Thursday, April 22, 2021
VOLUME 3 I ISSUE 43
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
CAPP updates Chamber ally on recovery GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers (CAPP) says high rural municipal taxes are discouraging investment growth in Saskatchewan’s oil and gas industry. T h a t ’s o ne of t h e m an y hurdles to economic recovery CAPP seeks to resolve in collaboration with the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce and its political action committee. “On the economic side, we need to start working very smartly, collaboratively,” said CAPP president and CEO, Tim McMillan, in a Zoom presentation hosted by the Chamber on April 14. “A part of that is our role to engage with Chambers and governments to get some of the policies that can drive that recovery.” McMillan says in Saskatchewan, one of the biggest hurdles the industry needs to overcome is municipal property taxes. “That’s what we’ve been engaging the political action group on,” he said. “The other is SaskPower. The structural cost at SaskPower has driven costs in a way we don’t see in other jurisdictions and are becom-
ing a barrier to investment.” CAPP calculates every hour of work in the oil and gas industry in the province creates more than $2,000 of GDP compared to $225 of GDP for every hour of work in mining and metals. “Enabling more investments in oil and gas and more oil and gas jobs has huge effects,” said McMillan. Capital investment in oil and gas is expected to grow by 14 per cent in 2021 from $24 billion to $27B nationally this year. CAPP projects the pace of capital investments to be slower in Saskatchewan than British Columbia and Alberta due to hurdles like municipal property taxes. McMillan notes the province has seen a decline in investment of 45 per cent the past few years, along with a 20 per cent loss of jobs while property taxes have climbed by 20 per cent. “There are some areas that have seen dramatic increases in their property taxes at a time when we’re losing investment, and that is counterproductive” said McMillan. He notes there are signs of a turnaround ahead, with some of the oil and gas targets noted in Saskatchewan’s
Growth Plan to 2030. “It’s a bit of a ‘north star’ for us and we would hope for municipalities as well,” said McMillan. The government wants to see oil and gas investment grow and production to grow up to 600,000 barrels a day by the end of this decade. “That’s achievable, but it’s going to take us all working together,” said McMillan. The Province also wants to position Saskatchewan as the best place in North America to test, commercialize and scale new oil and gas technologies. “This is going to be a big piece of work for us to bring the municipalities into that common cause with the province, but I think all Saskatchewan will be better off when we do that,” said McMillan. Alberta is attracting a higher percentage of the $27B capital investment pie than the rest of Western Canada. McMillan says opportunities for investment lie in making changes to royalty calculations for bitumen that have stalled the development of partial upgrading in Alberta. “About $18 billion in upgrading was invested in
File Photo the U.S. by Canadian companies due to this policy since 2009,” said McMillan. CAPP has proposed changes to the non-marketbased calculation of the Bitumen Valuation Methodology. “Today, there is a disproportionate royalty on arm’slength transactions that is at the root of this and that needs to be corrected,” said McMillan. CAPP also sees opportunities provincially, nationally and globally for natural gas, with the International Energy Agency predicting dramatic growth for oil and gas to 2040. “It has natural gas growing the fastest and it’s going to overtake coal to become
the world’s second-largest source of energy,” said McMillan, noting oil is number one. He says COVID-19 has also benefited Canada with higher prices for liquified natural gas and an unprecedented demand for petrochemicals used to make N-95 masks. “Every single component from the strap to the filter is made up of petroleum products, except the staples to hold the strap and the nose clip,” said McMillan. He also noted domestic oil and gas producers have nearly returned to producing 100 million bbls/day before COVID-109 cut production to a low of 85 MB/d in Canada.
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Thursday, April 22, 2021
AUMA puts mental health first GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. The virtual spring municipal leaders caucus will be remembered for putting the mental health of Alberta’s leaders first during COVID-19. That’s what stood out on the agenda for Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers who participated remotely. “One thing that was so different this year was, we spent about 15 to 20 minutes of each session discussing the mental health of individuals,” said Aalbers. “That was likely one of the biggest things that came out from the caucus we had.” The general business topics for discussion from April 14-16 included economic recovery, cutting red tape and municipal
finances and reserves. Each session kicked off with a few tips for participants on how to recharge their mental batteries by speaker Daena Douglas from Howatt HR Consulting.
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If you’re feeling stressed, don’t be afraid to reach out.
“She spoke each and every day about different things that could be done to help people de ve l o p be tte r ski l l s to deal with the mental health strains that’s been on everybody’s mind,” said Aalbers. He says the job of running municipalities hasn’t gotten any easier in the past year during the pandemic. “It’s very real for all
of us. We’re dealing with a challenge we were never prepared for and most people would never even think of.” Aalbers notes there’s also little time for leaders to relax between now and the upcoming municipal election in Alberta this fall. He says the daily mental health sessions helped reinforce some of the things he’s learned about maintaining his own mental health. “If you’re feeling stressed, don’t be afraid to reach out to somebody, be it family or a friend or even someone in the professional world to help,” he said. “There’s different levels of stress, and I think we all need to find ways to help ease that stress.”
Thursday, April 22, 2021
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Rosary gets rendered look at future but words of praise for the work the Grade 10 student has done thus
Supplied Photo
This is one of many of the many 3D renders done by Holy Rosary High School Grade 10 student Nathan Eckel. TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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The future is looking bright for Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) as expansion plans continue to take new life. The Lloydminster Catholic School Division (LCSD) initially announced plans for renovations and an expansion in June of 2020 after the Government of Saskatchewan announced $110.5 million for six new major infrastructure projects for school divisions in communities across the province. These projects are part of the Government of Saskatchewan’s $7.5 billion twoyear capital to plan to build a strong Saskatchewan and stimulate Saskatchewan’s economic recovery. Under the two-year capital to plan to build a strong Saskatchewan, over $130 million was designated for education infrastructure, including major projects and maintenance funding. “With our expansion at Holy Rosary High School, we’re really focusing on the student’s voice,” said HRHS vice principal Jeremy Blais. “So, we started out the process with Mr. (Vince) Orieux and myself going to all of the Grade 6 and Grade 7 classrooms in all of our LCSD elementary schools and spoke with all of the students on
the expansion plan. “We then had them fill out a Google form with their interests and areas they would be looking forward to, and then we went from there. We used the student’s input to streamline our efforts of where we were looking into.” Blais also noted LCSD students from Grade 8 through to Grade 11 were put into focus groups and had the opportunity to fill out their own Google forms. “Students that were interested in a particular area of study, they worked with our teachers in that area of study, and that’s how we designed the specific rooms that we have,” he said. “We currently have the school of kinesiology, our steam lab, our stem lab, an innovation classroom, our technology warehouse, we were able to use the student voice to help design those. As of right now, we’re in talks with the architects and taking our plans towards them, and the really nice thing is, we’ve been able to get the student voice to help us with our planning, and making sure this building is really student-centred and will accurately reflect their areas of passion and their areas of study because this is a building that will have to be
up-to-date for the next 40 years.” But the team working on the HRHS expansion has a secret weapon in the form of Grade 10 student Nathal Eckel. Eckel has played a pivotal role in the expansion since dayon, working alongside staff, students, and the project’s architects to help bring the school’s vision to life. “I’ve been taking the plans from the architects and making 3D renders of the spaces that are going to be built,” said Eckel, adding how a lot of his computer skills are self-taught, but HRHS’ media teacher, Skye Ferguson, has been helping him along the
way. “I’m using SketchUp to model all of the interior areas, and then once I’m done modelling I put the model in Blender to make it look all nice and rendered out.” Eckel explained he was excited for the expansion before it was even announced, but once the announcement was made, he got right to work making concepts of his own. “It feels good overall to be helping with this all, and I can’t wait to see the final product when it’s finished,” he said. “I feel like the entire project overall and helping with making everything has been my favourite part.” Blais had nothing
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far and is happy to have him on board.
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Thursday, April 22, 2021
Eco9 students find their bearings
Geoff Lee Meridian Source
Eco9 teacher Shaun Donald from E.S. Laird Middle School shows students how to pace steps as part of an outdoor orienteering class at Jaycee Hill on April 16. GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. The Eco9 class at E.S. Laird Middle School should have no problem navigating to Bud Miller All Seasons Park on bikes for a scheduled Earth Day activity.
The Grade 9 class plans to head there on April 22, fresh from learning how to use a compass during some outdoor orienteering lessons at Jaycee Hill last week. The lessons began with teacher Shaun
Donald literally putting his students through their paces, as they were doing last Friday during a media event. “This is our second day of orienteering learning how to use a compass, how to take bearings, how to take
the right number of paces—all skills for our outdoor-ed stuff dealing with our Eco9 program,” said Donald. Students were tasked with learning to use a compass individually and in pairs and follow a set of three bearings and pace 10 steps each time. “Once they’ve demonstrated they are able to follow a course with bearings and paces, they’re going to create their own course with a starting and an ending point,” explained viceprincipal Luke Maw.’’ “When they complete that, they’re going to switch off and share their course with a friend to see if they too end up in the same place in the end.” Maw says it’s a great hands-on learning experience through trial and error. That was the case for students Maria Stibaylo and Desirae Messner, who worked together on the three-
bearing directions. “I really like it. I think it’s a lot better than staying in our classroom,” said Maria. “No other Grade 9 classes are learning orienteering and I think it’s actually a really good thing to learn because you never know what situation you might end up in.” Desirae says it’s fun and good for when they’re on eco-trips so they can’t get lost. “I like using compasses; it’s a good skill to have, so I think this was a really good thing to learn,” she said. Maw says a lot of times today, people rely on GPS and these basic orienteering skills help students understand what GPS does. He says it’s also nice to get outside and enjoy the weather in a meaningful way that has some purpose to it. Jaycee Hill is also an ideal venue for another
day of outdoor education and just a quick bike ride from the school. “We’re looking for places we can bike to and get some activities in because our class likes to be outside doing our learning as much as we can,” said Donald. For Earth Day, the plan is to cycle to Bud Miller and look at how the city treats its water, and how to filter our own water. It’s part of a sustainability unit for the rest of April. “Students are going to start learning about sustainable energy, how we use our planet, which would normally lead into a canoe trip to learn about water systems,” said Donald. The Eco9 class also engages in honey bee farming/processing, gardening, generating electricity using a bike, learning through nature and outdoor activities.
HRHS praising expansion plans FROM PAGE 3
“Nathan has done an amazing job working with us. Any time we’ve had ideas, we’ve brought them to Nathan and he’s really brought them to life,” said Blais. “I know Mr. Orieux and myself both brought some ideas to Nathan, and any time we describe something to him, he’ll go away
and work on it, and when he comes back, he’s made some videos, he’s done some designs, and everything is very well done. He can basically take any idea that we have and bring it to life for us.” Blais also explained how, when he visits LCSD elementary schools, he’s bringing some of Eckel’s videos and drawings with him
to show the younger students what all of the excitement is about at HRHS. “It’s really exciting to bring these examples that are made by students at Holy Rosary to the elementary schools, and it’s exciting for them to see that.” Shovels are expected to be in the ground this summer.
Thursday, April 22, 2021
Alberta signs small reactor MOU
GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. Alberta has jumped onto the small modular reactor (SMR) bandwagon as a clean energy option.
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I’m really excited that Alberta will be joining this working group between four provinces to find a Canadian solution.
Premier Jason Kenney signed a memorandum of agreement previously signed by three other provinces, on April 14, to explore applications for SMRs in Canada. The MOU calls on the four provinces to develop a joint strategic plan this spring. Kenney joined premiers from Ontario, Saskatchewan and New Brunswick at a virtual signing event to share the findings of a feasibility study requested two years ago. “With the development of SMR technology, we can in principle develop small modular reactors for discreet industrial applications like, for example, fuelling bitumen production in the oilsands,” said Kenney. He says the single best way to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is through nuclear power. “I’m really excited that Alberta will be joining this working group between four provinces to find a Canadian solution.” The findings of the
study identify three streams of SMR project proposals for consideration by the governments of Ontario, New Brunswick and Saskatchewan. The report also identifies the potential for
all three streams to create employment and economic growth benefits for Canada. SMRs are nuclear reactors that produce 300 megawatts of electricity or less. They can support large established grids, small grids, remote offgrid communities and resource projects. Saskatchewan premier Scott Moe welcomes Alberta to the MOU club and called it a “good day for all provinces” and a good day for Canada. “I believe it is also a good day as well for the world that is searching for solutions as to how we address climate
change and to ensure a reliable supply of clean energy for decades to come,” said Moe. Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers suggests local businesses could act as suppliers to manufacture an SMR if one were to be built nearby. “That certainly where we would fit in. We’ve got excellent machine shops, great engineering, excellent electrical and instrumental people as well as fabrication people” said Aalbers. The Canadian Association of Petroleum Producers is also supportive of the technology. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6
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Thursday, April 22, 2021
Lakeland yearns for in-person learning GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. COVID-19 continues to be a social killjoy at Lakeland College. The virus has forced Lakeland to hold virtual convocations for grads at the Lloydminster and Vermilion campuses for the second year in a row. Lloydminster’s will be
held on May 27 followed by Vermilion June 3-4. “We were hoping to have them in-person this year, but that is not the case,” said Lakeland president Alice Wainwright-Stewart in a virtual review to the Rotary Club of Lloydminster on Monday. “We’ll do what we can to support the students
who want to come back from last year.” She also noted there were a total of 22 active cases of COVID-19 at both campuses as of April 16. This follows an earlier outbreak of 74 cases at Vermilion in April that Alberta Health Services attributed to an off-campus
social gathering. Wainwright-Stewart says she is itching to announce the return of in-person classes this fall, if only the Alberta government would say it’s safe to do so. “We are trying to be full-on in-person this fall. We are about hands-on and we want to give the students as much opportunity as possible,” she said. Lakeland is also working with the Alberta Colleges Athletic Conference (ACAC) to try to support sports, and hopefully down the road, some competitions that students want. Both campuses began offering full online classes last March, but about 60 per cent of courses were delivered on campus last year. “I am proud to say that Lakeland was able to have over 90 per cent of the students having some type of inperson learning experience,” said Wainwright-Stewart. “Lakeland College is about doing.” Wainwright-Stew-
REACTOR MOU FROM PAGE 5
“I know that Saskatchewan has been a proponent of small nuclear reactors as well,” said CAPP president and CEO Tim McMillan following his same-day presentation to the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce. The province’s Growth Plan for 202030 notes the need to
Photo courtesy of Lakeland College art thinks the online course components with grow in terms of where the needs are to provide a flexible learning experience. At the Lloyd campus, first-year business administration, 4th class power engineering and 2nd class power engineering are going online. Wainwright-Stewart says it’s the neverending remote learning experiences during COVID-19 that students are tired of. “They want the social learning experi-
ences. We know learning is a social experience,” she said. “Hopefully, we can do that in a very safe way, in a way that could be a difference changer for Lakeland that is all about hands-on and providing students with many opportunities to learn about where they want to go in their future.” Despite the pandemic, about 2,200 students are enrolled so far in fall programs, more than last year at the same.
advance the development of zero-emission SMRs. “I think there’s many different uses for them,” said McMillan. “Oilsands may be a good one because they create heat and one of the biggest costs and emission sources from our oilsands is heat.” McMillan says it’s going to come down to
the viability and economics of the small reactors. “They aren’t ready for prime time today, “ he said “I expect they will be in a decade or decades to come and they may be a huge environmental and cost savings, but at this point, the cost is something no one knows yet.”
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Thursday, April 22, 2021
Lloyd businesses good for ABAD GEOFF LEE
WRITER
.................................. It’s nail-biting time for 11 Lloydminster businesses nominated fo r th e 2 0 21 A l b e r t a Business Awards of Distinction.
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There are currently 13 diverse award categories, with an additional Alberta’s Best of Business Award.
All ABAD category finalists will be named on April 23 on social media, the Alberta Chambers of Commerce website and in the Edmonton Journal. There are currently 13 diverse award categories, with an additional
Alberta’s Best of Business Award. The local nominees are Woman Entrepreneur: Red Bicycle Communications, Community Attraction: BPC Services Ltd. and Home Hardware, Customer Service: Bioclean Disaster Services, Cedar Kabob, Home Hardware and Three Trees Tap + Kitchen. The list includes Diversity: Lloydminster and District Co-op, Health and Wellness: To The Core Pilates and Small Business: Bioclean Disaster Services and Spiro’s. The ABADs recognize businesses/organizations that have demonstrated outstanding achievement and contribution to their community while having developed business acumen
and management practices to ensure longterm sustainability. The winners will be announced on June 25 by the same messengers as the finalists with the addition of the Calgary Herald and Grande Prairie Daily Tribune newspapers. Integra Engineering Ltd. is the last Lloydminster company to win an ABAD in 2016. They captured an Employer of Youth Award of Distinction in partnership with the Government of Alberta.
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Thursday, April 22, 2021
City breaks ground for new Fire Station #1 TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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The City of Lloydminster held a virtual grou nd breaking ceremony on Wednesday morning as plans move forward to replace the existing Fire Station #1, which has been in service since 1949. The major spokespersons were Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers and Fire Chief Leigh Sawicki. The new Fire Station #1 will be located at 3714- 47 St. just north of the Hyundai dealership, and is being built by Chandos Construction. “Today marks a new chapter for the Lloydminster Fire Department as we prepare the construction grounds for their new Station #1,” said Aalbers. “I want to thank
Chief Sawicki and those from City administration involved in leading the effort to bring this project to fruition, as well as council for supporting the necessary project, and thank you, Lloydminster taxpayers, who are paying for this asset, which will make our community a safer city.” Over the last few years, the Lloydminster Fire Department has transitioned into a 24-hour a day, 7-day a week department. As the community grows, so does a greater need for updated emergency services. “This is truly a wonderful project that we see coming together here,” said Sawicki. “With this support, we’ll build a facility and team that provides con-
stant and focused services which meet our expanding community and its needs. “For myself and my colleagues, Station #1 is much more than just a fire station, it’s our home away from home and it’s about community, and (it’s) an essential asset for current and future Lloydminster residents and the surrounding municipalities.” Sawicki also explained the location for the new Station #1 was chosen as it provides easy access to both major highways and will provide faster response times throughout the city. “These response times are essential, as having the fire service arrive on an emergency scene is critical in risk
Photo courtesy of the City of Lloydminster
Mayor Gerald Aalbers and Fi r e C h i e f L e i g h S a w i c k i officially broke ground for the new Fire Station #1 on Wednesday morning.
mitigation,” he said. “It’s also important to note that, as our community grows, so will the need for a more extensive department, and with that comes enhanced training opportunities and traditional skills maintenance.”
LRHF 2021 Muck Run cancelled MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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On Tuesday, the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF) announced the cancellation of the 2021 Muck Run due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Over the event’s four years, the LRHF has raised over $100,000. “We know it’s a really fun
LAKELAND FROM PAGE 6
That number includes 550 students in the School of Agriculture and a new bachelor of agriculture technology program with crops and livestock learning streams. “It’s the first degree like in Canada,” boasts Wainwright-Stewart who notes 32 of the available 36 spots have been filled. The degree program is designed to bridge
event and would have been great this year with a nice and early spring but we have to consider the participants safety first,” said Malcolm Radke, CEO, LRHF. “We appreciated the support received last year when we went digital, but feel it’s best to use our time to support our healthcare community right now. We know there is a bright future for
the gap between emerging technologies and agricultural management and production systems. “Students will be learning to provide producers with more return on investment,” said Wainwright-Stewart. A bachelor of education degree is also available at the Lloydminster campus in partnership with the University of Calgary.
lots of fun events in our community and know everyone looks forward to returning to the run next year.” The LRHF is still accepting donations in light of the cancellation. Anyone interested in supporting the foundation and the greatest needs of our community can go online and donate anytime at lrhf.ca/ donate.
“It’s a communitybased program that allows students to finish their 3rd and 4th years at the Lloyd campus,” explained WainwrightStewart. “That’s a really cool initiative that will really help our area.” Lakeland is also working with Magnet, a student workplace program funded by the Canadian government in partnership with the
Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce. “That’s another exciting program even for our businesses,” said Wainwright-Stewart, noting 50 per cent of student-hire salaries are covered up to $10,000. The Lloyd campus is also partnering with Women Building Futures to attract women into power engineering.
Lloyd RCMP complete month-long warrant project
File Photo MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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Between March 9 and April 9, the Lloydminster RCMP focused efforts on a targeted approach to addressing offenders who were at large on outstanding warrants. During this period, Lloydminster RCMP members were able to execute 194 warrants in both Alberta and Saskatchewan, lead-
ing to the arrests of 70 offenders. Police laid dozens of additional charges against the various offenders, including weapons and drug charges. Lloydminster RCMP also laid numerous charges against offenders for failing to abide by their court ordered release conditions. “We will continue to target offenders within our community
who continue to commit crime while failing to attend court”, said Const. Brittany Pegg of the Lloydminster RCMP Crime Reduction Unit. “Our intelligence-led approach to crime prevention, including tips from the public, allows us to focus our efforts on the main offenders within our city and bring them back before the courts as soon as possible.”
Thursday, April 22, 2021
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PAGE 10 Thursday, April 22, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4 Phone: 306-825-5111 Toll Free: 1-800-327-3899 Fax: 306-825-5147 meridiansource.ca Mail: Box 2454, Lloydminster, SK S9V 1W5 Hours: 8AM to 5PM Monday to Friday THE MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday. All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion. Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.
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Viewpoint Leave it to Weaver Finally, a chat not devoted to COVID EDITOR Taylor Weaver
Once again, it dawned on me, ‘it’s not just my mother who reads these columns.’ These past few weeks, I find my columns have been a little more engaging for the community. Whether it’s talk about an April Fools joke or me simply expressing how I’m feeling about a story I wrote (last week’s column and story ultimately turned into a discussion about overall health and cancer prevention), I am really glad you, the readers, are following along. I came to the realization my columns are (not so) black and white and read all over on Tuesday afternoon when I was recognized by the clerk at a gas station. I may have been sporting my Meridian Source windbreaker,
but even with a mask on, this person apparently recognized me through my eyes. This has happened a few times over the years, and honestly, I get a bit gun shy when faced with the situation. This is usually due to the fact that, in most cases, when I hear from someone about the work I do, it’s because I messed something up, which happens; we’re human after all. The other topic of conversation over the past year that no one seems to be able to agree on is the COVID-19 pandemic. I didn’t know what I was getting myself into, but I also know I will start and can hold a conversation with just about anybody. And you know what happened? I had a fantastic chat with this lovely clerk about everything BUT the pandemic or something they didn’t like in the paper. In roughly 90 seconds of talk-
ing to this person, I learned she did, in fact, get a laugh out of the Sources’ April Fool Day prank and she and her family recently moved to Canada from South Africa. Not only am I a complete sucker for accents, I simply love to hear the stories of the people in my community. It was nice for me to have a conversation about, well, nothing, really. I even thanked this person for sharing a good chat with me! I know this pandemic isn’t ideal (this is my very polite way of saying how most of us are feeling after living under this restriction umbrella for the last year, but, it is what it is. I am still confident we as Canadians will come out of this pandemic as better people, and I believe it all starts with random, polite, spur-ofthe-moment conversations like the one I had on Tuesday afternoon.
Through the reader’s lens John Van Cleemput Submitted to the Meridian Source Thanks, John, for this great photo you’ve titled “Hey Bud Millar Park, We’re back.” The Geese are infact back at Bud Miller, so don’t forget to give them the space they need!
Publisher: Reid Keebaugh Production Manager: Amanda Richard CLASSIFIED ADVERTISING admin@meridiansource.ca NEWSPAPER DELIVERY If you’ve missed a paper, to start or stop delivery, or for carrier applications, please call 306-825-5111 for information. LETTERS TO THE EDITOR We welcome letters to the editor. Letters should be 500 words or less. A name and daytime phone number is required for verification. Priority will be given to letters exclusively written for the Meridian Source. We reserve the right to edit letters for clarity, brevity, spelling, grammar, punctuation and libel. Unsigned letters will not be published. Use of pseudonyms will only be allowed in special circumstances, at the discretion of the editor and the publisher, and only if the author’s identity is known to the editor. Publication of a letter does not imply endorsement by the Meridian Source. Send to taylor@meridiansource.ca
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Taylor Weaver/Meridian Source Photo
PAGE 11 Thursday, April 22, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Opinion
Leeway from Lloyd: Two bits for Bitcoin STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE
The other day I found some pennies and a quarter in one of my many jackets and I almost had to ask someone what change is and who uses it, let alone any kind of paper currency. For the past few years, I have used a bank card for just about every transaction, and now with cryptocurrency all the rage, even debit cards and credit cards seem unreal. Having cash in hand seems odd. The day I wrote this column, Bitcoin topped the $64,000 mark for the first time as Coinbase Global Inc. made its public debut on the U.S. stock market. The direct listing of the biggest U.S. crypto exchange is seen driving tokens even more into the mainstream of
investing, exposing potential buyers to the digital asset class that has grown into a US$2 trillion industry in little more than a decade. Bitcoin, the original and biggest crypto coin, is valued at more than US$1 trillion alone after a more than 800 per cent surge in the past year. Local bitcoin miner, Upstream Data Inc., is likely celebrating the news as they sell bitcoin computer mine shacks to oil and gas companies who generate electricity from stranded gas. Who knew oil companies could reduce methane emissions while generating tons of revenue from token currency as the price continues to rise? My own get-rich plan is to market Canadian Tire money or Monopoly money as a cryptocurrency with myself as the big-daddy trader. Maybe I can pass off my
File Photo old Blue Jays trading cards as digital Bluecoins and fool everyone while ridding myself of personal clutter. I figure if pretend money like Bitcoin causes people to invest real money to buy it,
then it will work for anything called money. Tonight, I plan to search through all my jacket pockets for the last of my pennies, dimes and quarters to finance my new token cur-
rency empire. Hopefully, I can retire with pretend wealth and go to sleep re-reading the fable about the Emperor’s new clothes available at Geoff’s Bluecoin.
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Thursday, April 22, 2021
The Value of One, The Power of Many magic that happens when we work together towards a common purpose. This past year, we have seen people supporting family, friends, neighbours, and strangers, people standing up to systemic racism, and people sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society.
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hat a better time to get out and give back to your com-
File Photo munity than during National Volunteers Week, which runs from April 18-24. The volunteer week theme for 2021, The
Value of One, The Power of Many, reflects on the aweinspiring acts of kindness by millions of individuals and the
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The power of people working together can bring about monumental changes.
We recognize the value of the caring and compassion that each one has shown another, and we recognize the power of people, organizations, and sectors working together. The power of people working together can bring about monumental changes. We have seen people work together on legislative changes related to impaired driving, same sex marriage, and assisted dying. The theme is a nod to our past, a reflection of our present, and a wink to our future. The Value of One, the Power of Many w as th e th e me for National Volunteer Week in 2001, The International Year of Volunteers. It beautifully reflects the individual and collective efforts, we have seen during the pandemic, and it sets the tone for re-imagining the next 20 years as the value of one act and the power of many enables us to thrive together.
Thursday, April 22, 2021
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Volunteering helping Ontario residents through pandemic
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e could all use a boost of positivity these days, and, according to new research, you may be able to find it by volunteering and giving back to your community. The study commissioned by the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) as part of the launch of its Real Heart initiative, found that 63 per cent of Ontarians report feeling generally less happy because of COVID-19. However, when asked about volunteering, a majority of Ontarians said volunteering makes them feel they are contributing to something important (70 per cent), provides a feeling of purpose (55 per cent), and a sense of community (54 per cent). Volunteers also reported feeling happier (34 per cent), forming new relationships (28 per cent), and learning new skills (25 per cent) as benefits of volunteering. Understandably, the COVID-19 pandemic has made volunteering in-person difficult: - 74 per cent of Ontarians said they volunteered prior to COVID-19. Since COVID-19, only 26 per cent of Ontarians report they have been volunteering. Nonetheless, the desire to volunteer is strong, with 37 per cent of Ontarians reporting they want to know more about virtual volunteer opportunities. “By coming together and supporting causes they are passionate about, volunteers help to build happier, healthier and more resilient communities,” said OREA President, David Oikle. “I have seen the
File Photo impact of volunteering first-hand in the work we do with the Ontario REALTORS Care Foundation, supporting hundreds of shelterbased charities across Ontario annually. But we can always do more. This is why we developed the Real Heart initiative. Sometimes, the best motivator for becoming a volunteer and doing something great, is seeing the possibilities through someone else’s experience.”
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Keeping volunteers engaged in a pandemic I n the best of times, good volunteer management entails keeping volunteers engaged – with their tasks, with the clients they serve, with the mission of your organization. After all, this is probably what drew them to you in the first place, and certainly is what motivates them to stay with you. What to do when programs are cancelled or pulled back and volunteer activity is curtailed or called off altogether? For some volunteers, what they do with your organization is what provides them with a vital social connection to their community.
For others it is what gives them a creative or intellectual outlet for their skills and time. For still others, it is how they feel fulfilled or able to put their values into action. And, for students in many provinces, volunteering is key to their eventual graduation. Many volunteer centres and other nonprofit organizations have responded quickly and creatively to this challenge and are leading the way in implementing ways to keep volunteers engaged. Here is a list of ideas we are hearing from them, followed by links to what some are doing. - Convert in-per-
son volunteer jobs into virtual positions and create new virtual positions. - Create a blog or regular email communication to update volunteers about what your organization is doing to carry on its mission and/or serving its clientele. - Use this blog or email blast to broadcast any volunteer requests, virtual or other, that emerge as the situation evolves. - If volunteers are continuing to perform regular or redesigned roles (following a risk assessment on your part), ensure that they are well informed about all safety procedures.
- Create on-line training or convert existing training to on-line training and encourage volunteers to participate. This might be easier to handle as independent learning modules, rather than webinars. - If you are a volunteer centre, connect with your municipality and health network about volunteer needs during the pandemic – you could serve as a link between people wanting to help and the needs in the community. Suggest these opportunities to the volunteers who are temporarily unable to do their regular task.
Sports
PAGE 15 Thursday, April 22, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
CrossFit Lloydminster reps shine in quarterfinal
Taylor Weaver Meridian Source
CrossFit Lloydminster athletes Cole Hunter and Blaine Stephan pose outside of the gym with CrossFit Lloydminster owner, Scott Noble, after a workout last Friday afternoon. TAYLOR WEAVER
EDITOR
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The myth with the sport of CrossFit is once you drink the Kool-Aid it’s already too late, but for athletes in the Border City, it’s not the Kool-Aid that keeps them coming back, it’s the camaraderie. CrossFit Lloydminster athletes Cole Hunter, 22 and Blaine Stephan, 40, recently competed in the NoBull 2021 CrossFit Games qualifiers. The CrossFit Open unites hundreds of thousands of athletes around the world to compete in the world’s largest participatory
sporting event. For the Open, all athletes do the exact same workouts under the watchful, yet supportive eyes of their authorized judges and workouts are videotaped for accuracy. “The Open is really cool in the fact it’s allinclusive, so anyone can do the CrossFit Open, from the very beginner to the most elite athlete in the world, and it’s worldwide, so we’re doing the same workout they’re doing in Africa, Europe, Australia, you name it,” said CrossFit Lloydminster owner Scott Noble. Stephan and Hunter soaked it up.
This is Stephan’s seventh year as a CrossFit athlete and he said he initially took to the sport as a way of keeping up with his kids. “Since all of our times are tabulated online, I was able to see that I hit the 90 percentile of my age group in the world this year, and showed me that I’m improving,” said the father of four and owner of Guardian Heating and Plumbing. “The cool thing about CrossFit is it’s functional,” said Stephan. “Everything we do is in relation to something else. When you deadlift, it’s like reaching to pick up your kids
... everything we do has another meaning in my every-day life, so when I come here it’s just about being a better me, every day.” Hunter described his inaugural Open as a great experience and he can’t wait for next year. “This was my first qualifier, so it was a bit of a learning curve, but it was a good experience to have and I was really excited about it,” said Hunter, who is a firefighter with the Lloydminster Fire Department. “It went pretty well for my first time around. My second set for the quarterfinals didn’t quite go as expected, but it was fun, and it’s nice to see where I’m at right now and what I need to work on going forward next year.”
As Noble pointed out, anyone can compete, but he also explained the CrossFit Open is a really good opportunity because everyone gets involved in the same workouts to bring the whole community in.
“We judge each other, we support each other, and it’s a really good way to build community,” he said. “The support athletes have for one another is amazing. It’s all about camaraderie.”
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PAGE 17 Thursday, April 22, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Agriculture
Innovation Sask backs growth of Ag tech MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF
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On Tuesday, the government introduced The Innovation Saskatchewan Amendment Act, 2021, to further support agricultural technology development in the province.
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As our economic recovery continues, our government remains committed to supporting growth and investment in the technology sector.
This legislation provides the authority for Innovation Saskatchewan to make investments in agricultural technology (agtech) startups through a Venture Capital fund. “As our economic recovery continues, our government remains committed to supporting growth and investment in the technology sector,” said Minister Responsible for Innovation Saskatchewan Jeremy Harrison. “The changes we are making to The Innovation Saskatchewan Act will allow for new investment into gamechanging technology for farmers and producers that will help accelerate our economic recovery and become a significant economic driver for our province.” As part of the 202122 Provincial Budget, the Government of Saskatchewan announced it will be investing $15 million - $3 million per year over five years - in an agtech Venture Capital fund. The fund, which will be privately managed, will provide a mechanism to leverage millions more from private investors to make
File Photo investment into Saskatchewan agtech companies that require Venture Capital to develop beyond the startup phase. This Venture Capital investment will enable companies to scale up
their operations and manufacturing in Saskatchewan. The Innovation Saskatchewan Act changes will allow Innovation Saskatchewan to continue to administer programs and supports
to bolster the agricultural and technology industries in Saskatchewan including programs such as the Saskatchewan Advantage Innovation Fund, the Saskatchewan Agtech Growth Fund, and the
Saskatchewan Technology Startup Incentive. Doing so will be critical in meeting the goals
set out in the valueadded strategy and the Saskatchewan Growth Plan 2020-30.
PAGE 18 Thursday, April 22, 2021 MERIDIAN SOURCE
Careers
Lloyd hub of realty activity MIDWEST MINUTE VERN McCLELLAND
When the robins show up and the crocuses bloom, you know spring is here to stay in the midwest. Right after the last n a st y c ol d s p e l l, th e phones started ringing in our offices and off to the races we were. For our team, it was an interesting start with a combination of residential, commercial, recreation, and farmland sales. It was nice to see some steady activity, even if it was just a few weeks, after almost seven years of labouring in a depressed economy.
What has been particularly gratifying is the increased interest in commercial/industrial property, for the re-opening of some of these vacant buildings means jobs. And jobs, my friends, are what fuels it all. If you have confidence in your future, then you are more likely to take on the major commitment of a mortgage. However, almost all the residential movement to date has been i n Ll o y d m i n s t e r a n d for every house sold this spring, at least one more has come onto the market. As for our perimeter communities, there has been the occasional buyer out and about, but experience tells me
Jason Whiting/Videre Images Photo until the inventory in the city starts to tighten up, we will not see much change in Lashburn, Maidstone, Kitscoty, or Paradise Hill even though there are some terrific opportunities available there for the choosing. So, let us talk for a minute about what the future may hold. Go down to the lumber yard and check out the cost of construction material. Compare it to 18 months ago. If you are building a new house instead of purchasing a “used” one, God Bless, you have a stronger stomach
(or thicker wallet) than most of us do! As for the supply of distress properties available, we are not out of the woods yet. There are more foreclosures coming plus an even larger contingent of “I need to sell” owneroccupied properties. Just in my own practice, I know of at least a half-dozen coming on to the market due to sustained unemployment, relationship breakdown, or serious health issues creating the need for families to divest themselves of the monthly mortgage payment.
Frankly, it tears at your heart when good people cannot continue home ownership through no fault of their own. The threat of Covid has brought its own impacts on housing. People want more space around themselves, whether it is moving out of a multi-family complex to detached housing, or the purchase of a recreational lot or cabin. That trend will likely continue into the summer. What I worry about are our hospitality businesses. Even the bestrun restaurants, lounges,
and hotels are on their knees financially. Economic recovery and the public’s confidence in confined spaces may be a long time returning. So, enjoy the warmer weather and stay healthy! And support your local business, please. Vern McClelland is an associate broker with RE/MAX of Lloydminster and an active partner in his family’s livestock operation. Comments on this article are welcome either by emailing vernmcclelland@remax.net or calling 306-821-0611.
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AUCTIONS
NOTICES
AUCTIONS are our business! Contact Copeland Auctions Ltd. located in Lloydminster, AB for all your auction needs. Call Russ 780-870-1181 or visit our website: www.copelandauctions.co m
Classifieds APARTMENTS FOR RENT
HIP/KNEE Replacement?
2 Bedroom apartment. Includes washer, dryer, range, range hood, dishwasher, partial a/c, 1 parking stall with plug-in, balcony. 815sq/ft, $875/month. Ages 40 plus, couples preferred.
Other medical conditions causing TROUBLE WALKING or DRESSING? The Disability Tax Credit allows for $2,500 yearly tax credit and up to $50,000 Lump sum refund.
Phone for information 780-870-7226 (cell) 780-875-6226
Apply NOW; quickest refund Nationwide! Providing assistance during Covid.
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES 1A TRUCK DRIVERS REQUIRED: Late model winch trucks and trailers; dump trucks and pups. Hauling heavy equipment, gravel, and camp shacks. Wage negotiable. Clean drivers abstract a must.
SERVICES
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AGRICULTURE
FORAGE SEED FOR SALE: Organic & conventional: Sweet Clover, Alfalfa, Red Clover, Smooth Brome, Meadow Brome, Crested Wheatgrass, Timothy, etc. Star City, SK. Birch Rose Acres Ltd. 306-921-9942.
MAR-NAN MANOR 1 - 1 Bedroom, ground level apartment Includes same floor laundry, range, range hood, dishwasher, partial a/c, 1 parking stall with plug-in 635sq/ft plus utility room. $785/month. Ages 40 plus, couples preferred.
HEALTH / FITNESS
Send resume and work references to: Bryden Construction Box 100, Arborfield, Sk. S0E 0A0; Fax: 306-769-8844 Email: brydenconstruct@ xplornet.ca www. brydenconstruction andtransport.ca
MISCELLANEOUS
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I am currenlty PURCHASING single to large blocks of land. NO FEES OR COMMISISONS Saskatchewan born and raised, I know land, farming and farmland and can help you every step of the way. Doug Rue, for further information 306-716-2671 saskfarms@shaw.ca www.sellyourfarm land.com
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Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. 51 local community newspapers, distributing to over 450 communities, including 14 cities. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call 306649.1405 or visit www. swna.com for details.
FOR SALE FOR SALE Holiday Trailer 1997 Fifth Wheel Fifth Wheel goes with it. Asking $5000 (or best offer) 1989 Ski Boat on Trailer Johnson 110 V4 Outboard Motor and Trolling Motor Asking $5000 (or best offer) CALL 780-870-6169
FOR SALE Kenworth 1998 W900B 430/500 Detroit Diesel
15 speed, super 40 diff, new tires, 8 bag air ride, nice blue colour, 38” arrow cab bunk, 4” T+E gear pump, good truck
$30,000 (or best offer) 1980 International Tandem Grain Truck
466 turbo, Allison auto, good old truck, seed funnel in box
$20,000 (or best offer) 2000 Chevrolet Silverado 2500 Extended Cab shortbox, 4x4, both hijacker hitches in box
$4,000 (or best offer) Harmon Air Drill Double Shoot
CLASSIFIED ADS 1 for $15 or 2 for $25
*Based on 20 words additional words 15¢ each Prices do not include GST
All new horden one piece tips + 350 Bussel tank
50 ft Morris arrows assorted / rod weeders & auger 36 ft Borgo field cultivator (new spikes!) 76 Versitile Swather 15’ with Steel Crimper 1990 John Deere Double Swather 25’
PHONE 3068934013
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Thursday, April 22, 2021
Obituaries & Memoriams
Thursday, April 22, 2021
Obituaries & Memoriams
MERIDIAN SOURCE
Local Business Directory
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BECOME DEBT FREE • Reduce your debts up to 80% • Keep your Car, Home & RRSPs • Stop Harassing Creditor CALLS immediately • Get the largest debt reduction that is fair • Consumer Proposal, Bankruptcy & Budgeting • Free Consultations • Here to Serve YOU!
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Call to place your Memoriam or Obituary. 306-825-5111
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Thursday, April 22, 2021
Church Directory GRACE UNITED CHURCH Sunday Service Minister: Rev. Cathy Kinsman April 25, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. Fourth Sunday of Easter #God’sHandsAndHeartEverywhere | ONLINE ONLY through Facebook/Zoom
4708 - 50 Avenue T9V 0W4 780-875-8959 graceunitedchurch.ca
Thursday, April 22, 2021
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HOME
AWESOMENESS INGENUITY EXCELLENCE NEW LISTINGS
BRIGHTSAND LAKE
NEW PRICE
360 LAKESHORE DRIVE
5309 - 34 STREET
• Three bedroom "neat as a pin" cabin
• Four fantastic levels of functional family spaces in this 3 bed, 3 bath home! • Mature well maintained, fenced south facing back yard with deck!
with a direct path to the beach at Brightsand Lake! • Includes R32 walls, deck, RV services and potable community water! $
299,000
SK
238,800
$
AB
MLS A1093684
#6 - 4251 - 41 STREET
ST. WALBURG
• Very well maintained end unit townhouse style Braehill Condo! • 3 beds, 1½ baths, stainless steel appliances, upgraded hardwood flooring. $
MULTI-FAMILY
• Charming 3 bed bungalow with single detached garage in St. Walburg, SK. • Updates include appliances, flooring, paint, siding, windows, doors, metal roof & more!
PENDING
$
SK
MLS A1095179
MLS A1093542
AB $200,000 MLS A1041596
LOTS & LAND
GUIDING YOU HOME
4402 - 52 STREET
PLAZA 44
#14 - 2ND STREET EAST
99,900 MLS LL66493
$
85,000
199,900
SK
MLS A1094416
SK
• Five various sized separate lease
BRIGHTSAND LAKE
spaces available in Plaza 44! • A busy, highly visible location, directly across from the Lloyd Mall on Hwy 16!
AB VARIOUS RATES APPLY. CALL FOR DETAILS.
AB $348,800 MLS A1092279
SK $339,000 MLS A1074723
SK $59,500 MLS LL66545
RENTAL OPPORTUNITIES 3315-51 Ave. 5675-43 St. 3009-57A Ave. 2917-51 Ave. 5207-47 St. 4605-56 Ave. 5101-18 St. 6802-42 St. 6608-42 St. 5225-50 St. 1312-55 Ave.
ALBERTA 1 bed, 1 bath 1 bed, 1 bath 1 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 1 bath 3 bed, 1 bath 2 bed, 2 bath 2 bed, 2 bath 2 bed, 2 bath 4 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath
$675 $700 $850 $900 $900 $1000 $1000 $1100 $1100 $1400 $1500
COWAN LAKE
READY! READY! READY! READY! MAY 1st READY! READY! READY! MAY 1st READY! READY!
SASKATCHEWAN
4724-40 St. 4513-32 St. 4008-41 Ave. 4405-32 St.
2 bed, 1 bath 4 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath 3 bed, 2 bath
$850 MAY 1 $1100 MAY 1st $1250 READY! $1300 READY! st
SK $329,000 MLS A1082310
AB $299,000 MLS A1079176
MLS A1007160 MLS A1007166 $ SK 45,000 EACH
KITSCOTY LOT
SK $248,000 MLS A1076271
SK $247,500 MLS A1082213
AB $40,000 MLS A1006192
PARADISE HILL
AB $244,900 MLS A1070516
AB $233,500 MLS A1088109
SK $19,900 MLS A1018005
ACREAGE LIFE PT SW 30-50-26 W3RD
PT SW 18-44-27 W3RD
SK $625,000 MLS A1071380
SK $169,900 MLS A1051061
DEWBERRY LOTS
APPLY ONLINE TODAY coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com
14,500 TRAILER LOTS $ 7,500 HOUSE LOTS
$
Brad Gilbert Jennifer Gilbert Broker/Owner Associate Broker
AB
Rick Schesnuk Realtor®
Caleb McLean Realtor®
Each office is independently owned & operated.
3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 Sandy Hardy Realtor®
Judy Bexson Realtor®
www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com
780-875-3343
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