Alberta independence begins with APP says speaker at Lamont
JANA SEMENIUK
At least 60 people gathered in the Lamont meeting room at the arena on Feb. 27 to hear what Alberta First Pension organizer Mitch Sylvestre had to say.
Sylvestre was accompanied by economist Tanner Hnidey to drive home their message; Alberta needs its own pension plan.
“What we're looking for is a better deal within Canada for Alberta. What we want is what Quebec has, their own pension plan,” said Sylvestre.
Sylvestre argues that Alberta contributes $9 billion per year in to the CPP while only receiving $6 billion per year. He said that Alberta’s share of the CPP equates to $335 billion which he said the Province should take back.
“In order for us to get a better deal within Canada, one of the key things we have to get back here is our pension fund, because it is a massive asset,” said Sylvestre.
According to the Fraser Institute, Albertans over-contribute to the CPP compared to the rest of Canada, due to our younger population, higher employment rate and higher earnings.
The Smith government issued a report in 2023 on the possibility of an APP quoting the Canada Pension Plan Act as stating that a new plan would have to provide comparable benefits to the CPP.
According to reports, Albertans pay a 9.9 percent contribution rate every two weeks which would fall to 5.91 percent if the Province had their own pension plan. However, it would drive up the contribution rate of the rest of the country to over 10 percent to maintain the CPP.
Sylvestre said sovereignty is the solution for Alberta.
“I'm not about being the 51st state, but the first step is you have to become an independent place,” said Sylvestre.
Sylvestre has been collecting commitments from Alberta residents to sign a petition forcing a provincial referendum on the APP. He said he needs to collect signatures from 10 percent of the provinces’ population, totalling
300,000, to do so. So far, he has 55,000. Sylvestre, who owned a sporting goods store in Bonnyville for 47 years, said the APP is important to him because he believes the province is in crisis.
“I can’t unsee it. The corruption is getting clearer,” he said. “I’ve been on this path for three years and it’s not going the other way (for the province). We should be able to run our own stuff (and) take care of ourselves.”
13-year old Shaye Walters gets some air while doing a double stag jump during Smoky Lake's annual Kalyna Dance Festival, Feb 28-Mar. 2. Walters' was one of 29 dancers from Xpressions Dance Studio in Bruderheim who took part in the festival. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Sil Minerals makes generous donation to
Bruderheim Seniors President still concerned about low fundraising dollars
BY JOHN MATHER
Last year, hampered by slow fundraising, the Bruderheim Seniors Citizens Club was facing a $6,000 deficit in its annual budget.
But on March 1, Bruce Hagstrom, with Sil Minerals, made the donation of $5,000 to the club making their deficit much more manageable.
“It was really an amazing thing,” said Bruderheim Seniors president Ed Lawrence.
“We were $6,000 in deficit and our bylaws state we must raise that and clear it this year,” said Lawrence.
He said they got talking to Sil Minerals through one of the regulars at their monthly pancake breakfast.
“They had some questions for us and we answered those and today Bruce said the company had decided to give us $5,000.
“Right now it’s very tough for us to do any fundraising,” he said.
He pointed to the bankruptcy of Mayfield Investments which owns and operated the Camrose casino which supports rural Alberta charities in northern Alberta through fundraisers where volunteers from the club could work at a casino for a portion of the proceeds.
Charity groups are only eligible for charity casinos every five years.
“Right now the casino is being operated by court appointed administrators,” added Lawrence.
AGLC has given approval for the casino to relocate to south Edmonton but Lawrence added nothing would happen until the bankruptcy case was settled.
Lawrence worries the Seniors could run out of money by 2026 unless they find an alternate source of fundraising.
He said would be looking to explore other forms of grants that might be available to the club, but pointed out the Province doesn’t seem to be too amenable to offer-
ing some of the grants this year.
He added that was third party information, but said with a provincial grant it would carry them through.
“We’ve got to get about $15,000,” he said.
The club runs its monthly pancake breakfast on the first Saturday of each month and occasional cribbage tournaments as fundraisers.
Lawrence said the club has to work with the other clubs in Bruderheim to avoid crossing paths in their fundraising efforts.
He said without finding an alternate source of income the club could find itself in the same predicament at the end of this fiscal year.
“Our costs keep going up and we own this building,” he explained.
“We have to pay utilities and taxes. We don’t know what any of these tariffs may do to us.”
The club has 48 current members and Lawrence said they need them all to get involved.
“We need all the volunteers we can get because there are about a dozen active members and some of them are older than me and wanting to step back because of health issues.”
He said the club had a
special breakfast during the Deutschland Day the town held in the fall, but they need a few more of those one off events.
“The Lions are looking for members and we don’t want to hurt them in any way.”
Membership in the club can start at age 40.
He said new people coming on board could then generate new ideas to move the club forward.
He worried if the Seniors were to lose their facility the club would never be able to rebound.
Lamont Health Care Centre (LHCC) New Building Project Impact
The Board of Management of Lamont Health Care Centre wants to inform the public that Long Term Care admissions have been paused as of Nov. 27, 2024. This is a joint effort between Alberta Health Services (AHS) and LHCC to reduce occupancy ahead of an extensive modernization project starting in Spring 2025. Pausing admissions will help mitigate the potential that current residents will need to be temporarily relocated away from Lamont Health Care Centre during construction.
Proposed Communications and Engagement
Lamont Health Care Centre and AHS will continue to provide regular updates to various stakeholders, including affected residents and their families, elected officials, and Staff, on the progress of the building project and relocation of residents at different phases.
In the spirit of transparency and collaboration, both organizations (AHS and LHCC) will have coordinated responses should there be questions directed through their offices from external sources, including a centralized contacts for public queries.
Every effort will be made to keep all stakeholders informed on this matter.
Andrew Rural Academy draws over 200 to open house
BY JANA SEMENIUK
The hallways of Andrew School were alive with the voices and laughter of children once again as more than 200 came out to the Andrew Rural Academy’s first open house on Feb. 28.
ARA, a K-12 charter school, was created by a group of local parents in 2023 after the closure of Andrew School by Elk Island Public Schools (EIPS). The program is focused on STEM, science technology engineering and math, as part of the curriculum, and is slated to open this Sept.
Joining ARA board members to welcome families were representatives from a Vegreville radio station, in addition to representatives from several post-secondary organizations including Norquest, Portage, NAIT and Lakeland College.
ARA project consultant Stan Zabrick said the post secondaries have partnered with ARA to provide opportunities for high school students looking to further their education.
Zabrick said the open house event was a huge success.
“It exceeded all expectations,” he said. Zabrick also shared a story of looking to partner with the University of Alberta, and discovering the representative who would be connecting with him was closer than he thought.
“I had only in the last two weeks reached out to the University of Alberta to begin to identify the correct contact to explore a partnership. I was pleasantly surprised that exactly the right person we will need to work with was in attendance at the Open House and guess what?, she is a graduate of the Andrew School. How cool is that!” said Zabrick by email.
Families toured the school where one classroom was set up as a showroom and outfitted with new furniture designed with collabora-
tion in mind.
“It’s a picnic table group setting. It’s all-natural wood product made in Canada. What (we have here) works for kindergarten to maybe grade five but they have a full range of products for all the way up to high school,” said Zabrick, adding he and board member Kylie Rude got the idea from Thrive Elementary in Edmonton, a K-6 charter school.
In terms of staffing, Zabrick said the board is still working on hiring a superintendent and principal. He said they are still waiting on their official charter approval from the province which is holding up the process.
“The approval of the application is really what we are waiting for at this point. We had hoped to
be able to announce and celebrate it as part of the Open House but that was not to be,” he said. “We expect that approval any day now.”
Zabrick said bussing has not yet been finalized, but plans include pick up points in Lamont, Mundare, Two Hills, a point close to Shandro Bridge in addition to local routes. He added that they are looking to draw students within a 50 kilometer radius.
Earlier, Zabrick said they hoped to collect at least 85 declarations from parents intending on enrolling their children in ARA to support their application to the province. They are currently at 82.
Meanwhile, Andrew Mayor Barry Goertz commended the ARA Board and said he stands
by the council’s decision to purchase the school building from EIPS for one dollar.
“The excitement, (and) the exhilaration, is incredible. Watching this group, all the different things that they've done, what they've had to go through (and) they just keep smiling,” he said.
“People weren't sure if we as council should take over the building. My comment at that point in time was, by taking it gives us the opportunity to succeed, if we just lock the doors, it's gone. We chose to say, no, let's fight. And that's what this group has done. They've taken it to that next level.”
Currently, Alberta is the only province in Canada that allows charter schools; a public
school run by their own board. Charter schools are funded by the province and follow the provincial curriculum with certified teachers while including their own educational focus. There are currently 38 charter schools operating in Alberta.
Opinion
It was great hockey and lay off Gretzky
BY JOHN MATHER
It’s not too often I can get excited watching hockey.
I know it’s “Canada’s game” but watching highly paid professionals go through the motions during the National Hockey League regular season just doesn’t work for me.
Now when the playoffs roll around I’m all in especially if my beloved Toronto Maple Leafs manage to get in.
Now first an explanation.
When I was a little guy living in a suburb of Toronto, there were six teams in the NHL. Two of those, Toronto and Montreal, were the Canadian teams with Chicago, Detroit, Now York and Boston forming the rest of the league.
Montreal was a powerhouse back in the late 1950s.
I had a brother three years older than me, so when I came along and started showing an interest in hockey he bluntly told me I could cheer for any team other than Montreal.
That was his team.
So, I took Toronto and since they won a few Stanley Cups during the 1960s I feel I made a good choice.
In fact, my dad took me to see the 1967 Stanley Cup parade, celebrating a series win in which the Leafs won over Montreal - marking the end of the six team era.
It was also the last Cup the Leafs won.
So when they get into the playoffs in the spring my hopes soar, usually to be dashed within seven games, especially if Boston happens to be the first round opponent.
Now, during the past several years the NHL has tried to mix up how it puts on a showcase of its talent that it calls an all-star game.
Well this year, the league finally knocked it out of the park. The league decided there is enough international talent in the league that they could host a series among four national teams made up of all NHL players.
In a round robin titled the 4-Nations Cup, Canada, United States, Finland and Sweden took part.
That left some stars such as Edmonton’s Leon Draisaitl, and Washington’s Alexander Ovechkin sitting on the sidelines, but that’s something to tweak down the road.
Right from the opening face off in Montreal in a game featuring Canada and Sweden, one could tell this series would be different.
There was passion oozing from the teams. There was hard contact and brilliant play making.
This first game went to overtime with Canada pulling out the win in the extra frame.
The U.S, beat Finland in the second game.
CONTINUED
In the third game, the U.S, and Canada battled. Three fights in the first nine seconds set the tone for the game, but the fights were pretty much scripted.
But then hockey was played again with brilliant playmaking and hard hitting. And in shocking disbelief the U.S. prevailed in the game.
Finland defeated Sweden in their match and then Canada again narrowly downed Finland when they matched up. The U.S. lost to Sweden and this set up the championship game between Canada and the U.S. in Boston.
In the atmosphere of trade tariffs and open hostility between the Trump administration in the U.S. and the Trudeau government here at home the game was built up.
A good clean hitting, well played game. It went to overtime and Canada’s newest hockey hero Connor McDavid scored in overtime to secure hockey supremacy and bragging rights for Canada.
It was excellent hockey.
So where do I rate it?
People talk about a few Canada Cups played in the 1980s and 1990s. They talk of Crosby’s golden goal during the Salt Lake City Olympics.
But to me, being in the elder age group, Canada’s most exciting series was the 1972 Summit Series between Canada and the former USSR.
Next on my list would be the 1980 Lake Placid Olympics when a no name American squad surprised the world by defeating the highly skilled Russians in a semi final and then downed Finland to take home the gold medal under coach Herb Brooks.
Those series in 1972 and 1980 had passion, which is why I would rank the 4Nations Cup series as my number three. It had the passion among all the teams.
The NHL pulled off something really good, a rare feat for the league. I hope they can find a way in non Olympic and World Cup years to keep this format alive for an Allstar format and if anything expand it.
So much better than the regular season games.
But that brings us to our society. Years ago when a certain Maurice ”Rocket” Richard was suspended by the league, peo-
ple took to the streets in Montreal and rioted. Not for a night, but for several days.
Then in the 1980s a blond haired skinny kid arrived in Edmonton. Named Wayne Gretzky, he led his team to multiple Stanley Cups and set many league records, some which likely won’t ever be broken.
A short freeway in Edmonton was named after him and a statue was erected outside the arena because of what he did for hockey and what he did to put Edmonton on the map.
Gretzky was trotted out as the honourary captain of Team Canada in the 4-Nations Cup final game. Dressed in a suit, he stood solemnly by as Canada’s national anthem was played and booed by the Americans as part of the dispute between the two countries.
For the Americans Mike Eruzione was trotted out as honourary captain. He played on that gold medal winning 1980 Olympic team. He wore a U.S. jersey. But not any jersey. One that honoured Johnny Goudreau, the young American star who was tragically killed along with his brother by an alleged impaired driver last fall.
Nothing but respect.
But after the game the Canadian woke mob took to social media to praise Eruzione and condemn Gretzky.
Sorry, woke mob. Gretzky lives in the U.S. He has an American wife. His children and grandchildren are American. He still makes a living marketing his brand and doing hockey commentary on U.S. television.
But don’t ever say Gretzky isn’t Canadian and shouldn’t have been the honourary captain.
And how stupid are you woke people, here in Edmonton, the city he put on the map, to say rename Gretzky Drive and let’s haul down his statue.
Because this 4-Nations Cup series was so good, non hockey fans watched and decided to spew their two cents afterwards not knowing what they were talking about. Gretzky will always represent Canadian hockey.
Where he makes his living in his post hockey retirement is his business.
Just leave it and his legacy to Canada alone.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter
Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
BY HAZEL ANAKA
This week’s column will be a round-up of topics. Let’s begin with the most disturbing one. In what can only be described as a new low, we were subjected to the real Donald Trump in a shameful display in the White House. At Trump’s invitation, Prime Minister Volodymyr Zelensky of Ukraine was there to potentially sign the agreement for acquiring Ukraine’s precious minerals as ‘repayment’ for all the aid the US has provided since Russia invaded Ukraine three years ago. That alone makes me want to vomit but no one asked me.
Trump and VicePresident Vance showed themselves to be pathetic little men who are not above shouting insults and bullying a person with the world’s media watching. It was no acci-
FROM WHERE I SIT: Buckle Up
dent that the outrage was live-streamed to Russia’s state-run media. Just how a Russian reporter was allowed in to the oval office is a complete mystery supposedly. Putin’s delight at his minion Donald playing his part so ably is hard to overstate.
Now leaders of the free world are scrambling to assemble a plan to protect themselves and each other in the face of this new reality.
Trump has gone to the dark side of dictators, oligarchs, autocrats, and corrupt self-serving maniacs and is destroying everything in his wake. This is a huge wakeup call for any of us smug or complacent enough to believe we wouldn’t see a WWIII in our lifetime.
In a related topic, I am shocked at the number of people on both sides of our border who are choosing the ‘head in the sand’ position; who believe that if they stop watching the news everything will be alright. While politics was never a safe or wise topic of conversation, it’s getting better and worse at the same time. Better in that those of us who
feel we’re on the cusp of no return are finding others who are equally concerned and there is comfort in that. Worse, because some are choosing to deny reality in an attempt to save their mental health. The warning signs of a catastrophic change are getting bigger, scarier, and more frequent. Believing otherwise is not helpful.
Let’s switch to something almost as painful. I was at the dentist’s office the other day for routine cleaning. I’m not yet used to either him or his staff because it was only my second visit to this new guy. The cleaning went well but I drew their attention to something I thought was amiss in a lower tooth. I told him I have the tiny mirror and a pokey tool at home and think I’ve isolated the culprit. “Oh great, do-it-yourself dentistry,” he says and immediately I like him. A sense of humour wins me over every single time. His office is so high tech they stick a camera device into my mouth to have a look see and suddenly the picture appears on the TV hanging above the exam chair. There’s a small crack in
the tooth but because it’s not very deep a filling will do the trick. I schedule another appointment.
In the meantime, I tell him about my massage appointment and the pain that was inflicted as Allison found the tight jaw muscles and proceeded to work me over. In a good way, of course. I’m not a physically violent person but I could have slugged her. I asked the dentist if 9.5 people out of 10 clench and grind their teeth. He said it was actually closer to 80%. So, it would appear I’m in good company. If you’re experiencing headaches and jaw pain, maybe you belong to this not-so-exclusive club too and just don’t know it yet. Another sophisticated tool created a 3-D scan of my upper and lower teeth for a custommade mouth guard to be worn at night. In jest I promised to wear mine like McDavid and company wear theirs during every hockey game. Apparently, there is no comparison. Mine will be rigid; the hockey ones seem more like flimsy teething rings based on how gnarly they get during each game.
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145
Hilary and I saw an evening performance of Frozen at the Citadel. It was a long play with an intermission so I didn’t get home until 11. It makes me grateful that we normally attend Sunday matinees. The place was a sell-out and full of girls in various degrees of princess regalia. It’s amazing how talented some people are and I consider myself lucky to get this regular dose of culture.
And finally, if the
threatened illegal Trump tariffs are implemented on March 4th, I’ll need to do some soul-searching and scramble to change my Etsy and other sales platforms to Canadaonly sales. I’ve been trying to accept the inevitable for the sake of my own mental health. Thankfully, I’m not relying on that income to feed and clothe me. Those with more at stake will not fare as well I’m afraid as the full impact on our economy sinks in. Buckle up, dear reader, because the worst is yet to come, from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775
SUNDAY
WORSHIP
10:30
Volunteer Louise McDougall (left) and store owner Judy Zayak hold balloons celebrating the 5th anniversary of the Elk Island Thrift Store.
Feb. 15, 2011 issue of the Lamont Leader
Wood stove sparks Chipman fire
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A structure fire broke out in Chipman Feb. 25.
Lamont County Communications Coordinator Jay Zaal said crews from Chipman, Lamont, Bruderheim and Mundare responded to the fire along with RCMP and EMS. He said the structure was vacant at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported.
An RCMP report stated that “Fort
Saskatchewan RCMP responded to a request to assist the Lamont Fire Department with a structure fire on Range Road 185 in Lamont County. It was a shed fire caused by a wood stove. No injuries (and) not suspicious.”
One witness said the fire was extinguished in 10 minutes. This is the second fire caused by a heating device in the county in the past four weeks. A trailer fire on
Jan. 19 at the Mundare campground left three people homeless and sent one to hospital after a heating device started one of the campers on fire and spread to neighbouring trailers.
Drug testing policy questioned after multiple incidents raises questions by county councillor
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Lamont County councillor Neil Woitas questioned Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky during the Feb. 25 council meeting around administration’s refusal to drug test an employee who had several incidents with a county vehicle.
Woitas said the incidents were shared with him by ratepayers who witnessed them.
“We have an employee in the first week (who) had three incidents, and now it's week number three (and) he had another incident yesterday, and not one drug test (has) taken place,” charged Woitas. “I want to know why we’re not following policies.”
Tarnawsky quoted the county’s drug policy, which stated that a post incident drug and alcohol test occurs when “there’s a serious workrelated incident that occurs that results in damage to county property, a fatality, or that results in medical treatment due to injury or a near miss that occurs that could have had the potential for more serious consequences”.
Tarnawsky added that the policy also states that drug and alcohol testing is not required when “it has been determined by a CAO or investigator that the action of the employee was not a contributing factor”.
Tarnawsky further defended the avoidance of drug testing due to the cost involved.
“I looked at the tri-
annual report that said that there were 75 incidents last year. A drug and alcohol test costs $165 and roughly speaking, it might take three hours for two employees to escort this person to a test. Gross figures, that would be about $28,000,” he said.
Woitas noted an incident from last year where a longtime employee was hooking onto a fifth wheel trailer and backed up too far scratching the tailgate which resulted in a drug and alcohol test.
“They loaded him up and took him straight to the Fort for (a) drug and alcohol test,” said Woitas. “The first three days (of the new employee) he had three incidents and now a fourth incident. Last summer you scratch a tailgate you go in.”
Woitas said he’s also heard complaints of public works positions hired for, with no advertising. This issue was not addressed by administration or the council during the meeting.
Lamont County Reeve David Diduck said the policy read straight for-
ward, but failed to define what constituted a ‘serious incident’, leaving the interpretation up to the CAO or the investigator.
Russell Farmer, Human Resource Manager for Lamont County, said he could amend the policy to provide definitions and guidelines to bring back to council.
Reeve Diduck asked if the employee’s incidents would be written up in their personnel file.
Farmer said only incidents where disciplinary action was taken are maintained in their personnel file, adding he wasn’t aware of the most recent incident.
“Guaranteed it’s $10,000 for all four (incidents) and it’s in the first month. It’s unbelievable,” said Woitas. “And it’s the ratepayers that are sending pictures.”
Woitas made the motion for administration to bring back amendments to address post incident drug testing requirements to a future council meeting which was carried.
FEATURED
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• 4712 51 St Lamont 5,800 sq ft shop with office and sales space. Shop was used for agricultural machinery repair. Price: $450,000
LAMONT COUNTY
• 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: $2,990,00
• HWY 834 between HWY 16 and TWP RD 530 Lamont County 19.48 acres with power and a holding tank. Nice building site. Price: $215,000.00
VILLAGE OF ANDREW
• 5317-50 Ave Andrew. An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000
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• 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: $5,100,000
Russell Farmer, Manager of Human Resources for Lamont County (R), will bring amendments to the council addressing the drug and alcohol testing policy after an employee chalked up four incidents in one month and wasn't tested. Seated to the left is Lamont County Chief Financial Officer Rodney Boyko. Photo: Jana Semeniuk
Tina Edwards photo
Decision on fire bill stymied by surfacing of two year old investigation report
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Lamont County councillors were surprised with an investigation report done two years ago on a fire where the landowner was billed $83,000.
The landowner, Ben Friesen, appeared as a delegate at the Feb. 11 council meeting asking for a reduction on his fire bill while Councillors were unaware of the fire investigation report until the Feb. 25 council meeting.
Friesen was not billed until one year after the 2023 fire. Councillor Roy Anaka questioned the dissemination of information.
“It's almost two years, and when we get this information that there was an investigation report done at the end of April, it's just surprising that nobody gives this information,” he said.
Chief Administrative
Officer Peter Tarnawsky said that investigative reports are generally not shared with council.
Regional Fire Chief Bo Moore agreed.
Councillor Aaron Wick said the practice of not sharing reports with council is concerning.
“I’m concerned that we have an $80,000 bill that the administration brought forward to us to determine whether we’re going to pass but we didn’t get any of this information to make an executive decision of what we’re going to do,” said Wick.
Tarnawsky said council was given a high-level summary of the report which didn’t change the outcome that the landowner was at fault.
Friesen, a new Lamont County landowner in 2023, burned four small brush piles without a permit in mid-Mar. A month later, on Apr. 13,
the piles reignited prompting a call to the Assistant District Fire Chief, whose name was redacted in the investigation report.
According to the report, the chief went to the area and made contact with Friesen who confirmed he did not have a burn permit.
The fire chief told him to get one, although the deadline for fire permits had already passed on Mar. 31, the same day that former Regional Fire Chief Shayne Miliken resigned.
Chief Bo Moore was hired in June 2023. The County does not allow the burning of brush piles from Apr. 1 to Oct. 31.
LCES (Lamont County Emergency Services) officials next showed up to Friesen’s property on Apr. 28 when the fire reignited and was raging out of control.
They had not monitored the brush piles from two weeks prior which councillor Aaron Wick said was a mistake.
“Just because it didn't have a fire permit doesn't mean it's not a fire. Did we actually do our due diligence?” asked Wick.
“It would have been a $10,000 bill instead of an $80,000 bill for helicopters and assistance and everything else.”
Tarnawsky said the county did their due diligence in reinforcing to the landowner that it was his responsibility to maintain control of the fire.
“We don't go onto people's property and put out fires unless we're called. So we were called. We consulted. His responsibility (was) to put out the fire,” Tarnawsky said.
According to the report, the fire services bylaw and policy at that
time stated that “when a permit is issued the fire services does attempt to check each pile”.
Fire Chief Bo Moore said the policy “has changed since then to include that any events attended to over the burning season will now be recorded and followed up”.
Councillor Anaka said there doesn’t appear to be consistency across the board with LCES, noting that Friesen did not receive a fine for an unpermitted fire.
“We follow the policy. We didn't check (the piles) because there was no permit, but we didn't follow policy with the fine. We had other fires recently where we give them a fine, then we cut the bill in half. There's no consistency across how we follow policy,” he said.
The fire report was accepted as information by the council. There was no indication when a final decision would be made on the Friesen fire bill.
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BY JOHN MATHER
Councillor Dayna
Jacobs expressed concerns Feb. 19 during Bruderheim’s council about how the Town’s elected officials signed cheques for payments from the Town.
Transactions for more than $10,000 require the Mayor sign the cheque while Electronic Transfers require the Mayor’s signature for amounts that exceed $25,000.
Jacobs felt the mayor or a council designate should be signing all cheques.
“With the current policy there’s a reduced amount of oversight,” she said. “When the mayor has signing authority there is good accountability.
“I recommend rescinding the current policy and have the Mayor sign all cheques and have administration offer a detailed report monthly showing all transactions so there’s a full amount of transparency.”
Mayor Karl Hauch said he was somewhat confused. Did Jacobs want him to be signing on all
of the cheques?
“Where are we on this policy?”
Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth said under the current policy under circumstances where the CAO wasn’t available another person could be designated to sign the cheques.
“Under $10,000, cheques are signed electronically but over $10,000 the mayor’s signature is required.”
Hauch said if he read the policy he didn’t know what he was signing.
Forsyth said the signatories for cheques were herself, the mayor, the Chief Operating Officer and other members of council.
“It has to be Dennis (COO) and I or the mayor and Dennis, or the Mayor and myself, if Dennis is away,” she said.
Jacobs said she didn’t like the amount beginning at $10,000 before the mayor’s signature was required.
“If you look at an amount less than $10,0000 it doesn’t take
long before those can add up to a fair amount without the mayor’s signature,” she said.
Hauch said two people still needed to sign the cheques.
Jacobs said the policy still didn’t say he had to physically sign it and with amounts under $10,000 it could be just the CAO and COO signing the cheques.
Forsyth said administration could provide a
monthly list of cheques for council’s perusal but the names would be redacted for privacy reasons.
Forsyth said the Town did have adequate oversight but if council wanted to amend the policy she had no problems with that.
Jacobs still argued for having the mayor’s signature on all cheques.
Councillor Len Falardeau said he totally
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or Gerry Keyzer Service Manager at service@cmchrysler.ca
agreed with Jacobs that a member of council should have a signature on all cheques.
“We’re a small town and the mayor or deputy mayor should be available to sign cheques at all times,” he said. “I think $10,000 is a lot of money and I feel someone from council should sign all cheques.”
Councillor Ashley Carter asked if the CAO and Mayor signed all the
cheques, or if the CAO was away would it be the COO and Mayor, and he would be followed by the deputy mayor if the mayor was away. “I have trust in our council that if something appears out of place then they would question it,” she said. She said she would like the mayor and CAO signing all cheques from two dollars on up.
Continued on Page 14
Maschmeyer picks up first assist in overtime winner
BY JOHN MATHER
Bruderheim’s professional goaltender
Emerance Maschmeyer picked up an assist on the game winning goal as Gabby Hughes scored in overtime to push the Ottawa Charge past the New York Sirens 5-4, Feb. 26.
Maschmeyer faced 31 shots in the game which finished just 36 seconds into the extra frame.
Hughes opened the scoring for Ottawa in the first period with Mannon McMahon picking up an assist.
New York tied the score before the end of the first when Ella Shelton scored with assists going to Jade Downie-Landry and Elizabeth Giguere.
In the second period both teams traded two goals each with Taylor House scoring for Ottawa from Stephanie Markowski and Danielle Serdachny.
New York’s Alex Carpenter scored from Jessie Eldridge at 9:42 of the second to tie the score and Sarah Fillier scored an unassisted marker five minutes later to put the Sirens up by one. With two and a half minutes left in the second Shiann Darkangelo scored from Brianne Jenner and Aneta Terjralova to tie the score.
In the third, Emily Clark put the Charge up with Hughes and Markowski getting assists before Abby Rocque scored to force overtime from Carpenter and Fillier.
A crowd of 5,005 turned out to watch the game.
Ottawa’s next game is March 7 when they travel to Minnesota to take on the team that sits immediately in front of them in the standings.
On March 11, the two teams will meet in a return match, this time in Ottawa. On March 15,
Ottawa will host Boston in an afternoon game.
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Lamont Chief Administrative Officer
Tyler Edworthy updated the council on the results of a one-year urban hen pilot project.
The pilot was approved in Feb. 2024 and allowed up to five residents to apply to have two to four laying hens for one year.
Edworthy said only one resident applied and successfully carried out the terms of the project.
“The application met
all the requirements with no complaints to date,” he said. “If council chooses to continue with this program administration will bring the bylaw back for final approval at a future meeting.”
The bylaw came after a resident appeared as a delegation in Sept. 2023 requesting the opportunity to raise hens in town.
A resident survey in Nov. 2023 showed over-
whelming support for the bylaw with nearly 75 percent of the 86 respondents voting yes.
Meanwhile, councillors also showed their support at the Feb. 11 town council meeting.
Councillor Colleen Holowaychuk said “I personally don’t see a problem if we were to continue this. We’ve had no issues with the one application they’ve done well,” she said.
“I think if there are others who wish to do (it) I think it would be good. We’ve had a good example of how to do this in our community and I would support having this bylaw go ahead.”
The council unanimously approved the bylaw as information which CAO Edworthy said allows him to move forward with bringing it back for a final approval.
- Most widely grown CWRS variety in Western Canada for 5 years
CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB
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CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option
-In demand by milling and ethanol industries
Yellow Peas:
CDC Canary - Improved standability
-Early maturity
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Faba Beans:
CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin
- Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop
6-Row Feed Barley:
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2-Row Malt Barley:
CDC Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies
Phone: 780-336-2583 Cell: 780-385-4900
Emerance Maschmeyer
Between the Boards: End of season wrap-up
BY MELISSA
MACINTOSH-YOUNG
It was a quite week across Elk Island as the final games of the season wrapped up.
U7 Wild hosted a fun game against Redwater U7 at the Lamont arena.
U11 Wild defeated Smokey Lake 6-3 in
Lamont. Unfortunately, the names of those who scored was not available on the NEAHL website.
This week’s player of the week “Shout Out” goes out to all the Wild goalies.
Great job between the pipes all season!
EIMH goalies wrapped up their sessions with Doghouse Goaltender Development.
Shortage of RCMP staff time cause of no weekly crime report
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A shortage of RCMP staff time has ended the possibility of acquiring a weekly crime report local media can publish from the local RCMP detachments, according to Vegreville Staff Sergeant Colin Folk.
Folk attended the Feb. 25 Lamont County Council meeting, where he provided updates along with Two Hills Constable Kevin Nicholls and Fort Saskatchewan Acting Detachment Comman-der Scott Lande.
Lamont County Reeve David Diduck questioned the limited information on ‘good’ story RCMP reports published in the local media.
“Is that a local detachment thing, or is there a media communications at the command centre that should be getting
Goodbye
BY JANA SEMENIUK
A special certificate was presented to former Fort Saskatchewan RCMP detachment commander Inspector Barry LaRocque at the Chipman Senior’s Club Perogy Dinner Feb. 26. The certificate recognized LaRocque’s many community contributions to Chipman during his three years as detachment commander. LaRocque is now the new superintendent for Strathcona County RCMP.
that stuff over?” asked Diduck.
Folk said staff time is limited and as a result weekly media communication reports have been discontinued.
“(It) becomes a resource thing. To be honest, we've had that in for years, and as of three months ago, we've stopped doing that. Essentially, we put it on hold just because my office staff is so low, I don't have the time to do it. It's just not something that ranks (high). We start triaging what we have to do as commanders compared to the resources that we have. Ultimately, the first thing that is going to fall off is reporting to the media on the good stuff,” he said. Press releases on crime, with information of public interest and distributed to media outlets by
Chipman village councillor Trudy Smith choked up with emotion as she stood to thank LaRocque. Additionally, in a later interview, Chipman CEO Pat Tomkow said LaRocque’s presence in the community was meaningful.
“Whenever we requested (LaRocque’s) presence at a council meeting he always attended and always took questions from the council and the public who attended. I think that’s quite exceptional,” said Tomkow. “He had a good rapport with administration and with council and attended many community events if he was available. He even attended a kids’ Halloween
RCMP communications personnel, are not affected.
The Lamont Leader has been unable to acquire a weekly crime report through local detachments over the past few years. A shortage of RCMP staff time to compile the information was the reason given.
Although weekly crime reports to media have stopped altogether, RCMP spokesperson Corporal Troy Savinkoff said reporting on crimes recorded online through the Alberta RCMP crime map are allowed.
“Absolutely you can,” he said by email.
The following are crimes recorded on the Alberta RCMP crime map as happened in Lamont County. Over the past 14 days, at least five crimes have been responded to by the
party dance event at the Chipman National Hall and welcomed all the kids. He will definitely be missed.”
LaRocque smiled as he accepted the framed certificate from Smith and said he would be putting it up in his new office in Sherwood Park.
“Chipman became a very special place to me in my two and a half years here, around the area. Again, it's events like this, it's being welcomed. it's being invited over to the hall for different things. I love the small town,” he said.
“Thank you very much for this, and thank you very much for all the hospitality over the last two years.”
In LaRocque’s place, at the Fort Saskatchewan detachment, is Staff Sergeant Scott Lande as acting detachment commander.
RCMP in Lamont County. As noted on the website, not all reported crimes are recorded on the map.
Two vehicle thefts in the town of Lamont, on Feb. 18 and another on Feb. 19 in addition to a mischief to property on Feb 23.
A break and enter on Feb. 28 near township road 562 between range road 184 and 185 as well as a break and enter on Feb. 24 North of Lamont near township road 560 and range road 193.
Barry LaRocque accepts a certificate from Chipman Councillor Trudy Smith.
Woitas upset about how cease communications policy applied
BY JOHN MATHER
During the regular Feb. 25 Lamont County Council meeting Division Five Councillor Neil Woitas said that during his coffee talks session he had been shocked to learn county resident Peter Lysyk was told he could no longer communicate with County staff.
Lyske had been given a County cease communication policy which is regarding residents who were incessantly asking about the same topic, berating or abusing staff.
“He has concerns with his neighbouring industry and he has some legitimate concerns,” said Woitas. “I thought when we brought in this policy it was for people who indicated some sort of violence or were constantly swearing at staff.
The only thing Peter does is he stutters some
when he gets worked up a little.
“I want to know who else has gotten letters saying they can’t communicate with the County,” he said.
He felt the policy wasn’t working the way the council had thought it was intended.”
Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky said Lysyk had been handed a cease communications letter “some time ago” because he was constantly bringing up the same information over and over again.”
Woitas wondered how he had been belligerent.
“I grew up with this man and he’s not like that,” said Woitas.
Division Two Councillor Aaron Wick asked “pertaining to Mr, Lysyk’s situation everyone who has been to the meetings knows that
there are compliance issues between him and his neighbour.
“There are noise issues going on and he asked “will Lamont County adopt a noise bylaw?”’ I’m not sure anything has been done about this.”
He said there are industries coming into the County and we will have to adapt a noise bylaw. This letter was sent by someone in our administration and they say that nothing has happened.”
Tarnawsky said there had been no resolutions for the County to adopt a noise bylaw so the letter writer of the cease and desist letter couldn’t say anything otherwise.
Tarnawsky said the County hadn’t passed a noise bylaw and it would be very costly and difficult to implement.
Division Four
Councillor Roy Anaka asked if the same resident came in with a dust issue, would it be dealt with.
Tarnawsky replied it would and that anything to do with his previous requests about noise issues wouldn’t be.
Wick said the administration and council are aware there have been multiple complaints about noise issues and “we’ve had situations where we’ve monitored the noise and know the plant is exceeding limits.
“We have to come to a standard where everyone can live and work in the same area and yet we’ve no plans to adopt a noise bylaw.”
Wick said he didn’t get all the phone calls probably that staff did, but when was council going to take a proactive stance rather than a reactive
one?
Anaka agreed saying when there was an application for gravel extraction there were set hours for operations to avoid undue noise issues.
Tarnawsky said in the past there were development agreements approved that didn’t include noise abatement clauses.
Wick asked why that was. “Is it because they are not classified as extraction, because of where they are located?”
Reeve David Diduck said Lysyk had obviously brought up some things multiple times and did “we know what that issue was?”
The discussion got pretty heated as Wick pointed out multiple issues that had been brought up about the industry.
“But it’s mostly a noise
issue,” he said, adding he had heard one of the staff at the plant was working to try and make things better.”
Tarnawsky said if council wanted to reinvestigate the conditions of the plant they could.
Woitas asked if they could find out what the last permits stated about noise levels.
“There should be something in their permits. Correct?”
Tarnawsky suggested they should address the issues brought up in separate motions.
Council passed a motion to have administration bring the cease communication policy to a future council meeting.
A second resolution would show a list of residents who had been put on the cease communications list. Both motions were carried.
Monday, March 17 at the Heisler Rec Centre at 1 p.m.
All Members Welcome! For more info, call Mac Weller 780-679-8265 or David Giedemann 780-608-5336
Sedgewick and District Municipal Library
Annual General Meeting
Tuesday March 11 at 6 pm at the Library.
New Members Welcome!
Lynx Soccer - Alliance, Lougheed, Killam & Sedgewick area
AGM on March 12th @ 7pm at Sedgewick Rec Center Curling Viewing Area. Executive, coaches & managers needed. Time to step up, or soccer won't run!
Call for Community Grant Applications
The Killam Twice Nice Store would like to invite applications from old and new organizations based in Killam for specific projects, events, or programs, that contribute to the common good, be it in areas of education, health, culture, community spirit, or other similar categories Grant Applications can be picked up at the Twice Nice Store during the following Operating Hours Tuesdays & Thursdays 10 to 4 and Saturdays 10 to 1
The Deadline for Submissions is Saturday, March 29 at 1 p.m.
Heisler Elk’s Ham Bingo Monday March 17, 2025. Doors open at 6:30, Bingo 7:30 pm Heisler Hall. 15 games for $5.
Heisler Elk’s Sausage Breakfast Sunday March 16, 2025. 9am - 12pm at the Heisler Hall. Adults - $15, 6 - 12 yrs$8, 5 & under - Free.
Killam Community Hall Annual General Meeting on Monday, March 17 at 7 p.m. at the Killam Hall. Please consider donating your time to the Community Hall.
COMING EVENTS
Viking Station Gallery & Art Centre Annual Meeting Thursday, March 13 at 9:30 am Everyone welcome to attend
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2025 AUCTION PROGRAM: Firearms, Ammunition, Accessories, or Militaria. Collections, Estates or single items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Contact us: 1-800-694-2609, Email: sales@switzersauction.com or Visit us @ www.switzersauction.com for Auction Dates & Details.
FOR SALE
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HEALTH
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HELP WANTED
Hardisty Lake Park is looking for student/s for the 2024 Season. Must be 16 years old with a valid drivers license. Some evening and some weekends. Position will be mowing, cleaning, painting and various other tasks. Apply to lakepark@hardistyag.ca Deadline for applications March 22/2025.
HELP WANTED
Hardisty Lake Park is looking for staff for 2025 Season - May 1st to Sept 30th Lake Warden is a full time position perfect for a Single person or a Couple. Warden will be responsible for day to day operations. Supervising staff and maintaining the Park and surrounding area ensuring we have a safe, clean, enjoyable space for visitors. This candidate must have Management skills, computer skills and be personable with staff and customers. Apply to lakepark@hardistyag.ca Deadline for applications March 15/2025.D
Sedgewick Lake Park is seeking applications for Park Manager for the 2025 season. May 1 to Sept. 30. Duties include guest registration, weekly deposits, maintenance and upkeep of the grounds, buildings and equipment, as well as supervision of summer students. Salary based on $6,000 per month. Resume to be submitted to sedgewicklakepark@gmail.com, or mailed to PO Box 536 Sedgewick, AB T0B 4C0. Deadline for applications is March 15, 2025. For further information, please email sedgewicklakepark@gmail.com
JP’s Country Daycare in Daysland is hiring for part time, ECE workers. We are a busy and growing daycare with a positive work environmeånt. Email resume's to jpcountrydaycare@gmail.com
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Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-232-3097 09p
August 7, 1978March 3, 1998
and Friend.
I heard your voice in the wind today, And turned to see your face; The warmth of the wind caressed me, As I stood silently in place. I felt your touch in the sun today, As its warmth filled the sky; I closed my eyes for your embrace, And my spirit soared high. I held you close in my heart today, It made me feel complete; You have passed... But you are not gone, You will always be a part of me. As long as the sun shines, rain falls... The wind blows; You will live on inside of me forever, For that is all my heart knows. May the winds of love blow gently; And whisper so you can hear; How much we love and miss you, And wish that you were here.
Lovingly Remembered and Sadly Missed, Your Family and Friends 09p
ROBERT WARREN COLIN JOHNSON
In loving memory of a precious Son, Brother, Grandson, Nephew, Cousin, Uncle,
Lamont moves closer to processed water intake
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont County moved further ahead with the signing of an agreement with the Alberta Industrial Heartland to receive a grant to proceed with the processed water intake on the North Saskatchewan River.
Last year, Lamont was one of three jurisdictions approved for grant money for water intake infrastructure, with the other two being Strathcona County and Sturgeon County.
The grant is provided by the province to the AIHA and they are the grant managers.
Prior to distribution of the funds a grant agreement had to be signed between Lamont and the AIHA to receive their share.
To date Lamont is the only County to have an intake on the board for development.
Once the agreement is signed, Lamont will receive $16,666,666 over the next five years to construct a water intake on the North Saskatchewan River.
Lamont County has undertaken legal review of the agreement and has proposed minor changes to the agreement.
Chief Financial Officer Rodney Boyko told council there were two documents to consider.
When Division Five Councillor Neil Woitas asked if there were identical agreements for all three counties, Boyko said they weren’t identical, but other than small wording changes the agreements would all be identical.
“This is a significant grant we’re getting,” he said. “And council must review it carefully.”
He said County lawyers had wanted the County to have a “more
fulsome description” of what the reporting process would look like so they wouldn’t breach any terms of the expectations for reporting.
He added as soon as the agreement was signed an amount of $833,333 would be received by the County representing funding for preliminary engineering of the intake.
The County would then receive $5,8333,333 after April 25 of this year after the it signed an agreement with an engineering firm to complete construction engineering for the intake infrastructure.
In the following years of the agreement, the County would receive annual instalments of $3,333,333 to provide for the complete construction of the intake.
Council also had to approve an amendment to include the grant
money into the budgets for the next five years.
When asked if a water licence had yet been obtained Boyko said it hadn’t but they hoped to meet with Alberta Environment shortly and receive the licence.
When asked Boyko pointed out if the County wasn’t successful in receiving a water licence to draw water from the North Saskatchewan the project couldn’t proceed the County would be responsible for paying back any unspent amounts of the grant.
Cheques
Continued from Page 8
Forsyth asked what changed from Nov. when the original policy was passed and now.
Jacobs said she had opposed the policy back in November.
“But at that time it was the will of council and sometimes things have
“If, for example, we spent $100,000 on engineering and the project didn’t proceed then we would pay $7,333,333 back to the Heartland Association, since the administer the funds.”
Division Two Councillor Aaron Wick asked, “We’re not going to start building something if the water licence isn’t received are we?”
Boyko and Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky both assured him that was the case.
Reeve David Diduck
to be brought back for a second look. And I don’t think we had all the councillors there in November.”
Councillor George Campbell said there had to be a paper trail for all money spent.
He felt it was asking a lot to have a member of council cosigning all the cheques.
Jacobs moved the poli-
said he felt the terms of the agreement were “fairly straightforward” and the only cost to the County was any costs that exceeded the $16 million of the grant. He said the reports administration had to provide went to the AIHA and then they in turn were sent to the province.
Diduck added a separate bank account would be set up for the grant money for easy tracking and reporting purposes and that it would be an interest bearing account.
cy to have signing authority amended to have the mayor or deputy mayor be one of the signatories on all cheques and electronic payments and if the CAO was away then the COO would sign with either the mayor or deputy mayor. Council passed the amended motion.
COUNCIL UPDATE – February 11 & February 25 Meetings
Council has directed that Administration publish a summary of decisions from the past two Council meetings each month. Meeting highlights are also summarized on the Lamont County website, and social media after each Council meeting. Once approved at the next Council meeting, all directions, approvals, and items discussed are in the approved minutes posted at lamontcounty.ca.
The following are updates from the past two Council Meetings, including important initiatives and activities that were discussed, debated, reviewed, and what Council has directed Administration to complete and implement.
February 11 Regular Council meeting (minutes were approved February 25).
Highlights from this meeting include: 2025-27 Business Plan
Council reviewed and approved its 2025-27 Business Plan. This approval sets the goals, direction and allocated resources for Council & Administration’s planning and initiatives into 2027. See this doc. under “strategic planning lamontcounty.ca/communications Historic Road Renaming – Lopushinsky Road
Council approved the application for RR200 from HWY29 to HWY45 to be renamed Lopushinsky Road.
Reeve’s Charity
Golf Tournament Date & Direction
Charity Golf Tournament will go to the County of Lamont Food Bank for the new building fund and Christmas hamper programs. Council depending on course availability. The public is encouraged to attend when registration is announced this spring.
Council Business
- Council extended its Intermunicipal Collaboration Framework Agreements into 2027 with Town of Lamont –remaining extension will be completed at a future Council meeting) – as directed through Ministerial Order.
- Council approved purchases as part of the Capital Plan and approved in the Emergency Services).
- Council discussed its Gravel Haul Rates and directed Administration to fuel, maintenance and vehicle costs). Lamont County also has a formula for variable increases based on current fuel rates. Council also discussed stockpiling locations and planning to ensure limited back-hauling.
- Council discussed a ratepayer delegation regarding a nonbilling and directed Administration to bring this forward for future decision.
February 25 Council meeting (minutes are approved next Council meeting). Highlights from this meeting include:
RCMP Detachment Updates (Fort. Sk., Two Hills, Veg.)
Council received delegations from the three RCMP Detachments that serve Lamont County. This included crime statistics from the past year, as awareness (including around fraud and crime prevention). Also discussed potential restructuring of regional detachments to better serve the area. Lamont County enforcement initiatives the RCMP is doing.
Processed Water Line Agreement with AIHA
Council was presented its agreement with Alberta’s Industrial Heartland Association (AIHA) to administer the grant funding announced by the engineering and construction of a processed water line. Lamont County – AIHA is responsible for administration of these funds. Council provided approval in principle of this agreement, pending minor legal updates. (Public consultation will continue upon preliminary County history.)
Council Business
done via separate application. Both processes at lamontcounty.ca/grants - In Committee of the Whole, discussed the scope for a potential review of Public
- Council reviewed its 2025 Organizational Chart and directed Administration to engage a third-party review of Public Works Department operation to assess
- Council hosted the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) Executive
Council discussed its drug testing policy for incident reporting and follow-up.
- Council discussed its Ceasing Communication Policy, directing Administration to bring this back to a future meeting for additional review related to the letters sent -strikes policy, rather, an alternative way for those repeatedly raising the same issue without resolution, and those who are abusive towards employees, to alternatively have their concerns addressed.
- Council approved a $500 sponsorship to Elk Island Wild Minor Hockey for its annual awards night event.
or
for updates.
Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman (scan the QR code)
AVAILABLE (VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for full posters, dates, contact information, registration info & locations; or call 780-895-2233 for info./registration). Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN and seniors’ activities include:
1. FCSS: Volunteer Income Tax Program – Contact FCSS at 780-895-2233 x226 (assistance for low income, single parent, seniors and tax troubles/questions).
2. FCSS: Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tuesdays), Chipman (Mondays), and Mundare 3. FCSS: Fitness Fun for Older Adults (Mundare Sr. Citizens Club).
6. FCSS: Parents and Tots: Andrew, Bruderheim (temporarily closed until further notice), Lamont and Mundare.
7. FCSS: At Home Alone – Bruderheim free ages 10 and up 1-3 pm at Bru. Youth Centre. Register with dayna.j@lamontcounty.ca
8. KFRN: Let’s Get Creative – Free! Session 1 (10 a.m. to noon) for ages 7-12 & Session 2 (1-3 p.m.) for ages 13-18. Register by Mar. 17: signup.com/go/kfciZNr
9. KFRN: Conflict Resolution – Free program for children ages 10-14. Registration is required by Mar. 14: signup.com/go/LSLCUan
10. KFRN: Cooking With Your Littles – Free for families with children ages 1-6: make mint cookie ice cream! Registration by Mar. 5: signup.com/go/wnPfGBS
11. CALC: Canadian Firearms Safety Course (non-restricted) – March 22 in Bruderheim. Contact Dan to register at 825-439-5208 ($140 for ages 12+).
12. CALC: My Journey…Who Am I? | English Language Learning | Kitchens Programs | Digital Skills for Seniors
13. CALC/FCSS: Parents and Tots – Featuring Ready, Set, GROW!. Monday mornings in Andrew. For more info. contact cheryl.b@lamontcounty.ca
14. Meals In Motion: contract Chrissy at 780-975-9592 to order for MARCH (see full menu at lamontcounty.ca/community-programming).
15. Seniors’ Coffee: (Wed.) 10-11 a.m. at Andrew Lions Club, & (Thurs.) 10-11 a.m. at Mundare Sr. Centre. Join FCSS for coffee, conversation, snacks, & assistance with senior-related forms/programming. FCSS also offers Seniors Supports from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Mundare (Thurs.). Seniors Coffee is also held in St. Michael at the Community Centre (Thurs.) from 10 a.m. to noon.
Other Items of Interest
Coffee Talks – see lamontcounty.ca/coffeetalks for updates (next one is March 20 in St. Michael). Summaries of each session are posted online. Engineering studies and content related to the proposed process water and intake can be accessed at lamontcountynow.ca/about-us/area-profile/planning Updates are published when/as applicable. Reminder: further consultation and engagement will occur with the public as the project progresses and the preliminary certificate for water license is granted. Any project work will be discussed and approved in Council as the project commences.
All current study content is conceptual design only.
The Lamont County 2025 MUNICIPAL ELECTION Nomination Package is now available at: lamontcounty.ca/governance/2025-municipal-election (under Nomination Process). Don’t forget to register to vote via VoterLink to ensure you are correctly added to voter lists for Alberta Elections (see Elections Alberta: voterlink.ab.ca/).
16. Seniors Bus Trips: Monthly day trips to local malls; $15 per trip. Departs at 9 a.m. from Lamont Rec. Centre on Mar. 17, Apil 21, May 18 & June 23. Reserve a spot with Helen at 780-895-7539. Also check out the Lamont County Events Calendar for local community events, public meetings and other important dates (lamontcounty.ca/eventscalendar). v To access current monthly services & programs information, scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC & KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages. | CALC/FCSS/KFRN: 877-895-2233 | | 5303-50 Ave. Lamont AB | Did You KNOW? ...
Have you ever wondered about the relationship between Industry, Economic Development and Ratepayers?
An important factor to tax rates and development across Lamont County is Alberta's Industrial Heartland (AIH). Development and industry in this Designated Industrial Zone (DIZ) will help reduce ratepayer taxes, and it encourages development within the region - which may include potential commercial (and retail) options, residential development and services—all of these support development and opportunities within the region (including efforts towards obtaining a water license from the North Saskatchewan Heritage River for the purposes of development/industry needs and AIH developments). Lamont County enjoys some of the lowest taxes in the area, owing in large part to the contributions of industrial tax payers. Economic Development is an important part of Lamont County—more information can be found at lamontcountynow.ca, as we are #ReadyforNOW. #InvestInLamontCountyNow. Learn more at lamontcounty.ca/faqs
Please Note – inFocus is also accessible online at: lamontcounty.ca/communications (to view full-sized PDF & access hyperlinks).
Rail Safety - #AnytimeIsTrainTime
Winter and melt-freeze conditions can impact your ability to stop quickly when approaching icy rail crossings. Watch for the signs (stop, look, listen). Drive safely this winter and as we enter spring conditions. #RailSafe Coming Soon… g Year in Review – Lamont County’s annual update and message from the Reeve. The Reeve will also provide a brief video message in addition to the report.
Upcoming workshops are posted at: lamontcounty.ca/workshops
Watch for this to be posted on social media and at lamontcounty.ca/news in the coming weeks.
Volunteer Appreciation Week – Volunteers bring heard to Canada’s communities. Events will be held in mid-April across Lamont County. More details will be posted soon (on FCSS social media, Lamont County social media and website, and on the local municipalities websites). We are thankful for all that you do to support our communities and help those in need!
Registration Renewal Reminder
If your last name or company begins with the letters B & Y; remember to get your registration renewed before the end of March! See a monthly reminder list at: alberta.ca/vehicle-registration-expiry-date-chart.aspx This message is brought to you by the Elk Island Traffic Safety Partners.
The next Ag. Services workshop is MARCH 17 - Crop Talk Workshop at the Lamont Arena Meeting Room. Register with bonnie.c@lamontcounty.ca or 780-895-2233 (free to attend).
Also see: facebook.com/events /1157929959343335 for more details.
Community Sponsorship
See lamontcounty.ca/grants on how to apply. Lamont County recognises the valuable contributions made by community organizations and volunteer groups to improve the health, well-being and social development of the community and the quality of life for its residents. Lamont County is committed to provide sponsorships to eligible groups to support social activities and services that are accessed by Lamont County residents.
The public is welcome to attend any scheduled meeting in person (Lamont County Admin. Bldg. or virtually).
The next scheduled ASB meeting is Wednesday, March 12, starting at 9:00 a.m. Minutes/Agendas/Meeting Link: lamontcounty.ca/departments/ agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb. The next Regular Council Meeting is planned for Tuesday, March 11, starting at 9:00 a.m. Meeting Link/Minutes/Agendas: lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes. Recordings are available on YouTube as published.
Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting – Mar. 12 | Next Regular Council Meeting – Mar. 11
