Great turn-out for Andrew Garlic Festival
BY MARK COURTNAGE
Despite a cold start, a large group of people who turned out for the Garlic Festival in Andrew on Saturday.
While the sun came out and the temperature rose, the first port of call for most was the Lions Club on main street and the members’ magnificent all-you-
can-eat pancake breakfast.
Back at the community centre the ponies had arrived , the zorb balls were being inflated, the bouncy castles were up and children were already lining up to get on them.
For slightly older children the festival had the mechanical bull and climb-
ing wall.
Inside the community centre, the market had been set up in the curling rink and was extremely busy. Ernest DiMaria, has only lived in Andrew for a year, and had his guitar, banjo and mandolins on show and for sale. He is also a luthier and repairs
stringed instruments.
Barb Pfannmuller , also a local resident, had an incredible selection of unique glass art made from broken pieces and old frames which she then added resin to. The unique art was an interesting addition to the festival.
There were plenty of other arts and crafts to see, plus food stalls offering fresh vegetables, fruit, and home-made cakes of all descriptions.
Inside the hall is where the main entertainment was held. Smoky Lake Jammers started it off with some great country music then Paul Isaak did some amazing juggling while keeping the audience entertained with his comical banter.
As master of ceremonies, Isaak oversaw the garlic peeling competition and then introduced 28-year-old Jason Circus, another juggler, who balanced on a plank of wood five feet off the ground while juggling knives. There were a few nervous people in the audience at that point and while he climbed though a hoop while balancing on the plank.
Spectators enjoyed the beer garden, food and drinks while enjoying the shows.
A garlic bingo was also held followed by the Kehewin Native Dancers, Paul Isaak and Caity Hoops and finally the Vohon Ukranian Dancers.
Around 12:45 pm, people headed down to main street to see the parade. Sweets were thrown from the various parade vehicles and children and some parents were making sure they got plenty. It was a great atmosphere.
The garlic creation station only had thee entries so all three got a prize.
The day was blessed with excellent weather which made the whole event a big success.
More photos Page 7
Andrew Garlic Festival parade. Mark Courtnage photo.
Bruderheim Council frowns on Committee of the Whole policy
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Bruderheim council members were not in favour of a draft policy brought forward by Chief Administration Officer Phyllis Forsyth during the Oct. 2 council meeting to begin Committee of the Whole (COW) meetings.
Forsyth suggested, during the Sept. 18 council meeting, that the COW meetings could take place, separate from regular scheduled council meetings, as a way to further discussions on issues between council members in a less formal setting and to make recommendations for upcoming council meetings.
The council decided they needed more information and voted, at the Sept. 18 meeting, to bring the issue back for
further discussion.
Currently, among the other five council teams in the county, only Lamont County council holds committee of the whole meetings which are done as part of their regular scheduled public council meetings. It allows for discussions only, with no decisions allowed to be made until they return to the regular meeting.
Forsyth attended the Oct. 2 meeting online by Zoom, and Chief Operating Officer Dennis Tomushcat took over the CAO position in person at the meeting. No explanations were given for the arrangement.
Councillor Dayna Jacobs said she would not be supporting the policy.
“I did read the policy with a little bit more
information, and I don't understand the purpose of this meeting, because to me, it just seems like a regular council meeting,” she said. “I don't support the Committee of the Whole policy.”
Mayor Karl Hauch asked Forsyth to clarify the purpose of the COW meetings.
“This policy is being presented to council at council's request at their training session so that we could do closed sessions that take a longer period of time,” she said.
“The meeting is open to public, the discussions would be closed, and you would be making no motions in there, other than we would be able to spend one or two hours dedicated to a specific topic. But this policy was created at the request of council.”
What team is your hockey star on? - let
KERRY ANDERSON
Towns and villages and Lamont County families in general: If your kids are playing hockey (boys or girls), The Leader would love to report how they are doing each week during the winter season.
But we need your help. Email us at: kamcjm@gmail.com or lmtleader@gmail.com and let us know your child’s name, hockey
team, league and website if possible and we will try to track goals, assists, or wins in goal. Or send us a quick email if he/she has a good week on the ice.
Please make sure your hockey star gets the publicity they deserve in our local hockey column and don’t forget to get a Lamont Leader each week so the kids can clip out their team score, and personal statistics from the
Councillor Len Falardeau said he did not remember requesting the COW meetings.
“I don't remember ever requesting it. I would never request it,” he said. “I can't support this because it's just a meeting which we don't have that much to discuss. If there's a need for a special meeting, call the special meeting and we can discuss these issues and then go from there.”
Mayor Hauch asked Forsyth who requested the COW meetings.
“It was requested at our training night that we had. That meeting that I called,” she said, referring to a meeting of council that occurred July 17 with no public notice. “And then I brought it forward to do
it properly.”
Councillor George Campbell said he would like a budget of what the COWs would cost, prompting Mayor Hauch to offer a suggestion.
“What we could do is, if we turn this down, and then at budget time, we could debate whether we want this put back in,” he said. “The cost (in) the budget would just be the cost of council attending the meeting.”
Councillor Campbell said the cost would be more than just the council members to attend a meeting, which, according to the current council remuneration policy, would be $175 for all seven council members. He said it would also include time for the CAO, and the recording secretary.
The COW policy was voted down unanimously, with councillors Arlie Young and Wayne Olechow absent from the meeting.
According to the MGA (Municipal Government Act) councils have the discretion to create COWs for identified purposes.
Section 197 of the MGA, which applies to all council committees, including COWs, states that ‘councils and council committees must conduct their meetings in public unless a matter to be discussed is within one of the exceptions to disclosure in Division 2 of Part 1 of the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy (FOIP) Act’.
hockey games.
If your hockey star isn’t in our weekly hockey column, it is because nobody took the time to inform us.
We track dozens of different teams in many different leagues in four different newspaper areas and age categories, so it is easy to miss a child’s accomplishments.
Please help us today.
Thank you.
NEW CHAMBER BOARD OF DIRECTORS
The Fort Saskatchewan and District Chamber of Commerce elected a new board of directors at their Annual General Meeting Oct. 2. The chamber takes in the Lamont area as part of its jurisdiction. From left to right are: Jasmeen Patel, Lion Grewal, John Mather, Kristin Kirkland, Cody Schoepp, Rajeev Mittal, Jason Glover, Anke Schroeder, and Melissa Saretsky.
Andrew CAO gives update for Andrew Rural Academy
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Andrew Chief Administrative Officer
Kylie Rude updated council members and the public at the Oct. 9 council meeting, on plans for the Andrew Rural Academy which is set to open in Sept. 2025.
The local charter school is slated to teach kindergarten to grade nine students with a focus on STEM; science, technology, engineering and math.
Rude said that repairs to the building’s roof, which partially contributed to a decision by Elk Island Public Schools to close the school in June 2023, were coming along as planned.
“Roof repairs at the school are well underway. Progress is coming along, and we've noted that there was a leak in the skylight, and the contractor has graciously agreed to fix that at no additional cost,” she said.
“Everything seems to be on track and will be. I have no indication that it won't be completed within budget.”
Rude confirmed the original budget for the roof repairs of just over $137,000 has not changed. Costs to fix the metal
roof, which has been leaking off and on for several years, in addition to replacing the fire suppression system, was originally quoted at $3 million by Elk Island Public Schools and contributed to the closing of the school, in addition to dwindling enrollments, in June 2023.
The Village took over the building, which also houses the village offices, weight room, bowling alley and library, earlier this year for $1.
Andrew Mayor Barry Goertz explained during a council meeting in July, that EIPS’ quote was to do a complete roof and fire suppression system replacement, whereas their quote is for repairs that don’t include the fire suppression system.
“That (fire suppression) system has been inspected, and it’s deemed do-able. What it was, was that Elk Island, their policy (stated) it had to be replaced at X number of years, regardless if it passes (inspection),” said Goertz.
“So it wasn’t that it was failing, their system said to replace. The next figure that was coming in on that $3 million was they were changing woodwork. They were
Be prepared before the next power outage.
changing computers, everything, so it was not just the roof.”
Meanwhile, Rude said at this point the roof repair project is waiting for more materials. Additionally, in terms of the school society, Rude said that $900 has been used from funds set aside by the Village to aid in the ARA’s start up.
In March, the Village council voted unanimously on a motion to set a cap of $50,000 for the ARA to use in hiring a consultant to assist with their charter school application.
Rude said the money was used for consulting in getting the application for the province completed.
“It’s for consulting to get the application completed, which is very close, from what I last heard, and I'll be hopefully sharing with you at the next council meeting that it has been submitted,” she said.
Andrew council’s next Village meeting will be on Oct. 30 with the organizational meeting held at 6:30, where a new mayor and deputy mayor will be chosen by the council, and the regular meeting will follow after.
to schedule your free quote!
BY HAZEL ANAKA
This week I have neither the time nor the mental focus to tackle any big topic so the column will be closer to stream of consciousness than opinion piece.
Let’s begin with the elephant in the room. It seems for the past six weeks we’ve been geared up for harvest 2024 and were stalled at every turn. Most years there are setbacks and delays of some sort; sometimes mechanical, usually weather-related. But this year has been and continues to be hellishly frustrating. The whole business of rain every second day didn’t allow for the usual ripening/curing process to take place. It also didn’t allow for a string of several days or weeks to actually get some combining done. In fact, the rain encouraged a flush of second growth and the
FROM WHERE I SIT: Better harvest weather
sprouting of cut grain creating more problems for some farmers.
Over the past number of years, we’ve gradually converted traditional smaller granaries to larger hopper-bottomed bins and outfitted several of them with aeration fans. As the weeks of no combining wore on, we made the tough decision to buy a portable grain dryer. And it was only $75,000 plus delivery. We already owned a 100-gallon propane tank that was about 50 years old. To prevent it from killing or injuring someone it needed all new valves, fittings and a hose. It needed to be moved to a new location. Meeting all the regulations about placement and up-todate equipment ensure that safe propane delivery will be possible when the time comes.
In the meantime, we played host to a mechanic doing a service call on one of the combines. Six hours at approximately $200 an hour to install a $1,200 part made that a $2,400 day.
And then the birds came. When the Village of Andrew chose the larger-than-life mallard as its tourist attraction, I
remember officials saying Andrew was on the flight path of these migratory birds. With two large dugouts and the ‘lake’ that resulted from our gravel extraction, our farm has ample water, one of the basic necessities of life for wildlife. So as the wheat swaths languished for weeks on end, is it any wonder thousands of birds descended to fatten up for their arduous trip south? They decimated the field by flattening the swaths and eating the heads right off the stalks. The adjuster has been by and says that crop loss caused by wildlife is covered by the Province not our crop insurance provider. I don’t begrudge another species doing what comes naturally, to ensure its survival and keep balance in a delicate ecosystem. But it did feel a bit like a gut punch on top of everything else. So, the saga continues as we inch our way through the remaining fields including some wheat that is still standing and will need to be cut ahead of the combines. It’s good that grain companies are accepting tough and/or damp grain, for a
Lamont and Area
LAMONT UNITED CHURCH 5306 - 51 Ave., Lamont, AB 780-895-2145 Rev. Deborah Brill
discounted price, because that may be the only way out for some of us.
In the meantime, until I get my ultrasound done, I don’t know the actual status of my left shoulder. Luckily, Hilary has been here to save the day. I may have overdone the yard cleanup after the killing frost because I’m feeling achier today. Yet I feel good about the cleanup in a season that has precious little else to feel good about. It is downright weird to see green grass and flowers actively blooming into midOctober. But I keep reminding myself that at least Helene and Milton didn’t stop by.
And as if that wasn’t enough excitement, federal government machinations are heating up. Apparently, while Justin was away overseas with his brain trust entourage, a secret caucus meeting was held. Allegedly, a letter is
being circulated for members to sign, asking him to reconsider his intention to lead the party into the next (perhaps immanent) election.
That sounds a bit gutless,
to be honest but I suppose in high stake politics, self-preservation is still alive and kicking, so asking nicely is preferred to making him ‘walk the plank.’ Lord, give me strength. And some better harvest weather, from where I sit.
From the files of the Lamont Leader
AA Meetings Thursdays at 8:00 pm
Nov. 1, 2005 Lamont Leader: Frank and Adeline Swabb stand in front of a street sign in Mundare named in their honour for all their contributions to the community. It is fitting the street is close to the arena, said Mayor Mike Saric, as that is where the couple spent much of their time. The couple moved to Edmonton recently. In a ceremony, many dignitaries attended including Ed Stelmach.
Opinion
Do Liberals steer clear of Middle East policy for partisan reasons?
BY JOHN MATHER
So I haven’t waded into the Israel, Hamas, Hezbollah mess in the Middle East and I will try to stay away from my thoughts on the issues, other than to say in this country there are a lot of people using this situation to further their own radical agendas in trying to destabilize our country.
Take a protest last week in Vancouver.
There were a few espousing their support for Hamas and Hezbollah, one masked bright light got hold of a microphone and a soapbox and started screaming, “Death to Canada.”
“We must do it. Death to Canada. Death to the United States. And death to Israel,” the master of brain cells screamed, before throwing down a burning Canadian flag and appearing to stomp on it.
Now anyone with a logical, common sense brain would rightly ask what does Canada have to do with the situation in the Middle East.
Certainly we have policies regarding it, but we are not combatants for any of the multiple sides in the issue.
True the U.S. does supply weapons and advice to Israel, but again, it’s a situation occurring many miles from the U.S. and doesn’t impact Canada.
And the U.S. has been the protectors of a good part of the world since World Wars I and II were completed. If the U.S. didn’t offer support to the remaining free world I hate to wonder what our world would look like.
Now this hate spewer in Vancouver, was also filmed claiming affiliation with entities such as the Black Panthers and the Zapatistas, before adding to cheers, “And yes, we are Hezbollah and we are Hamas.”
The screamer claimed to be part of Samidoun, a front for the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine.
On their website they define themselves as “Samidoun: Palestinian Prisoner Solidarity Network is an international network of organizers and activists working to build solidarity with Palestinian prisoners in their struggle for freedom.
Samidoun developed out of the September-October 2011 hunger strike of Palestinian prisoners in Israeli jails, seeing a need for a dedicated network to support Palestinian prisoners, the website states.
“We work to raise awareness and provide resources about Palestinian political prisoners, their conditions, their demands, and their work for freedom for themselves, their fellow prisoners, and their homeland.
“We also work to organize campaigns to make political change and advocate for Palestinian prisoners’ rights and freedoms.”
CONTINUED
So screaming “Death to Canada” among other epithets are how you achieve this stated goal! So burning the Canadian flag is how you achieve this justice?
It’s small wonder that Conservative deputy leader Melissa Lantsman asked in Parliament when the Canadian government led by Justin Trudeau and his cronies would outlaw the group in Canada by labelling it a terrorist organization.
"So, if burning a Canadian flag, if calling for the death of Canadians, if fomenting hate in this country, and most of all being a front for an already-listed terrorist organization is not enough to put them on the list, then what the hell is it going to take for them (Liberals) to ban them?” she said.
It’s also a question Justin Trudeau’s government has never answered.
The latest twist in Ottawa: Public Safety Minister Dominic LeBlanc has handed the Samidoun file over to the recently-appointed Nathalie Drouin, the National Security and Intelligence Advisor who doubles as Clerk of the Privy Council, for an “urgent” review.
What should have happened at this demonstration was that Trudeau should have immediately implemented this Emergency Measures Act.
If it was good enough to unleash on some truckers parked in front of Parliament honking their horns while kids played on bouncy castles, it should have been good enough to use against people shouting
”Death to Canada’ and burning a Canadian flag.
Which one was presenting more danger? But of course Trudeau bolted the country to hideout for a few hours at a South-Asian Economic Conference where he could probably show off a new pair of socks.
Or maybe for totally partisan political reasons the Liberals don’t want to do anything.
It was also revealed last week by former NDP national leader Thomas Mulcair, a conversation he had had with our Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly.
In a piece he did for CTV, Mulcair said when he saw Joly and asked her about the Liberal position on South Africa’s claim that Israel was committing genocide.
“Thomas, have you seen the demographics of my riding?,” Mulcair quoted Joly as saying.
Joly’s riding has a heavy presence of voters whose first language is Arabic, meaning Canada’s foreign policy may not be driven by principles (such as standing up for democracy or human rights), but rather the re-election fortunes of the MP from Ahuntsic-Cartierville.
Joly is touted as a possible replacement for Justin Trudeau should he decide to do the right thing and resign as leader of his party and step down as Prime Minister. Should Joly succeed him, I just wonder what her position on Middle East policy would be?
This picture of the Liberals paints a very scary picture for our nation.
Kerry Anderson Publisher John Mather Reporter Jana Semeniuk Reporter Crystal Moren
Scenes from the Andrew Garlic Festival
Juggler Jason Circus
Children enjoyed the bouncy house and slide.
The indoor market was well attended.
Luthier Ernest DiMaria,
Adults and older children tried out the rock climbing.
The skating club girls had lots of fun at the parade.
Garlic peeling competitions are always challenging.
The outdoor market.
Lamont studies possibility of youth centre
BY JOHN MATHER
At their Oct. 8 council meeting the Lamont Town Council met with a delegation from Lamont FCSS to discuss options for youth programming in the community.
Sara Rindero and Dayna Jacobs from FCSS made the presentation.
Rindero reported the organization hosted a girls sleepover in July which was attended by 15 girls and the following week a boys sleepover was held with eight boys in attendance.
The organization also hosted summer camp programs in the community.
She said there had been an informal conversation about the possibility of a youth centre in Lamont and the FCSS had done some work including creating a youth coalition two years ago.
She added a survey had been done in the Lamont High School asking the youth what they would like to see for activities in the community.
She pointed out many of the services FCSS presents in Lamont and two programs in the elementary school.
Jacobs said she had asked 251 students what they would like to see in Lamont and whether a youth centre, similar to ones started in Bruderheim and Mundare, would provide a viable option.
“We’ve also had an additional 11 people complete the survey including parents,” she added. “We’re trying to get an idea of what would work to see if there’s a desire for a form of youth centre in Lamont.”
Rindero added a youth centre is run in Bruderheim, where the town provided the space and FCSS provided the programming.
“Now we’ve had some years where this has been a great success and others where the numbers dropped,” she said. “It's dependent when you have small popula-
tions … there’s a certain ebb and flow.”
She said the one a day centre in Chipman was very popular.
“There’s a lot of kids in Chipman right now so it’s been fairly successful.”
She added they had done youth programming in Lamont using the library and the front room at the arena, but participation wasn’t great and resources had to be reallocated for other programs such as family activities nights in Andrew.
She said the kids in their survey indicated they loved field trips but there were expenses involved with those.
“The youth in Lamont really want an outdoor rink,” she added. “So we bring this information to council for future consideration.”
Councillor Al Harvey asked for more information on the Bruderheim youth centre and some information on the Boys and Girls Club operation.
Rindero said there had been a Boy and Girls Club in Bruderheim about 15 years ago, but over the years its numbers faded, and volunteers were shrinking and funding dried up.
When the group lost its space then it closed its operation in town.
The Youth Centre was developed in 2012 to be opened two day a week in the evening.
The storage area above the hockey rink was made available and some games were put in and the youth centre ran.
That shut down after a change in administration and the upper area of the rink was fully renovated.
After setting it up again in the arena, momentum faded and it was shut down.
After Covid, attendance at the youth centre has climbed, but staffing only allows it to be open one day a week.
Councillor Dave Taylor asked how the youth survey was done and was told they were canvassed right in the
school.
Taylor asked Rindero if FCSS could partner with other non-profit groups to access grants to help offset costs of major facilities like an outdoor rink and youth centre.
Rindero said there were several and FCSS had grant writers who could write the grant request forms on behalf of the third party group.
Mayor Jody Foulds asked if the survey results could be viewed by council and was told they could.
Councillor Perry Koroluk asked if a Boys and Girls Club was established could FCSS help it financially and Rindero said they could assist with some programming, funding and staffing.
After the delegation left, under new business, council discussed further having administration set up a tour of the Fort Saskatchewan Boys and Girls Club to view their operation and then have a representative of that club attend a future council meeting to make a presentation.
Traditional Art Workshops
BY JOHN MATHER
The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 16, 2024 -9
Fire Prevention Section
As we mark Lamont Emergency Services in this Fire Prevention Week supplement, the department with stations in Andrew, Bruderheim, Chipman, Lamont and Mundare has some long time volunteers.
Leading this squad is John Helton, who has 40 years of service.
Charlie Gargus has been with the department for 38 years, while Dave Calder has served for 36 years and Brain Sharun has served 34.
Those with 20 years of service or more are: Jesse Lindberg, 28; Mike Klos, 26; and Alan Klassen, 22.
Eight members have
been with their respective detachments for more than 10 years including: Russel Scott, 19 year; Kevin Price, 18; Leslie Clarke, 16; Sean Brison, 14; Dale Morrison, 14; Jennifer Cooke and Andrew McDonald, each with 12 years of services; and Tracy Lupul with 11.
Those with less than 10 years of service include: Brody Thurston, 9; William Mitchel, 9; Marty Stewart, 9; Melissa Mitchell, 9; Mathilda Milligan, 7; Ryan Moffat, 6; Ryan Webb, 6; Jana Clarkson, 5; Paul Belcourt, 5; Nicholas Mercer, 5; Daniel Carroll, 5; Tyrel
Kaluza, 4; Jeffery Dul, 4; Andrea Conner, 4; Colby Eleniak, 4; Matthew Onyskow, 4; Mario Cox, 4; Neil Mercer, 4; Rodger Kallai, 3; Nathan Dul, 3; Cole Hanson, 3; Mason Brown, 3; Denny Ausman, 2; Jourdana Kozak (Moore), 2; Katie Pickering, 2; Stephanie Gendre, 2; Jeffery Terrell, 2; Tyler Lippert, 2; Amber Thiessen, 2; Mia Ausman, 2; Zach Martindale, 2; William Schoening, 2; Steven Juhasz, 1; Matthew Fitzgerald, 1; Donald Morgan, 1; Jesse Otte, 1; Emily Bartz, 1; Kaiden Collumb, 1; Cassie Melenka, 1; Jevan Jackson, 1; James Short,
1; Rachel Thurston, 1; Landon Rempel, 1; Xande Harpe, 1; and Jessica Kapoor (Post), 1. Rookies among the ranks this year include: Teri-Lynn Nice, Karl O’Connell, and Nicholas Campbell.
Beaver Foundation; Beaver Foundation; Sunshine Villa, Tofield Sunshine Villa, Tofield Lodge, Holden Lodge Lodge, Holden Lodge and Vialta Lodge would and Vialta Lodge would like to say: like to say: Thank you to our local firefighters for their years of service.
Thank you for all the hard work!
Fire Prevention Section
Mundare
Station 1 - Mundare: (L to R) Assistant District Chief Charlie Gargus, Recruit Firefighter Jessica Kapoor (Post), and Lieutenant Matthew Onyskow. Missing members - Firefighter Danial Carroll, Firefighter Andrea Conner, Morrison Dale Firefighter, Firefighter Brian Sharun, Firefighter Brody Thurston, Recruit Firefighter Rachel Thurston, Firefighter Jason Warawa, Ryan Webb Lieutenant
Chipman
Station 3 - Chipman: (L to R) Senior Firefighter Amber Thiessen, Firefighter Melissa Mitchell, Jr. Firefighter Mia Ausman, Lieutenant Colby Eleniak. Missing members – Firefighter Denny Ausman, Captain Sean Brison, Lieutenant Jennifer Cooke, Firefighter Tyrel Kaluza, Firefighter Zach Martindale, Firefighter William Mitchell, Recruit Firefighter Donald Morgan, Firefighter Hannah Quewezance.
Tips for fire prevention
Keep it Snuffed: Ensure candles and other open flames are never left unattended.
Space Heaters Need Space: Providing a 3-foot clearance around heating equipment can ward off any unexpected flareups!
Monthly family fire drills can ensure everyone knows the escape plan like the back of their hand.
Establishing a safe meeting point outside ensures everyone can be accounted for.
Remember: smoke alarms have a shelf life. Replace every 10 years!
Unattended cooking is the #1 cause of home fires. Attending to your cooking and appliances can prevent a calamity!
Utilize timers to remind you when the oven and stove are on.
Keeping flammable items away from the stove ensures they stay uncharred.
Understanding the basics of extinguishing different types of fires— like NEVER using water on a grease fire!
Smoke Alarms: The Unsung Heroes Don’t just install them; ensure they’re tested monthly!
Fire Prevention Week
Lamont Andrew
Station 4 - Lamont: (L to R) Captain Andrew McDonald, Lieutenant Landon Rempel, Firefighter Tyler Lippert, Firefighter Cole Hanson, Firefighter Ryan Moffat, Lieutenant Mario Cox. Missing members - Firefighter Mason Brown, Recruit Firefighter Xander Harpe, Firefighter Mike Klos, Lieutenant Nicholas Mercer, Firefighter Katie Pickering, Captain Kevin Price, Asst District Chief Russel Scott, Firefighter Jeffery Terrell.
Station 5 - Andrew: (L to R) Captain Jesse Lindberg, Assistant District Chief Marty Stewart, Firefighter Matthew Fitzgerald, Recruit Firefighter Nicholas Campbell, Firefighter William Schoening, Firefighter Steven Juhasz, Firefighter Rodger Kallal, Firefighter Cassie Melenka. Missing members - Lieutenant Tracy Lupul.
Escalating costs create budgeting issues for rural firefighting
BY JOHN MATHER
At several meetings of Lamont County council this year both budgeted amounts and emergency replacement equipment for fire fighting equipment have been discussed and the costs have always been extremely high. But no matter how expensive the costs are to maintain an up-to-date emergency services department and no matter how long the delivery time of replacement equipment may take, the department must be maintained.
As Lamont County Reeve David Diduck puts it, “Fire fighting is an essential service and with continued escalating costs, Council may have to look at alternative methods to provide firefighting services, as protection of our residents is paramount.”
In Lamont County
there are five stations located in the municipalities of; Andrew, Bruderheim, Chipman, Lamont and Mundare.
“Lamont County currently operates a regional fire services department, with our urban neighbours, to protect County and urban residents,” explains Diduck.
“We supply the equipment and pay for the Regional Chief, Deputy Regional Chief and paidon-call firefighters while the urban partners are required to supply the fire hall and pay the associated operating and fixed costs for the hall.”
With continued escalating costs for fire fighting apparatus such as engines, tender trucks and personnel it will continue to utilize a greater portion of the County's budget than previously, added Diduck.
For example, he
Firefighters - We Thank You
explained, the cost of a recently ordered engine was $650,000 and costs for a tender truck was in excess of $350,000.
He added, current apparatus on order has a delivery time in excess of one year, with the delivery timelines out of County control and based on supplier production.
The fire trucks and equipment all have updated codes, and as per legislation, fire equipment is deemed to have a viable life of 20 years, and the County is mandated to replace this equipment after 15-20 years.
While Regional Fire Chief Bo Moore was not made available for an interview, communications coordinator Jay Zaal did provide some comments by email on issues facing the rural department.
Industry best practice
and Fire Underwriters say that front line apparatus (trucks) should be replaced around 15 years, and spares for up to 20 years.
The trucks are traded in when no longer in service, but can be left in service if they pass testing – this does impact ratepayers insurance premiums, and maintenance costs escalate.
To ensure safety, annual pump testing is required, and we follow commercial truck CVIP rules.
Lamont County, added Zaal, does its best to ensure both safety and equipment are ready for operation when needed, and follows industry best practices and all regulations on inspection and maintenance of all fire firefighting equipment.
Related to updated equipment, Zaal added, there is not a change of
code for trucks, rather it’s the age of apparatus and service needs. When these units are replaced they are built to the specs of the day including all new and upgraded technology.
In comments he attributed to Chief Moore, Zaal emailed, “The financial implications of running small rural or regionalized departments are a concern to everyone in the industry.
Equipment and apparatus costs have exploded over the last five to eight years with the worst increases seen during the Covid years.
“Trucks we were buying in 2020 are up over 50 per cent when we ordered the same truck in 2024. The cost increases are close to the same for structural firefighting bunker gear, extrication equipment, those, and thermal imaging cameras. All of these are necessary lifesaving equip-
ment.
“Delivery times for apparatus range from 10 months for tenders to eight to 24 months for engines. These longextended delivery dates are a concern for scheduled purchases but even more concerning when an immediate replacement is required for whatever reason.”
And when a new truck has to be purchased it doesn’t come with the necessary items of firefighting such as axes, ladders, hoses and the hand tools used for firefighting or emergency rescue situations. For that equipment replacement a hose has a lifespan of approximately 10 years, V-ex tools and ladders can remain in service as long as they pass annual testing, while small tools are replaced as needed. Because of use and wear, these are replaced more often than trucks.
Mayor, Council & Staff
Fire Prevention Week
Fall fire-proofing your home
Guarding against fire isn’t rocket science—it’s just a matter of being thorough!
Taking the Heat Out of Risk Zones
Store flammable substances safely and away from heat sources.
Ensure your fireplace has a sturdy screen to catch rogue sparks.
Implementing Safety Gadgets
Fire extinguishers: Ensure one is accessible on each floor.
Fire blankets: A quick and easy way to snuff out smaller blazes.
Kids and Fire: A Heated Topic
It’s crucial to ensure that the flames of curiosity don’t lead our little ones into hot water!
Fireside Chats: Talking to Kids About Fire Safety
Maintain an open dialogue about the dangers and uses of fire.
Regularly revisit these tips for fire safety and prevention together.
Interactive Learning: Fire Safety Can Be Fun!
Use games, videos, and interactive activities to reinforce learning.
Visit a local fire station for a real-world insight into fire safety!
Community Ablaze: Fanning the Flames of Collective Safety
Fire safety isn’t a solitary affair; it requires a collective effort!
Be a Beacon: Share the Knowledge Sharing fire safety tips with friends, family, and neighbours amplifies protection!
Use social platforms to
spread these tips for fire safety and prevention far and wide.
Community Events: Lighting Up the Neighborhood Safely Organize or participate in community fire safety events.
Engage with local fire departments to spearhead workshops and training sessions.
Harnessing Virtual Reality: VR Fire Safety Training
As technology ignites innovation, Virtual Reality (VR) has burned brightly as a beacon of potential in the world of fire safety training. With its immersive experience, VR offers an unparalleled way to face fire scenarios without realworld risks.
Experience without the Danger:
Realistic Scenarios: VR can simulate various fire situations, from kitchen mishaps to full-blown house fires, allowing users to grasp the gravity and urgency without real danger.
Interactive Learning: Users can actively participate, making decisions that would affect outcomes in real-world scenarios. Mistakes in the virtual world offer learning opportunities without real-world consequences.
How often should I test my smoke alarms?
At least once a month! Make it a fun, monthly routine to ensure they’re always in working order.
Where should I store a fire extinguisher in my home?
Ideally, one on each floor, ensuring they are easily accessible and stored in a cool, dry place.
How do I dispose of ashes from a fireplace or barbecue?
Ensure they are fully extinguished, place them in a metal container, and store it away from your home and other flammable materials.
Why is it important to have a fire escape plan for my home?
A well-practiced fire escape plan helps ensure that all members of a household know how to act swiftly and calmly in the event of a fire, reducing the risk of injury or worse.
Knowing where to go and what to do can save precious seconds in an emergency and avoid panic that can hinder evacuation efforts.
What should I do if my clothes catch fire?
If your clothes catch fire, remember the phrase “Stop, Drop, and Roll.”
Immediately stop moving, drop to the ground, cover your face with your hands, and roll over back and forth until the flames are extinguished.
This action helps smother the flames, reducing oxygen access and helping to quickly douse the fire.
Let’s continue to fan the flames of knowledge and ensure that safety isn’t just a flickering thought, but a roaring reality, not just for a week, but for a lifetime. Together, let’s keep the home fires burning safely, and may the only things ablaze be our hearths and spirits!
Lamont Farmer’s Market plans for 2025
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Organizer of the Lamont Farmer’s Market, Anke Hutzfeldt, along with acting president for the Lamont Catering Club, Betty Malica, held a meeting after the last Farmer’s Market of the year on Sept. 25 looking for input into plans for the 2025 Farmer’s Market.
Approximately 13 people, including customers and vendors, attended the open meeting.
The group’s first farmer’s market was held in May of 2023 after the town of Lamont had not had one in more than 40 years. Then organizer, Peggy Sawchuk, took the reins and resurrected the event. It was intended to be an outdoor market, with the option of indoor in the case of inclement weather, running weekly
from May to Sept. Hutzfeldt, who is also a vendor as Black Cat jewelry, took over managing the market when Sawchuk passed away in Oct. 2023 at the age of 64.
Meanwhile, Hutzfeldt said ideas were needed to draw more customers and vendors to the market, while attendees suggested that more signage was necessary.
Anke Hutzfeldt
Some vendors also suggested the $20 table fee was too expensive while Hutzfeldt said the high fee was needed to pay for the space each week.
“Sometimes we only have five or six tables and (we’re) having to pay $100 for the room (at the Lamont Arena),” she said. “It’s $15 if you bring your own table.”
Other concerns included restricting the number of vendors who are selling the same type of products. Currently only two of the same are allowed by Hutzfeldt.
Additionally, Hutzfeldt said that the farmer’s market is a member of Alberta Farmer’s Markets which are a make it, bake it or grow it market allowing for 20 percent of the vendors to be commercial
and 80 percent to be independent.
Hutzfeldt did not have the numbers, cost to maintain membership for the Alberta Farmer’s Market or the cost of insurance, available at the meeting.
As the meeting concluded, Hutzfeldt agreed to look at a number of suggestions for improving customer traffic and the number of vendors participating in the market. She said the number of vendors who sell the same products could be increased to three, she will contact larger organizations such as the local Hutterite colonies to join as vendors, and shortening the season.
Next year will begin on May 28 and run until Sept. 10. A special Christmas market will be held on Dec. 14.
A large crowd filled the Moyer Community Hall in Josephburg as Life in the Heartland held its semi annual public information session Oct. 9. The crowd visited 17 booths set up by members of the Alberta Industrial Heartland association and heard presentations from three different speakers discussing their activities in the area.
Lamont approves annual franchise fees for utilities
BY JOHN MATHER
Lamont town council approved the franchise fees for ATCO Gas and Pipelines at their Oct. 8 council meeting. These franchise fees are amounts added to residential gas bills and then a portion of the fee is rebated back to the community.
Chief Administration Officer Tyler Edworthy said he was asking council to accept the proposed fees which didn’t increase over 2024.
For Lamont the
amount rebated back to the community is 35 per cent. The amount that will be returned to the Town is expected to be $207,532.
Council approved the fee which will cost the average ratepayer about $20.96 per month.
Council also approved the Fortis franchise fee of 7.5 per cent for the 2025 year.
This will generate approximately $100,415.
In 2024 the franchise fee which was also set at 7.5 per cent netted the Town
$97,854 in revenue.
The monthly cost to rate payers for the Fortis fee will be $10.14 per month.
Municipalities enter into the franchise fees annually with the two utility providers, although they do have the option of not having any franchise fees.
Councillor Perry Koroluk moved approved of the ATCO franchise fee and Councillor Dave Taylor moved to approved the Fortis franchise fee and
both motions were carried.
Turkey bingo fever hits Lamont Arena
By MELISSA MACINTOSH YOUNG
Turkey fever hit the Lamont Arena last Wednesday evening as a sold out crowd attended the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bingo event.
There were 20 turkeys to be won along with Stawnichy's sausage and
bonanza cash games.
The long-time community favourite has been a popular fundraiser for the Lamont Lions club.
The local Lions club use procedes from bingo games, concessions etc. to help organizations through out their local community.
for
Because if I want The Leader to cover my event or provide space for my event, I know they need revenue to pay for it! One hand washes the other. I never take without giving back.
I like the idea of having an independent news agency in our area, because I don’t want to just be fed propaganda from municipalities, police and school boards just to appease me!
For years there was no media in the Lamont County area, just leaching media from other areas covering events here only for advertising dollars and no vested interest.
I don’t just advertise with The Leader to make sales but also to fend off competition from other businesses in the area and from other towns and cities in the area too.
I know if I don’t advertise with The Leader, that my event will not be covered when it happens mostly because they don’t know about it, but also because I didn’t support them so why would I expect them to support me.
The Leader is a local business, employing local people, donating to local charities, and involved with local causes. Tech giants do nothing for my family, my neighbours or my community.
The Leader covers all of Lamont County. These are my friends and neighbours and we support one another.
I try to buy all my printing from The Leader, or at least get a quote. They are honest and good to deal with. When I have a problem they look after it for me from printing to advertising.
I budget a portion of my revenue to advertising with The Leader. It’s smart business to re-invest in promoting my business.
I see other successful businesses advertising in The Leader. Great minds think alike!
annual Thanksgiving Turkey Bingo, Oct. 9. Melissa MacIntosh Young photo.
Barb MacDonald (visiting from Cape Breton) gets ready
her first Turkey Bingo.
Melissa MacIntosh Young photo
CLASSIFIEDS CLASSIFIEDS
ANNOUNCEMENTS
Starky's Avian Taxidermy
Located near Rosalind. Specializing in birds. Only 4-6 month current turnaround time! starkysaviantaxidermy.com Instagram: @starkysaviantaxidermy
Contact Colin at: 780-938-9046 or at starkysaviantaxidermy@gmail.com
COMING EVENTS
Halloween Market at Round Hill Hall, Monday October 28th from 5 pm - 7 pm. There will be a pumpkin carving contest and costume parade. For a table, call or text Terry 780-678-6131
Stew, Biscuits, Coleslaw & Sweets at Tofield Golden Club 5004 54 Ave, Tofield, AB. Thursday, October 24th, 2024 11 am - 1 pm.
$10 at the door. Gluten free & Take-out available. All ages welcome!
Wind Rain or Shine 2024 Annual Art Show.
Oct 19th & 20th, 10 am - 4 pm. Josephburg Drop-In Centre, Josephburg, Ab. Admission is free, for more info call 780-998-2740.
Hosted by Elk Island Art Club
Flagstaff Scottish Club’s Annual General Meeting on Sunday, November 10th, 3pm at the clubhouse, 4402 47 Ave, Sedgewick. Supper to follow. Everyone welcome to attend, please RSVP to info@flagstaffscottishclub.com for the meal.
Elder Abuse Presentation at the Tofield Golden Club; 5004 54 Ave, Tofield, AB.
Thursday, October 17 from 10:30 am to 11:30 am. Free lunch to follow, all ages welcome.
2025 Viking Grad Class Fresh Bacon Fundraiser
11 lb Boxes for $95 - 3 Cuts Available Selling until October 22
Pick up November 4
Reach out to your local Viking Graduate for more information or to order!
November Fundraiser will be Winter Wreaths and Poinsettias.
The Lougheed Hall annual Christmas Market and Turkey Dinner Sunday, November 24, from 10 to 3. Dinner served from 12 (Noon) to 1:30. For tables please call Lorna 780-888-7099 or 780-386-2212.
FIREARMS WANTED FOR OUR
2024 AUCTION PROGRAM: Rifles, Shotguns, Handguns, Antiques, Militaria, Collections, Estates, Single Items. For Auction, or Possible Purchase: Toll-Free 1-800-694-2609, Email Us at sales@switzersauction.com or Visit Us @ www.switzersauction.com.
FOR RENT
3 bedroom house, with fenced yard located in Tofield. Available December 1st. Rent is $1350.00 per month plus utilities, damage deposit is $1350.00. No smoking, no pets. References required, 1 year lease. Phone 780-8871953
2 Bedroom House For Rent Near Hardisty. Small older home 2 kms out of town. Includes fridge, stove, microwave, washer & dryer. Recent reno’s. Very reasonable rate for the right person or couple. Call or text (780) 699-3449 for details
SMALL COMMERCIAL space available. Own bathroom * 2 big windows. Perfect for office, hair, esthetics, etc. 4912 52 Ave, Tofield, AB. If interested, email rheacsernyanszki@gmail.com or text 780-672-4033.
Large, non-smoking 2 Bedroom Apartment in Killam. Call Chuck 780-263-7290
HARDISTY: 2 BR furnished house for rent available now. $1200 plus electricity. Call or text 780-717-6783
FOR SALE
•255 Massey Ferguson with Ease on Front Loader •1946 Farmall W30Restored •1953 Farmall MDRestored For more infomation - 780-385-8814
Farm raised feeder and market hogs for sale. Daryl Hrehorets, 780-203-0533.
"Vertical Platform Lift - Serenity SH152". 2 years old, like new and working. Requires disassembly - come ready to take it away. $1000 as is where isBeaver Ck Estates. Call or text 780-6688691.
All Classified Ads booked in our paper will also be posted online at the new online Classifieds Section at no additional cost. THOUSANDS of page views online every month in addition to our THOUSANDS of weekly readers. Plus our site is Google SEO optimized. IT PAYS TO ADVERTISE WITH US!
WHITE SPRUCE TREES: 5’ average $50. Installation ONLY $19. Includes: hole augered, Wurzel Dip enzyme injection, bark mulch application, staking. Minimum order 20. One-time fuel charge: $150 - 200. Crystal Springs. 403-820-0961. Quality guaranteed. www.albertasprucetrees.com.
BUILDINGS FOR SALE
INTEGRITY POST FRAME BUILDINGS since 2008 BUILT WITH CONCRETE POSTS. Barns, Shops, Riding Arenas, Machine Sheds and more, sales@integritybuilt.com 1-866-9747678 www.integritybuilt.com.
SEED FOR SALE
WE BUY Damaged Grain - Heated, Mixed, Tough, Light, Bugs, Spring Thrashed..Barley, Wheat, Oats, Peas, Flax, Canola. "On Farm Pickup". Westcan Feed & Grain 1-877-2505252.
AB Feed Grain: Buying Oats, Barley, Wheat, Canola, Peas, Screenings, Mixed Grains. Dry, Wet, Heated, or Spring Thresh. Prompt Payment. In House Trucks, In House Excreta Cleaning. Vac Rental. 1-888-483-8789.
HELP WANTED
ROCKY Mountain Equipment: Parts Technicians, Parts Assistant Manager, Sales Consultant, Agriculture & Heavy Equipment Techs - Journeyman roles. View Open Roles www.rockymtn.com/careers. Possible Relocation and Signing Bonus Offered.
Join Our Team! Dynamic insurance brokerage seeking an experienced broker. Competitive salary, Work-life balance, and a supportive team environment. Grow your career with us! Apply today: Call 780-662-0330, Email hello@ravenhillagencies.com.
REAL ESTATE
Duplex for Sale in Camrose. Located in the Stoney Creek Meadows adult living community. Approximately 1083 sq. ft. with attached garage (428 sq. ft.) 2 bedrooms, 2 bathrooms. Call 780-6785961 or 780-672-3021
SERVICES
Roy's Handyman Services. Flooring, trim work, basement finishing, decks, fences, kitchen cabinet installs and carpentry work. Call 780-232-3097
PRIVATE MORTGAGE LENDER. All real estate types considered. No credit checks done. Deal direct with lender and get quick approval. Toll free 1-866405-1228; www.firstandsecondmortgages.ca.
Clay-Con Construction
Clayton Rauser38+ year Journeyman Carpenter 780-385-5448
All Types of Renovations
•Additions
•Decks •Roofing •Concrete •Windows
•Framing
•5” Continuous Eavestroughs •Siding •and More!
Painting
Quality Residential and Commercial Interior Painting. Betty Tkaczyk 780-632-8749
Medical Taxi Service
Personal Taxi Service to Edmonton and Back $175
•Office Hours Mon-Fri 9-5
•Absolutely NO Hidden Fees
•Escort to Reception/Waiting Room
•Pick up and Drop off at your door
•Top Notch Service!
•Retired Medic
•Locally Owned and Operated 587-987-7810
Mike & Dave Rv Inc. Service, Storage, Parts. Call us today! 780-415-5015 or visit our website: www.mdrv.ca **Located just 11 kms North of Tofield on Highway 834**
WANTED
COLLECTOR/ ENTREPRENEUR
PURCHASING COINS & COLLECTIONS! CASH PAID! ROYAL CANADIAN MINT COINS, collections, rare & old coins, silver & gold coins, jewelry, nuggets, bullion, sterling, gold & silver! 306-774-2420.
WANTED OLD ADVERTISING: Dealership signs, service station, gas pumps, globes, oil cans, Red Indian, White Rose, Buffalo, Husky, Ford, GM, Dodge, Tire signs, Coke, Pepsi, etc. Call 306-221-5908.
AGLC approves moving Camrose Casino
Rural charities will be beneficiaries
BY JOHN MATHER
Local non-profit groups across the north eastern Alberta region will be happy now that the relocation of the Camrose Casino to a south Edmonton location has been approved by Alberta Gaming, Liquor and Cannabis (AGLC).
“I’’m glad AGLC has approved the relocation request for the Camrose Casino which will bring new economic opportunities for northern Alberta charities and non-profits,” said Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely, who has championed the relocation of the casino for several years.
“I’ve supported the move along with many others who saw the potential benefits.
“The AGLC conducted a thorough review and made the final decision independently, and I’m happy to see this positive outcome for our rural communities.”
After a couple of attempts to get permission to relocate to the city, the Camrose Casino is poised to be constructed along Edmonton’s Parsons Road after approval Oct. 10.
But it still is not meeting with approval from Edmonton City Council who have constantly opposed the relocation.
Currently, Camrose Casino and St. Albert are the only two casinos where rural charities and non-profits across northern Alberta can raise funds for their programs by working as volunteers at the casino events.
And they make less than their urban counterparts and the wait times to work a casino are much longer.
The owners of Camrose Casino had lobbied rural municipalities including Tofield, Lamont, Bruderheim, Lamont County, and Vegreville among others, back in 2023, to add their support for getting a change to the way rural charities receive payouts from AGLC compared to
urban charities.
“It’s not right that a charitable event in an urban centre can bring in six times more revenue than an event in a rural community,” stated a letter received by Tofield Council, Feb. 13, 2023 from Camrose Casino president Jason Pechet.
“Rural communities deserve better,” it went on. “Whether it’s support for the less fortunate, local youth sports clubs, or community services like libraries, volunteer fire departments and animal shelters, rural charities enhance the civic culture of the communities they serve.”
The casino letter pointed out that AGLC’s designated regions for both Camrose and St. Albert have the lowest revenues per gaming event with Camrose averaging $6,100 per event and St. Albert averaging $8,100 per event. It further pointed out that wait times for a charitable casino were the highest with Camrose having a wait time of 41 months, while St. Albert was 31 months.
Similar events in Edmonton for urban charities would average $39,000 in revenue and had a wait time of only 23 months.
Edmonton charities, along with the city council, have repeatedly protested the relocation application, which will see the 88,000-squarefoot facility built at 420 Parsons Rd.
Edmonton Mayor Amarjeet Sohi called the decision a “loss for Edmonton.”
He expressed his disappointment and highlighted the impact this would have on local charities.
He added the city didn’t have the infrastructure dollars for the necessary upgrades to handle the traffic the casino would generate, although a casino operates near 75 St. and Argyll Road which does-
n’t have major traffic issues.
“The new building will significantly impact traffic for south Edmonton residents and travellers,” said Sohi.
He said the move would add additional pressures with significant infrastructure upgrades to Parsons Road to support the additional traffic.
Local Councillor Keren Tang also said the decision was “deeply disappointing.”
“Despite the opposition, despite so many residents writing in, despite a really strong campaign from the charitable sector and even quite frankly from the business community too, it’s disappointing, but ultimately, I question some of the political motivation around the decision too,” Tang said.
Meanwhile, Vegreville Mayor Tim McPhee has lobbied very hard for the project to succeed on behalf of the rural charities and nonprofits.
“Will the city follow through on the permitting because we all know Mayor Sohi and Councillor Keren Tang are dead against it going ahead, so will they obstruct the permitting?”
He said when the original application had gone in, city officials had been fine with it until they learned it would benefit only the rural charities and that’s when they became opposed to it.
“I’ve been very vocal along with MLA Scott Cyr and all the FCSS departments have been very vocal about supporting the application,” he said.
McPhee said it would be great news for rural nonprofits and charities because the new casino which has opened on Highway 2 outside Wetaskiwin is “bleeding off” profits from the rural charities.
“Camrose can’t survive without this move,” McPhee said.
FEATURED PROPERTIES
TOWN OF LAMONT
• 4712 51 St Lamont 5,800 sq ft shop with office and sales space. Shop was used for agricultural machinery repair. Price: $450,000
LAMONT COUNTY
• W4-20-55-27-SE Plan 1023701 Block 1 Lot 1A Lamont County. 138.09 acres in the Lamont Heartland for industrial use. Located North of Highway 15 on Range Road 202. Price: $2,990,00
• HWY 834 between HWY 16 and TWP RD 530 Lamont County 19.48 acres with power and a holding tank. Nice building site. Price: $215,000.00
VILLAGE OF ANDREW
• 5317-50 Ave Andrew. An 18,000 sq. ft. manufacturing shop with office and storage space on 2.3 acres of land Price: $1,700,000
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 172-0793 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
Bruderheim Senior’s Club drops age limit to entice new members
BY JANA SEMENIUK
Bruderheim town councillor Len Falardeau spoke about the local Seniors Club during the Oct. 2 council meeting, sharing that a decision was made to drop the minimum age for club admission from 50 to 40.
He added that if a spouse is younger, they would also be accepted.
“If the spouse is under 40, they can be a member also, so they have the voting rights now of the club, and now they're going to have associate members from the age of 30 to 40 years old, which is a great thing. They're trying to build up the club,” he said.
Falardeau said the seniors club is a social club and their facility on Queen Street has plenty of amenities.
“They have pool
tables, shuffleboard and a whole bunch of other things, and (they) play a lot of cards. Seniors like cards,” he said.
According to reports, the club currently has 12 active volunteers including 10 lifetime members over the age of 80.
President Ed Lawrence was quoted, during a recent corn roast fundraiser, as saying that younger members are needed to carry on the club.
“We need to get young members in that will take over and take this in the direction they need for the newer generations otherwise we won’t survive,” he said.
Regular hours for the club are Tues and Thurs from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. and Wed. from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Holiday train will stop in Josephburg in December
BY JOHN MATHER
The CPKC Holiday train will be returning to Josephburg this year and again it will ask for donations that will be donate to area food banks.
The train will travel through Canada and the U.S. from Nov. 21 until Dec. 20.
It will arrive in Josephburg Dec. 12 and will be parked alongside the Moyer Recreation
Centre from 5:15 to 5:45. Performing on the train at the Josephburg stop will be Magic! and Sofia Camara.
Magic! Is a Canadian reggae band, while Sofia Camara is a Portuguese/ Canadian performer from Toronto.
Train stops are free, with CPKC encouraging every attendee to make a monetary or hearthealthy food donation.
COUNCIL UPDATE – September 24 & October 8 Meetings
Council has directed that administration pub lish a summary of decisions from the past two Council meetings each month. Meeting highlights are also summarized on the Lamont County website, and social media after each Council meeting. Once approved at the next Council meeting, all directions, approvals, and items discussed are in the approved minutes posted at lamontcounty.ca.
The following are updates from the past two Council Meetings, including important initiatives and activities that were discussed, debated, reviewed, and what Council has directed Administration to complete and implement.
September 24 Council meeting (minutes were approved October 8). Highlights from this meeting include: Centennial Scholarship Awarded to Carson Vos
Council presented Carson Vos with its annual Centennial Scholarship. Carson’s
Tri-Annual Reporting (second period report)
Council was provided its second Tri Annual Management Report. This includes the progress of the 2024and capital); reserves balances; aggregate levy balances; and the Lamont County health and safety program. Overall, performance is very strong and meeting Council’s strategic goals and priorities.
Wetland Feasibility Study
Council approved an Alberta Community Partnership Grant application and sponsorship to undertake a wetland management feasibility study in Alberta’s helps streamline processes and coordinate requirements in implementing Industrial Heartland Designated Industrial Zone regulatory framework, aimed to stimulate new investment and job creation, while achieving environmental outcomes in AIH.
Council Business
- Council directed Administration to obtain permission from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas to add two culverts at TWP560 North on RR200, as the work is in proximity of a wetland.
- Council directed Administration to bring forward a business case for the 2025 budget discussions, to implement addressing all dust abatement on policy roads -year period.
discussed) for ordering in 2024 and acquisition in 2025.
- Council authorized a request for Public Works to assist with asphalt work (use of a drum packer) for the Lamont and District Ag. Society.
- Council was briefed on the Reeve’s Annual Charity Golf Tournament success (including Sil Industrial Minerals’ donation, over $37,000 was raised), and initial planning for the 2025 tournament.
- Council authorized the renewal of the contracted Assessment Review Board assessments for appropriate assessment and decisions.
- In Committee of the Whole, Council was briefed on an appeal of taxes for Cenovus due to Provincial assessor’s error and the resulting requirement to be refund $989K in municipal taxes and over $1 million of Education Taxes.
- In Committee of the Whole, Council was briefed regarding information available regarding establishing a voter’s list for the 2025 Municipal Election.
the October 8 Council meeting
(minutes are approved next Council meeting). Highlights from this meeting include: Public Hearing - Bylaw 879.24 to Amend Land Use Bylaw No. 848.22
Council completed its Public Hearing as scheduled. Of note, there were no public speakers for, against or having general comments during this session (in person, online or through written submission prior to the meeting). The update to the bylaw
Approaches for Subdivisions
Committee of the Whole discussed a procedure for new approaches on builds and the misunderstanding as to who completes the approaches (it is the landowner responsibility, then it is inspected by Lamont County to ensure compliance with provincial minimum requirement). Council directed Administration to amend its Fees and Charges Bylaw to ensure the deposit (to be $7,500) covers costs for approach install to ensure this is completed, as well as to clarify with landowners of this responsibility for completion.
Lamont Christmas Light UP!
Council approved Silver Sponsorship for this year’s event as hosted by the Town of Lamont. Council also approved the use of its green space, parking facilities and power use for decorations for the event and Festival of Trees. Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) also has activities during the launch event on November 30.
Council Business
acquired through the tax recovery process.
-Council approved the reserve bid listing and date of the 2024 Tax Sale (Wednesday, January 29 at 11 a.m.). These are properties outstanding unpaid taxes following the timelines as required through the Municipal Government Act
related to the provincial assessor’s error in tax payments; this letter asks the province to payback taxes already provided to them (for education, seniors housing, etc.) and a loan with installment payments over three years to address the arrears without interest payments that penalize the municipality for the provincial error.
- In Committee of the Whole, Council discussed and directed Administration to bring back amendments to the Regional Fire Services Bylaw to update for exploding targets.
-Council was updated on a drainage matter scheduled to be completed within the next & properties.
included in a future Council Meeting.
-Council discussed a recent volunteer assistance and appreciation to from a local contracted or paid support).
-Council discussed Alberta Transportation and contractor painting of solid (not passing) lines on HWY45 to RR202 after the rail tracks and the challenges of larger vehicles taking more time to get up to speed after stopping for safety.
Read the full meeting highlights at lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes or as
After more than a year as the King of Canada, the official portrait of King Charles III finally arrived at the Lamont County offices. On Oct. 7, Lamont County Chief Administrative Officer Peter Tarnawsky and Reeve David Diduck, placed the portrait on the wall in the council chambers.
20 - The Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, October 16, 2024
Community Programming
Community Services: Serving Lamont County, Lamont, Bruderheim, Mundare, Andrew & Chipman
(VISIT: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming for full posters and locations, or call 780-895-2233 for info./registration).
Current CALC, FCSS & KFRN and seniors activities include:
1. Youth Centres in Bruderheim (Tuesdays), Chipman (Mondays), and Mundare (Thursdays) – contact Dayna.J@lamontcounty.ca for more information.
2. Parents and Tots – VOLUNTEERS NEEDED! (contact Melissa.S@lamontcounty.ca for more info.).
3. Youth Coalition: for more info. on future opportunities, contact Erin.B@lamontcounty.ca
4. Meals in Motion: OCTOBER Menu. Call Chrissy to order at 780-975-9592.
5. Family Activity Night (Andrew): October 30 in Andrew from 5-7 p.m. (no registration needed).
6. Connecting Generations Halloween Party: Oct. 31 from 10-11:30 a.m. signup.com/go/CavMbxt
7. Grace in Progress: Register at signup.com/go/pxEpour (Oct. 24 from 7-8:30 in Mundare).
8. Cooking with Your Littles: In Lamont (Oct. 16) & Chipman (Oct. 17) signup.com/go/PpYMzto
9. CALC: My Journey…Who Am I? (register with Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca | Cody.O@lamontcounty.ca).
10. CALC: English Language Learning - (register with Cheryl or Cody).
11. CALC: Kitchens Program (register with Cheryl or Cody at 780-895-2233 x233/241 or Cheryl.B@lamontcounty.ca | Cody.O@lamontcounty.ca).
12. CALC: Digital Skills for Seniors – Thursdays from 10-11 a.m. in Mundare & Andrew.
13. CALC: Canadian Firearms Safety Course (non-restricted): November 9 (to register, call or text Dan at 825-439-5208 by Nov. 1).
14. Snow Angels Program (volunteers needed): Contact Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca or 780-895-2233x223, (honorarium for volunteers).
For info. Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca
15. Fitness Fun for Older Adults: $70 for eight-weeks or $10 per session. At Mundare Seniors Centre starting Oct. 24 Contact Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca to register.
16. Yoga for Older Adults: $80 for eight-weeks or $12 per session. At Lamont Arena Mtg. Room (starting Oct. 30). Contact Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca to register.
17. Halloween Crafternoon (55+): Wreath craft on Oct. 29. From 1-3 p.m. at the Lamont Arena Meeting Room. $10 per person. Register with Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca, space is limited.
18. Seniors’ Coffee: Wed.: 10-11 a.m. at Andrew Lions Club, & Thurs.: 10-11 a.m. at Mundare Seniors Centre. Join FCSS for coffee, conversation, snacks, and assistance with senior-related forms and programming. FCSS also offers Seniors Supports from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. in Mundare (Thursdays) - michelle.a@lamontcounty.ca
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 or kalynafrn.ca | CALC: LamontCountyAdultLearns |
For more info, scan the QR code or see: lamontcounty.ca/community-programming | CALC/FCSS/KFRN: 1-877-895-2233 | 5303-50 Ave. Lamont, AB T0B 2R0 |
lamontcounty.ca/public-tenders
Small Business Week – Oct. 20-26
p Lamont County would like to take a moment to wish our small businesses a happy Small Business Week. Small businesses represent 96 per cent of all businesses in Alberta. This week, we celebrate the dedication of our local entrepreneurs and their contributions to the local economy. Check out local businesses in Lamont County via our Business Directory on the revamped lamontcountynow.ca Thank you for shopping local and supporting our local business community. bdc.ca/en/small-business-week
Private Snow Removal
As a reminder, per Fees and Charges Bylaw 877.24 (lamontcounty.ca/financial-services), private snow removal costs are: Senior (65+) – $200/yr. | Regular: $125 each (flag per snowfall) | Medical: $100/yr. (Dr. letter required). Flags can be purchased at the Lamont County Public Works/Ag Serv. bldg. Call 780-895-2547, if you have any questions. Important: a submitted Snowplow/Grading Agreement and Hazard Assessment/Inspection is required & should be completed by November 15 See lamontcounty.ca/departments/public-works/roads/private-snow-removal
For info. Erin.B@lamontcounty.ca
Other Items of Interest
signup.com/go/CavMbxt
Coffee Talks – see summaries & the next planned sessions at lamontcounty.ca/coffeetalks Volunteers are needed for Lamont County Boards and Committees, sign up and get involved to represent your community: lamontcounty.ca/boards-committees!
Thanks to everyone who participated in the Meals in the Fields. Hope you enjoyed the lunch! Halloween is coming soon, watch out for the Ghouls and Goblins, especially in dusk and dark. LCES crews will be out to assist with safety on October 31.
Dayna.J@lamontcounty.ca nostoneleftalone.ca
Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting
The next scheduled ASB meeting is (Wednesday) December 11, 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 & Annual Org. Meeting)
The next Regular Council Meeting is planned for Tuesday, October 29, starting at 9:00 a.m. The public is welcome to attend at the Lamont County Admin. Building or virtually through Microsoft Teams (link). A link to meetings, agendas and minutes can be found at: lamontcounty.ca/governance/agendas-minutes.
Note: this is also Council’s Annual Organizational Meeting.
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).
For info. Michelle.A@ lamontcounty.ca
For info. Michelle.A@lamontcounty.ca