September 13 Lamont Leader

Record donations for Heroes in the Sky

Fundraiser for local firefighters clears over $3,000 after expenses

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Friends of Lamont Fire Fighters Society held the most successful Heroes in the Sky Day ever in the annual event’s 13-year history on Sept. 9, bringing in over $3,000 to help support training and purchase equipment for local firefighters.

Treasurer for the Friends of Lamont Fire Fighters Society, Sylvia McDonald, said the event actually brought in over $5,000 but after paying some of the costs to host the event the remaining dollars amounted to over $3,000.

“We made more from our raffle table and business donations than in the past,” she said. “I would say probably our best year.”

Former Lamont deputy fire chief and current president for the Friends of Lamont Fire Fighters Society, Herman Sieker, said the event is important as there often isn’t enough in the budget to support the fire departments.

“The municipal budgets don't have enough funding to provide all of the necessary training and or equipment for firefighters,” he said. “So, our society raises money to support training and equipment to subsidize and supplement what the municipal budgets will allow for.”

Lamont County communications director Jay Zaal said the training budget for Lamont County Emergency Services is $80,000 to support the train-

ing for 72 staff in five different districts including Bruderheim, Mundare, Chipman, Lamont, and Andrew. He said it can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,500 per course for one staff member depending on position and course requirements.

“Lamont County attempts to do as many in-house programs and with regional partners as possible using the Lamont County’s Regional Training Centre to keep costs manageable,” he said.

Meanwhile, guests coming to enjoy Saturday’s event were treated to a fire fighters’ hat and gift bag for their children, in addition to hot dogs and hamburgers by donation. The raffle table

held several prizes including a smart watch donated in a gift basket from the Lamont Health Care Centre, and gift basket from Queen of Hearts dog grooming valued at $150. Kids also took part in the bouncy castle in addition to a visit from Sparky the dog, mascot for the Lamont Fire Fighters department.

A vehicle extrication demonstration was facilitated by a group of four firefighters, Cole Tatarin, Tyrel Kaluza, Xander Harpe and Lieutenant Nick Mercer, who tore through a donated car with specialized equipment to show the crowd how quickly a victim can be rescued from an accident scene.

Continued on Page 15

Lamont firefighters standing near the demolished vehicle after the extrication demonstration. L-R: Firefighters Cole Tatarin, Tyrel Kaluza, Xander Harpe and Lieutenant Nick Mercer. MORE PHOTOS PAGE 10

Photo: Sylvia McDonald

Record donations for Heroes in the Sky

Fundraiser for local firefighters clears over $3,000 after expenses

BY JANA SEMENIUK

The Friends of Lamont Fire Fighters Society held the most successful Heroes in the Sky Day ever in the annual event’s 13-year history on Sept. 9, bringing in over $3,000 to help support training and purchase equipment for local firefighters.

Treasurer for the Friends of Lamont Fire Fighters Society, Sylvia McDonald, said the event actually brought in over $5,000 but after paying some of the costs to host the event the remaining dollars amounted to over $3,000.

“We made more from our raffle table and business donations than in the past,” she said. “I would say probably our best year.”

Former Lamont deputy fire chief and current president for the Friends of Lamont Fire Fighters Society, Herman Sieker, said the event is important as there often isn’t enough in the budget to support the fire departments.

“The municipal budgets don't have enough funding to provide all of the necessary training and or equipment for firefighters,” he said. “So, our society raises money to support training and equipment to subsidize and supplement what the municipal budgets will allow for.”

Lamont County communications director Jay Zaal said the training budget for Lamont County Emergency Services is $80,000 to support the train-

ing for 72 staff in five different districts including Bruderheim, Mundare, Chipman, Lamont, and Andrew. He said it can cost anywhere from $100 to $2,500 per course for one staff member depending on position and course requirements.

“Lamont County attempts to do as many in-house programs and with regional partners as possible using the Lamont County’s Regional Training Centre to keep costs manageable,” he said.

Meanwhile, guests coming to enjoy Saturday’s event were treated to a fire fighters’ hat and gift bag for their children, in addition to hot dogs and hamburgers by donation. The raffle table

held several prizes including a smart watch donated in a gift basket from the Lamont Health Care Centre, and gift basket from Queen of Hearts dog grooming valued at $150. Kids also took part in the bouncy castle in addition to a visit from Sparky the dog, mascot for the Lamont Fire Fighters department.

A vehicle extrication demonstration was facilitated by a group of four firefighters, Cole Tatarin, Tyrel Kaluza, Xander Harpe and Lieutenant Nick Mercer, who tore through a donated car with specialized equipment to show the crowd how quickly a victim can be rescued from an accident scene.

Continued on Page 15

Lamont firefighters standing near the demolished vehicle after the extrication demonstration. L-R: Firefighters Cole Tatarin, Tyrel Kaluza, Xander Harpe and Lieutenant Nick Mercer. MORE PHOTOS PAGE 10

Photo: Sylvia McDonald

Lamont’s Picnic in the Park totally enjoyable

BY JOHN MATHER

It was a large crowd of parents and children who came out to Hillside Park, Sept. 7 to munch on hotdogs, smokies and kuby burgers; and enjoy participating in some fun games at Lamont’s Annual Picnic in the Park.

“It’s a great day for us to get together,” said Mayor Kirk Perrin in welcoming everyone.

“A successful community exists because of the volunteers and people who make a difference. It’s their mentality that shows through in everything they do.”

He thanked the volunteers from the Town’s parks and recreation for putting on the games and different volunteers and organizations who provided the food, popcorn and ice cream treats.

He mentioned that in the previous year the Town had planted trees

in honour of the town’s centenarians.

“Today we can officially unveil plaques for those who were honoured last year.

“The tree symbolizes the importance of community. They contribute to the beautification of our shared outdoor spaces.”

Perrin also mentioned longtime firefighter Bob Mitchell who passed away in the community earlier this year.

Mitchell had served in the Lamont Fire Department for more than 70 years and was recognized as Canada’s longest serving volunteer firefighter.

After Perrin's speech people gathered and enjoyed food and conversation, while others also tried their hands at disc golf which was set up on the south side of the park pavilion.

Above: Families try out disc golf. Below: Councillor Al Harvey tends to the BBQ for the Picnic in the Park event at Lamont, Sept. 7.

Departing Andrew employee has fun surprise for residents

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Andrew residents had an eye full on the morning of Sept. 6 as a dinosaur was seen picking up the village’s garbage.

Public Works Director

Chris Hodges said he decided to have a little fun and perform the weekly garbage pickup wearing his blow-up dinosaur costume.

“I thought it would be something to make the

residents smile,” he said.

Residents not only smiled and had a good laugh with Hodges, many came out of their homes to greet him and take photos.

Hodges, who has been with the village’s public works department for nearly 10 years, will have his last day employed with the Village on Sept. 29 after resigning his position earlier this month.

He said his fiancé was recently hired for a new job in Edmonton and they will be moving there.

“I’ve had a great time here (in Andrew),” he said. “It’s kind of bittersweet. This place has always been good to me and I’ve been good to them.”

Hodges said his position has been posted but there is no word yet on a potential replacement.

PICNIC IN THE PARK

A large crowd came out to Hillside Park in Lamont Sept. 7 to chow down on hotdogs, smokies and kuby burgers during the annual Picnic in the Park event.

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Or dropped off at the Village Office during business hours, 8:30 to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday, closed 12:00 to 1:00 for lunch daily.

Village of Andrew residents had a big surprise when they saw a dinosaur performing their weekly garbage pick up the morning of Sept. 6.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Natural gas bans an example of methane madness

BY JOHN MATHER

It has to be a sugar rush from chomping on too many Nanaimo bars.

The Vancouver Island city of the same name has voted, in a 5-4 decision, to ban the use of natural gas in new construction within the city limits.

Remind me not to buy a retirement residence in Nanaimo.

This decision was done ahead of Lotus Land’s Zero Carbon Step Plan which is scheduled to be enacted in 2030.

Heck, by that time I won’t even visit B.C.

In May, BC’s provincial government introduced what are essentially amendments to the building code to impose 20 percent higher energy efficiency requirements for new builds. Although it doesn’t specify fuel sources, it gives broad leeway to municipalities to impose their own rules.

What it means for Nanaimo is that natural gas won’t be allowed as a primary heating source in homes and new buildings, although ‘ancillary’ heat sources such as gas fireplaces, stoves, hot water heaters – and presumably barbecues – will still be allowed.

And some greenies want those banned too!

Nanaimo follows Vancouver, Victoria and Quebec City to impose similar bans. Toronto is considering one.

Back earlier this year, U.S. House of Representative bright light Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez jumped on the initial vague proposals that gas powered stoves are bad for you, which prompted several U.S. jurisdictions immediately to consider putting a ban on them.

And Ocasio-Cortez, tweeted, “Did you know that ongoing exposure to NO2 from gas stoves is linked to reduced cognitive performance?”

In California, the California Air Resources Board unanimously voted in September to ban the sale of natural gasfired furnaces and water heaters by 2030.

Democratic New York governor Kathy Hucal passed a state ban on fossil fuels combustion in new buildings outright starting in 2026, for buildings under seven stories and in 2029 for everything else.

Back in January I wrote that if this caught on, the Trudeau greenies led by Steve Guilbeault and Gerald Butts and of course supported by Rachel Notley’s boss Jagmeet Singh would be all over this.

So on the left coast it appears to be coming to pass and even possibly in Ontario.

CONTINUED

So I ask what is wrong with these people.

Canada is very much a cold weather country. Here in Alberta we have summer on a good day, spring and summer on a few more, and then winter.

I’ve wintered in B.C, and along the coast it gets very cold not just in temperature, but aided by humidity.

You have to be able to heat your home and whether people like it or not natural gas is a clean method of heating your home. And currently there’s not much on the horizon to replace it.

Will each new home now come with its own windmill and solar panels on the roof? Will they contain storage batteries to retain power for when the wind has died down and there’s no sun because of cloud cover, so

people can still stay warm?

Will the greenies allow wood burning stoves?

Nuclear module power plants could be the answer, but there are none in B.C.

Exposing an issue is a good thing only when you have a viable option to replace the problem.

In B.C., New York, and possibly California that answer isn’t on the horizon yet. The two U.S. cities do have nuclear power plants but not enough power to pick up the slack of a natural gas ban.

It’s just fear mongering among the gibberish issuing politicians who feel leftwing thinking trumps common sense.

So I have an idea.

Why don’t these politicians with the bright ideas try it out first. Put their money where their mouths are!

Those woke five council-

lors in Nanaimo should have to move out of their cosy, gas-heated homes.

Build a new green home –compare the building costs to a regular replacement … live in the new home and compare monthly charges for five years to develop an average price curve.

Then stand proudly and say they’ve lived a comfortable life throughout the test period before imposing their stupid policy on members of the community who they may be driving into bankruptcy without a second thought.

Home affordability is at an all time high right now and legislating untried green building codes into new developments is not going to bring the costs down anytime soon.

Stop this nonsense until there is a concrete plan moving forward!

BY HAZEL ANAKA

If you’ve been to a new doctor lately you’ve probably had your height measured. I was dismayed to learn I’m now ½ inch shorter than before. And when ‘before’ was only 5’ 3” we don’t have a lot to work with.

Losing an inch or two of one’s overall height is not unusual or unexpected. Of course, gender (always) plays a role with women losing more of their height than men do. So, what are the culprits at play here? Wear and tear, less cushioning between joints, osteoporosis, and even gravity all take their toll. The process begins in one’s thirties and forties and is irreversible.

I’ve never been hung up on my height one way or the other. It just was what it was; completely out of my control. Increasingly, I’m feeling like a little shrimp. I’ve

FROM WHERE I SIT: Understanding and Empathy

lost track of the number of times I’ve asked anyone, man or woman, taller than me to reach something off the top shelf in a grocery store. I can’t comfortably reach the kitchen cabinet over the fridge or anything off the top shelves in any of the cupboards without dragging a stool over. The seat in the truck is too deep for my short wheelbase and always give me pain of some sort if the trip is long enough. I’m the kind of person who finds virtually all upholstered furniture seats too deep. I’m forever trying to make up the difference with one or two cushions in the small of my back.

Whether I’m driving a car or a combine the seat is in the closest position so I can comfortably reach the pedals. I have a distinct disadvantage when carrying something heavy like a piece of furniture with someone who’s taller. My fourteen-year-old grandson is taller than I am. There are just some situations where having a little more leverage or reach are a definite advantage.

Surprisingly, I’ve never felt intimidated talking to someone taller

than me. If there is a significant height difference they need to bend over a bit because I can’t stand on tiptoes. I guess I feel I can hold my own despite it all. So, really the issue is practical and mechanical not a power differential.

So, what pray tell, does this have to do with anything? A few things. It’s just one small (short?) example of how every single person has something they’re dealing

with. The guy who’s 6’7” can’t find a bed big enough and has to buy his clothes and footwear from specialty sources. The guy who weighs three hundred pounds doesn’t fit in concert or airplane seats. The guy in a wheel chair still can’t access many places. The immigrant family has a language barrier. The hard-of-hearing miss important info and the joke’s punchline. The farmer never, ever vaca-

tions in September. The kid with glasses gets teased. You get the idea. And so, it goes. Some of these issues are a pain in the butt; others are life altering. Perhaps, recognizing which are which is the first step in gaining perspective and not sweating the small stuff. I will never know what it’s like to be 5’10” but I can empathize with some girl dealing with the downside of that genetic hand of cards.

It’s highly unlikely I’ll ever move to another country and be able to speak the native tongue but I can remember the language challenges of a week-long vacation in Mexico. I can also be patient with the broken English I hear on the telephone or during inperson interactions. Whether the annoyance/ handicap/ problem in question is our own or someone else’s, we deserve understanding and empathy, from where I sit.

From the files of the Lamont Leader

Sept. 30, 2014: Lamont Elementary School teacher Kelsey Kelly zooms in for the photos of students walking during the Terry Fox Run on Sept. 24.

Laker boys take silver in home tournament

BY JOHN MATHER

The Lamont Lakers

high school boys volleyball team played strong volleyball throughout the weekend at their Icebreaker Tournament but in the end, just couldn’t match a scrappy bunch from New Sarepta.

“We had all Grade 11 and 12’s on this year’s team,” said coach Cory Kokotailo. “We finished third in zones last year and hope to finish higher than that this year.

“The boys showed tremendous growth over the weekend, all teams in attendance did – it was an exciting weekend of volleyball and so great to see so many community members out to watch.”

The Lakers won their opening round robin games against Boyle by 25-6, and 25-9 scores, losing the second set 25-23. In their second game against St. Jerome’s JV the senior Lakers won in straight sets 25-17 and 25-23. In their final game Friday evening, the Lakers took down Bev Facey JV in two sets winning the first set 26-24 and the second by a 2518 margin.

In game four against Lloydminster Composite, the Lakers required all three sets, dropping the first set 2523 and then rebounding to win the next two sets 29-27 and 15-7.

Matched in their final round robin against New Sarepta the Lakers went out in two sets 25-17 and 25-20.

New Sarepta won their semi-final against Lloydminster in straight sets 25-14 and 25-15, while Lamont needed all three sets to edge Bev Facey JV to get into the final. They won games two and three 25-18 and 15-10, after dropping the first set 25-18.

That set up the final between New Sarepta and Lamont and again New Sarepta won in straight sets 25-18 and 25-21.

Bev Facey won the bronze medals downing Lloydminster in three

sets winning 26-24 in the first, losing the second 25-22, and then capturing third with a 15-11 win.

The Lakers play Sept. 22 and 23 in Redwater. Meanwhile the  Senior Lady Lakers were in Vermilion where they

finished eighth in a 32 team tournament.

The Lady Lakers defeated teams from New Myrnam, Provost, St. Walburg, Saskatchewan, and St. Jerome’s Vermilion, before split-

ting with the teams from FG Miller in Elk Point and Loon Lake, Saskatchewan.

The girls weekend came to an end in the quarter finals where they lost to Marwayne 2-0, by

scores of 25-21 and 25-20. The girls will host their own Lady Lakers tournament Sept. 22 and 23 beginning at 1 p.m. on Friday afternoon and running all day Saturday.

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A Lamont Lakers senior boy sets the volleyball up into the air for his teammate to send over the net for a kill shot in action at their Icebreaker Tournament on Sept. 9. The boys played well all weekend, but couldn’t overcome a strong squad from New Sarepta which defeated the Lakers in both round robin action and in the final for the team’s only two losses of the weekend.

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Emerance Maschmeyer inks po contract

BY JOHN MATHER Bruderheim’s golden girl, Emerance Masch-

meyer has signed a professional hockey contract with yet to be named

Ottawa women’s professional hockey franchise. Maschmeyer, a mem-

ber of Canada’s gold medal winning 2022 women’s hockey team, was one of three former Olympians signed by the franchise last week.

While salaries weren’t disclosed it is estimated the players in the fledgling league will have contracts in the $35,000 to $80,000 U.S range.

Maschmeyer joined forwards Emily Clark and Brianne Jenner in

signing free agent contracts with Ottawa.

Clark won a silver medal with the Canadian National team in the 2018 Olympics along with gold in 2022. Jenner won three Olympics medals including gold in 2014 and 2002 and silver in 2018.

The three agreed to three-year deals running until the end of the 202526 season.

Each team in the sixteam Professional Womens Hockey League will be limited to 20 standard player agreements prior to training camps beginning in November. The 2023 league draft is scheduled for Sept. 18. The six franchises in the league are in: Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, New York, Boston, and Minneapolis-St. Paul.

One dead, one injured in highway collisions

JANA SEMENIUK

Two separate serious vehicle accidents in Lamont County Sept. 9 have resulted in one man dead and another injured.

The dramatic day began with the Fort Sask. RCMP being dispatched to an accident at 8:55 am. involving a semi and a passenger vehicle collision.

The accident occurred on Highway 16 at Range Road 185. Lamont

County communications director Jay Zaal said by email that the fire stations of Mundare, Chipman and Lamont also attended the accident.

Tragically, the male driver of the vehicle was declared dead at the scene while the semi driver was not injured.

Several hours later, at 10:30 p.m., the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP were once again called to Highway 16 only this

time on Range Road 182 for a serious single vehicle rollover in the west bound lanes. Lamont County communications director Jay Zaal said by email once again that the fire stations of Mundare, Chipman and Lamont also attended the accident.

RCMP closed the highway to allow a landing zone for STARS air ambulance. There is no update on the condition of the driver.

23093BF0

Bruderheim’s Emerance Maschmeyer

Bruderheim council defeats anti-hate bylaw twice in the same meeting - Mayor changes his vote

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Bruderheim

Council-

lor Len Falardeau made a motion at the Sept. 6 council meeting to put forward an anti-hate bylaw, continuing from his notice of motion presented at the previous meeting.

Falardeau said he was less concerned with individuals expressing discrimination and more concerned with local groups, although he would not specify what groups he was targeting.

“(The) majority of communities (already) have (this) in place,” he said. “It's a policy set by law. It's an anti-racism, discrimination and diversity policy and it basically applies to council, employees and all the groups that represent the community (and) are involved with the community.

“I don't care about individuals, that's not the issue here. It's the groups like the Town and everything else, and (the) majority (of) the towns have it so I'd like to make a motion that we put (forward) an antiracism, discrimination and diversity policy.”

Deputy Mayor Wayne Olechow asked whether there was already human rights legislation in place and how far reaching this bylaw would be.

“We can’t control what groups do or say,” he said.

Falardeau was insistent that the bylaw was necessary.

“You’re nitpicking. (This bylaw is) saying that anybody who works with the Town of Bruderheim has to honour this policy,” he said.

“The groups work with us and they will have to understand we have a policy in place.”

Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsythe supported the council passing the resolution, allowing her to research what policies are out

there to see if Falardeau’s motion is in alignment with them.

“Honestly, I think council should pass this resolution,” she said.

“We will do our due diligence; we will bring forth what we find and council will make decisions going from there.”

Councillor George Campbell said he was uncomfortable with the use of the word ‘groups’.

“I have a hard time analyzing or deciphering what is meant by the name ‘groups’” he said.

“I think this motion is trying to single out somebody or some group and therefore, I cannot agree with this motion.”

The motion was defeated with Councillor Falardeau the only supporting vote. Falardeau made several angry statements after the vote was made, admonishing the council for defeating the motion.

Mayor Karl Hauch defended the democratic right of council to vote on the issue.

Meanwhile, the motion was brought forward a second time during the council and committee reports portion of the meeting with Mayor Hauch asking council if they would be willing to revisit the motion.

CAO Forsythe read the amended motion, excluding the term ‘groups’ and instead stated ‘an anti-racism, discrimination and diversity policy for all of Town Council, Town employees or committee organizations that represent the community goals of the Town of Bruderheim’.

The motion sparked a spirited conversation with some council members wanting more definition around which particular committees were meant in the motion.

Falardeau insisted he wasn’t targeting any specific organizations and would not specify which

committees or organizations he meant in his motion.

Councillor Campbell said he was firmly against the motion.

“This motion is being pushed,” he said. “I feel that there's enough within our Town policies and within our council (and)

code of ethics to deliver the procedures we need. This is just something that somebody wants to push. End of story.”

In a twist, the motion was once again defeated but this time Mayor Hauch raised his hand to support the newly worded motion, making the

vote three against two.

Hauch said later by text message that he supported the new version of the motion because he felt it was worded properly.

“The wording of the second motion was revised to my satisfaction and therefore I

voted for it,” he said. The next Bruderheim council meeting is scheduled for Sept. 20 at 7 p.m. at the town fire hall. Residents can attend in person or watch the meeting online through the Town’s Facebook page.

Move in anytime from September 1st, 2023 to November 30th, 2023

Alberta still to address student preferred name and pronoun policy

BY JANA SEMENIUK

While SK and NB governments made waves last month by instituting policies stating all students, including those who identify as an opposite gender or non-binary, under the age of 16 must have parental consent before changing their preferred names or pronouns at school, the Alberta government has not yet made a clear stance on the issue.

Policies for LGBTQ youth in Alberta were initially put in place in an effort to create safe supportive environments for them, including keeping their personal information private from their families who might not be understanding of their new identity.

Fort SaskatchewanVegreville MLA Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk said she supports the rights of parents while also supporting a welcoming environment in schools.

“I am aware of the recent decisions in SK and NB and I can let you know we will be discussing this as a caucus together,” she said. “Schools should be welcoming and caring places while at the same time the rights and fundamental role of parents must be respected.”

In NB, education minister Bill Hogan clarified adjustments to their LGBTQ policy which now states students under the age of 16 must have parental consent before changing their preferred name or pronouns.

“We fundamentally believe that it is wrong to hide information from parents,” said Hogan in a press release. “We respect parents, and we recognize the critical role they play in their child’s life and education.”

Director of Communications for Elk Island Public Schools, Laura McNabb, said the division upholds the stu-

dent’s privacy as referenced in their administrative procedures located on their website.

“The Division shall maintain the right of sexual minority students and staff to privacy and confidentiality regarding their sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression and protect them from unwanted disclosure of such information,” she said of the AP. “Students’ right of self-identification is the sole measure of their sexual orientation, gender identity and/or gender expression. Transgender students shall have the right to be addressed by their preferred name(s) and pronoun(s) that correspond to their lived gender identities.”

Although a preferred name can be changed by the student without legal

documents, the legal name can only be changed with legal documentation from Alberta Vital Statistics.

Alberta Parents’ Union director Jeff Park said SK and NB are a step in the right direction and hopes Alberta will soon follow suit.

“The vast majority of Canadians agree that parents should be informed before name or pronoun changes are made, often amounting to a complete social transition of gender at school. This is not to mention the even stronger support of these policies among parents,” he said by email.

Cows in a pasture near Lamont appear oblivious to the blanket of wildfire smoke covering the county recently. According to Environment and Climate Change Canada, the Air Quality Health Index (AQHI) fluctuated over the long weekend from 7, moderate risk, to 10+ a very high risk. Monday the level remained at 7.

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

“I believe all schools should have a policy of transparency with parents. Public schools should realign themselves to meet the public trust.”

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Lamont firefighter Tyrell Kaluza uses a windshield cutter to quickly slice through the car's windshield during the vehicle extrication demonstration.

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Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, September 13, 2023

Makeshift shelters in Bruderheim forested area have councillor concerned

BY JANA SEMENIUK Bruderheim councillor

George

Campbell

brought up a concern at the Sept. 6 town council meeting around an encampment that was discovered in the forest south of the railroad tracks on the west end of the town.

He said neighbours alerted him to the area where two shelters had been haphazardly constructed out of large tarps and large wooden sticks. Campbell speculated the area was used by people, possibly teenagers, as a place to hang out and expressed concern with the fire evidence left behind and stolen town property in addition to beer cans and cigarette butts.

“One of the things I saw there was some of our street signs that were missing,” he said. “There are cigarette butts, beer cans, fire pits, shelters,

you name it. Somebody is going to get hurt there. It’s only a matter of time.”

Campbell said he emailed Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsythe who directed him to report the matter to the RCMP. Campbell mentioned that he also spoke to Director of Public Works Dennis Tomushcat around the encampment, prompting Forsythe to scold him.

“I am a little confused,” she said. “I did get an email from Councillor Campbell. I did direct him to the RCMP, and then it appears he circumvented me and went to my staff and that is not appropriate.”

Campbell said he only spoke to Tomuschat to let him know the Town’s signs were there and apologized if he overstepped his bounds.

“But this being said,

these matters have got to be interjected in some timely fashion. These things have been going on too long,” he said.

“I am bringing it forward to town council so that they know of this matter and hopefully, with due course, something will be done about it.”

Mayor Karl Hauch said the issue is for the RCMP to deal with and Campbell should follow up with them if he is still worried.

“I turned it in,” said Campbell. “I think it’s the Town’s responsibility to follow up.”

A call to the Fort Saskatchewan RCMP by the Lamont Leader revealed the issue had been redirected to Strathcona Bylaw Enforcement who sent bylaw officer Riley Ewasiuk out to investigate last week. Campbell said he accompanied

Ewasiuk to the site where Campbell said Ewasiuk took several photos.

In a later phone call, Ewasiuk said he could not elaborate on the investigation and instead directed the Lamont Leader to his supervisor Sgt. Mike Burdinsky who did not respond to a

voice mail by press time.

Meanwhile, Forsythe said she assumes the tented area is on CN land and that the Town of Bruderheim is unable to intervene.

“I believe the “encampment” is located on CN Lands,” she said by email Sept. 12. “The RCMP are aware of it

and there is an ongoing investigation, the Town of Bruderheim cannot trespass onto private lands to remove structures without proper authorizations, and at this time this is an ongoing RCMP matter, we have not sought authorization.”

A makeshift encampment in a forested area south of the railroad tracks on the west side of Bruderheim where stolen Town property and a number of other discarded items were discovered recently. An expletive spraypainted on a tree has been blurred from the photo. Photo: Jana Semeniuk

Speed bumps installed to protect wildlife at EINP

6 bison killed in 3 years - 100 km/h over speed limits recorded

BY JOHN MATHER

Elk Island National Park has gone to installing speed bumps along its paved roads to curb speeding within the national park and to protect wildlife from speeding motorists.

Since 2020, six bison have been struck and killed by vehicles in EINP including one on

August 10.

Data obtained from digital speed limit signs within the park show recorded speeds as high as 144km/hr on the 40 km/hr administration road.

In addition the Park officials have instituted a Wildlife and Roads project this summer that will monitor the instances of

wildlife mortality in and around the park. The goal of this study, park officials stated in a release, is to better understand the patterns of road mortality relating to location and time of day in order to identify effective preventative measures.

Construction begins on Lamont’s new Tawaw Park

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Construction on Lamont’s newest play space, Tawaw Park, began last month.

Lamont director of public works, Tyler Edworthy, said the work began with site preparation for the pavilion and was coordinated by local business owner Trevor Schinkinger.

“The site preparation for the pavilion was

coordinated with Trevor Schinkinger, who donated his time and materials. The cement pad was poured Aug. 31,” said Edworthy, adding that the weather has so far caused a few minor delays but the project is still on target for completion at the end of Sept. in time for National Truth and Reconciliation Day on the 30th.

Lamont Mayor Kirk

Bruderheim steps up security at town gazebo

BY JANA SEMENIUK

Town of Bruderheim director of public works

Dennis Tomuschat said at least four incidents of vandalism over the past two months have prompted an increase in security to the town’s gazebo site, also known as ‘Niikaanag Park’.

Perrin made the park announcement during the town’s Summerfest celebrations on July 7.

He said the park project, which will include a play structure, pavilion, and walking trails is aimed at promoting inclusivity while contributing to the Town’s goal towards indigenous reconciliation.

“(The name) ’Tawaw’ is Cree for ‘come in, you are welcome’ or ‘there is room’ or ‘there is always room for one more’,” he said during the July announcement.

During an interview Sept. 12, Tomushcat said he has had enough with vandalism at the park.

“They're pulling our lights down, breaking bottles on the concrete and have put graffiti on our big chair,” he said.

“I’m not going to put up with it.”

Tomuschat said it disturbs him to see damage done to the park.

“That gazebo, for me, is a very special place because I see so many seniors sitting there every morning,” he said.

“I try to make sure it’s taken care of because they use it a great deal.”

increased security cameras in the area and that any evidence collected will be forwarded to the RCMP. He said the majority of the incidents have occurred between 11 p.m. and 2 a.m., adding one camera so far has captured five to seven teenagers committing the vandalism.

A freshly poured cement pad will become the base for the new Tawaw park pavilion on 46 street in Lamont. The park, whose name means 'there is always room for one more' in Cree, is scheduled to be completed at the end of Sept.

Heroes

Continued from front

The vehicle was completely accessible within 15 minutes.

Meanwhile, Sieker said the Heroes in the Sky event is purposely scheduled for the second Saturday in September every year to recognize not only the 9/11 tragedy but also fallen firefighters across the country.

“It’s typically the second Saturday in September every year

Photo: Jana Semeniuk

(because its) closest to the Canadian fallen Firefighters National Day which is the second Sunday in September every year. That day was named in 2017 and it's where they recognize the fallen firefighters over the last year,” said Sieker.

“It also falls closest to September 11, which is the anniversary of the attacks on the Twin Towers and on the Pentagon.”

Sieker retired from the fire department in 2019 after a 31-year career.

MO NEW SUMMER PRICE!

Lamont Chief Administrative Officer Rick Bastow said the project will cost close to $265,000 with $100,000 of the total being donated by Cenovus Energy.

Tomushcat said at least 15 hours total have been spent by Town employees to repair the damage and clean up the site after incidents of vandalism.

He said the Town has

Meanwhile, the Town of Bruderheim has a Curfew Bylaw that has been on the books since 2016. It states the reasoning for the bylaw as ‘some young people within the Town of Bruderheim are on the streets and in public places late at night unsupervised by adults and this may present a danger to the health, safety and welfare of such young people’.

The bylaw further reads that no minor, a person under the age of 15 years, can be in a public place during the Curfew Period between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. with

some exceptions.

The fines for infractions are directed to parents or guardians and range from $100 for a first offense to $200 for second and subsequent offences with the enforcement of the bylaw at the sole discretion of the Peace Officer.

Bruderheim Chief Administrative Officer Phyllis Forsythe said by email that she is unsure how often the bylaw is enforced and expects a review of it very soon.

“I don’t know if it has ever been enforced,” she said. “As for a review, I anticipate research starting next month.”

The Bruderheim town gazebo, also known as 'Niikaanag Park', has suffered at least four incidents of vandalism over the past two months prompting an increase in security measures.

Photo: Jana Semenuik

Lamont Leader (Lamont, Alberta), Wednesday, September 13, 2023

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

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

For more information, scan the QR code or visit lamontcounty.ca/community-programming

Community Grants – Application Deadline Extended munity Grants Deadline Exten (for 2023 – LAST CHANCE TO APPLY)

Lamont County recognizes the valuable contributions made by community and volunteer organizations/groups to improve the quality of life (health, well-being and social development) for residents with its community grant program.

Due to recent changes and requirements, Lamont County has extended the application period to September 30 (applications are normally due by June 1 each year). To apply for a community grant see: lamontcounty.ca/governance/boardscommittees/lamont-county-grants-application-form (eligibility requirements are listed in the Community Grants Policy 3112).

Grain Producer Survey Feed Quality, Testing and Analysis –Alternative Feed Supplies

The University of Alberta is asking grain producers across the Prairies to assist with a survey on the adoption of winter wheat and ultra-early seeding of spring wheat. Learn more and participate at: https://forms.gle.LkN0QwSBMjehA Wezx8, or see lamontcounty.ca/agservices for more details about the study.

When looking at all alternatives for feed supplies, feed testing is always a good option to explore to ensure animal health and welfare.

A visual assessment may not be accurate enough to assess quality & may lead to costly alternatives to maintain health.

Visit Feed Quality, Testing & Analysis for Beef Cattle - BeefResearch.ca for details on testing & tools.

SPEED REMINDERS – Students are back to school = 30 km/h or as posted in school zones. Alberta Transportation has also updated safety regulations for passing ALL roadside workers. See Alberta.ca/rodadside-worker-safety.aspx

NOTE: September 18-24 is proclaimed Rail Safety Week in Lamont County.

Next Agricultural Service Board (ASB) Meeting

The next scheduled ASB meeting is (tentatively) on October 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 Meeting

The next Regular Council Meeting is on Tuesday, September 26, 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/governance/agendas-minutes.

Please Note –inFocus is alsoavailable for viewing online at: www.lamontcounty.ca/communications

(for those wanting to view the weekly submission as fullsized PDF and to access hyperlinks).