Move Up ~ Issue 11 by VAULTmedia

DANIEL’S COFFEE

FIGHTING HATRED WITH KINDNESS

ESÂWA GIFTS AND GALLERY HOME IS WHERE THE ART IS

GO MIGHTY PEACE

TRAVEL & EXPLORE THE PEACE REGION

Local Features News Events Opportunities

Ironstone Resources

the dan Mody interview Local legend looks back

Could our future be in iron ore?

TAKE ONE

Rustic Charm &

Cozy Cabins Unforgettable Getaways

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Rustic Charm

SUMMER EDITION 2016

►

Contents >>

VOLUME XI

PUBLISHERS

Tormaigh Van Slyke | tormaigh@pcpublishing.ca Jenelle Van Slyke | hello@moveupmag.com EDITORS

Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke

Cozy Cabins Unforgettable Getaways p. 23

ADVERTISING SALES

Tormaigh Van Slyke | tormaigh@pcpublishing.ca LAYOUT DESIGN

Aimie Williams Tormaigh Van Slyke Jenelle Van Slyke AD DESIGN

Aimie Williams PHOTOGRAPHY

Paul Lavoie Images, You and Mee WRITERS

Community Futures Staff, Dan Dibbelt, Drew Rogers, Geneva Seaton, Brian Siddle, Valerie Tradewell, Jenelle Van Slyke, Tormaigh Van Slyke, Talena Winters Move Up is published by VAULTmedia. No content herein can be reproduced without written consent of the publisher. 12,000 copies are printed and distributed throughout the Mighty Peace Region, Alberta and beyond. Move Up is 100 per cent funded by advertising dollars.

CROWDFUNDING

A unique alternative to business financing

p. 54

Also >> 10

Ironstone Resources

Mody in his Home

^ Esawa Gifts and Gallery

Adventure Awaits

Mining Iron Ore in Clear Hills County

Interviewing a local broadcasting legend

High Level’s unique gift store

FIND MOVE UP IN ALL 14 FRESON BROS. LOCATIONS

PREDA

PEACE REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

MOVE UP IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE PEACE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY PAUL LAVOIE IMAGES

Going on a trail ride at Horse Trekking Adventures #Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 2 0 1 6 M OV E U P

NEWS

Downtown Fairview is getting a facelift With revitalization in the works since 2013, the upgrades continue this summer with improvements being made to Fairview’s downtown core. The 2016 beautification plans include new duel colour concrete sidewalk on the east and west side from 101 St. to 102 St. and a new duel colour sidewalk on the east side from 102 Ave. to 103 Ave.—including replacing the ramp entrances with a pedestrian-friendly sidewalk as well as an increase in street parking. The sidewalk on the east side of 103 Ave. to 104 Ave. will also be upgraded to the duel colour concrete. Twenty-two banners will be installed on Main Street light poles, in a variety of colours and designs. Welcome banners on the light poles at the Hwy. 2 entrance will also be installed. Hemstock Park will also be receiving quite the upgrade as well. Broken paths will be replaced with grass; tables and benches will be added; a focal point entrance with plantings, benches and signage will also be added; trees will be planted and public Wi-Fi access will be available. For more information about Fairview’s Downtown improvements visit Fairview.ca 4

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Peace RIver Regional Airport Society Formed The Peace River Airport has long been an important part of the north Peace Region, and with the formation of the Peace River Regional Airport Society (PRRAS), it will now be managed and operated as a regional facility. The five partnering municipalities include Northern Sunrise County, County of Northern Lights, Town of Peace River, Town of Grimshaw and the MD of Peace. Following months of collaboration, the group was excited to announce the official formation of the Peace River Regional Airport Society. The PRRAS is an initiative that will assume responsibility for the running and management of the Peace River Airport. Lac Cardinal Regional Economic Development has been facilitating the municipal sessions and has funded an economic development strategy for the airport with the intent of identifying new opportunities to grow the airport and surrounding lands. “Lac Cardinal Economic Development has been vital in

bringing our municipalities together to recognize the value and regional nature of this airport,” said Town of Peace River Mayor, Tom Tarpey. “The airport is a valuable economic resource and is equally important for the provision of medical evacuation services and fire suppression for the region. It is exciting to see the municipalities working together on this regional project,” added Carolyn Kolebaba, Deputy Reeve of Northern Sunrise County and the Chair of PRRAS. The municipalities have been meeting for six months to work out funding formulas, terms of reference and management details. Each municipality has contributed considerable time in ensuring the Peace River Airport remains a vital resource for all the communities that utilize it. “The Town of Peace River and the region’s municipalities recognize the value of the airport. We are committed to this great regional asset and this great regional initiative,” added Tarpey.

Pictured from left, Peace River Mayor Tom Tarpey, MD of Peace Reeve Veronica Bliska, County of Northern Lights Reeve Cheryl Anderson, MD of Peace Deputy Reeve Bob Willing, Grimshaw Town Councillor Peter Jonk, Northern Sunrise Country Deputy Reeve and Society Chairperson Carolyn Kolebaba, Peace River Town Councillor Colin Needham, Grimshaw Town Councillor Dave Allan, Lac Cardinal Economic Development Officer Dan Dibbelt, and William Stewart, the Airport’s Transportation and SMS Manager. Photography courtesy of the Town of Peace River.

...because people matter

1-888-624-4911 www.callapl.com

About APL NEMT APL now provides a professional transportation service that will improve the quality of life for our senior citizens and those requiring wheel chair accessible transportation. We provide accessible “through the door” service that responds to seniors’ individualized needs. These needs include, but are not limited to: medical and dental appointments, grocery shopping, banking, hairdressers or even religious or social activities.

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NEWS

Monster Truck Throwdown is Coming

n August 5 & 6, Monster Truck Throwdown is putting on two incredible shows you will not want to miss at the Peace River Ag Grounds. Monster Truck Throwdown is a live show that tours the United States and Canada with a world-class, family friendly motorsport experience. See Double Double, Trouble Maker, Island Outlaw and more—plus the backflippin’ thrills of freestyle motocross. According to Organizer Rob Roger countless volunteer hours and preparations are imperative for such a large scale event to take place. “In preparing for such a unique event for the first time, I’m happy to say that our local businesses and community have provided generous donations and sponsorships, which have been a huge help for the Monster Truck Throwdown,” said Roger. “We believe events like this are very important as they connect people from all over the region. We are attracting people from all over the province and as far north as the territories. We get to show them what makes the Peace Region unique as a place to work, live and play.” Concession and Beer Garden available. Event will go on rain or shine. Pit party at 5pm. Meet your favourite riders, get autographs and check out the trucks ($10). Show at 7pm. Advance prices are: Kids $10, Adults $20, Pit Party Pass: $10, VIP Adult: $30 (Incl. poster and pit party pass) Kids 5 & under are free. pragsociety.com

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Enjoy Summer’s End Aug. 27

or the sixth consecutive year, Fairview’s downtown will come alive with fun, festivities and the spirit of community involvement and civic pride. Yes, that’s right. The Summer’s End Festival is coming. Fairview’s annual community festival is back and better than ever. Patrons can expect a variety of quality live entertainment on the main stage including local acts, the Circus of Hell and more. Headlining the main stage in the evening is Grande Prairie’s country sensation, Brad Sims.

outdoor swap meet, kids activities, demonstrations and more. The Street Spectacular also offers a participant cruise, poker rally and BBQ for $25 (includes tshirt). The show and shine runs from 11am to 4pm on Main Street. The fun doesn’t end there. Families can also enjoy bouncy castles, a mechanical bull and portable bungee jumping, a quilt show in the curling rink, face painting, spin art, henna tattoos, a watermelon eating contest and so much more.

The secondary stage will feature more local entertainment, vendors and Roman’s Reptiles.

Browse local vendors and relish in the mouth-watering choices from the food booths.

Adults can enjoy a frosty beverage in the beer garden, hosted by the Fairview Flyers.

Did we mention that the Summer’s End Festival is a free community event?

Car aficionados will appreciate the 22nd Annual Peace Classic Wheels Street Spectacular. The annual show and shine offers a 100+ car show and shine, live entertainment, a large indoor/

The Summer’s End Festival is August 27 and is held Downtown Fairview.

Photography by You and Mee

Grimshaw’s new Viterra elevators open “New York has the Statue of Liberty, Sydney has the Opera House and the Municipal District of Peace has Viterra!” ~ MD of Peace Reeve Veronica Bliska

n June 1, 2016, Viterra Inc., Canada’s grain industry leader, hosted an official grand opening event at its new high throughput grain terminal located in the MD of Peace, just north of

Grimshaw, Alberta. Viterra customers, employees and local government officials gathered to commemorate the company’s significant investment in the Peace Region. “We take great care to evaluate our footprint and make the targeted investments necessary to support our industry today and well into the future,” said Kyle Jeworski, Viterra’s President and CEO for North America. “Our new location is an excellent fit for Viterra, one that will provide local customers with the high level of service and quality products they expect from us, and reinforces our commitment to driving

excellence in Canada’s supply chain.” According to MD of Peace Reeve Veronica Bliska, at one time, Grimshaw was the largest grain shipping centre in the British Empire, and while the local landscape has changed, Viterra is strategically positioned in a good location to service the many farming communities all around our region. The new facility has 30,000 tonnes of grain storage and 104 railcar loading capacity. In her speech, Reeve Bliska emphasized the significance of the new facility to the local economy. “The MD of Peace is agriculture. It defines

our past and it is a big part of our future. Our municipality, our neighbours and the surrounding area will all truly benefit from this amazing grain handling facility,” said Bliska. As the MD celebrates its centennial this year it is a time for reflection and a time to look forward with great anticipation. “It’s an exciting time for agriculture, and as we continue achieving success outside our borders in global markets; we realize that it’s communities like this one that allow us to do so,” said Jeworski.

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newcomers experience the beautiful wide, clean skies, the great recreational activities, the access to local cultural events and the great opportunities for friendship and purpose.

everal years ago I was a senior manager with the Alberta Government, working out of Peace River. It was a great job. I had about a dozen people working under me, all very talented and committed to their work. Many of them were new to the workforce as they were recent grads from university. A couple of them were from the north, most were not. It was always a challenge whenever we lost an employee and had to hire someone new. Most people, especially if they are not from the north, think life up here is a whole lot harder than down south. There are the usual stereotypes about the cold long winters, lack of services and lack of things to do. It is not long before

like Edmonton get a lot of qualified applicants. And, that is where we have an advantage—and where applicants have an even bigger advantage. Jobs posted for positions in the

Applicants can apply for jobs in the nor th that they wouldn’t necessarily be considered for elsewhere. But, perhaps one of the greatest benefits for people contemplating a move north is the availability of opportunities. In large urban centers when a job is posted, many, many applicants tend to apply. Edmonton alone has 17 post-secondary institutions. The University of Alberta has about 40,000 students. Studies show that 70 per cent of students stay in the region in which they graduated to pursue work. The math would show that positions in centres

north simply don’t get the same amount of interest they would get if they were posted in a larger urban centre. The advantage for those who apply is their odds of being short listed or hired are much higher. The other advantage is applicants can apply for jobs in the north that they wouldn’t necessarily be considered for elsewhere. The opportunity for an applicant to be given a position above what they may have been eligible for

COLUMN

Stay for the lifestyle

in southern communities is an attraction. The problem for Peace Region employers is that many of these newcomers use northern positions to build their resume so they can apply and be considered for jobs down south. But, as many of us can say from experience, we also came up with the intention of returning down south after a couple years; and yet, many years later, we’re still here. In the north people are genuinely kind and caring. They help their neighbours; they help strangers. They love their community and they love the north. Newcomers will have similar experiences. They will be swayed by the northern skies. They will be enamored by the golden wheat fields and the bright yellow canola fields. The fresh air and the sounds of silence will embrace them. And the people will befriend them.

DAN DIBBELT | MANAGER | PEACE REGIONAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE //

Come for the opportunity

Opportunity entices people to choose life in the Peace Region, and everything else we offer convinces them to stay.

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building a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Clear Hills County for the direct reduction process. “We use a process called direct reduction where we combine the iron ore with carbon at a high temperature. It strips the oxygen off the iron oxide and reduces the iron ore into a metallic, rather than the traditional iron oxide form that is sold to China. The metallic form is actually much more valuable and is typically sold to more modern steel makers in the United States who would normally purchase scrap metal,” said Caplan.

President & CEO of Ironstone resources ltd., barry caplan

IS OUR FUTURE IN IRON ORE? By tormaigh van slyke

he Peace Region’s economic climate may completely change for the better in the years to come, but probably not for the reasons you might expect. That’s because, believe it or not, billions of tonnes of iron ore deposits live deep in the earth in Clear Hills County, and though they have been thought to be next to worthless, Ironstone Resources Ltd. is hatching plans to make this ore the gift that keeps on giving. This would not only mean job creation, economic development and new infrastructure, it would also mean putting the Peace Region on the map as a centre of cutting-edge, revolutionary innovation in iron ore mining and manufacturing.

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Move Up had the opportunity to speak with Barry Caplan, President and CEO of Ironstone Resource Ltd, who is a geologist with over 30 years of experience in resource exploration and development. According to Caplan, roughly 80 million years ago Alberta was actually covered by shallow ocean water and this is why our iron ore is not currently being sold. It’s simply not old enough. “Ore in Western Canada is relatively young—it’s only about 80 million years old; whereas most iron ore around the world measures into the hundreds of millions or billions of years old,” said Caplan. “It’s what’s considered to be “oolitic”—from the Greek for egg, oolit—meaning it’s covered or encased.”

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Normally, mined ore has a purity level of 30 per cent. It’s heated and compressed to make pellets, which amps the purity up to 65 per cent, and then it’s shipped to China where there is a very high demand for it. From there, it’s put into blast furnaces and produced into steel. The Clear Hills ore, however, has a much lower purity level and it contains higher levels of phosphorus, which is essentially a poison that weakens steel. So, not surprisingly, most ore sold in the world is low in phosphorus. While the “good” ore of the world is being highly exploited, the oolitic ore is being largely ignored— including the billion tonnes found in the Peace Region—but Ironstone has a plan to change that by

Nearly everything needed for the direct reduction process, natural gas, coal and carbon, can fortuitously be found on the site of the Clear Hills Project. Ironstone wants to capture the impurities from the oolitic ore and repurpose them, namely the Vanadium. Vanadium is a byproduct of the direct reduction process and it’s quite a remarkable element. Vanadium is often mixed with iron to strengthen steel. It’s used in military planes and car frames—where ever strong, lightweight steel is necessary. More importantly, however, Vanadium is what is called an electric metal and has the potential to be a green energy resource for storing wind and solar energy. This could have a major impact on the Peace Region because the Clear Hills Project houses over 2.5 billion pounds of vanadium, representing one of the largest compliant vanadium deposits in the world. And, there’s more:

“Vanadium is also being combined with lithium to extend the range of electric batteries for cars, so the real advantage of vanadium, we believe, is in the future of energy storage because that’s one of the major hurdles of the renewable energy industry today,” said Caplan. “It’s a relatively low-cost byproduct when we produce our steel. We’ll use some of the Vanadium to strengthen the steel, but our goal is to sell it as an electrolyte for use in energy storage batteries.” According to Caplan, the Clear Hills Project will attempt to be a carbon neutral operation. “We expect to have no effluent gases going up through our stacks. We’re looking at capturing all of our waste energy and converting the waste energy into electricity,” said Caplan. “Our goal is to sell the electricity back into the grid.” According to Caplan, Ironstone will also be working closely with the Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC) and their Centre for Research and

Innovation to capture the CO2 and carbon emissions and convert them into merchantable products. In addition, plans are in place to ensure the mining will have a minimal environmental impact. “This will be very low impact mining, so no explosives. This is strictly an electric mining operation with a relatively shallow open pit. As we move, we backfill. So it won’t be a big open hole in the ground for 25 or 50 years. Remediation occurs almost instantaneously,” said Caplan. Caplan estimates the Clear Hills Project will generate roughly 1,000 full-time jobs when it is fully operational. “The Clear Hills Project is a fantastic opportunity for highly skilled, high paying jobs,” said Caplan. “We’re certainly looking at working with the GPRC for skill development, apprenticeship and skills training. There will be a lot of good careers ahead as we move to start this in five or six year’s time.”

If all goes well, the Peace Region might also be in line for major investments into local transportation infrastructure. “We’re looking at not only upgrading the Notikewin road from Worsley into the north from the south, but we’re also looking at building a rail spur from the CN line connecting Dixonville to the east. And we’ll build a new road along that rail so we can bring people in from the east side of the Clear Hills,” said Caplan. While all these expectations may seem lofty, Ironstone has dedicated the past eight years to this project—the first four on the resource and development side and the latter four on the process and engineering side. To date, Caplan says Ironstone’s capital investment has been approximately $30 million. “We’ve worked diligently for the last three or four years to develop a technology to upgrade this particular ore into a product that can be turned into steel,” said Caplan.

Moving forward over the next two years, Caplan’s goal is to build a pilot plant close to Hines Creek where Ironstone will continue to develop their iron-making and steel-making processes and study the byproducts of the direct reduction process. Caplan estimates construction will begin in 2018/2019 and the project will be operational by 2021. “We’ve done a lot of work behind the scenes, but effectively we’re moving into our commercialization phase,” said Caplan. Ironstone plans to potentially license their technology to other companies, so similar deposits can be processed globally. With all these plans underway, it is an exciting time for the Peace Region. By using such sophisticated and innovative processes, Ironstone is gearing up to have a huge and diverse impact on local lives, both in the near future and for generations to come.

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Power Engineering Power Engineering 3rd 4th and 5th Class Available Anywhere! These programs are delivered with flexible offerings! You have the choice to take courses in any order and can start each course in whichever offering you choose.

Need your required 4th Class firing time? Take advantage of the Northern Lakes College Shell Canada Power Engineering & Technology Centre in Peace River for the 5 weeks hands on training. Courses starting August 2016. Apply Today!

northernlakescollege.ca 1.866.652.3456

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COLUMN

school to work on the course. My parents were proud of my decision and my friends thought I was crazy.”

hanks to an innovative Northern Lakes College (NLC) program, two northern Alberta youths have completed all theoretical components of their Power Engineering 4th Class certificate alongside their high school diplomas. And thanks to the generous industry support of Shell Canada, they’ve achieved it all without undertaking any student debt.

The Shell Canada bursary will also play a large role in Larson and Tremblay’s future success. While grateful for the generous financial assistance, both young men expressed the most enthusiasm over the opportunity to complete their steam lab hours.

Eric Larson and Jonah Tremblay are the successful graduates of Northern Lakes College’s Power Engineering 4th Class program, a certificate program in which participants earn industrial certification and high school diploma credits simultaneously. Because of the academic achievement, future planning and trade understanding demonstrated in their Shell Canada Dual Credit Bursary application essays and interviews, each have received an invitation to complete their practical training at the Northern Lakes College Shell Canada Power Engineering and Technology Centre in Peace River. The young men were gifted $5,500 to cover tuition for the power engineering lab training in Peace River.

trades education, a program that readies students for meaningful employment immediately after high school offers an incredible opportunity. But perhaps as remarkable as the program are the students who choose to begin the college course in only grade ten. While the program includes engaging visits to local mills, a weeklong training experience and assistance from distance learning NLC Trades Instructors, it also includes extensive study of complex theory and multiple exams—aspects of learning that require a level of mature discipline not typical of such young students.

During a time when student debt has hit record highs and many young people struggle to find meaningful employment without post-secondary or

“I guess I’m a little different,” Larson said in regards to choosing the program over easier high school courses. “But my dad is also a power

Eric Larson (L) and Jonah Tremblay (R) are graduates of Northern Lakes College’s Power Engineering 4th Class Program engineer, and my sister actually took the program two years before I started it. It’s amazing to get an opportunity like this— something that could actually get me ahead in my career before high school was even over. Some of my friends laughed at me for taking a college course while they took spares, but I knew it would be worth it in the end. Some of the kids I go to school with are just starting to think about college or university, but I’m ready to start my career.” While both students felt the program was challenging, an accommodating study schedule helped. “Balancing school work and the NLC program was actually quite easy,” Tremblay said. “During final exams it was a bit difficult, but I was always given time during

“Now I’ll be able to pursue my career without worry,” said Tremblay. “Now I will be able to get all my steam time and save money in the process.” “I would really like to thank everyone who put the dual credit program together,” Larson said, echoing the gratitude of both students. “This program gives students such a great opportunity, as does Shell Canada, in offering such a generous bursary. It really makes a difference.” The Shell Dual Credit Bursary is available only to students registered with Northern Lakes College in the Power Engineering 4th Class program. For more information on how you or your high school student could participate in this program, please call 1-866-652-3456 or visit northernlakescollege.ca

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VALERIE TRADEWELL | DIRECTOR, COLLEGE ADVANCEMENT | NORTHERN LAKES COLLEGE \\

Hard work and dedication rewarding for two young students

* Denotes Professional Corporation

Call us for more information. Like our students, we are bilingual! 14

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In an Ideal World

Two Peace Region women obtain life-changing results with Ideal Protein From amazing weight loss to the eradication of serious health problems, The Ideal Health Clinic—Peace River’s health and weight loss centre—is changing lives. Behind it all is business owner Michelle Belzile, her highly trained staff and the science of the Ideal Protein diet.

Like most people, she wasn’t seeing results and was feeling stuck—until she found success with the Ideal Protein Protocol and Peace River’s Ideal Health Clinic. This is her story.

BEFORE

AFTER

Sara’s Story

ara Wood, 27, is a mother of two and an Account Manager at Acklands Grainger who has had a love/hate relationship with dieting in the past.

“I knew my diet needed a drastic change, and I liked the idea of being told exactly what I can eat and being held accountable for my choices,” said Sara. Sara reached out to her father and asked him to join her for a consult to see if the Ideal Protein was something they could do together. “On January 24th, we both caused her to slowly gain weight. Then she came across an article about the Ideal Health Clinic and thought she would give it a try. This is her story.

BEFORE

AFTER

Hanna’s Story

anna Buruma, 55, is a mother of two and a Teaching Assistant. After having children, she used a weight-loss program that worked until she developed a thyroid problem she was unaware of, which

“When I finally found out what was wrong, I already gained a lot of weight and needed some guidelines to get rid of the extra pounds. I love this diet; it was not hard at all. I told myself I would stick with it and not cheat,” said Hanna. Initially, Hanna tried the Ideal Protein Protocol from September to December of 2015. “My friends were sad I did not join them for a glass of

“The program uses a process called ketosis and has a four-phase protocol. There is a beginning and an end. Clients that give 100 per cent will get 100 per cent results. Our goal is to re-educated clients to a new eating pattern, creating a new lifestyle,” said Belzile.

started our journey to a healthier lifestyle. We got together and went shopping every week. We chopped veggies weighed and bagged them. We talked almost every day and started seeing results in the first week,” said Sara. Sara says her experience with the Ideal Protein Protocol was life changing. “I will never say it was easy, but I will say it was rewarding. I feel like myself again. As I continued with it, it became more like a lifestyle change and less like a diet. It brought more wine, but I filled my wine glass with some water and added some red-colour flavouring. I loved the program’s different phases and the weekly email videos that keep you motivated,” said Hanna. By December, Hanna was close to her initial weight. She celebrated the holidays while watching not to overeat and managed to maintain her weight. Hanna then went back to the Ideal Protein Protocol in January and shed more pounds. It has been a welcomed lifestyle change for Hanna, and she enjoys healthier purchasing habits.

vegetables and protein into my life, which had been full of bread, crackers and cheese. Because of this change, today I am 30 lbs. lighter and 100 times more comfortable with myself,” said Sara. Overall, Sara says the Ideal Protein Protocol has been a great experience. “I personally enjoyed having the support of my father and seeing his results—not just his weight loss results but his health results too. They’re just as motivating as seeing my own goals reached,” said Sara. “When I go shopping now, I don’t buy a lot of items from the aisles because they contain mostly processed foods. I fill most of my shopping cart with fruit and vegetables,” said Hanna. Since starting with The Ideal Health Clinic, Hanna has lost 50 lbs. and is now under her initial goal. The Ideal Protein Protocol has been a great experience for Hanna and her weight loss has inspired at least four people to join Ideal Protein. “Of course it is nice to look better, but most important is the way I feel. It is so worth it. Thanks Ideal Protein,” said Hanna.

For more information about The Ideal Health Clinic, call The Clinic at 780-617-9010 or drop in to 9907 101 Avenue, Peace River. ADVERTI SE ME N T

#ICYMI

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

MIGHTY PEACE GM’S TEST DRIVE A BUICK FUNDRAISING EVENT

n May 25, Mighty Peace Chevrolet Buick GMC hosted a test drive fundraiser at the Peace River High School that awarded the school $20 per test drive throughout the day. “The Buick Test Drive Event was a great way to partner with our local community industry to raise money for programming for our students at Peace High,” said Mark Owens, Peace High Principal. “It was a beautiful day and we had over 150 people out to take a test drive and support our school community. We would like

Photography by You and Mee 16

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to thank Brett Smyl and the team at Mighty Peace GMC for all of their support and planning in this event.” Mighty Peace GM Owner and General Manager, Brett Smyl, was equally as pleased with the turn out of the fundraising event. “The 2016 Buick Student Drive event that was held at the Peace River High School was a huge success and we want to thank this amazing community for stepping up and getting out to help fundraise $3,280 for the Peace River High School,” said Smyl.

“My team at Mighty Peace GM and I are looking forward to holding more community fundraising opportunities in the future and being a pillar in the Peace Country by helping in any way we can.” Over the day, 164 participants took test drives, which earned the school $3,280. The funds will be used for programs such as IA Shop, Cosmetology, Fashion Studies, Sports Performance, Robotics, Art, Visual Communications as well as for field trips.

#ICYMI

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

PEACE RIVER POW WOW AND ABORIGINAL GATHERING T he 21st Annual Aboriginal Gathering and 13th Annual Pow Wow was held June 4 and 5 at the

Peace River Ag Grounds. The annual event featured many cultural festivities including drum competitions, hand

games, jigging and fiddling contests, vendors, aboriginal food, a graduation ceremony and so much more.

Photography by You and Mee #Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

#ICYMI

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

WILD WEST MOTORCYCLE AND TATTOO FESTIVAL IN GRIMSHAW

he Second Annual Wild West Motorcycle and Tattoo Fest was held June 3 to 5 at the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex in Grimshaw. The weekend was chock-full of fun and activities including a stunt ride show, show and shine, a poker run,

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and a meet and greet with the host of A&Eâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s show Bad Ink, Dirk Vermin.

Clearwater Revival tribute act Green River Revival.

The weekend also boasted a fashion show, a tattoo competition, a lawnmower toss and live music on Friday and Saturday by AC/DC tribute band Thunderstruck and Creedence

The Wild West Motorcycle and Tattoo Fest was also held in Grande Prairie on June 24 to 26.

#ICYMI

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

6TH ANNUAL PEACEPRIDE WEEKEND

flurry of rainbow attire took to the streets of Peace River on June 11 for the 6th annual peacePRIDE parade. The Pride festivities kicked off the previous night with a social at Peace

Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s bowling alley, Rock & Bowl. The following day hosted many festivities including prep for the parade (face painting and sign making); the parade; lunch, live music, and guest speakers in River Front Park; a free screening of the Oscar nominated

LGBT film Carol and a night of entertainment at Java Domain. The pride event was dedicated to the Gay Straight Alliance of the Peace River Region.

Photography by you and mee #Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

#ICYMI

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

NORTHBASE FARM DAY

n June 3rd, Northbase Ranch hosted a Family Farm Day at their Kaufmann Hill facility. The day was full of wholesome family activities including pony rides, crafts, face painting, live music, photo booth, Equine Assisted Learning demonstrations, a petting zoo featuring Henry

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the goat, lemonade stand and more. Despite being rescheduled due to rain from the previous weekend, the free event went off without a hitch. Northbase Ranch is a family-run business that hosts a variety of programs,

workshops, events and camps for youth and adults alike. For more information visit northbaseranch.com

#Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

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Rustic Charm&

Cozy Cabins Unforgettable Getaways #Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

BY TALENA WINTERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY YOU & MEE

EXPERIENCE TRANQUILITY

Dean and Barb Allen | Peace Valley Guest Ranch

eace Valley Guest Ranch is about more than just a unique place to stay—it’s about family.

The rustic lodgings opened in 1990 with the vision of Bob and Lois Allen. After Lois passed on in 2012, their son Dean and his wife Barb, along with their two daughters, Keegan and Kristyn, took over the guest ranch. The transition was a perfect fit for

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their family, who each have a hand in running the facility. People come from all over the world to experience the tranquility and privacy offered by this natural hideaway. While they might be short on electricity, WiFi or reliable cell phone service, they are long on nature, peace and quiet. The Peace Valley Guest Ranch is located south of Berwyn along the

Peace River. The intentional lack of highway signage allows their frequent trail riding parties to have privacy from curious passersby—but this hasn’t hurt their business in the least. Between word of mouth, radio advertising and the internet, they run at nearly full capacity all season long. Built in 1919, the dining hall was the original cabin on the property. It used

to be a tourist stop and post office serviced by the Peace River steamboat D.A. Thomas. Thanks to a visit from the original owners’ granddaughter several years ago, the Allens can now share the unique history of the property with their guests, such as the rodeos the homesteaders would host. In addition to the dining hall, four small cabins sleep overnight guests.

While there is running water, the “facilities” are charming his-andhers outhouses—kept squeaky-clean enough to be photo op-worthy. Besides the trail rides through the Peace River hills (for which Dean is Trail Boss and 13-year-old Kristyn assists), they have hiking trails, a 26foot jet boat for cruising on the river, horseshoe pits and even a rustic mini golf course.

When guests come to the Peace Valley Guest Ranch, they feel like they are being welcomed into the family. From the fresh homemade cinnamon buns that greet every guest upon arrival, to the steak dinner, to the cozy setting, as Barb says, “Guests come in and friends leave.” Find them on Facebook: FB.com/PeaceValleyGuestRanch #Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

EXPERIENCE THE Henry and Anne Vos | Peace River Cabins & Outdoors

hen Henry and Anne Vos bought the riverside property that would become Peace River Cabins & Outdoors in 2013, there was nothing there but grass and trees. A year later, they opened their venture to the public. Even though the buildings are new, the Vos’ have found a unique way to celebrate the region’s history— naming each of the buildings after 26

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an influential person from Peace River’s past. In fact, the property was purchased from the grandchildren of JB Early, for whom they christened one of their cabins. Mr. Early was famous for his gladiola garden—in the 1920s, the paddleboat D.A. Thomas would deposit tourists there by the hundreds to see it. The facility is an easy drive down scenic Shaftesbury Trail. Once you

arrive, pick your relaxation flavour— private cabin, bed and breakfast, luxury wall tent, or traditional “bring-your-own-shelter” camping. A dedicated entrance for bed and breakfast guests and screens of trees between cabins and tents enhance the feeling of seclusion. After settling in, guests can enjoy the many activities the property has to offer: hiking, fishing, badminton

BY TALENA WINTERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY YOU & MEE

MIGHTY PEACE and more. One of their most popular services is the guided or self-guided canoe or kayak trips. Guests can rent the equipment or bring their own, and the Vos’ shuttle them to drop-off and pick-up points. Often, paddlers just go for the day, but two-day trips are also popular. Groups can enjoy the river on two 8-person rafts. Since the Voyageur Building seats up to 30 and has a kitchen, PRC&O

is a popular venue for group events like weddings, corporate retreats and family reunions. The Vos’ will even cater on request. Now that summer has started, they are also offering a guided nature hike through the Peace River hills on Sunday mornings. Sunday afternoons, pick strawberries at the nearby Bridgeview Gardens, then stop in for tea at the Voyageur Building.

The Vos’ goal is to give people a relaxing, peaceful, quiet escape into nature. More than anything, they want to share Peace River’s beauty with their guests, and let nature rejuvenate their souls. Find them on the web at peacerivercanada.com

#Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

HIDDEN GEM

John and Angela Hanssen | Cornerstones B & B

pening Cornerstones Bed and Breakfast was the realization of a lifelong ambition for owners John and Angela Hanssen. When the couple relocated from Manitoba to Hines Creek, they saw the large four-level split and knew it was the house that would become their dream venture. That was nine years ago. Last year, they opened their doors to the public.

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The house was well-built and designed for entertaining but needed a great deal of work. The Hanssens renovated the building with the utmost care. Between John’s carpentry skills and Angela’s eye for design and experience in the hospitality industry, the result is a high-end oasis hidden away in rural Alberta. More than anything, the Hanssens want their guests to feel special.

With four themed double-occupancy rooms that each include a fireplace, mini fridge and private bathroom, guests can relax in complete comfort. Each room’s theme honours one of the Earth’s four “cornerstones”— Rock, Wind, Fire, and Water—which have deep personal meaning for the couple. Their attention to detail doesn’t end there—the large gathering room is an ideal place to relax, visit, play board

BY TALENA WINTERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY YOU & MEE

games or watch television. Guests are also treated to a delicious breakfast. And of course, the large, heated indoor pool, which was completely refurbished, is an attraction in itself. Cornerstones often hosts family reunions, corporate and crafting retreats, wedding parties and even hunters. Last year, the Peace Valley Snowmobile Club put in a new trail that intentionally loops near the Hanssens property, making it

a destination for sledders. Larger summer groups can bring RVs and tents to increase lodging.

great memories in a peaceful setting, encourage time spent together and have room for privacy, too.

The beautifully-landscaped property offers plenty of space to get outdoors and enjoy nature. Guests can also visit local attractions such as Stony Lake, only 15 km away.

What the Hanssens love most is being part of those memories. Until they are ready to retire back to Manitoba, they intend to keep helping guests make them.

Located only 45 minutes from Peace River, Cornerstones is an ideal getaway when you want to make

Find them on the web at cornerstonesbednbreakfast.com

#Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

BY TALENA WINTERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY YOU & MEE

HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Gosse and Hilda de Jong | Last Lake Guest House

osse and Hilda de Jong immigrated from Holland 17 years ago, eventually starting a sod farm west of Grimshaw. When the property next to them came up for sale in 2009, they saw an opportunity to expand the family business and purchased it with the intention of converting the residence on the property into a guest house. With an exterior reminiscent of

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European wattle-and-daub timberframe architecture, the two-story, four-bedroom house oozes charm, and is complete with all the modern amenities. The rustic hip-roof barn has been transformed into an ideal location for large group gatherings (up to 100), with a food service area and optional games like Foosball and pool. A log hunting cabin about a half-mile away from the main house is also included. Unlike other similar properties, groups

rent the house, not just a room. The barn is perfect for hosting events like weddings, receptions or family reunions. It can be rented separately or comes included with a 2-night rental, making the entire experience not only appealingly exclusive, but affordable. With an outdoor fire pit, plenty of room for camping, and a plethora of activities available, renting the property is like renting a private campground.

There are a wide range of activities available for more active guests, such as canoeing, hiking, walking and look-out towers for enjoying the wetlands around Last Lake. Families, schools or corporate groups can make use of the team activities (4-personper-sack races, anyone?), several of which are Dutch games. Treasure hunts are another top request. In the winter, nature can be enjoyed while cross-country skiing along the trails.

Guests are even able to arrange for custom horse-back riding or river canoeing packages. Hunters enjoy the convenient and comfortable lodgings, too. The de Jongs are always on the lookout for more fun activities they can add to the mix! Gosse and Hilda love the beauty, seclusion and privacy of their

property, but they especially love sharing it with others. Seeing guests experience the northern lights or spotting a moose for the first time is really special for them. Ultimately, they want people to leave happier than they came. Find them on the web at lastlakeguesthouse.com

#Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

BREATHTAKING VIEWS Barb and Koos Bos | Wild Rose Guest House

he magnificent view is often the first thing people think of after visiting the Wild Rose Guest House. When Koos and Barbara Bos purchased their farm (previously the Wild Rose Bison Ranch) in 2005, they decided they would rather stay in the cozy farmhouse than the large residence the previous owner had built just down the road. A year later, the

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Wild Rose Guest House was open to the public. Perched on the edge of the Peace River Valley, the two-story, five-bedroom, traditionally-designed home is luxuriously appointed, inside and out. From the moment guests arrive, rooms in rich, earthy tones accented with leather, wood and stone wrap them in comfort. They can relax in front of the fireplace; meet in one of the two

conference areas; watch a movie on a flat-screen television (one in each bedroom); cook in the large, modern kitchen and enjoy amazing views out of each and every window. The basement recreation room is loaded with entertainment options, including satellite TV, a pool table and a wet bar. Exercise equipment is also available for the athletically-minded. The outdoors can be enjoyed by hiking

BY TALENA WINTERS | PHOTOGRAPHY BY YOU & MEE

in the hills, partaking in their new trail riding package or unwinding around a cozy outdoor fire. Guests can even soak in the 7-person hot tub on the deck overlooking the valley. With Wild Rose’s close proximity to both the town of Peace River and the airport, it has become a popular destination for everything from weddings to crafting retreats to business meetings. People looking for

a special romantic getaway or a unique family vacation spot come to enjoy the many advantages the property offers. Their convenient location also makes it easy to enjoy other local attractions. There is even a golfing package in the works. Barb learned to read people while nursing in Holland. Now she uses those same instincts to serve her guests. She loves watching people

who come in worn-out and tired leave refreshed and rejuvenated from their stress-free stay. Balancing family, farm and guest house responsibilities can be a challenge, but it’s a fulfilling one— worth keeping in view. Find them on the web at wildroseguesthouse.com

#Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

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GO MIGHTY PEACE Signature Events Campground Guide Museum Guide Swim and Skate

#Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

Win Big! Photography by Jeff bartlett

Enter to win amazing Prizes fB.com/mightypeacetourism

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

THE MIGHTY PEACE REGION

In partnership with

Endless potential & adventure awaits...

elcome to “Go Mighty Peace,” the place to turn for exciting seasonal activities and events in Northwestern Alberta. Go Mighty Peace lays out the fun for everyone. In the Summer/Fall section laid out before you, you will discover local signature events, an extensive campground guide, a jam-packed events calendar and more. Discover the natural beauty, the endless potential and the exciting opportunities the Mighty Peace Region has to offer.

For more ideas and up-to-date information visit mightypeace.com

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

YELLOWKNIFE HAY RIVER HIGH LEVEL T MANNING

GRIMSHAW

MILE ZERO MACKENZIE HIGHWAY

632 381 180 52

Spotlight

Featured Events

Harmon Valley Amateur Rodeo Harmon Valley Fairgrounds | July 29 - 31

F Yee Haw!

Photography by Jeff Bartlett

Rodeo season is in full swing. It’s time to head on out to the Harmon Valley Amateur Rodeo. Don’t miss out on the action! Festivities include rodeo clowns, mini chariots, Canadian Cup Miniature Bareback Riding, arts and crafts vendors, face painting, concession, beer gardens, inflatables, glitter tattoos, crafts and games, a steak supper on Saturday and a dance featuring live music by Midnight Lights, Northern Aces and Shane Chisholm. The action starts at 6pm on Friday and 2pm on Saturday and Sunday. Day passes are $10 (adult) or $5 (senior & youth (ages 6 - 17)). Weekend passes are $25 (adult) or $15 (senior & youth (ages 6 - 17)). Kids 5 and under are free. The dance is $20 and it starts at 8pm.

Summer’s End Festival Downtown Fairview | August 27

Photography submitted by the Town of Fairview

As summer is winding down, right in the downtown core of the Heart of the Peace, you’ll find a community united over a sense of civic pride. The 6th Annual Summer’s End Festival, held in Fairview, AB, will offer a variety of local entertainment and activities all day long--including open air markets, food booths, live music, a street dance, athletics, shows, activities for the kids, inflatables, the Peace Classic Wheels Street Spectacular, parade and more! Don’t miss out on this amazing free family event.

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Paddle the Peace is an annual treasure of the Mighty Peace Region. A regional collaborative event, partners County of Northern Lights, Northern Sunrise County, MD of Peace, Town of Peace River and the Mighty Peace Tourist Association organize a fun-filled day geared to get you out on the open waters of the Mighty Peace River. Participants will enjoy a leisurely paddle from the Shaftesbury Ferry to Peace Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lower West Boat Launch with a complimentary shuttle, meal, door prizes and fun on the Mighty Peace River. The registration deadline is August 12. Children 12 and under are free, so bring the whole family. You wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t want to miss Paddle The Peace!

Photography by Chris Zwick

For more information about Paddle the Peace or to register visit: PaddleThePeace.Eventbrite.ca Fb.com/PaddleThePeace or call 1-888-525-3481

On the Mighty Peace River | August 20th

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Campground Notikewin Provincial park

Shady Lane Campground

19 unserviced lots | $17 Camping open May - Oct. 780-624-6486

23 lots (20 with power) $15 or $20 with power & water Camping open May - Oct. 780-971-3973

Located 37 km North of Manning on Hwy. 35, then 30 km East on SH 692. The park is located at the confluence of the Peace and Notikewin rivers. Day-use area.

Located in the hamlet of Dixonville. Flush toilets, group camping, wheel-chair access and pull-through sites.

Little Prairie RV Campground 31 campsites | $14 or $30 with power, water & sewer Open May - Oct. 780-836-3150 Located 3 miles South of Manning. Dayuse area & pull-though sites.

Leddy Lake Recreation Area Year-round access 780-624-8208 Located 24 km Northwest of Peace River. Electrical hookups and boat launch.

Condy Meadows Golf Course and Campground

35 campsites $28 for power and water Open May - Sept. 780-836-2176

Located 18 km North of Manning on Hwy. 35. Flush toilets & licensed clubhouse.

The Creek Campground 40 campsites | $20 or $30 with power & water. Open May - Sept. 780-618-3988 Located 11.5 km N of Grimshaw on Mackenzie Hwy., then 1.5 km W. Day-use area, flush toilets, pull-through sites and group camping. Pets welcome.

Twin Lakes Provincial Park

49 unserviced lots | $23 Camping open May - Oct. 780-624-6486

Located 65km north of Manning on Hwy 35, the recreation area offers camping and many water-based activities including year-round fishing. Boat launch--electric motors only.

Photography by Jeff Bartlett

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Guide Figure 8 Provincial Park and Recreation Area 20 campsites | $24 Open May - Oct. 780-624-6486

George Lake 18 campsites (some with power) Camping open May - Oct. 780-494-3820

Located 25 km West of Peace River. Boat launch (electric motors only) and day-use area.

4.5 km south of Hines Creek. Home of the George Lake Music Festival. Boat Launch and large camping stalls. Firepits and firewood available.

Many Islands

Oleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lake

24 campsites Open May 15 to Oct. 15 780-685-2437

780-595-2155

Located 24km Southeast of Worsley. Many Islands Music Festival is held here in July. Situated on the Peace River with boat launch.

6.4 km South of Hwy 64 (toward AB/BC border). Boat launch.

Stoney Lake

Carter Camp Park

14 sites 780-624-6486

20 campsites 780-494-2222

20km North of Hines Creek. Lake access with boat launch.

Running lake Provincial Recreation area 17 campsites (RVs & Tenting) 780-685-2259 8km East, 22km North of Worsley. Boat launch and dock. Electric motors only.

Cleardale Campground 780-835-9403

Located 1.5km east of Cleardale on Hwy. 64. Rustic camping with large group camping area.

Located 25km west of Hines Creek on Hwy 685. Boat launch.

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

continued...

Campground Guide Clear River Campground

sULFUR lAKE Park

Hutch Lake Campground

780-685-2257

13 campsites

13 campsites. No services. $20 per night or $120 per week. Open from May to September.

On Hwy. 64, 20km from British Columbia border.

Aspen Ridge Campground 41 lots | $20 or $30 with power & water or $35 with power, water & sewer. | Camping open May - Oct. 780-926-4540 Located 3 km south of High Level. Day-use area, flush toilets and coin showers.

Located 30 km Northeast of Hines Creek. Lake access with boat launch.

Located 35 km north of High Level on the west side of Hutch Lake. Boat launch and day-use area.

Fox Haven Golf & Country Club

Lac Cardinal Rec Area

30 lots (10 serviced) $20 or $30 with services Camping open May - Oct. 780-926-3005

Located 3 km north of High Level. Weekly rates also available.

16 camping sites | $10 No power or showers mdpeace.com Located 2 miles North and 3 miles West of Grimshaw, along Lac Cardinal. Large Hall with basic amenities available for rent.

Brownvale Ball DIamonds

Elk Island Campground

Queen Elizabeth Prov. Park

10 campsites (no charge) mdpeace.com

12 campsites (no charge) No power or showers Open May to Nov. 780-338-3845

56 campsites (42 with power) 780-624-6486

Located 1 mile west and 1/2 mile north of Brownvale. Ball diamonds & day use area.

Located 18 km West and 21 km South of Berwyn. Campground on the Peace River (on a â&#x20AC;&#x153;good weatherâ&#x20AC;? road).

Located adjacent to the Lac Cardinal Rec Area. Beach area, boat dock, bird-watching area, power boating and group-use area. Boat launch.

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Strong Creek Park

Harmon Valley Park and Campground

18 campsites (no charge) No power or showers Open May to Nov. 780-338-3845

Heart River Golf & Campground

17 campsites Open May - Oct 780-624-0013

Located 13 km South of Peace River, along the Shaftesbury Trail. Large day-use area, boat launch.

15 serviced lots Open May - Oct 780-322-3977

8km North of Nampa. Pets welcome.

3km North of Nampa & 5km South

Rendezvous RV Park

Dunvegan Provincial Park

$35/full service or $25 for elec. only | Open year-round 780-618-1345

65 campsites | $34 With power Open May to Oct. 1-877-537-2757

6km from Peace River. Weekly and monthly rates available. Steps away from Cecil Thompson Park with fishing pond and playground. Pets allowed.

21 km SW of Fairview on Hwy. 2. Day use area, whell-chair accessible sites and historic site tours available during summer months.

Pratt’s Landing 12 sites (RV & Tenting) Free Camping Open May - Oct 780-835-4903 32 km West of Fairview

Willow Bay Campground

Peace River Lion’s Club Park

Cummings Lake

20 non-serviced lots 780-625-4749

110 sites (RV & Tenting) $20 or $25 with power & water or $30 with power, water & sewer Open April - Oct. 780-624-2120

28 campsites (with power) $25 with power or $18 Open May - Oct.

Located North of Grimshaw. Lake access. Pets welcome.

Legend

Located in the Town of Peace River. Resident Manager and concession on-site.

WILDLIFE VIEWING/ TENTING BIRD WATCHING

CANOEING/ KAYAKING

FISHING

Weekly rates available. Group areas available. Wheelchair accessible. Selfregistration. Baseball diamonds and boat launch.

BEACH

RV STATION

PICNIC TABLES

GOLFING

VOLLEYBALL

WIFI AVAILABLE

WATER TAPS

NO FISHING

HORSESHOE PITS

BIKE TRAILS

SWIMMING

FIRE PITS/ FIREWOOD

PLAY GROUND

PICNIC/KITCHEN SHELTER

SHOWERS

HIKING TRAILS

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Upcoming Events PEACE RIVER FARMERS MARKETS

10301 101 ST. PEACE RIVER 10-1PM ON SELECT SATURDAYS & WEEKENDS Local vendors, produce, artisan products, baked and canned goods and more! PeaceRiverFarmersMarket.com

MANNING FARMERS MARKETS

FRIDAYS FROM JUNE TO OCTOBER 3 10AM TO 1PM | MANNING LEGION HALL

HIGH LEVEL FARMERS MARKET

FRIDAYS FROM JULY TO SEPTEMBER 12PM TO 6PM | HIGH LEVEL CURLING ARENA 780-247-1625

THE WITNESS BLANKET EXHIBIT

JULY 1 TO AUGUST 27 | PEACE RIVER MUSEUM By nationally acclaimed artist Carey Newman with artifacts from Canadian Residential Schools. Admission will be free for this exhibit. | peaceriver.ca

PEACE RIVER MUSEUM FEATURED ARTISTS OF THE MONTH

PEACE RIVER MUSEUM SUMMER HOURS (JULY & AUG.): DAILY FROM 10AM TO 5PM July: Fish prints by Dave Walty August: From the Heart by Dave Matilpi peaceriver.ca/museum

TABLETOP GAMERS

EVERY 2ND AND 4TH THURSDAY OF THE MONTH FROM 6PM TO 8PM PEACE RIVER MUNICIPAL LIBRARY Bring your own board games or play one from our large selection. All ages welcome. Free pizza and snacks donated by Domino’s and Mint Health + Drugs. Can’t make the days listed? Drop in anytime with a group during our library hours. prmlibrary.ab.ca | 780-624-4076

FREE ADMISSION TO THE PEACE RIVER MUSEUM

THURSDAY EVENINGS IN JULY & AUGUST PEACE RIVER MUSEUM Free admission courtesy of the Alberta Union of Provincial Employees Local 001. peaceriver.ca/museum | 780-624-4261

TD SUMMER READING CLUB

JULY TO AUGUST PEACE RIVER MUNICIPAL LIBRARY For ages 4 - 12. Please register by June 29. Keep those young minds sharp throughout the summer. This year’s theme is “wild.” Outdoor activities will be hosted by the library. | prmlibrary.ab.ca | 780-624-4076

V LATE NIGHT SWIMMING

JULY 15 FROM 9PM TO 10PM GRIMSHAW OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL 780-332-4010 or 780-332-4788

NORTHERN SKIES AIR SHOW

JULY 16 & 17 | PEACE RIVER AIRPORT peaceregionalairshow.com

MD OF PEACE 100TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION

JULY 16 LAC CARDINAL HALL (IN THE MD OF PEACE) The MD of Peace is turning 100! Join us for entertainment, evening banquet and dance, treasure hunt, parade and more! 780-338-3845 | info@mdpeace.com

PARKS DAY CELEBRATION

JULY 16 FROM 2PM TO 4PM 12’ DAVIS LOOKOUT Information booths, glitter tattoos, kids craft corner, local entertainment, snacks and more. | 780-625-3287

LAC CARDINAL MUSEUM BREAKFAST

JULY 16 FROM 9AM TO 11AM LAC CARDINAL PIONEER VILLAGE mdpeace.com

S.T.A.R.S. GOLF TOURNAMENT JULY 16 | FAIRVIEW GOLF COURSE 780-835-2844

DRIVE IN MOVIE ~ KUNG FU PANDA 3 JULY 16 AT SUNSET (APPROX. 10:30PM) PEACE RIVER FAIRGROUNDS pragsociety.com

BALLET DANCE LESSONS

JULY 18 - 22 FROM 1:30PM TO 4:30PM DAILY MAMOWINTOWIN HALL, CADOTTE LAKE 780-629-2476

AWANA SOCCER CAMP

JULY 18 - 21 | MILE ZERO REGIONAL MULTIPLEX For more info, call Rhonda at 780-338-2277

ICE CREAM MAKING

JULY 21 | MACKENZIE CROSSROADS MUSEUM highlevel.ca

CLEAR HILLS COUNTY BBQ JULY 21 | GEORGE LAKE ClearHillsCounty.ab.ca

BATTLE RIVER RODEO

JULY 21 - 24 | BATTLE RIVER AG GROUNDS The oldest and largest amateur rodeo north of Edmonton. Featuring the Western Chuckwagon Assn. GMC Pro Tour Races, Demolition Derby, the Alex Henituik Memorial Slow Pitch Tournament, BBQ, Parade, Food Vendors, Beer Garden, Miss Manning Rodeo and more! Parade on Saturday, July 23 on Main Street in Manning. Parade Theme: Alberta Strong. Facebook: Battle River Ag Society 780-836-1100

MANY ISLANDS MUSIC FESTIVAL JULY 22 - 24

ON THE PEACE RIVER, SOUTH OF WORSLEY OFF HWY 64

Friday night karaoke. Music Fest on Saturday with wagon rides, kids activities, food booths, fireworks and more. | 780-835-8780

FAIRVIEW AMATEUR RODEO

JULY 22 - 24 | WATERHOLE RODEO GROUNDS Friday and Saturday dance with Brad Sims. Saturday and Sunday rodeo with local events. | fairviewagriculturalsociety.com

RODEO FARMER’S MARKET

JULY 23 FROM 11AM TO 3PM BATTLE RIVER AG HALL, MANNING

DUNVEGAN OILMEN’S

JULY 23 | FAIRVIEW GOLF CLUB fairviewgolfclub.com

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Summer and Fall 2016 CHRISTMAS IN JULY

JULY 23 FROM 2PM TO 5PM GRIMSHAW OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL Donations of canned good will be accepted for the Peace River Women’s Shelter. 780-332-4010

“CONNECTIONS” CLOSING EVENT

JULY 28 AT 5:30PM PEACE RIVER MUNICIPAL LIBRARY Live auction, silent auction and draws for raffle items. Co-presented by Friends of the Peace River Municipal Library and DMI. prmlibrary.ab.ca

HARMON VALLEY RODEO

JULY 29TH TO 31ST HARMON VALLEY FAIRGROUNDS Friday at 6pm, Sat & Sun at 2pm. Rodeo Clown, Mini Chariots, Canadian Cup Mini Bareback Riding, Local Arts and Crafts, Face Painting, Concession, Beer Garden, Steak Supper on Saturday and Dance featuring Midnight Lights, Northern Aces and Shane Chisholm. Tickets are $10 (adult day pass), $25 (adult weekend pass), $5 (senior/ youth day pass), $15 (senior/youth weekend pass) with children 5 and under free. The Saturday Dance is $20 with 11 and under free. The dance begins at 8pm. Only 400 tickets (available at the door). Camping is available. | Norbert: 780-322-2625

HARMON VALLEY FAMILY ROUNDUP

JULY 30 FROM 1PM TO 5PM HARMON VALLEY FAIRGROUNDS Glitter tattoos, inflatable farm, games, crafts and more. | 780-625-3287

DRESSAGE CLINIC WITH FEI CERTIFIED INSTRUCTOR SERGIO VALEZ JULY 30 + 31 | JA HAWKER PAVILLION fairviewsporthorsesociety.weebly.com

HISTORIC DUNVEGAN ANNUAL FRESH AIR MARKET

JULY 31 FROM 11AM TO 5PM HISTORIC DUNVEGAN PROVINCIAL PARK Meet local artisans and explore the products they create. Find the perfect gift or treat. Cash only, please. | historicdunvegan.org

35TH ANNIVERSARY OF MOTORCYCLE TRAINING

JULY 31 TO AUG 1 FAIRVIEW GPRC CAMPUS BBQ, Tour of facility, bring your motorcycle for a scenic motorcycle drive. $50 per person - includes pig roast, pancake breakfast and t-shirt. Must RSVP. | GPRC.ab.ca

YOUTH AND SENIOR GARDENING

AUGUST 3 FROM 1PM TO 3:30PM MEET AT NAMPA FCSS OFFICE Pre-registration required prior to July 27. 780-322-3954

LATE NIGHT SWIMMING

AUGUST 5 FROM 9PM TO 10PM GRIMSHAW OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL 780-332-4010 or 780-332-4788

MONSTER TRUCK THROWDOWN AUGUST 5 & 6 AT 5PM DAILY PEACE RIVER FAIRGROUNDS pragsociety.com

HARVEST FAIR

AUGUST 5 TO 7 | PEACE RIVER FAIRGROUNDS Horse show, Bench show, Lawn tractor races, concert and more. | pragsociety.com

NORTH PEACE STAMPEDE

AUGUST 5 TO 7 | BEAR LAKE SPORTS GROUNDS Three full days of racing from Fri. to Sun. Pro-rodeo and thoroughbred chuckwagons, barrel racing, team ropers, food booths and west coast amusements midway all weekend. fb.com/northpeacestampede

ELITE VOLLEYBALL CAMP

AUGUST 8 - 12 | MILE ZERO REGIONAL MULTIPLEX elitevolleycamp.com

NAMPA GOLDEN PIONEERS COMMUNITY SUPPER

AUGUST 10 | NAMPA SENIORS DROP IN CENTRE Dinner served at 6pm. $12 for adults. $6 for children ages 7-12. Children 6 and under are free. | Ruth: 780-322-3751

PLAYGROUND PARTY

AUGUST 12 FROM 10AM TO 11:30AM MILL BROWN PARK, NAMPA Organized games, crafts and summer treats. Parent or guardian supervision required. | 780-322-3954

DRIVE IN MOVIE ~ JURASSIC WORLD

AUGUST 12 AT SUNSET (APPROX. 10:30PM) PEACE RIVER FAIRGROUNDS pragsociety.com

MEN’S OPEN TOURNAMENT

AUGUST 13 & 14 | FAIRVIEW GOLF CLUB fairviewgolfclub.com

LAC CARDINAL MUSEUM BREAKFAST AUGUST 13 FROM 9AM TO 11AM LAC CARDINAL PIONEER VILLAGE mdpeace.com

NAMPA GOLDEN PIONEERS BINGO

AUGUST 14 | NAMPA SENIOR DROP IN CENTRE Bingo starts at 2pm. 25¢ per game. For more info, call Ruth at 780-322-3751

LATE NIGHT SWIMMING

AUGUST 19 FROM 9PM TO 10PM GRIMSHAW OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL 780-332-4010 or 780-332-4788

PADDLE THE PEACE

AUGUST 20 | ON THE MIGHTY PEACE Enjoy a leisurely paddle from Shaftesbury Ferry to Lower West Peace Boat Launch. Complimentary lunch, door prizes and lots of fun on the water. $20 per person (12 and under are free). fb.com/paddlethepeace paddlethepeace.eventbrite.com

TOUR N’ TASTE OF THE COUNTRY

AUGUST 20 Join the Peace River Fairgrounds, Harmon Valley Agricultural Society, Nampa & District Agricultural Society and Northern Sunrise County for a tour of local agricultural producers followed by a sit down dinner at Farmers Restaurant. More details to come. | 780-625-3287

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Upcoming Events Continued... GRIMSHAW OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL CLOSES FOR THE SEASON AUGUST 20 GRIMSHAW OUTDOOR SWIMMING POOL 780-332-4010

MINISTERIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT SEPTEMBER 5 FAIRVIEW GOLF CLUB fairviewgolfclub.com

FCSS SERVICES FAIR

FALL FAIR

SEPTEMBER 8 | E.E. OLIVER SCHOOL

AUGUST 20 | PEACE RIVER FAIRGROUNDS For more info, call Del at 780-322-2375

HIGH LEVEL GET TO KNOW YOU NIGHT

PLAYGROUND PARTY

SEPTEMBER 8 | HIGH LEVEL CURLING RINK highlevel.ca

AUGUST 26 FROM 1PM TO 3PM MARIE REINE CULTURAL CENTRE Organized games, crafts and summer treats. Parent or guardian supervision required. | 780-625-3287

LADIES GOLF TOURNAMENT

AUGUST 26 & 27 FOX HAVEN GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB, HIGH LEVEL foxhavengolf.ca

SUMMER’S END FESTIVAL

AUGUST 27 | TOWN OF FAIRVIEW Parade, games, bouncy castles, entertainment, live music, markets, Peace Classic Car Show, pancake breakfast, food booths, street dance, demos, face painting and more! | fairview.ca

NORTH PEACE RANCH RODEO

SEPTEMBER 3 & 4 LAC CARDINAL STAMPEDE GROUNDS Local community event showcasing ranch skills. | FB.com/NorthPeaceRanchRodeo

LAC CARDINAL MUSEUM BREAKFAST SEPTEMBER 3 FROM 9AM TO 11AM LAC CARDINAL PIONEER VILLAGE mdpeace.com

SEPTEMBER 10 FROM 1:30PM TO 3:30PM LOCATION TBA peaceriver.ca

ANDY LITTLE MEMORIAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

SEPTEMBER 10 | FAIRVIEW GOLF CLUB fairviewgolfclub.com

DRESSAGE CLINIC

SEPTEMBER 10 & 11 HORSE TREKKING ADVENTURES horsetrekkingadventures.ca

GRANDPARENTS DAY APPRECIATION TEA SEPTEMBER 11 GRIMSHAW NEW HORIZONS SENIORS DROP IN CENTRE 780-332-1585

GRIMSHAW FALL EXPO ANNUAL FALL PARADE OF PROGRAMS SEPTEMBER 15 FROM 4PM - 7PM MILE ZERO REGIONAL MULTIPLEX Free stew and bannock supper! 780-332-1585

35TH ANNUAL TERRY FOX RUN

CORN ROAST

SEPTEMBER 3 |DUNVEGAN MARKET GARDENS

DIXONVILLE SPORTS DAYS

FALL PARADE OF PROGRAMS

SEPTEMBER LONG WEEKEND Ball tournament, parade and more. Amanda: 780-219-0126

HALLOWEEN FAMILY DANCE

OCTOBER 8 AT 9PM | OLD LAC CARDINAL HALL Dress your family up in their best scary costumes and enjoy the Halloween Family Dance. Music by DJ Dan Sturgeon.

HALLOWEEN DANCE

OCTOBER 9 AT 9PM | OLD LAC CARDINAL HALL Adults can enjoy a night of spooktacular fun at the Old Lac Cardinal Hall with a Halloween Dance. Music by DJ Dan Sturgeon.

HIGH LEVEL PLAY ASSOCIATION’S FEST-OF-ALE

OCTOBER 15 | TIME AND LOCATION TBA highlevel.ca

FAIRVIEW SMALL BUSINESS WEEK WORKSHOP OCTOBER 19 | LOCATION AND TIME TBA fairview.ca

FAIRVIEW SMALL BUSINESS WEEK TRADE SHOW OCTOBER 20 | LEGION HALL fairview.ca

FAIRVIEW SMALL BUSINESS AWARD BANQUET OCTOBER 21 | DUNVEGAN INN & SUITES fairview.ca

DEADWOOD HALL FALL SUPPER AND SILENT AUCTION OCTOBER 23 AT 5PM DEADWOOD HALL Continuous buffet from 5pm to 7pm. Auction items pulled randomly beginning at 6:15pm. Kids craft room to occupy the kids (free). Family event!

SEPTEMBER 18 FROM 9AM TO 1PM Starts and ends at the Grimshaw Fire Hall. 10km walk, bike and run. | 780-332-1585

ZOMBIE WALK

FAIRVIEW FALL FINALE HORSE SHOW

ANNUAL CHILDREN’S SAFE HALLOWEEN PARTY

OCTOBER 1 & 2 fairviewsporthorsesociety.weebly.com

NATIONAL FAMILY WEEK

OCTOBER 29 | HIGH LEVEL highlevel.ca

OCTOBER 31 MILE ZERO REGIONAL MULTIPLEX 780-332-1585

OCTOBER 2 TO 8 780-332-1585

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Mile Z e ro ex l p i lt u M l R e gion a The Mile Zero Regional Multiplex has been a cherished resource in the Peace Region since it has opened its doors in 2011. In addition to the amazing amenities, the Multiplex has hosted a number of sports tournaments, concerts, training camps and fitness classes.

Be sure to check out this amazing local facility!

Les Shaw Fitness Centre Get your full body workout by using our cardio equipment, strength machines and free weights. Also offered through the gym are “Spin” group exercise classes.

Arena The Multiplex boasts a 200’ x 85’ NHL regulation size ice surface. Seating in the bleachers accommodates 1,000 spectators.

Field House The Multiplex also offers three full size

gymnasium courts. Court markings on each include the following sports: basketball, volleyball, badminton and soccer. The playing surface is made of pulastic flooring, which is a stable floor system featuring special recycled rubber shock pad for resiliency and ball rebound with superior strength.

Northern Air Walking Track The Northern Air Indoor Walking Track is a three-lane, 175.3 metre track.

Don Stannard Meeting Room The meeting room can accommodate 25 to 30 people comfortably. Everything from meetings to birthday parties are booked weekly in this space.

Pro Shop The on-site pro shop is leased to the Grimshaw Minor Hockey Association.

Concession Canadian Natural Resources Concession and it is leased to Cken’s.

The Mile Zero Regional Multiplex is located at 4609 50 St. in Grimshaw, AB.

780-332-4005 | www.grimshaw.ca For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

High Level Meet High Level’s Partners in Tourism This luxurious, resort-style property offers room amenities and configurations for leisure and business travelers alike. The 8,500-square foot water park is the largest hotel water amenity north of Edmonton. It features a water slide, water playground and a 15-person hot tub. The Mirage TasteHouse & Ultra Lounge has set a new standard in service and cuisine in the North, attracting locals, hotel guests, and residents from

surrounding communities to enjoy the impressive culinary presentation and a mouth watering experience. The Ultra Lounge serves an array of fresh fruit cocktails, discerning wines, and ultrapremium spirits. With multiple meeting rooms, a gorgeous Banquet room and a conference centre that can host events up to 400 people, you are sure to have an amazing experience at this majestic property.

Known for their warm hospitality and Vegas inspired sign, the Flamingo Inn High Level has all the comforts and amenities that travelers are looking for while on the road. Comfortable and stylish rooms at affordable rates make the Flamingo Inn your home away from home. While you are here, enjoy a meal at the Flamingo Inn Restaurant

where they feature daily lunch and dinner specials such as build your own pasta night and stir-fry night. At the Flamingo Lounge, you can sit back and relax with your favourite drink in hand either inside or out on the patio while taking in featured entertainment.

At the newly renovated Days Inn High Level, you can count on exceptional service, comfortable accommodations and first-class amenities. From cozy single rooms to luxurious Jacuzzi suites, we’re suited to all travelers and budgets—we’re even pet-friendly. In each of our newly renovated rooms, you’ll find genuine birch wood furniture,

a charming fireplace and a spa-like bathroom featuring granite countertops and massaging shower heads. Top it off with perks like a free airport shuttle, fitness centre, VLT gaming room, free movies, free internet and exceptional on-site dining, it becomes clear why we’re leading the way among hotels in High Level, AB.

On your way into town from the High Level Airport, the Quality Inn is the first hotel on the horizon and a great destination for entertainment and first-class accommodation. Lavish Jacuzzi rooms, spacious suites and comfortable beds await you here at the Quality Inn. Enjoy interior access to a wide variety of amenities and services at our hotel—with restaurant, dining lounge, VLT lounge, nightclub,

business centre, fitness facility, banquet hall and meeting room—all under one roof. Affordable rates and great features like complimentary daily breakfast make us the premier choice for your visit to High Level. It’s all part of our unwavering commitment to providing quality accommodations that live up to our name.

Recently opened in 2011, the Econo Lodge Inn & Suites offers reasonable rates for good clean rooms, equipped with modern amenities including 40” LCD TVs, fireplaces and deluxe bedding. A full service fitness centre, free Wi-Fi high speed internet access and free airport shuttle

are all benefits you can enjoy at an affordable price. Our suites are equipped with full kitchens, dining area, and separate bedrooms, which make us High Level’s most popular choice for long-term stays.

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Stay & Play Fox Haven Golf and Country club

High Level disc Golf

High Level Centennial Park

Golf Alberta’s most northern 18-hole golf course, where you can say “fore” late into the night with an 11pm tee time.

The disc golf course is located at Community Park and features a complete 9-”hole” course. Discs can be rented through the FCSS Office.

foxhavengolf.ca 780-926-3005

highlevel.ca

With two beach volleyball courts, three playgrounds, basketball courts a splash park and a tobogganing hill, Centennial Park is your yearround recreation destination.

Partner Passes Check with the Partners in Tourism Front Desk Staff for more details about these offers.

highlevel.ca

Get a 50% discount off a round of golf (9 or 18 hole) at the Fox Haven Golf and Country Club when you stay at one of the Partners of Tourism longer than two (2) nights, up to a limit of three (3) passes. Subject to course availability.

All guests with partners in tourism will be offered a free gym pass to Jagged Edge Fitness Centre, located in High Level’s Downtown core, as part of their stay. Limit of three (3) passes per week. Gym Hours are 10am to 8pm, monday to Friday.

Drop in passes for aqua fit and lane swimming at the RE Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre will be offered to all guests of our partners in tourism. Check the pool schedule on the Town of High Level website (highlevel.ca) for the current schedule.

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Museums + Heritage BATTLE RIVER PIONEER MUSEUM

Manning, AB | Open May 15 - September 15 from 10am to 6pm East on Hwy 691 Agricultural equipment and taxidermy displays. Restored buildings with artifacts include Anglican Church, Blacksmith Shop & more! 780-836-2374

LAC CARDINAL REG IONAL PIONEER VILLAGE MUSEUM

Grimshaw, AB | 6km from Grimshaw via Hwy 2 or Hwy 685 Open May - September from 11-5pm 20 acres of land houses several original buildings with authentic artifacts. Visit the train station gift shop! Admission by donation. 780-332-2197

NAMPA AND DISTRICT MUSEUM Nampa, AB | On Hwy 2 Summer hours: Open Daily from 10am to 5pm designed in the shape of a railway station, featuring an oil & gas interactive display, old school room, taxidermy collection, fossil collection and more! 780-322-2777 | facebook.com/nampamuseum

e t a ! r t s b le Pa e C the

FAIRVIEW PIONEER MUSEUM

1km north of fairview on Hwy 732 & east at the Cummings Lake Campsite sign | OPen May to Sept. | Tues. to Sat. - 1:30pm to 5pm Fairview Pioneer Museum contains a variety of old buildings including the Macdonald and scotswood schools, the malkinson building, the Ugg grain elevator office and more! Admission is free. Donations are accepted. fairview.ca

END OF STEEL MUSEUM

Hines Creek, AB | At Intersection of Hwy #64 & Hwy #685 Open May - September from 10am-6pm (1-6pm on Sunday) Guided tours available. Taxidermy display. vintage vehicles and machines and a variety of restored heritage buildings. 780-835-7827 | endofsteelmuseum.weebly.com

MACKENZIE CROSSROADS MUSEUM AND VISITORS CENTRE

High Level, AB | 10803 96 St. Open Mon-Fri from 9am-8pm and Sat & Sun from 10am-8pm Museum, gift shop and picnic area. Primary exhibit: “Northern Trading Post.” Travelling Art Exhibit: “Home is where the art is,” running July 27 to aug. 24. 780-926-4811

Heritage Day in Peace River July 30, 2016 Peace River NAR Station In celebration of the NAR and the S.S. D.A. Thomas 100th Anniversary. BBQ, Music, Vintage Cars and fun activities. PeaceRiver.ca

Heritage Day in Manning August 1, 2016 Battle River Pioneer Museum Join us for an antique tractor parade, pancake breakfast and more! manning.ca

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Day Celebrations PEACE RIVER MUSEUM, ARCHIVES AND OLD MANNING HOSPITAL MUSEUM Manning, AB | Main Street MACKENZIE CENTRE Peace River, AB | 10302 99 St. Open Mon - Sat from 10-5pm (Open Sundays in July & Aug) Permanent exhibit covers the fur trade area, aboriginal history and the heritage of the town of peace river. 780-624-4261 | peacerivermuseum.blogspot.ca

NAR STATION Peace River, AB | 9309 100 St. Stop by for a tour of the Northern Alberta Railway Station--Peace Riverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Provincial Historical Site. Also the home of the Peace River Tourist Information Centre & Chamber of commerce. 780-624-4166

HISTORIC DUNVEGAN PROVINCIAL PARK

Hwy 2 between Rycroft and Fairview Open May 15 - Labour day Four original authentically restored and furnished buildings with historic interpreters. Guided and self- guided tours available. 780-835-7150 | historicdunvegan.org

Heritage Day in Hines Creek August 1, 2016 End of Steel Museum Join us for music, food, wagon rides, a tractor parade and great demonstrations. endofsteelmuseum.weebly.com

Built in 1937, much of the hospital, including the operating room, has been restored. 780-836-3606

MUSEE DE ST. ISIDORE (ST. ISIDORE MUSEUM) St. Isidore, AB | OPen by request 780-624-8481

RCMP CENTENNIAL MUSEUM Fairview, AB | 10813 103 Ave. Open May to September | Tues to Sat. from 1:30pm to 5pm Located in Downtown Fairview, and originally an RCMP Residence, the Fairview RCMP Centennial Museum depicts a typical home from the 1920s era. 780-835-2392

DIXONVILLE MUSEUM

Located in an authentic early 20th century trading post within the hamlet of dixonville. 780-971-3750 or 780-971-3965

Pioneer Day at Lac Cardinal August 13, 2016 Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Pancake breakfast, beef on a bun, parade, buggy rides, threshing machine, blacksmithing, demonstrations, farmers market and more. mdpeace.com

Worsley Pioneer Days August 13, 2016 Worsley Museum Starts with parade at noon. Threshing, lawnmower races, bannock making, kids games, potluck supper and more! clearhillscounty.ab.ca

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

Swim & Skate Manning Centennial RCMP Pool

Hines Creek Spray Park

4th Ave SW, Manning, AB Open from May to Sept. Programs include Aqua tots, water polo, synchronized swimming and more! manning.ca 780-836-3218

2nd Ave & 10th St., Hines Creek hinescreek.com

Grimshaw Outdoor Pool 4615 50 St., Grimshaw, AB Open from May to August with a variety of programs for all ages. 780-332-4010

R.E. Walter Memorial Aquatic Centre 10001 105 Ave This pool features a 4-lane 25 metre pool, tot pool, whirl pool, climbing wall and viewing area. highlevel.ca | 780-926-3663

Peace Regional Pool

Fairview Regional Aquatic Centre East of Hwy 2 This pool features a 5-lane, 25-metre lap pool, a zero depth wading pool, a hot tub, a climbing wall and more! Fairview.ca | 780-835-2812

Three Battles Skatepark 6th Ave. NW, Manning, AB Outdoor concrete skatepark manning.ca

Cadotte Lake Skatepark Cadotte Lake, AB Outdoor Concrete skatepark

High Level SkatePark

7201 98 St., Peace River Aqua aerobics, classes, courses, waterslide, hot tub, steam room and more. peaceriver.ca

10511 103 St. Located next to the RE Walter Memorial aquatic Centre. Features 3-foot ramps, rails and boxes to grind. highlevel.ca

Peace River Water Play Park

Peace River SkatePark

10109 101 St. Open May to August from 10am-8pm. Newly renovated washrooms and a variety of splash park features. peaceriver.ca

Behind the Legion on 101 St. *Coming soon* The Curtis Marshall Memorial Skatepark peaceriver.ca

*NEW* Centennial Park Splash Park Downtown High Level Featuring umbrella sprays, water cannons and ground sprayers. highlevel.com

Grimshaw Sk8 â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Nâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Bike Park Beside the Library on 47th Ave Outdoor modular skatepark open from spring to fall. grimshaw.ca

Heart of the Peace Splash and Skate Park Fairview, AB

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

recently did a presentation that talked about some of the digital marketing activities that play an important role in a social media strategy. Companies sometimes get so caught up in posting content that they forget about other areas of importance. Things like… • Content creation • Analytics review • Social media monitoring • Blogger and influencer outreach • Social media channel advertising • Review management Although all of these are important, the review management aspect is something that I think companies should pay more attention to. We know reviews can have a direct impact on consumer decision making, and ultimately, sales. We also know that people can create reviews without a company even knowing and that these reviews can be scattered all over the online world. I started to think about it a bit more… and it begged

the question… What if a company made reviews the focus of their social media strategy? What if a company used their limited resources to monitor and encourage reviews instead of posting on channels like Facebook and Instagram? Think it’s a crazy idea? Think again. Take a minute and search “restaurants” in Google. Notice how many search results either have reviews directly tied to them or lead you to a page featuring reviews. It’s a safe assumption that reviews will play a role in the decision-making process of people viewing these search results. People trust peer reviews and want to learn more about a company than what is put forward in ads. They want to know the real story. Will this company deliver on their promises? Is the food really good at this restaurant? They turn to online reviews to read real stories from real people… good or bad. It’s a bit strange to me that businesses will often turn a blind eye to something so trusted by consumers. If someone came into your

place of business and told you that your product was horrible, you might brush it off as something coming from “a crazy person that doesn’t know what they’re talking about”. What if these comments became more frequent and they were public for everyone to see? That might be a problem. Welcome to the world of online reviews. Do People Use Online Reviews? BrightLocal does an annual Local Customer Review Survey where they ask people about online reviews and their role in the decision-making process. It found that 92% of consumers read online reviews and 40% of consumers form an opinion by reading just one to three reviews. It also noted that 68% of those surveyed said positive reviews made them trust a local business more. Making Reviews Your Strategy Don’t get me wrong. Social media is still an important and effective communications and marketing tool. Websites and content are still a big deal. Online advertising works wonders. Encouraging, monitoring and responding to online

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the importance of online reviews

reviews isn’t the “sexiest” thing in the world but it could be one of the most important things you do. So let’s just say you’re a business with limited resource time, but you still want to make a positive impact online. Why not try to be the best (Insert type of business here) in (Insert your city or town here) on popular review websites? Why not be the company that encourages customers to leave reviews and then be the company that promptly responds to them online? Why not be the company that reads reviews (beyond the star rating) and uses that feedback to help shape your products and services? Regardless of the number of reviews you receive, having a plan to respond to them is important. The goal is to not only encourage reviews but to maintain a positive online presence around your brand. Ultimately customers will make their own decision, but you might as well at least be part of the conversation.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

BRIAN SIDDLE | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND CONTENT | STRONG COFFEE MARKETING //

BE A PART OF THE CONVERSATION

COLUMN COMMUNITY FUTURES PEACE COUNTRY //

Crowdfunding a unique alternative to business financing

rowdfunding is being touted as the new alternative for entrepreneurs, creative thinkers and non-profits to finance projects or business growth. In its simplest form, crowdfunding is the raising of funds through the collection of small contributions from the general public (known as the crowd) using the internet and social media. There are three types of crowdfunding: Donation Crowdfunding, Rewards Crowdfunding and, more recently, Equity Crowdfunding. Each crowdfunding type is defined by what the investor receives in return for funding a campaign. Donation and Reward based crowdfunding campaigns typically 54

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S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 | www.moveupmag.com

include a funding goal with a start and end date for the campaign. The crowdfunding platform will display—in real time—the amount of money raised with respect to the funding goal, as well as the number of days left in the campaign. Most crowdfunding platforms charge a fee per transaction and/ or a processing fee for the duration of the fundraising campaign. Crowdfunding platforms also operate under a Keep It All (KIA) model or an All or Nothing (AON) model. KIA models allow the individual or business to keep all the net proceeds raised in the crowdfunding campaign, regardless of whether the funding goal was attained. Under the AON model, donations are processed on the end date of the campaign only if the individual or business has met or exceeded its crowdfunding goal.

Donation Crowdfunding

Donation crowdfunding is used primarily to raise funds for personal causes. It is often characterized as “feel good” investing. The investor (donor) receives nothing in return for their donation, except possibly a tax receipt. One of the most popular donation type crowdfunding websites is GoFundMe. Most people use GoFundMe to raise money for themselves, a friend or a loved one during life’s critical moments. They could be for things like medical expenses, education costs, volunteer programs, youth sports or memorials.

Rewards Crowdfunding

Rewards based crowdfunding is popular amongst businesses seeking funding for business start up costs or for a specific project—such as a new product launch, new signage or

COLUMN COMMUNITY FUTURES PEACE COUNTRY // an e-commerce website. In a rewards based crowdfunding campaign, the investor expects to receive a reward or perk in return for their donation. Common rewards include a thank you note, a branded t-shirt, gift certificates or product samples. A favourite Alberta crowdfunding platform for small business owners is Alberta BoostR. Backed by the Alberta Treasury Branch, Alberta BoostR has helped numerous small businesses raise funds for their business. Success stories include helping a technology business with start up funding (FREDsense), helping an online radio station relaunch (Shaunio Radio) and helping a pop up noodle shop build enough exposure to open a restaurant (Prairie Noodle).

Equity Crowdfunding

New to the crowdfunding world is equity crowdfunding. This type of crowdfunding is geared towards entrepreneurs seeking substantial capital to start up or grow their business. In this model, the investor receives ownershipÂ in the company based on the amount of the contribution.

potential investors can connect with new companies. For more detailed information on crowdfunding platforms and how they work, or to keep up-todate on upcoming crowdfunding events, check out the National Crowdfunding Association of Canada www.ncfacanada.org

SeedUps Canada is a Calgary based crowdfund investing platform where accredited, eligible and ordinary investors can invest between $1,000 to $50,000 in companies offering investments in the exempt market. SeedUpsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; platform attracts a wide range of businesses, from business start-ups to more established companies, seeking access to growth capital. Unique to Seedups Canada is the convenient forum where #Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

Photography by You and Mee

Mody in his home, on a Sunday afternoon Talking talk radio, off the record and off air, after retirement By tormaigh van slyke

ou’re a bona fide local if you’ve heard, “Mody in the Morning.” It’s a phrase that elicits unique memories for all who are familiar. That’s because for over 30 years people of the Peace Region have been treated to a very warm and distinctive voice. It’s a voice that has penetrated our airwaves and helped connect our communities beyond measure or compare. It’s the voice of Dan Mody. Since moving to Peace 56

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River, Mody has interviewed Canadian literary icons, Alberta Premiers and raced circus elephants against the local mayor while wearing a turban. More recently, in 2012, he was awarded The Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee medal honouring his dedicated service to his peers, his community and to Canada. Behind it all though, he is the kind and humble man sitting in the living room of the home he and his wife built telling his story.

S U M M E R 2 0 1 6 | www.moveupmag.com

“I fell in love instantly with Peace River as far as the natural beauty goes. You’re driving for hours and then you get to the top of that hill. It was in autumn, September 1980. That was very memorable that first drive down the valley. [My wife and I] were coming with our two dogs and all our stuff to move here permanently. We spent a year building this house and here we still are all these years later,” said Mody.

Prior to arriving in Peace River, Mody had already led quite an eventful life. Born in a suburb of Bombay, India, on July 28, 1951, he wasted little time acquainting himself with the radio. “We used to listen to playby-play cricket [the sport] on the radio because we didn’t have a TV, and we used to listen to the Top 10 Songs on the BBC, sponsored by Binaca toothpaste, I remember that

still,” said Mody. Interestingly, Mody also grew up listening to his father on the radio, as he was both a classical and a Bollywood session musician. “My dad used to play violin and viola. I remember once in a while he would be given his own half hour on All India Radio, which was a national network, like the CBC is here. The announcer would announce what he was going to play and then he would just play it, and we would listen to him,” said Mody. Being an accomplished musician with contacts, Mody’s father was hired by world-famous conductor Zubin Mehta to play in the Montreal Symphony Orchestra in 1966. Mody was 15 and in grade 8 at the time. “Then, in the summer of that year, Zubin left the band and the management changed and a lot of the personnel changed, so we moved to Edmonton and my dad got a job in the Edmonton Symphony,” said Mody. “You know the band Procol Harum, they did A Whiter Shade of Pale. They were the first rock group to interact with a symphony orchestra. It later became a

thing, but the earliest one was in Edmonton and my father was a part of that.” [Note: While a few bands recorded with various orchestras prior, they weren’t “symphony orchestras.”] After finishing high school, Mody would set his sights on his chosen profession. “I was working a full time job at a parkade and a parttime job at Safeway while I was trying to get into radio,” said Mody.

time. I made friends with some people at CHQT and I would go in and see those guys and see how they did things because I was just totally hooked on radio,” said Mody. It was these relationships that would land Mody his first radio job. “The manager at the station then, a guy by the name of Roger Charest, talked to the guy at the station in Edson and convinced him to hire me. That first job in radio

In 1980, Mody saw the job opening in Peace River for Program Director and Morning Man and went for it. the rest is history. Columbia School of Broadcasting was one of the few radio schools out there, but Mody opted not to enroll due to the lofty tuition rates. Ironically, years later the school would advertise him as one of their graduates, even though he never attended. “There was a gap for a year and a half or so after high school before I got into radio. In the meantime, though, I was listening to radio in all of my spare

is just incredibly important and hard to get. It was July 20, 1972,” said Mody. For his first two years in radio, Mody was a 9pm to 1am jock. “I used to ask the dumbest questions like ‘How can you tell when the music stops and the vocals begin, or how do I know if my voice is good enough?’ I was told, ‘You’ll get a sense of it. You’ll get a feeling,’ and that’s bang on the right

answer. You just slowly start to get that sense and you start to feel comfortable. That’s when you know your voice has been trained,” said Mody. In 1974, Mody was offered the morning show, a position he gladly accepted. Then, two years later, love struck. “I met my wife-to-be in Edson in 1976, but I knew she had to go back to university, which was on the west coast. We wanted to be together, and that wasn’t going to happen if I was in Edson so I got a job in the newsroom in Regina. We moved there together, got married and she went to the University of Regina,” said Mody. In 1980, Mody saw the job opening in Peace River for Program Director and Morning Man and went for it. He flew in to interview, was awarded the position and the rest is history. “Apparently the guy before me used to read bible verses on the radio on his show. That’s certainly not something I did,” said Mody. By the time Mody arrived in the Peace Region, he had a winning trifecta: experience,

Dan Mody at the Infamous Elephant race (Far left), Stan Parks and Dan Mody at a Trade show in Peace River (Centre) and Dan Mody and Jim Tallman at a Golf Tournament in 2004. Photography courtesy of Peace River Broadcasting. #Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

Dan Mody (l) accepting the qUEEN eLIZABETH ii dIAMOND jUBILEE mEDAL IN 2012, PICTURED WITH lORNE mANN (r).

confidence and ambition. It was time for Mody to make his mark and let his trained voice be heard. “At the time, the prism through which I was looking at world events was not common here. Forget the titles, forget the labels, let’s just talk about individual events and individual opinions and let’s flesh them out,” said Mody. Mody remembers a time when the Alberta Premier came to Peace River. “There was one time, we had an open phone line in the studio with Ralph Klein, and Al “Boomer” Adair was standing in the back the whole time because by then I already had a reputation of being unpredictable. Ralph 58

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could take care of himself though; he didn’t need any policemen. We talked to people for a whole hour,” said Mody.

the title of “respected media personality” as he deliberately tried to define and expand what the Peace Region was capable of.

Mody.

In the early 1980s, Mody decided to publically make a stand for gay equality, which at the time was a faux pas to say the least.

“When I was going down the highway and listening to different stations nobody was doing that. I was asking, ‘What makes us different,’ and sometimes people would phone in and tell me they disagreed with my opinions, but that was clearly what I wanted to happen. I wanted that dialogue to go on,” said Mody. “I really paid attention to the phone line because that was my connection to the community and it was their connection to me. I never ignored the phone. If I didn’t answer the phone, I wasn’t in the room,” said

“I can honestly say in forty some years of radio, you can count on the fingers of one hand the number of times I have been late,” said Mody. “When you have a lot of stuff going on, you need that prep time, and if you don’t have it, you’re scrambling. So, I would get up at 3:30am and if I was at the station no later than 4:15am then I was good to sign on the air at 6am,” said Mody.

“There was nobody in Northern Alberta who was standing up for gay people. Nobody. And, I’m not gay; there’s nobody in my family who’s gay—not even my extended family—I just did it because I felt it was the right thing to do,” said Mody. Mody took his job and his role in the community very seriously. He was sewing his oats and earning

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The truth was if it was early, Mody was almost always in the room.

One notable exception to this routine was The Kitchen Show—a fan favourite whereby Mody and Peace River Broadcasting Owner

Terry Babiy travelled, sometimes hundreds of kilometres, to broadcast on location from inside people’s homes. “That was one of Terry’s more brilliant moves when he first came to Peace River. The kitchens would be packed. I’d be sitting in the corner with my little equipment and we’d do interview after interview for hours. We were talking about things that mattered to people in their community—local programs and this and that. It was all about that particular community on that particular morning,” said Mody. Mody loved the interview. You could say he craved it. It was about the intellectual stimulation, the learning and making a meaningful connection, both with the interviewee and the listeners. “I’ll miss the interviews. I remember I used to do an interview program called The Saturday Morning Book Club, which was sponsored by Golden Apple Books, a bookstore that used to be

in Riverdrive Mall,” said Mody. “The guy running the bookshop at the time was a guy by the name of John Blum. He was a voracious reader. He would read all these books and mark some interesting parts for me, and I would phone the authors and do interviews with them,” said Mody. Benefiting from Blum’s initiative and research, Mody had the privilege to interview authors such as Pierre Berton, Farley Mowat, Allan Fotheringham, Charles Lynch and Margret Atwood. “I still have those interviews on reel-to-reel tape. Farley Mowat was a great interviewee and he talked to me like he had known me for all his life, and Pierre Berton the same thing,” said Mody. From start to finish, Mody’s broadcasting career spans over four decades, but there were two, two-year breaks. He used this time to be a stay-at-home dad and to sell cars and office furniture. “I tried selling cars at Tri-

Star and I tried selling office equipment at Kit Business—both were completely disastrous. To this day, I can promote someone else better than I can promote myself. It’s just the way it is. I couldn’t sell cars to save my life. It just wasn’t for me,” said Mody. Mody now has a job with Ruel Bros., a road construction company, helping out in the office. Not surprising, answering phones are among one of his duties. “The last thing I wanted to do was sit at home because I needed to be around people and a few extra bucks always helps. Learning all these different skills is interesting too, even if it’s just for a few months here and there,” said Mody. Though he already misses broadcasting in some respects, Mody is happy to move on. “People are telling me how much they miss me, and that’s the way you want to go out. Athletes are famous for staying way past their best before date, and I

can understand that,” said Mody. “When you’re really passionate about your career, it’s hard to know when to leave because you feel like tomorrow you could still do a good job,” said Mody. As Mody stepped down, many in the community have stood up to show their support and appreciation. The letters and phone calls have meant a great deal, but what Mody has found especially interesting are the countless stories random people have begun to share with him, each of them unique. These stories do have one common theme though—they’re all about how a man on the radio, a voice, impacted their lives. And, that voice, that very warm and distinctive voice, is Dan Mody. “I was a part of important events that touched people’s lives,” said Mody. “And, somehow they loved me. All I was doing was talking on the radio, but they had to turn the radio on and let me into their house, or car. So, that was their decision. All I can say is, ‘Thanks.’”

Photography by You and Mee

a lOCAL nEWPAPER cLIPPING PROFILING dAN mODY EARLIER ON IN HIS CAREER (lEFT). Dan Mody in his home in 2016 (Right). #Li fesBetterUpHere | SUMMER 20 1 6 M OV E U P

Home is where the art is Esâwa Gifts and Gallery | By Geneva Seaton | Photography Submitted

sâwa Gifts and Gallery is a sparkling cultural mosaic in the “Gateway to the South,” High Level, Alberta. Since 2013, owners Cheryll and Jan Welke have worked diligently to keep their store stocked with a local flavour of handmade goods, making this little gift shop a place like no other. In a phone interview with Move Up, Cheryll Welke pipes up with excitement, “These are nice! I love these!” She is beaming over

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heart-themed coffee mugs displayed in her store. The novelty mugs are a popular item.

felt a lack of support for local artists and seized the opportunity to promote local artists.

“I’m patiently waiting for my Cute Cree Cups. We sold out of them right away and we had about 75 of them. They have different sayings in English and Cree. The artist is a girl from Fort Vermillion,” said Welke.

“I wanted to find an outlet to help sell aboriginal art. I could see there were so many artists trying to sell their work. The skill is just phenomenal!” said Welke.

The Welkes are passionate about highlighting talent from communities around the area. They originally

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It doesn’t end with local art; the store features pieces by artists from all over Canada. “I buy porcupine quill products from the Mohawks

in the Kahnawake and Kanesatake territories. I also buy the candles and feathers they make. If I can’t get it here, I branch out,” said Welke. It is all here at Esâwa Gifts and Gallery. The store’s stellar inventory has products ranging from moccasins and jewelry to paintings and birch bark items. “You have to see this stuff to believe it,” said Welke.

Through art you can engage people and educate them at the same time. You can browse these treasures on the store’s website and be dazzled by detailed descriptions and studio photographs— whether online or in person the Welkes are committed to offering a custom-made shopping experience.

language and our practices and I’d really like to support it. Because I am able to I just feel that I should!” said Welke.

This attention to detail is a reflection of Welke’s passion to share her vision with the world.

“I am seeing younger and younger people come in with art products to sell to me, so that tells me the culture is gaining interest and being rejuvenated as well,” she said.

“As a Cree Nation Métis person, I’ve always taken pride in my culture, my

This community support is also having a positive impact on local youth.

This cultural rejuvenation is important to the growth and wellbeing of our country. “Through art you can engage people and educate them at the same time,” said Welke. There are many diverse nations within Alberta that are represented at the store. “It’s a very interesting part of the province. In this territory here, we have four distinct groups. We have

the Cree, Beaver, Slavey and Métis, many of whom still speak their traditional languages and who still practice the traditional ways of hunting, harvesting and creating art,” said Welke. The unique spirit of Esâwa Gifts and Gallery celebrates the collective heartbeat found within Canada’s rich landscape of diverse art and culture. “You will not find another place like this. You won’t anywhere,” said Welke.

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Awaits Adventure

Words and Photography by Drew Rogers

round the world and across Canada, Alberta is seen as Cowboy Country. In the Peace Region, there are no shortage of rodeos or ranches to help bolster this reputation. For Harvey and Laureen Kosheiff, the enjoyment of being out on the land with their horses evolved from an activity for family and friends to an exciting local tourism venture. So, Move Up Magazine headed on out to Horse Trekking Adventures, located north of Fairview in Clear Hills County, to find out what all the fuss was about.

Sitting in the kitchen, Harvey Kosheiff watches sheets of rain roll through. “We built the house in this direction so we could see the horses,” said Kosheiff. The love he has for the animals is obvious. With a herd of roughly 40, at all times each horse has its place and purpose. Growing up in the area, Kosheiff developed his horsemanship skills by working as a cattle roper, something he still does for local ranchers. Training and riding the horses is Kosheiff’s passion. He says as he points to a picture hanging on the wall of the house. “Do what you love and you’ll never work a day in your life. My kids got me that. We raised them to think like that too,” said Kosheiff. As the clouds break and the sun 62

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emerges we see the horses enjoying the change in weather. Kosheiff smiles while looking out the window. “Let’s get some horses ready to ride,” said Kosheiff.

A bucket of oats spread around the paddock and in come the horses. With personalities as diverse as their colours, the horses file in. Kosheiff swings the gate closed and makes short work of choosing out a few for today’s ride. Opening the tack shed, the smell of leather floods out as we gather the rest of the equipment. “Now I’ve got a few tricks to size people for comfortable saddles,” said Kosheiff. While preparing, he takes the time to give any beginners or inexperienced riders a thorough run down on the finer points of riding. Although the rides can be catered to any level, Kosheiff enjoys getting people away from the ranch. “This isn’t arena riding. I like to go a little further and through some more interesting places than some. It has to be a bit of an adventure,” said Kosheiff. Everyone’s saddled up and we’re off—riding through open fields before heading into the bush to weave through the trails. Over the course of an hour, we make our way to the Horse Trekking Adventures wilderness camp, a beautiful cleared area where we take a break for some authentic

cowboy coffee over the fire. As Kosheiff gets the fire started, our group sits in the sun and takes in the natural surroundings. Jasmine Pouce Coupe loves coming down from Fort St. John to go riding with Harvey and Laureen Kosheiff. “I got a ride with them as a gift and since then I’ve come back over and over again,” said Pouce Coupe. Pouce Coupe is an experienced rider but never gets bored of the area. “There are so many trails here that we never do the same ride twice. Just being out in the bush with Harvey is always great, he knows so much and points out interesting things every time,” said Pouce Coupe. As we sipped our coffee, Pouce Coupe filled me in on her first time out with Horse Trekking Adventures. “The mountain pack trips are a whole other experience. We went places no one else can get to. For horseback riding, it’s the ultimate.” A minimum of five days, going out to the Kakwa or Willmore wilderness is an immersive experience. “Most of those places have motor vehicle restrictions. It’s so quiet and secluded,” said Pouce Coupe. Pouce Coupe is one of the many repeat customers that has become friends with the crew at Horse Trekking

We went places no one else can get to. For horseback riding, it’s the ultimate. Adventures, and it’s easy to see why. As we start back to the ranch Kosheiff gets off his horse and offers us all a handful of wild edible plants. Some leafy greens, wild peas and even the traditional Albertan wild rose pedals. “It’s a great topping to make your meals look extra fancy out at camp. Just make sure you know exactly what you’re eating,” said Kosheiff as he jumps back into the saddle. The group snakes through the bush, across the fields and back to the ranch to let the horses eat and rest. Big smiles all around and another day of doing what you love. Kosheiff packs up the saddles, and the cowboys and girls dust themselves and their horses off. From what started as a hobby, Horse Trekking Adventures has become a one-of-a-kind tourism operation in Northern Alberta. Whether you want your first taste of horseback trail riding or you’re looking for the authentic mountain pack ride, the Kosheiffs would be more than happy to show you the ropes. With so many options there truly is an experience for everyone to enjoy. Contact Horse Trekking Adventures by phone at 1-780-835-4629 and like their Facebook page to see more photos and get in touch.

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SPREADING KINDNESS WITH COFFEE

mber Armstrong of DMI Pulp and Paper Division Peace River is on a mission to fight hatred with kindness. When Constable Daniel Woodall of the Edmonton Police Service was killed in the line of duty on June 8, 2015, leaving behind a wife and two young sons, Armstrong thought of the 300 team members at the pulp mill who have often relied on first responders like Daniel because of the dangerous nature of their work. She was moved by Daniel’s sacrifice and wanted to get DMI involved in showing support for the first responders that give so much. “When others run out, we run in,” said one long-time volunteer firefighter, describing the kind of fortitude that Woodall and all those in first responder uniforms embody on a daily basis. Constable Daniel Woodall was a member of the Edmonton Hate & Bias Crimes unit. Many agree that his death was preventable. The man who took Woodall’s life was motivated by a loathing that seems incomprehensible to many of us--one based not on actions against him, but in

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unprovoked hatred of the very essence of another human being. While Constable Woodall dealt with criminal actions based in hatred, Armstrong aims to fight hate another way—through connection. “We have 300 team members, and every one of those people has a story.” She believes that by sharing our stories, we can begin to understand each other, and those deep-rooted biases can be replaced with respect and appreciation. This drive to foster connection and kindness was how Daniel’s Coffee was born. Partnering with Gordon and Barbara Drummond of Peace River Tim Hortons, DMI invited first responders from the RCMP, Fire Department, Peace River Correctional Facility, Emergency Medical Services and the Edmonton Police Service (EPS) to join them for a morning of connecting with our community and each other. Over 30 members of the different units participated, taking and serving orders and handing out free Tim Hortons coffee cards to every customer on the morning of June 8, 2016.

“This is entertaining, because you’re working with people who work here a lot,” said Staff Sergeant Brent Meyer of the Peace River RCMP, referring to the other members. “But usually it is only at bad times, when people get injured or die. The correctional guys were even saying that this is an awesome break.” “This is the first time they have all been together,” said Armstrong. She was thrilled to have given them that opportunity to connect. Customers came through the drive-through with big smiles on their faces. In the afternoon, several of the members did a presentation at T.A. Norris School to remind students that the true “first responders” in fighting hate are themselves. Sergeant Jason Perry of the EPS Honour Guard, who participated in the event with his wife, Constable Dawna Perry of the EPS CSI unit, shared Woodall’s legacy with the students. “These people up here … are just normal people who love their communities [and whose jobs] can be very difficult,” said Perry. “But when something like [Woodall’s death]

happens, they all come together and … people show their support, and it makes you feel good. We have to take the good things from that, we have to learn from that and move forward.” Staff Sergeant Brent Meyer encouraged students to have respect for themselves and others, to show kindness and to

remember that their choices impact others around them, as well as their own futures. In the press release for the event, Armstrong reminds us that “what [Woodall] did mattered and what we do matters in terms of fighting hatred with kindness and compassion.”

Coffee, connection and kindness— sounds like the perfect brew. Talena Winters is a freelance writer, blogger and author in the Peace Region of Alberta. Find more of her writing at talenawinters.com

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RELOCATION STORY

Have you had any wildlife encounters since you’ve been here?

The Stewarts Moved Up to Peace River from saskatchewan The Stewarts are: William, 35 Daniela, 35 Dominik, 8 and Nadja, 5

Where are you originally from? WS: We are originally from La Ronge, Saskatchewan; however, we relocated to Whitecourt three years ago.

Where in the Peace Region did you move to? We’ve been renting a cool little house in the Town of Peace River, but in June we purchased an acreage in the County of Northern Lights and plan to move in July.

How long ago did you move up here? We moved to the Peace Region in May, 2016.

Where do you work? I work at the Peace River Airport as the Transportation/SMS Manager. 66

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What’s your story? How did you end up relocating to the Mighty Peace Region? I had been running the La Ronge airport for five years. After starting a family, we were struck with a desire to relocate in order to secure better opportunities for our children. When the chance came to move to Whitecourt, we took it. After three years in Whitecourt the option to move up to a larger airport in Peace River seemed like a great idea. The amenities and opportunities for our children are excellent in the Peace Region and the area feels a lot more like home.

What was your first impression of the Peace Region? In a word, picturesque. With a lush river valley and a somewhat European feel in the Town of Peace River, this seemed like a hidden gem we couldn’t believe we hadn’t heard more about!

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What surprised you the most about the Peace Region? Coming from northern Saskatchewan, we were amazed the Peace Region is actually further north than La Ronge yet the climate is so much warmer.

What would be your advice to anyone thinking of relocating here? If you’re having any doubts about the area, come and see it. It’s an amazing and beautiful chunk of the world, full of nature. It’s totally worth it in our opinion.

what are some must-try Peace Region Experiences? Whether it’s the 12 Foot Davis Gravesite or the Sagitawa Lookout, the views of the Peace River valley are a major draw. Pair that with the region’s rich history and you are set for days upon days of exploring and sightseeing.

Lots! We’ve had deer in our yard, a number of bear sightings and there are birds in our area like I’ve never seen, including woodpeckers and blue jays. We’ve also seen a few coyotes around and every night you can hear them call in the distance. It reminds me I’m surrounded by the wilderness.

What is your ideal Saturday in the Peace Region? We like to head out and explore the area and discover another new spot that we’ve been told about but haven’t experienced yet.

What is your favourite summer activity in the Peace? We love to go camping together. There are so many campgrounds to explore and we’ve only just sampled the tip of the iceberg. We hope to try them all some day. I am also a motorcyclist so exploring the area to find good roads and amazing views is always fun in a new location.

Where do you see yourself in five years? With the purchase of an acreage in the County of Northern Lights, we hope to settle down here in our new home and enjoy all that the region has to offer.