrial Heartland,” said Rudyk.

Alberta NDP Transportation Critic Lorne Dach said, “We know that infrastructure needs have been ignored for far too long out here and that includes vital roadways.

“I look forward to supporting industry, supporting Heartland residents and ensuring that we are doing what’s nec-

essary to keep our communities vibrant and filled with good-paying jobs for generations to

come.”

construction jobs and 120 indirect jobs in local communities.

NDP candidate acclaimed

Continued from Page 9

access to high-speed internet.”

If Ms. Rudyk is not elected as an MLA in the Alberta election, she can return from her leave of absence to the FCM and would automatically return in the role of Immediate Past President.

No other candidates stepped up to run for the nomination so Rudyk was acclaimed as the candidate April 2.

The

EADER THE LAMONT Serving Lamont county Lamo

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LAMONT LEADER

Ph. 780-895-2780

CARD OF THANKS

The long, event-filled life of Violet Lancaster ended peacefully April 3, 2023, with her loving children at her side at the age of 102 years.

Violet's family would sincerely like to thank all those who contributed to her Celebration of Life Saturday, April 8 and for the many family and friends who shared in celebrating her very full life.

The Family would also like to sincerely thank the Palliative Caregivers of the Viking Hospital for helping her through her final days.

COMING EVENTS

Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm will be opening on May 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Hours of Operation are Tuesdays to Thursdays 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. Sundays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Closed Mondays.

We will have specials up until the greenhouse closes. We will be taking reservations for U-Pick Vegetables, Fruits, and Berries right up until the Greenhouse closes down.

15/17p

Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm

FOR SPRING:

•Willows, Acute Willows, and Sharp Leaf Willows - 4 years old $45/each

•Laurel Leaf Willows - 3 years old$45/each

•Swamp/Water Willows - Seedlings to 4 ft - $45/each

•Lacey Weeping Willow - 3 years old - $35/each

•Poplars (Bomb Gilen) - Seedlings to 4 ft - $35/each

•Goji Berries - planted Sept. 15/2263 Available - 1 ft to 4 ft - $35/each

No Refunds, Exchanges, or Guarantee All Sales Final

Call 780-678-0053

COMING EVENTS

Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm is having a Closing Out Sale starting on May 23 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. We will have 50% off on all plants, perennials, shrubs, and trees. All plants must be gone before closing. All sales are final. No refunds or exchanges. All sales are strictly cash or cheque only. We will not accept Debit, Visa, or Mastercard.

FOR RENT

Large, quiet, non-smoking 2 bedroom apartment in Killam. For viewing, call Chuck at 780-263-7290.

House for Sale or Rent - 5316 - 57 Ave in Viking. 4 bedroom 2 bath. Large backyard with detached garage, across from playground. Available April 1, 2023. No smokers, no pets, damage deposit required. References required. $1,000/month rent. Call Dennis Bird at 780-3362369 (house) 780-385-5689 (cell) or Laura at 780-385-2043 for more info!

For Rent in Viking. 3 bedroom townhouse. Comes with fridge, stove, washer, dryer. Includes all utilities except internet. Available April 1. Call 780-336-6089 or 780-336-6088

FOR SALE

Natural Gas Heater - 2 years old, was installed in 2021, very quiet, runs nice and smooth. Modine Brand. PDP 150 Vertical Power vented propeller. Unit heater 150,000 BTUs. Used one season. Asking $2,00 or best offer. If interested, come to our opening at Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm on May 2 to have a look and make an offer. A down payment is required. It will be left on in the Greenhouse until no longer in use.

Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm has a Barbeque for sale. Used very little. It is a Natural Gas or Propane hookup. The brand is a Broil King. Asking $400. If interested, come to our opening May 2 to have a look at it.

20’x50’ Greenhouse for Sale.2 years old, steel frame. It must be taken down and the power goes with it. Come to the opening of Brian’s Greenhouse on May 2 to have a look at it. It will stay standing until it is no longer in use or empty. Will require a down payment. Rest will be after it is down and cleaned. Buyer will be responsible for taking it down.

Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm. RR 172, North Side of Highway 13, 1.25 miles North, 2nd place on the East side of the road.

AUTOS FOR SALE

EASY FINANCE - LOW PAY-

MENTS! 800 vehicles to choose from - Trucks, Vans, Cars and SUVs. Starting at $3,995. We deliver.

EAGLERIDGE GM, Coquitlam, BC.

Ph: 778-918-6733/ 778-522-4190.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

Registered Red & Black Angus bulls for sale. Call 780-986-9088

SEED FOR SALE

Certified Seed For Sale. Oats:

ORE3542M - newer milling oats variety. Available for pick up in Camrose or Tofield. Brett Young: Forage varieties are available. Haralie Seed Farms. Harold & Errol Warkentin, Tofield, Alberta. PH 780662-2617, Cell 780-405-8089

CERTIFIED SEED. - WHEAT –AAC Goodwin, Go Early, Pintail. OATS - AC Juniper, AC Morgan, AC Mustang, Derby, CDC SO1 Super Oat. BARLEY – AB. Standswell, Cerveza, CDC Austenson, CDC Maverick, Sundre. Very Early Yellow Pea, Forage Peas. Polish Canola, Spring Triticale. mastinseeds.com; 403-556-2609.

WE BUY DAMAGED GRAINHeated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed....Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. "On Farm Pickup". Westcan Feed & Grain 1877-250-5252.

ALBERTA FEED GRAIN: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888483-8789.

FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-9219942.

GARAGE SALE

Brian’s Greenhouse U-Pick Fruits and Berries Farm will be having a Garage Sale shortly after the Greenhouse has closed. The date will be set at the time of closing of the greenhouse. It will be posted in papers for time and days.

HEALTH

HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1844-453-5372.

HELP WANTED

WE'RE HIRING: Cannabis hand trimmer $16.00/hr ANDREW, AB Trim leaves around each bud, handcrafting to perfection. Call/text 780394-0789 or email nmozel@gmail.com

CLASS 1 DRIVER: Hannah Transport Ltd., Acme, Alberta has an opening to haul anhydrous ammonia in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Spring and fall employment, hourly pay with overtime, safety bonus, paid cell phone. Training provided. Email: hannahtransportltd@gmail.com. Phone: Brian 403-312-8396.

ROCKY MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT IS HIRING: Parts Technicians, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman, Apprentices, CVIP/Truck Techs and RAP Students, Shop and Field positions available. View Open Roles www.rockymtn.com/careers. Possible Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.

SERVICES

Ampcore Electric

Andrew Erickson - Certified Master Electrician

780-254-0000

•Residential, Farm, & Commercial

Wiring

•New Construction

•Renovations

•Service Upgrades

•All Electrical Needs

Drywall Taping/Texturing

35+ Years. No Job too small Experienced drywall taper/texturer here to help you with any job big or small. Don't want to do it yourself, give me a call! Based in Killam but willing to travel.

Hand taper by trade but have experience with boxes, roller/flusher, taping tube. No bazooka exp. Have own tools (10-12" boxes, pump, angle box, roller, flusher, hand tools, etc.) Also do ceiling texture. Non- drinker, just want to work. Willing to work with existing taping crew. Call 780-385- 2106 or 780-385-1251.

Painting Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting

Betty Tkaczyk

780-632-8749

SERVICES

GET BACK ON TRACK! Bad credit? Bills? Unemployed? Need Money? We Lend! If you own your own home - you qualify. Pioneer Acceptance Corp. Member BBB. 1877-987-1420. www.pioneerwest.com.

PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866-405-1228 www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.

Carpet and Upholstery cleaningresidential and commercial. Truck mount unit, sewer backup, and flood cleaning. Auto and RV Cleaning. Call John and Sheri at Fancy Shine Auto and Carpet Care at 780-384-3087

Shane’s Stucco & Drywall Service

Shane Hollar Stucco (Traditional & Acrylic), Drywall, Stone, Textured Ceilings, Tile and Spray Painting 780-336-4832 shanes.stucco@gmail.com

Need to re-order:

•Company Forms?

•Invoices?

•Envelopes?

•Business Cards?

•Bookmarks?

•Magnets?

•Score Cards?

•Stamps?

•Certificates?

•Receipts?

•Posters?

•Invitations?

•Calendars?

•Letterheads?

•Menus? And more!

Call your local paper with your print order today!

WEEKLY REVIEW

780-336-3422 vikingreview@gmail.com

TOFIELD MERCURY

EVENTS FOR SALE FOR RENT HEALTH HELP WANTED SERVICES SERVICES

780-662-4046 adsmercury@gmail.com

LAMONT LEADER

780-895-2780 lmtleader@gmail.com

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Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, Trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-2323097

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Councillor Harvey stalls new animal bylaw in Lamont

BY JOHN MATHER

Lamont Town Council wanted to pass an amended animal control bylaw in three readings Mar. 28, but Councillor Al Harvey wouldn’t provide approval for the third reading to take place.

To have three readings in one council session, council must give unanimous approval for the third reading and Harvey didn’t vote in favour of the third reading.

Harvey wanted to see administration embark on an education program for town residents before the new bylaw came into effect, but administration felt they could provide education at the same time the new bylaw was in effect.

“The changes are generally minor and relate to the number of animals in the home and animals which may be on the loose,” said Chief Administrative Officer Rick Bastow.

“The main highlights are reaffirming households will be limited to three dogs. Poultry and livestock are excluded from domestic animals, and there are updates to the fees and fines.”

He said they had reviewed the bylaws from similar sized neighbouring communities and the changes would  help bylaw officers enforce the bylaw and would result in fewer dogs and cats at large in the community.

Councillor Harvey questioned the section of the bylaw that added no cats could be at large.

Bastow said during the previous summer there had been several complaints to the town office

Wrong date

"Village of Andrew Requests Audit Extension", in our Mar. 29 edition, stated the next Andrew Council meeting incorrectly as occurring on April 5 at 7 p.m. The correct date and time are April 12 at 7 p.m. We apologize for any inconvenience this error may have caused.

of cats running at large and stray cats producing litters in the community.

“The hope here is that homes which do house cats are aware of the provision of the changed bylaw,” Bastow said. “They need to be aware there are fines associated with allowing a cat to be at large.”

Harvey wondered if the bylaw was targeting stray cats with no known owners, or all cats in the community.

“There’s a fine of $100 but how is administration going to work this,” Harvey asked. He wondered if administration was referring to feral cats or all cats.

Bastow said in instances where they encountered cats with no known home they would work with the SPCA or other animal welfare agencies to remove the cats from Lamont.

Where the cats were known to have a resident owner, the owner would go through the fine process for allowing the cat to be at large.

“Our first goal here is residents are aware of the bylaw and know that they have to maintain control of their animal,” said Bastow. “We want residents to be comfortable with the bylaw.”

Harvey said he loved the idea, but didn’t want to see the bylaw implemented until an education could be completed.

“I’d like to see us do a survey and inform the public starting now and delay the bylaw until next year,” Harvey said. He said his son had a cat and it only went outside on a leash and he’s comfortable with that.

“There are others who enjoy having their cats

ANDREW AGTOURNEY

go out and catch mice and voles and keep the community clean,” Harvey said. “If it’s a kitten it could probably be trained to live on a leash but if it’s an older cat which has been allowed to roam freely changing its habits would be difficult.”

Councillor Dave Taylor said he tended to agree with Harvey.

“I think education should be at the forefront of this procedure,” he said. “I agree feral cats should be caught but it will be much more difficult with domestic cats.”

He wondered if domestic cats were roaming at large there was no provision for the Town to impound them as there was for dogs.

“So what’s our recourse here, if a resident complains about a domestic cat running at large,” he asked.

Deputy CAO Dawn Neilsen said the bylaw was going to be complaint driven.

“We’re not going to go out there and start

rounding up cats unless we receive a complaint,” she said. “If someone is complaining continuously with a neighbour then first we have to find out where the cat belongs because cats aren’t licenced.

“That will be up to the complainant or our bylaw officer to try and find out where the animal is kept.”

“The goal is to educate people and get them to comply and failing that have the bylaw officer talk to the owners,” she added.

Bastow added the point was to provide education to the community and make sure the residents understood that the bylaw existed and there were fines associated with it.

After moving through two readings the bylaw was stalled when Harvey refused to give permission for the third reading.

The bylaw will now be brought back to a future meeting to have third reading.

Holden, Viking and Tofield 4-H Clubs invite you to the BEAVER

DISTRICT 4-H Show & Sale

Monday May 1, 2023

@ the Holden Complex

Female Show @ 10 am

Steer Show @ 1 pm

Concession Open for Lunch

Supper @ 5:30 pm

Sale starts @ 7 pm

Supper ticket prices are $20 for 15 yrs & older. Under 5 yrs FREE. *Cash only Contact Matthew Spruyt 780-878-8460 for more information.

CERTIFIED SEED FOR SALE

Wheat:

CWRS - AAC Brandon - Improved Rated MR4 FHB resistance

- Most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years

CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB

-Wheat Midge tolerant

- Very good lodging resistance

CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option

-In demand by milling and ethanol industries

Yellow Peas:

CDC Canary - Improved standability

-Early maturity

-Higher Yielding

Faba Beans:

CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin

- Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop

6-Row Feed Barley:

AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight

- Smooth awned

-High grain and forage yield

2-Row Malt Barley:

CDC Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies

The Andrew Raiders goalie covers up a loose puck at the side of his net as members of the Raiders and the Multiple Scoregasms converge on the crease during round robin play in the Andrew Memorial Tournament held Mar. 31 to Apr 2, at Andrew Arena. The tournament is an annual event put on by the Andrew Agricultural Society. Ten teams took part in this year’s tournament.

Strathcona Mounty killed near Elk Island National Park

BY JOHN MATHER

A Strathcona RCMP member was killed in the line of duty while responding to a noise complaint call.

Const. Harvinder

Singh Dhami, 32,  succumbed to his injuries after his vehicle struck a concrete barrier near Elk Island National Park on Township Road 540.

The accident occurred around 2a.m. on Apr. 10. His vehicle struck a large concrete barrier while responding and despite efforts by EMS, he passed away.

“This is never the kind of news we want to share,” Zablocki said.

“He was hard working, dependable, and so well liked by everyone around him. This was so evident this morning and speaking with his watch mates and colleagues. Constable Dhami took great pride in wearing a uniform. And we were very proud to have him on our team.”

“We were fortunate to work with Harvey. Harvey was known for being hard working and a go-getter that could always be counted on,” said Dale Kendall, commander of the Strathcona County RCMP detachment.

Const. Harvinder Singh Dhami, 32,  succumbed to his injuries after his vehicle struck a concrete barrier near Elk Island National Park.

S NOW G O O S E

F

E S T I VA L

April 22 and 23, 2023

Tofield Arena

A celebration of the spring migration of snow geese through Beaverhill Lake & area

• 2-hour and 3-hour guided bus tours

• 3 hour guided field hikes

• Saturday night banquet

(with Abby K & the Band providing background music)

• Trade Show – free admission to the public

• Free Kids Activities

• Speakers series

• Concession operated by Tofield Curling Club

Tickets available through Eventbrite (link available at www.tofieldalberta.ca)

Tours costs: Adults - $25, Youth (12 & under) $10, or Family (2a & 2c) $60

Saturday Banquet - $50/tickets

TRADE SHOW VENDORS still being accepted.

Link to application on website

VOLUNTEERS – Would you like to volunteer to help lead a tour?

Help at the information desk? Help with tour departure? Contact us today!

www.tofieldalberta.ca

Contact the Town of Tofield at 780-662-3269

The Snow Goose Festival is presented by the following partners:

Fort Air Partnership to host open house at AGM

BY JOHN MATHER

The Fort Air Partnership will host an open house coupled with its annual general meeting on May 8 at the Fort Saskatchewan branch of the Royal Canadian Legion.

The evening will offer the public a chance to see what the partnership

does and how they operate.

The Fort Air Partnership operates air monitoring stations across the Alberta Industrial Heartland region including stations in Bruderheim, Elk Island National Park, Lamont and Chipman. FAP was formed in 1997  and

became an official airshed in 2000.

The partnership collects and reports on substances that affect air quality and is rigorously controlled, monitored and guided by objectives set by the Alberta Government.

LAMONT COUNTY

• 15,000 sq ft Industrial shop built on 42.8 acres in Lamont County adjacent to the town of Lamont. There is an approximately 15 acres of gravelled yard with partial chain link fencing. located at 195043 HWY 29 Lamont County Price $3,175,000 or call for lease price.

• W4-18-53-24-SW Plan 0826481 Block 2 Lot 1 5.02 acres yard site in Lamont County. Utilities at the property line. Price $49,000

• W4-18-53-26-SE N ½ Lamont County 80 acres property with a 60 ‘ by 40’ shop and the remainder of the land currently in hay. Price $235,000

Canadian Wildlife Service, Alberta Parks, Alberta Environment

• W4-20-55-27-SE Plan 1023701 Block 1 Lot 1A Lamont County. 138.09 acres in the Lamont Heartland for industrial use. Located North of Highway 15 on Range Road 202. Price $4,400,000

TWO HILLS COUNTY RECREATION LAND

• W4-12-55-27 NW 146 acres with 1/2-mile frontage on the North Saskatchewan River. HWY 29 and RR 123 50± acres of cultivation power at property Nicely treed lot for a building site. Price $350,000

STRATHCONA COUNTY

• SW Part of NW –23 –53 –23 –W4 40.55 acres North of Highway 16 on Range Road 232 in proposed medium industrial zoning with CP rail line at the border of the property Price $7,200,000

• Parts of SW and SE -7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21 exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price $6,000,000

Lauren Hill Steven Hill Norman Hill

Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, April 12, 2023

Community Programming

Service Requests – e.g., Road Concerns, winter maintenance, ditch clean-up, etc.

The easiest way to report a road concern or request service from Public Works, is to submit a Service Request directly on Lamont County’s website.

If you have a road concern or request for service, please SUBMIT a service request online at lamontcounty.ca/servicerequests. This is the easiest way to submit a request 24 hours a day and all submissions are tracked in the order received and addressed on a priority basis.

When completing your request, make sure to clearly identify the location/area/ segment of the road/etc. If possible, attach a photo of your service need for further clarity. More details means we can action the request efficiently.

Tickets are FREE (but limited)

Community Grants – Apply Today

Access current monthly Community Services and CALC programs using the QR codes or visit: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming

g

(Current programs include: Parents & Tots, Youth Group, Fitness Fun, 55+ Spring Crafternoon, Meals in Motion, Family Fun Night, Digital Skills workshops, Seniors Bus Trips, Income Tax Program, CALC family connections/My Journey…, volunteer appreciation, surveys & the KFRN monthly newsletter.) Posters are added to the website & social media when events are finalized. See Lamont County website for full posters & details.

Zhoda Community Centre Bingo (50/50)

Instead of a bingo, the Zhoda Community Centre is holding a 50/50. See its Facebook page for details (facebook.com/profile.php?id=100067148954658).

Address

Confirmation – onfirmation

Have You Moved? Have You Correct Mailing Correct CorrectMailing Address with Lamont County?

Make sure you receive tax notices and other correspondence – new & current landowners should contact us to ensure your correct MAILING ADDRESS is on file (esp. if you moved in the past year).

Lamont County recognizes the valuable contributions made by community and volunteer organizations/groups to improve the quality of life (health, well-being and social development) for residents. Specific requirements are needed to apply and receive grant funding. Applications for community grants are accepted by Council online at lamontcounty.ca/governance/boardscommittees/lamont-county-grants-application-form. See Policy 3112 – Council Community Grants for eligibility & requirements. Deadline to apply is June 1

The next ASB meeting is on May 10, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/departments/agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb.

Next Council Meeting

The next Regular Council Meeting is on Tuesday, April 25, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.

Please Note – inFocus is also available for viewing online at: www.lamontcounty.ca/communications (for those wanting to view the weekly submission as fullsized PDF and to access hyperlinks).

Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS), Kalyna Family Resource Network and CALC Programming

Entertainment by Double Vision

Family Activity Night

Saturday and Sunday April 22 - 23, 2023

A celebration of spring bird migration

Geoff Holroyd photo

Committee excited to resurrect festival for 2023 and

Welcome to the 2023 Snow Goose Festival on 22-23 April, 2023 in Tofield Alberta.

A committee representing over a dozen organizations has been meeting regularly to recreate this festival which attracted 4,000 to 7,000 people in the 1990s to view spring wildlife focused on the thousands of Snow Geese, other waterfowl, and songbirds, which migrate through Alberta.

The Festival was established as a celebration of spring bird migration, an opportunity for everyone to view the many species of birds that pass through central Alberta on their migration northward.

The Festival will include guided bus tours, hiking tours, a trade show, a banquet and other associated activities based out of the Tofield Arena.

• Beaver County

• County of Strathcona

• Alberta Environment

Organizations that are represented in the organizing committee include:

•Town of Tofield

• Beaverhill Bird Observatory

• North American Waterfowl Management Plan

• Canadian Wildlife Service

• Nature Alberta

• Edmonton Nature Club

• Alberta Parks

• Nature Conservancy

• Beaverhills Biosphere

• Alberta Conservation Association

• Claystone Waste Ltd

• WILDNorth

On behalf of the committee we thank you for participating in the Festival

and supporting the trade fair in the Tofield Arena.

Thank you again for your interest.

Yours truly Geoff Holroyd, and Vanita Eglauer

On behalf of the 2023 Snow Goose Festival Organizing Committee

Photo: Dylan Reade, Hastings Creek, Kallal Property, Nature Conservancy of Canada

Geoff Holroyd Vanita Englauer

Avian influenza: A new chapter in an old book

Margo Pybus, Fish and Wildlife Stewardship, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas

Our view of Avian Influenza dramatically shifted in spring 2022 as Mother Nature provided something never seen before in North America. There was a change in the ancient relationship between avian influenza virus (AIV) and the birds in which it lives, and the final outcome is yet to be revealed.

Avian influenza virus coevolved naturally in wild waterfowl over many 1,000s of years. But as we saw with COVID19, viruses change a lot!

Influenza genes in wild birds constantly re-assort in a genetic melting pot around the world.

Given their ancient existence, variation in AIV genetics is extensive, and can differ at continental, flyway, regional, and local levels. Data collected by Canadian Wildlife Service (CWS) across the prairies in the 1970s & 80s also revealed differences from month to month, species to species, week to week, and pond to pond.

What changed in 2022?

Normally AIV occurs in wild waterfowl and shorebirds without mortality.

However, in spring 2022 the virus killed migrating geese and ducks on all four North American flyways! It killed lots of waterfowl and quite a few other birds, and some mammals that ate live or dead infected waterfowl.

The AIV wave arrived in Alberta in early April. Within a few days, phone lines lit up with sick and dead bird reports – largely snow geese in southern AB. But very quickly most of central and east-central Alberta was awash with sick and dead snow geese and a few Canada geese, then secondarily raptors and corvids.

Dead geese were a bonanza for avian scavengers but the free food came with a high price. We received many many reports of sick or dead hawks, owls, crows, magpies, and a few falcons.

At the same time, strange neurologic behaviour occurred in striped

skunks and a few young foxes. More than 80 sick or dead skunks were reported from the same area where dead snow geese littered the landscape.

Affected birds and mammals displayed severe neurologic signs, including head tremors, weak neck, incoordination, and clouded eyes. Many raptors and corvids just fell out of a tree and died. Many of the skunks had severe seizures and convulsions before they died.

Overall, we detected AIV (specifically North American HPAI H5N1) in multiple wild bird species, skunks, and a few foxes. Mortality was greatest in snow geese, great horned owls (adults and youngsters), red-tailed hawks, and crows. Many many owl and hawk nests were empty in 2022.

The same virus was detected in commercial and backyard poultry flocks

involving over a million birds across Alberta. It was a widespread and very hot form of AIV. Mortality continued through the winter in pockets of Canada geese that stayed in parts of southern Alberta.

It is very likely the virus will return as migrating ducks and geese flood back into Alberta in April 2023. We anticipate some mortality in wild birds but hopefully the virus has changed again and the mortality will be less than in 2022.

Stay tuned and we will all see what Mother Nature has in store.

For more info see: Alberta info & data lists: https://www.alberta.ca/avianinfluenza-in-wild-birds.aspx Canadian data: http://www.cwhcrcsf.ca/avian_influenza.php

Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta

Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Protecting Wetland Habitat in Alberta

Wetlands are highly diverse, productive ecosystems that provide a host of ecological benefits across Alberta's landscapes.

Covering around 20 per cent of the province’s surface area, wetlands play an important role in sustaining healthy watersheds and include a rich and varied array of ecosystems, including bogs, fens, marshes, swamps and shallow open water wetlands.

Over time, wetlands have been subject to alteration, degradation and loss due to human development and climate variations, and it’s important for all of us to do our part to protect and restore this important natural resource.

What is Alberta’s Wetland Replacement Program?

Through the Wetland Replacement Program, Alberta Environment and Protected Areas works in collaboration with Albertans to replace lost wetland areas.

From 2020 through 2022, Alberta’s government provided $11.4 million in funding resources for collaborative wetland replacement projects across the province. By working together with municipalities and non-profits, the pro-

gram has helped replace over 366 hectares of vital wetland habitat.

Wetland replacement in action

As a participant in the Wetland Replacement Program, Strathcona County restored a fully functioning marsh near Uncas Elementary School.

From site selection and hydrology design to soil testing and vegetation planting, the county worked with professional environmental consultants and University of Alberta students to build a series of wetlands that will help reduce the impacts of extreme weather, improve local water quality, support biodiversity, provide habitat for wildlife and species at risk and create educational opportunities.

Another success story is in the City of Leduc. The city joined the Wetland Replacement Program to construct three basins providing marsh, swamp and shallow open water habitat for pollinators, amphibians and small birds.

The restored wetlands are nestled between the shoreline of Telford Lake and farmlands in an area that was historically drained for agricultural use.

In addition to all the ecological benefits of replaced wetlands, the project is near a multiway trail and is visible from the lake, providing notable opportunities to engage, inspire and educate visitors.

Wetland policy in Alberta

The Wetland Replacement Program is one tool of the Alberta Wetland Policy.

This policy outlines steps to avoid and minimize negative impacts on wetlands and to replace lost wetland value. It recognizes that wetland stewardship is an important component of wetland management in Alberta and supports the many efforts of landowners, municipalities, and the members of the public in protecting and enjoying their local wetlands.

For more information on the Alberta Wetland Policy and the Wetland Replacement Program, visit Alberta.ca

Snow

Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Topics and Guest Speakers in the Tofield Arena

Saturday 12:30 PM

Boreal Songbird Populations

As a whole, forest birds in Canada are doing relatively well compared to some other groups such as grassland birds and aerial insectivores, showing an average change of ~7% increase, according to latest State of Canada’s Birds Report in 2019.

When you look a little closer at the individual species though, we see that some populations are increasing and some are decreasing.

Who are the ‘winners’ and what does some of the recent work tell us about why some of these species are doing better than others?

Presented by: Thea Carpenter, Wildlife Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Climate Change Canada / Government of Canada. Over the last 10 years, Thea has worked on wildlife conservation issues in the boreal forest region, ranging from migratory songbird monitoring to boreal caribou recovery. Thea is an avid outdoor person, who enjoys exploring our diverse ecosystems and doing her best to contribute to their preservation.

Saturday 2 PM

40 years of Bird Conservation at the Beaverhill Bird Observatory

This presentation will focus on the research, monitoring and education programs that the Beaverhill Bird Observatory (BBO) has conducted leading up to its 40th year of operation.

The research of BBO has extended our knowledge of breeding and migratory birds at Beaverhill Lake and many far flung places. Our education programs have embraced thousands of people, and our intern and young ornithologist workshop has helped train numerous youth in their early careers.

Presented by: Jon Von Arragon, Assistant Biologist, Beaverhill Bird Observatory. Jon is an avid lover of birds and nature, and he has been involved with the observatory since starting as a volunteer in 2016.

Sunday 12:30 PM

The Curious Case of Prairie Wetlands: Love, Hate and Something in Between

The loss of wetlands across the Prairie Pothole Region has become a priority for provincial governments and the Alberta Wetland Policy in 2013 lays out clear conservation guidelines for Alberta landowners.

But wetlands continue to be drained and are viewed as wastelands by many people. This presentation will explore the economic benefits of wetlands for both the livestock and crop sector in the prairies, including: ecological benefits, productivity enhancement and conservation options for restoration.

Using personal examples from his farm near Camrose, and scientific examples from his research, this pres-

entation will explore options to manage wetlands as part of a farming operation.

Presented by: Dr. John K. PattisonWilliams is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and president of Pattison Resource Consulting Ltd., a company specializing in the interaction between environmental conservation and economic development. He lives in the Miquelon Lake area and is active on the family farm, raising blue roan quarter horses and the odd chicken

Sunday 2 PM

Cool things to do and see in the Beaver Hills.

The Beaver Hills has a multitude of hiking trails, conservation and protected areas, and even roadsides, where visitors may find great opportunities to view wildlife and birds in their natural habitat. A guide to where to visit, what to do and how to get there, will be presented.

Presented by: Glen Lawrence, Councillor Strathcona County. Glen has spent his entire life living in, farming, loving and protecting the natural areas of the Beaver Hills.

Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta

It’s an Alberta thing.

Tofield Arena is at the Sports Grounds, 4748 53 Ave, Tofield

SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL: April 22 - 23, 2023

Schedule of Events

(Same for both day unless otherwise noted)

Purchase tickets and see detailed information at www.tofieldalberta.ca

7:30 am- 6 pm Tour Registration & information Centre – Tofield Arena

Concession open - Tofield Arena Lobby

8 am - 4 pm Tour Departures from Tofield Arena

Tour cost: Adults: $25, Youth (12 & under): $10, Family (2a/2c): $60 Visit website to purchase advance tickets. Tickets may be limited on site. Bring your camera, bird ID book, and binoculars. As spring weather can be unpredictable, waterproof footwear and layered clothing recommended as spring weather can be unpredictable.

8 am – 6 pm Trade Show Hours - Free admission

(Sun., 8 am – 5 pm)

Several vendors, nature interpretation, education with live birds and more!

8 am – 5 pmFREE Kids Activities - Located in Trade Show area

Hosted by Nature Alberta and Nature Kids

• Community Art Project - pick your colour and add your paint mark to Nature Alberta's canvas with specialized bird footprint sponges. The art will be hung in Nature Alberta's office to inspire our community connected by a love of nature for the next 50 years of service!

• Bird Protecting Window Decal - make a bird-shaped suncatcher window decal to take home and hang up in your window. The decal craft will break up the reflection of your window to help prevent birds from flying into it.

• Adopt a Goose - grab a paper goose, give it a name and draw on a happy face! Take your newly adopted goose home to hang up beside your window decal craft to protect birds from hitting your window.

• Mini Nature Quiz - test your nature knowledge with colourful Nature Kids flip cards to learn about Alberta's special species.

12:30 pm & 2:00 pm FREE Speaker Series: Tofield Arena Meeting Room

Saturday, April 22 at 12:30 PM

Boreal Songbird Populations

Presented by Thea Carpenter, Wildlife Biologist, Canadian Wildlife Service, Environment Climate Change Canada / Government of Canada.

Saturday, April 22 at 2 PM

40 years of Bird Conservation at the Beaverhill Bird Observatory

Presented by Jon Von Arragon, Assistant Biologist, Beaverhill Bird Observatory.

Sunday, April 23 at 12:30 PM

The Curious Case of Prairie Wetlands: Love, Hate and Something in Between

Presented by Dr. John K. Pattison-Williams, Adjunct Professor at the University of Alberta and president of Pattison Resource Consulting Ltd.

Sunday, April 23 at 2 PM

Cool things to do and see in the Beaver Hills.

Presented by Glen Lawrence, Councillor Strathcona County.

6:00 pm Banquet & Silent Auction at Tofield Community Hall

Saturday Only Doors open at 6 pm, supper at 7 pm.

Tickets: $50/person (purchase in advance)

Music provided by “Abby K and the Band”. Catered by: A-1 Catering

• Guest Speaker: Garnet Raven (CWS biologist)

“Lesser snow geese: population trends and management”

• Silent Auction at banquet with proceeds to the Festival.

*ONLY CASH ACCEPTED ON SITE*

TRADE SHOW PARTICIPANTS:

Beaverhill Bird Observatory – with live bird!

Nature Alberta

Nature Kids – Kids Activities

Ministik Crafters

Claystone Waste

Alberta NAWMP Partnership

Beaver Hills Biosphere

Goat & Gopher Cards ‘n Stuff

Alberta Conservation Association

Strathcona County

Wes Olson & Johane Janelle (Books & Wildlife Art)

Nature Conservancy of Canada

Ducks Unlimited Canada – Alberta Operations

Dr. Margo Pybus –Fish and Wildlife

Royal Alberta Museum

...and more!

CODE OF ETHICS FOR BIRDWATCHERS

• Do not trespass on private land without the landowners’ permission.

• Avoid repeated disturbance or flushing of birds. Keep your distance and ensure that your presence does not disrupt the normal resting, feeding, breeding and nesting behavior of birds. Repeated disturbance can reduce energy levels needed by migrating birds as well as those raising young. It can also increase their vulnerability to predation.

• On public land, such as the natural area, use established access points and stay on developed trails to avoid unnecessary trampling of vegetation.

• Ensure that you take back with you everything that you brought. Leave no litter. Most bird-watching access areas around Beaverhill Lake are user-maintained.

• Show courtesy towards fellow bird-watchers, other recreationists and landowners. Don't interfere with their activities and show a friendly disposition in sharing observations and providing directions.

The Snow Goose Festival is presented by the following partners:

Canadian Wildlife Service, Alberta Parks, Alberta Environment

Lesser snow geese: population trends and management

The North American population of lesser snow geese (Chen caerulescens caerulescens) has experienced dramatic population growth over the last 50 years.

In North America, lesser snow geese are managed as three separate populations: the mid-continent population (MCP), the western arctic population (WAP), and the Wrangle Island population (WIP).

A proportion of all three populations come through Alberta during both

spring and fall migration. The manner in which these populations have been monitored and managed has changed in recent years. Designating the MCP and WAP as overabundant combined with liberalizing hunting limits has attempted to increase harvest rates and control increasing populations.

Mid-winter surveys along with photo counts at nesting colonies historically tracked population trends. More recently, monitoring of most arctic goose populations has transitioned to the use of Lincoln-Petersen estimates. These population estimates are generated using banding data along with harvest estimates. Lesser snow goose banding is annually conducted at 5 locations across the Canadian arctic. Harvest rate estimates are generated using band returns, and total harvest is estimated using the harvest questionnaire survey and the Parts Composition Survey (PCS).

The PCS survey uses

tail fan submissions of harvested geese by migratory bird hunters. Strategies used as well as the accuracy and efficiency in which we monitor and manage these populations will continue to evolve as technology and our knowl-

edge and understanding evolves. The conservation of lesser snow geese and their habitats is important to hunters, birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts throughout North America.

10 - 2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta

Northern Alberta Wildlife Rescue & Rehabilitation

Have you seen this bird?!?

The American Kestrel is North America’s smallest and most colourful falcon. Unfortunately, Kestrel population declines have been detected across the continent. Additional monitoring and research are required to better understand this. Conservation efforts made for Kestrels would benefit a range of wildlife including ungulates, songbirds, upland game birds and many others.

What we are doing:

• Placing Kestrel nestboxes in good habitat such as near pasture and open areas.

• Using motion-triggered cameras at nests to learn about prey-use.

• Banding adult and young birds.

• Using trackers to follow Kestrels during migration and winter.

• Presentations made in school and at community events.

We would like to say a special thank you to Local Landowners! These folks host nestboxes on their properties and provide good habitat for Kestrels. We could not do our work without them.

How you could get involved:

• Share Kestrel sightings with us.

• Host a Kestrel family with a nestbox.

• Follow us on Instagram to learn about upcoming events and field outings.

Contact Us:

Email: info@STRIXeco.ca; @alberta_kestrel_project

Alberta Kestrel Project partners: Landowners

Living with wildlife

by WILDNorth Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation

The Snow Goose Festival is a wonderful opportunity to view and connect with one of the most amazing wonders of the wildlife world – the annual spring migration!

After a long winter, the return of many waterfowl, shorebirds and songbirds fills us with a sense of hope and renewal. While birdwatching has been long recognized as a rejuvenating activity, living with wildlife can brings it’s share of frustration mixed with that appreciation.

WILDNorth is a not-for-profit Edmonton-based organization that provides compassionate care to injured and orphaned wildlife (WILDCare), rescue of injured wildlife that may be in difficult situations (WILDRescue) and educational opportunities (WILDEd).

Our Wildlife Helpline handles thousands of calls each year and some of those calls are related to “how do I remove/deal with a particular animal that is causing aggravation”.

WILDNorth supports the principal

that humans can live harmoniously with wildlife if we follow a few simple - though perhaps not easy - practices.

Canada Geese are loved by many, despised by few and create angst for some. Canada Geese, once almost on the brink of extinction, have greatly increased their numbers over the past couple of decades and are now common across North America.

They have adapted to urban environments where there are plenty of open green spaces (golf courses, parks) and will often select a nest site on apartment balconies, rooftops, parking lots or construction sites.

Canada Geese are protected by law under the Migratory Birds Convention Act and once a nest is established with eggs, it is illegal to move or remove it. Canada Geese are also highly protective of their nests, eggs and young and will defend them vigorously against threats.

In the spring, flocks of Canada Geese return as ice and snow recedes. Pairs are already established and break away from the flock to select a nest site – either a new one or one where they

have successfully nested in previous years.

Male Canada Geese known as the gander, will stand guard nearby while the female may be somewhere else on a nest in a more secluded spot. To see a single goose alone in a parking lot or on a sidewalk in town in the spring is a sure sign that there is an active nest nearby.

The male usually will not fly away but will surely walk away or turn and hiss if approached. The female will lay a “clutch” of eggs – one a day up to 12 eggs. Once all the eggs are laid, she begins the incubation process which begins the development of the chicks inside the egg. She will incubate (keep the eggs warm) for 25-30 days rarely leaving the nest except briefly for food and water.

She can lose up to one-third of her body weight during this time. When the eggs hatch, she will continue to “brood” (keep them warm under her wings and belly) and within one to two days, she and the male will lead the goslings away from the nest site to find food and water.

They know exactly where they want to take the family and this can be quite a distance from the original nesting site to an area with plentiful food and water. Grass is the main source of food for the growing family.

If a Canada Goose has started to investigate your balcony in April/May as a potential nesting site, you must act quickly (within days) before the nest gets established. Remove any planters or other small, flat surfaces that may be attracting her and try to prevent access to the balcony during this time.

For more information about this or other wildlife-related concerns, please contact WILDNorth Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation at 780-914-4118 or visit our website at www.wildnorth.ca.

Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta

Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Take a trip to Miquelon Lake Provincial Park

By Brian Orr, Visitor Engagement Supervisor, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park, Alberta Parks.

Located just 65 kilometres southeast of Edmonton, Miquelon Lake Provincial Park is part of a network of protected areas that preserves the beauty and diversity of the Beaver Hills.

A rich mosaic of poplar, aspen, white spruce forests and flowering shrubs dominate Miquelon, and there are also numerous kettle ponds and wetlands in the park. These diverse landscapes provide habitat for a broad range of wildlife, especially of the winged variety.

It is recognized internationally as an Important Bird Area, attracting more than 200 species annually and nesting ring-billed and California gulls. It is also part of the Beaver Hills Biosphere, which received a designation from UNESCO in 2016.

Miquelon is a hub for year-round activities for everyone to enjoy. For

birders who want rare and unforgettable experiences, plan a trip in early May to witness thousands of ducks, geese and sandhill cranes circling above on migration. Then in the summer, come back to see a healthy breeding colony of American white pelicans.

Or, if you’re savvy with your bird calls, take a hike through one of the backcountry trail systems to identify many different migratory songbirds including the Canada warbler, eastern phoebe and rubycrowned kinglet.

Camping is available and sites can be booked online from mid-May through to the September-long weekend. Be sure to make time for a free interpretive education program like a guided walk, family program or even one of our amphitheatre programs.

At the visitor centre, you can get extra information; outfit yourself with ice cream, ice, or keepsakes at the giftshop; or go check out our live educational animal displays in the discovery

room.

Looking for more to do? Explore the park’s hiking trails, take a walk along the lake or engage in activities at the nearby Cooking Lake Blackfoot Provincial Recreation Area.

Miquelon Lake Provincial Park proudly hosts a number of exciting

events. Take a look at our website and mark down the dates so that you don’t miss out. For any information or questions, please visit our website at https://www.albertaparks.ca/parks/c entral/miquelon-lake-pp or give us a call at 780-672-7274. See you soon!

Phone: 780-662-2499

miquelonhillsgolf.com

18 Hole Golf Course! Located 15 minutes southwest from Tofield 20340 Twp Rd 494A, Camrose County

Celebrating the spring migration and wetlands.

Schedule your tournament or event with us!

RV SITES AVAILABLE!

The spring migration is a marvel of nature as thousands of migrating snow geese, Canada geese, various shorebirds, cranes and swans return. But this annual wonder wouldn’t be possible without wetlands - the productive waterfowl habitat that is such an important part of the Alberta landscape.

Since 1986, the Alberta North American Waterfowl Management Plan Partnership (Alberta NAWMP) and its supporters have been conserving and protecting the province’s wetlands. Because of these efforts, some bird populations - especially waterfowl - are making a comeback and, in some cases, thriving again.

PARTNERS

To learn more about the Partnership, visit

We celebrate wetlands every year. But this year especially, we welcome the return of the Snow Goose Festival to Tofield and Beaverhill Lake! ABNAWMP.CA

2023 Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta -13

ALBERTA NAWMP

Welcome

the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Wetland restoration brings benefits to farm family

by Beaver Hills Biosphere

For Leroy and Mary Feldberg, their wetland restoration project provides better control of spring flooding on their land, continued use of the land for grazing, increased wildlife habitat, and financial compensation. This great project is one of many wetland restorations enabled through the Alberta Wetland Policy.

“If Ryan Pocza hadn’t dropped by, my parents would have never known that this project was a possibility,” says Lisa Ayres, the Feldbergs’ daughter. Pocza, a Conservation Program Specialist with Ducks Unlimited Canada (DUC), has been actively targeting drained wetlands in Wetaskiwin County that could be restored. Restoring such wetlands enhances the habitat base that DUC has already protected in the area through conservation easements, purchases and restoration projects.

In 2019, using satellite imagery and other tools, Pocza determined that a wetland basin on the Feldbergs’ land had been partially drained years ago. So, he approached Leroy to see if he might be interested in a project to restore that wetland to its pre-drainage level.

“We have two quarter sections – a south pasture and a north pasture. Both pastures have natural slough wet-

land areas, which are connected by a creek. In the spring, a lot of water comes into the south pasture in that slough area. And when ice breakup happens, we typically see flooding through the creek, over our driveway, and into the north pasture’s slough area,” explains Ayres.

and half is paid in 10 payments over the 10 years. We put a caveat on the title for those 10 years, which allows us to access the wetland to check that everything is functioning properly.”

The landowner retains ownership and management of the restored area. The only restrictions are that the

and geese.

Controlling the water level in the south slough required a rock chute and dam, which DUC built to withstand a 1-in-100-year flood. Pocza adds, “The Feldbergs were awesome to work with, and everyone was happy to see this project come to fruition.”

“All in all, this project was a very positive experience,” says Ayres.

“What really sparked Leroy’s interest in the project was having more control of the water flow.”

Under its Wetland Restoration Lease Program, DUC works with the landowner to develop a project plan. If the landowner and DUC decide to proceed with a proposed project, they sign a 10-year agreement.

“Under these agreements, DUC takes care of all the work and costs related to restoring the wetland,” explains Pocza. “We also pay the landowner 100% of the fair market value for the area covered by the restored wetland. Half is paid upfront,

Everyone at The Tofield Mercury extends a big thank you to the organizers for reviving the Snow Goose Festival, in particular its promotion committee of Geoff Holroyd and Vanita Eglauer for the cooperation and organization they showed gathering copy for our publication.

As usual the Town of Tofield was essential in another successful event. Thank you Mayor Dueck, Council, Admin and staff.

Thank you to the community-minded businesses which always seem to support The Mercury. Please support the businesses who advertised and paid for this won-

landowner must not remove the wetland control structure or till the land within the wetland’s boundary.

“This project doesn’t change how we manage the land; we can still pasture cows there,” notes Ayres. “The only change is that we now have controlled water flow and a new area for wildlife and waterfowl. My parents are both avid bird watchers, and Leroy is a photographer.”

This land has been in the Feldberg family for generations. Leroy, who has lived on this farm all his life, told Pocza that as kids they used to canoe in the slough and watch the cranes, ducks

derful souvenir.

Funding for these restoration projects is available to landowners as a result of the Wetland Policy mitigation process. Fees paid by proponents for approved wetland impacts are held in a provincial fund dedicated to wetland replacement. Those funds are used by DUC to compensate landowners like the Feldbergs for voluntary wetland restoration.

“The Alberta Wetland Policy has created a mechanism for paying landowners for the ecosystem services [such as wildlife habitat, flood and drought management, water quality improvement and biodiversity] provided by their restored wetlands,” explains DUC’s Tracy Scott.

“As a rough estimate, this policy is putting almost $4 million a year into landowners’ pockets through the compensation payments in DUC’s restoration projects. It’s really a win-win-win for the environment, society and landowners.”

Congratulations to the Snow Goose Festival committee and many organizations involved in bringing this great event back to Tofield. Visitors please enjoy this year’s Snow Goose Festival and the incredible welcome and hospitality our town is known for!

Thanks to Lisa, Jordyn, Jana, John and Crystal for being such a great staff and for all the extra work everyone did before, during, and after - making this event more enjoyable for all!

- Kerry Anderson, Publisher

Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Observe, investigate, and share nature with iNaturalist!

BY STEPH WEIZENBACH, NATURE ALBERTA PROGRAM DIRECTOR

Investigating nature can be a fun treasure hunt when you use iNaturalist to record and share your observations. Experts will help identify all your treasured finds! Follow these easy steps to get started:

Step 1: Install the iNaturalist app on your device or visit inaturalist.org on your computer.

Step 2: Create an account.

Step 3: Head outside to explore nature and find species of interest: plant, fungi, insect, bird, mammal, or any living thing!

Step 4: Tap “OBSERVE” to take a photo of your neat nature find. Review your photo and hit “NEXT” if it looks good.

Step 5: Identify it by clicking on “WHAT DID YOU SEE?” Options will populate based on species that look like your photo. You can select one of these or look up a species name if you know what it is.

Step 6: Optional: You can add more photos, or a note, and review other set

Waterfowl in spring

by Ducks Unlimited

options.

Step 7: Hit “SHARE.”

It's that easy!

Challenge yourself to see how many species you can record within an 8-km radius of your house! And head over to naturealberta.ca/citizen-science to learn about projects and events you can participate in with your new tool and skill!

Project Spotlight:

Franklin’s Ground Squirrel

Franklin’s ground squirrel was once common in central Alberta but is now rarely seen. Nature Alberta believes this animal needs to be listed as a threatened species.

The first step is to gather more information about its current population size and distribution, and to do this we need your help.

If you spot this squirrel on your travels, please submit a photo to iNaturalist. We are also interested in historical observations. Further information, including tips on identifying the squirrel, can be found at naturealberta.ca/ground-squirrel.

Each spring, Canadians herald the sights and sounds of waterfowl as they flock to their nesting grounds. But after their long trips, life for our feathered friends isn’t easy.

Waterfowl – especially females –undergo arduous physical and biological processes before, during, and after their journeys. And once here, most hens have one shot to raise a brood.

Waterfowl hens will construct a nest with nearby vegetation and line it with down plucked from her breast. She’ll feed on invertebrates to build her energy for an important role: producing a brood.

It’s no easy gig. She’ll need all the energy she has to give.

When male and female waterfowl prepare for their journey from their southern wintering grounds northwards to Canada, they do so in similar ways. The process differs between the sexes once they arrive.

David Howerter, PhD, director of national conservation operations at DUC explains how, and why, ducks do

what they do – before and when they get here.

A SHARED EXPERIENCE: PREPARING FOR MIGRATION

Feeling restless – Ever wonder what pushes migratory waterfowl to bid adieu to their warm winter homes?

It’s a physiological process called zugunruhe (pronounced: zoo-gunroo). This German term refers to the restlessness birds experience as migration nears.

Zugunruhe is triggered by the endocrine system (a collection of glands that release hormones into their blood stream) in response to longer daylight hours.

“As it gets closer to the time for these birds to migrate they become increasingly active,” says Howerter. “They’ll spend more time flying and their movements will begin to orient in the direction they intend to migrate.”

No exceptions – Zugunruhe impacts migratory waterfowl wintering close to the equator, where daylight hours remain consistent, year-round.

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Welcome to the Snow Goose Festival - Tofield, Alberta 2023

Waterfowl

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This may be a result of evolutionary hangover from when the species had a different distribution, or because of the changing angle of the sun.

Packing on the pounds – “Before ducks begin their journey north, they’ll go through a phase biologists refer to as hyperphagia, where they’ll spend a lot of their days consuming calories,” explains Howerter. “This is done to prepare for their long trip.” Like zugunruhe, hyperphagia’s also triggered by hormonal changes, influenced by changing daylight hours.

Growing closer – Migratory waterfowl can only procreate from spring until late summer. This is because in the “off-season” their reproductive organs shrink, making it easier to fly over long distances. As birds close in on their breeding grounds, their endocrine system releases hormones that stimulate their reproductive organs to grow larger again in anticipation of breeding.

tilized the eggs and the hen is incubating, the drakes will take off. Often they’ll go further north, to the boreal forest,” says Howerter.

Meanwhile, the hens prepare for one of the most difficult processes they’ll go through in their lifetime: producing a clutch of eggs.

Size matters – How waterfowl behave once they arrive at the nesting site depends on whether they’re capital or income breeders.

arrive at the nesting grounds, they’re looking for protein- and calcium-rich foods, like invertebrates, that provide the nutrients they need to produce a clutch of eggs.

ing embryo and albumen (egg white) is deposited around it, followed by the shell. About seven days later, the hen will lay an egg,” says Howerter.

A blue-winged teal hen will lay between six to 14 eggs, provided she has the energy required to develop them.

Sitting still – Once a duck has laid her eggs, she will spend nearly one month incubating them.

IT’S

ALL ABOUT HER: PRODUCING A CLUTCH

Once waterfowl arrive at nesting sites, the male-female experience begins to diverge. “Once they have fer-

“Capital” breeders are large-bodied ducks that can store enough energy (calories) to migrate thousands of kilometres and arrive ready to lay a clutch of eggs and incubate them for about 30 days. One example of a capital breeder is the common eider, which averages between two and six pounds.

“Income” breeders like the far smaller blue-winged teal (weighing in at 400 grams) are unable to sustain the same kind of fuel reserves. When they

Nesting is natural – Birds, like people, experience the urge to nest before they welcome offspring into the world. Expectant bird and human parents alike can trace this feeling to the hormone prolactin. Prolactin is released into the blood stream by the pituitary gland, found at the base of the brain.

Laying a clutch of eggs – A hen’s pituitary gland will also release two hormones that stimulate egg production: follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone. They trigger ovulation. Once a duck begins to ovulate, a drake can fertilize her egg – then things begin to take shape. “Once the ovum is fertilized the egg starts to develop. The yolk provides nutrients to the develop-

Crack! – The eggs have hatched. Finally, mom can focus on relaxing and refueling, right?  “Not exactly,” says Howerter. Instead, she’ll help her ducklings find food high in protein and calcium, required for muscle and skeletal development. While ducklings are precocial (mobile after hatching), they still need help to find suitable habitat and food.

Bidding farewell – After 30 to 40 days, many hens will leave their broods to prepare for moulting (the process in which ducks lose their flight feathers). “The ducklings are on their own after that,” says Howerter, noting at this point young waterfowl are able to source their own food.

In future years, these ducklings will return to the prairie landscape to produce their own offspring and repeat this fascinating but strenuous process of duck-rearing.

BEAVERHILL BIRD OBSERVATORY WELCOMES YOU TO THE 2023 SNOW GOOSE FESTIVAL

Snow Goose Festival, Tofield, Alberta