Meridian Source - January 5, 2023

Mount Joy to open under a cloud

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Mount Joy Snow Resort is putting on a happy face for this weekend’s season opener, but the longterm picture is glum with soaring insurance and operational costs.

The start to a fresh season, however, should be worry-free for skiers and snowboards with tons of natural and man-made snow on the slopes.

“It is going to be excellent conditions on the first day,” said resort president Chris Bogue on Tuesday.

“I was there Monday checking it out myself and we’re shaping up to have an amazing start to our season. It should be a good time.”

Bogue says volunteers completed a first run of snowmaking without a hitch with plans for another as the season rolls along.

In addition, the chalet has been painted inside and out along with some renovation and the lift Ts are rebuilt and serviced.

“All off-season improvements we’re done on a shoestring

budget, knowing our insurance was going to be that much higher this year,” said Bogue.

In fact, insurance costs have more than tripled from about $7,000 to $33,000 as a result of RMA Insurance cancelling coverage for at least eight resorts in Alberta.

“Our power went up a couple of hundred dollars a month,” added Bogue, while operating costs are currently close to $50,000 a year.

“So, everything has gone up. We’re hoping to lower it down if we could offset that burden with a major grant or a donation.

“We need a good year this year so we can continue to open next year.”

Bogue says if they don’t have the community coming out and enjoying the facility, it will close, noting that’s the harsh reality of being a non-profit organization.

“This is a not-forprofit, but there is real business that has to go into it and there’s real work that has to go into it,” he said.

“When it comes to

insurance, power, gas, our utility and supply costs, our inspection costs, it adds up in a hurry.”

Bogue says the resort is asking when people are thinking of skiing they think of Lloydminster first and choose Mount Joy.

“We need the local support here so we can maintain and sustain teaching kids how to ski and snowboard as well as providing a safe area for all ages to come out and enjoy,” he said.

Bogue says it’s also harder to find volunteers to keep on operating.

He thinks long-term sustainability involves having another organization helping out in a grander fashion noting this could be a make-orbreak year financially.

“We are rolling the dice on this. If we don’t have another year like

we did the last two years, we don’t know where we are going to stand at the end of this year or if we are going to have funds for the next couple of years,” he said.

Bogue, however, believes the community is interested in Mount Joy and they are trying to do everything right for the community as far as decision-making goes and trying to run things as smoothly as possible.

“We’re still one of the cheapest ski areas in all of Canada,” said Bogue. “Everything is easy until it’s not. That’s essentially where we’re at.”

“The ski industry has taken a terrific knock on insurance. Our insurance premiums this year are 33 per cent of our annual revenue.”

Buzz the Bobcats almost at goal!

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

The boys are almost there!

Since October 2022, the Lloydminster Bobcats have been trying to reach a $25,000 goal through the Buzz the Bobcats fundraiser to support mental health initiatives throughout the Lloydminster public and Lloydminster Catholic School Divisions through the Lloydminster Region Health Foundation.

If the $25,000 goal is met by the time the puck drops this Saturday night, all Bobcat players and coaches will have their heads buzzed on the ice after the game.

As of Wednesday morning, the team had already raised $22,905 with a few days left to fundraise.

“We are extremely excited to work with the Health Foundation on this initiative as they have gone above and beyond when it comes to giving back to our community,” said Bobcats forward Jayven Leslie.

“As a group, we understand mental health is not talked about nearly enough and affects so many people in our community in many different ways. Whether you are an athlete, parent, youth or young adult, nobody should have to suffer in silence and we hope we can do our part in changing that.”

Players chose to put the money towards mental health hoping to bring awareness to the situation and do their part in ending the stigma surrounding mental health.

According to a recent study, on average, onein-five Albertans struggles with mental issues. In Lloydminster, onein-three people on average struggles with mental health issues. Ultimately, the players hope to help tackle issues that affect our community so closely.

Special Buzz the Bobcats jerseys will also be up for auction at Saturday’s game to help bring in even more funding.

The puck drops at 7:30 p.m.

File Photo

Multiple arrests made for forcible confinement

- 2x Unsafe Storage of Firearm

On Nov. 19, 2022, Lloydminster RCMP responded to a complaint of an aggravated assault and forcible confinement at a residence within Lloydminster. As the investigation developed, officers from the Lloydminster RCMP General Investigation Section (GIS) were deployed and took the lead in the investigation.

As a result of the investigation, on Nov. 25, 2022, a search warrant was executed at a residence which resulted in the following items being seized:

- 3x Firearms

- Improvised Firearm silencer

- Ammunition - Multiple other weapons and Restraints

The victim will not be identified at this time, and there is no danger to the public as this occurrence was deemed to be premediated and targeted attack.

As a result of the investigation, RCMP have charged Cole Higgins, 26, a resident of Lloydminster, with: - Using a firearm in the commission of an offence

- Aggravated Assault - Forcible Confinement

- 2x Possession of Unauthorized Firearm

Higgins was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and was released from custody. He is set to appear before the courts on Jan. 18, in Lloydminster, Sask.

As a result of the investigation, RCMP have charged James Dean McAdam, 27, a resident of Saskatoon, with:

- Aggravated Assault

- Forcible Confinement

- Possession of a weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

McAdam was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and was remanded in custody. He is set to appear before the courts on Jan. 10, in Lloydminster, Sask.

As a result of the investigation, RCMP have charged Julie McAdam, 33, a resident of Lloydminster, with:

- Aggravated Assault

- Forcible Confinement

- Possession of a weapon for a Dangerous Purpose

- Possession of an Unauthorized Firearm while prohibited

Julie McAdam was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hear -

ing and was remanded in custody. She is set to appear before the courts on Jan. 9, in Lloydminster, Sask.

As a result of the investigation, RCMP have charged Tyrese Stonechild, 22, a resident of Onion Lake Cree Nation, with:

- Using a firearm in the commission of an offence

- Aggravated Assault

- Forcible Confinement

- Unsafe Storage of Firearm

- Possession of Unauthorized Firearm

- Possession of a stolen Firearm

- Pointing a Firearm

- Possession of Unauthorized Firearm while prohibited

Stonechild was held for a Judicial Interim Release Hearing and was remanded in custody. He is set to appear before the courts on Jan. 23, in Lloydminster, Sask.

As this matter is now before the courts, no further information will be provided.

Man charged in 2021 Frog Lake B&E

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

RCMP continue to investigate an occurrence that occurred on Dec. 13, 2021, where Bonnyville RCMP responded to a break and enter in progress where a homeowner interrupted suspects who pointed a gun at him.

As a result of continued investigation, on Dec. 15, 2022, Bonnyville RCMP, with the assistance of Airdrie RCMP, arrested Peter Edward Trottier,

35, a resident of Frog Lake.

- Trottier has been charged with 27 offences including:

- Weapons offences (x17)

- Kidnapping with a firearm

- Assault with a weapon (x4)

- Driving Offences

- Breaking and Entering

- Possession of property obtained by crime (x2)

Trottier appeared in Bonnyville Provincial Court on Jan. 3.

Joy out of business.

He says if the big insurance companies want to keep taking their money and leaving them with nothing, that’s not sustainable for them either, because it’s just going to drive Mount

“We’re just going to take it year by year to see what the community response is and what next year brings, but this year’s going to be great,” vows Bogue.

“Everybody is pretty

thrilled to get back. It’s great vibes. The ski patrollers and instructors are all trained up and ready to go. All our technicians are trained and ready to go. It should be pretty smooth running.”

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Seniors’ housing CEO eyes expansion

some renovations.

Stephanie Miller, the new CEO of Lloydminster Region Housing Group (LRHG), is carrying the torch for a proposed multi-million dollar expansion of Pioneer Lodge.

Miller talked about her commitment to grow and improve all seniors’ housing under their wing at the final 2022 meeting of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society on Dec. 20 —less than one month into her job.

On hand was Joy Bell, the former Pioneer Lodge and House administrator, who pitched the expansion a year ago at a thenestimated cost of $23.5 million to meet the demand.

“Joy has started a project about expanding the lodge and I hope to carry that forward as well. The government is opening an opportunity in the spring, so it’s basically just prep work right now,” Miller told the meeting.

“I’m jumping in with both feet and immersing my time, hopefully to expand housing in Lloydminster for seniors.”

That statement got a round of applause from seniors in attendance who were relieved Miller will take a proactive approach to seniors’ housing following the merger of the board of Pioneer Lodge and the Housing Group in June.

“I think we’re looking at a new direction for some of the facilities in town. I think that’s really positive,” said Concerned Citizens’ president Gra -

ham Brown.

Miller explained LRHG owns the Pioneer facilities and operates 415 rental units in Lloyd, Kitscoty and Marwayne for independent senior living and families, owned by the Alberta government.

She says the wait list, depending on the level of care, can exceed over 60, but “at this point in time, it fluctuates from week to week.”

Miller says the wait list at the independent living Lodge is about 10 to 15 right now.

“We are in the process of filling our vacant suites,” she said.

Miller notes during COVID there was a big slowdown on intakes.

“We weren’t allowed to bring in individuals, however, that’s since been lifted. They are moving in quite regularly.”

Miller was invited to the meeting by Brown to answer a lot of questions from seniors who live in the LRHG facilities who wanted to know if they will have more access to the new board concerning maintenance and safety issues.

“I do know the board is always accessible. If there were barriers in the past, definitely I want to take those away. Moving forward we have the ability to access them when needed,” said Miller.

Brown says access to the board is one of the big things for those seniors who pay rent and is pleased to know the new board will be communicative and receptive to their concerns moving forward.

“This new board is making it known residents will have access. There is a process, but they will be able to get on agendas and take concerns to the board, which is really a positive change,” Brown said.

Miller was told about a senior resident who died recently from injuries sustained from a fall getting out of the bathtub in one of the rental units and says she is hoping to do

“A lot of these assets are aging, so they need some work to them. So we’re hoping to spruce them up and make them more accessible for those who live there,” said Miller.

She also pointed out because facilities such as Knox Manor and Fellowship Village are not owned by LRHG, they can only do their best to forward requests and proposals for improvements to the Alberta Ministry of Seniors, Community and Social Services.

Brown says independent living is an oxymoron, noting when it comes to seniors, they need help with all kinds of services including snow clearing from entrances and sidewalks mentioned at the meeting.

“If the government wants to keep people in their homes longer, then there has to be better supports for seniors in their homes,” he said.

Miller says she plans to attend the seniors’ meetings once a month and notes what stood out in her first meeting was the engagement that went on.

“I love how passionate this group is and how engaged they are in making the community better,” she said.

“This was really eyeopening in a positive way for me. I really appreciated the feedback, the engagement and the commonality of making things better.”

Miller says the new board and her appoint -

ment

try going through a lot of change.

-

are indicators of the seniors housing and continuing care indus

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Stephanie Miller, the new CEO of Lloydminster Region Housing Group, centre, spoke to seniors in a late December meeting about her commitment to expanding seniors housing, including the proposed expansion of Pioneer Lodge pitched by former Lodge administrator Joy Bell, left, while Graham Brown, president of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society, looks on.

Aalbers foresees progress in 2023

has to happen in 2023” to comply with Canadian environmental effluent water requirements and timelines.

The project was 65 per cent completed in Sept. 2022, the last time council received a project update.

Hall,” he said.

“I’m hoping early in the new year. I have no indication of those decisions. They may just spring them on us. The sooner, the better.”

grated Health Services and Facility Infrastructure Needs Assessment updated.

Mayor Gerald Aalbers expects to cut at least one new red ribbon in 2023 while advancing some other outstanding project files such as the Lloydminster Place event arena.

Aalbers says the city’s top priority this year is to celebrate the commissioning and grand opening of the $81.5 million mechanical wastewater treatment facility.

The mayor expects that will happen closer to the end of the year. In fact, he said “that

“Priority No. 2 is securing as much funding as possible for the new Lloydminster Place event arena and making that final decision to move forward on a project I think will be very beneficial to the community,” said Aalbers.

The $86 million project is expected to be funded through municipal, federal, and joint provincial bodies with the city borrowing $33 million of the cost.

Aalbers says it’s a guess as to when the city will secure those federal and provincial funds.

“If I had that answer, we’d likely be moving things faster at City

In the meantime, Aalbers is getting ready to join some members of the Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council for a talk with Everett Hindley, the minister responsible for seniors, and rural and remote health in Saskatchewan in Regina on Jan. 25.

It will be an opportunity to discuss health service gaps in the Border City.

The advisory council has identified 15 health service gaps, including the issue of medical file transfers within all of Lloydminster.

Aalbers also expects to have good discussions with the health ministers from Saskatchewan and Alberta in 2023 to get the 2013 Lloydminster Inte -

Lloydminster residents have mailed dozens of letters to both ministers to get the plan revised as soon as possible in order to plan for new continuing care spaces in the area.

“It’s an ongoing battle,” said Aalbers.

“I think we will come together with a game plan with that and ensure the ministers fully understand the needs of our city and the surrounding area that serves a much greater area.”

Aalbers was also asked if the city can do anything to reduce the cost of living, especially for seniors with the added burden of a 4.8 per cent municipal tax levy increase, a taxation user fee increase of 4.5 per cent, plus a utility user fee increase of five per cent in the 2023 budget.

He says the cost of living is completely out of the control of the city because the same cost factors seniors experience is also affecting everyone else from single people to wage earners.

“We get put in a very tough spot,” said Aalbers. “We continue to support seniors as best as we can. The taxi program is an example. We support the Legacy Centre working with the volunteer groups, through FCSS and the programming we have.”

Aalbers says they will continue to do what they can at the taxpayer’s level driven from the city, but cautions it’s challenging.

“We’ll continue to inform the provincial and federal government what seniors are experiencing and where the need is greatest in our community,” he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

“We’re hearing it federally, provincially and locally everything about keeping people healthy, keeping them at home and being in the right place at the right time with the right supports,” she said.

Miller says her first few weeks on the job have been great for herself and her family at their homestead in Kitscoty.

She previously commuted to Edmonton where she worked as the chief operating officer for Connecting Care and was a former manager at Points West Living in Lloydminster and an Alberta Health Services home care worker in Vermilion and Kitscoty.

“It’s so good to be back in my local community the commute to Edmonton was long and challenging for my family, so being able to be back is a pleasure,” said Miller.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

File Photo

Blanket project a heartwarming hit

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Over 170 Lloydminster and area seniors had a heartwarming surprise this Christmas in the form of a new blanket.

The Blanket Buddy Project was the brainchild of Lloyd resident Trish Domes, who originally set out to collect blankets to supply each resident at one local long-term care facility with a Christmas blanket. That plan quickly and that is exactly what happened.”

For Domes, not only was the generosity of those donating blankets heartwarming, but the experience of actually delivering blankets was one she won’t soon forget.

“The residents were so grateful and so pleased,” she said. “The looks on their faces were priceless; it just made their day. There were smiles, hugs, and tears of joy from the residents.

“It’s so rewarding how an act of kindness can bring so much joy to someone.”

Domes also explained some of the residents had family members visiting who also got to share in the excitement.

“You never know what next year may bring, but I am definitely open to any opportunities that come my way.”

Church Directory

Supplied Photo

Lloydminster resident Trish Domes was all smiles as she posed with the 170-plus blankets she collected to be given to local seniors prior to Christmas.

Seniors keeping eyes on the prize

some insight from the Saskatchewan government when she attends the group’s first meeting of the year at the Legacy Centre on Jan. 10.

“We’re going to ask her what are the concerns of the Saskatchewan government regarding seniors’ care,” said Brown.

“What are some of the things she’s working on approving? We do know we want to increase the number of spaces in Lloydminster, Sask. for long-term care.”

paign to Hindley and AHS Minister Jason Copping in October, briefing them about Lloyd’s health services gaps “due to our location as compared to all other cities our size in either province,” as he wrote.

He also asked both ministers to update the existing 2013 Lloydminster Integrated Health Services and Facility Infrastructure Needs Assessment, also referred to as a community plan.

Canadians will be aged 65 or older by 2031, according to a recent national report, Ageing in the Right Place.

The report notes Canada’s health care and support systems, however, have not kept pace with its rapidly-aging population.

“We have to keep bringing the issues to the government and make sure they hear it,” said Brown.

seniors age in their own residences supported by home care services, and just 30 per cent on living in continuing care facilities.

Brown says local seniors still seek more answers from officials about the cost benefits of scheduled home care with some of the potential pitfalls identified.

GEOFF LEE WRITER

Graham Brown, president of Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society, didn’t blink once to reveal the leading issue for the next 12 months.

“The leading priorities in 2023 are more spaces, more spaces and more spaces, both in Alberta and in Saskatchewan,” said Brown in a new year outlook.

He notes the Saskatchewan Health

Authority (SHA) and Alberta Health Services (AHS) previously confirmed the Lloydminster region needs 148 continuing care spaces by 2035, but there are no plans in place to provide them.

“We know the government is interested in discussing that, so we want to try and take that forward if we can,” said Brown.

He’s hoping Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young might provide

Brown is also looking forward to hearing back from Lloydminster and District Health Advisory Council chair, Paul Richer, who is taking a group to Regina on Jan. 25 to talk about biprovincial health service gaps in our city.

They will have the ear of Everett Hindley, minister for mental health and addictions, seniors and rural and remote health.

Richer steered a public letter-writing cam -

The plan lists continuing care service priorities including transition units, palliative care services and respite services.

“We’re just going to go forward with the same issues and mainly start to go forward with more spaces on the Saskatchewan side, which it looks like governments are open to talking about,” said Brown.

Updates to the plan are up to both health ministers who cochair the Bi-Provincial Health Services Committee.

Brown says there is an urgency, knowing nearly a quarter of

“We’ve got to keep pushing and making sure the seniors in Lloydminster get what they need.”

Brown is also seeing more people coming to the meetings with so many seniors’ issues on the burner.

“Our group is becoming better known in the community and there’s new faces around the table, which is always welcome,” he said.

Brown is equally pleased the group has been able to attract key health officials and managers to address some of the concerns of seniors.

This includes questions about a government trend and a policy shift in Alberta, to having 70 per cent of

“It is something we’re going to have to work on together, like how do you deal with the unscheduled needs that happen at irregular times, and is that affordable?” Brown asks.

“If they tell us it’s so much cheaper to look after seniors in a home, then they are going to have to up their budget to make sure the support is there for staying in the home.”

Brown will continue to rally seniors to lobby for more facility spaces.

At a fall meeting about home care in 2022, he stated, “we applaud the governments in trying to keep people in their homes as long as they can. But we have to be prepared to have facilities spaces also, so when people need the spaces, the facilities are there.”

Aalbers was also asked if he thinks this might be the year Costco revives its plan posted on Build Works Canada in December 2019 to construct a warehouse, liquor store and gas station in the city.

“I’m likely to be the last one to know. If they decided to move forward that will be on their account. We’ll wait and see,” he said.

“I know there’s been a lot of discussion in

the city. I don’t know what to expect. I won’t even know a development permit is issued until I read it from someone else. Stay tuned.”

Neither of the two general contractors for the original project replied to our request for information about the status of the project, but a local Realtor affirmed it is still on file.

Costco Wholesale Canada pulled the plug on the project in early 2020 when COVID hit

and oil prices hit rock bottom, negatively affecting the Alberta economy.

Costco corporate reported in its latest earnings call, the U.S.based company plans to open 24 net new stores this year, including 15 in the U.S. and nine internationally.

There are 107 Costco retails in Canada as of Dec. 26, 2022, with Alberta locations serving an average population of 228.74k according to industry data.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Graham Brown, president of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society supports the findings of a recent aging-in-place study and local home care services in addition to providing new spaces for continuing care in our region. More spaces is the top priority in 2023. Pictured on his right is Dr. Raff Sayeed.

History of the Lloydminster Prolites

After the 1929-1930 hockey season ended, the Lloydminster Elks hockey team was renamed the Lloydminster Prolites.

According to the community-compiled book, 75 Years of Sport and Culture in Lloydminster , there was a neon sign advertising a popular brand of skates called CCM Prolite on the north end of the arena.

Les Rendell suggested, “since all of the team were wearing Prolite skates, The Prolites would be an appropriate name for the team.”

Bill Hoffman was brought in from Cutknife to coach and a number of players were added to the team.

This was made possible through the joint efforts of the local Board of Trade and the arena board.

Tragedy struck on Dec. 22, 1934, when the covered Lloydminster arena was destroyed by fire along with all the team’s equipment.

The arena board of directors held a meeting a few days later and decided to rebuild as soon as possible on the same site.

In the meantime, the ice surface was cleaned of debris and equipment was rounded up for the players to use.

The rebuilding began on Jan. 3, 1935, with the arrival of five railcars of lumber.

During this time, the players went on a six-game road trip in central Alberta. Their mode of transportation was a covered oneton truck heated by briquettes which had apparently been taken without permission from the nearby Canadian National Railway.

The covered rink quickly reopened in February which shows just how important it

was to the community.

The team won the Craig Cup for the 19341935 season defeating Vegreville.

The final game went into triple overtime. The following season was their best yet and they won the coveted Intermediate “A” Championship of Saskatchewan.

The Prolites were ineligible to play in 1938 due to owing $200 to the Saskatchewan Amateur Hockey Association. They requested financial assistance from the Board of Trade but unfortunately, the arena was also in financial trouble.

Together they came up with a solution of holding a district hockey tournament as a community fundraiser.

A dozen teams were entered and admission for the fans was 50 cents for adults which got them into all the games.

After the tournament, the team’s debt

was paid in full and the rink made an interest payment on their mortgage.

This first tournament had no prizes but showed great enthusiasm for hockey.

One of the original Prolites, Les Rendell was named coach and led them to victory in the Northern Saskatchewan Intermediate “A”

Champions in 19381939.

They lost in the provincial finals against Swift Current.

Lloydminster wasn’t exempt from the global effects of the Second World War which began on Sept. 1, 1939.

Many of the team’s players were also in the armed forces and went to fight overseas. Some

players moved on to the Camrose Maroons.

The Prolites continued with players from the Lloydminster High School and district.

The fire’s destruction of the covered rink, team debts, challenging winter travel and an outbreak of war didn’t stop Lloydminster folks from enjoying the great sport of hockey.

File Photo

Bobcats add former NHLer to coaching staff

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

There’s a new face behind the bench of the Lloydminster Junior A Bobcats, and it may be familiar to some.

On Dec. 21, the Bobcats announced the addition of Vermilion native and former NHLer Jeff Woywitka to its coaching staff.

Woywitka joined the team just before Christmas and is the team’s new associate and skills coach.

Throughout his storied hockey career, Woywitka played in over 600 professional hockey games, including 278 in the NHL between the St. Louis Blues, Dallas Stars, and New York Rangers. More recently, he’s spent the last six seasons as the head/assistant coach of the Sherwood Park Crusaders.

“I was in Sherwood Park for the longest time when I was playing because it was convenient for my hockey training, and that led to coaching with the Crusaders,” said Woywitka during practice on Tuesday.

“I was there for the past six years and thought it was time to move on, so I bought a house in Vermilion and I’ve been coaching my nephew’s U15 team in Wainwright.”

Woywitka also explained the timing

for a return to Junior hockey had to be right, and in the case of the Bobcats, the timing was perfect.

“(Head coach) Nigel (Dube) wants me to come in and help him,” said Woywitka.

“I’m going to be working with the defence and running a lot of the skills training, and he also wants a lot of my input, too, as far as the structure of the team and introducing a few new things.

“For me, learning and getting a feel for things here will be key, and we’ll see what the future holds.”

For Dube, the addition of Woywitka could be just what the doctor ordered.

“As an organization, we want to continue to move our program forward both on and off the ice,” said Dube.

“Adding Jeff to our staff is us taking another step forward in our plan. He has developed some of the best to come out of the AJHL and we look forward to him working with our players.”

The Bobcats have a busy upcoming home schedule and will play nine of their next 12 games at the Civic.

“We are gearing up for a big second half and Jeff is a start to it; we will be playing more in the Civic and

we need to make every game count and get the most out of our group.”

Of course, Woywitka is no stranger to the AJHL, but he’s also familiar with the local team and is looking forward to seeing what the future holds with them.

“It’s the team’s 40-year anniversary this year, so it’s a team that’s been around for a long time and I’ve known a lot of people that came through the program,” he said.

“When I was coaching in Sherwood Park and would come to Lloyd, it was always a great Junior setting with a great vibe, and I think the support of

the city is there.”

Going forward, Woywitka’s plan is to keep improving the program as far as recruiting, bringing in players, and developing players.

“It’s good to recruit, but you still have to develop, as well as make it an attractive place for players wanting to come and play here,” he said.

“It’s a team I believe deserved better in the past, but it hasn’t been there, and we want to get things to the elite level, but to get there it takes time, a lot of commitment, a lot of hard work, and investing from the players.

“The future looks good and I think

there’s a lot here to work with.”

The Bobcats host the Canmore Eagles this Saturday for their Buzz

the Bobcats fundraiser before hosting Drayton Valley for back-to-back games on Jan. 13 and Jan. 14.

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Former NHLer and Vermilion native, Jeff Woywitka, (centre, right) is the newest addition to the Lloydminster Bobcats coaching staff and is looking forward to what the team’s future holds.

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Viewpoint

Leeway from Lloyd: Resolve to cycle another year

STAFF WRITER GEOFF LEE

It’s that time again for new year resolutions. New year resolutions, of course, offer us a blank slate to make things right, but I don’t have too much to put right.

I do, of course, need to settle on a TV. I am on my fourth since the fall. The first two had unfixable glitches and the third, an LG, was a tad too small, so I exchanged it for a bigger screen. I think it’s a keeper.

was an auto timer on my Bose sound bar the LG is aware of.

I was just about to call MacGyver, but he’s probably fully booked and out buying chewing gum.

Anyway, having a smart TV is great to screen-mirror my Zwift cycling app from my iPhone to the TV in a matter of seconds.

have tree trunk legs, but I may not be using them to race.

Last year, I resolved to do a couple of bike races, and I did. I am not making any plans to compete this year, mainly to save money.

also be another local Bike for Breakfast ride.

Last year, there was a pretty good turnout for the event that annually raises funds for school breakfast programs in the city.

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

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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

However, it was turning itself off until I learned the problem

It makes cycling indoors so much fun and motivating to connect with local cyclists and pedal my road bike using a Bluetooth Wahoo Kickr trainer that mimics outdoor riding connected to the app.

Come spring, I should

For sure, I am done with Drumheller and done with Drayton Valley. It was just 6°C at the start of the 100 km race this past September in Drayton Valley, then it got too hot. Not fun.

My initial plan is to just ride for fitness and speed with shorter long rides, but that can go out the window on a whim.

Hopefully, there will

The course is also perfect to host a gran fondo race against the clock event in Lloydminster. These events are also good for your overall well-being as I am shamelessly promoting them.

That’s why I am also resolving to upgrade my job title from reporter to spin doctor.

How does Dr. RPM sound? Please wear a helmet to your appointment.

#Buckleup when you drive - it’s that easy

SGI’s January Traffic Safety Spotlight is shining some light on seatbelt safety.

“Seatbelts have been law in Saskatchewan since 1977 –that’s 45 years ago. And there is a mountain of scientific evidence that seatbelts save lives; not wearing one significantly increases the chances you’ll be

seriously injured – or worse – if you’re involved in a collision,” read a recent SGI news release.

“In 2021, one-third of vehicle occupant deaths on Saskatchewan roads involved a person who wasn’t wearing a seatbelt.

Since approximately 95 per cent of people do buckle up, that means the people who don’t are more

likely to be killed in a collision.

If wearing a seatbelt is part of your everyday driving routine, good for you. If it hasn’t been yet, it’s time to make it one of your New Year’s resolutions.

Law enforcement across the province will be watching for drivers who aren’t buckled in January.

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.

Square Dancing Introduction

NEW LOCATION!

Intro to square dancing will be held on Wednesday nights from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at City Church, 511549 Street. Walk to the beat of music by following simple instructions from the caller. Come alone or bring a friend. Wear whatever is comfortable. First evening is FREE!

Bingo at the Moose

The Moose Lodge, located at 5213-57 Street, Lloydminster, hosts bingo nights every Monday and Wednesday. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and play starts at 7 p.m. The Moose also hosts crib tournaments every second Sunday of the month. Start time is 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10 and lunch is $12.

Kaiser Tournament

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Kaiser tournament on Jan. 5. Play begins at 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10/person, lunch is available for $12. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584

for more info.

Cribbage Tournament

A cribbage tournament is being held at the Lloydminster Moose Lodge on Sunday, Jan. 8. Registration is from 9-9:45 a.m. with games starting at 10 a.m. Enter as a team or as an individual. Twelve games guaranteed. Entry fee is $10, lunch is available for $14.

Diabetes Education Classes

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting a diabetes education classes called “An Introduction to the Basics” on Jan. 10 from 12:30 - 4:30 p.m. in the Klinger Conference Room (across the hall from Suite 115, 4910 50 St.) of the Prairie North Plaza. To register, please call 306820-4887.

Lloydminster Indigenous Market

The Lloydminster Exhibition Association is hosting an Indigenous Market on Jan. 14 from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Passport to YLL

To place an event, email taylor@meridiansource.ca or fax 306-825-5147

Jamboree

A jamboree is being held at the Islay Community Hall on Jan. 15 at 1 p.m. Admission is $10, participants are free. Everyone welcome and lunch will be served. For more info, call Dixie at 780-744-2204. Funds raised support maintenance of the hall.

Trip to Mayfield Inn Dinner Theatre

Tickets are currently on sale for the Legacy Centre’s “DAY-AWAY” to Edmonton to the Mayfield Inn Dinner Theatre. The trip is on Wednesday, Jan. 18. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Spades Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades tournament on Jan. 19. Play begins at 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10/person, lunch is available for $12. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Jamboree/Dance

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Jamboree/ dance on Jan. 19. Doors

open at 5 p.m. and supper will be served at 6 p.m., then the jam begins. Admission is $15/person at the door, all members and guests welcomes. Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more info.

Aaron Goodvin at the Vic Juba

The Vic Juba Community Theatre presents Aaron Goodvin with opener Hailey Benedict on Jan. 20 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $55 each and are available online or at the Vic Juba box office.

Robbie Burns Nite

The Edgerton & District Historical Society is sponsoring the 33rd Annual Robbie Burns Nite at the Edgerton Agricultural Hall on Friday, Jan. 20, 2023. Happy Hour and Silent Auction begin at 5:30 p.m., and supper at 6:30 p.m. with a ceilidh to follow. Tickets are available at the Edgerton Village Office at 780-7553933 or Toys and Treasures, Wainwright at 780-842-3903 or at the door. Adults are $30.00 and children 12 and

under are $5.00. Call Louise at 780-755-2189 for more info.

Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance

The Flagstaff Scottish Club is proud to bring you its 15th Annual Robbie Burns Dinner and Dance on Jan. 21. The club invites you to the Killam Community Hall to celebrate. Doors open at 4:30 and the Haggis will be piped in at 5:45 p.m. Fraid Knot takes the stage at 9 p.m. Dress is Scottish Formal and tickets are $75+fees per ticket or a table of 8 for $550. Tickets are available at www.flagstaffscottishclub.com/ robbieburns

Cribbage Doubles Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Cribbage doubles tournament on Jan. 26, so bring a partner. Play begins at 10 a.m. The cost to play is $10/ person, lunch is available for $12. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-8754584 for more info.

Pancake Breakfast

The Legacy Cen -

Sask on course for population target

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Saskatchewan heads into 2023 with a population of over 1.2 million for the first time.

The province reported record population growth of more than 10,000 people in the third quarter of 2022 and more than 22,000 people over the course of 2022.

This is the largest annual population growth in more than a century since 1921 with fourth quarter results

ending Dec. 31 yet to come.

Premier Scott Moe says at the current rate of growth, Saskatchewan will reach its growth plan goal of 1.4 million people by 2030.

“Mor e people, more jobs and more opportunities means more investment in important services like health and education and a better quality of life in our province,” Moe said in a lateDecember news release.

“That’s growth that works

for everyone.”

Saskatchewan’s population grew by 22,135 to 1,205,119 people year over year from Oct. 1, 2021 to Oct. 1 2022.

The quarterly population growth of 10,316 people is the largest ever recorded since Statistics Canada began releasing quarterly population estimates in 1971.

“Saskatchewan is a great place to live with plenty of jobs and opportunities, vibrant communities, and

affordable housing and cost of living compared to many places in Canada,” said Moe

“That’s why Saskatchewan today is growing at its fastest pace in more than a century.”

Saskatchewan’s record population growth in the third quarter of this year was driven by net international migration of 10,553 and a natural increase

tre is hosting a pancake breakfast from 911:30 a.m. on Jan. 29. The cost is $12/person ($6/12 years and under), everyone welcome! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more info.

Luke McMaster at the Vic Juba

The Vic Juba Community Theatre and the Lloydminster Concert Series Association brings Luke McMaster to the stage on Feb. 1 for a 7:30 p.m. show. Tickets are $40 for adults and $5 for students and are available online or at the Vic Juba box office.

Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys at the Vic Juba Jake Vaadeland & The Sturgeon River Boys will be taking the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Feb. 3 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $34.20 and available online or at the Vic Juba box office.

If you have something you’d like to see in our community calendar, please email the listing to taylor@ meridiansource.ca

(births minus deaths) of 1,261 offset by net interprovincial outmigration of 1,498.

Careers

Shout out for Cattleman’s Call

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

The second annual Cattleman’s Call will soon be “herd” at Lloyd Ex.

This two day event will kick off Jan. 13 at 2:30 p.m. on a Friday

with the new pen show and capping off the night with a great “Bull Session” social.

Saturday will see another great lineup including open heifers, yearling and twoyear-old bulls as well as

group classes.

The call is billed as an opportunity to network with purebred breeders to find the next sire for your herd. Industry partners will be there for an opportunity to exchange resources, network in a

relaxed setting. Admission is free and Lloyd Ex invites everyone join some great socializing and industry connection in what promises to be a great event for the area and the ag industry.

It’s supported by the Lloydminster Agricultural Exhibition Association that is a community-based organization serving Lloydminster and area since 1904.

The association exists to enhance both the

Indexation to save Sask taxpayers

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Saskatchewan residents will enjoy $94.5 million in annual income tax savings when they file their 2023 tax returns about 16 months from now thanks to indexation.

The level of indexation in 2023 will be 6.3 per cent, which matches the annual average national inflation rate from October 2021 to September 2022.

In Saskatchewan and Alberta, tax bracket thresholds and credit amounts have been indexed for inflation by 2.3 per cent for the current 2022 tax year.

Personal income tax returns for 2022 must be filed by May 1, or June 15 for those who are self-employed.

In the 2023 tax year, through indexation, on average, an individual with an income of $25,000 will see $125 in savings, a family of four with a combined annual income of $75,000 will save $371 and a family of four with a combined annual income of $100,000 will save $362.

The Saskatchewan Affordability Tax Credit (SATC) payment and indexation are among the government initiatives helping make life

more affordable for Saskatchewan people.

Indexation of the provincial Personal Income Tax (PIT) system preserves the real value of personal tax credits, the income tax brackets, as well as benefits such as the Saskatchewan LowIncome Tax Credit.

Saskatchewan has among the lowest personal taxes in the country. Since 2007 PIT exemptions have removed more than 112,000 people from the province’s income tax roll.

In total, PIT reductions since 2007 are providing over $720 million in annual income tax savings to Saskatchewan people.

In addition, a family of four pays no provincial income tax on their first $56,550 of com -

bined income which is among the highest thresholds in Canada.

In late August, the Government of Saskatchewan introduced the Four Point Affordability Plan and in addition to the onetime $500 SATC payments, the small business tax rate reduction was extended by a year to further support small businesses as they continue to recover from the pandemic and face inflationary pressures.

The plan also included keeping gym and fitness memberships and recreational activities for youth PST exempt. The province’s strong finances allow government to reduce borrowing and retire up to $1 billion in debt, resulting in lower annual interest costs

and allowing those savings to be invested into priorities such as health care, education and social safety nets.

“Saskatchewan is forecast to lead all provinces in economic growth this year and next, and strong revenue from our resources has allowed us to help individuals and businesses with higher costs due to inflation, while paying down debt. That’s growth that works for everyone,” Deputy Premier and Finance Minister Donna Harpauer said.

Al so helping with affordability, families in Saskatchewan with children enrolled in sports, arts and cultural activities will continue to be able to claim the Active

agricultural and urban communities, by providing facilities and resources for the development and conducting of business, education, social and recreation activities throughout the year.

Families Benefit on their 2023 taxes.

The benefit was reinstated in 2021 and provides a refundable tax credit of $150 per year, per child, to eligible families. Families of children with a disability will receive an additional $50, for a total tax credit of $200 per year, per child. Parents who enrol their children in sports, arts and cultural activities are reminded to keep their receipts so they may claim the benefit with their annual tax filings.

“Our government recognizes that costs have risen due to inflation, and we are committed to taking steps to help keep life affordable for Saskatchewan people,” said Harpauer.

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LAND FOR SALE

FARMLAND AND PASTURE LAND BY SASKATCHEWAN

RIVER. 160 acres. Best hunting in Saskatchewan. Excellent fishing. Thick pine & poplar bluffs, by water coulee. Old yard site with power and water. Revenue Potential. East of Prince Albert, SK. $248,000. Call Doug 306-716-2671.

3 QUARTERS OF CROPLAND South of Weyburn, SK. Distressed sale. Priced below market at 1.27 x assessment, with a 4% return with lease. $594,800.00. Call Doug at 306716-2671.

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