May 11 Beaver County Chronicle

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A Free Weekly Publication Serving All of Beaver County Wednesday, May 11,16 2022, Volume 15,15 Issue 19 7 Wednesday February 2022 Volume Issue

Holden 4-H Beef Club celebrates 75th anniversary Cohen Buttner Club Reporter

Holden 4-H Club held our annual Achievement Day April 30 at the Viking Carena. It was so great to be able to share this with the public again after a couple of years off due to COVID. Here are our winners for 2022: Grand Champion Steer – Jayden Chomik Reserve Champion Steer – Baylee Chomik

Grand Champion Heifer and Supreme Female – Tuf Bratrud Reserve Champion Heifer – Quinten Albrecht Grand Champion Cow/Calf Pair – Kate Albrecht Reserve Champion Cow/Calf Pair – Quinten Albrecht Holden 4-H Beef Club celebrated its 75th anniversary along with the other events recently held. There was a cake cutting ceremony to mark the occasion.

Holden Club’s Reserve Champion Steer: Baylee Chomik won for Reserve Champion Steer at the April 30 Holden 4-H Beef Club’s annual Achievement Day. Her winning entry went on to take the Reserve Champion Steer title at the Beaver District 4-H Show and Sale held on May 2 at the Viking Carena Complex.

Please note there was a naming error in the cutline in last week’s Weekly Review. We apologize for not catching this copy and pasting error before print.

Pictured above: Taking part in the cake cutting ceremony marking Holden 4-H Beef Club’s 75th are, from left: Carter and Taylor Chomik, and Parker Bratrud.

The Holden 4-H club wrapped up their 2021-2022 season with an achievement show April 30 and held a group photo for posterity on their 75th anniversary year of the club.

2 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 11, 2022

Avian flu added to agenda for discussion Patricia Harcourt Avian influenza was added to the agenda for Beaver County Council May 4 as signs point to continued spread of the disease.

Aimee Boese, a county agriculture official, brought more information forward for what is being referred to as a “highly pathogenic contagious wild viral disease.”

The risk level for Avian Influenza has been raised in the province of Alberta to RED, which means that ministerial orders are in place to assist with investigation, response, and control of the virus.

The avian flu has found its way into Alberta over the past few weeks.

Movement in affected areas is highly controlled, and anyone who suspects their birds are infected must report it to the proper authorities.

This includes the Department of Agriculture for tame birds, and Alberta Fish and Wildlife for wild birds.

“A significant number of birds have been affected,” said Boese, including “hundreds of thousands of birds, especially in the domestic area.” She said the result will be that larger markets around the world will also be affected as birds are lost.

The one positive is that there is a low risk to people’s health and no risk to food safety.

But she did report a “positive outbreak” of avian flu in a small backyard flock of birds located on the border between Beaver County and the County of Camrose.

Other outbreaks have also been discovered recently at Two Hills, Wainwright, and Lethbridge areas.

But she also noted that the county “has no significant jurisdiction” regarding this outbreak, with the provincial and federal levels of gov-

ernment having the jurisdiction in this matter.

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3), who asked that the issue be put on the agenda, said Alberta is the leading province for having the most reported cases. He felt, however, that this was due to better reporting rather than more sick birds.

The Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) is stating that the spread of the virus is happening due to contact between migrating birds and tame flocks on the ground.

He also noted that the eastern side of Alberta “has lots of migratory birds” moving their way north as far as the NWT. And people have been finding dead birds, he said.

“If you do find them you should be calling them in,” he said. Hrabec also warned that, because of the large numbers of waterfowl in the area, people should be cleaning their vehicles after off roading, as well as farmers going into their fields and marshy areas with vehicles.

Boese added to the precautions.

“Don’t visit any poultry (farms) until you have cleaned and disinfected your vehicle and equipment,” she said.

“Also, large scale operations have been asked to increase their bio security.”

As for what to report, Boese said Fish and Wildlife are more interested in people reporting they have found dead bird species like ducks, geese, swans, gulls, raptors, owls, and eagles. She said they are not concerned about song birds, woodpeckers, or black birds.

She said people may find “strange occurrences” such as birds that have a variant of the virus, which should be reported as well.

“Our role will only come into effect if (authorities) ask for some specific action. They take the lead on this because of the nature of the virus.”

SPRING LA ARGE ITEM PROGRAM HAS H BEGUN The spring large item collection program is underway. This program is meant for large items so if your waste fits in the collection bin in your alley, please put your items in there for disposal. This bi˔ˡˡ˨˔˟ ˣ˥ˢ˚˥˔ˠ ˜˦ ˢˡ˟ˬ ˙ˢ˥ ˟˔˥˚˘ ˜˧˘ˠ˦ ˧˛˔˧ ˗ˢˡϠ˧ ˙˜˧ʡ The remaining dates for each of the municipalities are as follows:

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 St & 50 Ave Truck stop area close to the cardboard binϞ51 St & 50 Ave Trailer park close to the 4 yd binsϞ53 St & 52 Ave Grassy area at the north end of Village on 57 Ave between 49 & 50 St.

x

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

x

Monday, y, May 30 to Thursday, y, June 2ϞVillage of Holden 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 4920Ϟ48 Ave

Rural residents can take their large items to our transfer stations year round. Check our website to see which large items are acceptable at which location and what days the various transfer station sites are open.

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

These are not large items

Incorrec ctly placed on grass

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

Put out o on the str treet

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

Alternatively y please email

info@claystonewaste.com.

Toll Free: 1.855.221.2038 Ph: 780.6 663.2038 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, May 11, 2022 - 3

County agrees to explore options for surface water management Patricia Harcourt Beaver County has agreed to engage with the Beaver Hills Biosphere (BHB) to explore options to establish a surface water management plan or framework.

Aimee Boese, general manager of community services, explained at county council’s May 4 meeting the parametres surrounding a need for such a plan or framework.

“Water is essential to life,” she said, in her report. “However, its location on the landscape can be seen as both beneficial and challenging, depending on the types of land uses that it often intersects.”

The county’s executive leadership team met April 12 with BHB’s executive director concerning a water management project. Beaver County has belonged to the Beaver Hills Initiative (BHI) from its inception.

BHI is now a world UNESCO heritage site and called the Beaver Hills Biosphere.

Such a plan is deemed necessary for the biosphere, she stated, building on BHB’s natural assets and drained wetland inventory. Funding for both the county and BHB may be possible through the Climate

Resilience Capacity Building Program.

“The program is designed to enable communities to better understand and respond to the impacts of climate change and might be aligned to support steps moving forward,” she said. Funding could be available through the BHB if there is support work being undertaken on behalf of participating partners.

For this reason, administration is recommending the county proceed with options for such a study with BHB, she said, asking for a formal motion.

Part of this would included an educational aspect so landowners can learn the implications of what they do with water on the land, “and ensure they are being done legally,” she said.

And, although “it sounds big in scope,” she reassured council that “it’s really just providing education and resources,” for surface water management needs.

Parametres go from agriculture to industrial use, legalities, flooding issues, drainage into culverts, and how to encourage people to keep water on the land by holding it for future needs.

National Public Works Week

“We can start pro-actively encouraging the managing of water on the landscape,” she said. Boese showed the boundaries of the BHB area, adding that UNESCO approval is needed even in the areas where boundaries are considered “fluid” in nature, such as the moraine areas of topography which was the initial focus for the BHI when it was formed.

Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1), who represents the county on the BHB, told council the map can be seen at beaverhills.ca outlining the biosphere.

“The biosphere has no power over Beaver County and its land use bylaw,” he said, noting the water management plan “would have to come back to (county) council for approval…We still have the power.”

Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) was onside with the exploring of options for a plan.

“I support this because I think it’s pretty cool,” he said, concerning the UNESCO heritage designation for the Beaver Hills moraine area. And people have been asking him about it.

“We don’t educate enough about what is in our own back yard,” said

Hrabec, noting the BHB website “shows a lot of important stuff going on.” He noted also that the county pays a membership of $20,000 every year as a partner with BHB, “but we are weak on educating what it is.” He suggested asking the organization to incorporate more educational material to inform the public.

Boese responded that she believed “it’s a valid point in terms of education and awareness.”

“As we develop an environmental platform and educational strategy, we can look at how we want it to look,” she said. “BHB can’t hold events because of the past two (pandemic) years,” but there is an online blog and newsletter that provides information.

“And they do have a communications committee,” said Boese.

Smook suggested inviting the head of the BHB team to a governance and priorities committee meeting for discussion.

This suggestion was incorporated into a motion by Hrabec to adopt the recommendation by administration regarding exploration of further water surface management plans or framework with BHB.

Culture Days

National Public Works Week May 15 – 21, 2022 “Ready and Resilient” Provincial/Territorial Proclamation WHEREAS, public works professionals focus on infrastructure, facilities and services that are of vital importance to sustainable and resilient communities and to the public health, high quality of life and well-being of the people of Beaver County; and, WHEREAS, these infrastructure, facilities and services could not be provided without the dedicated efforts of public works professionals, who are engineers, managers, and employees at all levels of government and the private sector, who are responsible for rebuilding, improving, and protecting our nation’s transportation, water supply, water treatment and solid waste systems, public buildings, and other structures and facilities essential for our citizens; and, WHEREAS, it is in the public interest for the citizens, civic leaders and children in Beaver County to gain knowledge of and to maintain an ongoing interest and understanding of the importance of public works and public works programs in their respective communities; and, WHEREAS, the year 2022 marks the 62nd annual National Public Works Week sponsored by the American Public Works Association, BE IT NOW RESOLVED, I, Kevin Smook, Reeve of Beaver County, do hereby designate the week May 15 – 21, 2022 as National Public Works Week; I urge all citizens to join with representatives of the American Public Works Association/Canadian Public Works Association and government agencies in activities, events, and ceremonies designed to pay tribute to our public works professionals, engineers, managers, and employees and to recognize the substantial contributions they make to protecting our national health, safety, and quality of life.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of Beaver County to be affixed, at the Village of Ryley, Alberta this 20th day of April, 2022.

Economic Development Week As the County and the Province of Alberta recover from the economic impacts of the pandemic, we are acutely aware of the power of economic development as the foundational tool for job creation, business support, career advancement opportunities, and enhancement of the quality of life in our communities.

To recognize the work of economic development professionals, Beaver County Council has proclaimed May 9-13, 2022 as Economic Development Week in Beaver County.

4 - Beaver County Chronicle, May 11, 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 Opportunities

Employment Opportunities

Full-Time Public Works Administrative Assistant

Seasonal Labourer – Temporary Full-Time Infrastructure

Beaver County is seeking a temporary, full-time Public Works Administrative Assistant during the months of May to August and is an ideal position for an individual to gain valuable work experience in administration. This position will be located at the Beaver County Services Centre in Ryley.

(Pursuant to the I.U.O.E. Collective Agreement, Local Union No. 955) The Labourer II position supports the Public Works and Infrastructure operations providing municipal services such as gravel road repairs and maintenance.

Duties may include but not limited to: packer operator, road oil patching, bridge maintenance, drainage improvement, culvert replacement, beaver dam removal, perform pre-trip inspections.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: • As per Beaver County’s policies and the Collective Agreement with the I.U.O.E. Local 955 • Works under assigned supervisor as a labourer 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 QUALIFICATIONS: • No previous experience necessary, summer students welcome • Willing to train and learn to operate heavy duty equipment and work with crews.

• Must be willing to work in fluctuating climates (hot, cold, wet) and environmental conditions • Ability to lift 50 lbs or more.

• Safety conscious attitude • Valid Class 5 Drivers License with an acceptable driving record.

Position Details: Position Type: Temporary Full Time, Labourer II Rate of Pay: $20.21 - $24.59 per hour Effective Start Date: immediate and future summer openings

The Temporary Public Works Administrative Assistant duties will be dependent on the skill set of the candidate and may include, but are not limited to: • Customer Service duties in the front office, answering phones and dealing with customer inquiries and calls • Web Mapping, data entry, map creation and file maintenance • Providing assistance on special projects with an emphasis on public works functions • Providing administration support when possible in other departments The ideal candidates will have the following qualifications: • Completion of Grade 10, or currently attending high school or enrolled in a post-secondary institution in business administration, accounting, or a related program.

• Leadership and team-building skills.

• Be able to work and learn from others in a team environment and maintain a positive approach.

• Possess effective interpersonal skills, computer literacy, and verbal communication skills.

• Knowledge of Beaver County and the municipal operations would be an asset.

Hours of work will generally be 8:15 a.m.- 4:30 p.m., Monday to Friday.

The position will commence as soon as possible and end August 31, 2022.

The salary range for this position is $ 16.26 - $18.52 per hour

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Grader Operator - Permanent – Full Time Infrastructure - Class: Equipment Operator III (Pursuant to the I.U.O.E. Collective Agreement, Local Union No. 955) JOB DESCRIPTION • This position will be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of a grader and heavy-duty construction and maintenance equipment for municipal services.

• Municipal services include road maintenance and snow removal, signs, bridges and other Public Works related functions as assigned by Supervisor.

• This position requires and individual that is physically capable of performing routine preventative maintenance on equipment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: • As per Beaver County’s policies and the Collective Agreement with the I.U.O.E. Local 955 • Permanent – Full Time Position (191 hours per month) after the completion of the probationary period.

• 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 QUALIFICATIONS: • High School Diploma or equivalent • Experience operating heavy equipment, specifically operating a motor-grader is required, municipal operation experience is an asset.

• Valid Class 5 Drivers License, with an acceptable driving record.

• Ability to work independently and assume responsibility for maintenance of equipment • Ability to work and communicate effectively with other employees and the public • Ability work in response to emergency situations and after hours • The successful candidate must be willing to provide a criminal record check, and driver’s abstract.

Position Details: Position Type: Permanent – Full Time Rate of Pay: $29.44 - $35.82 per hour Effective Start Date: Immediate Closing date: Until a suitable candidate can be found.

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More information on the above positions can be found on the County’s website at:

https://www.beaver.ab.ca/residents/careers.

Beaver County has a comprehensive and active safety program. Drivers abstract will be required for successful applicants.

TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THE POSITIONS ABOVE: Submit your cover letter and resume, by referencing the name of the position, 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.

Grader Operator – Seasonal – Infrastructure Class: Equipment Operator III (Pursuant to the I.U.O.E. Collective Agreement, Local Union No. 955) JOB DESCRIPTION • This position will be responsible for the safe operation and maintenance of a grader and heavy-duty construction and maintenance equipment for municipal services.

• Municipal services include road maintenance and snow removal, signs, bridges and other Public Works related functions as assigned by Supervisor.

• This position requires and individual that is physically capable of performing routine preventative maintenance on equipment.

TERMS OF EMPLOYMENT: • As per Beaver County’s policies and the Collective Agreement with the I.U.O.E. Local 955 • Seasonal – Full Time Position (191 hours per month) after the completion of the probationary period.

• 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 QUALIFICATIONS: • High School Diploma or equivalent • Experience operating heavy equipment, specifically operating a motor-grader is required, municipal operation experience is an asset.

• Valid Class 5 Drivers License, with an acceptable driving record.

• Ability to work independently and assume responsibility for maintenance of equipment • Ability to work and communicate effectively with other employees and the public • Ability work in response to emergency situations and after hours • The successful candidate must be willing to provide a criminal record check, and driver’s abstract.

Position Details: Position Type: Seasonal Rate of Pay: $29.44 - $35.82 per hour Effective Start Date: Immediate ————————————————————————————————————————————

Closing date: 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.

Beaver County has a comprehensive and active safety program. Drivers abstract will be required for successful applicants.

TO APPLY FOR ANY OF THE POSITIONS ABOVE: Submit your cover letter and resume, by referencing the name of the position, 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.