May 22 Lamont Leader

food bank delivery - 7 Secret world turning graffiti to art - 8/9

million announcement - 18

Inept leaders legitimize -4

Alberta Deputy Premier responds to Chipman letter requesting more RCMP

Not enough applicants causing lower number of police

BY JANA SEMENUIK

The Village of Chipman council sent a letter in March to Premier Danielle Smith requesting that funding be provided to hire 400 more RCMP officers.

The letter was sent after a request from the National Police Federation to municipalities in the area asking for their support.

“They are requesting support for additional funding needed to hire 400 more RCMP positions,” said Chipman administrative assistant Keiron Willis at the March council meeting.

In the letter Chipman Mayor Morris Langevin said millions have been collected from small municipalities since the Province changed the funding model in 2021, but the provincial investments to the RCMP have been minimal.

Alberta Deputy Premier, and Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Services, Mike Ellis, responded to Langevin’s letter and confirmed that staffing vacancies are a concern for the government and communities.

He also said the federal government is not staffing the Province of Alberta adequately with full time RCMP members.

“On average, Alberta is currently 21.6 percent understaffed across RCMP detachments when compared to the fulltime equivalents we are paying for. It is our understanding that this number is about 17 percent,” he said, adding that several municipalities shared with him their vacancies were upwards of 30 percent.

“In short, we are supposed to have 1,911 officers in the communities and we only have 1,498 which means we are paying approximately $16 million for close to 200 on-leave positions that the federal government has not filled.”

Fort Saskatchewan RCMP Sgt. Barry LaRocque gave a presentation to the Chipman council on May 13 and confirmed that RCMP are having a hard time with a low number of applications.

“Right now we’re having a hard time,” he said.

“Through depo, we try to put through 40 troops of 32 people per troop. To do that we need to have 10,000 people apply.

Two years ago, we had 1,600 people in the entire country apply so we (didn’t have) enough people to put through depo.”

Larocque said the RCMP have been actively recruiting to turn things around.

“Now we’re out proactively recruiting. We never had to do that years ago,

now we have proactive measures to try and get people to do that,” he said.

Meanwhile, Minister Ellis said in his letter to Mayor Langevin, that the provincial government continues to support the RCMP and this year provided additional funding.

“This year, we provided an additional $20.9 million to communities covered by the Provincial Police Service Agreement to bolster the RCMP’s capacity to respond to crime across the province,” he said.

“However many of the additional positions that have been funded remain unfilled despite the increased need.”

Minister Ellis said that as a result, the Indigenous and Municipal Police Transition Study Grant Program was developed for municipalities, First Nations and Metis Settlements across the province to explore alternative policing models for their communities.

He said more information on applying for this grant can be found on the province’s website.

Bruderheim Council considering prohibiting media from recording council meetings CAO presenting changes to meeting procedures and code of conduct bylaw

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Town of Bruderheim council will consider a number of changes to their Meeting Procedures Bylaw brought forward by Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth on the May 22 meeting agenda.

Forsyth listed the considerations which include that councillors cannot participate in closed sessions remotely,

clarification on several item definitions, in addition to prohibiting the public and the media from recording the public council meetings. If passed, Bruderheim will be the only municipality in Lamont County to prohibit the media from recording the council meetings.

The bylaw is being presented for first reading at the May 22 council

meeting and will need to undergo three readings before being passed.

In addition, Forsyth also added an amendment to the Code of Conduct bylaw stating that a fine of up to $10,000 could be imposed for the disclosure of personal information, as recommended by Mayor Karl Hauch at the May 8 council meeting.

Bruderheim Mayor Karl Hauch

could not respond by press time to questions around why the council is considering prohibiting the media from recording the council meetings. Bruderheim’s next council meeting is scheduled for May 22 at 7 p.m. in person at the Bruderheim Fire Station or online via the Town’s social media page.

Province of Alberta

Deputy Premier Mike Ellis

Former Lamont High School principal charged with sexual assault

JANA SEMENIUK

A former Lamont High School principal who was most recently employed as principal of Sherwood Heights Junior High School, has been charged with three counts of sexual assault and one charge of criminal harassment.

Amit Mali, 42, was charged after an investigation was launched by Strathcona RCMP. Police received a report of sexual assault involving a local school principal on Feb. 2 and determined there was one adult female victim.

Following the investigation, Mali was arrested and charged on May 3.

In a statement provided to the Lamont Leader, EIPS Communication Director Laura McNabb said the incident is distressing for EIPS and comments are limited due to the upcoming legal case.

“In February, Elk Island Public Schools

(EIPS) received a complaint against an employee from Sherwood Heights Junior High. Following the complaint, the employee was placed on leave and is no longer employed by EIPS,” she said by email.

“The Strathcona County RCMP subsequently launched an investigation. May 14, EIPS was advised the former employee has been charged with the sexual assault of an adult. Senior leaders and trustees are very distressed about the incident as the safety of the entire school community is of paramount importance to Elk Island Public Schools. The Division cooperated fully with the official investigation but because the matter is now before the courts, we are unable to provide further comment.”

Police said news of the charges laid could also be emotional for those

who have experienced sexual assault and urged people to seek support if they have ever been a victim.

“We understand that this news may be distressing for members of our community. For some, it may evoke painful memories of past experiences. If you have been a victim of sexual assault, we urge you to seek support,” stated the RCMP press release.

“If you have any information related to this incident or any other crime, please reach out to

the Strathcona County RCMP at 780-467-7741. If you prefer to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS), visit www.P3Tips.com (http://www.P3Tips.co m), or utilize the "P3 Tips" app available on the Apple App or Google Play Store.”

According to reports, Mali was principal of Lamont High School from at least 2018 to 2021 before he moved to the principal position at Sherwood Heights Junior High School.

Former Lamont principal Amit Mali

County passes bylaw to try to attract new business

BY JOHN MATHER

Lamont County

passed a tax incentive bylaw which will make it more competitive with other jurisdictions operating with the Alberta Industrial Heartland.

County Chief Financial Officer Rodney Boyko led council through the complicated calculation he had used to create the incentives during the May 14 council meeting.

The bylaw replaced a previous bylaw instituted in 2021 which matched what other Alberta Industrial Heartland Association members had for tax incentives to attract industry into the region.

During a strategic session in 2023, council had been told by consultants that the biggest issues then facing council was that other jurisdictions had different tax rates, so council then took the direction to make a new tax incentive bylaw which would provide incentives to

prospective developers by providing tax discounts more in line with other jurisdictions.

In addition to providing financial tax incentives, the new bylaw also saw the addition of Agriculture Processing to the sectors that are being promoted for development within the designated industrial zone (DIZ).

The new bylaw doesn’t give the County the best incentives but it makes the County more competitive.

“In 2020 it was supposed to have everyone using the same incentives, but that has changed since then,” said Boyko.

“The incentives vary depending on the type of industries coming into the area.”

Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky told council the economic development officer had researched all the other municipalities in the Heartland to deter-

mine their incentive rates and the County bylaw was drafted using those figures as a base line.

“This is our attempt to go to a down market industrial development much like other municipalities have,” he said.

Reeve David Diduck said the Heartland prime competitor for all development was the gulf coast in the U.S, and the consultants had figured that area offered better incentives making the AHIA less competitive.

“At the end of the day,” he said, “Under the new bylaw it will make us much more competitive.”

Tarnawsky added the incentives are dollars the County didn’t have.

“We’re not paying out money to have them located here,” he said. “The incentives won’t kick in until development is underway.”

County passed the final two readings of the bylaw.

Fort Air Partnership unveils new name and logo

BY JOHN MATHER

The Fort Air Partnership has a new name.  The organization responsible for monitoring the air quality in the Industrial Heartland and surrounding area, is called Heartland Air Monitoring Partnership as of May 14.

The announcement was made at the Partnership’s annual general meeting, May 13 in Fort Saskatchewan.

The new name was chosen to better represent the range of communities and counties served by the Airshed said the organization in a press release. These include Bon

Accord, Bruderheim, Elk Island National Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Gibbons, Josephburg, Lamont, Newbrook, Redwater, Thorhild and Waskatenau.

The new name will also make the Airshed’s key air monitoring role clearer to residents, the release added.

“Our primary role is to monitor and report on air quality where people live, making this information available to all residents and stakeholders within  our borders in an open and transparent way,” said Nadine Blaney, HAMP’s Executive Director.

“We’re here for anyone who wants to know what

the air quality is like.

“Over time we hope our new name and brand will help communicate these values as clearly as possible.”

Heartland Air Monitoring Partnership will appear first on digital channels, and more gradually on physical station signage over the longer term.

The Partnership monitors the air quality in a 4,500 square kilometre region northeast of Edmonton that includes Alberta’s Industrial Heartland.

Continuous data is collected 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

HAMP air quality monitoring and reporting is guided by a scientific advisory group and driven by national and provincial standards.

Opinion

Inept decisions by inept leaders gives credence to provincial policy

BY JOHN MATHER

I’ve stated in this opinion piece recently that the Province’s Bill 20 was overreach on their part.

While telling the Federal government to butt out of Provincial jurisdiction on one hand, while then turning around to meddle in municipal affairs struck me as hypocritical on the part of the Danielle Smith led UCP.

But sometimes things occur to make me to pause and think, “that’s why they're doing it.”

Let’s take the controversial zoning bylaw that was passed in Calgary last week.

Now, Cowtown appears to have a municipal government completely run by unqualified people. The Mayor isn’t popular and many of her fellow councillors aren’t far behind.

I put this down in part to voter apathy which allows unpopular and somewhat unqualified people to gain mediocre support and become electable because not many people turn out to vote.

The other, something I’ve advocated for a long time, is mandatory voting.

Many have chosen to live in a democracy, while others were fortunate to be born in one. As a citizen of a democracy you should have to vote. There should be a law on the books making it mandatory for people to vote at all levels of government whether it be municipal, provincial, federal or the local school boards.

Just not caring allows the governments to potentially be run by totally unqualified, not necessarily honest people.

So let’s get back to the zoning bylaw of Calgary.

For a couple of weeks, prior to the council vote, there were public hearings, the most extensive and lengthy in the city’s history.

A total of 736 speakers and 238 panels participated in the public meetings. There were 6,010 written submissions and more than 50,000 people watched the live stream coverage of the proceedings.

Councillors were told at the end of the hearings, 458 of the speakers opposed the changes, and 88 per cent of the written submissions also opposed the changes.

The changes proposed generally eliminated single-family residential zoning in favour of duplexes and townhomes.

In the end with a few tweaks, council passed the zoning bylaw by a 9-6 vote.

The vote was led by Mayor Jyoti Gondek, who once again failed to pay attention to the voters, and eight of her left leaning minion councillors.

CONTINUED

OK. The council ignored the wishes of a large number of Calgarians. In a city of more than a million residents, the arguments didn’t favour a majority yet having the numbers opposed speak up or write were astounding for any public hearing and certainly sent a strong message from the community.

So why would council pass it?

Because they will get a massive amount of federal money for construction of new homes to the tune of $228-million.

As part of the agreement, the city will be required to build an additional 6,825 housing units by 2027, and 35,950 new units by 2033.

Housing Minister Sean Fraser confirmed the city will need to abide by a set of conditions and reach certain milestones to receive the full allotment of funding, though he didn’t say what those milestones were at the time of the 2023 funding agreement.

But it led to this one size fits all zoning bylaw.

So we have Federal interference into municipal politics by stipulating conditions.

The UCP brought in Bill 18 to counter these intrusions, stating it was another case of the Laurentian elite who run the Federal government telling the colonies how to proceed.

They should have just granted the money with no strings attached. You see that is something they have done with their preferred Province of Quebec.

Now problems with Calgary zoning change. The city wanted the money, so eagerly jumped in the pool to get it.

But they never studied the facts. There aren’t enough construction workers in Calgary to build the number of dwellings required.

That’s a problem.

The city argued it would provide for more affordable housing.

For years I’ve had a problem with this term “affordable housing.”

I asked a realtor  friend several years ago what “affordable housing” was and he told me it represented what you can afford.

Pretty simple.

If you can afford a $750,000 home and have a good job, or two, and can make those payments to service the debt, then you can afford it.

But, those who don’t work can’t afford that. Nor a $150,000 home if there were such

a place.

Social agencies and social handout organizations all want more affordable housing but then who is going to pay? Affordable housing shouldn’t mean free housing.

Problem two.

If you increase the density of single-family dwelling neighbourhoods, adding duplexes and townhouses to the mix, how are you going to provide services?

Sewer and water infrastructure will have to be increased. Roads may have to be upgraded, or plowed more often in the winter.

Emergency services will have to have increased personnel to handle the density increases.

How do you pay for that without hiking taxes to the extreme, something our large cities are already doing?

Then there’s our future as envisioned by our green Feds, and their municipal and provincial buddies.

Stephen Guilbeault wants everyone to be tooling around in electric cars in 10 to 15 years. Where’s that infrastructure for charging these vehicles going to come when you add parking density to narrow suburban streets?

Will the townhouse and duplexes all have to have garages with built-in chargers to handle this need?

Is the overall power grid going to be able to handle this and will this make these homes “affordable.”

Will the city want to demand more bike lanes in front of these new developments so the need for charging units might be eliminated if people stop purchasing electric vehicles? After all, electric vehicles aren’t so affordable for those living in low income residences, which the one-type-fits-all neighbourhood zoning bylaw encourages.

It just seems little thought has gone into the long term effects of making such a general type of zoning.

That’s the fault of Calgary planners, bureaucrats and a council put in place by a small number of voters.

The consequence of inaction by one group leads to missteps by another.

Perhaps Smith is right then. Until future issues can be worked out in advance, maybe the Province should retain the right to veto bad legislation by inept leaders.

Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren Office

BY HAZEL ANAKA

If you would have asked me a year ago if small rural post offices should fear for their very existence, I might have said yes. I would have assumed that the growing popularity of email and texting would have been the final nail in the first-class postage coffin. Do you remember the last time you mailed a greeting card? You need to begin the process far enough in advance for it to arrive in the recipient’s hand on time. So, remember to buy the card (which could cost $7), write the sentiment, take it to the post office, buy a stamp. Or, you can text or FaceTime the person (at no apparent cost) that very day when it finally dawns on you.

I can’t imagine there are many people still paying their monthly bills by mail. If you don’t trust online banking, then you’re making one or more trips to your

FROM WHERE I SIT: Enough is Enough

bank per month to do it in person with people you know and trust. I doubt you’re writing out a whack of cheques, popping them in envelopes, adding postage stamps--thank goodness they’re now stickers so the licking part is a thing of the past---before taking them to the post office in good time for their arrival before the due date. That is especially important to avoid interest charges on the next statement or worse yet, a dreaded downgrade in your credit rating.

While it may be tempting to equate Canada Post with the federal government, it is not a government department but rather a crown corporation. There was also a time in Canada Post’s history when it struggled to find (or perhaps redefine) itself in light of that changing world and consumer behaviour mentioned above. It was routinely losing money and raising the cost of postage to help the bottom line. That strategy can backfire if people are already questioning the need or desire to use their main service offering. It wasn’t uncommon

to see news stories about letters arriving weeks, months, and occasionally years after they were sent. So not only was it becoming a more expensive a service to use, the quality of said service was lacking.

Somewhere along the way Canada Post pulled itself together and decided it needed to compete head-to-head with courier companies and really focus on business services and quicker turnaround times. When the world ground to a halt in 2020 because of Covid restrictions, people turned in droves to online shopping. For a time, it was literally the only way to get certain essential goods. Add in recreational shopping and suddenly the parcel business booms.

Add to the mix, the number of people who have turned their homes into primary or secondary sources of income and places of business. Creatives and makers realized they didn’t need a storefront or annual Christmas market to sell their wares. They just needed an affordable, reliable, convenient way to get their merchandise

Lamont and Area

- 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145 Rev. Deborah Brill

Everyone Welcome!

AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm

into the hands of buyers. Canada Post responded by creating Solutions for Small Business.

Running parallel with all this is the pledge by the federal and provincial governments to facilitate the installation and/or upgrade of fibre optic cables and highspeed internet even in rural Canada. In theory, it would allow Canadians, no matter where they lived, access to online education, medical consultation, and the ability to work from home as employees or entrepreneurs.

So, why have I told you this bedtime story about postal services and the changing face of commerce in Canada? Because I have spent more time at the post office and /or on the phone with the good people at Solutions for Small Business in the last few months than in all previous years combined. I should say upfront, that with one notable exception at the Fort Saskatchewan post office, I have received stellar customer service. Some Canada Post employees (the ones with their own side gig

selling and shipping) are more sensitive to the soaring cost of mailing than others.

Here's my beef. Within Canada, the most economical (if you can call it that) way to ship parcels is by using the flat rate boxes which come in four or five sizes. You buy the box which includes the postage to mail it anywhere in Canada. Because I’ve received goodies and gifts in those boxes, I know firsthand how much someone can cram inside. However. If like me, you need to ship to the US, whoa Nelly. My cohorts in the States have access to something called Media Mail which covers books and magazines. They also have easy access to third-party shippers like Pirate Ship. Canada has Stallion. When I dug into that, I’d need to take my parcels to dedicated drop off points. In Ontario!! Then I thought Shippo was going to be the answer to my dilemma. However, unless you have a website, you can’t embed the ‘keys’ to access the savings.

Through trial and error, many calls, and

Bruderheim Community Church 4904 Queen Street 780-796-3775

SUNDAY

WORSHIP

10:30 AM All are Welcome! Check us out on Facebook

having my back against the wall, I’ve been using SnapShip which is Canada Post approved. And I’m doing all the work of measuring dimensions, weighing the package, and printing the label only to have Canada Post ‘receive’ the item. The savings are negligible. A US customer paid $70 shipping to receive the items she bought from me. Is that not criminal? Does that not impede my ability to compete with others who have better shipping rates?

So, to level the playing field (with my US counterparts) in having an online business in a country as geographically vast and sparsely populated as Canada, I’ll be writing to my MP Shannon Stubbs. Some of my US friends think there should be no border at all between our countries in the postal service sense. At the very least, Canada should have media mail as an option for people like me. If you sell widgets, that won’t help you unfortunately. If you’ve been affected by the cost of shipping for your small business, join me in bringing this to our MP’s attention. Enough is enough, from where I sit.

The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 22, 2024

It’s a hobby, but Holden judge loves raising rabbits

BY JOHN MATHER

The bunnies are cute when you attend a rabbit show such as the Wildrose Classic hosted by the Edmonton Area Rabbit Society at Bruderheim’s main arena May 10 through 12. It was promoted and brought to the town by the Bruderheim Agricultural Society.

But when it comes the picking the winners and losers at a meet such as this, there is a lot to learn.

Stephen Hultholm, 39, from Holden, was one of the judges at the Bruderheim show. The other judges came from the United States in Washington, Texas and Oregon.

“I’m licensed by the American Rabbit Breeders Association,” said Hultholm. “It’s a long process to become a judge.

“First you have to become a registrar and have an ARBA membership for three years and then you take a written and oral exam.”

He explained it takes another test with three licensed judges, and if they deem you good enough you become a registrar.

After that it takes two years during which time you must register “at least 25 animals.”

“That gives you the experience and then you take a more comprehensive written and oral exam and you must be free from any disqualifications.”

Judges, he said, need to know about the point system.

Eight judges grade the candidate who must be passed by at least six of those judges.

Hultholm has been a judge for the past 11 years.

He has raised rabbits since 1999 at his farm north of Holden.

“I primarily raise Rex, which is a short coat breed. Their overcoat and under coat are basically the same length.”

He adds they are also soft to the touch.

While the Rex is his main breed, he adds he has raised different breeds

over the years.

“Most judges have raised several breeds because that allows them to get more comfortable with all breeds.”

He said he breeds rabbits because he likes the hobby and the challenge of getting a perfect rabbit.

When judging, he said, there are 52 different breeds worldwide each with their own unique qualities.

A lot of the judging is looking at fur types and quality such as with Angorra rabbits. Other things include the look of the ears and the body shape of the

rabbits.

At a show like the Wildrose Classic, held recently in Bruderheim, they would judge about 15 to 20 different breeds.

Hultholm states that for most of the people showing rabbits it's a hobby rather than an industry.

“It’s not as popular as, say raising chickens or cattle,” he said.

When judging an animal the rabbit is picked up and rotated to check them for disqualifications.

That, he said, could occur with a white spot on a black animal, a broken tooth, a broken nail or a tail that may be out of alignment.

“The regulations are pretty stringent. We want to make sure they’re good quality animals.”

He said poses are judged where some might have a more upright pose while others might have their heads on the table depending on the breed of rabbit.

He said in judging commercial animals judges look for large loins because ”that’s where you get the meat from.”

The judges  work behind a series of cages where the exhibitors stand on one side of the cage while the animal is being judged.

The judge will explain his findings and explain why the animal is a  strong candidate or is disqualified.

Hultholm  arrived at the competition early on May 10 and was joined later in the day by judges from Oregon, Texas and Washington.

He explained that in Canada rabbit breeding is still treated primarily as a hobby, but in a state like California it’s more of an industry.

“They just have more people to raise the rabbits and a lot more judges.”

He said in general most judges can judge any breed, but there are specialty licences available for judges who want to concentrate on specific breeds.

That, he adds, is much more common in the U.S. where the industry is so much bigger.

Rabbit raising builds fraternity of friendship

BY JOHN MATHER

Savanah Fischer

from Saskatchewan and Whitney Touesnard from Edmonton didn’t know each other a few years ago, but the breeding of Dutch rabbits has brought them together.

Touesnard only started raising rabbits about three years ago.

“My best friend had Hollands and I got two of them as pets,” she said. “I started looking at other breeds and I really liked the way the Dutch looked so I started breeding them.”

As a city resident, Touesnard raises the rabbits in her basement.

“They are spoiled rotten,” she said. The two said they trade up with

each other and co-breed.

“I like their temperament and personalities,” added Touesnard.

For Fischer, 23, she has been raising or involved with rabbits all her life.

“I’ve been raising them all my life,” she said. “I got into them when I was wee little, got out of them for a while and then got back into showing them about three years ago.”

She said the Wildrose Classic was her favourite show and she made a point to come to it every year.

She said while she lives on a family farm, she alone raises the rabbits, but she also raises chickens, horses and some sheep.

“I’m an animal lover at heart,” she

said.

“I love showing, the competition and the bettering of the breed.”

Fischer said being based out of Saskatchewan she has to drive quite a bit, but she still tries to get to at least four shows a year.

The two friends say the rabbit breeding community is a very tight knit fraternity.

“Dutch is special and with our breed we all become family,” said Fischer. “Tomorrow there'll be more girls showing their rabbits and we will swap stories, discuss problems we may have, help each other exchange rabbits back and forth.”

“As a result we build a better breed

of rabbit.”

She said the Dutch breed is a three and half pound to five pound show rabbit.

“Back in the day they were a meat breed, but now they are primarily a show breed,” added ‘Fischer.

“They’re like fancy pets.”

She said there is some cost to raising rabbits but on the farm she grows her own oats and sunflower seeds, which help keep the costs down.

While Touesnard raises her rabbits in her basement, Fischer has a large 12stall barn where her rabbits are raised.

“That’s the life of luxury,” jokes Touesnard.

Holden rabbit judge Stephen Hultholm examines an Arch rabbit during the Wildrose Rabbit Show held in Bruderheim May 10, 11 and 12.

Huge food bank delivery attracts over a dozen volunteers

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Approximately 14 volunteers gathered at the Lamont Fire Station on a rainy May 16 to accept a very special delivery from Loblaws; 5,200 kilograms of boxed and canned food.

The large food purchase was made by the County of Lamont Food Bank, who have access to special deals on bulk food purchases paid for with cash donations.

“The nice thing about cash donations is, (that) we could get two pallets of beans donated to us, but the donors are going to be paying the price that's on the shelf at the grocery store. (Whereas) that price is going to be lower (for us). We can do more with cash because (we) have more resources to get those deals,” said Jody Zachoda, board chair for the CLFB.

Allen Franchuk, owner of Lamont’s Home Hardware, also pitched in and donated his time and forklift to help pull the pallets of food off the truck and into the Lamont Fire Station.

Zachoda said Franchuk’s help was deeply appreciated.

“It would have cost us an extra $56 for (the trucking company) to use their lift to bring it off the truck,” she said. “(And the) fire department moved their trucks so that we can use the bay, so we're not getting covered and soaked in rain.”

The rain was steady as Franchuk brought in pallet after pallet. He gently lowered them into the empty fire truck bay where several volunteers were waiting to load up their hand trucks and wheel the several dozen cases of food into the storage space.

Another row of volunteers waited there to lift each case onto the empty shelves which were full to the brim when they were finished. Beans, canned pasta, and dozens of cases of Kraft dinner filled every available shelf space. Zachoda said one case of Kraft

dinner will last approximately one week.

Zachoda also said she was pleasantly surprised at the large number of volunteers who came out to help load the food when she had only posted about it on social media the night before.

“I'm so excited (and) I am so proud of this community,” she said. “I love it. Anytime I've ever asked for anything it comes. Somebody provides.”

Zachoda said food bank usage is increasing which she attributes to the rising cost of household bills.

“Everybody's utility bills went up. Everybody has to pay more for gas. People can't afford to necessarily pay their household bills, to heat their house or their gas to drive to work and buy groceries,” she said. “Everything's gone up so much.”

Zachoda said Lamont County residents who need an extra hand with their groceries are eligible for one hamper per month, but also said the food bank will help in times of crisis.

Meanwhile, Zachoda said the need for the food bank to have their own facility becomes more evident at times like this, where space in the community needs to be accessed due to a shortage of space at their current 800 square foot building, attached to the Lamont Alliance Church.

“It’s because we have

definitely outgrown (our space) and it doesn't look like we're going to work ourselves out of a job

anytime soon,” she said. “Unfortunately, we don't have any paid staff. It's all volunteer run. Our

board is a board of working volunteers.”

The Food Bank is currently still in the initial

stages of developing a plan for their own facility

ROAD BANS

Wheat:

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

CWRS - AAC Wheatland VB

-Wheat Midge tolerant

- Very good lodging resistance

CWSWS - AC Andrew - Great silage option

-In demand by milling and ethanol industries

Yellow Peas:

CDC Canary - Improved standability

-Early maturity

-Higher Yielding Faba Beans:

CDC 219-16 - Zero Tannin

- Seed is smaller than Snowbird, larger than CDC Snowdrop

6-Row Feed Barley:

AB Advantage - Improved plump and bushel weight

- Smooth awned

-High grain and forage yield

2-Row Malt Barley:

CDC Copeland - Strong demand by malting companies

Zachoda. Missing from the photo are Sherry Strickland, Lindsay Mercer and Linda Burns. Jana Semeniuk photo

Organized art underground

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Beautiful is not a word many people would use to describe the long freight trains that rumble through town, testing the patience of rural travelers stuck waiting to cross the tracks. But to Odis, a self-described Graffiti Writer, the rusted, linked train cars in varying shades of grey, off-white, or faded brown and yellow, beam with endless possibility.

Odis, not his real name, is in his 30s, never been married, and has a full-time job as a web and logo designer. When he is not working at his day job, he is part of a nine-person group of underground Graffiti Writers who call themselves the ‘DGTL Army’. DGTL, a shortened version of the word ‘Digital’ also stands for Damn Good Trains LTD, Doing Great Things Lately, or Daily Grind Tracking Lines.

The group contains an all-male crew, ranging in ages from their early-20s to their mid-40s. Although each man also has a daytime job, some are married, some are fathers, and some are both, they all have one thing keeping them together; an irresistible passion to paint trains.

Train painting isn’t new. Also known as ‘Graffiti Writing’, it became popular in New York during the ’60s and ’70s, when ‘getting your tag’ (slang for your ‘work’) seen by as many people as possible was the ultimate goal.

Additionally, those old enough to remember, can recall the iconic spraypainted commuter trains blasting through the city of Brooklyn during the intro to the hit show ‘Welcome Back Kotter’ as the ultimate in tag-spotting. The moving canvases made it possible for an artist’s message to be seen literally everywhere, which Odis said is a big part of why he does it.

Ideas for graffiti come from everywhere, but Odis said childhood nostalgia plays a big part for him. Cartoon characters from the ’90s, in addition to recurring themes of positivity are incorporated into several of his paintings. He stays away from anything obscene.

“We know that graffiti often has a negative connotation placed on it. People think of ugly tags, gang graffiti, and explicit imagery and nudity,” he said. “We realized that if we embraced a more positive artistic side, we could likely make the general public look at graffiti in a different light.”

Odis said writers do not begin their artwork by painting trains, but rather must ‘work their way up’ to the enormous rolling canvases.

“In the graffiti world, trains are kind of placed on a pedestal. The unwritten rule is that you need to establish yourself before graduating to painting trains,” he said. “Our pieces started out very small and simple but over the years our confidence grew and we started tackling these giant whole car productions that are probably more like a mural than traditional graffiti. Once we pushed it to that level it seems like it really got its hooks in us and now we are (very) motivated to try to paint some intricate massive productions every year.”

ladder and flashlights to each ‘job site’, careful not to be seen by security and to avoid other graffiti artists.

The legality of the work done by DGTL is never in question. It’s 100 percent illegal.

Canada’s Rail Safety Act states trespassing on rail property is against the law and carries up to $10,000 in fines depending on the province.

The legality of the work done by DGTL is never in question. It’s 100% illegal.

He said each train painting is challenging, taking months to plan, hours to complete and done under the cover of darkness. Odis hauls his equipment; dozens of cans of spray paint, similar to those found in a hardware store, a

Senior Manager of CN Media Relations, Ashley Michnowski, said by email that trains are no more of a target for graffiti vandals, than bridges, overpasses, parks or other infrastructure.

“It’s important to remember that railway yards, tunnels and bridges are all private property, and the consequences for trespassing and vandalism are outlined in the Criminal Code,” she said, adding that trespassing is not only illegal but also dangerous.

“It’s extremely dangerous. Railway tunnels and bridges are often only slightly wider than the rails, leaving little or no room for you if a train does come along.”

Today’s trains no longer clang and clack loudly while they are chugging along, but instead can slip quietly down the tracks, like a slight breeze, towards unsuspecting graffiti writers.

Several years ago, a group of young people in Montreal learned first-hand how quiet they can be. Three teenagers were killed in 2010 while painting graffiti on trains after being hit by a Via Rail passenger train. Two other teens were treated for shock but survived.

Odis said he understands the danger and that the risk is not only limited to other trains, but also other people.

“Trains are huge and unpredictable. Many people have been killed or seriously injured while being near train tracks. They can move quietly and quickly when you least expect it. You need to be on high alert at all times, always considering the dangers and doing everything to avoid as many risks as possible,” he said.

“You can (also) run into some very dangerous people while out there. There are other graffiti writers who protect painting spots and will keep people away by any means necessary.”

As a child, Odis’ family encouraged his love of art. They were impressed when he began to notice and emulate his early heroes such as the children’s television star Mr. Dressup, who always had a fun craft or a cool drawing to share with his young audience.

As a teen, when Odis’ attention moved on to more colourful and outlandish graffiti covering trains, he said they were not as supportive.

Despite the negatives to being out on the rails, Odis said new ideas for paintings are constantly coming to mind.

“Then I bring them to life when the world is sleeping,” he said.

Odis said he has had some close calls over the years such as run-ins with the law. He was caught once, and kept in a holding cell for 24 hours before charges were dropped. While he understands the legal issues with his style of artwork, he said he wants to be considerate of the rail companies and not make things hard for them. He said that while some view his work as vandalism, he sees it as ‘adding some colour to some boring grey train cars’.

Continued on Page 9

"The Last Dance" Aug. 2021 took three artists named Whoa, Sean and Odis eight hours to paint. It is a tribute to the red Canada grain cars, who are gradually being replaced after being on the rails for over 50 years. Photo: Ted McConnell

This whole car sunset was painted by Frank, Newr, and Odis in 2017. As weather prevented the pair from finishing in one night, they nervously came back the next night and were relieved to find the car was still there for them to finish.

Secret world of train painting

Continued from Page

Continued from Page 8

“The last thing we want to do is cause issues for the rail companies. You will notice on all our trains that we take care not to paint over important numbers, markings or reflectors. We do this so we don't affect the workers and their safety and efficiency,” he said.

“Our work is never divisive, it's never offensive or explicit, so it seems like it has to be better than just a grey train rolling across the country.”

Odis said he has illegally painted 300 trains with his special brand of artwork over the past nine years. Some depict cartoon characters or common words, including the DGTL letters, arching and crowding into each other with brilliant colours artistically scrawled across the lower half of a train. Others are full-on to-scale murals of beautiful prairie landscapes with eagles, grain elevators and sunsets.

At one time, Odis used to paint all year long, even through the winter. He said that he and his crew once braved -52 C (with the windchill) to paint a train, keeping the paint cans warm beforehand and then using handwarmers to keep the cans from freezing during the painting. Today, Odis said he mainly keeps his painting habit within the spring to fall seasons, but will not hold back if he really wants to paint.

“If a guy gets the itch, the only thing that truly stops us is heavy rain because it'll wash the paint off before it can dry. It's definitely life consuming. Once you start to look at your world through that lens it’s hard to turn it off,” he said.

“You start to see the entire world as this opportunity to create something unique. Lots of guys fall down the rabbit hole and let it become their entire life, but I'm lucky to have a group of buddies that keep me grounded. We all have jobs and lives outside of graffiti, but we keep getting drawn back to paint.”

Odis’ motivation has also evolved over the years. What once began as a way to satisfy the group’s need to ‘get the rush’ of simply painting a train with graffiti, they soon began to see their work as real art.

“We quickly realized that the trains are basically a rolling art gallery,” he said. “Taking our artwork from coast to coast in Canada, all through the US and even into Mexico. It's allowed us to connect with so many people, other graffiti writers, art collectors, photographers, etc. Most of my close friends have been made through freight train graffiti.”

Part of Odis’ rush now is seeing photographs from family and friends who have witnessed his work rolling through their town, quickly snapped a photo and share it to social media.

One of his more famous train murals from 2021, titled ‘The Last Dance’ made its way through Lamont recently,

stirring up social media conversation and amassing nearly 9,000 reactions with over a thousand shares in only a week. Comments included, “Pure Canadian Art” and “As much as I hate graffiti, that is absolutely amazing” as well as “I hope that car ends up in a museum somewhere”.

CN Media manager Ashley Wichnowski did not respond to questions around whether this particular train could end up in a museum and what that process might look like.

ness that the red Canada grain hopper train cars, which have been a workhorse since the ’70s, are being gradually retired and scrapped. Odis felt a mural depicting a long CN train of the distinctive red cars, which became the focus of 2021’s ‘The Last Dance’, was an appropriate way to pay tribute.

aging grain boxcars which led to car shortages. Now, 50 years later, they are being replaced by new cars that are three feet shorter, lighter and can hold 15 percent more grain.

Today, Odis spends his time working on several creative projects including miniature dioramas and model trains.

Odis said painting ‘The Last Dance’ took eight hours with himself and two other members of his crew, named Whoa and Sean, working together.

Odis said painting 'The Last Dance' took eight hours with himself, crew member Whoa and artist-friend Sean working together.

The more trains Odis painted over the years, the more his appreciation grew for the large rail cars. He felt sad-

“We decided to do a tribute car to the Canada grain hopper before they disappear,” he said. “A classic scene of a string of these cars rolling past an elevator just seemed too perfect, on a red Canada hopper. They likely only have a couple years of service left so we wanted to send them off with an homage or a final dance.”

According to trains.com, the red Canada hoppers first made their way onto the rails in the ’70s as an answer to

One project he is particularly excited about is a full-length film for the 10year anniversary of DGTL, although he couldn’t say when it would be complete.

“I try to stay excited with a variety of projects,” he said. “I’m always thinking the next project will become my new favourite.”

Above: The DGTL Sunset was the first mural-style whole car ever painted by Frank, Odis and Whoa in 2016. Below: The Southpark Car was painted in 2016 by Newr and Odis while Whoa painted another train next to them.

Above: The Eagle Wholecar was painted by Odis and Newr in 2019. The pair tried new techniques on this painting such as using broom bristles to create the image of grass texture below the eagle. Below: Alberta Digital Car was painted by group member Sail in 2017.

Lamont Farmers’ Market supports community and local entrepreneurs

BY LANDON ZABEL

It is beginning to feel like summer in the town of Lamont, as the community gathered from 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm for the beginning of the Lamont Farmers’ Market season. These markets, which began last year through the care of Margaret Ann “Peggy” Sawchuk, will be held every week each

Wednesday until the 25th of September.

Anke Hutzfeldt, the new manager of the Lamont Farmers Market, took on the responsibility of organizing the market after the sudden and unfortunate passing of the founder, Peggy, last October.

The Lamont Farmers’ Market is in the process

of gaining certification from the Alberta Farmers’ Market Association. This means that all food products are certifiably safe and at least 80% are locally sourced goods. Last year the market met the standards for all categories and Anke is confident that this standard will be reached again this year.

The Lamont Farmers’ Market saw a wide array of vendors set up shop; from Nancy Reilly of Baked Good, whose sourdough loaves regularly sell out, to Lee Bruner who has decades of experience selling plants from his greenhouse, perfect for locals looking to get their garden started.

Helen Klymok, the oldest of the vendors, told The Leader she was born in 1929 and that she sews every day, Helen says “sewing is what keeps me going.”

Even market manager Anke could be found running her Black Cat Jewelry stall where her 7

TOWN OF BRUDERHEIM

PUBLIC NOTICE

Town of Bruderheim Combined Tax/Assessment notices have been mailed out on May 14, 2024, expect to receive it by May 31, 2024. The 2024 assessments are based on a valuation date of July 1, 2023. If you feel your assessment is not accurate, please call the Town office at 780796-3731 to speak to the assessor. The deadline to appeal your taxes is July 15, 2024.

If you have not received your Combined Tax/Assessment notice by May 31st you are encouraged to contact the Town office at 780-7963731.

All Property owners are reminded that 2024 taxes are due June 30, 2024. A 9% penalty will be applied July 1st, 6% on August 1st and 3% on September 1st. Filing an appeal does not excuse you from paying your taxes by the deadline.

Dated at Bruderheim, AB this 14th day of May 2024.

Phyllis Forsyth, CLGM Chief

Administrative Officer

Town of Bruderheim

years of experience handcrafting jewellry culminates in wonderful and affordable goods for the community.

The impressive turnout of nearly 20 vendors was met with a crowd large enough to keep them all busy. This was no surprise as the Lamont Farmers’ Market boasts an impressive Facebook group that will surely surpass 1,000 members by the next market.

The Lamont Farmers’ Market also hosts specialty markets. These markets tend to attract double the amount of vendors. The next specialty market the town will host will take place

on July 13 - 14, during the weekend of the annual Summer Sizzler rodeo.

Mrs. Hutzfeldt wishes to extend her gratitude to the members of the community who frequent the market as she expressed “We can’t do this without our local customers and I hope they will take to the communal supper and continue to support all our local vendors.”

The communal supper is a new addition to the Farmers Market, served from 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm and provided by local business Elk Island Catering; in addition to providing the communal meal, the

catering service also hosts a vendors table.

Market-goers were invited to share a pierogi meal, further strengthening the sense of community that the market fostered. Be sure to partake next Wednesday for only $15.

Hutzfeldt invites local businesses to sponsor the Farmers’ Market, or perhaps to serve as a vendor themselves as local business JD’s Sweets had. The ambitious manager is also looking to contact the local high school, with the intent of establishing a program where students could earn credit for helping with the local Farmers Market.

TOWN OF LAMONT

2024 COMBINED ASSESSMENT/ TAX NOTICES

Notice is hereby given that the combined assessment/tax notices were mailed to all assessed persons in the Town of Lamont on May 15, 2024. All persons are deemed to have received their combined assessment/ tax notice as a result of this notice.

ASSESSMENT ROLL

Any person who objects to the assessment values placed upon a property must, within sixty (60) days from the notice of assessment, May 22, 2024, forward a complaint in writing together with a $50.00 fee per appeal to the Town of Lamont. The assessment roll can be viewed on the website. Alternatively, you can contact the Administration Office from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday to Friday for an appointment to view the roll.

PLEASE NOTE: Making a complaint against your assessment does not make you exempt from paying your taxes as a penalty will be applied if taxes are not paid in full by June 30, 2024.

TAX PAYMENTS

2024 Taxes are due and payable on or before June 30, 2024. Unpaid taxes are subject to a 12% penalty on July 1, 2024 and an 18% penalty on January 1, 2025.

Tyler Edworthy Interim Chief Administrative Officer

Website: www.lamont.ca Phone: 780-895-2010 Email: general@lamont.ca

Lee Bruner was a part of the outdoor section of the Lamont Farmers’ Market. Here, proudly displaying his plants. Landon Zabel photo.

The oldest vendor, Helen Klymok, displaying her abundance of crochet and knitted goods. Landon Zabel photo.

Nancy Reilly of Baked Good poses with her highly regarded loaves of sourdough. Landon Zabel photo.

New trees for Town of Lamont thanks to grant

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Town of Lamont will soon be home to a number of new trees, thanks to a $10,000 grant from CN and Tree Canada.

The EcoConnexionsFrom the Ground Up program is a partnership between CN and Tree Canada which supports community tree planting and greening initiatives for municipalities and Indigenous communities across Canada.

Lamont Interim Chief Administrative Officer Tyler Edworthy made the announcement during the May 14 town council meeting.

“We were awarded a $10,000 tree grant to assist in some of the replanting of the trees we've lost over the last couple of years, due to Black Knot, and to build a shelter belt in Hillside

Park,” he said. Edworthy added that trees will be planted in the historical part of Lamont in addition to Hillside Park as a shelter belt.

According to Alberta.ca, Black Knot is caused by a fungus and very common.

The website stated that as infections spread they may result in the eventual death of the plant.

Species most affected include several types of plum and cherry trees in addition to the Mayday Tree and Flowering Almond.

Black Knot has a very distinguishing black, tar like swelling that develops on the branches of the affected plant. Once mature, the ‘galls’ will produce and release a large number of spores during the bloom period

which rapidly spreads the infection.

The website further offered suggestions for controlling Black Knot which include pruning all knot-bearing branches in late fall, winter or early spring, removing branches six to eight inches below the knot, clean and disinfect all blades used during pruning, and to ensure plants are healthy and free from stress.

Meanwhile,

Councillor Colleen Holowaychuk asked if there is a way to educate the public on Black Knot so they are not inadvertently spreading the disease.

“We've done a little bit of a media campaign in the past with how to handle Black Knot and when you should be trimming and or cutting down those trees,” the

Interim CAO said. “It should be minus 10 or colder before you start trimming those trees

back or else you end up spreading the Black Knot disease.” Edworthy said that

administration would look at re-doing informative social media posts on Black Knot disease.

THIS YEAR :public parking will be on the south side of the highway at the Ag Grounds. Follow the signs. The

Tent on Main

will gratefully be accepting donations for parking and for admission to the Car Show.

Black Knot disease Photo: Tricia Simon/Alberta.ca

BY JOHN MATHER

Councillor

Neil Woitas recused himself from a discussion on drainage coming from the area of the Alberta Midland Railway  Terminal.

He initially told council the company had some retention ponds to assist in controlling drainage.

He added when they did an expansion and then pumped water out of their land onto neighbouring Bunge lands.

Then they did another expansion and put the water to go east to Lamont Creek, to Beaver Creek, and then to the North Saskatchewan River which had worked well.

“Last summer they did an expansion and  recently we had five inches of rain and there’s water coming out of Midland’s yard and it’s not going east anymore, it’s back into Bunge.”

He added, it was blocking access to lands rented by farmers, so they couldn’t plant or later spray their crops.

He said after five days the water was still running so the terminal contractors “had obviously done something different.”

“I don’t know what they did differently but it isn’t running east to Lamont Creek anymore.”

Woitas added he was one of those renters so he was going to step out of the meetings when discussion took place,

because he would have a conflict of interest.

“I declare a pecuniary interest because one of the last areas is my farm and I can’t get access to my fields,” he said.

After Woitas left the meeting Reeve David Diduck asked what investigation had to be done.

He asked Economic Development Officer Shane Olson if he was aware of any landscaping changes at the railway terminal and Olsen replied he wasn’t.

“We’re not aware of any change in the last year, but there was new track added in 2023,” said Olsen.

Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky told council he had told council recently the company did have some unpaid offsite levies, but most of the work they

had done in recent years was done with the authority of County permits.

“Both they and Bunge did have permits to channel water through their properties,” he added.

Public works officials

said the northeast of their property was a high point which determined the way runoff water could run.

He added  there may be additional development and they would be approaching the County for additional permits

and perhaps the current drainage issues could be discussed then.

Diduck asked if it would be sufficient to have administration investigate the matter and report back to council and he was told it was.

Councillor Aaron Wick made a motion to have administration investigate the Midland Railway concerns and report back to council and it was passed. Woitas did not have a vote on the motion.

Bruderheim passes urban hen pilot project bylaw

BY JANA SEMENIUK

An idea to allow residents within the town of Bruderheim to raise hens has finally come to fruition with a one-year Urban Hen pilot project that was approved by town council during their regular council meeting on May 8.

The idea was first brought forward by Mayor Karl Hauch last Oct. as a notice of motion and brought forward again when resident Breanna Braden gave a presentation at the Feb. 7 council meeting.

Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsyth gave details around the plan for a one-year pilot project for council’s approval.

“The bigger things in the bylaw, that I want to point out, is during the trial period, we would ask council to allow for five residents to apply for an urban hen license, and after the one-year pilot program, review it to see if we want to proceed and continue with the project,” she said.

Forsyth said there would be a minimum of two hens and a maximum of four allowed, in addition to the hen owner having to acquire permission from their neighbours to keep the hens and attaining a certificate from an urban hen keeping course.

She said hen keepers will need to submit a

premises identification number, issued by the province of Alberta, in addition to a site plan for the coop including dimensions and setbacks.

“A person who keeps urban hens is required to take the training which is to provide adequate information regarding the successful keeping of hens in an urban area through a winter cycle, and remain current with best management practices of hen keeping guidelines,” said Forsyth.

Councillor Wayne Olechow asked Forsyth if residents could own a larger coop or keep more chickens if they had a larger property or acreage. Forsyth said four hens would be the maximum regardless.

Councillor George Campbell said the maximum did not seem reasonable for residents with bigger properties.

“We have people here (that have) acreages just around the town. We’ve annexed some land here. Are we restricting these people to four chickens? It doesn't seem right,” he said.

“On the lot within the town’s parameters where you got a 50 foot by 125-foot block I agree with these recommendations, but I do not agree with the acreages and outside acreages.”

Forsyth said if resi-

dents on acreages already have more than four chickens they would be grandfathered in, otherwise they will have to go through the program.

After the bylaw passed the first two readings, Councillor Campbell asked for clarification around the disposal of chickens, according to the animal health act and how it would apply to the urban hen project.

“Who is going to police this?” he said.

Forsyth said that chickens would need to be brought to a veterinarian for euthanizing if required.

“The general guidelines statutes say that if you must dispatch a chicken, that it needs to be taken to a veterinarian that's trained in that, so those things would need to be done by a veterinarian and monitored by both Alberta Health Services and administration,” she said.

The council passed the third reading of the Urban Hen Pilot Program bylaw.

Jobs at Métis Crossing

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CLASSIFIED ADS MUST BE PREPAID BEFORE INSERTION unless customer has an account in good standing.

LAMONT LEADER

Ph. 780-895-2780

Email: lmtleader @gmail.com

AUCTIONS

ONLINE AUCTION.

Unreserved Real Estate Commercial Building, 3.8 Acres. Redwater, AB. Bidding Starts June 24, 2024. www.mirterra.com. 780-7842999.

COMING EVENTS

Bardo Cemetery Clean Up.

Saturday, June 1

Clean up at 10 a.m. and annual meeting to follow.

Bring your own lunch. Contact Lawrence Rude 780-679-7315

_________________________ Lake Oliva Cemetery AGM and NO work get together. June 2 (Sunday) @ 1:00 p.m. Come out for an afternoon of meeting, updates and visiting. Bring a lawn chair. Hotdog lunch and treats will be served to all attending.

Contact:

Bart @ 403-801-9832

Greg @ 780-887-3791

Justin @ 780-385-5431

_________________________

Lorendale Cemetery Clean up 1 p.m.

June 1

Meeting to follow

Ads are 3

Viking Healthcare Auxiliary Is holding a SPRING STRAWBERRY TEA

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Come and Listen to the Teachings of Jesus from the Bible. All are welcome. Sundays, May 26 at 4 p.m. at the Killam Legion Hall. 5117-51 ave Killam, AB. For further inquiries, call Becky at 403-815-9045

_________________________ Lamont High School 1950-1965 Alumni Reunion. Sunday, June 2, 2024. Register with Rose @ 780-988-5634 before May 18th.

_________________________ FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR 2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-6942609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us www.switzersauction.com.

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HIP/KNEE REPLACEMENT. Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $3,000 yearly tax credit and $30,000 lump sum refund. Take advantage of this offer. Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide: Expert help. 1-844-453-5372.

REAL ESTATE

891 sq.ft end unit, front & back door (patio), infloor heating & garage, 2 bedroom, full bathroom. Condo fee includes yard maintenance/water/gas. All appliances included (laundry room), one floor, no stairs, backs onto arena across road. Asking $205,000. Contact Darlene Martin 780-910-3587, darmkjos@yahoo.ca

SERVICES

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1 Does your club have an event planned? Advertise in the Classifieds

• 5119 - 48 Ave, 4712 - 51 St, 5121 - 48 Ave, & 5116 - 47 Ave Lamont AB. 5,800 sq ft shop on with additional 3 fenced lots across the back alley from the shop property. Shop was used for agricultural machinery repair. All properties must be bought together. Price: $650,000

• 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: $2,990,000

• W4-18-53-24-SW Plan 0826481 Block 2 Lot 1 a mile North of HWY 16 on RR 181. 5.02 acres yard site in Lamont County. Utilities at the property line. Price: $40,000

VILLAGE OF CHIPMAN

• W4-18-54-29-NE N 54466 A RR184 Village of Chipman 38.75 acres 25± acres in hay. Double car garage, power, septic, and well nice building site. Price: $289,900

STRATHCONA COUNTY

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

• Parts of SW and SE -7-53-22-W4 located at Highway 21 and Lakeland drive 63.62 acres of development land with Highway 21 exposure. The property is within the Bremner and local Employment Area ACP with expected future use of industrial. Price: $5,100,000

THORHILD COUNTY

• NW 1/4 -14-58-22-W4 and NE ¼ -14-58-22-W4 Plan 1720793 Block 3 Lot 222 acres game farm with page wire 100 acres could be cultivated. 4 mile North of Redwater. Good HWY 28 access. Price: $690,000

Lauren Hill Steven Hill

Norman Hill

Above: Campers at Astotin Lake Campground, Elk Island Park - Friday May 17th saw the campground buzzing with campers who were willing to take on the dreary May Long forecast. Below: Male Yellow Headed Blackbird stands guard over his section of slough. Crystal Moren photos.

Water intake funding in amount of $50 million announced

BY JOHN MATHER Environment Minister and Protected Areas  Rebecca

Schulz, Fort SaskatchewanVegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk, and Alberta Industrial Heartland chairman and Lamont County Reeve David Diduck gathered on a wet site overlooking the AIHA industrial complex May 16, to announced three new water intakes to come out of the North Saskatchewan River.

Schulz said the Province will fund more than $50 million over the next five years to support the Alberta Industrial Heartland’s designated industrial zone.

“This will help attract world leading industrial projects right here in the Industrial Heartland and ensure we have the infrastructure to support them,” said Schulz. The money is ear-

marked for three new water intake facilities in the designated industrial zone.

The $50-million from the Province will be coupled with funding from municipalities and their partners to build the new facilities.

Armstrong-Homeniuk said the project has been a goal of hers for some time.

“I’ve been passionately advocating for this project since my election,” she stated.

“The construction of three new water intakes or, as I like to call them straws in the river, will allow industries here to continue to grow for many years to come.”

Diduck spoke about how the investment is aimed at sending the right signals to prospective investors.

“This new intake will improve the business case for companies choosing to locate in the

Heartland,” he said. When asked what projects were in the works that would take advantage of the new infrastructure, he couldn’t offer any specifics.

“Discussions are happening, they’re happening all the time. But as of right now, no one has made a final investment decision that’s worth the use of a new intake,” he said. Diduck said one of the municipalities within the Designated Industrial Zone has filed an application with Alberta Environment but final approval hasn’t happened yet.  He said once approval is finalized he expects the beginning of construction soon after.

Homestyle Meatloaf Spaghetti with Meat Sauce Country Chicken

Chicken Teriyaki Hunter’s Chicken Chicken Macaroni and Cheese

Alberta Industrial Heartland chairman and Lamont County Reeve David Diduck addresses media, May 16 after Environment and Protected Areas Minister Rebecca Schulz, left, and Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong Homeniuk had announced more than $50-million

the AIHA area.

Provincial Government provides information on wildfire situations

During the week, we received the sad news that various municipalities in Alberta have been evacuated or placed on evacuation standby due to wildfires.

My heart goes out to all those who have been displaced and affected by wildfires.

Our government is committed to finding solutions to combat these fires and give Albertans the resources that they need when facing these emergency situations.

For disaster financial assistance and recovery support, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/disaster-assistance-and-recovery-support. For active emergency alert updates, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/alberta-emergency-alert.aspx.

We urge all Albertans to utilize caution when

in situations where campfires or fire is involved.

Last year, 67 per cent of wildfires were human caused, so it is our shared responsibility to prevent them.

Please be mindful of fire restrictions for your area to ensure the wellbeing of our forests and communities.

Our government is committed to finding ways to support and help Albertans through changing weather conditions.

As we go into the summer months, our government has created an Emergency Preparedness, Disaster Response and Public Safety dashboard that Albertans can go to for updated information to stay safe. For and any updates, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/emergency-preparedness-disaster-

response-and-publicsafety-topic. If you require immediate emergency assistance, please call 911.

The Active Communities Initiative is now open to eligible community groups, non-profit organizations and societies, and First Nations and Metis Settlements, that are seeking to build or enhance spaces that support sport and recreation in their communities.

This grant is intended for small and medium sized projects, including skating rinks, community pools, indoor pools, sports fields, and other sport and recreational facilities.

For further information or to apply, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/active-communities-initiative Expression of Interest deadline is June 1, 2024.

I encourage all those who work or take interest in our provinces agricultural sector to sign up for Agri-News.

This public newsletter offers weekly updates on all the latest agriculture updates, including news on livestock, crops and market, research, food and beverage production, and programs and events.

To sign up or to get more information, please visit https://www.alberta.ca/agri-news.

Please contact my constituency office at fortsaskatchewan.vegreville@assembly.ab.ca if you have any questions or concerns.

Jackie ArmstrongHomeniuk, Parliamentary Secretary for Settlement Services and Ukrainian Evacuees MLA Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

COUNCIL UPDATE – April 23 & May 14 Meetings

Council has directed administration to 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 posted in the approved minutes.

The following are updates from the past two meetings, including important initiatives and activities that were discussed, debated, reviewed, and what Council has directed Administration to complete and implement.

April 23 Council meeting (minutes are approved next Council meeting). Highlights from this meeting include: Fire Ban – Lamont County

prohibited

2023 Audited Financial Statements

the third-party independent auditors. This was a “clean audit” and is posted at lamontcounty.ca/departments/ -services

Land Use Bylaw – 848.22

Land Use Bylaw. Approval was based on review of submissions from the public (multiple open houses since well as written submissions received, and discussions from all submitted content during trends ensures Lamont County is well positioned for future development opportunities across the County.

Tax Bylaw – 872.24

Tax Bylaw, r

revenues required by Lamont County to cover the approved budget expenses. As proposed in budget discussions, the increase for residents and farms remains at four per cent, while the non-residential tax rate remains unchanged. County Business and Information

processes for Lamont to undeveloped road allowance between two owner parcels and gate access. -Site Levy Bylaw (871.24) and Tax Incentive Bylaw (838.24)

– including directing Administration to report on how Lamont County may re-introduce private dust abatement options.

Line of Credit Borrowing Bylaw (874.24) to ensure appropriate funding to cover expenses for projects and services between annual tax collection and for multi-year projects.variances from estimated amounts in capital purchases, salaries, policing costs, etc., and approved a lower transfer from reserves to cover the operating shortfall.

Council proclaimed May 6-

Council discussed drought resiliency planning and approved a policy to guide residents the ability to access surface water access in various locations across Lamont County due to the expected dry temperatures and to aid producers in the event of limited access to water.

May 14 Council meeting (minutes are approved next Council meeting).

Highlights from this meeting include: Industrial Tax Incentive Bylaw – 838.24

o Industrial Tax Bylaw

incentives are a vital part of ensuring long-term investment within Lamont County and

Schedule of Fees Bylaw – 873.24

o Schedule of Fees Bylaw water rates.

County Business and Information

o - County.

o future Council Meeting for discussion and approval.

o Council approved a Library Grant Policy requirements.

o Council re-

o Council discussed drainage challenges across Lamont County and directed Administration to further investigate and address.

oart of preparations for these discussions includes the annual public engagement service levels provided by Lamont County).

moved from a Fire Ban to a lamontcounty.ca/news and the o social media accounts for future updates. Read the full meeting highlights at lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes

Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, May 22, 2024

May 27 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Vegreville Sunshine Club. Sessions on Grant Writing 101, Engaging Volunteers for Impact, Social Media Marketing & Literacy, and speakers Doug Griffiths (Edmonton Chamber of Commerce) and Brenda Robinson. Contact FCSS for info. at 780-895-2233 x226. Register ASAP!

Note: Lamont County currently has a Fire RESTRICTION in effect. See: lamontcounty.ca/news (May 9) for more info and any further updates throughout the dry season.

Community Garage Sale – May 25 (Ross Creek Hall)

Ross Creek Community Hall’s next community event after the Clean Up on April 27 is a Community Garage Sale planned for May 25. More information will be posted at: rosscreekcommunity.wixsite.com/my-site

Community Garage Sale – May 31 – June 1

The Auxiliary to the Lamont Health Care Centre is hosting a garage sale on May 31 (from 4-8 p.m.) and June 1 (from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.) at the Lamont Seniors’ Drop-in Centre (Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge). Donations are welcome (no clothing). Proceeds go to the Lamont Heath Care Centre Long Term Care and Beaverhill Pioneer Lodge. Contact Marilyn at 780-895-2886 or Sheila at 780-895-2971 for more information and further details, or to arrange donations.

See the full poster at lamontcounty.ca/be-prepared.

Tax Notices are being mailed out starting May 23 (tomorrow). Payments are due by June 30, and MUST be received by the deadline to avoid late fees. For payment options or to learn more please visit https://www.lamontcounty.ca/taxes. If you have not received your notice by June 1, please contact Lamont County.

Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman

(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming or call 780-895-2233 for info. or registration). Some of the current CALC, FCSS & KFRN include:

1. Kids Summer Day-camps (and overnight) – REGISTRATION OPENS JUNE 1 (more details will be provided closer to this date on the KFRN Facebook page, or contact dayna.j@lamontcounty.ca).

2. Seniors’ Appreciation Week BBQs – June 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 in Lamont, St. Michael, Andrew, Mundare and Bruderheim from 12-2 p.m. See the FCSS Facebook page for updates on locations.

3. Parents and Tots (Andrew: Thurs. & Lamont: Wed.).

4. CALC: Digital Skills Workshops (Andrew & Mundare); Creating Family Connections; Kitchens; & English-Language Learner programs: contact Cheryl B. at 780-895-233 x233 or Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca

5. FLEX for Boys and True2U for Girls (weekly).

6. Youth Centre: Bruderheim, Chipman and Mundare (weekly).

7. Grief Support Group (weekly).

8. Youth Coalition for more info contact Erin.B@lamontcounty.ca. Meals in Motion: MAY Menu. Call Chrissy to order at 780-975-9592.

9. Community Connect & Learn – Regional Conference for Non-Profit Growth – Contact FCSS to register at 780-895-2233 x226 – MAY 27 (Vegreville)

10. 2024 Summer Employment Opportunity

Access current monthly services & programs information scan the QR code or for FCSS, CALC and KFRN on each of the services’ Facebook pages: | FCSS: FCSSlamontcountyregion | KFRN: groups/1922602184662497 | CALC: LamontCountyAdultLearns |

For more info, scan the QR code or lamontcounty.ca/community-programming | Contact CALC/FCSS/KFRN: 1-877-895-2233

#Students - Reminder of the Centennial Scholarship program (and a few of the local scholarships available to graduates). Check out lamontcounty.ca/ scholarships for details and deadlines. The #LamontCounty Centennial Scholarship deadline is Aug. 31.

Happy #WeedAwarenessWednesday Lamont County. Each week, from April - September we feature prohibited noxious weeds for awareness. If you find it, report it! See our social media accounts or the QR Code

Next

Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting

The next scheduled ASB meeting is (Wednesday) June 12, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link): lamontcounty.ca/departments/agricultural-services/agendas-minutes-asb.

Next Lamont County Council (Regular Council)

The next Regular Council Meeting is planned for Tuesday, May 28, starting at 9:00 a.m.

The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Administration Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link). A link to meetings, agendas and minutes can be found at: lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.

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

This Week’s Featured Noxious Weed: Woolly Burdock