Meridian Source - December 12, 2019 by Meridian Source

Thursday, December 12, 2019

VOLUME 2 I ISSUE 24

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Who’s been naughty, who’s been nice? Santa Claus Day kicks off season with smiling Santa, chain-gang Grinch TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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It was the Lloydminster RCMP who saved Christmas, as they ensured The Grinch will be spending this holiday season behind bars. Despite a bit of frigid wind, the 12th Annual Here Comes Santa Claus Day went off without a hitch on Saturday throughout downtown Lloydminster. The entire day was free for all who attended and featured photos with Santa and The Grinch, among a handful of other familiar faces, as well as activities for the entire family to enjoy. The day kicked off with a pancake breakfast at the Royal Canadian Legion Branch #39 and wrapped up with an impressive fireworks display not long after sunset. “It’s been a great day already, we’ve got Olaf, Anna, Elsa and Sven over at Brighter Horizon, we’ve got Santa Claus here at the Atrium Centre, we’ve got balloon artist Russ, the Grinch is downstairs, Mickey and Minnie are here, the library is hosting some kids’ and it’s just been a wonderful turnout,” said organizer Kurt Price.

“Today is all about families and spending time with your families, and we’re able to do this and make sure everybody can enjoy the day, free of charge, because of great local sponsors.” Price went on to name such sponsors as Synergy Credit Union, Spectrum Restoration DKI and the Gold Horse Casino as a few of the many businesses that help out as much as possible to make Saturday’s events free for everyone. Being a part of the fun since its inception, Price has seen the event grow, and having so much fun every year keeps bringing him back. “This is really an event that’s grown every year, and we hope to keep it growing,” he said. “We hope to keep it going. It’s certainly an event the city has gotten behind, and the City of Lloydminster is a big supporter and we really appreciate that, and the residents of course really seem to enjoy it. “The plan was originally to do it for 10 years, but when we got to 11 years the community made it known it was an event that was important, so we’re glad to have that here.”

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Const. Hagel and Const. Harper of the Lloydminster RCMP made sure The Grinch didn’t steal Christmas in Lloydminster on Saturday at this year’s 12th Annual Here Comes Santa Claus Day.

Price also made note of the many volunteers at various stations throughout Lloydminster who did their part to bring some Christmas cheer to kids and families in the Border City. “Without these sponsors,

this doesn’t happen, well it does happen, but you have to pay, and people are just letting it happen free of charge,” he said. “I think a big addition to downtown has been The Olive Tree, and they’re hosting a

couple of events today, and they’ve brought in some new excitement to downtown, and I don’t know if we could continue this event downtown without The Olive Tree, so that’s been a wonderful addition to the community.”

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Thursday, December 12, 2019

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Know that you are beautiful Spreading a positive message sparks viral video from youth leader TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Three words, that’s all it took to share smiles, kindness and a sense of feeling loved for students at Holy Rosary High School (HRHS). “You are beautiful” is a simple compliment worth its weight in gold, something Olivia Brockhoff, a Grade 10 student at HRHS, was inspired by and wanted to do a little more. Brockoff took a project from her Communications Media class, put a positive spin on it, inevitably helping it go viral. The idea for her video was simple, go around her school and tell friends, teachers, and complete strangers she thought they were beautiful and wanted them to know it. “A compliment can do a lot, you never know what somebody is going through. Your words can hurt, but your words can also heal,” she said. “We’re stuck in technology and media and it can be so negative all of the time, and we’re always looking at our faces because we always have our phone, and so we’re negative to ourselves, and we don’t really put each other up we always pull each other down.” The inspiration came after Brockhoff and her class watched a Youtube video called “Peo-

HRHS Grade 10 student Olivia Brockhoff. Taylor Weaver Meridian Source ple react to being called beautiful” in their ELA class during the equity and ethics unit. “There’s over two million views altogether, it’s been insane. It was for an interactive media project for my communications media class, and I saw the original video in ELA and it really spoke to me, so I (decided) I needed to do this in my high school,” said Brockhoff “It took me probably 10 hours altogether. I walked around my school, grabbed some of my friends, grabbed some strangers, asked if I could take their picture for social media, then I told them what the picture was for and I got the reaction, and it was crazy.” When asked why she thought people reacted the way they did, she simply said, “because people aren’t

used to getting compliments, which is super sad, they’re not used to being called beautiful.” “Some of my teachers cried, then off-camera they gave me hugs and we had a deep conversation, and then some of my friends and strangers cried, and it was crazy that’s for sure,” she said. Brockhoff explained that her love of being an active member of a community and giving back to a community has led her to come up with Project PJ by Olivia, become a member of the Lloydminster Youth Council, as well as the school’s Red Cross program. Brockhoff plays on the school’s basketball team, is currently a lifeguard in training to become a swimming instructor, as well as an honour roll student with distinction.

Brockhoff’s Communications Media teacher, Skye Ferguson, explained students could have taken the project she assigned in many different directions, but Brockhoff decided to take a more positive approach to influence the world in a positive way, “We were doing interactive media and looking at career opportunities the media can have and what kind of inf lu e nce y ou can make, so I challenged all of the students to make brand new Instagram (accounts), and their goal was to post with a purpose and post what you’re passionate about,” she said. “I started teaching her in Grade 8 and she’s definitely got it. She wants to make a difference in the world, which is amazing. She’s got big things in her future.”

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Thursday, December 12, 2019

Rotaract wraps up clothing drive GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Look for the NINE LADIES DANCING & TEN LORDS A LEAPING in today’s paper for the 12 Days of Christmas Contest.

The Olive Tree has wrapped up its Coats for Kids campaign with a final collection blitz by Rotaract, the young adult wing of the Rotary club. Rotaract volunteers aged 18-30 brought in bags of donated clothing to The Olive Tree on Friday, filled with 52 winter coats and more than 100 toques, mittens and scarves. “We put boxes out around the community and community members who had old coats or whatever put them in the boxes and we collected them,” said

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Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Jana Thompson assistant executive director of The Olive Tree, left, grabs one of several bags of winter clothing delivered by Rotaract president Delaney Bugiera on Friday to wrap up the Coats for Kids drive.

Delaney Bugiera, president of Rotaract. “We collected all of our boxes last week.” The loot included more than 70 handmade toques donated by Kirsten Deschover from Cakewalk Customs. Rotaract also brought in 32 jackets and lots of toques and mittens, donated by residents in a previous clothing drive this fall. The Rotary Club of Lloydminster donated $4,000 towards The Olive Tree’s $6-7,000 budget to purchase 71 new coats at the start of the campaign in early September. “They’ve been such amazing supporters for as long as we have been around,” said Jana Thompson, assistant executive director of The Olive Tree. “It’s amazing to see Rotaract jump in and get involved and help out in that sense as well.” Each year The Olive Tree partners with the

Lloydminster Public School Division and the Catholic School Division to provide needy kids with winter clothing. “If the schools’ community liaisons see a need they will contact us and we will hunt for their sizes, and hopefully get them all outfitted,” explained Thompson. “We have needs that come in all year, so it’s amazing to have something to give them— even in the thrift store, jackets and warm winter gear fly off the racks because there is such a need for it.” Thompson says it’s quite pricey to outfit a child in winter gear, and it costs even more for an adult. “It’s always important for those donations to come in,” she said, noting the need increases as soon as the temperature dips below -10C as it has this week. She says it’s harder for the kids to enjoy outside activities at

school, adding some kids don’t even go to school if they don’t have the proper gear. Rotaract also donated $120 to The Olive Tree’s Gift of Christmas toy drive from the proceeds of a “letters for Santa” event at Winter Spectacular on Nov. 30. The Gift of Christmas wraps up on Dec. 13 with the seasonal charity rush to meet other community needs. “We have family sponsorships going on. We’re doing collections for our free community Christmas meal,” said Thompson, who noted they also have a long food list for Christmas hampers to fill. Thompson says, fortunately, Lloydminster and the surrounding community have always been incredibly generous. “If we put a call out on Facebook or anything like that everyone steps up to the plate,” she said.

RCMP roving traffic drug seizure MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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On Dec. 4, the RCMP “F” Division Roving Traffic Unit was working on Highway 16 in the Maidstone area when they stopped an eastbound vehicle for a routine traffic stop. During the traffic stop, an RCMP officer suspected the presence of drugs in the vehicle. The male driver and lone vehicle occupant

were detained for a drug investigation and following further investigation, arrested for possession of a controlled substance for the purpose of trafficking. A search of the vehicle resulted in the seizure of approximately 261 individual bags of powdered cocaine and approximately 435 individual bags of crack cocaine. The total weight

of the seized cocaine was approximately 617 grams. Mark Richard Adlington, 27, of Edmonton, Alberta, has been charged with possession of cocaine for the purpose of trafficking. Adlington was released from custody and will be making his first court appearance in Lloydminster Provincial Court on, Jan. 28, 2020, at 10 a.m.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Knowing your Strengths TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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Do you know your strengths? That’s a question being asked of teachers and students at the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD). A person’s strengths are a combination of talents, knowledge and skills that everyone possesses, whether it’s on the job, in the classroom, or deciding what kind of cereal to buy at the grocery store. Knowing your strengths and focusing on them allows people to be more engaged and productive in their jobs, both as a team and as an individual. Clifton’s Strengthfinder is a tool used by the LPSD for roughly three years, and Grade 8 teacher at College Park, Cheryl Holtby, has seen positive results on many occasions. It begins with an online assessment, and individuals will automatically receive their Top 5 Strengths – the first step to identifying and developing natural talents into strengths. The assessment measures your natural patterns of thinking, feeling

and behaving, so when you’re done you’ll have discovered your talents.

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If we can can do this easily, obviously everybody else can do it this easily too, which is not that case.

“Strengths is a tool that we’ve been given access to through the generosity of our division office, which helps us identify what it is that we do well, so naturally. We do (these things) without even thinking because it’s so easy for us, and because it’s so easy for us, we often forget it’s a strength,” said Holtby. “If we can do this easily, obviously everybody else can do it this easily too, which is not that case.” This is a tool for anybody and LPSD students are tested twice. The first time students are introduced to the tool is when they’re in Grade 7 with a quiz called Strengths Explorers, and then again in Grade 10 when they complete the Strengths

Finder exam. There are a total of 34 strengths within the program, and once an individual’s unique strengths are identified, the tool helps maximize those strengths. The quiz and exam are the same taken by LPSD teachers, that way everyone is speaking the same language. “Research shows that if you spend your time working on personal growth and goals and align them with your top-five strengths, you will be astronomically more successful than if you put all your strength into your bottom five,” said Holtby. “So you maximize your top and manage your bottom. “The bonus in all of

this is we can help students make decisions about their future that totally align with what they have been given talent in, and as soon as we get to do something we’re good at, our selfesteem goes up, and for me, that’s a huge part about what Strengths is all about, doing what we do well.” Before taking the quiz and learning about his own personal strengths, Ben Loney, a Grade 7 student at College Park, was a little bit apprehensive when it came to public speaking. Since learning about his own strengths he has grabbed the bull by the horns and taken on his fear in full force. CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

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Thursday, December 12, 2019

Buses compete for Lloyd riders GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Rival bus companies

KCTI Travels and Rider Express and Transportation Ltd., serving Lloyd-

minster, are in the same business lane when it comes to competing for ridership. They have each slashed fares and added new buses and routes to attract passengers just over a year after they both launched schedu le d E d mont on-Saskatoon service through Lloyd on the same day. The two bus companies are optimistic for growth in Lloyd, despite new competition from Cold Shot that provides an Edmonton to Lloyd run on Sundays from BJ Cleaners at 5010 50 Ave. “It’s been doing good,” said Channi Kular, a director of KCTI working in Prince Albert. “We are thankful for our customers for giving us a chance to survive and because of them, we are still running. “People are taking advantage of it and we are thankful for them for using our service. It’s a win-win situation for the Lloydminster public as well as for us.” KCTI is owned by Harkanwal Chahal in Saskatoon, who seized an opportunity when

Greyhound folded. The company has upgraded its original 15 passenger van to a 29-seat bus that pulls into the Shell Gas Station at 5635 44 Street on the Alberta side of Lloyd on the EdmontonSaskatoon Highway 16 route. KCTI also expanded service on Dec. 1 with a return Prince Albert to Saskatoon route connecting to Regina, after Rider Express recently abandoned that route. “We have become the largest passenger transportation company because we are covering from PA to Saskatoon to Edmonton and return,” said Kular. KCTI is also hoping to add a Calgary to Regina route via the TransCanada Highway next summer. Meanwhile, Rider Express is set to announce a new Edmonton to Calgary route to connect passengers on their existing Calgary to Vancouver bus routes. “We are working on it to get it started by Christmas,” said company owner Firat Uray.

FROM PAGE 5

brought in my neighbour who makes tons of sculptures, which are really cool,” Loney said. “It was pretty hard (for me) to speak in front of my classmates

“My class does a podcast where we bring in someone from our lives that has a special hobby or something interesting that they do, and I

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

A bus passenger travelling from Saskatoon to Edmonton steps off at the Shell Gas Station depot in Lloydminster at 5635 44 Street for a snack.

“Rider is also now offering service twice a day to Lloydminster residents in two types of vehicles. “We are running one service with full-size coach and one service with a small size coach,” said Uray. Rider Express stops at the Days Hotel & Suites at 5411 44 St. on the Hwy. 16 corridor with its full-size coach in the afternoon. “It’s air-conditioned with washrooms and Wifi,” said Uray. KCTI comes to Lloyd five days a week on a Saskatoon-Edmonton run with no service on Wednesdays and Saturdays, while Rider Express runs from Saskatoon to Edmonton once a day except Saturdays. They also run from Regina-SaskatoonEdmonton once a day.

The two founding bus companies have cut their initial oneway fares from Lloyd to Edmonton from $50-60 to just $20 plus taxes to attract more users of all ages. “We are trying to increase the passengers because if the price is reasonable they won’t drive, they will take the bus. That’s the reason the price is lower,” said Uray from his office in Calgary. A similar one-way ticket with Cold Shot costs from $33 a person, which may be adding to the downward pressure on ticket pricing on twoyear-old companies. “Ya it is kind of, but there is still a demand. If they are still running, they are also doing good,” said Uray.

and to do the podcast in general, but I thought about all of my strengths and what I had, and I knew I could use all of those to my advantage.

“I did a lot of practising for that, which went under ‘Future Thinker,’ and now I really like being in front of a classroom because of my ‘Presence’ strength.”

CONTINUED ON PAGE 8

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Your Voice rolls out ARP options GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The draft Martin Browne Area Redevelopment Plan (ARP) will get some final tweaks before it is presented to council in 2020. The City of Lloydminster presented three feasible concepts of the ARP for further public review at its Your Voice night at the OTS Room in th e S e r vus S p o r t s Centre on Dec. 3. “What we’re hoping is people take what they like from each option and what they don’t like, and at the end of the day we get some type of master hybrid between them,” said Daniel Hobson, the city’s economic development officer. The development options cover the former Martin Browne School site, the area surrounding the outdoor pool and Archie Miller Arena. “We’re not set in stone on any one of the options at this point.

We’re just looking to see what the people want and what they don’t like and come up with a solution everyone’s happy with,” said Hobson. The development options followed a series of stakeholder workshops for area residents and a general survey for all individuals interested in the project in September. Some of the many options are expanding the splash pad, the Kinette playground, and adding new trails and parking. Hobson said they received some good feedback in the early going at Your Voice, which ran from 4 to 7 p.m. “There’s people that want to see a lot more green space, and I think we are presenting those options here,” said Hobson. “People are understanding with some more development comes some more

added benefits to the park, and some increases in facilities for the area.” Some other planned amenities are a multipurpose building and outdoor sports courts. The redevelopment plan followed the previous transfer of the school land from the Lloydminster Public School Division to the city and the demolition of the school in September. Hobson says the city’s administration is looking at finalizing everything in early January then bringing it forward to council in February. “I can’t put a timeline on development at this point,” he said, noting the full 10-year development plans depends on available dollars. “We can see today that the outdoor rink went up in its temporary location with temporary lighting, so the city is committed to making the park a better place,” said Hobson.

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Thursday, December 12, 2019

Students make cards for Stollery kids GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. Grade 5 students at Barr Colony School are doing something more meaningful than dreaming of a white Christmas with every card they write. They are learning about empathy and compassion while writing Christmas wishes on their decorated cards for distribution to kids at the Stollery Children’s Hospital in Edmonton.

“I feel that it will make them happy and bring them joy,” said young Stevie, while she and her classmates put the finishing touches to their cover art and greetings on Monday morning. “I wrote Happy Holidays.” The project is the brainchild of teacher Justin Saulnier, who calls it the Christmas Cheer project he started three years ago when he began teaching at Barr Colony, to raise awareness of the Christmas season. He says he was just looking for different ideas and how to talk about Christmas in ways other than gift giving and raising awareness of people

Tess Andrews a Grade 5 student at Barr Colony School. Geoff Lee Meridian Source

who struggle over the holiday season. “We’re trying to spread cheer to a group of children that are struggling. Maybe we can put a smile on their face over this holiday season,” he said. The cards were made in stages starting with some thumb paintings of blank snowmen on the covers of the cards. It was time on Monday for the students to flesh in the snowmen w i t h s o m e c o l o u ri n g and add some words of greetings after instruction from Saulnier. “We talk about words of encouragement and try to make the kids feel like a star, any bit of encouragement we can give them,” he said. “We have to talk about the appropriateness of cards, the holiday wording.” Saulnier told his class the Stollery has rules such as no sparkles or scents on the card art and the sensitivity of wording, knowing some

of the kids at the Stollery have terminal illnesses or injuries. “So we avoid things like get well soon and we talk about that,” he said. One of his students, Ky aira, t al ked abou t what she hoped her card would mean to a kid at the Stollery. “I just want to raise their spirits for the holiday,” she said, noting the artwork was fun. Saulnier says he hopes to put the cards in the mail this week and get them there on time, adding the cards are open-ended. “The card says we are a Grade 5 class in Lloydminster, so they are not addressed to specific kids,” he said. He noted in the last couple of years the Stollery has sent the class a thank you letter noting they appreciate what we do. “It’s a good awareness piece for the kids kind of highlighting the holiday season,” he said.

Passengers arrive and depart on a Rider Express van in the morning at the Days Hotel on the SaskatoonEdmonton route. Geoff Lee Meridian Source FROM PAGE 6

A ticket for Rider Express’ Lloydminster to Saskatoon route is $25 on par with $24 from KCTI—about half of what it cost a year ago for both companies. “We would like to increase the ridership and it’s a very good advertisement because otherwise, you have to spend tons of money on that,” explained Kular at KCTI about the fares. “It’s word of mouth that’s spreading like a fire.” KCTI does carry some parcels, but they are not fully set up for that yet. “So we don’t take random ones unless it’s just a paper because a parcel has a whole lot of responsibility,” said Kular.

“We don’t know who is sending what, but if people have to send some papers we can do that.” That’s a similar story with parcels at Rider Express that is shipping some parcels, but not many yet. Uray says their competitive niche is “to cover as much in Western Canada—so we’re trying to make a connection that people from Regina to Vancouver can make—we are trying to make that line open to our customers.” Uray initially started Rider Express service between Regina and Saskatoon after the government put the brakes on its Saskatchewan Transportation Company in mid-2017.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Special O bowlers rolling off in 2020 GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The Lloydminster chapter of Special Olympics Alberta is gearing up for an invitational bowling tournament in 2020 at Lloyd Lanes.

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We’ve got eight or nine coaches now, so we can actually go forward with different activities.

As many as 60 regional bowlers from Lloydminster, St. Paul, Lakeland and Vegreville and are expected to take part in the event, tentatively scheduled for May 2. The event will include a core of local volunteers who took a Special Olympics Canada and Coaches Association workshop at Southridge

Community Church in late November. “We’ve got eight or nine coaches now, so we can actually go forward with different activities,” said Mark Witzaney, chair of the local Special Olympics affiliate. All coaches who are planning to attend local, provincial or national levels of competition are advised to take the oneday course, hosted in Lloyd by Special Olympics Alberta. Two volunteers also took a sports-specific National Coaching Certificate Program (NCCP) for bowling. That two-day NCCP course covers various associated disabilities as well as the basic delivery of sports skills and competition-based fitness and safety. “We also got a schedule of how summer and winter Special Olympics go,” said Witzaney. Special Olympics provides year-round sports training and ath-

letic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Bowling is the most popular local activity this year, with more players than ever taking part in a Special O’s League at Lloyd Lanes on Monday nights from 5:30-7 p.m. “We’re allowed to have 60 bowlers, so we are full. We’ve got people on the waiting list for bowling,” said Witzaney. He noted not all of the bowlers will take part in the spring tournament. The other fitness activity taking place is group walks at the track at t he Se r vu s Sp or t s Centre on Wednesday and Thursday nights from 6-7 p.m. Witzaney notes there are now about 85 athletes, roughly 15-20 more than in recent years, and 15 or 16 volunteers in the local organization.

He isn’t sure what’s behind the growth in membership and volunteerism, suggesting it could be due to more advertising and Special Olympics getting out there more in the community. “Each time we run another program and have more people, more people get excited about it,” he said. Lloydminster Special Olympics is also tapping into some new funding sources. “We’ve been really fortunate. We applied for a Saskatchewan Lotteries Grant through the city last year, so we’ve qualified for some funding there,” said Witzaney. “Presently, we are out canvassing some of the businesses in town for funding, so some money’s been coming in— we’ve been pretty excited about that.” Special Olympics is also supported by national and local sponsors at different levels.

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Christmas kickoff

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Saturday’s 12th Annual Here Comes Santa Claus Day was another major success with nothing but smiles seen throughout downtown Lloydminster.

PAGE 10 Thursday, December 12, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

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Leave it to Weaver Ever look back and think ‘How could this happen?’ EDITOR Taylor Weaver

Have you ever looked back and thought, ‘How could this happen?’ I have recently, and of course, posing this question as I have makes you think the memory wasn’t a good one, right? The memory I have been thinking about and watching documentaries on as of late is the David Russell Williams case. It will be exactly 10 years on Feb. 8 since Williams was convicted of first-degree murder sexual assault of two women, forcible confinement and breaking and entering. Still unfamiliar with the case? Williams used to be known as Colonel Russell Williams, and of course, after his arrest and trial, he was revoked of his rank. I’ll save you the gory details of this monster’s case, which took place close to Belleville, Ont.,

but I will say that every little piece of information is only a Google search away. For reference, Williams is currently serving two life sentences at Quebec’s Port-Cartier Institution after being transferred from the now-closed Kingston Penitentiary in 2013. Watching Williams’ confession while in police custody still gives me chills to this day. You know those “where were you when this happened” tragedies, right? For me, this is one of those cases. The job of a journalist is packed with interesting and sometimes once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, including my own. Now it’s not a fascination with serial killers that still has me thinking about this case, it’s the fact I was living down the road when this all happened. When I was in my second year of post-secondary education taking Photojournalism in Bel-

leville, Ont., Williams was the then-acting base commander at CFB Trenton, the country’s largest Royal Canadian Air Force facility. A couple of classmates and I were tasked to go to the base to cover a repatriation ceremony for Canadians killed in action overseas. We met the base commander that day, but it wasn’t Williams, as he was not on base that day. Looking back to that day, if I did meet the man in charge of the largest air force base in the country, I definitely would have shown nothing but respect. I mean, watch videos of this guy before his confession and it’s clear he’s a psychopath and put on an act. A few months after that day at the base, classmates of mine were camped out at Williams’ cottage on Cosy Cove Lane in Tweed, Ont. as it was surrounded by police. Have you ever wondered ‘How could this happen?’

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

Opinion

PAGE 11 Thursday, December 12, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Leeway from Lloyd: Costco likely to spur growth STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

News that Costco Wholesale Canada Ltd. accepted bids up to Dec. 10 from select general contractors to price and construct a Costco Wholesale outlet in Lloydminster is exciting a lot of people. If Costco approves a bid and signs a contract to go ahead with the project, it could set Lloydminster up as an outstanding regional centre for commerce and retail, and kickstart a lot of other invest-

ments in the city as well. One development tends to attract more development, and Lloydminster needs it badly with the state of the economy in Alberta. Our regional market isn’t huge, but Lloydminster w o uld b e a strategic sit e for Costco, with the nearest existing warehouse more than 250 kilometres away. Obviously, they have done their homework to put it to tender on BuildWorks Canada.

A Lloyd location would draw a lot of Saskatchewan residents to shop in Lloyd as well given there is no sales tax in Alberta. Every hotel and restaurant in the city could boom on weekends and some weekdays too from the increased traffic. Ot her posit ive impact s are job creation with relatively good wages and benefits for Costco employees. The construction period would also provide dozens of construction-related jobs locally and increase the city’s tax base to pay for services.

Several road improvement projects, however, will be needed to accommodate the increase in vehicle traffic along with pedestrians and cyclists heading to the proposed site on 75 Ave. north of 12 St. Costco operates as a membership warehouse that sells in bulk aimed at families, so it won’t pull too many local customers away from nearby grocery stores looking to buy a loaf of bread. It will, however, hurt some businesses from the sheer size of the store and product selection.

Gasoline at Costco, for instance, is often several cents a litre cheaper than the competition. Fuel retailers along busy highways will attract travellers who can’t see Costco from the highway. Other smaller retailers might need to offer products and services Costco doesn’t care about, and further differentiate themselves with levels of customer service. All in all, a Costco warehouse could help make Lloydminster the destination city it craves to be. Time will tell.

Through the reader’s lens (left) Mike from Canmore Submitted to the Meridian Source

(right) D’Arcy Harris Submitted to the Meridian Source Thank you very much, D’Arcy and Mike, for sharing these great photos with our readers. If you would like to see your photos in the Meridian Source please email them to taylor@meridiansource.ca

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Thursday, December 12, 2019

CALENDAR OF EVENTS The Meridian Source Calendar of Events is a free service provided for non-profit organizations located within our coverage area. All events are in chronological order, as space permits and at the editor’s discretion.

EVERY MONDAY — SQUARE DANCING The Lloydminster Chain and Circle Dance Club is hosting square dancing every Monday except on long weekends. The dancing will happen from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. in the Legacy Centre at 510146 St. Please use the back or west door. For singles and couples, this is an inexpensive and fun activity in a cooperative, brain active and mildly aerobic environment. Your first evening is free and no experience is necessary. Call Kendall at 306825-3770 or email Esther at moment101@hotmail.com for more info. EVERY TUESDAY — VOLLEYBALL Drop in volleyball from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Takes place at the Servus Sports Centre and everyone is welcome, noncompetitive and no experience is necessary. Come for fun and exercise and meet some great people. EVERY FOURTH TUESDAY OF EACH MONTH There is a Parkinson disease support group every fourth Tuesday of the month at Southridge Community Church from 2-4 p.m. put on by the Parkinson Association of Alberta. EVERY TUESDAY — ADAPTED YOGA From 10 – 11 a.m. at the Community Service Centre. For more information please contact Ann-Dee at 780-871-0513. EVERY TUESDAY & SATURDAY — FARMER’S MARKET Downtown Farmer’s Market at the Fred North Community Centre (5002 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster) from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. (Tues) 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. (Sat) We’re

Passport to YLL

on Facebook. EVERY THURSDAY AND SATURDAY – FARMER’S MARKET The Border City Farmer’s Market takes place every Thursday 12-6 p.m and every Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the Servus Sports Centre (5202-12 st.). EVERY TUESDAY AND THURSDAY – LABIS WALKING PROGRAM Brain injury survivors are invited to join the Lloydminster and Area Brain Injury Society (LABIS) Walking Program on Tuesdays from 1 to 2:30 p.m. and Thursdays from 7 to 8:30 p.m. at the Servus Sports Centre. It is free of charge. For more info please call 306-825-7212. EVERY SECOND SUNDAY – NORTH BEND HALL MUSIC JAM A North Bend Hall Music Jam is held every second Sunday from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. All ages and levels of performers are welcome. Enjoy dancing on our historic wooden dance floor. Directions to North Bend Hall are: From Alcurve - 17 kms east on Highway 3 to RR 3262, north four kms. From the Deer Creek Bridge - eight kms west on Highway 3 to RR 3262, north four kms. PRE-SCHOOL REGISTRATION The Border City Aboriginal Head Start program is accepting First Nations, Metis and Inuit children between the ages of three and four years to attend classes four days a week from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. We offer a structured play themed day full of fun and adventure. Come in for an application at Bay 3, 5009-48 Ave. Or call 306-825-5255 for more information.

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147 EVERY FIRST SUNDAY OF THE MONTH CRIB TOURNAMENT Royal Canadian Legion #39 (4505- 49 Avenue, Lloydminster) is hosting a Crib Tourney every first Sunday of the month. Registration 9:30am, starts at 10 a.m. Doubles. $10/person. Lunch available. For more info call 306-825-2521 TUESDAYS FROM OCTOBER-MAY Get your exercise no matter the weather and enjoy all the amenities the Lloyd Mall has to offer with Free Mall Walking. All fitness levels welcome. Saskatchewan Health Authority staff and the Lloydminster Primary Care Network’s Exercise Specialist will be in attendance to provide support to walkers. Call or email Heather at 780-874-0490/heatherm@ lloydpcn.ca for more information or to register. DEC. 15 –JAMBOREE There will be a Jamboree on Dec. 15 at 1 p.m. in the Islay Community Hall. Admission $10, participants free. Everyone welcome. Lunch served. For more info call Dixie at 780-744-2204. Funds raised support maintenance of our hall. DEC. 16 – GENERAL MEETING The Lloydminster Senior Citizens Society is hosting a general meeting at the Legacy Centre on Dec. 16 at 10:30 a.m. in the boardroom. All members are encouraged to attend. For more info contact Legacy office at 780-875-4584. DEC. 19 –500 CARD TOURNAMENT There will be a 500 card Tournament at the Legacy Centre on Dec. 19. Play begins at 10 a.m. and the cost is $10 to play and $10 for lunch. Everyone welcome! For more info contact Legacy office at

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source

Robert, Stephanie, and their kids Amelia and Blake are this year’s winners of the 12th Annual Here Comes Santa Claus Day trip and are off to Disneyland! The family was presented with their tickets on Tuesday morning at the Gold Horse Casino.

780-875-4584. DEC. 21 – VEGAS CHRISTMAS GALA Come on out to the Marwayne “Vegas” Christmas Gala on Dec. 21. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the Marwayne Community Hall. There will be Vegas style games from 7-9 p.m. at a cost of $10 to play, prizes to be won! The bar opens at 7 p.m. with a dance to follow with the Prairie Dogs. Snacks and midnight lunch available. No minors allowed. Tickets are $25 or $15 at the door after 10 p.m. Contact Sharon at 780-872-0011 for tickets and more details. DEC. 23 – BE THE LIGHT There will be an event planned by the Addiction and Social Worker students at Reeves College on Dec. 23 at 7 p.m. at 5010 – 49 Street, Lloydminster Alberta. This will be a holiday celebration in memorial of those lost to addiction and those still caught in addition’s grasp. Please spread the word and join us to show how much our community cares. We care about those still strug-

gling. We care about those that that have lost loved ones. DEC. 31 – NEW YEARS EVE DANCE There will be a New Years Eve Dance at the Legacy Centre on Dec. 31 with doors opening at 7:30 p.m. The band is Barbe d Wire and cost of admission is $35/ members and $40/nonmembers. Advanced tickets only! Lunch served at 10:30 p.m. then dance in 2020 at midnite! For more info contact Legacy office at 780875-4584. SAVE THE DATE The Lloydminster Branch of the Canadian Transplant Association has moved their annual Transplant Trot from January to Saturday April 25, 2020 to coincide with National Organ & Tissue Donation Awareness Week. The event will again take place on the indoor walking track at the Servus Sports Center 9 a.m. to noon. Please save the date! Registration will soon open on the Running Room website and please watch for our posters around the City in the New Year!

Thursday, December 12, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Realty turkeys flesh out hampers GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. The Realtors Association of Lloydminster and District is helping to fill Christmas hampers at the Lloydminster Salvation Army Food Bank with a donation of turkeys. It’s been an annual practice of the Realtors for the past 20-25 years repeated on Dec. 10. It’s a seasonal cause that never loses its meaning at Christmas for both parties with Louis de Kock speaking for the Realtors as association president. “As a Realtor and as an association, it’s j u s t kn o w i n g t h e r e ’ s a family going to sit down every year—lots of families enjoying a family Christmastime with the turkeys that are donated,” said de Kock. “It’s been a tradition of the association for many years.”

All of the turkeys were purchased locally at Sobeys allowing the Salvation Army to allocate the expense to other needs. “Where this donation comes in, it helps us keep those resources and funds that can help out people throughout the year,” said Major Bond Jennings, community ministries officer for the Salvation Army. Jennings says one thing they buy every year for food hampers is fresh vegetables such as potatoes, carrots and turnips. “One other thing that we require would be cranberry sauce, and some organizations are putting a push on to get the cranberry sauce,” said Jennings. The Salvation Army needs to fill approximately 450 hampers up from more than 300 a year ago. “There are still peo-

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

The Realtors Association of Lloydminster & District donated 115 turkeys for Lloydminster Salvation Army Christmas hampers on Tuesday. They’ve been doing this for more than 20 years.

ple calling looking for assistance. We sort of have them on a waiting list, but right now, we are approximately looking at 40,000 lbs. of food going out for Christmas,’” said Jennings. Jennings chalks up the need to the current

economy. “This time of year, things get tight for businesses, somet i m e s t h e r e ’s l a y o f f s and stuff, so the people struggle at this time of the year providing for their families, so it’s a reflection of the economy,” he said.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, December 12, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

A hole-in-one for local organizations TAYLOR WEAVER

EDITOR

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The Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF) and Lloydminster Rescue Squad were feeling the love last week, as they both received funds raised through the fourth annual Dustin McConnell Memorial Golf Tournament. Proceeds from the tournament, which was held in June at the Lloydminster Golf and Curling Centre, totalled $3,305 and was split between the two organizations at a cheque presentation on Dec. 5. The annual tournament is held in memory of Dustin McConnell, who passed away at the age of 17 in 2010 while swimming at Sandy Beach. Emergency medical services were on scene but were unfortunately unable to revive McConnell. It was later discovered if paramedics

had arrived on scene sooner, they may have been able to do procedures that could have saved his life.

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Individual experiences certainly influence where we want to see change, and the McConnell family has gone above and beyond ensuring better education and services are available to Emergency Service teams.

Each year the Dustin McConnell Scholarship is given out to one student who is taking post-secondary education to pursue EMS and Paramedic Training through the health

Partners chosen to support Sask gang violence reduction MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The Ministry of Corrections and Policing is investing $4.5 million over the next four years into two community-based organizations as part of its Gang-Violence Reduction Strategy.

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It will help clients reduce contact with the justice system and promote a connection to employment, educational or training opportunities, which helps them build positive life skills.

STR8 Up and Regina Treaty Status Indian Services Inc. (RT/SIS) will deliver the Community Intervention Model (CIM) in Saskatchewan.

Through this model, STR8 UP and RT/SIS will provide outreach, intervention and prevention services to help people leave gangs, and reintegrate back into their communities. The CIM is a key pillar of the province’s Gang Violence Reduction Strategy. “We believe the Community Intervention Model will help reduce gang crime in communities,” Corrections and Policing Minister Christine Tell said. “It will help clients reduce contact with the justice system and promote a connection to employment, educational or training opportunities, which helps them build positive life skills.” STR8 Up will provide outreach services in the central and northern regions of the province. RT/SIS will provide outreach services in the southern regions. CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

foundation. Applicants who are interested in the scholarship can apply online at lrhf.ca/scholarships. “We are once again honoured to receive the proceeds from the annual Dustin McConnell Memorial Golf Tournament,” said Malcolm Radke, CEO, LRHF. “Individual experiences certainly influence where we want to see change, and the McConnell family has gone above and beyond ensuring better education and services are available to emergency service teams.” The Dustin McConnell Memorial Tournament has joined together not only with the LRHF but also with the Lloydminster Rescue Squad. The funds raised for the rescue squad from the tournament will be directed towards the

Supplied Photo Lloyd Rescue Scuba Diving Team, ensuring the squad is able to respond, rescue and recover with the best training and equipment available. “Due to the generos-

ity of the Dustin McConnell Memorial Tournament, we’ve been able to purchase the proper communication gear for our diving team,” said Ryan LeBlanc, deputy chief of

the Lloydminster Rescue Squad. “This improves our ability to recover substantially and creates a safer environment for our team members as well.”

ASK THE EXPERTS

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Oh Christmas tree

PRAIRIE WOOL HELEN ROW TOEWS

Today Lisa Henry, our school principal,

shared a humorous Christmas memory of

Christmas trees gone wrong. Funny how it’s always the bad experiences we recall the best. Since it’s the time of year for such remi-

niscence, I thought I’d share one of mine with you. Snow swirled outside the frosty windowpanes of my childhood home, and dark clouds hung ominously in the sky. It was the year 1975. A winter storm had raged the night before, but our old cook-stove blazed within, and we were toasty warm as our family met in the kitchen for breakfast. Today we were to drive into Lloydminster and purchase our tree; Bill and I were excited. “We aren’t going to get a Christmas tree this year,” dad stated over his porridge bowl. He quickly held up a hand to silence our protests. “Buying a tree is like throwing good money to the wind. I’ve got a better idea.” With long faces, Bill and I stared at one another. What did he mean no tree? It was unthinkable. After eating we watched as dad pulled on his heavy work clothes and bent to pick up an evil looking hand-saw he’d left beside his boots. Wordlessly he flung open the door and set off through the deep snow toward a line of firs near the bull pen. Presently he reap-

peared, dragging what looked like a tall tree behind him. Breathlessly I turned to tell little brother Bill. “That’s no tree,” he said dryly, clambering onto a chair to look. “It’s a fat branch.” And so it was. Proudly, dad dragged it into the house and with no small effort, strapped it to the living-room wall using several yards of binder twine and a box of nails. How festive. Later that evening, feeling pleased with himself, dad proposed a toast. “Let’s celebrate with eggnog,” he said, rubbing his hands together with invisible soap. No doubt about it, the man was on a roll. Earlier that day he’d happily presented Mom with a blender; a preChristmas gift. She’d been absolutely thrilled! What woman wouldn’t? (Our family may be cheap but sarcasm’s free). Dad tugged the shiny new appliance from its box, fit the glass container into position, and began adding the ingredients he’d found listed in an included recipe. With a flourish he pressed the ON button, the machine sprang to

life and the assembled family broke into spontaneous applause. (We were simple folk and easily amused). As our eagerly-anticipated beverage spun to a halt, dad handed out glasses, grasped the handle and hoisted it on high. KERSPLASH! The bottom portion of the jug and its contents gushed forth, spraying the floor, the dog and our feet with ice-cold eggnog. Dad hadn’t tightened the bottom. And so, as we gathered round our scrawny Christmas branch that evening, and gazed at the brightly-wrapped gifts shoved against the wall, we raised celebratory glasses of water to clink together with joy. After all, it’s not about the tree, the gifts or the food—it’s about love. If you’d like to drop by and say hello or purchase my new book, Prairie Wool, I’ll be at the Border City Farmer’s Market both Dec. 14 and 21, located in the Servus Sports Centre, Lloydminster. Alternatively, family members will also be upstairs in Home Hardware with books for sale on those same dates. See you there!

Strategy to reduce gang violence NOTICE OF DEVELOPMENT PERMITS Application Number 19-1082

19-1089

Applicant

Development

Sarlin Development R1 – Single Detached Residential – 0.06 Metre Front Yard Variance Inc. Budget Blinds

R1 – Single Detached Residential - Home Based Business: Major (Budget Blinds)

Address/Location Issuance Date 6204 – 18 Street Close

December 6, 2019

1703 – 59B Avenue

December 6, 2019

Any person claiming to be affected by a decision of the Development Authority may appeal to the Subdivision and Development Appeal Board by submitting written notice and the fee of $400.00 within 21 days from the date of issuance to The Office of the City Clerk, Attention - Secretary of the Development Appeal Board at City Hall at 4420 – 50 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 0W2. City of Lloydminster Roxanne Shortt Development Officer

lloydminster.ca

FROM PAGE 15

These two organizations are expected to provide services to approximately 100 gang-affiliated individuals over four years. “When people are given appropriate opportunity, they can make true change, for themselves and their family,” RT/SIS Executive Director Erica Beaudin said. “The result is less crime and increased safety in our homes and communities which benefits all of us. We thank the Government of Saskatchewan for supporting our model of

transformation which brings people beyond survival responses of poverty and violence.” “STR8 UP is committed to helping gang members exit gang life,” STR8 UP founders Father Andre Poilièvre and Stan Tu’Inukuafe said. “This funding allows STR8 UP and its recovering members to work intensively with identified participants and will be delivered with the support of vital community organizations, notably: West Flat Citizens Group Inc. and Prince Albert Outreach Program Inc. in northern

Saskatchewan.” The provincial Gang Violence Reduction Strategy received $11.9 million last spring, as part of the federal government’s Take Action Against Gun and Gang Violence initiative. The strategy also includes expanding the Dedicated Substance Abuse Treatment Units into additional correctional facilities, reallocating provincially funded police units to Crime Reduction Teams in Regina, Saskatoon and Prince Albert, and improving intelligence gathering and sharing between police agencies.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, December 12, 2019

PAGE 19 Thursday, December 12, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Sports

Centennial Civic Centre deemed at end of life JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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The Centennial Civic Centre has an anticipated two to four years of remaining usable life. This information was brought to City of Lloydminster council through a highlevel review of city-owned community facilities in late October. ACI Architects and Read Jones Christoffersen Engineers conducted the review of the Civic and determined there is a limited amount of viable use remaining in the building, and the value of renovating is a challenge compared to the value of the structure due to the significantly high costs in making the necessary repairs. These repairs include the need to address deficiencies in the ice plant room as well as the building’s dead-end corridors and drainage. There is also major capital upgrades required within the next two to eight years, not to mention the need to meet National Building Code and Fire Safety Code regulations during the renovations. Gerald Aalbers, mayor of Lloydminster, said council did not expect the Civic to be deemed at the end of its life. He said they want to keep the building running for as long as it meets the safety criteria, and people shouldn’t believe that the facility is unsafe, but the engineering report they’ve received does indicate there are areas that can be easily dealt with, and others that require capital cost. “Anything can be fixed, but how much do you spend

on a facility before you say it’s time to build a new facility,” said Aalbers. “We can spend as much as we want, but at the end of the day at city council, we have to justify back to the taxpayers that we spent X dollars on the Civic Centre and we’re going to keep it for another four years. But, for X plus Y dollars we could have built a new facility and be that much better off.” The City Community Facilities 2019 Building Report presented to council states administration is in the initial phase of conducting a feasibility study for a new pool and arena. It adds monies for the design of constructing a new facility to replace the Civic are included within the 2020 capital budget, with anticipated construction beginning in the next two to three years, but public engagement will become part of the process before the city moves forward with building a new facility. The BioClean Aquatic Centre was deemed in good condition by ACI Architects in the review, noting it has 20-plus years of anticipated remaining usable life. However, it references the 2016 City of Lloydminster Recreation, Cultural and Parks Facilities Master Plan Report that the pool continues to be in high-use demand, and administration should undertake a feasibility study to investigate the possibility of a new swimming hole. Aalbers said they’re spending half-a-million dollars on heat exchangers for the pool

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

The Centennial Civic Centre, constructed in 1965, is estimated to have two to four years of anticipated remaining usable life.

this year proving its upkeep remains a priority. He said there is a lot of demand at the pool and the great thing about swimming is it’s relatively inexpensive for residents and enjoyed by people young and old. Building a multipurpose facility with the possibility of expansion, understanding where it should be located and what size of land is needed to meet that future expansion, as well as finding an idea of the costs involved, noted Aalbers, will come to light through the study. He added the report has already started with completion slated for sometime in 2020, allowing council to be open and honest with residents about where communities of our size in terms of demographics can look to. “Do you build a 25-metre long swimming pool or do

you build a 50-metre long swimming pool,” he said. “The arena question (is) how many seats do we put in to make it effective and efficient. We can build an arena that only fills once a year or once every two years depending on the event. Whereas, do you want to build an arena that can get the most maximum use of it.” Nigel Dube, head coach and general manager of the Lloydminster Bobcats junior A team, said hockey, recreational and figure skating traffic through the Civic is constant seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. August to March. He said its steady use continues in the summer months with roller derby and lacrosse. Dube said the facility meets their needs to remain an Alberta Junior Hockey League club through seating

capacity, accessibility and room designs. However, he acknowledged the building has become dated compared to others in the league, evidenced by their need to have offices and a gym located at a separate location. “As a hockey team, we would love to have everything underneath one roof, so that we have our dressing room, offices and a smaller gym that can be used by us and other users too,” said Dube. “An open concept that is accessible by everyone, good viewing areas for everyone and just the ability to move around in it too is a big part.” Border City Stingrays synchronized swimming team coach Janelle Dembicki said the BioClean Aquatic Centre is at capacity and has been for years. CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Border Blades speed skater Gabe Wennekamp makes a turn during the 3,000-m relay.

Blades host Fire on Ice JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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Lloydminster Border Blades speed skater Gabe Wennekamp isn’t satisfied at setting a new personal best time. Wennekamp, 14, improved his PB from 44.8 to 43.08 sec-

onds in the 400-metre race at the Border Blades 14th annual Fire on Ice mee t at th e Se r vus Sports Centre on Saturday morning. In total, he earned a first, two second and a fourth-place finish competing in the 400-m, 200-

m, 1,500-m and 3,000-m relays at the meet, but the expectation was for even more. “I skated well,” said Wennekamp, who noted his favourite part of speed skating is watching his and the other athlete’s progressions in the sport. “I was put in a low division based on my seed times because I haven’t participated in many meets this year. So, I did good setting a new personal best rather than doing good overall.” The Grade 8 student at Kitscoty Junior-Senior High School earned a silver medal for his work in the Division 3 portion of the event. Attending practice regularly led to the top-end result, added Wennekamp, and helped him overcome the challenges presented by the many great young speed skaters travelling to the Border City for the meet. “It’s people from Edmonton, Saskatoon and here in Lloyd, so it’s really good competition,” he said. “It’s very competitive and you’ve got to put in time in practice if you want to do good.” Border Blades medalling at the Fire on Ice event also include: Kaylee Kisser, bronze, Division 3; Zachary Newton, bronze, Division 4; Garnet Cey, gold, Division 6; Maegan Davies, bronze, Division 6; Louise Johal, gold, Division 7; and Paxton Turcotte, silver, Division 7.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Athletes have a right to speak SPORTS EDITOR JAMIE HARKINS

I believe that athletes can and should rise above their sport by voicing their opposition to social injustices and practices they see as unfit, both in their ring of battle and on the sidelines. During Donald Trump’s reign of error, whole teams and individual competitors, incl u di ng Ll oyd mi nster’s Braden Holtby, have refused to attend White House ceremonies in celebration of their respective league championships. Holtby, who won a Stanley Cup with the Washington Capitals in 2018, cited the current United States administration’s reluctance to acknowledge that all people, no matter their gender, race or sexual orientation, are equal. That simple act is more courageous than

holding his ground in front of a Patrik Laine one-timer. It also involves more thought and love for others than merely standing up for his teammates. Holtby rightly hasn’t received much blowback from his stance, but others haven’t been so lucky. Former San Francisco 49er’s quarterback Colin Kaepernick lost a career for taking a knee during the United States national anthem in protest of police brutality and racism against African-Americans in the United States. Boston Celtics centre Enes Kanter has been named a member of a terror group by his native Turkey for calling out the practices of its president Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Heck, even former Team Canada soccer player Kaylyn Kyle received death threats for opining that the U.S.

team’s goal celebrations at the Women’s World Cup were excessive. For as long as I can remember, my favourite sport has been boxing. It’s no wonder considering I grew up during the era of Mike Tyson and Rocky movies. Muhammad Ali earned the distinction as the greatest athlete of the 20th century by Sports Illustrated magazine for his courageous work outside the ring, as well as his incredible exploits between the ropes. He wasn’t perfect as attested by his extramarital affairs, rejection of friend Malcolm X for the Nation of Islam and sometimes barbarous work in the ring. But, Ali sought to make things right and stood up for his beliefs. In 1967, the then world heavyweight champion refused to step forward when called upon during a U.S. Armed Forces

induction resulting in his arrest, the suspension of his boxing licence and the stripping of his title. He cited religious beliefs and opposition to the Vietnam War as his reasons for doing so. This moment inspired countless black Americans and others to stand up for their rights and beliefs. As an aside, the current mistaken American president has said he might grant a posthumous pardon to Ali unawares that his conviction was overturned by the Supreme Court in 1971. I’ve been told before that athletes should stick to talking about their sport and shut up about everything else. These people are wrong, but they do have a right to their opinion. All of us have a voice and should speak when we see injustice or disagree with the status quo.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Inland Steel Bobcats aim to get back on track JAMIE HARKINS WRITER

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The Lloydminster Inland Steel midget AAA Bobcats are looking to get into the good books this December and they’ll be relying on their youngest member to help lead the charge. The Bobcats (8-92) play a three-game home stand over the

next two weeks before departing to Calgary for the prestigious Mac’s World Invitational Hockey Tournament from Dec. 26 to Jan. 1. Up and down stretches have characterized the Bobcats season to this point with the club currently mired in a winless fivegame streak.

The team’s latest loss came via a heartbreaking 4-2 defeat to the Lethbridge Hurricanes at the Centennial Civic Centre on Saturday afternoon. The ‘Canes went up 2-0 early in the second only to have their energy drained late on replies by Bobcats 14-year-old defenceman Mazden Leslie. The six-foot and 161-pound rearguard notched his first goal of the game on a deflection in front off a great feed from Chase Renton. He scored the tying marker with five seconds left in the frame by blasting a shot from the top of the circles high corner. “I just got some great passes,” said Leslie,

19122PS0 19122PS1

who recorded his only other marker in the team’s opening game of the season two months ago. “And, I got lucky a couple of times.”

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We’ve got to play a full 60 and get some goals. That’ll mean everything.

Leslie, who decided to try out for midget this year despite still being eligible for bantam, is seeing regular ice time on a pairing with Bobcats captain Brayden Koch. The duo has proven the team’s top offensive threat from the blueline, while also working as trusted shutdown defenders. “Brayden’s really good,” noted the rookie defenceman. “He played junior last year, so he knows what it takes to get to the next level.”

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Inland Steel Bobcats rookie defenceman Mazden Leslie carries the puck up the ice.

The Bobcats are looking to get back into the win column with contests against the Sherwood Park Ennis Kings and Airdrie CFR Bisons this Saturday and Sunday, respectively. Their final warmup before the Mac’s

Tournament will come against the Calgary Flames on Dec. 21. “We’ve got to play a full 60 and get some goals,” said Leslie. “That’ll mean everything before getting to the Mac’s and actually doing some damage.”

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Jamie Harkins Meridian Source

Border City Stingrays pre-comps swimmers, from left, Jacey Jezowski, Kaylin Wills, Braelyn Uhrich, Hailey Bulgin, Emma Pardy and Mataya Turvey take a break from practising at the pool on Sunday evening.

Study underway into new pool and arena FROM PAGE 19

She said they need a 50-metre dive tank pool that can be roped off with a bulkhead in order to accommodate the demands of this community’s users as well as give them the opportunity to host competitions. “I don’t run the facilities,” said Dembicki. “I’m just here as a user group person. But, we’re always kicking people out of the pool to have our time. Always asking if we could use the diving board or when are you guys done so we can go swimming in the pool. “I think we need a second. We can’t grow. All the clubs that are

here can’t grow because we’re fighting for time. The prime times are all fought for. We don’t want eight and nineyear-olds here at nine o’clock at night.” Aalbers said a significant cost difference exists between building 1,200, 1,500, 2,000 and 3,000 seat arenas. He said the 2016 Re c re at io n , C u l t u ral and Parks Facilities Master Plan Report may have pegged the cost of building a new 1,000-2,000 seat rink at $24-27 million, but those numbers aren’t in play today. “If somebody asked me what are we looking at for a new arena, I don’t have that number,” said Aalbers.

“I don’t want to even ballpark it. Nor would I want to ballpark what it would cost to replace our swimming pool today. So, I think that’s where we need to make sure that we get some numbers to at least work with from a budgetary perspective, so that we can reach back out to the community and ask what (are you) willing to participate in.” If the community feels compelled to build an 1,800-seat rink and 50-metre pool then council has to listen, noted Aalbers, but there is a cost, and it would be extremely difficult for taxpayers to pick it up alone. Based on the engineering report, he said

it is not in the community’s best interests to invest significant dollars into the Civic Centre. “As we get information we will be sharing it with the community,” he said. “As we are orienting to recreation and to culture we want to make sure that people know what’s going on.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE

PAGE 24 Thursday, December 12, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Agriculture

Sask looking to plan for the next decade of growth MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Ahead of the end of the fall sitting of the

legislative session, Premier Scott Moe highlighted the government’s plan for the next

decade of growth in Saskatchewan. “During this fall session, I was proud to

introduce our government’s plan for a strong and growing Saskatchewan,” Moe said. “The Growth Plan will serve as our roadmap to growing a strong economy, strong communities and strong families as we enter into the 2020s and look ahead to 2030.” The new Growth Plan, released on November 14, includes 30 goals for 2030, including key targets of a population of 1.4 million people, 100,000 new jobs, increasing exports by 50 per cent and increasing agriculture valueadded revenue to $10 billion. During the fall session, Premier Moe also outlined steps that Saskatchewan is taking to advance our economic future, and to assert

provincial autonomy over our own affairs.

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The Growth Plan will serve as our roadmap to growing a strong economy, strong communities and strong families as we enter into the 2020s and look ahead to 2030.

This includes an announcement that Saskatchewan will be aggressively advancing our own trade interests by establishing trade offices in Japan, India and Singapore. “We will continue to look for ways to assert more autonomy over Saskatchewan’s inter-

ests, including examining increased autonomy over areas like taxation, immigration, trade and climate change policy,” Moe said. The government took action to deliver on key commitments during the fall session, including tabling the mid-year financial report that Saskatchewan remains on track with a balanced budget. The government also delivered on opening the Regina Bypass, a project that is enhancing safety on our roads, while enhancing the flow of goods in and out of our capital city. “As we look toward the next year, our government will continue working to strengthen our economy, communi t i e s and f ami l i e s ,” Moe said.

PAGE 25 Thursday, December 12, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE

Careers

Grizzly oil sands project gets go-ahead MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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The province has approved Grizzly’s May River oil sands project in order to attract new investment and create jobs for Albertans.

“

This project is in the best interest of Alberta, and is another example of how we are responsibly developing our resources.

The approval further demonstrates the government’s commitment to keeping energy projects moving forward. Grizzly can now advance the project to the next stages of development, including making a final investment

decision and applying for other environmental licences and local area development permits. The proposed project would be located northwest of Conklin, between Fort McMurray and Lac La Biche, and produce approximately 12,000 barrels of bitumen per day. It would extract bitumen using steamassisted gravity drainage technology, which minimizes a project’s environmental footprint. “This project is in the best interest of Alberta, and is another example of how we are responsibly developing our resources,” said Minister of Energy Sonya Savage. “Moving these projects forward shows that Alberta is open for business, and we are dedicated to encouraging investment in our

province.” The Alberta Energy Regulator has done a

stringent review of Grizzly’s development plan, known as a scheme

application, and recommended that it be approved by cabinet.

This is the third project recently approved by government.

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Strengthening Alberta’s business ties in Vancouver MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

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Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism Tanya Fir is going to Vancouver to promote Alberta as the best place for trade, investment and business expansion. During the Dec. 2-5 mission, Minister Fir will meet with business leaders and officials. The goal of the mission is to restore investor confidence in

Alberta’s industries, attract investment and strengthen trade relations to drive economic growth and job creation in the province. “Our province is a g re at p lac e to in v e st and do business,” said Tanya Fir, Minister of Economic Development, Trade and Tourism. “I am going directly to decision makers and business advisers beyond our borders to spread the word that

Alberta is primed for new opportunities and partnerships. I’m meeting with key players in the investment and trade sectors who can help expand our reach in domestic and international markets.” The West Coast is Canada’s gateway to Pacific markets. Many Vancouverbased companies and stakeholders play a key role in attracting investment and trade for Alberta companies.

Minister Fir will tour the Port of Vancouver, which ships about $10 billion worth of Alberta goods to destinations all over the globe, and address the Greater Vancouver Board of Trade. Minister Fir will also meet with British Columbia’s Minister of Jobs, Trade and Technology, Bruce Ralston, to discuss areas of mutual benefit and ways to expand trading opportunities both

internationally and between Alberta and B.C. In meetings with financial institutions, investment professionals, and trade experts and officials from key trading markets such as India, the Asia-Pacific and Latin America, Minister Fir will identify investment and trade attraction opportunities in the Greater Vancouver area and the Pacific region, and discuss global investment

trends and opportunities for Alberta. The minister’s mission supports the government’s overarching plan to lay the foundation for viable and sustainable economic growth, encouraging investment in the province and creating more jobs for all Albertans. The estimated cost of the mission for Minister Fir, one political staff member and one public servant is $6,900.

December oil and gas public offering brings total to $25 million

askatchewan’s December oil and gas public

offering held on Tuesday generated $3.4 million in revenue for

the province. This brings the 201920 fiscal year total to $15.2 million with one sale remaining, and brings the final 2019 calendar year total to $25.4 million. T h e E s t e v a n area accounted for $1,462,673.69 for 24 leases totalling 3,014.559 hectares, while the Kindersley area received $1,346,468.25 for 21 leases and one exploration licence totalling 5,037.032 hectares. One lease in the Estevan area consisting of 72.549 hectares received the highest dollars per hectare

offer in this offering at $3,889.19/hectare. Cougar Creek Land Ltd. was the successful bidder on this parcel, which is situated east of Carnduff and is prospective for oil in the Frobisher Beds of the Madison Group. The highest bonus bid received in this offering was $485,900.03 for a 1,558.121 hectare exploration licence west of Kerrobert. This parcel was purchased by Novus Energy Inc. and is prospective for oil in the Viking Formation and the Mannville Group. Saskatchewan’s

Growth Plan: The Next Decade of Growth 2020-2030 includes the goal of increasing oil production to 600,000 barrels per day by 2030. The province has already worked diligently to create what is one of the most competitive business environments in North America. A recent report on profitability in the oil

sector, the 2019 Scotiabank Playbook, ranked Saskatchewan as having two of the top 10 oil or gas plays in North America and a total of seven plays ranked among those in the top 35. The scheduled date for the next public offering is February 4, 2020, which will be the final sale of the 201920 fiscal year.

MOBILE CRANE & HEAVY EQUIPMENT OPERATOR POSITION SUMMARY: Full time RT Crane / Heavy Equipment Operator in Lloydminster, SK Primary duties will be to assist in moving and lifting pipe spools, pumps, valves, and other miscellaneous material around a live operating plant. CORE ACCOUNTABILITIES: • Operate a 100 Tonne R/T mobile Crane (Tadano) • Operate a 10,000 lb zoom boom moving and lifting pipe spools and loading trailers • Operate light equipment such as forklift, bobcat, and skid steer • Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment and clean, lubricate and refill equipment • Other various responsibilities may be required • Clean shaven daily • Able to pass pre-access D&A testing QUALIFICATIONS: This position is based out of Lloydminster, SK therefore the successful candidate must reside in Lloydminster or be willing to relocate. • Valid Journeyman Crane Operator certificate (required) • Telehandler / Zoom Boom ticket (asset) • Class 1A or 3 License (asset) • Experienced operator in heavy oil and gas industrial projects KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES: • Comfortable working outdoors • Excellent verbal and written communication skills • Excellent organizational and time management skills • Proactively seeks and accomplishes tasks that lead to a safe, efficient, and productive work environment

Newcart Contracting 1993 Ltd. Is a Lloydminster, SK based company with industrial maintenance, turnaround, and construction activities ongoing throughout Western Canada.

Please submit your resume via EMAIL ONLY to resumes@newcartcontracting.com and clearly indicate in the subject line what position you are applying for. (Mobile Crane and Heavy Equipment Operator). No phone calls please. All resumes submitted online will be reviewed and successful candidates will be contacted by phone. All resumes will be kept on file for future jobs.

PAGE 27 Thursday, December 12, 2019 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridiansource.ca

manuFactured homes

Classifieds

For sale

Wanted

BOSCH Mixers, Ankarsrum Mixers, VITAMIX blenders, LEFSE supplies & more FREE SHIPPING. Call toll free 1-888-692 6724 Hometech BOSCH Appl 375 Broad St, Regina www.hometechcanada.ca

WILD FUR WANTED: Coyote, fox etc. home: 780-755-3860 cell: 780-842-7153

Farm land Wanted

STEEL BUILDING CLEARANCE ... "FALL BLOWOUT - PRICED TO CLEAR!" 20X25 $6,687. 25X29 $7,459. 28X29 $8,196. 30X35 $9840. 32X37 $9,898. One End Wall Included. Pioneer Steel 1855-212-7036 www.pioneersteel.ca

miscellaneous Feed & seed

services oFFered

health / Fitness

For sale 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 w e b s i t e a t www.swna.com. PROVINCE-WIDE CLASSIFIEDS. Reach over 550,000 readers weekly. Call this newspaper NOW or 306-649.1405 for details.

employment opportunities

Wanted WANTED: All Wild Fur (Coyotes, etc), All Antlers (Deer, Moose, etc) And Old Traps. Phone Bryan 306278-7756 or Phil 306278-2299.

agriculture

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Obituaries & Memoriams

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Obituaries & Memoriams

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Call to place your Memoriam or Obituary. 306-825-5111

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Thursday, December 12, 2019

Celebrations

Local Business Directory

Thursday, December 12, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

HOROSCOPES CAPRICORN

December 22 – January 19 For one reason or another, you’ll be the focus of everyone’s attention. It’s possible that you’ll save someone simply by listening attentively. This person will certainly appreciate you.

AQUARIUS

January 20 – February 18 You’ll spare no expense when it comes to gifts and celebrating those closest to you. Your extraordinary generosity will bring you a sense of well-being. A family project will need careful thought.

PISCES

February 19 – March 20 It’s not easy to make time for your social life when your work is so demanding. You need to let loose, so don’t hesitate to accept invitations to go out and have fun with friends.

ARIES

March 21– April 19 You may get your hands on a nice sum of money and use it to spoil yourself. You’ll get the green light to finance a project, either purchasing a property or starting your own business.

TAURUS

April 20 – May 20 You’re already organizing all holiday celebrations and you’ll succeed in bringing the people you’re closest to together. An activity with friends will prove very exciting.

GEMINI

May 21 – June 21 The artist inside you will awaken in a spectacular way. You’re a dreamer and you need to take note of your ideas if you want to make them happen. Otherwise, you’ll forget them.

CANCER

June 22 – July 22 Your social life will be at the forefront. You’ll receive one invitation after another and you’ll accept happily, even if you feel like you’re burning the candle at both ends. After this, you’ll need some rest.

LEO July 23 – August 22 If you’re pulling out all the stops for your holiday celebrations this year, there’s lots of planning to do. Time will be scarce, but in the end, everything will be a success.

VIRGO

August 23 – September 22 You’ll want to leave your nest to discover new things. You’ll decide to celebrate the holidays under the tropical sun or add an exotic flair to your traditional holiday meal.

LIBRA

September 23 – October 22 You’ll be moved by a visit from a family member you don’t see often but is very important to you. You’ll spare no expense to welcome this person into your home.

CROSSWORD

SCORPIO

October 23 – November 21 It’s easy to get along with you. You’re not afraid of hard work and you’ll gladly agree to start preparing some dishes for the next few celebrations. You’ll be needed to settle a family conflict.

SAGITTARIUS

December 5 Answers

November 22 – December 21 You’ll find yourself filling in for the boss while they take a much-needed vacation. This will have a positive impact on your career in the long term. If affection is missing from your relationship, your feelings will also disappear.

SUDOKU December 5 Answers

ACROSS 1. Find a sum 4. Basis 8. Husband’s spouse 12. Scheduled to arrive 13. Jealousy 14. Constant 15. Slippery fish 16. Pile 17. Stared at 18. Piece 20. Security device 22. Mischievous child 24. Consuming 28. Door fastener 31. Found’s companion 34. ____ good to be true 35. Yield to commands

36. Kind of grain 37. Skin condition 38. Long scarf 39. Old stringed instrument 40. “____ So Cold” 41. Wait on 43. Filled dessert 45. Slick 48. Unpleasant 52. Unruly kid 55. Diamond calls 57. Distinctive time 58. Price 59. Chimney duct 60. Walking on ____ 61. Highly impressed 62. Printed words 63. Like a ____ of bricks

DOWN 1. Summer coolers 2. Fencing event 3. Snack store 4. Tailor again 5. Wallet stuffer 6. Shaped like an egg 7. Printed mistake 8. Calendar divisions 9. Climbing plant 10. Lawyer’s payment 11. Discontinue 19. Detroit, e.g. 21. Used scissors on 23. Scheme 25. Urge 26. “____ but the Brave” 27. “Life ____ On”

28. Certain haircuts 29. Clarinet’s cousin 30. “King ____” 32. Rowing device 33. Stair 37. Cruising 39. Floral wreath 42. Cast a ballot 44. Map graphic 46. Place for hay 47. Santa’s time 49. Sofa 50. Set of three 51. Knitter’s material 52. Bathing-suit part 53. Uncooked 54. Had food 56. Semiformal wear

May you touch dragonflies & stars, dance with fairies & talk to the moon. Meridian Source’s Birth Announcements If you wish to have your baby’s birth announcement published in our May you grow up with love & gracious hearts & people who care. Thursday edition of the Meridian Source FREE OF CHARGE, please come in and fill out a form or email admin@meridiansource.ca Welcome to the world little one. It’s been waiting for you! Deadline is Tuesday at noon for the Thursday edition.

Thursday, December 12, 2019

MERIDIAN SOURCE

Season’s Greetings NEW LISTING GREENSTREET

NEW PRICE

COMMERCIAL

36 SCENIC DRIVE

399,900

MLS 65658

HWY 16 FRONTAGE

TRUCK WASH

• Small town charm in the lovely community of Greenstreet. • This immaculate home has 5 beds, 3 baths, custom cabinets and a heated garage! $

199,900

MLS 65276

AB $2,400,000 MLS 65659

720,000 MLS 64318

494,900 MLS 65067

485,000 MLS 65054

900,000 MLS 64583

VILLAGE GREEN MALL

HWY 16 EAST

989,000 MLS 64145

675,000 MLS 65544

LASHBURN INDUSTRIAL PARK

469,900 MLS 64622

439,900 MLS 64531

439,000 MLS 64490

549,900

PLAZA 51

MLS 65320

399,900 MLS 65488

337,200 MLS 65493

384,900

MLS 63936

334,900 MLS 65357

347,500

MLS 65468

329,900 MLS 65536

400,000 MLS 63342

MLS 65396

FOOT INDUSTRIAL PARK

GLENN E. NEILSON INDUSTRIAL PARK

535,000

209,000 MLS 64144

CENTRALLY LOCATED LEASE SPACE

PROFESSIONAL LEASE SPACE

AB $11.99 / sq. ft. MLS 63482

AB $10.00 / sq.ft. MLS 65543

HOME OWNERSHIP UNDER $200,000

189,000

MLS 63669

164,500

MLS 63626

174,900

MLS 65180

155,000

MLS 64934

169,000

MLS 63815

149,000 MLS 64548

168,500

MLS 65434

139,000

MLS 63813

169,000

MLS 63814

139,900

MLS 63211

CITY SIDE REALTY

780.875.3343

Jennifer Gilbert Pattie Todd Associate Broker Associate Broker Brad Gilbert Broker/Owner

Jackie Gartner Associate Broker

Sandy Hardy Realtor

3812 - 51 Avenue, Lloydminster, AB T9V 3M7 www.lloydminsterrealestate.ca www.coldwellbankercitysiderealty.com www.facebook.com/coldwellbankercitysiderealty

Real Estate, Rentals & Property Management

Rick Schesnuk Realtor

Amanda Warner Realtor

Judy Bexson Realtor

Caleb McLean Realtor