Move Up Issue 14

A NEW ERA FOR ENERGY

SHELL DIVESTS AFTER NEARLY 40 YEARS IN THE PEACE

CANADA’S 150TH

CELEBRATING OUR NATION’S MILESTONE

GO MIGHTY PEACE

TRAVEL & EXPLORE THE PEACE REGION

Local Features News Events Opportunities

TAKE ONE

K R O W yles St

hly g i h of theuctive prod

Contents >> MAY-AUGUST 2017 Ç VOLUME XIV PUBLISHERS

Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke EDITORS

Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke ADVERTISING SALES | FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:

Tormaigh Van Slyke // hello@moveupmag.com LAYOUT DESIGN

Aimie Williams Jenelle Van Slyke Tormaigh Van Slyke AD DESIGN

Aimie Williams

women farmers in the peace country

p. 40

PHOTOGRAPHY

T Parenteau Photography, Paul Lavoie Images, Jenna Dacyk, Trina Moyles, Brenda Shenton WRITERS

Billy Joe Laboucan, Commmunity Futures Staff, Trina Moyles, Carson Murphy, Drew Rogers, Brian Siddle, Northern Lakes College Staff, 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.

moveupmag.com hello@moveupmag.com

MOVE UP IS PUBLISHED BY

WORK

Styles of the highly productive p. 22

Also >> 05

Canada Turns 150

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Shell Divests Interests in the Peace

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Welcome to Lac Cardinal Country

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GO: Mighty Peace

VAULTmedia MOVE UP IS A PROUD MEMBER OF THE FOLLOWING ORGANIZATIONS

PREDA

PEACE REGION ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ALLIANCE

A Brief History of the Peace Region

Canadian Natural Ltd. & Kineticor Step In

A Place to Start a Business, Raise a Family & Call Home

Explore the Peace Region for All it Has to Offer

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY T PARENTEAU PHOTOGRAPHY #Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 2 0 1 7 M OV E U P

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 Column

à CARSON MURPHY | PEACE RIVER MUSEUM, ARCHIVES & MACKENZIE CENTRE

A BRIEF HISTORY OF THE PEACE REGION his year is an auspicious one for Canada as we celebrate 150 years since our Confederation. At the time the Fathers of Confederation were meeting in the east, the Peace Region was still predominantly home to the Beaver and Cree indigenous peoples who called this part of the country home for thousands of years. The first missionaries arrived and established the St. Charles Mission at what is now Dunvegan in 1867. They’re celebrating 150 years this year too and are celebrating on the July 1st weekend.

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More missionary efforts followed further down the Peace River valley on the Shaftesbury Trail, with the Anglican Mission of Christ Church (or Shaftesbury Mission) established in 1886 by Rev. John G. Brick, and St. Augustine’s Roman Catholic in 1888. Both established large market gardens and schools for the local native children. Métis families such as the Mackenzies and St. Germains settled on the river flats in the 1890s.

One of the all-Canadian routes for the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896-1899 had a trail that went from Edmonton northwest, crossing at the Peace River.

The increased traffic meant the Royal

North West Mounted Police enlarged their presence, establishing a post at Peace River Landing.

A Hudson’s Bay post, established in 1904, was the impetus for further commercial development. By 1910, there was growing interest in the Peace Region and settlers and entrepreneurs were beginning to make the crosscountry journey from Edmonton and Grouard.

Dominion Surveyors came through the country surveying the sections and reserves for the settlers and indigenous peoples. Settlers had to apply to the nearest land office for land, which was located in Grouard until 1915 when a land office was opened in Peace River.

The Heart River Trestle in Peace River was built in 1916, and the station and Immigration Hall the same year. The “Million Dollar” bridge was completed in 1918 and after a brief pause for financing, continued west establishing the two communities of Grimshaw, named after the local Dr. Grimshaw, and Berwyn, named by an early settler after a place in Wales.

The 1950s and 1960s were periods of prosperity for the Peace Region.

Oil and gas developments and infrastructure improvements enhanced

life in the area. Manning, AB, sprung up after WWII and was named by public vote in 1947 after the Premier of Alberta at the time. The Mackenzie Highway was completed in 1948/1949. The Town of Fairview was incorporated as a town in 1949, and Grimshaw in 1953. The community of St. Isidore was founded in 1953 by seven families from the Sagueneay-LacSaint Jean region of Quebec. Nampa was incorporated as a village in 1958.

The Dunvegan bridge opened in 1960 and the Peace River traffic bridge in 1968 enhancing the travel of goods across the region. The completion of the Great Slave Lake Railway in 1964 created the only rail link into Canada’s North West Territories.

Further development and growth has continued across the Peace Region and hopefully will continue for another 150 years! With the positive outlook and hard work of the people of this region, our communities will continue to grow and prosper.

To learn more about Peace Region history and milestones, visit any of the local museums spread across the region. Check them out at spiritofthepeace.ca.

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ď Ž News design work commencing in 2010. The necessary land was purchased in 2016 though some remediation work still needs to be completed at the former Imperial Oil site before construction can begin. The remediation tender has been awarded to Kichton Contracting with the contract completion date of July 15, 2017.

Peace River Bridge to be Twinned he Alberta Government is investing in Peace River’s infrastructure by constructing a new bridge and twinning Hwy 2 between the 100 Avenue interchange and Shaftesbury interchange.

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congestion as well as improve traffic flow and the safety of motorists.

The upgrade will reduce

The new bridge will also improve access to emergency services for the town, as the Peace River hospital is situated on one side of the river and police and fire services on

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the other.

The new bridge will also improve pedestrian access with a walkway underneath lit with colour-changing LED lights.

The preliminary planning began in 2001 with

Tender for the main construction project is scheduled to go out this spring with construction scheduled for summer 2017.

Weather permitting, the completion of the bridge is scheduled for 2020 and currently has a $160 million budget.

The current Peace River Bridge was built in 1968 and sees over 17,000 vehicles per day.

 News Glenmary Approved for $750k Solar Technology System eace River’s Glenmary Jr/Sr High School will soon be one of 36 schools in Alberta installing a Solar Technology System.

The green upgrade will be funded up to $750,000.

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“We strive to be role models for students and to teach them the value of renewable energy,” said Holy Family Catholic Regional Division (HFCRD) Board Chair, Kelly Whalen.

The solar projects are a part of the Alberta Government’s Climate Leadership Plan.

The Government will establish a committee to assess the impact of the installs with the goal of expanding the project over time. HFCRD will collect and provide data from the Solar Technology System to Alberta Education including the scope and costs and the energy outcome

FARS Canso to Fly he Fairview Aircraft Restoration Society (FARS) will realize the fruits of their hard work on June 18th as the restored WWII aircraft they have been rebuilding will take its first flight since restoration.

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The Canso plane took its first flight in 1943 and served in WWII. After its service the aircraft was repurposed as a

waterbomber for firefighting. FARS acquired the plane in 2008.

The flight will take place during the Father’s Day Fly-In Breakfast and Historic Wings Over Canada 150 Celebration at the Fairview Airport.

WWII pilots, including the Canso’s former pilots will be in attendance.

and savings.

Glenmary is currently undergoing a $5.2 million modernization and the

solar installation will likely coincide with the current construction to minimize the disruption to students.

Fairview Goes Fibre-Optic n January 10th, Axia announced a multi-million dollar investment to make Fairview, AB the next Axia #FibreTown.

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The fibre-optic communications company held an open house at the Fairview Legion on January 24th to answer questions and address the concerns of Fairview residents.

Axia is waiving the install fees for residents who express interest before the “go live” date, scheduled for Fall 2017.

This announcement follows Axia’s September 2016 announcement to invest $100 million to connect 40 rural Alberta communities to a highspeed fibre optic network.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 2 0 1 7 M OV E U P

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 News

A New Era for the Peace Region’s Energy Industry

By Talena winters

History of Shell in the Peace Region hese agreements signal the end of an era for the Peace Region. Shell began the in situ operation in 1979 as a pilot project in partnership with the Alberta Oil Sands Technology and Research Authority and several other oil and gas companies.

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Though the Bullhead formation was discovered in the early 1950s, the area wasn’t evaluated for commercial production until 1963, and it wasn’t until a successful test in 1974 that a decision was made to build a pilot project to evaluate the feasibility of a full-scale commercial operation.

During Shell’s 38-year history in the Peace Region, they have done much to contribute to local communities, with countless donations to several organizations and projects.

“This operation has a rich history and great people with lots of ties to the community. Our people have been able to grow their families and in some cases now have grandchildren in the region.

They love the region and they volunteer. I’m really proud to be part of this community,” said Dino Colbourne, Carmon Creek’s Peace River Operations Manager.

fter nearly forty years as a major player, Royal Dutch Shell will soon be bowing out of the Peace Region’s energy sector, making way for Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. (CNRL) and Kineticor.

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Shell’s Carmon Creek In Situ Project was shelved in October 2015 with the market downturn and lack of available infrastructure to move crude oil to global markets cited as reasons.

Canadian Natural Resources Ltd. As part of a larger plan to reduce its interests in Canadian oil sands, Shell is divesting the in situ operation to a subsidiary of CNRL. While the final details are still subject to regulatory approvals, according to CNRL the company will acquire Shell’s 100% working interest in the Peace River/ Carmon Creek in situ operations, its 100% working interest in the Cliffdale heavy oil field, as well as majority interests in the Athabasca Oil Sands Project (AOSP) and other Shell projects throughout Alberta.

Commenting on the acquisition, CNRL’s President Steve Laut stated: “This transaction is significant for Canadian Natural as it increases the reliability of underlying sustainable cash flows.” He goes on to say that the transactions are “positive for all stakeholders as it allows focus on the key operating strengths of both Shell and Canadian Natural.”

Carmon Creek’s Peace River Operations Manager Dino Colbourne believes the transition to CNRL will be a positive one.

“From my perspective, I think it’s a great thing that we have a Canadian company purchasing Canadian assets, and it’s their core business. It’s

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really exciting that we can work with our new owners to be part of their overall strategy,” said Colbourne.

CNRL says as part of the agreement, they will welcome approximately 110 Shell employees at the Carmon Creek Project.

Kineticor In a separate agreement, Shell sold the partially-completed 690 MW co-generation plant near Peace River in February to Kineticor Resource Corp., an Alberta-based independent power producer focused on gas-fired generation throughout Canada.

OPTrust, a pension fund investment and management firm, is backing Kineticor financially as part of the agreement.

According to Kineticor, the cogeneration operation will be repurposed as a standalone facility called the Three Creeks Power Plant, and there is an agreement in place between Kineticor and Shell for its future development.

This is the second project Kineticor has acquired in the Peace Region within the last year, having announced plans last July for a 100 MW power plant project designed to utilize gas produced during heavy oil production.

Regarding the recent acquisition, Andrew Plaunt, Kineticor’s Chief Executive Officer said: “The Alberta power market is going through significant changes over the next decade and this acquisition, coupled with the OPTrust capital commitment, significantly strengthens Kineticor’s ability to capitalize on the opportunities that will be presented in this changing marketplace.”

#Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 2 0 1 7 M OV E U P

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 News

Duncan Abercrombie participating in the Ultimate Trapper Fire Starting competition // photography by brenda shenton, shootin’ the breeze.

Trappers Rendezvous in High Level for Canada Day by drew rogers rapping is ingrained in the culture of Canada. Brave pioneers set off across the unbroken wilderness to explore and harvest valuable furs for trade. Although trapping and bushcraft are often misunderstood as a part of our heritage, a community of friends and family here in Alberta are dedicated to maintaining and growing these traditions for future generations.

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The Alberta Trappers’ Association (ATA) and the Town of High Level invite everyone to celebrate, learn and socialize on June 30th and July 1st in High Level at the ATA’s “Under the Midnight Sky 2017 Rendezvous”.

Whether it’s to look at 10

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products and services at the trade show, mingle and see friends old and new at the banquet or take part in the countless demonstrations, this is an event for everyone.

“It’s an amazing community,” said Association President Anne Coles. “We have generations of families, lifelong friends and people from all corners of the continent who attend these events.”

The association is inclusive and encourages anyone with an interest to take part.

“Getting more people involved is the way we can keep these traditions alive,” said Coles.

With the growing popularity of shows such as Trapping Inc., there has been a spike in interest for

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trapping and bush skills education in Alberta.

With information sessions, speakers and competitions, the 2017 Rendezvous is expected to draw upwards of 1,000 visitors over the weekend.

The ATA recognizes how deep the roots of trapping run in the High Level area.

“With so many lucrative trapping lines in the vicinity, we are hoping to see lots of northern community members in attendance. We also think it’s a great opportunity for visitors to explore the beauty of northern Alberta and connect with the community here,” said Coles.

The highlight of the weekend for many is the

ultimate test of trapping skills, the skinning competition. Skilled trappers will compete head to head in this crowdpleasing event.

The Saturday evening banquet is a time to relax and celebrate the accomplishments of association members with numerous awards and scholarships to be distributed. This part of the event will begin at 5pm on July 1st and will be held at the High Level Sports Complex.

Celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday by immersing yourself in its traditions.

For more information on Under the Midnight Sky 2017 Rendezvous, visit albertatrappers.com.

Join us at MR MIKES and receive a $10 Gift Card courtesy of Northern Air to use on your next visit.

No cash value, certain conditions apply. Valid until: Dec. 31 2017.

Not valid for take out.

mrmikes.ca

8006 - 99th Ave 780-624-8803

PEACE RIVER Move Up Ad April 2017 Size: 3.75” x 5” CMYK FD#: 7717

* Denotes Professional Corporation

#Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

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 Column

à NORTHERN LAKES COLLEGE

NLC FIRST IN CANADA TO OFFER ONLINE INTRODUCTION TO SURVEYING PROGRAM

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GRADUATES OF THE INTRODUCTION TO SURVEYING PROGRAM WILL HAVE THE NECESSARY SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE TO ENTER THE SURVEYING INDUSTRY”

hose wishing to pursue surveying as a career path will soon be able to do so regardless of where they live, as Northern Lakes College has an exciting, exclusive opportunity launching in August 2017—Canada’s only online Introduction to Surveying program.

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For those without prior surveying experience, the program will provide a solid foundation of survey theory and the confidence to perform routine survey tasks.

Upon completion, students will be well prepared for entry level positions where they can continue to expand their knowledge

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of surveying as a member of a survey crew.

Much of the program is delivered online and it finishes with a one-week, hands-on field experience course, making it accessible from anywhere in western Canada or beyond.

“Northern Lakes College is well suited

to effectively deliver this training,” said Cherie Friesen, Chair of Resource Technology Programs.

“People who are employed but looking to further their education, or those who are unemployed seeking to find employment in this field, will find learning options that will meet their needs.

The program can be taken on a part-time or full-time basis,” said Friesen.

The Introduction to Surveying program would complement the existing Survey Theory and Calculations program. The new program effectively combines a theoretical foundation with practical skills exposure.

The existing Survey Theory and Calculations program serves individuals already employed with survey companies;

the Introduction to Surveying program is geared for individuals exploring the possibility of seeking employment with a survey company.

Graduates of the Introduction to Surveying Program will have the necessary skills and knowledge to enter the surveying industry or continue into the Survey Theory and Calculations program. Advanced credit in the Survey Theory and Calculations program is available upon completion of this program.

“Individuals who will benefit from the Introduction to Surveying program are high school students, recent high school graduates, career seekers and anyone looking to better understand the basics of surveying,” said Friesen.

Creating new OppOrtunities!

Northern Lakes College is the first in Canada to offer an Introduction to Surveying program ONLINE! Your opportunity starts May 2, 2017 If you don’t have prior surveying experience, the Introduction to Surveying program will provide you with a solid foundation of survey theory and the confidence to perform routine survey tasks.

You will be prepared for an entry level position where you will continue to expand your knowledge of surveying as a member of a survey crew.

Enroll TodaY!

northernlakescollege.ca 1.866.652.3456 New Beginnings. Endless Possibilities. #Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

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HOW APL’S NEMT CAREVAN IS MAKING LIFE A LITTLE EASIER dvanced Paramedic Ltd. (APL) is normally dispatched when there is a medical emergency, but now they also provide non-emergent medical transport (NEMT) for anyone with mobility issues in their “NEMT CareVan”—a wheelchair accessible van that allows the passenger to effortlessly roll in through the hatchback.

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“I use NEMT to ensure my dad gets to his appointments safely. He has chemo appointments in town, but I’m always scared he’s going to fall when we’re getting him into or out of the vehicle,” says Vicki Weaver, repeat client and happy customer.

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According to Vicki, the NEMT CareVan has been very reliable and offers peace of mind.

“The girls are just awesome.

They always report on exactly how things went and how my dad did,” says Vicki. “We’ve even used NEMT for a cataract surgery in Grande Prairie.”

APL’s NEMT CareVan Coordinator, Pam Clendinning, says people have been calling APL for years, desperate to get their loved one from where they are to the hospital for an appointment.

“They can’t transport them in their own vehicle, and they don’t want to call an

ambulance because they know it’s not an emergency,” says Pam. “So, we decided to figure out how to answer this demand.”

provides much more than simple transport—it provides a social outlet, independence and companionship.

Pam says the NEMT service isn’t limited to medical appointments. It could be anything—banking, shopping, going to see a movie or taking a trip to Edmonton.

APL CEO Stephen Woodburn is pleased to offer this service for all who can benefit from it.

The NEMT CareVan is a bit like a taxi service, but it comes with wheelchair transport capabilities, “through the door service” performed by friendly, medically trained drivers and individualized attention to suit the client’s needs.

The NEMT CareVan

“This service fills a gap for our most vulnerable citizens, including seniors, special needs clients and anyone suffering from physical challenges. Our NEMT CareVan will improve the quality of life for our clients and their families,” says Stephen.

In an Ideal World

How the Ideal Protein diet changed the lives of two Peace Region locals ernanda Adriao, 53, has been a Health Care Aide at Sutherland Place Continuing Care Centre in Peace River for 34 years. She started Ideal Protein in July of 2016 and has since lost a whopping 125 pounds!

“Chef Verati spoke passionately about the program. We watched him prepare food and met other people on the program. I thought I would give it a try and I started going to the Ideal Health Clinic shortly after,” said Fernanda.

“I think I have tried all the diets out there, and lost up to 60 pounds at a time, but then I put the weight back on and more,” said Fernanda.

Fernanda says she found the program easy to follow and the financial commitment motivated her to stay on track.

Fernanda first heard about Ideal Protein and the Ideal Health Clinic in Peace River from one of her best friends. Then, she and her friend attended a cooking class led by Chef Verati, a worldrenowned chef who changed his life after being diagnosed with a heart condition and adopting Ideal Protein to combat his health problems.

“I got a lot of support from my coach at the clinic, and I enjoy the daily videos—they keep me motivated and on track because you have to be all in to get the results you want. I feel awesome and would definitely recommend this program,” said Fernanda.

Crystal started dieting at age 12 and says she’s tried every diet in Women’s Day magazine, trying desperately to be slim and healthy. Crystal found herself overweight, depressed and tired. She was starting to think she would stay that way for the rest of her life.

“I’d giggle as I thought about the diet. I’m eating a vanilla crispy square and drinking a cappuccino drink and thinking, ‘WOW! This is the greatest diet ever,’” said Crystal.

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BEFORE

AFTER

Fernanda’s sTORY

BEFORE

AFTER

CRYSTAL’S story rystal Patterson, 48, is the Operations Manager of The Ideal Health Clinic. Crystal is married with three sons and one daughter, as well as two granddaughters. She says Ideal Protein and the Ideal Health Clinic have changed her life.

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“It took a dear friend, Deanne, over two months to convince me to meet Michelle at her new Grande Prairie clinic,” said Crystal. “I was burnt out from trying everything and failing. I figured there was nothing for me to learn. It was just my lot in life, and I’d better learn to ‘love myself as I am.’ I hated that saying because I hated how I looked and how I felt physically and emotionally,” said Crystal.

Crystal says she immediately began devouring the information Michelle gave her, studying and researching.

“I felt hope for the first time in years.

The first week of detoxing was a little rough, however, pound by pound, my energy, my mood, my excitement kept building. I would have moments of absolute joy just hit me,” said Crystal.

In the first 17 weeks of following the program’s protocol, Crystal has lost over 55 pounds and has just ten pounds to lose before reaching her goal weight.

“Michelle and her program have changed my life. I feel like I have been given a gift. It is the most incredible feeling to wake up every day knowing you have changed your life,” said Crystal.

Crystal says as the Operations Manager of the Ideal Health Clinic it is a honour and privilege to be part of other people’s journeys.

“There is no quick fix or magic bottle of pills. I feel we can give people what they need to be able to truly make a lifestyle change and live their life at their goal weight. It’s never too late to be healthy.

You have nothing to lose...except your weight,” said Crystal.

For more information about The Ideal Health Clinic contact,

Peace River: 9907 101 Avenue | 780-617-9010 Grande Prairie: 9819 116 Ave | 780-539-DIET (3438) ADVERTI SE ME N T

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Photography by Paul Lavoie Images

#ICYMI

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

CARNAVAL St. Isidore Carnaval’s 35th Anniversary

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he 35th Annual Carnaval de St-Isidore was held on February 17-19th at the St. Isidore Cultural Centre. The celebration was a hit for both Francophones and Francophiles with activities and festivities for all ages.

The opening ceremonies featured an animated show by the Plein Soliel dancers and ducs and

duchesses dignitaries.

The weekend featured many amazing performances including actor, puppeteer and folklorist Roger Dallaire, a youth singing talent show called Galala and Saturday’s Gala afterparty was treated to live music by Pascal Lecours and Les Mauvais Caractères—a Colocs tribute act based out of Edmonton.

As always, Carnaval also featured many treasured activities and attractions such as hayrides, maple snow taffy, snow sculpture and beard competitions.

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Photography by jenna dacyk

#ICYMI

IN CASE YOU MISSED IT

2017 Alberta POND HOCKEY Championships

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rom March 10-12, hundreds of hockey aficionados sharpened their skates and took to the ice at the Alberta Pond Hockey Championships at Lac Cardinal in the MD of Peace.

The championships welcomed junior, women, recreational and competitive teams with the winners of the competitive division taking home a

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$1,000 cash prize, a feature new to this year’s event.

Alpine Helicopters were offering rides over the frozen lake.

This year’s Competitive Division Champions were the Grimshaw Huskies and the Roma Insulators took first place in the Recreational Division.

The Alberta Pond Hockey Championships will be celebrating their 10 year anniversary in 2018.

MR MIKES SteakhouseCasual was on site dishing up warm food for the participants and supporting fans and

JUNE 30TH 11:00am Opening ceremonies at the Peace River Museum 11:30am-3:00pm Walk/bike parade from the Museum to Riverfront Park to kick off the celebrations with lazer tag, bouncy castle, circus performers, music, free food, family games and activities for all ages

7:00pm-9:00pm Evening Entertainment 11:59pm Spectacular fireworks display at Riverfront Park

For more information please visit peaceriver.ca/canada150

#Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

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since starting the program, Chrystal Johnson (left) lost 7.5 lbs and two per cent body fat, and Lisa Robinson (Right) has been there to coach her every step of the way.

REBOOT YOUR LIFESTYLE Get in the best shape of your life with Fit body boot camp

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ne of Peace River’s newest businesses is harbouring a secret—the secret to getting in the best shape of your life. Fit Body Boot Camp’s Unstoppable Fitness Formula workouts are designed to burn your body fat in the shortest amount of time possible while maximizing your personal results.

Imagine all the ways your

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life will be better when you’re at your peak prime self.

better—the benefits of a good fitness program are endless.”

“You can change your lifestyle and feel better. I’ve seen it. I’ve been a part of it,” says Lisa Robinson, Fit Body Boot Camp Owner, who has 21 years of fitness leadership experience. “It’s all about sitting up a little taller, having more energy for work, having more energy for the kids, sleeping

“I feel the difference in my body. I’m stronger and more confident,” says Chrystal Johnson, Fit Body Client, who was hooked since her first class in late-January 2017.

Fit Body Boot Camp is a hardcore, 30-minute workout, usually comprised

of a four-station rotation with two exercises per station. With 45 sessions per week to choose from, the program is customizable to the client’s schedule and availability.

“It helps increase your metabolism because you’re building lean muscle mass.

You’re working out here for 30 minutes and when you go home, your body is still working. That’s

our Unstoppable Fitness Formula,” says Robinson.

“We burn twice the calories in half the time.”

Drawing from her years as a personal trainer, Robinson wants to make the distinction that Fit Body is not a gym—it’s a nonintimidating, supportive group atmosphere.

“We’re a smiling face when you walk in the door,” says Robinson. “There are no mirrors on the wall. The change rooms, bathrooms and showers are all private, and best of all, no judgments. We follow your progress, we know when

you come, and we look for you when you don’t show up.”

The Fit Body program is highly customizable and personalized. Whether you have a pre-existing injury to work around or you haven’t been active in years, the Fit Body team will cater to your specific needs and make the program work for you.

“Lisa and [coach] Heidi are really great at encouraging me and each class is different so it doesn’t get boring,” says Johnson.

“I really love the sense of community being in a class like this brings and it feels

like we’re all part of a team.

Team GETFIT!” Robinson and her team are committed to helping clients achieve their goals.

Fit Body Boot Camp is personal training in a group environment. From the initial consultation to shortand long-term goal setting to the customized package, the Fit Body team are here to support your individual needs and goals.

“We are not a quick fix, it’s a lifestyle change and we want to be a part of your new lifestyle,” says Robinson.

Fit Body Boot Camp is a results-based program that

offers many member perks, including some free yoga, grocery store tours and a 30-day guarantee, all to enhance your wellness, not just your fitness.

“If by 30 days you decide this isn’t for you, we will release you from your contract,” says Robinson.

Fit Body Boot Camp is located on Main Street Peace River.

For more information visit canadafitbodybootcamp.ca/ peaceriverfitnessbootcamp/ or like them on Facebook: Peace River Fit Body Boot Camp.

ADVERTI SE ME N T

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 Agriculture Feature à NATURE’S WAY FARM

LILLI KLAMKE ON nATURE’S WAY FARM // PHOTOGRAPHY BY TRINA MOYLES

DOWN ON THE FARM Women Farmers in the Peace Country

Success stories from three female farmers on Nature’s Way Farm in Grimshaw, AB

By Trina Moyles

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I was a little girl, I knew I wanted to be a farmer,” recalls Mary Lundgard from her family home just outside Grimshaw, AB. As she talks, she minces a clove of garlic—locally grown by her daughter, Lisa—and adds it to the mushroom soup simmering on the stovetop. rom the time

Born and raised in the eastern Maritimes of Canada, Lundgard was a 22

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town girl with the dream to grow and raise her own food.

“My mom grew up on a farm in Nova Scotia,” Mary remembers, “She always said, Oh no, you don’t want to do that! My family used to tease me about this childhood dream. But later in life I moved to Alberta, met my husband, Peter, and we began to farm. Finally, I could write home to my family and tell them, Well, I’m now a farmer.”

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Over the past several decades, Mary and Peter have managed small seed and livestock operations in northern Alberta. In 2005, they moved their family from Fairview to 600-acres of land southwest of Grimshaw where they started Nature’s Way Farm, a certified organic farm producing pasture-fed beef, sheep, lamb and pork.

“We’re trying to farm in a sustainable way,” says Mary, explaining how they don’t

use any chemicals for pestcontrol or fertilizers for field production.

Nature’s Way’s holistic approach to growing and raising food is well-known in the Peace Region. Every year, the farm receives dozens of aspiring farmers from all over the world who come to intern and learn, hands-on, about organic agriculture.

What also makes Nature’s Way unique—and what

LISA LUNDGARD (LEFT) AND HER MOTHER, MARY LUNDGARD (RIGHT)

many people might not realize—is that many aspects of the farm are managed with a woman’s touch.

“I’m not just the wife, I’m not just the worker,” says Mary, smiling. “I’m actually a farmer.”

And, she isn’t alone. There are two generations of women who are a part of Nature’s Way Farm: Mary, her daughter Lisa Lundgard and Lilli Klamke, who joined the farm full-time in October 2014. Together, the women work in all areas of the farm management— from strategic decision making to hands-on labour to driving the tractors to animal husbandry.

Women have always played important roles on farms throughout Canadian history although they haven’t always been identified as “farmers,” but rather the “farmer’s wife.”

Mary admits it wasn’t until the late 1990s when she took a course in holistic management—an in-

depth process for decision making—that she felt empowered her to call herself a farmer. She recalls when she first started, years ago, she’d be petrified to walk through a field of cows.

Today, it’s her favourite place to be.

“Any day, if I had the choice, I’d be working with the animals,” she says. “They are so intelligent and have such amazing personalities.

There’s so much to watch and learn from them.”

Lisa Lundgard, 28, has fond memories of working alongside her mother, weeding the vegetable gardens, milking the dairy cow and taking care of the chickens. Initially, Lisa never thought she’d grow food for a living. At university, she studied biology and considered becoming a doctor, but the more she learned about global food insecurity and food politics, the more Lisa realized she could make a positive impact as a farmer.

Back on the farm, Lisa

LILLI KLAMKE PULLING WRENCHES ON THE TRACTOR

started a Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) enterprise called the Veggie Patch, growing organic vegetables for people in the Peace Region.

“My favourite quote is: food is medicine,” says Lisa. “We need to be thinking about what it is we’re eating and putting into our bodies.

That’s where my passion comes from. I wanted to be able to grow food for myself and my community.”

Lisa admits the farming learning curve has been steep.

“When I came back from university, there were so many skills I had to learn.

Even though I grew up on the farm, I didn’t have a lot of skills my brother would’ve had. For example, I had to learn how to drive the tractor, make hay bales from start to finish, work with the cows and help pull calves,” says Lisa.

Today, Lisa is applying this knowledge to co-managing The Homestead, a new small

organic farming venture located near Goodfare, AB. She and her partner Donovan Kitt sell their organic produce and eggs at the farmer’s market in Grande Prairie.

Lilli Klamke, 27, is the newest farmer to dig in at Nature’s Way Farm. In 2013, she first traveled from her home country, Germany, to the Peace Region to work on the farm and complete credits for her agricultural degree back home.

Klamke became interested in farming after traveling to New Zealand and working on a variety of organic farms. In Canada, her work ethic and passion for agriculture impressed the Lundgard family who ended up offering her a full-time position on the farm.

“She’s a powerhouse,” laughs Lisa. “Lilli came with the energy and will to drive machinery.”

Klamke thrives on the challenges farming delivers.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

23

They’re determined to get out there, fix machinery when it breaks down, and become more rounded as farmers.”

Mary is hopeful to see more young people—men and women—starting farming and local food initiatives in the Peace Region and contributing to local food security.

à NATURE’S WAY FARM (CONTINUED)

LISA LUNDGARD

“The long hours, the hard work outside and you can always see what you’ve accomplished at the end of the day—I really enjoy that,” she says. “The Peace Country is a beautiful area to be farming. I love that farming is a family business.”

women—from rural and urban communities alike— trying to gain the skills they need to become farmers.

Mary says she’s inspired by the younger women at Nature’s Way and the overall gender-culture shift that’s happening in North America.

In North America, Lisa and Lilli are amongst the growing trend of young

“It’s amazing to watch Lisa and Lilli learning and gaining independence.

with other aspiring farmers and the older generation of farmers is key to success.

Today, she’s a member of the Young Agrarians, an organization that provides networking opportunities and resources for young farmers in Alberta.

Both Lisa and Lilli encourage other women interested in farming to take up the challenge of growing food.

“Young farmers are powering each other up to say, We have to farm, make money, and make this a viable business so we can have a family. Go forth with growing food, but also the ideal that you’re going to make money,” says Lisa.

“Every day you’ll face new challenges,” says Lilli. “It takes time, but at some point, you’ll gain confidence in your abilities. Throw yourself at the challenge.

You’ll learn so much about yourself.”

Trina Moyles is an award winning freelance writer, journalist, and author. Her first book, Women Who Dig: How Female Farmers Are Feeding the World, will be published by the University of Regina Press in 2018.

Lisa believes networking

Read more at trinamoyles.com

The professional expertise you need.

The personal service you can trust.

Amy K. Murphy Barrister & Solicitor

780-624-2221 | www.amykmurphy.ca 24

M OVE U P

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#Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

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 Aboriginal Perspective

Horse Pace N

Submitted by Billy Joe Laboucan, Chief, Lubicon Lake #453 apees sat listening to the wonderful, almost magical sound made by the droning eighteen wheels zipping along the newly paved blacktop into the distance. A moment ago it had hurtled right by him; then in an instant, it was just a pleasant drone, almost like a bee or fly bouncing around on a window, its buzzing slowly dying.

Napees got up from where he had been sitting in the shade enjoying the quiet and feeling somewhat lonely. He wandered back to the covered wagon.

His father had bent willows into a round frame over the wagon box; then tied on a canvas cover, which could be quickly thrown over and secured should it rain suddenly while traveling.

He climbed onto the wagon seat and grabbed the ropes tied to the single tree at the tip of the pole, and yelled, “‘Aw right! Paddy! Mabel! Giddy up!”

“Astam nîhtakosiy, ta mîcisoyahk ekwa,” his mother called from the campfire where she had been cooking their evening meal. Napees did as he as his mother said. He was to get down from the wagon and eat supper.

“Kipâpâpa ekwa kistes mâskoc kîkâc itikwe takosinwak. Mâka kakî mâci mîc’son, nikosis,” his mother said in the Cree language as she moved the big cast-iron frying pan away from the hot coals and into a banked position further from the heat.

Napees’s father and older brother 26

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would soon arrive from working in the field picking roots for a white farmer.

His mother said he could start eating.

“It’s hot to be cooking. I’ll let the fire die down to a smudge,” she said. The fried moose meat, onions and garden fresh potatoes smelled so good.

“Mîcisotân, let’s eat,” Napees said as he sat down on the grub-box. Although, they lived about six months of the year in tents, Napees still could not sit on the ground too long without getting sore knees.

They had moved from the trap-line in Bison Lake. After his father and brother had sold their furs in Peace River, they were moving to Nampa/ Reno area to work for farmers clearing land for fields. In the fall, they would help with the harvest using the horses to haul the hayracks topped with grain to the threshing machine, then back to the trapline, but first they would stop at their main home at Gull Creek along the shores of Lubicon Lake.

Right now, they were camped in a small meadow wedged between a gravel road and the blacktop which had tall grass for the horses and a clearing to pitch up the tents. They shared a big one to live in and another small one for storage or occasional company. It also made a great play area during the wet weather.

Just Napees and his mother were at the campsite. His older brother, Ichwach and two older sisters, Cheechich and Iskwees had been picked up

by a supervisor to be taken to the residential school.

Last time he had seen his brother and sisters was last Christmas, which seemed like a long time ago. As usual, he had been conveniently away someplace with one of his older sisters, either Gladys or Marina, or sometimes with his grandparents, when the mission officials would come to pick the others.

He was filled with happy thoughts of that soon-to-be reunion when they would come for the summer break, except this time, they would stay. They would all be together the whole year round.

Just then, a farm truck with a green grain-box with rattling chains and steel hooks turned into the campsite and stopped. Napees’s dad and older brother, Pichit, climbed down from the truck. It backed up and drove off in a swirl of dust.

“Daddy! You are here just in time to eat! Mom has just finishing cooking supper!” Napees shouted happily.

“I have to wash up,” Pichit said as he poured clean water into the washbasin.

“It was hot and dusty as usual,” he said. He grinned, just his white teeth flashing on his dusty and sweaty face.

“But it brings in the money!”

“We’ll move up there tomorrow and camp near the fields we will be working on. We’ll pack tonight and travel while it’s still cool in the morning. It’s easier on the horses,”

Dad said as he took his turn at the washbasin and pulled his dusty shirt off and rolled up his summer-weight underwear.

His corded forearms were a stark white compared to his weathered hands and face that had campfire smoke and elements that had burned dark on the trap-line.

The next morning, they had a quick breakfast of thick bacon and bannock washed down by strong tea. Napees had his with lots of condensed milk and sugar. Then they loaded up the wagon.

Mist glistening off the green grass and brightly coloured spring flowers. The dogs keened a low sound that grew into excited barks as Dad tied them to their appointed spots in the shadow under the wagon.

“Keeyam’pik!” Dad yelled, and the dogs quieted for a couple of minutes—just long enough for him to jump onto the wagon seat beside Mom who held the rope to the W, which is a rope laced through the rings on the side and bottom of the horse and looped through the rings on hobbles forming a W. Mom would bounce the nervous young gelding on its knees should it decide to run.

Pichit quickly hooked the last trace chains to the doubletrees behind the dancing heels of the young, tall horse my dad was currently training. As we drove off slowly in the loaded wagon, everything went quiet, just the jingle

of the harness and squeak of the iron rim of the wagon on gravel. Even the dogs were silent except for their panting and an occasional half-stifled yip. They liked to be on the move too.

Pichit rode slowly along on his horse, Jim, as we drove on the grassy side of the highway. The black asphalt simmered into a mirage lake in the distance as the day heated up in the bright sun.

“We’ll cool off in the lake up ahead!”

Pichit teased and Napees half believed him.

It did look like water, but as they drove closer it disappeared. Then, they turned onto a dirt road and searched for a good camping spot along the field where they would be working.

Later that night, they laid out their bedrolls inside the large tent, complete with a small airtight heater for rainy weather.

As they snuggled into the warm thick blankets, Napees said, “Mom, mahti âtayohkawin.”

He always wanted to hear traditional legends, especially at bedtime, so he’d always asked his mother to tell him a legend or story.

“Ekâ ôma cîskwa epipohk, mâcika namôya kaki âtayohkâtin. Mâka kakî âcimostâtin ôma âcimowin,” said Mom. She had explained that since it wasn’t winter yet, she could not relate legends, but instead she would tell him

another story.

Until he started school, Napees’s education was through storytelling from both his parents, his grandparents and other members of his extended family. He would learn how to be respectful to people, animals and to the world around him. He would also learn he belonged to Mother Earth and not the other way around.

In the fall, Napees would start day school. Then, the rest of his older siblings would finally be back home to stay. He was so happy about that. He would then have to speak English as well and he would have the ability to read and write.

His dad said, “You have to learn the Whiteman’s ways and education so you won’t have to work hard on labour jobs all your life.”

Finally, the next day, a car stopped and out spilled his sisters and brother. They shared happy tears and laughter and lots of hugs.

Almost 60 years later, as Napees drove by that same spot at the junction of Range Road 210 and Highway 2 where he once sat by the newly paved highway, he still remembered those stories from his mother and his father’s advice. Now, it’s a different struggle, as he attempts to resolve a land claim from over 80 years ago. His dream is to have the community of Little Buffalo/Lubicon Lake work together in unity for the benefit of all.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

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 Column

à BRIAN SIDDLE | DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY AND CONTENT, STRONG COFFEE MARKETING

Understanding Website Conversion The Basics hat is the purpose of your website? Are you selling a product or service? Are you collecting information? Attempting to engage and inform?

Regardless of its purpose, your website more than likely has some conversion metric you can measure.

It’s vital to pay close attention to this metric to ensure your website is working for you and not against you.

A – Action

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High conversion rates start with a quality design and a simple conversion path.

Visitors are coming to your site with a problem, and it’s your job to ensure your site helps them solve it. Understanding some of the basic principles of website conversion can help get you on the right track.

Let’s have a look at the AIDA model:

A – Attention Think about some of the conversion based websites you visit on a regular basis. Some of the better ones probably have some sort of attention-grabbing graphic, often combined with strong typography at or near the top. This often highlights a product or

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service and is designed to hook those visitors and prevent them from moving onto the next site. This part of the process needs to tell the visitor you’ve got the best solution to their problem and they need to read on.

The way you market your website is a big factor here too.

I – Interest Now that you’ve captured their attention, you need to start the sell job. We’ve all seen the interest portion of the conversion path. This is the area that explains what your product does and highlights some of its most important elements. Having a tough time creating this section? Imagine you’re at a cocktail party and

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someone asks you for a couple of reasons why they should choose your product over the next one.

D – Desire Think of the desire stage as a bridge between interest and action. You’ve brought your visitor to the brink of action. Now it’s time to push them over the edge and seal the deal.

This is probably the most difficult step in the process. Your goal here is to keep the visitor around and give them enough confidence to continue to the final step. You’ll want to provide even more reasons why the person can’t live without your product.

The action can take many different forms. If you’re selling a product, the action is closing the sale. If you’re promoting something or your goal is to collection information, the action is a completed sign up. A clear call to action is the key to this step. Your visitor needs to know exactly what they must do to reach the end goal and it’s up to you to highlight the call to action and then keep the closing process quick and easy.

As more and more business moves online, companies will quickly realize their conversion rate can make or break their operation. It’s important to spend some time analyzing your website and ensuring conversion goals are being met. Understanding the AIDA model will help you assess weak links in your conversion path and allow you to properly diagnose the problem.

A L B E R TA’ S M O S T N O R T H E R N LY T O W N

ALL SERVICES MUSEUM & GIFT SHOP V I S I T O R S I N F O R M AT I O N C E N T R E 18 HOLE GOLF COURSE & RV CAMPSITES AWA R D W I N N I N G PA R K S & T R A I L S A Q U AT I C C E N T R E & A R E N A RV SERVICES

Partners in Tourism

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WELCOME TO

Lac Cardinal Country

call home

A place to raise a family, start a business and

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ADV E R T I S E M E N T

WHAT IS

...it’s where you belong.

Lac Cardinal Country

is a strategic regional collaboration between three municipalities, each offering industry and residents unique advantages, usually only found in larger centres.

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he partnership between the Town of Grimshaw, the Village of Berwyn and the Municipal District of Peace #135, all of which are located in Northwestern Alberta, forms an economically strong and diverse region.

Together the region provides attractive opportunities for commercial and residential investment with a range of land prices and property types.

Looking for small town life with spacious yards, tree-lined streets, affordable housing, serviced lots and quiet nights? The Village of Berwyn is your answer.

Grimshaw offers a strategic location at the crossroads of two major highways.

An affordable community with most

of the amenities you need, Grimshaw offers a variety of affordable housing options and great opportunities for highway industrial development.

If you need a little more space, perhaps highway or rail access for your business, look no further than the MD of Peace.

The MD offers scenic acreages along the Shaftsbury trail, farming opportunities throughout the municipality and excellent opportunities for industry needing transportation solutions.

In Lac Cardinal Country we work together to ensure your needs are the priority. We want you to find exactly what you need and we work together to ensure that happens. By having three communities all within ten minutes

of each other, collectively we can offer what many cities can’t.

Our communities have so much to offer including an indoor running track, indoor and outdoor pools, arenas, curling rinks, cross-country skiing, shooting range, golf courses, tennis courts, performing arts, post-secondary education, entertainment venues, conference facilities, parks, lakes, rivers and so much more.

Lac Cardinal Country is a destination.

It is a place to call home, raise a family and start a business. Lac Cardinal Country is affordable, friendly and waiting for you.

We Offer •

Economic diversity in agriculture, forestry and petroleum

•

Competitive wage rates and skilled work force

•

Affordable land

•

A large market area strategically located in northwestern Alberta

•

Clean air and an abundance of good quality water

•

A streamlined development process to accommodate investors/developers

•

Well-developed infrastructure, including good paved network of roads, utilities, air service, health facilities and community/ educational facilities

•

Affordable and quality housing

•

Reasonable property taxes—no business tax

A community rich in tourism, culture and recreation

•

•

An amazing quality of life and community spirit

Contact: Lac Cardinal Country: ask for Dan laccardinal.com | edo@laccardinal.com | 780-527-4033 ADVERTI SE ME N T

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M.D. of Peace No. 135

CANOLA FIELD LOCATED IN THE MD OF PEACE ▲

Whether you’re looking for acreage living or land for your new business

T

he Municipal District of Peace No. 135 is an agricultural based municipality located along the north bank of the Peace River, approximately 500km northwest of Edmonton, and approximately 150km northeast of Grande Prairie.

The municipal district has an area of 92,610 hectares and encompases the Village of Berwyn and the Town of Grimshaw. The municipality extends from the west boundary of the Town of Peace River to four miles west of the Hamlet of Brownvale.

The strong agricultural economy in the MD has led commodity giant Glencore Xstrata to build a 30,000-tonne 32

ADV E R T I S E M E N T

MD of Peace is a great option

capacity concrete high-throughput elevator with a 104-car rail spot to boost its grain handling in the region.

around them. A strong forest industry gives the MD a trifecta when it comes to economic viability.

Regina-based Viterra already operates a 4,760-tonne capacity elevator on the Canadian National Railway (CN) track in Grimshaw.

The considerable activity happening in the region makes the MD an ideal location for businesses servicing any of the three primary industries to relocate or set up a new business. Located in the MD are prime industrial lots, many with excellent road and rail access.

Viterra is just one of many new developments in the MD. The region is presently working on a business case for a proposed $27 million oak flaking facility. This facility will employ more than 25 full-time staff and strengthen the region’s role as an agricultural hub.

The MD benefits from its proximity to the Peace Region oilsands and the numerous developments happening

The MD is also a Mecca for tourists, with Lac Cardinal Recreation Area, Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park, Strong Creek Park and Elk Island Campground—there are plenty of opportunities for families and wilderness lovers alike.

“The MD is also a Mecca for tourists

M.D. of Peace No. 135

with Lac Cardinal Recreational Area, Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park, Strong Creek Park and Elk Island Campground, there are plenty of opportunities”

Features: Mackenzie Cairn is located along Shaftesbury Trail. This rock cairn was built in 1929 to honor explorer Sir Alexander Mackenzie.

Also along Shaftsbury Trail is St. Augustine Mission. This Catholic Mission originated in 1888 when the missionaries first came to the Peace. Alongside the mission is an old cemetery. This site is located on Provincial Correctional Centre land and requires permission to enter onto the site.

Brownvale Agricultural Museum is located on the south edge of the Hamlet of Brownvale. This museum displays many agricultural artifacts and machinery from the early pioneering days in this area, as well as a mechanical bull and cowboy, originally commissioned for Expo ‘86.

Lac Cardinal Recreation Area is located two miles north and three miles west of Grimshaw, along the eastern shore of Lac Cardinal. There are fire pits, a playground area, a camp kitchen, outhouses, and 16 camping sites (no reservations taken), which cost $10.00/night. There are, however, no power hookups or showers. The North Peace Stampede takes place here every year. The area also boasts a large hall with basic amenities, which can be rented from the municipality. The Lac Cardinal Provincial Park is located beside this Recreation Area and is also equipped with camp sites and a boat launch.

approximately eight miles south of the Town of Peace River. There is a large day use area, playground, fire pits, 18 free camping sites (no power hookups or showers), outhouses and drinking water available.

Brownvale Ball Diamonds are located one mile west and a 1/2 mile north of the Hamlet of Brownvale. In addition to ball diamonds, there are also fire pits, ten basic camping sites (no charge), day use area, outhouses and two horseshoe pits.

The Lac Cardinal Pioneer Village Museum is located near the entrance to Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park. This museum represents life in the 1920s to 1940s. Four homes, a hall, municipal office, school, barn, pole sheds, church, blacksmith shop, railway station, barbershop, general store and bakery—all furnished, depict pioneering life in this area. Open daily (except Wednesday) from late-May to mid-September from 11 am to 5 pm.

No admissions fees, but donations are gladly accepted.

Experience an outdoor adventure on

the Mighty Peace at the Peace Valley Guest Ranch. River Cruise, trail riding, hiking, mini golf and bird watching are some the relaxing activities you can enjoy. Call Barb or Dean at 780 332-7444 for more information. To book your adventure, e-mail them at pvguestranch@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.mightypeace.com/ pvgranch.

The Elk Island Campsite is located next to the Peace River, approximately four miles west and 15 miles south of the Hamlet of Brownvale on a “good weather” road. There are 12 basic camping sites (no power hookups or showers), fire pits, outhouses and a playground.

The Queen Elizabeth Provincial Park is located adjacent to the Lac Cardinal Recreation Area and managed by the Government of Alberta. This park has day-use areas, overnight camping areas, a bird watching area, cross country ski trail, walking trail, boat dock and beach areas. Visit http://www.albertaparks. ca/queen-elizabeth.aspx for more information on this park, including booking information.

While on the Shaftesbury Trail be sure to cross the Peace River on the Shaftesbury Ferry and ride across the river. The ferry operates during daylight hours (7 am to 11 pm) and there is no charge to cross the river on it.

Strong Creek Park is located next to the Peace River, along Shaftesbury Trail A COUPLE ENJOYING LAC CARDINAL

► ADVERTI SE ME N T

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Town of Grimshaw

MILE ZERO REGIONAL MULTIPLEX ▲

Grimshaw is a friendly, progressive community

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with a long history of innovation in the agricultural and oil industries. Grimshaw is an economic driver for the region offering ideal downtown business opportunities as well as highway frontage and industrial lots.

roximity to the oilsands, affordable land values and low property tax rates are quickly turning Grimshaw into a community of choice. More than 2,500 people call Grimshaw home and developers are scoping the community out for new potential developments.

In Grimshaw the neighbourhoods are friendly and close knit. The variety of housing options allow for first time buyers, established home-owners and those entering their retirement years.

The 2016 Stats Canada Census saw Grimshaw lead northwest communities with an eight percent increase in population.

An expansive school facility is currently being built that will serve kindergarten 34

ADV E R T I S E M E N T

to grade 12 and will open in time for the new school year. Grimshaw also has a health complex, a medical clinic and a variety of quality of life amenities to make living and working in Grimshaw an exciting opportunity.

Grimshaw offers excellent recreational facilities seldom found in communities this size. The Mile Zero Regional Multiplex has activities for all ages.

Walk, jog or run your way to a healthier, more active lifestyle. The 175.3 metre elevated running track is ideal for getting in shape whether you’re young or old. The Field House is perfect for special events like weddings and weekend shows. There is a complete weight room and the arena always has something going on, whether it’s oldtimers hockey or open family skating.

When you need to escape the summer heat the Grimshaw Aquatic Centre will keep the whole family entertained for hours. One of the few outdoor pools left in the region, this pool is the ideal place for the family on the long, hot summer nights in the Lac Cardinal region.

Grimshaw also boasts an active Chamber of Commerce, the Lac Cardinal Regional Performing Arts Society, Minor Hockey, Minor Ball and the Peace River District Music Teachers’ Association.

Downtown Grimshaw offers a variety of shopping needs and, with Peace River just a short 10 minute drive away, you’ll have ready access to Walmart, Canadian Tire and a number of other major retailers.

Town of Grimshaw

E

mployment opportunities range from the oil industry to agriculture and from retail to government positions. Postsecondary is available at Northern Lakes College, located in Peace River, but with many on-line programs available.

hogs, poultry products, honey, straw, sand and gravel, fish, furs, lumber, oil, and gas.

Grimshaw offers excellent rail and road access. The Peace River Airport, which offers commercial flights, is just a 10 minute drive away.

Grimshaw is strategically located as a distribution point for the entire north.

The vast array of local resources include wheat and coarse grains, forage crops and seeds (mostly alfalfa and grass), cattle,

Grimshaw’s location at the cross roads of highways 35 and 2 make it an excellent location for businesses catering to through traffic to points north, south and east.

GRIMSHAW SWIMMING POOL

10

YELLOWKNIFE HAY RIVER W HIGH LEVEL T MANNING

▲

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GRIMSHAW

632 381 180 52

MILE ZERO MACKENZIE HIGHWAY

▲ PAUL LAVOIE IMAGES ▲

HISTORICAL MACKENZIE MEMORIAL ARBORETUM

“Employment opportunities

range from oil industry to agriculture and from retail to government positions.”

ADVERTI SE ME N T

35

The Village of Berwyn

NEIGHBOURHOOD PARK ON A PEACEFUL STREET IN BERWYN ▲

If you are looking for a place to raise a family or retire,

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elcome to the Village of Berwyn— the little town with the tower. Berwyn was one of the last communities in Alberta with a wooden water tower. The tower was a local landmark until it was taken down in 1982.

Berwyn is nestled within the Peace River Region of northwestern Alberta.

Situated on Highway 2, the Village of Berwyn is only 37 km from the Town of Peace River.

Berwyn is a picturesque, quiet community with a population of 526.

Berwyn’s proximity to essential services and quality of life desires, long summer days and friendly residents allow the community to maintain a steady population.

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ADV E R T I S E M E N T

Berwyn is the place for you!

Berwyn has an excellent selection of industrial land available as well as residential lots for development.

Berwyn’s tax rate is competitive and its property prices are very affordable, making Berwyn an excellent and affordable choice to relocate your home or business.

In the M.D. of Peace, bordering on the village limits is Autumn Lodge—a senior’s facility that provides excellent care giving in a small and friendly environment.

Tower Park Recreational Area offers a natural environment, cross country ski trails, picnic areas, tennis courts, baseball diamonds, bird watching and a new walking trail.

In addition, Lloyd Garrison School has seen a recent surge in population with more than 80 new students recently enrolling. A thriving school, along with prime housing opportunities make Berwyn an ideal location to relocate.

“An excellent and affordable

place to relocate your home or business...”

PAUL LAVOIE IMAGES

MZRM

▲ SCHOOL CONSTRUCTION FROM ABOVE

Set your kids up with a great education, in a state of the art facility

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Grimshaw’s newest school facility, scheduled to be ready for the 2017/2018 school year.

he region is rapt in anticipation for the grand opening of what promises to be a fantastic school facility, scheduled to be ready for the 2017/2018 school year.

The extraordinary facility is currently being built as a major addition to the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex (MZRM) and made possible thanks to a partnership between the Alberta Government, the Town of Grimshaw, Holy Family Catholic Regional Division #37 (HFCRD), Peace River School Division #10 (PRSD) and the Grimshaw Municipal Library.

The primary reason for adjoining to the MZRM was the facility’s field house—a triple gymnasium. No longer needing to include gymnasiums in their construction budget, the Alberta government permitted the reassignment of space to other uses that could benefit both schools as well as the public.

The school boards determined these spaces would be used to house a theatre,

two Career and Technology Studies (CTS) labs to be used for woodworking and food preparation and a beautiful, glassed-in atrium. The atrium will serve as the shared entrance for the schools, a study space for students and as a lobby and reception area for community events.

Due to the collaborative partnership, the public library will also be moving onsite. It will continue to serve the community while also providing students a library facility that can offer additional programming, which students will be able to access during and after school hours.

Students will use the facility during the day and the public will have access to the joint-use spaces during evenings and weekends.

While there are other schools in the province attached to recreational facilities, this partnership is unique in that it connects the Catholic and public school divisions, the public library and the municipal government to provide benefits to both the students and the citizens of the town and region.

The new schools will have enlarged capacity over their current buildings, with room to accommodate fluctuations in enrollment by way of high-quality portable units. The schools will be housed and operated separately from each other, but both will take advantage of joint-use areas.

For more information, contact PRSD at 780-624-3601 or HFCRD at 780624-3956.

The new schools will have

a theatre, a public library, woodworking and food preperation labs and a beautiful, glassed-in atrium.

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 Column

à COMMUNITY FUTURES PEACE COUNTRY

NEW BUSINESS START-UP GUIDE

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tarting a business is an exciting adventure! To get your business up and running, many decisions need to be made and various tasks need to be done. To streamline the process, listed below are the initial steps required to start your business in chronological order.

1. Decide on an organizational structure for your business Sole Proprietorship, partnership or limited company? Talk with your lawyer and/or accountant to help you decide on the best structure for your business.

2. Develop a name for your business The name should promote and describe the business.

If your company is a proprietorship or a partnership, there are no restrictions when choosing a name for your business. It is advisable that the name be unique to your company.

When your clients hear or see the name, they will keep in mind your company and not be confused by another business with the same or a similar name.

If you decide on a limited company then you will need to use Ltd., Limited, Corp., Corporation, Inc. or Incorporated at the end of the name of your company.

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3. Register the name of your company A name search by an authorized search provider must be done prior to registering the name of your business. The registration of a trade name or partnership does not offer any right of ownership to the name. It is required for the protection of your business and the public. It offers proof the business name is in use by a particular business. As well, most banks require proof of registration prior to opening a business account.

4. Licensing and permits Licensing, planning and zoning requirements vary depending on the municipal authority’s jurisdiction.

Research the requirements.

Your business needs to ensure those regulations are met. Contact your local fire inspector and health inspector to ensure your business meets their requirements.

5. Canada Revenue Agency For information regarding business numbers, corporate income tax, GST and payroll deductions: see cra-arc.gc.ca/menu-eng. html Business Number This is a number used by the Canada Revenue Agency to uniquely identify your

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company for corporate income taxes, payroll deductions, goods and services tax (GST) and for any importing or exporting the business may do.

Goods and Services Tax (GST) The business must register for GST if gross revenues exceed $30,000 per year.

Registering for GST allows the business to claim the GST it has paid on services, materials and supplies. The GST registration number and other information must appear on all sales receipts and invoices.

Payroll Deductions Federal law requires the following deductions from employee’s pay be made on behalf of the government: Employment Insurance (El), Canada Pension Plan (CPP) and personal income tax.

The employer and employee share the costs of El and CPP. The deductions will then need to be submitted to the Receiver General.

6. Hiring staff Alberta Employment Standards (work.alberta. ca/employment-standards. html) All employers are responsible for adhering to provincial employment standards. You will need to be aware of minimum wage, hours of work, overtime pay,

vacation and holiday pay, days of rest, termination of employment, statement of earnings and deductions, etc.

Workers Compensation Board (WCB) (wcb.ab.ca) The Workers’ Compensation Act requires businesses to contribute funds on behalf of their employees to WCB. The Act allows for employees to be compensated when they are injured at work.

7. Consider your business insurance needs.

You will need to contact a local insurance broker to design an insurance package specific to your business.

You will need to consider: property insurance, liability insurance, business interruption insurance, crime coverage, automobile insurance and other forms of insurance specific to your business.

8. For general business counselling and advice, contact your local Community Futures office to assist you. We provide a wide range of business loan options, training courses, business coaching and networking—all in your local community.

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Amber Armstrong | Communications and Public Relations Superintendant, DMI PRPD

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mber Armstrong is known for her can-do attitude and boundless energy, traits that have served her well in the many positions she has held, past and present. Her passions revolve

How do you take your coffee?

I take as much as I can possibly consume without having a heart attack.

What’s your current mobile device? iPhone 5. I’m on it 18 hours a day.

Answering quick emails keeps the work moving. It allows me to stay on track. I love sending out 3am emails—might be the coffee consumption.

starting to work on my Masters in Communication, so an extra 5 hours would prove useful. I should have said working out [laughs]. No, continuing education is critical if you want to be at the top of your field. Educational complacency is a killer. And, the extra coffee does buy me some extra time.

What word describes your personal workstyle?

ease in your mind changes everything.

The worst job becomes your biggest motivator and you feel in control. Go over your “to do” list on your way to work and don’t put off a task more than once.

What does your workspace look like?

Very tidy—dual screen monitors, standup desk, lots of visual reminders of values, leadership and community projects, with music in the background.

It’s pretty calming as I face the river and our mill. Great office.

Nels Kristensen—he’s the first one I text every day and the last.

Relentless, committed and I work at a very fast pace. I am intrinsically motivated, and it is always about the job, not the reward. The rewards come naturally if you do your job well.

What would you do if you had an extra five hours in the day?

What are some of your time-saving methods?

Human behaviours. I’m obsessed with learning about motivators, communication and behaviours. I always have been.

Take more university courses. I’m

Do what you want to put off first—the

What’s your go-to work snack?

Who is the last person you texted?

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around her community, her family, a continual desire to better herself, and being very, very good at her job. All this enthusiasm is fueled by her secret weapon—coffee!

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What inspires you?

describe you?

Confident, fiercely independent and private, approachable, a solution provider, analytical, committed and intolerant of people who take advantage of my company or others.

What skill of yours would you most like to enhance?

Know yourself. How are you contributing to the issue? Personal accountability and insight will change your life.

Community Involvement & Accolades

Director, Sagitawa Friendship Centre

What album/band gets you pumped?

Manager, 14U Revolution Volleyball Team

I’m a huge fan of the Disturbed cover of “The Sound of Silence.”

Director, Lubicon Lake Band Integrated Employment Training Program

What is your favourite TV show?

Which TV character do you think you’re most like?

Director, Woodland Cree First Nation Integrated Employment Training Program

Coffee. My lunch: Coffee. Mid-afternoon snack: Coffee.

Game of Thrones, hands down. I’d be most like Arya Stark, personality-wise.

What’s your personal motto?

What is your strongest talent?

Just do it. It’s cliché, but it stops the procrastination.

Analyzing people to understand their behaviours and interpreting what is really happening versus what people think is happening. Very analytical.

I’m a strong supporter of personal initiative, but incapable of being a micromanager. My style is great if you like independence and flexibility, but not great if you need direction all the time.

I am a great mom who has a balanced, happy daughter. Nothing else matters to me.

Work on vacation. Yay or nay?

The Age of Responsibility: CSR 2.0 and the New DNA of Business by Wayne Visser. I highly recommend it. It’s critical to understand the connection of business and society.

How would you describe your managerial style?

What is your greatest achievement?

If you could say one thing to someone struggling in their workplace, what would it be?

What book are you reading?

Tracy Zweifel [Executive Director, Sagitawa Friendship Society]. It’s true.

She has that something where you know she’s genuine and wants to make a difference and you walk away from her in awe. I have huge energy, but she makes me look like I’m standing still.

To go back to school and have a double major in sociology and psychology.

Providing metrics to human resources to further leadership’s understanding of the importance and costs associated with accountability on time, tasks and communication. It’s a numbers game.

Absolutely, it’s the first thing I do in the morning—I wouldn’t go on a vacation where I couldn’t do it.

Which living person do you admire most?

What profession would you love to try?

Member, Canadian Public Relations Society Public Relations, Forest Products Association of Canada Award, Peace River Region’s Human Resource Management Association’s Award of Excellence Past Governor, Northern Lakes College

What is your strangest talent?

Past Director, Peace River Region’s Chamber of Commerce

I can knit a blanket with my toes.

Past Director, Peace River Restorative Justice Association

What’s the best part of your job?

Going to work to do what I have always loved—working with people and being in leadership for a company that has only shown support and provided autonomy.

What are you most passionate about?

Professionally, anything to do with helping DMI leadership become stronger. Strong companies reflect strong leadership. Personally, ongoing education—it drives me.

Past Vice-President, Peace River Wahoos Swim Club Past President, Grimshaw Daycare Association Past President, Peace River Region’s Human Resource Management Association Past Board Member, Peace River School Division French Association

How would your employees/coworkers #Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

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Tracy Halerewich | Director of Community Services, Town of Grimshaw

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racy Halerewich has deep roots in the Peace Country, having been raised on a mixed cattle and grain farm just west of Grimshaw.

As Grimshaw’s Director of Community Services for the last 17 years, she has applied her strong work ethic and visionary drive to many community-enhancing projects, including the current Grimshaw Partnered Schools Project (which is 42

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a collaboration between the Town of Grimshaw, Holy Family Catholic Regional Division No. 37, Peace River School Division No. 10, and the provincial government.)

She brings a strong working relationship with the members of Grimshaw’s municipal government and the community at large to the table, making her the perfect candidate to fulfill her role.

How do you take your coffee?

Community Involvement

Who is the last person you texted?

sisters and me very valuable lessons while living and working on the farm. I attribute much of who I am as a person to them, and I thank them for their dedication to our family. They have made me a disciplined and dedicated individual.

All three of my sisters—I sent a group text message.

How would you describe your managerial style?

Board member (Secretary/ Treasurer), Grimshaw Centennial Park Society

How do you describe your personal workstyle?

The key to being an effective leader is to have a broad range of styles and to use them appropriately—I am a team player and enjoy the rewards that come from working closely with others.

Communication is always key.

Volunteer for various community and area events

I am not a coffee drinker. Diet Coke is my go-to fix.

I am a hands-on type of person, very organized and I do not procrastinate.

What are some of your time-saving methods?

& Accolades

Director of Community Services, Town of Grimshaw (17 years)

Alberta Solicitor General – Alberta Crime Prevention (Individual) Award FCSS Award of Merit from the Family and Community Support Services of Alberta

How would your employees/coworkers describe you?

Multitasking works for me—however, you can spread yourself too thin. I embrace a positive atmosphere and relationships because when you feel good about your surroundings, you think better, work better and just live better.

What does your workspace look like?

I spend many hours in my office, so it is decorated to represent me. It is very comfortable, filled with antique pieces I have collected. The walls are covered with pictures from my yearly out-of-country travels. When people come into my office they always compliment it.

What inspires you?

Time should not be wasted—“love what you do” is my greatest inspiration!

What’s your personal motto?

“Life doesn’t have to be perfect to be wonderful,” and “Lead by example.”

Which living person do you admire most?

My parents—growing up, they taught my

Recreation Volunteer Recognition Award from Alberta Culture & Tourism/Alberta Sport, Recreation, Parks & Wildlife Foundation.

I am certain they would describe me as a leader, professional, trusting, confident, knowledgeable, hardworking, organized and a team player.

(Past) Member of Board, Alberta Pond Hockey Association

Work on vacation? Yay or nay?

I am that person who is either thinking about various work items or has taken items home to work on. I am very passionate about my job. Therefore, it’s hard for me to leave things at work— unless I’m out of the country on vacation [laughs].

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on?

Over the years, there have been so many exciting projects. Some of the most memorable include the regional collaboration for hosting the 2004 Alberta Winter Games and the 2010 Alberta Summer Games. I worked with Grimshaw Town Council on the building of the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex. I was also a key part of the volunteer board of the Alberta Pond Hockey Association when it was first developed—helping to build the event up to where it was a provincial showcase

with 88 adult teams participating.

Most recently, I have been involved in various committees for the Grimshaw Partnered Schools Project to construct two new schools attached to the Mile Zero Regional Multiplex. This unique project is a showcase to many other communities, showing how the provincial government and municipalities can work together to benefit all.

What are you most passionate about?

Professionally, I am passionate about making a difference. I always want to do my best to achieve success and feel the same way about what I do in my personal life.

# I am passionate about making a

difference. I always want to do my best

to achieve success and feel the same way about what I do in my personal life.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

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Tanin Behnke | Office Administrator, Northern Air Charter

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anin Behnke is a huge supporter of families, entrepreneurs and community, all traits she accredits to growing up in an environment of forward-thinkers. Tanin’s values of servant leadership and growing businesses are key in both her day job at Northern Air and her role as a Peace

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River Town Councillor.

Tanin loves being challenged and is grateful for both positions, feeling especially honoured to be allowed to serve her community as a Councillor.

Her dedication and humility allow her to serve her community well.

How do you take your coffee?

Without the coffee, add a side of Diet Pepsi. I’m so not a coffee drinker—can’t stand the smell.

What’s your current mobile device?

VW Jetta. It gets great gas mileage. Oh wait, maybe that’s not what you meant [laughs].

Who is the last person you texted?

I should probably say my husband but it was actually my mom.

What word describes your personal workstyle?

Focused. Sometimes maybe a little too focused.

What are some of your time-saving methods?

Sticky notes. I try to multi-task, so I write everything down. When we entertain, which is often, I cover the serving trays with sticky notes so at the last minute I have a road map to quickly get things organized and be efficient with delivery.

And, yes, I do get teased incessantly for this.

What does your workspace look like?

Organized chaos. It’s messy but I usually know where everything is.

What inspires you?

Those who have a true servant’s heart and a calm, unassuming humility. I admire those who have achieved great things but have the confidence not to let their achievements define them or feel compelled to boast.

What’s your go-to work snack?

It depends if it’s a stressful day. If it’s a good day, snap peas and carrots. If it’s not such a good day, anything deep-fried and smothered in chocolate [laughs].

Which living person do you admire most?

There is no one single person I admire most. I admire the leaders in our community—business, religious, volunteers, political and others.

I’m proud to have been raised by entrepreneurs and to work for one. Being surrounded by great thinkers and risktakers is a tremendous privilege. I admire

the strength and determination to step out in both faith and action to make our community a better place.

How would you describe your managerial style?

I believe strongly in servant leadership and leading by example. I won’t ask anyone to do something I haven’t already done. My dad always told me you must know a business to run it—be involved in every layer of the organization. I’ve done everything from cleaning the bathrooms to learning to comprehend financial statements. Serve those you work with— don’t expect to be served.

How would your employees/coworkers describe you?

I’d like to think that they see me as focused and capable but also caring and approachable.

What skill of yours would you most like to enhance?

Is willpower a skill? I’d like to get back to learning French. I grew up in Ottawa and was functionally bilingual, but I’ve lost it.

Work on vacation. Yay or nay?

As long as it’s slightly more “vacay” than “work.” I strongly believe in getting some R&R to reset and regroup. However, nothing stresses me out more than turning on my phone after a week in paradise and watching all the emails load, so I prefer to stay on top things even while I’m away. Besides, there’s no better office than a sandy beach and a delicious strawberry daiquiri.

What is your favourite TV show?

Which TV character do you think you’re most like?

I’m loving Suits on Netflix. I always thought I’d go to law school, so in the absence of an official education and actual degree I can live vicariously through that show. Aside from the clean freak nature, I’d say I’m probably Monica from Friends—frizzy vacation hair and all.

What is your strongest talent?

This is more of a character trait than a talent, but it’s my sense of loyalty. Some might say I am loyal to a fault—to my faith, my family, my friends, my work and my passions. Being someone worthy of trust is something I take extremely seriously.

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on?

Probably the arena project [Peace Region Recreational Centre]. I’m so excited to see this multiplex come to Peace River. I believe it will offer something for everyone, bring the community together and enhance the quality of life for everyone who chooses to live and work in our region. I was most excited to see how the region came together and collaborated on this project.

It’s been inspiring and humbling to be a part of.

What profession would you love to try?

When I was six, I used to carry around a briefcase that said, “Prime Minister of Canada.” I would still love to serve my country in that capacity, but I’ve learned service needs to happen at every level.

Being involved when and where we are will have a more significant impact than waiting for the “ultimate opportunity” to present itself and never truly accomplishing anything.

What is your greatest achievement?

Raising our daughter to be a strong, confident, outgoing and caring young lady strong in her faith. She has the most incredible heart and caring soul. Our job is to foster that and encourage her to continue down that path, teaching her to remember that kindness and an open mind will take her places negativity and pessimism never can.

What’s something people may not know about you?

I’m extremely shy! I’m an introvert and social gatherings very much push me out of my comfort zone. I would describe it as my “Achilles heel.” I also have a very dry, sarcastic sense of humour.

Community Involvement & Accolades

Councillor, Town of Peace River Chairperson of the Board, Peace River Community Soup Kitchen Board Member, Peace River Navigators Hockey Club Board Member, North Peace Community Foundation Board Member, Peace River Child Care Association

#Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

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Margaret Carroll

Community Involvement & Accolades

Co-President, High Level & District Chamber of Commerce Director, Grande Prairie Real Estate Board

| Owner, M&M Real Estate

M

argaret Carroll is a lady who gets things done. Aside from running her business and managing numerous memberships, she is a busy wife, mother and grandmother who enjoys cooking for others (she and her husband Kelly cook a traditional Ukrainian Christmas Eve meal that they share with different guests every year) and volunteering for community events like the upcoming Alberta Trappers’ Rendezvous event.

Member, High Level Senior’s Centre Member, Catholic Women’s League Nominated (still pending), Alberta Women Entrepreneurs Award Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal

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As the owner of M&M Real Estate, she helps her clients buy and sell properties and she also manages approximately 175 rental units, but she still makes time to enjoy a glass of wine with family and friends.

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What word describes your personal workstyle?

What is your strongest talent?

I work great under pressure. I work on what needs to be done today.

Baking and cooking.

What are some of your timesaving methods?

I use a notebook and write notes and then cross off my “to do” list.

What does your workspace look like?

You know that picture of Einstein with his desk all messy, and he says that smart people don’t have time to be organized? That’s me. I have piles on my desk, but I know where every piece of paper is!

What inspires you?

My job and helping people.

What’s your personal motto?

What is your strangest talent?

Twirling my fire batons (even with skates)! I led the Edmonton Expedition Parade in 1975.

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on?

As a realtor and property manager, I often get to be involved with new ventures from the seed stage. I love helping them come to fruition.

My favourite one was being involved with Footner Forest Products (now Norbord) when they came to the High Level area. My previous business partner, Mary Soucy, and I found and furnished housing for the workers and then the employees.

What are you most passionate about?

“It is...what it is.”

How would you describe your managerial style?

Honest, professional and loyal.

How do you take your coffee?

How would your employees/ coworkers describe you?

Black

Very good to work for.

What’s your current mobile device?

Work on vacation. Yay or nay?

Professionally, pleasing our clients. Personally, my family.

What is your greatest achievement?

Receiving the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

Of course I do [laughs].

Samsung S7 Who is the last person you texted?

One of my clients.

What would you do if you had an extra five hours in the day?

Do some yoga and go for a massage.

What album/band gets you pumped?

Johnny Reid.

What is your favourite TV show?

CTV National News with Lisa LaFlamme

I don’t take any bull because I just don’t have time for it. When I was asked to join the GP Real Estate Board, I was like, Are you sure you want me? I’ll tell it like it is, and they said, That’s what we need, but I’m also the one who, if I find out it’s your birthday, I will quickly run home on my lunch break and bake you a cake.

#Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

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Chris Laue

Dean of Trades, Agriculture & Environment and Principal of GPRC Fairview Campus

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n 1987, Christopher Laue moved from Edmonton to fulfill a four-month contract as an instructor at Fairview College. Thirty years later, he is still actively involved in the community in which he met and married his wife and raised three sons. As Fairview College became NAIT and then Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC), he maintained continuity in the trades program, which was his

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area of involvement at the time. His accrued experience in a variety of roles is serving him well in his current positions as Dean of Trade, Agriculture and Environment and the Principal of the Fairview Campus, and he continues to advocate for increased opportunities for education in the north.

Present him with a goal, and watch him coordinate all available resources to get there!

How do you take your coffee?

Which living person do you admire most?

Light and just a bit sweet.

What’s your current mobile device?

Apple iPhone, company supplied.

Who is the last person you texted?

My wife.

What would you do if you had an extra five hours in the day?

I enjoy restoring cars and I haven’t been able to do that much for the last seven or eight years because of work. I own a 1970 Camaro I restored, which was a fun one. I’d definitely like to work on this hobby more.

What describes your personal workstyle?

Find out what the goal is and get the goal done.

The band AC/DC. They went through a whole bunch in 1980 [when their lead singer died suddenly], then they released Back in Black and it’s still driving. I respect people who consistently do their job, and they are a band that has done that. They just keep doing their thing.

How would you describe your managerial style?

Member, Fairview Chamber of Commerce

Approachable, consistent and fair.

Member (Past President), Heads of Trades for Alberta

What skill of yours would you most like to enhance?

Past Member, Kinsmen Club of Fairview

What album/band gets you pumped?

I have a very nicely appointed office in what used to be the executive area of the college. Once while I was away, the ladies I work with did a makeover and it looks great. I have a model of one of the UVS (unmanned vehicle system) vehicles from a program we were working with and memorabilia from various events.

AC/DC’s Back in Black

My desk tends to get piled up and then I look at it and say, Hold it, and I’ll have to move some of the stuff off. Right now, coming back from a holiday, it will be clean because that’s how I left it.

What is your strongest talent?

When someone says, Here’s what we want to achieve, it motivates me to be able to say, That makes sense and I have the resources to be able to get there.

What’s your go-to work snack?

Tater tots!

What’s your personal motto?

Be responsible and accountable for your actions.

Incoming President, Rotary Club of Fairview

How would your employees/ coworkers describe you?

What does your workspace look like?

When I can understand the benefits of a goal and I have the tools to achieve it.

Dean of Trades, Agriculture & Environment and Principal of Fairview Campus (5 years in current position, over 25 years in various roles at Fairview Campus previously)

Director, Skills Canada Alberta

Multitasking, but it doesn’t work that well for me [laughs]. It can make you do each task a little less effectively.

What inspires you?

& Accolades

Developing a team whose expertise is higher than mine and allowing them to do their jobs.

My ability to use new electronic technology. Last week, I was trying to use the phone and other people who are competent at it were saying, You should be doing this and using that app, and I was like, Okay, I’ve got a telephone number… Also, my ability to communicate using the written word.

What are some of your time-saving methods?

Community Involvement

What is your favourite TV show?

Which TV character do you think you’re most like?

Big Bang Theory, I get a kick out of that show. I like all the characters, but my favourite is Sheldon.

Getting people to do the work for me?

[Laughs] No, I would say it’s remaining relatively calm when things are going sideways. I tend not to get really uptight.

I might feel that way internally, but I try not to get too excited about it.

What’s the most exciting project you’ve worked on?

Being part of getting the Power Engineering Lab to have an ABSA (Alberta Boiler Safety Association) certified boiler so our third and fourth class power engineering students can get “steam time” right in the lab, which would reduce the number of practicum hours they need by over half. It’s one of the programs I really want us to have and I’ve learned lots about power engineering.

Member, Peace Economic Development Committee

Has been involved with College Town Capers, Fairview theatre group

What are you most passionate about?

Professionally, it sounds like an infomercial for the college, but I would like to ensure we have good, solid vocational training for students in the northwest region, not just for certificate and diploma programming but also polytechnic, which includes university, and being able to have degree granting, not just collaborative capabilities. I think this would be very helpful here and would like to see it happen.

What profession would you love to try?

I have a private pilot’s license and I think I would have liked to have been a commercial airline pilot. I love flying.

What is your greatest achievement?

Together with my wife, raising three boys. They are good kids who’ve had a chance to experience the arts, athletics and academics. They understand there is a lot out in the world but that they need not forget where they came from, and that living in a rural location is not a bad thing.

Is there anything you’d like to add?

When you move into a smaller rural community, get out there and become a part it. Get active, get involved on a volunteer basis and work with the community. It sure makes a big difference. #Li fesBetterUpHere | MAY-AUGUST 20 1 7 M OV E U P

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 Relocation Story

à MICHAEL ALDRIDGE MOVED UP TO CLEAR HILLS COUNTY FROM REGINA, SK significance is something they can’t see just anywhere. It doesn’t hurt you can shop at the garden centre and get an ice cream cone while you’re there.

There are so many great restaurants now, so I try to take guests to as many of those as possible. I love Su Casa in Peace River. It’s a very special place. I’ve recently discovered the delicious wings at Norm’s Pizzazz in Grimshaw. Butter Chicken Co. has brought some great variety to Fairview. Oddly enough, I discovered sushi here, which makes most people laugh uproariously! In case I haven’t made it clear, I love food.

What’s your story? How did you end up relocating to the Mighty Peace Region?

I moved to Grande Prairie about 12 years ago to attend the U of A’s Teacher Education North program via Grande Prairie Regional College (GPRC). I have been a teacher at Hines Creek Composite School in Peace River School Division (PRSD) for the past eight years and enjoy acreage life in Clear Hills County.

What would be your advice to anyone thinking of relocating here?

My advice to anyone thinking of moving here is it really helps to have a strong sense of self. If you come here seeking constant external stimuli you may be disappointed.

Knowing who you are and staying centred allows you to seek out the things you need to be fulfilled. When you know what you’re looking for and what you need to be happy, you can make it happen.

How do you entertain out-oftown guests?

I usually take visitors to Dunvegan Provincial Park. The mixture of natural beauty and historical 50

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What are some must-try Peace Region experiences?

I think what this region has to offer is not as easily quantified. It’s the ability to see a herd of deer in the field behind our house, happen upon a bear cub while it’s upside down in a garbage can and witness spectacular sunsets, sunrises and northern lights displays on a regular basis. For astronomy buffs, the night sky is perfect for stargazing.

I recently traveled to Iceland and discovered tourists were paying a premium to experience the kind of natural beauty I can literally see nightly...from my deck…in my pajamas. I also find that Jasper National Park is close enough that a long weekend getaway is doable, so you can get your mountain fix there.

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

The aforementioned bear was comical. I’ve had a lot of odd runins with grouse in that they are simple-minded and unintentionally funny. This winter our vehicles have routinely been covered in nose smudges as the deer come through to lick salt off of them.

What are some of your favourite outdoor activities in the Peace?

I like going for dog walks or talking them to swim in the Peace River or one of the many nearby lakes.

Cycling and tennis are my summer favourites, and the nice thing about this area is the sheer quantity of daylight hours during the spring and summer. It’s really cool to stay up all night and see the sun just barely dip below the horizon before immediately rising again. Also, if you enjoy winter sports, you will love this place!

In your experience, what is unique about the Peace Region?

If I had to sell it, I would push the notion of opportunity. The Peace Region afforded me opportunities I would not have received elsewhere— educational, professional and personal.

My fiancée and I met here, though neither of us are from here. We both have rewarding teaching jobs in PRSD and belong to the best professional teaching association in Canada (and perhaps the world), the Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA).

We live comfortably in a beautiful home with lots of space for two giant dogs. We’re taking a trip to Australia this July and are both beginning masters programs this fall. These are all things that, quite frankly, we might not have been able to attain elsewhere.

I personally will always be grateful to GPRC, PRSD and, in a larger sense, the Peace Region for the opportunities they have afforded me.

I am also the very proud President of the ATA Greater Peace Local, representing all teachers from Peace River and Holy Family school divisions.

In partnership with

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YELLOWKNIFE HAY RIVER HIGH LEVEL T MANNING

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GRIMSHAW

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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 this edition of Go Mighty Peace you will find a plethora of ideas to help you stay active this summer, a jam-packed events calendar, information on upcoming signature events 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 Mighty Peace Tourism on Facebook.

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

632 381 180 52

1

Hutch Lake 2 A

HIGH LEVEL

3

4

Twin Lakes

COUNTY OF NORTHERN LIGHTS

5

LUMBIA

B

BRITISH CO

6

7

MANNING

CLEAR HILLS COUNTY 8

35

NORTHERN SUNRISE COUNTY

31 9

Running Lake

WORSLEY

35

30

726 33 34 H

Stoney Lake

64

12 29

32

HINES CREEK

64

732

25

GRIMSHAW

FAIRVIEW

23

2

SPIRIT RIVER

MD OF SPIRIT RIVER

RYCROFT

PEACE RIVER

17

D

24

MD OF FAIRVIEW

Moonshine Lake

To: Alaska Hwy

F

15 16

27 26

13

14

685

G

986

11

Leddy Lake

C

Lac Cardinal

28

George Lake

49

Peerless Lake

10

Sulphur DIXONVILLE Lake

Ole’s Lake

2

18 19

22

20

684

21

BERWYN

E

MD OF PEACE

88

NAMPA

740

2

744

Kimiwan Lake

49

Utikuma Lake

McLENNAN FALHER Winagami Lake

49 43

2

59

750

754

2

ALBERTA

2A

Lesser Slave Lake

HIGH PRAIRIE

88

To: Edmonton

43

GRANDE PRAIRIE

2

49

43

SLAVE LAKE

33 40

DRIVING DISTANCES AND TIMES Nampa

Peace River Grimshaw

Spirit River Manning

Fairview

Edmonton

460 km 4h 35min

488 km 4h 55min

510 km 5h 10min

524 km 5h 15min

586 km 5h 50min

561 km 5h 33min

Grande Prairie

223 km 2h 15min

198 km 2h 5min

172 km 1h 50min

78 km 50min

256 km 2h 40min

116 km 1h 18min

High Level

323 km 3h 10min

296 km 3h

280 km 2h 45min

393 km 4h

196 km 1h 55min

338 km 3h 34min

Yellowknife

1139 km 10h 50min

1013 km 10h 40min

997 km 10h 25min

1110 km 11h 40min

913 km 9h 35min

1053 km 11h 41min

For more information visit www.mightypeace.com

DRIVING DISTANCES AND TIMES

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