Meridian Source- December 31, 2020 by Meridian Source

December 31, 2020

VOLUME 3 I ISSUE 27

MERIDIANSOURCE.CA

! 1 2 0 2 O T N I G SKATIN

A lighter look at 2020

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Thursday, December 31, 2020

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Aalbers labels 2020 “frustrating” GEOFF LEE

WRITER

.................................. It’s been the year of COVID in Lloydminster, noted by the city’s State of Local Emergency posted online on March 19. This was followed by a phased reopening plan in late spring and summer with stricter health and safety restrictions in place during the fall and winter, under Saskatchewan protocols. Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers discusses some of the low lights and highlights of 2020 in the city, along with his take on what to expect in 2021 in a yearin-review Q and A. How would you describe 2020 in one word? Frustration. There are many words that come to mind, but I think it’s the frustration of losing so many great events for our city and the frustration of not being able to solve people’s problems, be it business or taxpayers or things like that directly. What has been the biggest challenge running the city during a pandemic? It’s been having no control; we’ve not been able to set the rules. The rules that we’ve had to live with haven’t been made by the city. We’ve become instruments; we’ve worked with the provinces and that’s where we are today. That’s the one thing that’s been the toughest, to help people understand—the bi-provincial city does come with some uniquenesses. One of them is we follow the Saskatchewan Public Health Act. Aalbers says a related challenge is living under constantly changing rules. I do understand why those rules have changed because we live in real-time in the real world, so as events unfold, and a number of people have been infected by the virus, the demands on our healthcare system have changed.

What has been the main impact of COVID on the city? We have had people focusing a lot of time on COVID through the incident management team dealing with helping people; our economic development team, the city administration as a whole answering questions from businesses, residents—the communication, the time spent. There is no question we do believe there is going to be a budget impact, but we won’t know that until the end of the year, and that will carry on into the 2021 budget. The disruptions of people’s lives in the community, local businesses— some open, some closed, some not sure how they should reopen—when they reo p en ed th e effec ts of our schools and our students and families there. It’s had multiple effects; they’ll be farreaching of course, but in the same token, we’ll keep moving forward. What was the biggest accomplishment for the city during the year of COVID? I think the biggest accomplishment for the city and city council was the ability to make a tax deferral decision a long time ago that allowed people who felt the pressures of income to help pay their taxes. They had the opportunity to likely leave the country with the longest tax deferment period anywhere in Canada that we could find until Nov. 10. I appreciate the people who paid their taxes on time and I understood people made instalments in that time as their budget allowed. What was the positive highlight of the year for you as mayor? The biggest highlight would be, we’ve changed city council. A new council was elected, a council that worked for four years

and was able to move things forward for the past four years and transitioning to a new council is a very positive highlight. Having the ability to be acclaimed as mayor was, I guess, my personal thank you to everyone that supported that. How will the city deal with capital funding shortfalls in 2021 given governments are broke? There’s no question we’re going to have to be resourceful. We’re going to have to stretch the dollars we have to the utmost. There may be adjustments to capital plans moving forward. If we could tackle a couple of blocks of water and sewer every year, we’ll see how we’ll make out with that process. We will also have to adjust operations to the conditions and that’s what we’ve done in 2020 and it will happen in 2021. We’ll be very conservative saying we are not going to borrow any more money than we absolutely have to. What are some of the major city projects coming up in 2021? We’ve got the wastewater plant coming up (about $29 million in

budget). You’ll actually see some construction happen at the site. The Firehall No. 1 replacement will kick off in the spring of 2021. We will see the Lloydminster Cultural and Science Centre—the building is already being constructed and that move will happen in 2021. The library will move in 2021 and we’ll see the rebuilding of 44 St. and 62 Ave. intersection and the adjacent road construction to the west all the way out to the city limits. There will be some feeling of pain from traffic from that perspective. What will the city be doing to attract more new businesses like Inland Steel to our area? Our economic development team has several opportunities they are pursuing at various stages. Keeping businesses here is step number one. Step No. 2 is helping them grow and step No. 3 is attracting new business. All three of those are being actively carried out by our economic development teams and supported by other sections of the city. We will make sure people know Lloydmin-

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Alta-Sask taxes to hit pocketbooks JANUARY 2020

.................................. Taxpayers in Alberta and Saskatchewan will pay more in provincial taxes in 2020, but those earning under $200,000 will have more money in their pockets from all tax changes. Those are some of the findings from the release of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation’s (CTF) annual New Year’s Tax

Changes report—noting the impact of bracket creep in Alberta and Saskatchewan. Bracket creep is due to both provinces not indexing their tax brackets to inflation which can bump a salary hike into a higher tax rate. That could cost a two-income household in Alberta between $70 and $222 in 2020, depending on income level.

Bracket creep was introduced in the 2019 Alberta Budget and in Saskatchewan’s 2017-18 budget. Provincial taxes in Prince Edward Island and Nova Scotia are also rising from bracket creep. The most significant change in 2020 is the increase in the federal basic personal amount from $12,069 to $13,229. This tax

credit will increase over the next four years until it reaches $15,000 in 2023. In 2020, this change will reduce federal income taxes by $138 everywhere except Quebec. The benefit from this cut will be reduced for taxpayers with incomes over $150,473 and is reduced to zero for taxpayers with incomes over $214,368.

Students define Canada bilingually JANUARY 2020

.................................. Canada is more than hockey, maple syrup and similar stereotypes. That’s apparent in the displays that a History 30 French immersion class at Holy Rosary High School presented to parents, teachers and students last week to define Canada’s identity. The students were tasked with picking a topic from 20th century Canadian history

and defending why their topic is a good example of Canadian identity. “These are all displays on Canadian identity, different ways we view or perceive Canadian identity,” said their teacher Beatriz Bonilla Sand. “They are talking about the Avro Arrow; they are talking about the Persons Case when women were legally declared as “persons” —they are talking about Expo 67.

“They are talking about the hostages in Iran during the Cold War, Newfoundland becoming part of Canada in 1949 etc.” Grade 12 student Victoria Marmulak took on the topic of our national anthem, explaining how it’s a part of what defines us as Canadians. “I talk about how it’s in French and English and that the French version was written first. It brings us together as a

nation,” she said. “It highlights our multiculturalism and lots of things we do have in common; even if it’s hard to identify what it means to be Canadian, we all share the national anthem.” “It highlights our multiculturalism and lots of things we do have in common; even if it’s hard to identify what it means to be Canadian, we all share the national anthem.”

Weir to aid burned Aussie animals JANUARY 2020

.................................. Weir Veterinary Services is offering its clients a chance to help their fellow veterinarians Down Under care for animals burned or injured from bushfires raging in that country. The clinic will donate 50 per cent from the cost of after-hours appointments this coming Monday to Thursday to the Australian Veterinary Association. “People can come in and donate money or book an appointment, then we are going to donate 50 per cent of the appointments that are booked after 5 p.m.,” said Dr. Kent Weir. “Our staff is volunteering their time in those evenings to it; we’ll donate half of their time back to that.” The fundraiser is the brainchild of Australian veterinarian Dr. Sam Gwillim on staff. She is originally from Mel-

Dr. Sam Gwillim bourne and wishes she were back home to help out. “There’s so many amazing veterinarians at home doing the work and a lot of pro bono work and volunteering their time trying to nurse all the sick burnt koalas and wildlife, as well as all the domestic animals that have been affected,” said Gwillim. “There are a lot of farms that have been devastated by the bushfires both in losing animal nu mbe rs, l o si ng feed and obviously, their homes and buildings as well.”

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Gow legacy lives on through new Baron’s van FEBRUARY 2020

.................................. The Lloydminster Comprehensive High School (LCHS) Barons, along with staff and students throughout the Lloydminster Public School Division (LPSD), will be safely riding in style after a generous donation from the Gow family in memory and honour of husband, father, business owner, coach and mentor, J. William Gow. Two 15-passenger vans were purchased by Diane Gow, with Lloyd Comp taking delivery of one van on Monday afternoon, in mem-

ory of her late husband to get students and athletes to tournaments safely, as he was a big fan of and coach of local teams. Diane thought there would be no better way for people to remember him. William Gow passed away in a motor vehicle incident on Oct. 21, 2017, at the age of 57. He also gave back to his community through his interest in sports as an assistant coach of the SAIT women’s team in 1988, coach of U of C Elite Boys team, and eventually, head coach of the SAIT men’s volleyball team, where he met his

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.

wife, Diane. The two would go on to get married and have daughters Soleil and Sonnet, and son, Shepherd, and eventually own the McDonald’s locations in Cold Lake and Lloydminster for over 15 years. “About 10 or 15 years ago Will put some money in this account

so we could distribute it for scholarships and donations, and this is one of our largest donations we’ve done to date,” said Diane. “In September we started talking about buying a couple of different vans for the school through this account, and it’s finally here.”

Raiders seniors capture home tourney gold FEBRUARY 2020

.................................. Earning a home tournament victory means just a little bit more to a group of Holy Rosary High School (HRHS) Raiders. Raiders senior girls basketball players Angela Erni, Trisha Reuta, Kira Enstrom, Madi Johnston, Maddy Copeland, Zoe Godin and Michaela McPherson led their team to a

70-41 win against the Fort McMurray Composite High School Miners at HRHS on Saturday evening. “It’s really awesome,” said Johnston, a thirdyear guard for the Raiders senior girls basketball team. “It means a lot, especially since it’s our first time winning it. It’s nice to be able to finally finish it, to finally do it.” The Raiders senior

boys, including Grade 12 athletes Ethan Ocampo, Avery Wever, Toby Ajegbo, Brady Rogers and Benedict Omorodion, seemed to have a tougher time against their Miners counterparts in the final. Despite building an early 19-point lead, the Miners fought back bringing the score to within three midway through the third, only to witness the Raiders

regroup and pull away once again for a 72-59 win. “We had to talk about it,” said Ajegbo, a second-year guard/ forward. “In the first we played a more aggressive defence than we did in the second and start of the third. So, I think we started playing more aggressive defence again and were able to push them back.”

No beds in Dr. Cooke remake FEBRUARY 2020

.................................. Upcoming demolition and renovation work at the Dr. Cooke Extended Care Centre could move the yardsticks closer to new care beds. That’s the hope of seniors’ care advocate G ra h a m Bro w n a ft e r Alberta Infrastructure announced on Feb. 14 initial preparations are underway to demolition the south wing this spring.

“We still need more long-term care beds in Lloydminster,” said Brown, president of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society in an email. The seniors’ group has been advocating new care beds if one or two wings of Dr. Cooke were demolished. “We hope this is one step closer to planning and building a new building on that site,

which will provide a number of services for seniors care in Lloydminster and area,” said Brown. He says the demolition is commencing the work that was promised a year ago. Delnor Construction will start demolition this spring when work will also begin on a new rehabilitation unit and renovations to administrative and palliative care areas in the north wing.

The demolition and renovation project and cost is tied to the construction of Pioneer House, a 44-unit supportive living unit built in 2017. The full cost for Pioneer House with the Dr. Cooke demolition was priced at $34.8 million. The demolition of the south wing will have minimal impact on the day-to-day operations and services offered at the centre.

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2017

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Planning for COVID-19: The Best Protection is Personal Protection MARCH 2020

.................................. With an increasing number of confirmed cases of Novel Coronavirus 2019 (COVID19) around the world, the planning and preparedness of governments, organizations and individuals can still assist in containing and mitigating the spread of the illness. The risk of COVID-19 to Saskatchewan residents remains low. As

of March 5, there are no laboratory confirmed cases of COVID-19 in the province. “With COVID-19 transmission occurring in many countries, Saskatchewan will be expanding testing criteria and increasing surveillance,” said Sask Health’s Chief Medical Health Officer Dr. Saqib Shahab. “Testing is important to ensure the healthcare system has the best

possible information to ensure our facilities and staff are prepared for any cases that present in the province. The most recent science indicates that 80 per cent of individuals who contract COVID19 will experience only mild symptoms and will recover in their homes. Protecting yourself from transmission and planning to stay home if you become sick will allow t he healt hcare

system to focus on the most severe cases.” The Ministry of Health has a pandemic preparedness plan developed to address influenza. Since COVID-19 is a respiratory illness, this plan will be adapted to respond to COVID-19. This planning includes: • Updated guidance to care providers on the case definition and testing procedures;

Dr. Saqib Shahab • Enhanced testing capability with Roy Romanow Provincial Laboratory (RRPL); • Reviewing acute

care capacity and contingency planning; and • Ensuring necessary supplies of personal protective equipment.

City declares State of Local Emergency in repsonse to pandemic MARCH 2020

.................................. On March 19, the City of Lloydminster declared a State of Local Emergency (SOLE) as part of the municipality’s ongoing response to the COVID19 pandemic. The SOLE declaration grants the City of Lloydminster authority to implement response measures in

addition to, or beyond those established by either province, and allows the City to ensure consistency in governance across provincial jurisdictions. “Governing a bi-provincial city during a pandemic response is a legislatively complex undertaking, therefore, we have declared a local state of emergency that will allow us to more

directly respond to the needs of Lloydminster’s residents and business,” said Mayor Gerald Aalbers. “This declaration does not signify an elevated risk to our residents.”

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Husky cuts spending by $1B MARCH 2020

.................................. Husky Energy is cutting spending in 2020 by $1 billion, including some Lloydminster investments, in response to the steep downturn in global market conditions. The cuts, announced March 12, included $900 million in capital expenditures and $100 million in additional cost reductions, including well servicing activ-

ities on uneconomic production, and a halt in exploration activity. The company continues to review further capital adjustments in response to the current market environment. “Husky has three important advantages: a strong balance sheet, an integrated corridor that includes a sizeable downstream and midstream segment, and offshore operations that include long-term

gas contracts in the Asia Pacific region not linked to the price of oil,” said CEO Rob Peabody in a statement. Husky says Lloydminster thermal projects scheduled to be delivered beyond 2020 have been deferred and will be reconsidered as market conditions improve. The drilling of sustaining pads at all thermal operations has also been suspended.

The company is also deferring the development of a gas field in offshore China and Indonesia, while the Liuhua 29-1 field at the AsiaPacific Liwan Gas project is being advanced as planned with first production expected by the end of 2020. The company’s drive to improve process and occupational safety is unaffected by these cuts and remains a top priority.

LCSD continues teaching, digitally APRIL 2020

.................................. Virtual school bells are ringing loudly at Lloydminster Catholic School Division schools with the delivery of online learning during the COVID-19 crisis. LCSD teachers are continuing to expand classes to students on online platforms since the April 1 launch, using a combination of video calls, Google classrooms and

recorded presentations students can access at any time. “It is an exciting time for teachers as we too are learning a new way to deliver on the promise of education,” said Nigel McCarthy, director of education at LCSD. He says LCSD staff and administrators began to plan how to teach online the day after they learned all schools in Saskatche-

Lloyd Ex Easter meals bring smiles to families

APRIL 2020

.................................. The Lloyd Ex did their part to bring a sense of normalcy to the community over the holiday weekend with by-order Easter meals. Since the beginning of the COVID-19 crisis, the Ex has been providing pre-made meals through lunches and suppers for pick up or delivery. As Easter approached and it was apparent there wouldn’t be any relaxation to social distancing and isolation requirements, the Exh realized people would

not be having the same traditional family dinners they’re used to. “We realized there was an opportunity for us to help and provide people the same type of traditional meal without all the shopping, preparation and in quantities more specific to their needs,” said Lloyd Exh marketing manager Jackie Tomayer. “So we worked out a menu that would be easily sourced and put together by our staff, but also appeal to the public for that traditional Easter dinner.”

wan would close indefinitely on March 19 to slow the spread of the virus. “It is their focus on what is right for students and their belief that they can take a risk that got us started,” said McCarthy. Teachers are also

doing live demonstrations and live classes, while in some cases enabling students to ask questions about the materials they are covering. Zoom video conferencing and Google Hangouts are part of the digital teaching mix.

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Trudeau pulls trigger on “military-style” firearm ban MAY 2020

.................................. On Friday, May 7, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a ban on some 1,500 makes and models of

“military-style” weapons in Canada, effective immediately. Now, all licensed gun owners are no longer allowed to sell, transport, import or use these

weapons in the country. The minority Liberals enacted the ban through regulations approved by an order-in-council from cabinet — not through legislation. In practice, ordersin-council are drafted by cabinet and formally approved by

the governor general. Orders-in-council are not discussed by Parliament, and do not require legislation by Parliament, before being implemented. This swipe of the pen is a key aspect of the ban that has infuriated Western Canadians.

“You can take a standard regular hunting rifle and put a composite stock on it, a handle on it … you can dress it up, but it’s just putting lipstick on a pig, but it’s still a pig,” said local hunting expert Rob Dunham. “If it looks like that,

it’s now illegal. It’s an authoritarian move at the swipe of a pen taking advantage of a terrible, terrible, situation (Nova Scotia shootings and COVID-19) at a time when everyone is at home doing what they’re supposed to do and complying.”

MAY 2020

right now (regarding COVID-19), that had nothing to do with this donation. This is for all the good years, and I felt now was the time for Brian and Diane to give back to our community,” said Brian via telephone. “I first thought about helping out The Olive Tree last winter and approached Becky somet ime soon af t er that to see if there was something specific on their bucket list, and she mentioned a refrigerator van.” The Olive Tree’s executive director, Becky

Schille, explained the non-profit was able to successfully transport perishable food in the past using freezer blankets and coolers, but the van is a welcomed addition to The Olive Tree family. “We deliver food to

Onion Lake and we’ve previously tried not to send dairy and produce because it would sweat o n th e w ay the re , so now it’ll be much less stressful and we can go up and take our time, and it makes it much easier.”

Rollin’ in refrigerated-style

.................................. It seems Border City residents truly believe one good deed deserves another. Brian and Diane Prodahl, of Prodahl Environmental Services Ltd., recently presented the keys to a muchneeded refrigerated van to The Olive Tree. The van, valued at roughly $38,000, was purchased by the Prodahl’s using personal savings and not company funds. “Lloydminster’s been good to us, and whether things are good or bad

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Community supports equality for all JUNE 2020

.................................. Border City and area residents gathered Friday June 5 to peacefully express their solidarity with the Black Lives Matter protests currently taking place throughout the world. Roughly 100 people of

all ages, races, and walks of life gathered along Highway 16 by the Border Markers, proudly hoisting signs reading “HONK 4 EQUALITY” and “Don’t Ignore Something Because it Makes You Uncomfortable,” all while remaining peaceful as they

spread their message. Black Lives Matter protests have become a common sight worldwide following the death of George Floyd in Minneapolis on May 25. Police officer Derek Chauvin has been charged with second-degree murder in

Cancer crusader soldiers on JUNE 2020

.................................. Lloydminster kids’ cancer-fighting crusader, Jarrod Russell, will be wearing his heart on his sleeve during this year’s Great Cycle Challenge in August. The 44-year-old childhood cancer survivor will take part in his fifth annual challenge ride to raise funds for the SickKids Foundation in Toronto in support of cancer research and treatment for kids. Russell’s cycle chal-

lenge experience has led him to set a goal o f riding 1,200 kilo metres around town, more than he did in previous years. “I’m pushing myself more in kilometres to see how far I can go,” said Russell during a recent training ride. “If I reach it or don’t reach it, it’s for the joy of riding for the kids. They can’t come and play and ride their bikes. They are stuck in the hospital.” Russell hopes to add to the $113,048 he has raised during his first

four challenge rides as the top fundraiser across Canada. COVID-19 put SickKids on lock-down and postponed the cycle challenge from June to August. Russell, however, is up to the challenge and had already raised more than $1,400 in his first week of training with his sister Tanya Roberston cheer-leading the way. “We’ve always admired Jarrod for his willpower and his strength to take on this challenge,” she said.

Floyd’s death, while three other officers have been charged with aiding and abetting murder. Friday’s rally in the Border City was all about peace and equality for all, a message voiced by all who attended.

“Shep” hangs it up after decades of service JULY 2020

.................................. Old habits die hard, and for Brian “Shep” Sheppard, the old habit is a day job, and it’s finally time to hang it up. After nearly six decades in the world of sporting goods, Shep decided it was time to retire. You wouldn’t guess it by the way he energetically carries himself, but Shep turns 80 in January and is looking forward to having a little more personal time. “I started Oct. 1 of

’63 with Hunter Sports Shop, who Bill Foster had a partnership in and that lasted till 1972, and then it turned to Foster’s Sports Centre when he bought the business,” said Shep. When it comes to building long-lasting community relationships, Shep has had the pleasure of working with a number of local pro athletes over the years, something he won’t soon forget. “In this town, there just happens to be quite a few people that have gone to the NHL, and I

happen to know pretty well all of them personally. I’ve dealt with them and tried to get the equipment they might need,” he said.

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Lloyd Ex banking on foundation OCTOBER 2020

.................................. The Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association is borrowing a page from the GoFundMe self-financing concept with the launch of a Lloyd Ex Foundation. The Foundation will accept donations from individuals and businesses to keep it financially afloat and afford some legacy programs for youth. The Lloyd Ex has an operating budget of about $125,000 per month, but COVID19 restrictions on public gatherings have cut their event rental revenue by about 90 per cent. Lloyd Ex general manager, Jenelle Saskiw, held a press

conference in early October to explain the campaign is in response to inquiries from the public on how to help out—with four donation streams now available. The Foundation is accepting donations to Livestock and Crop programs, the ongoing Chase the Ace raffle, naming rights sponsorships and campground expansion on the exhibition grounds. “To this date, we really haven’t had a structured way for people to donate,” said Saskiw. “We hope these streams will make donating simple, easy and satisfying for everyone.” Saskiw hopes the Foundation will also allow Lloyd Ex to give

File Photo

Jenelle Saskiw, general manager of the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association.

back with youth programs and scholarships in the future. “We want to give back. That’s what the Lloyd Ex has always done,” she said. “Through our events, we’ve given back cherished times. People have been able to come here and create wonderful memories with their families.” In normal years,

Lloyd Ex hosts more than 800 events a year that attract more than 250,000 site visitors while generating about $47 million annually for the regional economy. As a non-profit, Lloyd Ex doesn’t qualify for any business-related federal subsidy programs during the pandemic and they aren’t anticipating any help from the government.

Cenovus and Husky combine in all-stock deal valued at $23.6B OCTOBER 2020

.................................. Cenovus Energy Inc. has agreed to buy Husky Energy Inc. in an all-stock deal valuing Husky at about $3.8 billion. The new company is expecting $1.2 billion in cost and capital synergies, a statement said, and will become the third largest Canadian oil and natural gas producer. Husky shareholders will receive 0.7845 of a Cenovus share and 0.0651 of a Cenovus share purchase warrant in exchange for each Husky common share, representing a 21 per cent premium excluding warrants, it said. After the deal, Cenovus will own 61 per cent of the new company, while Husky will hold a 39 per cent stake. Hong Kong billionaire Li Ka-

shing’s CK Hu t c h i so n H o l d ings, the main shareholder in Husky, will own about 27 per cent, according to a company presentation. The deal will see the two companies combine in an all-stock transaction valued at $23.6 billion, including debt, according to the statement. The move is intended to integrate oil and natural gas resources from the two companies and generate superior returns for investors. The deal gives Husky an enterprise value of approximately $10.2 billion. After the merger, the company will have about $12 billion in net debt and $8.5 billion in committed credit facilities from a broad banking syndicate, the presentation showed. The newly-combined com-

pany is expected to break even in 2021 at a West Texas Intermediate crude price of US$36 a barrel. It will continue to operate as Cenovus Energy with its headquarters remaining in Calgary, Alberta. The transaction has been approved by the boards of both companies and is expected to close in the first quarter of 2021.

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Vokins humbly accepts award OCTOBER 2020

.................................. Dick Vokins, owner of Image Press, marches to the beat of a different drummer who doesn’t need nor seek recognition. Vokin’s humble approach was evident from the video profile of his business and personal life leading to his pick by Chamber of Commerce president Paul Melrose-Wyatt and past president Corrine Kelly-Hyde for a Lifetime Achievement

Award at the 2020 Business Excellence Awards on Oct. 22. Vokins shared more about what makes him tick as a surprised award recipient at the Spiro’s Restaurant venue. “Wow, who’s that old guy? Thinking about what you need to do, you do what’s right. I practice the Christian faith and Jesus said you put God first and you put others second,” said Vokins. “If everybody did that,

what kind of environment would we live in? It would be fantastic.” The lifetime achievement award is given to someone who has made a significant contribution to the community and Vokins fit the bill perfectly.

LRHF honoured as Business of the Year OCTOBER 2020

.................................. It may not have been the year local businesses were hoping for, but the Border City business community proved anything can be accomplished when faced with adversity. The Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce hosted their 2020 Business Excellence Awards on Oct. 22, and the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation (LRHF) walked away with the Business of the Year award. LRHF CEO, Malcolm Radke, summed up his reaction to the news in one word, shock. “To be held in that light by the local business community is such an overwhelming compliment,” said Radke, noting the organization is a member of the Chamber. “I can definitely tell you the feeling is reciprocated, and our local frontline workers really felt supported and appreciated through the entire pandemic based on the local support to the facilities and to our foundation.”

Not only was the LRHF graced with the Business of the Year award, but they were also the recipients of the Community Spirit Award. “If you look at the nominees for the community spirit award, there were some great nominees, all doing great work, and all of them are actually donors to our foundation, so I think we were honoured just to be in that category,” he said. “Anyone could have won it, but when we won that award, our night was made. There were some very worthy recipients, so when we were named, I really didn’t know what to say.”

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New council sworn in, ready to work Real estate stronger than expected NOVEMBER 2020

NOVEMBER 2020

..................................

The Ts have all been crossed and the Is h a ve a l l b e e n d o tted as newly-elected council members were officially sworn in on Monday evening. After being sworn in himself, Mayor Gerald Aalbers swore in newly-elected councillors Lorelee Marin and Jason Whiting, as well as incumbents Coun. Aaron Buckingham,

The Lloydminster residential real estate market is shaping up to be a surprisingly good news story of the year despite a hellish spring for buyers, sellers and Realtors. The yearly data is trending upward according to Dave Jarvis, a sales agent with Royal LePage Musgrave Agencies during a Zoom presentation to the Lloydminster Rotary Club on Monday, Nov. 23. “I think the housing

Coun. Michael Diachuk, Coun. Glenn Fagnan and Coun. Jona-

than Torresan. “There is a lot of experience in that chamber, and having Coun. Whiting reelected again after being away for four years, I think it’s terrific, and Coun. Marin brings a lot of experience (in) from outside the chamber,” said Aalbers. “I think with six individuals and myself there will be good discussion, good debate, and we’ll help move the city forward over the next four years.” The post-election party will be cut short, however, as Aalbers and council get right to work.

market is in good shape and we have a fairly positive outlook for the next year,” said Jarvis. “We’re pleasantly absolutely surprised how well this year has gone given all the obstacles that were put in front of everybody in the city.” Year-to-date house sales number about 355, on par with past years, despite just 67 sales during a March 10-30 window when COVID19 and plunging oil prices shut the door on

economic activity. The impact was felt at Musgrave Agencies too, with their Costco warehouse development. “We had a contract with Costco that was unfortunately rescinded in January,” said Jarvis. “That’s not to say that’s not going to change in the future, but I am quite confident that was a result of things that were happening in the world at that time. They’re still quite interested in our community.”

Wagon races look beyond COVID DECEMBER 2020

.................................. Organizers of the new North American Chuckwagon Championship, coming to Halstead Downs next summer for the first of three annual races, are hoping COVID-19 won’t be a factor. The Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association and the Canadian Professional

Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) are thrilled to present the first nineday show from July 9-17, 2021 on a comewhat-may basis. “Last year, we were completely shut down. I don’t know if we will return back to normal capacity levels, but it’s looking really promising for us to at least bring a fair amount of people back in,” said Lloyd Ex

general manager, Jenelle Saskiw. The final four days of all shows up to 2023 will be held in conjunction with the Lloyd Ex Fair. The chuckwagon championships will see drivers from the CPCA and World Professional Chuckwagon Association compete in a standalone event separate from their tour competitions.

PAGE 13 Thursday, December 31, 2020 MERIDIAN SOURCE 306-825-5111 admin@meridansource.ca

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ACROSS 1. Listening organs 5. Brats 9. Verbalize 12. Ink spot 13. Field cover 14. Purpose 15. Grizzly, e.g. 16. Plumpest 18. 18-wheeler 19. To’s partner 20. Football throw 24. Entice 28. Received 32. Farm tower 33. Guy’s date 34. Roof overhangs 36. Anti’s answer 37. Legend

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