April 27 Beaver County Chronicle

BEAVER COUNTY SEED CLEANING CO-OP For Sale: Common Seed Oats, Pony Oats and Barley

Serving all the farms, ranches, acreages and towns in Beaver County

Chronicle

Bruce, Holden, Kinsella Ryley, Tofield, Viking

Phone 780-688-3917 • Holden, AB

The Beaver County

Hubert & Margaret Graham Parts, Sales & Service Bus: 780-663-3759 Res: 780-662-2384 Fax: 780-663-3799

ryalta@digitalweb.net 5108 - 50th St. Ryley, AB., T0B 4J0

A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday,February April 27,16 2022, Volume 15,15 Issue 17 7 Wednesday 2022 Volume Issue

CN officials discuss whistle cessation and projects with County council - Bruce siding extension end of May Patricia Harcourt CN Rail officials Tyler Banick, in charge of public and government affairs for AB, BC, and NWT corporate services, and Anees Hussain, project officer, discussed whistle cessation and other issues with Beaver County Council April 20.

Beaver County has three railway crossings where it has requested that CN trains stop blowing their whistles when driving past. County residents residing nearby are finding the whistles blowing long and often and have asked the county to find a way to stop them.

Meanwhile, CN officials cite safety concerns needed for crossings even in rural areas to prevent collisions with trains.

Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) inquired about any projects within the county CN might be undertaking this year. He was told that a siding extension project was scheduled for the siding at Bruce.

Smook was told this was “industry driven,” based on the growth and demand for goods to be brought through the area in an efficient and seamless manner.

Division 5 Councillor Dale Pederson asked if there would be any activity in the M.D. of Wainwright near Jarrow (east of Division 5). “How is it progressing?” he said.

This is “not in the plans for 2022 or into the future,” was the reply.

Pederson also asked for the county to be considered for the rights to gravel on CN property. “There’s quite a bit of gravel there,” he said, that “hasn’t been used for years…It’s all piles and holes…We would like to clean it up and get some of the gavel.”

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) told CN the area around Poe where he lives has seen improvement when it comes to the bells and whistles of the trains going through, as

well as the siding and track issues.

Hrabec also said community groups in the county are finding they don’t have the resources to apply for CN’s grant programs.

“Since Beaver County is right on the (railway) line,” Hrabec said he was advocating for these groups for CN to find funds for them.

Banick offered to be a liaison for these community groups “to find out their projects and see if it fits in” to CN’s model.

Hrabec also brought up weed control along the railway tracks.

“We do have some concerns,” he said, noting there are more weeds not being covered in the chemical spray used to control weeds along the sides of the tracks. CN offered to take the concern back to their environmental team which looks after the spray program.

Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) wanted to know how the county could work with CN’s development and real estate group regarding promotion of economic development in the county.

“We have some real estate and I’m sure we would be open to discussion,” he said, regarding economic opportunities citing the establishing of an inland terminal as one idea.

Williams felt the inland terminal was “a good opportunity (for the county) to be a gateway to Edmonton” as well as the area south and north of Highway 14.

The response was that the county and CN’s economic development officer could discuss it, with Banick calling it “a great opportunity” considering the proximity of the county to the rail line.

Councillor Barry Bruce (Division 4) emphasized the issue of CN’s trains blowing their horns at rural crossings and the disruption to the lives of those living there, often for generations.

The trains go past small communi-

ties “that have been here since the train (first) came through,” he said, over 100 years ago. In that time period, the trains have become increasingly longer and their whistles louder. This is affecting the way of life of those living along that train track, he said, adding: “They are the ones paying for the price of economic development.”

Bruce said the county “is paying ransom to have the whistle stopped,” and paying for a study about the mitigation of the noise that “as a kid I never heard.” But now, he said, the horns are blowing at every crossing. The whistles are set too high on the engine, he said, and travel too far with no hills to Continued on BCC2

Employment Opportunity Holden Community Programmer

VIKING

BEAVER

Viking/Beaver Family and Community Support Services (VBFCSS) serves the communities of Holden, Viking, Kinsella, Bruce and the east half of Beaver County. We provide preventable social programs and initiatives that enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. We are currently recruiting for the position of Community Programmer in the Village of Holden. This is a permanent, part-time position of 15 hours a week.

This position requires a highly motivated, compassionate and creative individual with well-developed interpersonal skills who is able to work independently and as an effective part of a multidisciplinary team. Knowledge of the Holden Community is an asset. The successful candidate will be required to sign and abide by VBFCSS’s code of confidentiality.

Applicants must possess a minimum grade 12 education or equivalency. Post-secondary education or work experience in a related human services position is an asset. Applicants must have a valid driver’s license and access to their own vehicle. Flexible working hours up to a maximum of 15 hours per week, with some evening or weekend work required as needed. Computer experience using Microsoft Office is required. The successful candidate will be required to supply a current clear criminal check including a vulnerable sector search, as well as a child welfare check provided

by Children’s Services.

We are grateful for all applications we receive. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

Application Deadline: May 9, 2022 Resumes and Cover Letters may be sent to: Dawn Chrystian, Director, Viking/Beaver FCSS Box 688 Viking, AB TOB 4N0 Phone: (780)-336-4024 Email: DChrystian@vbfcss.ca

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, April 27, 2022

Train Whistle Continued from BCC Front

stop the sound from ravelling for miles.

He suggested setting the whistles four to five feet lower so that the noise only can be heard by those nearby who need to hear it for safety purposes. “Then everyone wouldn’t have to hear it,” he said.

He also asked CN “to stop extorting money out of people to do a study to stop the horns,” stating “it just adds insult to injury.”

“People have no voice,” he continued. While shareholders and businesses profits increase, “But people have nothing. Right now, it looks like you guys could care less.”

Banick responded by stressing the company’s concern for safety as a key reason for what drives CN. “Safety is a core value of CN, everything is based on safe practices,” said Banick. And as a former conductor, “I have also been affected by accidents.”

Railway companies are required to have horns blown at every crossing, he said, but promised to take the “positioning of the horn” idea of Bruce’s back to the company for discussion.

Smook said the county had to make upgrades at both the Lindbrook siding (S.H. 630) and the siding at Bruce. “People are calling

me frequently asking what’s going on,” regarding the projects there.

Banick said that all three crossings will have whistle cessation done once the signal upgrades are completed, which is expected to happen by the end of September.

Smook also said the requirement for the county to pay for the whistle cessation studies was “a little frustrating,” explaining: “We don’t want to pay for the cost of the studies (as) it comes out of our taxpayers’ dollars.”

But Banick replied that the study “is a safety assessment done as part of Transport Canada’s (required) to remove a layer of safety.”

But he added that the signal lights, bells, and brush clearing work had to be completed before the whistle is stopped.

The officials also promised to investigate the issue with the rail crossing at the junction of S.H. 834 and Hwy 14 after the completion of a large Alberta Transportation project left problems with vehicles going across the track crossing.

Hrabec explained that the alteration of the intersection corner changed the road’s angle which has “made the crossing too tight.”

CN officials also said they would keep the county updated on the siding project at Bruce, expected to begin at the end of May. Smook said this was necessary so the county could give the residents at and around Bruce advanced notice when the construction will begin.

SPRING LAR RGE ITEM PROGRAM SET TO START The spring Th i llarge it item program is i jjustt around d the th t corner. In I the th past, t regular garbage was put out for collection, instead of large items ˦˨˖˛ ˔˦ ˦ˢ˙˔˦ ˔ˡ˗ ˪˔˦˛˜ˡ˚ ˠ˔˖˛˜ˡ˘˦ʡ ʽ˨˦˧ ˔ ˥˘ˠ˜ˡ˗˘˥Ϟif it fits in the waste bin in your alley, please put your items for disposal in there. ˇ˛˜˦ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˔ˠ ˜˦ ˢˡ˟ˬ ˙ˢ˥ ˟˔˥˚˘ ˜˧˘ˠ˦ ˧˛˔˧ ˗ˢˡϠ˧ ˙˜˧ʡ We started a new process last fall and will continue with this method for collecting large items in each of the municipalities. The dates for each of the municipalities are as follows:

x

Monday, May 2 to Thursday May 5ϞHamlet of Bruce No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located:

Community Hall (2 bins) Lift Station (1 bin)

x

Thursday, May 12ϞTown of Viking Curbside pick up, large items must be on the streetϞnot on your lawn or driveway.

x

Monday, May 16 to Thursday May 19ϞVillage of Ryley No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located:

Old carwash beside Village OfficeϞ50 Office 50 St & 50 Ave Truck stop area close to the cardboard binϞ5 51 St & 50 Av Ave Trailer park close to the 4 yd binsϞ53 St & 52 Ave Grassy area north end of Village on 57 Ave e between 49 & 50 St.

x

Thursday, May 26ϞTown of Tofield Curbside pick up, large items must be on the strreetϞnot on your lawn or driveway

x

Monday, May 30 toThursday, June 2ϞVillage of Holde en No curbside collection. Bring your items to the large bins located:

Empty lot at 5024Ϟ50 St Gazebo Park entrance located on 51 St. ʵ˘˦˜˗˘ ʵ˘˔˩˘˥ ʶˢ˨ˡ˧ˬϠ˦ ʧˬ˗ ˕˜ˡ˦ ˢˡ ʧʫ ˆ˧ʡ West side of Public Works shop at 4920Ϟ4 48 Ave

Rural residents can take their large items to our transfer stations year round. Check our website to see wh hich large items are acceptable at which location.

There is a $25 charge for Freon-containing items. i Please contact your local Town/Village office to purchase collection stickers.

IMPORTANT DATE CHANGE! Brian’s Greenhouse U-pick Fruits & Berries Farm

45529172, Range Road 172 - East Lynn Road (4 miles east of Bawlf - 6 miles west of Daysland, 1.5 miles m North on o RR172 - East st side of road)

GRAND OPENING - New Day! Saturday, May 7

Complimentary Lunch 12-5 - Berry Farm tours!

SENIORS DAY TUESDAYS - *Age 60-plus - ID Required May 10 to June 14 - 10% off perennials & shrubs

MOTHER’S DAY DRAW U-PICK - By appointment - after 6 pm only

Call 780-678-0053

Washrooms on site

HOURS OF OPERATION: CLOSED MONDAYS TUESDAYS - THURSDAYS OPEN 10 AM TO 5 PM FRIDAYS OPEN 10 AM TO 7 PM SATURDAY & SUNDAYS OPEN 10 AM TO 6 PM

These are not large items

Incorrec ctly placed on grass

Put in into waste bin in in in nearb rby alley y

Put o out on the str treet

If you have questions about what items are being collected through this program, please call 780.663.2038, extension 102 or ask for the Collections Department.

Alternatively please email

info@claystonewaste.com.

Toll Free: 1.855.221.2038 Ph: 780.663.2038 50117 Range Road 173 (Secondary Highway 854) Box 322, Ryley, AB T0B 4A0

Ryley Landfill Hours: Weekdays 9:00 am - 4:30 pm; Saturdays / STATS 9:00 am - 3:00 pm; Closed Sundays NOTE: customers must arrive at least 15 minutes prior to closing; Administration Offices closed from 12:00 - 1:00 pm

Lindbrook k Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Thurs 11:30 am - 6:30 pm; Sat 10:30 - 5:30 pm

Tofield Transfer Station Hours: Wed, Fri and Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Viking Transfer Station Hours: Tues 10:30 am - 5:30 pm; Sat 10:30 am - 5:30 pm

Kinsella Transfer Station Hours: Wed 11:00 am - 5:00 pm; Fri 11:00 am - 5:00 pm

Beaver County Chronicle, April 27, 2022 - 3

Beaver County council passes mill rate bylaw - tax notices going out in May Patricia Harcourt Beaver County ratepayers can expect their tax notices after mid-May sometime after county council approved the municipal bylaw and 2022 Mill Rate Bylaw.

Ed Bujnowicz, GM of Corporate Services, presented the final budget for council’s approval at the April 20 meeting, indicating the changes recommended at a previous meeting.

Council approved a budget of $29,802,677, offset by revenues of $15,337,356 (user fees, reserves and grants) leaving $14,465,321 to be collected in taxes.

The 2022 mill rate bylaw includes a 2.773% increase in all mill rates, as requested by council in anticipation of what is expected to be “significant decline in the assessment base.” The drop is expected when the province puts into place a change in the assessment of non-residential properties.

“Administration projects that unless mill rates are

increased gradually over the next four years, a 16% increase will be required to offset the loss in assessment in 2026,” states Bujnowicz, and Legislative Services officer Margaret Jones.

“The funds raised by the gradual mill rate increases will be placed in reserve to offset the revenue needed to balance the budget in 2026,” the report explains.

And putting money into reserves for this purpose will impact the tax levy, said Bujnowicz.

This year’s amount to put into reserves for future mill rates is $363,748. The county will do this for another four years in order to have funds available to offset drops in assessment up to 2026.

The mill rate increases this year were offset by a 2% increase in the county’s assessment base. This year’s increases are 4% for residential property, 3% for farmland, and 4% each for non-residential and small business properties.

The final changes to the budget as requested by council included adjust-

ments for the new chief administrative officer recently hired, and for the organizational review done by a consultant last summer and fall ($19,781).

There were also recent decisions with adjustments concerning salary grid reviews ($12,500), grant to Holden Rural Academy ($30,000), public works contracts and equipment, a change in campground operators ($41,530) and the increased mill rate ($363,748).

Plus, funds used to put in place enhanced technical support ($15,000) to address issues with public participation and council and governance and priorities committee (GPC) meetings, plus others.

Under mill rate changes, the Beaver Emergency Services Commission mill rate for all assessment classes increased by 15%.

However, the 2021 surplus will be applied to the 2022 grant.

Policing costs will rise 36 per cent but an assessment increase in the county of 2% dropped that number to 34%. This is year three of

Workers’ Day of Mourning April 28

April 28, 2022 marks the third Workers’ Day of Mourning since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

40 years ago, this day was created to remember workers who lost their lives on the job and to inspire others to advocate to prevent further tragedies.

Every year we pay our respects to, and remember, the workers who have been killed, injured or suffered illness as a result of work-related incidents.

Today take a moment to remember and to honour lives forever changed.

the province’s phased in costs to be paid by municipalities.

The requisition for the local Beaver Foundation overseeing public seniors’ facilities in the county has increased by 6%, but offset two points as is policing.

Mill rates are also up for education, with residential and farmland 2% more and non-residential property up 7%.

With the increase in mill rates almost all the way across the board, including the municipal mill rate of 2.773%, the effect on property taxes will depend on individual property assessments.

Referring to BESC, Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) said that “people will still pay less now than they did three or four years ago.”

“That’s because the surplus has gone back to the commission so they need less tax money,” said Bujnowicz.

Council agreed at an earlier meeting that the mill rate would increase 2.773% each year for five years to offset the assessment base losses expected in coming

years.

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) said he wanted administration to explain to ratepayers “the mill rate issue” as it relates over the next five years, and how the drop in assessments compare to neighbouring jurisdictions.

Hrabec said he wanted this explained to ratepayers “up front rather than after the fact.”

But Smook responded that the tax brochure that will be sent out with the tax notices “will be good for that.”

Council passed all three

readings to enact the bylaw at one sitting. Hrabec asked if there was a need for this to happen, wondering if this was “time sensitive.”

Jones replied that the readings “are consistent with the timing in order to get tax notices out” in time.

“The public has had sufficient notice and provided feedback,” she said. After this, it was Hrabec who made the motion “to have a third motion,” which passed unanimously, as it had to do in order to do all three readings at one sitting.

HELP WANTED

After School/Summer Student The Tofield Mercury is looking to hire a high school student as an Office/Production Assistant. Days/hours would be: Mon. to Fri. 3:30 pm to 5 pm. More hours will be available during the summer.

Please email your resume to: adsmercury@gmail.com or stop by the office 5312 - 50 Street, Tofield.

Any questions, please phone Lisa at 780-662-4046.

Road Bans

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, April 27, 2022

Beaver County Service Centre 5120 - 50 Street Box 140 Ryley, Alberta T0B 4A0 Monday to Friday 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Phone: (780) 663-3730 Fax: (780) 663-3602 Toll Free: 1-866-663-1333 www.beaver.ab.ca Email: administration@beaver.ab.ca

Employment Opportunity

Employment Opportunity

Health and Safety Officer

Temporary Truck Driver (Gravel Hauling)

Competition No: 004-2022

Competition No: 003-2022

The Health and Safety Officer is responsible for the overall management and coordination of the County Health and Safety Program, to provide a safe and healthy work environment for all employees, contractors and visitors, to facilities owned and operated by Beaver County. By providing a hands-on approach, the Health and Safety Officer is responsible for planning and coordination of health and safety initiatives, ensuring all departments have the information and support required to carry out their responsibilities with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and the County Health and Safety Program.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: • Maintains a working knowledge of the Alberta Occupational Health & Safety Act, Regulation and Code with training and monitoring AB OHS legislation and other media sources for changes to legislative and industry standards.

• Collaborate with the Health and Safety Committee, senior administrations, department managers and supervisors to ensure development, revision, and review of Safety Policies and Procedures, safe job and work practices and procedures, safety forms and other related tools.

• Participate in and conduct internal and external AMHSA Audits.

• Assist and participate with all departments in conducting hazard assessments, work site visits, review emergency response practices, review incident investigations and subsequent procedural changes, including maintaining all relevant records.

• Conduct incident investigations with staff members to identify the root and underlying cause of an incident and recommends or initiates corrective action as required. This may include assisting with the WCB compliance program.

• Develop, conduct or facilitate relevant safety training needs and opportunities including • Participate in facility inspections for all departments and facilities, including facilities owned by organizations listed as additional named insured through the County.

• Coordinates and presents at all staff Health and Safety Committee Meetings and oversees the preparations Additional Information on the necessary Functional Skills, Qualifications and Education are available in the full Position Profile available on the Beaver County Website at www.beaver.ab.ca .

Position Details: Position Type: Full-Time permanent (40 hours/week) Hours of Work: Monday to Friday, occasional evenings or weekends required Salary: Based on skills and experience Closing date: May 6, 2022 ———————————————————————————————————————————— Submit your cover letter and resume, by referencing the name of the position and the competition number, to the following email: careers@beaver.ab.ca Applications can also be submitted in-person or by mail to: PO Box 140 5120 50 Street Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 Beaver County thanks all applicants for your interest however only those selected for interviews will be contacted.

(Pursuant to the I.U.O.E. Collective Agreement, Local Union No. 955) POSITION: Temporary Truck Driver (Gravel Hauling) CLASS: Equipment Operator III RATE OF PAY: $29.44 - $35.82 per hour TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: As per Beaver County’s policies and the Collective Agreement with the I.U.O.E. Local 955 Works under Manager of Transportation as an equipment operator and may be required to perform other duties.

Available to work non-regular hours if required, as per section six (6) “Hours of Work” of the Collective Agreement with I.U.O.E. local 955 Position will be approximately 6-8 months QUALIFICATIONS: • Minimum Grade 12 or G.E.D. • Proven experience and ability to perform road maintenance of roads, signs, bridges, etc., general servicing of equipment and other duties as assigned by Supervisor.

• Previous experience is essential • Valid Class 1 Drivers License • Experience hauling and spreading gravel an asset • Knowledge of Beaver County • Ability to work independently and assume responsibility for maintenance of equipment • Ability to work effectively with other employees and the public Closing date: 4:30 pm, May 3, 2022 or until a suitable candidate can be found.

——————————————————————————————————————————— More information on the above positions can be found on the County’s website at: https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/careers.

Submit your cover letter and resume, by referencing the name of the position and the competition number to: Dan Blackie, General Manager of Infrastructure Beaver County Box 140 Ryley, AB T0B 4A0 Or by e-mail to: dblackie@beaver.ab.ca Note: Beaver County is an equal opportunity employer and adheres to a non-smoking policy in its working environment. Beaver County has a comprehensive and active safety program.

Drivers abstract will be required for successful applicant. Beaver County thanks all applicants for their interest, however advises that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Audited Statements 2021 Audited Financial Statements Beaver County’s 2021 Audited Financial Statements and the 2021 Audit Findings Report are now available on the Beaver county website at https://www.beaver.ab.ca/council/financials.

Hard copies are also available at the Beaver County Service Centre.

Request for Proposal of Legal Services Beaver County is seeking proposals from qualified legal firms to provide legal services.

Go to the County's website to review the RFP: https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/proposals-quotes Closing date and time is 4:30 pm, April 29, 2022.

For information, contact Margaret Jones, Manager of Legislative Services.

Volunteer Appreciation