Meridian Source - October 10, 2024

Frustration boils over shelter location

It’s been five years in the making. Frustrations surrounding living conditions near the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter have recently boiled over.

Graeme Friesen has lived nearby since late 2006. He’s also the board president of the Glencoe Condominium Corporation. It’s a 64-unit condo complex within 500 meters of the shelter. He expressed many concerns to the Meridian Source after writing a letter opposing the new shelter proposal.

“I have witnessed a drastic increase in property damage, theft, and violence in the area, particularly in the past five years,” said Friesen.

“My experience is consistent with research indicating a 56 per cent increase in property crime near shelters and with the experiences of the tenants of the 64 condo units I help oversee.”

Drug use, discarded needles, theft and trespassing are all significant concerns of the residents. The operation of the shelter effects those in north-east Lloydminster daily.

“Everyone I’ve asked about the matter who lives in this area (including myself) has been a victim of increased theft or vandalism,” said Friesen.

“Expensive tools have been stolen from vehicles. Bikes and propane have been stolen. Patio items have been abused, damaged, or taken.”

Vince Scott is a local landowner and businessperson. He recently found an individual sleeping inside a locked vehicle they had brought into the business. Additionally, he spoke of how unsafe it is for anyone to be outside.

“My office assistant lives nearby and

wants to walk to work,” said Scott.

“She can’t, not without being badgered or intimidated, she can’t walk to work.”

This sentiment permeates the community where kids can’t play at the local park anymore. Meanwhile, some say they can’t even cross the street due to some of the unhoused. The frequent discovery and disposal of needles, drugs and paraphernalia in backyards and on sidewalks, they say, is worse in their area than anywhere else in the city.

However, many recognized the need for the shelter. They just don’t want the expansion in their area. Scott wants the whole project to move towards the north end of town.

“We’ve always had these issues, not to this magnitude, though. There is an old

office building in the industrial park. You could do it in layers,” he suggested.

“You could have men on one floor, women on another, mental health on another … you could control who comes in and out, and you’re not in a residential area.”

A local group organized a town hall, where safety concerns were one of the main topics. Although some discussions became heated, attendees described it as a valuable way to exchange ideas. Additionally, shelter board members were there to take some of the feedback from the community.

Even with the recent rule changes at the shelter, there has been very little noticeable change.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Dan Gray Meridian Source Photo

Young hears voters on healthcare

Bingo! The push to re-elect Lloydminster MLA Colleen Young gained steam with the grand opening of her campaign office in the old bingo hall at 4207 40th Ave. on Oct. 7.

Young took a moment to thank her supporters and talk about how healthcare is shaping up to be a top issue for constituents in the Oct. 28 provincial election.

In Pierceland, for example, Young says a decision by Alberta Health Services (AHS) to block Saskatchewan residents from seeing doctors in Cold Lake and Bonnyville has left residents in the lurch.

“Because now AHS said, no longer; it’s a struggle for them because they are driving to either Meadow Lake or Lloydminster or Saskatoon which is quite a distance,” said Young.

Young noted she successfully lobbied to bring an ambulance to service to Pierceland and Goodsoil in 2022 and promises to advocate for a potential clinic a couple of times a month if re-elected.

The replacement of Jubilee Home in Lloydminster is also an election issue and a project Young will continue to strongly advocate for.

She hopes the government will prioritize the construction of a long-term care (LTC) home on the Saskatchewan side of Lloydminster.

“In Lloydminster, I know there are waiting lists,” said Young.

“More importantly, I get to hear from families. Even though we have spaces in some of our small rural communities where folks can be placed, it becomes tough for families to visit on a regular basis.”

It was recently reported by the Meridian Source, there are roughly 30 people in the region waiting for a LTC space.

Young says Jubilee Home is old and was built to provide services that are different from those needed today for residents.

“Our health minister (Everett Hindley) when

“Break-and-enter, stalking, and theft have all been reported in the past week,” said Friesen.

However, he noticed an increase in police presence, which he says is appreciated.

The creation of the East Side Citizens Coalition hopes to address some of these issues.

“They are a loosely formed organization created to help deal with neighbourhood concerns,” said Friesen.

The group has even created a petition against the shelter with over 500 signatures at last check.

Meanwhile, he has some requirements he hopes those in power will consider when placing a newer facil -

he was here, recognized we need to modernize to serve our seniors at different stages of their aging,” said Young.

She also expects more progress, if she and the Sask Party are re-elected and a planned meeting of health ministers and officials from Alberta and Sask. takes place in Lloydminster in early January.

Young says Lloydminster Hospital expansion and rejuvenation is one of topics on the plate.

“I have been in this community for 38 years and have seen us go from a population of 14,000 to about 35,000 and serving 150,000 with the surrounding area,” she said.

“And we’ve never seen a significant expansion in services to the hospital.”

Young says crime is the big issue in rural communities and affordability with most voters.

“There’s been an affordability platform being put forward addressing our students, seniors and families,” said Young who is gunning for her fourth term in office.

Premier Scott Moe has promised to cut personal

ity. Even if that means in the same neighbourhood.

- Enhanced security measures such as increased patrols in my neighbourhood, and security cameras around the shelter and support centre to deter illicit activities.

- Controlled access points to monitor who enters and exits the shelter.

- A curfew implemented on the Community Support Centre and men’s shelter.

- No loitering women allowed on the premises or adjacent properties.

- Active addiction cases moved offsite to an isolated recovery centre. If this is not feasible, they must be enrolled in a recovery program and counseling to claim a bed at

the shelter.

income tax and raise the low income tax credit in his election platform.

Young was first elected to the Sask. Legislature in a 2014 by-election and re-elected in the 2016 and 2020 provincial elections.

This time around, she is running against NDP candidate Adam Tremblay and Regina resident Patrick McNally from the Green Party and she likes her chances.

“I’ve had very positive reactions at the door and out in my rural community,” said Young.

She says her nomination was last November and prior to that she did a lot of work meeting folks out in rural areas.

“So I believe I have a strong sense of support out there from my rural constituencies,” said Young.

She also has no thoughts about this being her final term in office if re-elected.

“I just want to be re-elected to continue advocating for my constituents and try to accomplish a few more things for this community and the constituents,” said Young.

-Background checks and refusal to provide space for registered sex offenders (as there is a school and numerous children within a few hundred metres of the shelter).

-Locked doors and keycards for clients to ensure that spaces are controlled.

-Shelter clients must be actively searching for employment. There should be regular checks to see if this is the case.

-A 90-day maximum stay at the shelter.

-A focus on moving clients into affordable housing throughout the community using a dispersion model.

-A security rebate offered to those

within 150 metres (even up to 400 metres, ideally) of the shelter to offset the cost of the additional security equipment they must purchase (and have already been purchasing)

According to Scott, property values have plummeted in the area, and he has this warning for the city if they approve the new shelter.

“They better have their chequebook ready, they will have to buy a lot of properties in this area, we’re fed up.”

Sept. 27 marked the beginning of a 90-day decision period for the city.

Nevertheless, frustration festers, and the original shelter will remain in place. In conclusion, citizens hope everyone involved with the shelter hears their concerns.

SHELTER LOCATION FROM PAGE 1

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source Photo

A familiar pillar of the border city

Spiro Kokanas - you’d be hardpressed to find a member of the Lloydminster community who didn’t know the name. He’s been a pillar of the community for over half a century.

Spiro arrived in Canada at 16-years-old. His father, who had left Greece to go to Brazil, had been sponsored to come to Canada by family. Eventually, his father sponsored him to come to Canada. He went from Greece to Halifax by boat before taking a train to Saskatoon.

He spent his formative years in Saskatoon working in restaurants, eventually marrying his wife, Tina.

Spiro, and his brothers, Jim, and Bill, were looking for a business to run.

“They were looking for a community to find a business to run, something they could have as their own, the three brothers were looking to branch out together,” said Spiro’s daughter Maria Kokonas.

The first foray out of Saskatoon wasn’t the right fit for them. They continued to look for opportunity elsewhere, and eventually, the young family found the right fit.

“Lloydminster came on the radar, there was maybe 2,500 people here at that time?” asked Maria. Spiro added, “it was not a city at that time, it was close to 3,000 people.

“It was not very big, the three young bucks came to Lloydminster,” said Maria.

The family arrived in the border city in 1970 and were ready to work.

“Right where Wendy’s is, there was a gas station,” said Maria. Spiro

quickly clarified, “a Shell gas station.”

“In those years they put a restaurant in the gas station, we came for that purpose, we took that over,” said Spiro.

The family suffered a tragedy halfway through the decade.

“He (Jim) died in ‘75 and we stayed from there on,” said Spiro. “We went downtown where Cliff Rose is and we opened up a restaurant.”

The family sold the Ranchero, their first restaurant in Lloydminster, and opened the 3K Family Restaurant.

Unlike their first adventure as owners, the second family restaurant fell on hard times. The economy during this period started to decline and Spiro says that wasn’t the only issue.

“There were other things involved, we thought we were big shots, nobody wanted to work, so it went bust,” recounted Spiro. “One morning I came to open the restaurant and the lock was changed.”

“We lost the business, everything, and the bank, the credit union took our house,” said Spiro. “Everything was gone.”

Maria pointed out it was, “Collateral, right.”

Spiro began his hunt to find a job and quickly hit a wall.

“Nobody will hire me, I was overqualified,” said Spiro “It was in the paper they were looking for cooks, I would go and ask but nobody would hire me.”

An interesting point along the Spiro timeline is despite losing the house they hadn’t moved out.

“We stayed in the house, we were paying rent, $700 a month,” Spiro explained. “My wife was working, but I couldn’t find a job.”

When Spiro went to pay rent for the house, he was greeted by Peter Gulak who had a proposition that left him speechless.

“Peter came from his office, and he says do you want a business,” explained Spiro. “Peter, I said, you must be joking, with what? With buttons?”

“He says ‘don’t worry about the money.’”

A café on 50 St. was looking to sell, which Spiro described as being about

25 feet wide.

“It was nothing to brag about, but to me at that time it was good,” said Spiro.

Despite the place looking to sell for $30,000, Spiro eventually acquired it for $20,000 and had an extra $2,000 to buy what he needed.

“I shouldn’t say that was the bank that gave me that money or was it impersonal?” Spiro questioned.

Ultimately the $22,000, which may have come from Gulak or from the bank, was Spiro’s and he was ready to open his new restaurant.

The newly Spiro-run restaurant, the Lighthouse, was off to the races, and it grew considerably.

“They were there until 1989 or ‘89,” said Maria.

They sold the Lighthouse after growing the business considerably. Spiro says he doesn’t remember exactly how much he got for it but thinks it’s in the ballpark of $70,000.

The Kokonas family had another interesting run-in at the bank.

“I went to pay the rent for the house, and he says you want your house back? I said I don’t have money to pay,” said Spiro.

He explains he was told the rent he was paying would be put as a down payment and when he ended up with $5,000, the bank would turn that over to him. Spiro got the house back and was fresh out of his previous restaurant venture.

“We’d done well in there, then we took the money, and we came down to the 7-Eleven,” he said.

The Meridian Plaza would be his next restaurant destination.

“We had a bay and one door, which seated I think 25 people, it was little,” said Maria. “At the time it was on the outskirts of Lloydminster, this area had not been developed.”

She explained there wasn’t much in the area south of Highway 16. There may have been a few homes, but most of the land remained empty or used for farming.

“We took a gamble to go there, there were other businesses starting to come down to that end,” said Maria.

The store at the time wasn’t very busy until they had an idea.

“We weren’t very busy, my brother, who was a university student in Edmonton at the time had suggested, we’re Greek, we make pizza,” explained Maria.

“But it was the same time Family Pizza was coming in,” Spiro pointed out.

The family had an idea how they would pack their store with hungry customers.

“We brought two-for-one pizza to Lloydminster,” said Maria.

Maria says with the looming threat of Family Pizza coming in across the road, the family got to work figuring out a menu. They ran into a roadblock when they realized they didn’t have the money to get the word out across the whole city.

“We printed a menu out, we bought the phone number 4241,” explained Maria.

The number was a play on the “for two pizzas for one price.”

“Dad took menus to apartment buildings, we’d just drop menus wherever we would go,” said Maria.

“We couldn’t keep up, the phone was ringing, we literally had to take the phone off because we couldn’t keep up.”

The demand for the two-for-one pizza was massive. People came in and packed the small store by the Meridian Plaza to get their homemade two-for-one pizza.

“We didn’t have the infrastructure for what we had done,” explained Maria.

She says people were coming in and the business was gaining traction in the community.

“Felt like we belonged, we were in the right spot, businesses were starting to come down that way, we were getting busier, and a bay opened beside us,” said Maria.

The chance to expand the small restaurant was something the family jumped on. The previously small restaurant that could seat 25 people had grown.

“We had a pretty great takeout business, we needed to move the till to the new area, now we got two doors,” said Maria.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Courtesy of Spiro’s.

The business, according to Maria, had the space to offer a smoking and non-smoking side as well as space for their sit-down and takeout business.

“We were busy at lunch, we were busy at supper, and it was just enough. It was a great place to eat, it was a great place to get your pizzas,” said Maria. “We had never lost that family value at Spiro’s.”

The dining room grew two more times, eventually sitting 135 people. It was also the family’s first experience with a banquet room. Though the front of house continued to grow, the kitchen never grew. Then the next opportunity presented itself.

“One day Bill Musgrave came in, he started talking to us and he said, ‘you know what, I need a restaurant where my hotel is,’” explained Maria.

“The way he said it, I want you to build me a restaurant on my parking lot,” clarified Spiro.

Maria and Spiro weren’t sure how to take the proposal until Musgrave came back.

“I remember the day he picked us up in his Suburban, he brought us to this hotel and there’s a meeting room on the second floor,” said Maria. “He had the plans drawn for the restaurant, he opened the curtains and the plans and said, ‘right there is your restaurant.’”

Maria also explained the offer was to get the family there, whether Musgrave built the restaurant, the Kokonas family leased it, or they built it themselves, Musgrave wanted the family in that location.

At the time Spiro was nearing his mid-60s and the conversation came up about the future of the restaurant. The thought came up to shut down the restaurant, but Maria had a different idea.

“I remember saying no, no, no, no, no I’ll do it I’ll take it, I couldn’t say those words fast enough,” said Maria.

She was willing to do what it took to successfully run the business. With her father by her side, she dove into the new restaurant and opportunity.

With every opportunity comes risk, and in this case, they still had three years left on their previous agreement at the Meridian Plaza.

“The day we opened this restaurant, she (Lucky Garden) took over the other,” said Spiro. The lease remained and the tenant at the time paid the family, if anything were to happen it would fall back on the Kokanas family to foot the bill.

“If she didn’t, if she wasn’t able to make it, it would come back to us, it’s quite a gamble for us,”

said Maria.

It did work out for the family; Lucky Garden remains in the Meridian Plaza.

Looking back on the journey, Maria says the most important thing was never losing the family values in the restaurant.

“It’s been a ride. We’ve rode some highs and some very lows, it’s been an adventure and we have always maintained that family restaurant image, we’ve never lost it,” she said.

Spiro, reflecting on his time here, has a deep admiration for not only the city, but Canada. His love for Canada was expressed through a poem he wrote.

“This is a story, my friend for everyone to hear, the story about Canada and everyone in here, we are all Canadians no matter what the breed. English, French, Indigenous, Germans, Arabs, Greeks. So, we should not discriminate our fellow countrymen. We should all live in peace because we are all Canadians. Canada is a blessed land and here is our home,” Spiro recited holding back tears.

Hwy 16 - 75 Ave.

52 Ave. - Queen Elizabeth School

39 St. - 54 Ave. Anniversary Park Hwy 16 - 70 Ave.

51 Ave. - Queen Elizabeth School

12 St. - 59 Ave.

15 St. - 52B Ave.

39 St. - Holy Rosary School

39 St. - Holy Rosary School Hwy 16 - 66 Ave.

59 Ave. - 29 St. Bud Miller Park

65 Ave. - 35 St. - ST. Thomas School Hwy 16 - 80 Ave.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Church Directory

Spiro and Tina Kokonas

Colour the picture any way you like!

Send your finished artwork to andrea@meridiansource.ca or drop off at 5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK.

Pictures will be judged and the winner will receive a family of 5 MOVIE PASS at the May Cinema 6

[*Certain conditions may apply]

The winner’s photo will be displayed on the front page of the paper on October 31

CONTEST RULES: One entry per person. Open to all ages. All entries must be submitted by Monday, October 21, 2024

Chicken tenders donation to charity

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

The Olive Tree received a boost to their outreach support following two large donations from Mary Brown’s Chicken.

Mary Brown’s ran two fundraising campaigns to gather donations at their Lloydminster location..

“We like to do some sort of food drive every year,” said Ashleigh Jarvis, Mary Brown’s owner. “This year we decided to support Lloydminster because we have two stores here.”

“We were looking at options of where to go and The Olive Tree is always a really good supporter of our community so we wanted to help how we could.”

The first of the two campaigns saw the restaurant giving away free chicken sandwhiches in exchange for food donations.

“Every time you made a food donation you got a free Big Mary,” said Jana Thompson, chief operations officer, The Olive Tree. “They ended up giving away 710 Big Mary’s and they donated over 550 pounds of food to us.”

Progress made on health fronts

The Lloydminster dialysis project continues to make headway.

Paul Richer shared the good news with seniors from his recent meeting of the Bi-Provincial Health Committee chaired by the assistant deputy health ministers from Saskatchewan and Alberta.

“We’ve got Chandos Construction doing demolition and by the summer of 2025, we should have a ribbon cutting - late summer, I predict,” reported Richer on dialysis.

Richer sits on the committee as chair of the Lloydminster District Health Advisory Council and made a a report at the Oct.1 meeting of the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society.

He also told the meeting two elevators are being replaced in the Lloydminster Hospital.

“They’re going to fix one elevator that goes into another elevator,” he explained.

Richer also noted some of the committee members are councillors in adjoining municipalities to Lloydminster.

On that point he said the council in the RM of Britannia has instructed its administration to send a letter to the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health with regards to the Jubilee Home replacement need.

The Seniors Care Society is working with Red Bicycle Communications to prepare a short revised replacement proposal to send to the Ministry of Health for the replacement of Jubilee.

Richer also reported Saskatchewan Health Authority has allocated $250,000 to complete an advanced plan for long-term care (LTC) in North Battleford.

He says they already have two and a half times the LTC spaces compared the population in Lloydminster.

“So they’re doing something right and we’e doing something wrong,” said Richer.

The second fundraising campaign was born of an idea on how to advertise a new product on the Mary Brown’s menu.

“We’ll have a wing eating contest that would be fun,” said Jarvis. “We had four people from the community come out and do it, and we told them $15 every one you eat.”

The participants only had five minutes to eat as many wings as they could, turning the fun contest into a $1005 donation to The Olive Tree ultimately eating 67 wings.

Thompson says the money and food continues to support The Olive

Tree and the service they provide to the community.

“It seems like we’re very low on food donations all the time right now, that’s just a sign of the economy, the cost of food right now is higher, a lot more people are requesting support in that way,” she said.

The funds and food both go towards the meal programs at the charity and their hamper programs.

“Even to have the money that we can go purchase things we need that’s an amazing contribution,” said Thompson.

With files from Dan Gray

Christian Apostolovski Meridian Source

Mary Brown’s Chicken owner Ashleigh Jarvis, left, presenting a cheque to The Olive Tree with Jana Thompson, chief operations officer, The Olive Tree, right there to accept on behalf of the charity.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Notice of

application to be filed for approval of the natural gas distribution franchise agreement between the City of Lloydminster and ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd.

Application summary

The Alberta Utilities Commission expects to receive an application from ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. to approve the existing current and valid natural gas distribution franchise agreement with the City of Lloydminster. This application for approval is required due to changes made by the Utilities Affordability Statutes Amendment Act, 2024, to various statutes governing franchise agreements.

The current franchise agreement, which took effect in June of 2018, grants ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. the exclusive right to deliver natural gas to the residents of City of Lloydminster for approximately 12 years. No changes to the franchise agreement or to the franchise fee rate rider percentage are being made as part of this application. The franchise fee rate rider percentage will remain at its current rate, which is 26.5%. Including linear taxes, the resulting average monthly franchise fee for an average residential customer will remain the same at approximately $14.57. The franchise fee is calculated based on distribution charges. An average residential customer uses about 105 gigajoules per year.

You may send your concerns about, objections to, or support for the application in writing to the City of Lloydminster or to ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. on or before October 17, 2024 at:

City of Lloydminster, City Clerk, 4420 50 Avenue, Lloydminster AB/SK, T9V 0W2, phone: 780-875-6184; email: cityclerk@lloydminster.ca

ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd., Attn: Franchise Agreement Coordinator, 5302 Forand Street S.W. Calgary, Alberta, T3E 8B4, phone: 310-5678 or 1-888-511-7550; email: franchisecoordinatorgas@atco.com

Any submissions received, unless you request otherwise, will be part of the application submitted and will become part of the public record.

For more information on franchises or to receive a copy of the franchise agreement please contact either the City of Lloydminster or ATCO Gas and Pipelines Ltd. at the addresses listed above.

For more information:

For more information about the AUC or its approval process associated with franchise applications, please contact the AUC directly at 310-4AUC or at info@auc.ab.ca.

The Alberta Utilities Commission is an independent, quasi-judicial regulatory body responsible for making decisions about utility-related applications.

Issued on October 3, 2024.

Alberta Utilities Commission

310-4AUC 1-833-511-4AUC www.auc.ca

1400, 600 Third Avenue S.W. Calgary, Alberta T2P 0G5

Vic Juba Theatre in need of new lights

help pay for the lights.

The Vic Juba Community Theatre is campaigning for a new set of automated stage lights.

The automated stage lighting fixtures are due for replacement.

“Our current fixtures are 22 years old and showing their age—errors are becoming more frequent, and parts are increasingly scarce due to the outdated technology,” said Jen McConnell, general manager, Vic Juba Community Theatre.

She says the project is critical to the groups that use the facility.

“Upgrading to a new system will not only provide significant energy savings, but it will also ensure our lighting capabilities remain functional and up to industry standards,” said McConnell.

“This is especially important for the youth dance and theatre groups who call this venue home, as the right lighting can truly enhance the range and impact of their performances.”

The cost of the project is $150,000 and availability of parts has been an issue. An upcoming concert will be raising money to

“The Lloydminster Regional Theatre Foundation is so fortunate that our friend, Otis Rusling, is sponsoring the Shaela Miller concert on Nov.7 and is donating 100 per cent of the ticket sales to Friends of Weaver Park and the Lloydminster Regional Theatre Foundation,” said Gwen Mottram, chair of the Lloydminster Regional Theatre Foundation.

The theatre Foundation will be using their share of the $20 ticket towards the new lightning.

“The Foundation is very happy to hear the theatre has recently acquired several moving lights from an estate sale. Although they do not replace the entire automated stage lighting system, and they are older technology, they will help extend the life of the current lighting system by a couple of years,” said Mottram.

The foundation hosts two additional major fundraising galas while encouraging patrons to donate on Giving Tuesday on Dec. 3. Money raised from these events will be put towards the stage lights.

People who want to donate to the theatre can do so on their website.

Shelter proposal headed to appeal

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

The proposed expansion of the Lloydminster Men’s Shelter is on hold, pending an independent review.

That is according to Kagan Kneen, director of the men’s shelter.

“The current proposal was denied by the city,” stated Kneen late Friday afternoon. “We do plan to appeal.”

The official letter from the city to residents within 150 meters of the shelter, gave few details as to why the decision was made.

“Please be advised the application as described below does not meet the requirements of Land Use Bylaw 5-2016 and has been refused by the City of Lloydminster Development Authority,” states the letter dated Oct. 1, 2024.

The review board is the next step

for the appeals process. During a recent meeting between staff and concerned citizens at city hall, it was confirmed they have overturned decisions in the past. One such time was regarding a warming shelter in the area.

Kneen is concerned about the implications if the decision isn’t overturned by the board. As they will remain in the original location.

“There won’t be a warming shelter or 24-7 washrooms available,” said Kneen. “Meaning, some of the communities major concerns would not be properly addressed,” said Kneen. Residents within 150 meters of the current facility will receive another set of letters acknowledging the start of the appeal process. The appeal will be heard on Oct. 23 at 9 a.m.in Council Chambers.

Facebook Photo

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Viewpoint

Leave it to Weaver: No shortage of sports

5921-50 Avenue, Lloydminster, SK S9V 2A4

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The MERIDIAN SOURCE is published once a week, on Thursday. All material printed in the Meridian Source is copyright and may not be copied or reproduced without the express permission of the publisher. The Meridian Source reserves the right to refuse publication of any advertising or editorial material at its discretion. Columns and letters are the expressed view of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Meridian Source.

Editor Taylor Weaver taylor@meridiansource.ca

EDITOR

TAYLOR WEAVER

For me, Thin Lizzy’s “The Boys Are Back In Town” will forever be associated with the start of hockey season in the border city.

There’s no denying Lloyd is a hockey town, but there’s something special about weekends at the rink with friends and family.

I’ve been covering sports in Lloyd since moving here from High River, Alta., in 2014, and I

have to say, we’ve got it all.

From baseball and equine sports in the summer, hockey and indoor court sports in the winter and everything in between, Lloyd is blessed with athletics.

The variety of sports offered in Lloyd is worth talking about, but so is the calibre of athletes being brought into the city.

The Lakeland College Rustlers programs, for example, blows my mind. The student population isn’t overly large, but the athletes taking an interest in Rustlers’ programs, especially internation-

ally, are second to none. Things are heating up on the court and I’m excited to see how things go.

The Lloydminster Bobcats are another great example. They’ve had ups and downs since I started following the team in 2014. The start of this season may not have gone as planned, but as of late, the boys are finding their confidence and making every shift count. It’s exciting stuff.

The ‘Cats are back on home ice against the Devon Xtreme on Oct. 18. See you at the rink!

Chris’ A-Z: Ashtrays hurt

Staff Writer Geoff Lee geoff@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Christian Apostolovski christian@meridiansource.ca

Staff Writer Dan Gray dan.gray@meridiansource.ca

Marketing Consultant Andrea Allen andrea@meridiansource.ca

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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

Prior to becoming a journalist, in my early 20s I worked in retail. I guess I’ve always liked being around people and dealing with the public.

A golden rule of working in retail if you are under threat or getting robbed it’s important to comply with the person so you don’t get injured.

Well, I found an interesting story of a man in 1930s Lloydminster, who took a robbery as a challenge.

No one would be surprised to hear that Lloydminster has always had its issues with crime. It’s located as a major stopping point on the Trans-Canada

Highway network, it’s the hub of some small neighbouring cities, it can easily attract crime.

Back in. Aug. 30, 1934, the Lloydminster Times, the newspaper of the day reported on an attempted bank heist. The title of the article, “Dillinger 2nd Attempts to Hold Up Bank,” indicated this was not the man’s first try at a life of crime.

The man was a local and entered the bank manager’s office and handed him a note asking for $1,000. It also threatened that if he wasn’t out of there soon more men with guns would enter.

A “Mr. Rowland” was the bank manager and he got a quick view of the gun. As I stated before if you’re ever being robbed at gunpoint you should comply with the person robbing you. Well Rowland

had another idea, he grabbed a nearby ashtray and walloped the robber with it before wrestling him to the ground and calling for help.

The gun, it turned out, was just a wooden fake as RCMP quickly discovered. One quote I found regarding the incident reads as follows, “An ashtray was the weapon of choice for a quick-thinking bank manager fending off a bumbling bank robbery.” The robber claimed he was forced into it by the people mentioned in the note. Ultimately, he was sentenced to 16 months in jail.

Taking matters into your own hands is never the answer, you have no idea what the outcome could be. But for Rowland, the ashtray was enough to knock the last of the brains out of his would-be robber.

Letter to the Editor: Care beds election issue

With the Saskatchewan provincial election happening soon, voters in Lloydminster need to know the city’s current status concerning continuing care beds.

There are 214 supportive living and long term care beds on Alberta side of the city and only 50 in Saskatchewan. This gives a total of 264 spaces in the city. It is worthwhile to note that Saskatchewan has provided these 50 care spaces in 1958 without an increase since. Alberta on the other hand has increased its number of beds from 0 to 214 for the same time period. Considering that the Lloydminster population has grown since 1958, why hasn’t the Saskatchewan government built new continuing care spaces in Lloydminster?

For comparison, North Battl -

eford has a population of 13,836 and has 253 care spaces, while Lloydminster has a population of over 36,000 but only 264 care spaces. If both municipalities were treated equally, Lloydminster should have close to 3 times the number of care beds that it has now.

Why are we being shortchanged when it comes to providing care for our elderly and physically challenged citizens?

The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors’ Care Society has been advocating to our provincial governments for more continuing care spaces for over 20 years.

Currently, we are working to have the Saskatchewan government increase care spaces in Lloydminster.

We are not asking for more than our fair share of spaces; all

we are asking is that Saskatchewan treat Lloydminster the same as other municipalities.

The Lloydminster Concerned Citizens have developed a recommendation for a new regional continuing care facility in Saskatchewan. It covers replacing the aging 50 spaces in the Jubilee Home long term care centre. with a new facility with 180 spaces.

Ask the candidates running for MLA if they will support the Saskatchewan government building more care spaces. Ask that Lloydminster be treated fairly.

For more details on the Concerned Citizens proposal, it can be found, online, at: https:// www.facebook.com/LloydminsterConcernedCitizens/ - John Erkelens, vice president, Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors’ Care Society

Thursday, October 10, 2024

Leeway from Lloyd: Election campaign sleepy so far Opinion

The Saskatchewan general election is shaping up to be a yawner with no game-changing events, issues or personal scandals expected to rock the boat prior to voting day on Oct. 28.

Donald Trump is not on the ballot!

The usual key issues so far are affordability, healthcare and education with the ruling Saskatchewan Party and the main opposition New Democratic Party offering their own platforms. It’s not, however, a slam dunk for the Saskatchewan Party to hold all its seats with the new Saskatchewan United Party and the Buffalo Party also contending for votes in rural Saskatchewan where the Sask. Party has a stronghold.

The Saskatchewan United Party, which

formed in 2022, has named two candidates who represented the Sask. Party as MLAs in the past, for example.

In addition, in the 2020 election, the Buffalo Party finished second in four rural ridings, and third place in the overall popular vote, despite running far fewer candidates than the Green Party or the Progressive Conservatives.

Premier Scott Moe is likely to play it safe and just take verbal jabs at Prime Minister Justin Trudeau rather than slug toe-to-toe with the competition in the campaign.

The full slate of parties are the Saskatchewan United Party, Saskatchewan Party, Saskatchewan Green Party, New Democratic Party and the Buffalo Party.

So far, there is one independent candidate with the candidate nomination deadline on Oct. 12.

In the Lloydminster riding, voters have a choice between incumbent MLA Colleen Young,

Gray Matters: The work of elected officials

Having covered politicians of all levels, I am familiar with impromptu town hall meetings and the difficulties they bring. This is not the only place elected officials hear from the people.

After conversations with hundreds of those officials, I know they all have multiple ways of getting information.

They field phone calls and emails, attend meetings, and go on community outings. Many are voracious news consumers who want to stay on top of their community’s pulse. However, there is not enough time

“I can’t even say that without crying, we are all Canadians no matter where we’re from. I wrote the story from my heart and truly believe I am an immigrant, and here I chose to live,” he said, finishing the poem he wrote called “The Heart of an Immigrant.”

Spiro has given back to the community he holds dear with a Thanksgiving dinner, which he says was an idea his wife came up with.

“I went to the Anglican Church, they have a hall and I told them what I wanted to do,” said Spiro. “They donated the hall, first year approximately we had maybe 150 people,”

“I went around asking businesses if they can donate anything, because we didn’t really have much

in the day for them to attend every event they’re requested at.

I know some officials who put in 80-hour weeks, 40 at their primary job and 40 more to improve their communities, something many of us can’t say we’d do. They have visions and aspirations for their communities. Instead of playing keyboard warrior, calling for resignations, criticizing, and throwing around accusations like confetti, they put their money, effort, and time where their mouth is.

When controversial topics like land use and transit arise, multiple city-led initiatives, including public meetings, are held to gather information.

Other “we’re angry now, but only for a short time” issues,

of our own to do the whole thing.”

He said soon they had people bringing more and more and donations ramped up, it was more than they could use. On top of the increase in donations, they also saw a large spike in people wanting to volunteer.

They continued their tradition of giving back to the community with Thanksgiving dinners for 30 years before turning it over to a local charity to continue the tradition.

Residents of Lloydminster are familiar with the 50 Ave. restaurant, enjoying a taste of authentic Greek food from a family who has remained a pillar in the community over five decades later. Getting the chance to meet the man behind the name, and the successor to the restaurant, Maria.

who is the Minister of Advanced Education, NDP hopeful Adam Tremblay and Patrick McNally with the Green Party.

Both know bi-provincial issues are always a fly in the ointment, whether it’s Saskatchewan or Alberta going to the polls.

Whoever gets elected, needs to pressure the Ministry of Health to replace the Jubilee Home and expand or upgrade the Lloydminster Hospital, which serves a large region.

Let’s hope both candidates also pitch the need for some new subsidized housing for low-income seniors and rent relief for seniors and single parents who don’t qualify for subsidized housing.

Education also needs to be properly funded as the lengthy job action and strikes by teachers over the past year focused the need for more resources in the classroom and new schools too.

Barring a major political earthquake or a Martian invasion, the outcome could be forgettable by Halloween.

of which there are many in a fouryear term, are heard through many of the ways mentioned above. Does this completely nullify their non-attendance of every community town hall meeting, No, although it does give some context.

As I stated last week, stand up and get out there if you think you can do a better job. Although the nominations for council are now closed, there are always boards, volunteer organizations and groups looking for members.

As journalists, some of our core

values are maintaining oversight of transparency, standards, and answerability. We are the eyes and ears of our community, a job not taken lightly.

We will continue to listen, observe and report on what matters to our community.

When you read this, we’ll know who in the community stood up and offered their time to improve Lloyd. I can guarantee you the list of people willing and able to complain will remain much larger than those willing to do something about it.

Canadian newspapers are powered by journalists, not AI. They check the facts so you can trust what you’re reading.

That’s why 4 in 5 people in Canada come back each week for more. Thanks for keeping it real with us.

nationalnewspaperweek.ca

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. To place an

Passport to YLL

Cards, games, food, meetings, live music

Intro to Square Dancing

Modern square dancing lessons are being offered every Wednesday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. at 5115 - 49 Ave. 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. For more info, contact 780-872-2493 or visit SquareDanceLloydArea.com

Bingo at the Moose Lodge

Bingo will be held every Monday and Wednesday, except holidays, at Moose Lodge 5213 57 St., Lloydminster. Doors open at 5 p.m. with games starting at 7 p.m. Must be at least 18 to play.

Legacy Centre Day Trip

The Legacy Centre is hosting a day-away bus trip to the Mayfield Inn in Edmonton and tickets are available now! The trip is on Oct. 23 and the bus leaves from the Legacy Centre parking lot. Brunch is at 10 a.m. with the production of “Musicians gone wild in NASHVILLE” starting at noon. Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details and tickets.

Legacy Supper/Dance

The Legacy Centre is hosting a supper and dance on Oct. 11. Doors open and dancin’ at 5 p.m., supper served at 6 p.m., then dance the night away to the music of Gord Cormier (Newfoundland and Labrador). Advanced tickets only. Tickets are $35/person, limited tickets left! Call the Legacy office at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Cribbage Doubles Tourney

The Legacy Centre is hosting a cribbage doubles tournament on Oct. 17. Play begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10 to play, lunch is available for $12. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy Centre at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Basic Amateur Radio Class

The Sask Alta Radio Club is hosting a basic amateur radio class in Vermilion this fall (classroom location to be determined). The first class is Oct. 19 and run every Saturday until the end of March 2025, with a break over Christmas. Costs is $100, which covers the course and study book. Classes run from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. For more information, please visit saskaltarc.ca or find them on Facebook.

Islay Jamboree

The Islay Jamboree is being held on Oct. 20 at 1 p.m. at the Islay Community Hall. Admission is $15, participants free. Everyone welcome, lunch served. For more info, call Dixie at 780-744-2204.

Singles Cribbage Tourney

The Lloydminster Moose Lodge is hosting a cribbage singles tournament on Oct. 20 from 1-4 p.m. Entry fee is $20/person, eight games guaranteed with prizes awarded to the top finishers. Must register by Thursday, Oct. 17. For more info, call Bruce at 780-522-6972.

Special Olympics AGM

Lloydminster Special Olympics will be holding their annual general meeting on Oct. 21 at 4:30 p.m. at Lloyd Lanes Bowling Alley. Every -

one welcome!

Stroke TIA Class

The Saskatchewan Health Authority is hosting a stroke/TIA class on Oct. 21 in Suite 115 of the Prairie North Plaza. The class runs from 12:30-1:30 p.m. To register, please call 306-820-6243. This class is free.

Spades Tournament

The Legacy Centre is hosting a Spades tournament on Oct. 24. Play begins at 10 a.m., cost is $10 to play, lunch is available for $12. Everyone welcome! Call the Legacy Centre at 780-875-4584 for more details.

Kitscoty Christmas Craft Show

The Kitscoty Christmas Craft Show is scheuled for Oct. 26 from 10 a.m. -4 p.m. at the Kitscoty Hall. Admission is $2. The show will feature 50 vendors.

Cribbage Tournament

There will be a cribbage tournament on Oct. 27 at the Hillmond Hall. Registration is at 10 a.m., play begins at 11 a.m. Registration is $10, lunch is $15.

Shaela Miller at The Vic Juba

Shaela Miller takes the stage at the Vic Juba Community Theatre on Thursday, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $20 and available at vicjubatheatre.ca or call the box office at 780-872-7400. Ticket revenue will be divided between Lloydminster Regional Theatre Foundation and Friends of Weaver Park. Double your impact and support two great local non-profit organizations.

Chilliwack RCMP looking for male

Chilliwack RCMP is looking for Jeffrey Tkatchuk, who has two outstanding warrants for his arrest.

Tkatchuk is described as:

- Caucasian male

- 38 years old

- 5’8 / 173cm tall

- 181 lbs / 82kg

- Black hair

- Green eyes

Tkatchuk has been charged with several offences stemming from a complex drug trafficking investigation within a Correctional Service of Canada facility in the Fraser Valley.

A warrant was issued for Tkatchuk’s arrest but when police attended his home to execute the warrant, he was not located.

Tkatchuk is currently on parole and was found to have failed to comply with the

conditions of his parole. A second Canadawide warrant has been issued for his arrest.

Tkatchuk was last believed to be in the Vancouver area. Anyone with information on Tkatchuk’s whereabouts is asked to call your local police or the Chilliwack RCMP at 604-792-4611.

Fall Suppers

Fort Pitt Fall Supper

The Fort Pitt fall supper, sponsored by the Fort Pitt Club and All Saints Anglican Women, is scheduled for Sept. 29 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m. at the Fort Pitt Hall. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for kids six12, preschool free.

Bethal Lutheran Church

Lea Park Beef Supper

The Bethel Lutheran Church supper will be held on Oct. 6 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the Tulliby Lake Agriplex. It is a free will offering. The event will feature South Pacific Polynesian Cultural and Mission Group for special entertainment.

Hillmond Turkey Supper

The Hillmond turkey supper will be held at the Hillmond Hall on Sunday, Oct. 6 from 4:30-6:30 p.m. Admission is $20 for adults, $10 for kids six-12, preschoolers are free.

Blackfoot Fall Beef Supper

The Blackfoot fall beef supper is being held at the Blackfoot Hall on Oct. 20 from 5-6:30 p.m. Cost is $17 for adults, $8 for kids 6-12, five and under eat for free.

Marywayne Fall Supper

The Marwayne fall supper is scheduled for Oct. 27 from 5-7 p.m. at the Marwayne Community Hall. The menu includes turkey, ham and all the trimmings. Cost is $20 for adults, $12 for 12 and under. Cash and debit available.

- Want to see your listing in our calendar? Email it to taylor@ meridiansource.ca

Battleford man charged with attempted murder

A Battleford man is facing attempted murder charges after a shooting in North Battleford.

Battlefords RCMP received a report of a shooting on the 1400 block of 109 St., in North Battleford on Oct. 3.

Officers responded immediately locating two adult males with gunshot injuries at a residence. Both men were taken to hospital by EMS with injuries described as serious in nature. Officers located and arrested two adult males and an adult female near the scene.

Resulting from the continued investigation, Adrian Dreaver, 21, from North Battleford is charged with:

- Two counts, attempted murder

- One count, possession of a firearm while prohibited

- One count, possession of ammunition while prohibited

- One count, possession of a firearm without a license

- One count, possession of a firearm knowing possession unauthorized

The adult female and male who were arrested were later released without charge. RCMP continue to investigate.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Supplied Photo

Polling problems persist in Saskatchewan

The current polling across the province of Saskatchewan has the Sask. Party winning a majority government.

However, according to Dr. Daniel Westlake, an associate professor of political science at the University of Saskatchewan, there is a lack of polling in the province. He believes that is a significant issue.

“Taking an average of two polls isn’t really much of an average especially in the case of what we’ve got in Saskatchewan,” said Westlake. “The polls we do have are pointing in quite different directions and we have no way of knowing which way is right.”

Pollsters have conducted only four polls across the province since July 25. The two Insightrix polls show each party winning a narrow victory, depending on the date. In July, the NDP was projected to win by a point.

Their September poll projected the Saskatchewan Party winning by a point. The Saskatchewan Party will win if the other two polls come to fruition. The Angus Reid Poll shows them winning by seven points. Meanwhile, the Mainstreet poll has them winning by 10 points.

“It just means that we have a lot of uncertainty because we don’t have a lot of different polls, which means that there isn’t really a way to tell if there are differences in method or just differences in the samples they’re reaching that are affecting their results,” stated Westlake.

He’s concerned that there is no real way to know who’s getting closer to the reality in Saskatchewan. The other problem with lack of polling is knowing

what the issues are and how they resonate in each segment of the province.

“We’re a small province. It’s hard to get fine grained, detailed polling data on not only the province as a whole, but a different segment of the population. I haven’t seen a lot to suggest where issues are more popular and not,” stated Westlake.

Some of the limited polling indicates that costs of living, healthcare, and economy management are key issues heading into election season. Those same polls show that voters still prefer the Saskatchewan Party for handling the economy and energy policy. The NDP gets more support on healthcare and education.

Westlake surmised that a teacher’s strike might push more people towards voting for the NDP. Meanwhile, those impacted by a carbon tax in rural areas may be more

RCMP investigating assault

described as 5’11” tall and 192 lbs.

inclined to vote Sask. Party based on policy.

“In different parts of the province, you’re starting with different numbers of people already predisposed to being supportive of each party,” explained Westlake. “There are some kind of fixed characteristics that I think help to explain the difference between rural and urban areas. And there are issues that will change over time, which may affect rural and urban areas differently or may have similar effects across different parts of the province.”

To win a majority government in Saskatchewan, you need 31 seats in the legislature. Despite limited polling, 338Canada.com currently projects the Saskatchewan Party to win a majority government with between 33 and 46 seats. The two other parties will have no representation as it stands.

The election will be held on Oct. 28.

“On Oct. 6, 2024, at approximately 12:15 p.m., Battlefords RCMP were conducting proactive patrols and observed an adult male who was seriously injured, running on the 900 block of 106 St. in North Battleford, SK,” stated the RCMP.

“The man entered the hospital before officers could approach him.

Due to the severity of the man’s injuries, officers followed and ultimately assisted medical staff with initial life-saving efforts.”

Police determined 33-year-old Adam Write to be the suspect. He is

He has brown eyes and is believed to have long black and blonde hair. He has a scar on his left elbow.

He has been charged with:

- One count, aggravated assault

- Two counts, fail to comply with probation order

- One count, possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose

A warrant has been issued for Adam Wright’s arrest.

Do not approach Wright if seen.

RCMP request you Report all sightings and information about his whereabouts to Battlefords RCMP at 310-RCMP (7267).

The Meridian Source o ce will be closed Monday, October 14, 2024 to allow our sta to spend time with family and friends We are thankful for you continued support

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Screenshot

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Connections can cure loneliness

There’s no cure-all pill for loneliness, but connecting with others is a proven remedy.

That was the key point of a presentation called Understanding Loneliness by speaker, Patricia Morgan during a National Seniors’ Day learn and lunch at the Legacy Centre on Oct. 3.

Morgan is a clinical psychologist from Calgary who told the gathering loneliness was declared a global epidemic in 2018 by the World Health Organization.

She says loneliness is known to be able to cause as much harm as smoking a pack of cigarettes a day.

“It can affect your mental health, your physical health. It can increase dementia, heart disease and stroke,” said Morgan.

She recently authored an award-winning Canadian counselling book titled, Return to Centre: Simple Strategies to Navigate Distress, Depression, and Disconnection.

“Loneliness causes depression,” said Morgan, making loneliness a no-brainer topic for seniors.

The subject and the event were organized by Lloydminster Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the Lloydminster Learning Council Association.

“I dug into it and found out we had an expert from Alberta who could speak to us about loneli -

ness and offer us solutions,” said Marie Pierre Côté, community development coordinator with FCSS.

“Patricia is going to talk to us about the differences between isolation, being lonely and feeling lonely,” explained Côté at the outset.

“Many seniors are feeling lonely and are lonely, but there’s ways to combat that loneliness and we’re going to find out how.”

Morgan latched on to social connections to put a stop to loneliness.

“We need all kinds of connections. We need to have a confidant that we feel comfortable just being ourselves,” she said.

“We need to have a sense of belonging where we’re with family breaking bread. We need to have a sense of community where we can give our gifts and know we are on purpose.”

Morgan recognized that might be easier said than done for people with introverted preferences, but she said everyone can learn to make connections.

“Human beings are hard wired for connection and we evolved to have a sense of safety when we’re in community,” she said.

The trick, said Morgan is to start by embracing and loving yourself and acknowledge you are lonely and do something about it.

Surprising she noted a Harvard study shows youth aged 18-25 and not seniors is the most lonely demographic followed by single moms at home.

“We need to be in the emotional and energetic space of other people. We need to hear voices, to make eye contact and we need to see heads nod—all of that,” said Morgan.

The event included free cookies for attendees, a draw for door prizes and lunch catered by Colleen Hozack.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Patricia Morgan spoke about combatting loneliness at a National Seniors’ Day learn and lunch at the Legacy Centre on Oct. 3. Morgan is an award winning author from Calgary who has a master’s degree in clinical psychology.

Regional Fire Review

newer members.

Legacy and County of Vermilion River Protective Services reported no significant calls this week. However, they are focused on training and the upcoming Fire Prevention Week.

Extrication is one of those skills firefighters frequently use, and Legacy recently spent a training night practising it.

An increase in new firefighters at the department led to senior members passing on advice about how to work a collision scene safely.

Older members pass down decades of real-life experience to the next generation of first responders.

Regional chief, Dean Peters, says pairing recruits with mentors is imperative and part of their mandatory training.

“Just a few weeks ago, at the plane crash, a senior member taking on a newer member seemed to work well,” said Peters, referring to one of the two recent fatal crashes.

“They also show them some basic stuff like putting on their gear properly and using a breathing apparatus.”

Peters grabbed the bobcat and tipped over a well-used pick-up truck in the back parking lot. Not before the well-travelled dummy was placed so his arm would be crushed by the tipped truck.

Upon arrival at the scene of their rescue vehicle, stability was explained to some of the team’s

“Think of it like a triangle. If you stand straight up and down and I push you, you’ll tip over easily,” Peters explained while gently pushing one of the members.

He had them spread their stance and push again, demonstrating they were less likely to tip over.

It was the same when they went to work extricating the individual from the truck. They used braces on one side to create a triangle, which prevented the truck from flipping. They then worked to extricate the plasticized victim.

These lessons and the teamwork developed in training translate into critical minutes during real emergencies—minutes that can save lives. Peters explains other reasons it’s important to conduct this training regularly.

“It builds muscle memory and helps get the skill sets down, we also find we learn something new every time,” said Peters. “No two accidents are ever the same, so we have to bring these skillsets to every call.”

Both departments are active in the community throughout this upcoming week, which is Fire Prevention Week. They attend schools, demonstrate fire extinguisher use, and discuss smoke detectors and fire escape plans.

If you need fire services in an emergency, you are always encouraged to call 9-1-1.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Dan Gray Meridian Source Photos

It’s business reconciliation in action

Let’s make a deal. That’s the perennial expectation of the Lloydminster Economic Partnership that aims to connect Indigenous and non-Indigenous people with mutually beneficial business opportunities.

More deals were expected to be made at the 2024 meeting, hosted by the Lloydminster Chamber of Commerce at the WLS Convention Centre on Oct. 2, two days after the national day of Truth and Reconciliation.

“This event started 12 years before Truth and Reconciliation, so we adopted the Calls to Action No. 92 to be a part for business reconciliation,” said Teri-Lynn MacKie, executive director of the chamber.

“Every year, we bring together Indigenous and

non Indigenous business to develop partnerships and bridge those gaps. It’s important because we are finding the connections and the business deals are being made.”

MacKie says last year more than $1.1 million worth of deals got made at the event.

“So we have tangible evidence showing bringing people together helps with the economic development,” she said.

MacKie says that means, Calls to Action 92 is actually working.

Milton Tootoosis who hails from Poundmaker First Nation says the event is especially important following closely on the heels of the Truth and Reconciliation holiday.

“It’s immensely important for Canadians who don’t know the recent history of Canada including the residential school experience,” he said, repre -

senting the Saskatoon Region Economic Authority.

Tootoosis is their chief economic reconciliation officer.

“It’s also important in terms of solutions. I think a forum like this gives all of us an opportunity to learn and connect and hopefully, make some decisions for economic reconciliation solutions,” he said.

Tootoosis was among an audience of about 200 people to experience an Indigenous Women Empowerment panel, business connection meetups exhibitors and keynote speakers such as Cadmus Delorme, a former Chief of Cowessess First Nation in Sask.

Delorme is now the founding partner of OneHoop Consulting Group and Flowing River Capital Group with business reconciliation the driving force.

“Today, everyone is seeking what reconciliation means to them personally, their business and to Canada,” said Delorme.

He said OneHoop is an advisory service that helps with reconciliation actions plans, and professional development.

Flowing River Capital Group provides private equity to help First Nations, Metis and Inuit entrepreneurs to become owners of companies.

“We purchase companies in all different markets that relate to Indigenous procurement policies,” said Delorme.

From there, he said the idea is to get them to buy in as a minority owner with him in the hope they buy it down the road.

“If not,we will sell it to maybe a non-indigenous owner,” said Delorme.

“When we purchase companies, we’re going to Indigenize it with policies, bylaws, staff, HR —all understand what Indigenous means in a Canadian environment that still needs to be profitable and successful.”

On a personal note, Delorme was thrilled to be back in Lloyd where he won the 2011 Saskatchewan Mid-Amateur Men’s golf championship.

“I won it at the Lloydminster golf club so it’s always good to be back here,” he said.

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers, left, poses for a photo op with Cadmus Delorme, a former Chief of Cowessess First Nation and one of the keynote speakers at the Economic Partnership on Oct. 2 at the WLS Convention Centre.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Rotary hears first-hand account of Israeli attack

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Hannah Nesher (who grew up in Edmonton) immigrated to Israel in 1998 and was at the site of the Hamas terrorist attack on Oct. 7, 2023. In a Zoom presentation on the first anniversary, she told the Rotary Club of Lloydminster that 364 people, including Canadians, were murdered at a music festival. There are still 101 hostages. Israel is fighting a war on seven fronts.

Lloyd RCMP warn of cougar inside city limits

when possible and only go outdoors under supervision

On October, 9, 2024, just after 12 p.m., Lloydminster RCMP became aware of a cougar within the city limits. The cougar was last seen in the area of 33 St. and 45 Ave. in Lloydminster.

Lloydminster RCMP have contacted the Saskatchewan Conservation Officers, who have advised the following:

- The public is not to approach the cougar

- The public is not to feed the cougar

- All pets should remain indoors

- All attractants, such as food and garbage, should be kept inside or put away as best as possible

- Keep fences and doors closed and locked when possible; and

- Anyone who sees the cougar is asked to advise the RCMP so they can better track its movements.

Anyone who sees the cougar near a residence is asked to call the Lloydminster RCMP at 780-808-8400. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Jason Loewen Facebook Photo

Alberta Government bolsters rural medicine

The Alberta Government is rolling out new programs to improve health care in rural and remote communities.

The government is launching the Rural Health Action Plan.

As part of the first steps under this action plan, the government is introducing a $16 million Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program, an $800,000 Medical First Responder Grant program, and a $600,000 Emergency Medical Responder Education Grant program.

“Investing in our rural health care

workforce is essential for communities across the province. The introduction of the Rural and Remote Family Medicine Resident Physician Bursary Pilot Program is a vital step toward attracting and retaining skilled professionals in Alberta’s rural and remote areas,” said Martin Long, parliamentary secretary for rural health.

The bursary pilot program will provide up to $8 million annually over the next two years. Bursaries are either $125,000 or $200,000. They will be available to medical students in their final year of an ungraduated medical program at any medical university matched with a family medi -

MUNICIPALITY OF BRITANNIA NO. 502 PUBLIC NOTICE

Official Community Plan and Zoning Bylaw Amendments

Public Notice is hereby given that the Council of the Rural Municipality (RM) of Britannia No. 502 intends to adopt two bylaws under The Planning and Development Act, 2007, to amend Bylaw 16-2021, known as the Official Community Plan (OCP), and Bylaw No. 24-2021, known as the Zoning Bylaw (ZB).

INTENT: The proposed OCP amendment (22-2024) would introduce agricultural policies pertaining to small farm operations (SFO) and guidance for implementation. A couple of zoning district naming errors would also be corrected.

The proposed ZB amendment (23-2024) would: define SFOs, add fencing and signs as a potential condition for discretionary approvals; introduce use specific discretionary evaluation criteria for SFOs and application requirements; deem compliant the number and area of existing farm accessory buildings for the severance of an existing farm yard site until such time new development is sought; add regulations for accessory buildings for a SFO use; add special standards, possible permit conditions, and regulations for SFO use; and add the SFO use as a discretionary matter to the AR – Agriculture Resource District (AR) along with its own site regulations.

AFFECTED LAND: All lands in the AR District could potentially be affected as the new SFO use will be added as an option for development within said District.

REASON: Council received a request to allow small farm operations in the AR District so that existing farmyards that have been subdivided can still be use for a productive agricultural use with the potential for small scale retail and production for sale. Council is in favour of maximizing the agricultural output of the land in the RM and intends to add this use. The subdivision of many existing yard sites was also found to be prohibitive without requiring an applicant to remove accessory buildings to comply with the accessory building and floor area requirements for non-farm residential development. The proposed amendments would introduce policy, regulations, and evaluation criteria that would better suit the SFO use than the existing non-farm residential regulations.

PUBLIC INSPECTION: Any person may inspect the bylaws at the RM of Britannia No. 502 office Monday to Friday, during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.), excluding statutory holidays. Copies will be available to the public at a cost, by emailing the contact below. Copies of the proposed amendments are available for viewing here: https://www.rmbritannia.com/p/local-notices.

PUBLIC HEARING: Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, October 23, 2024 at 10:00 AM at the “new”

RM of Britannia No. 502 Office, located at Parcel B on NE 23-50-28W3M (1/4 mile south of TWP RD 504 on RR 3281), to hear any person or group that wants to comment on the proposed amendments. Council will consider written and emailed comments at the meeting, along with in-person representations. There will also be an on-line option for any persons that register to attend in this fashion. Only those who have made arrangements to speak on behalf of themselves or a group may be heard at the public hearing. The deadline for receipt of comments, and requests for in-person representation must be received by the RM office by Monday, October 21, 2024. For additional information, please contact the administrator at (306) 825-2610 or office@rmbritannia.com.

Written submissions may be sent to RM of Britannia, P.O. Box 661, Lloydminster SK, S9V 0Y7 or office@rmbritannia.com.

Issued at the Rural Municipality of Britannia No. 502 this 3rd day of October, 2024

Bryson Leganchuk CAO

RM of Britannia No. 502

cine residency program at the University of Alberta or Calgary.

The bursaries will also be available to residents currently completing a family medicine residency at the University of Alberta or the University of Calgary, regardless of their year of study, including those graduating in June 2025.

Those who received the bursaries commit to delivering patient care in eligible communities for three years after completing their residency.

Applications for next year will open in December.

The provincial government is also implementing two grants to attract and retain paramedics in rural and remote communities.

The initiative includes an $800,000 Medical First Responder Agency Grant program to foster the establishment of new first responder agencies and a $600,000 Emergency Medical Responder Education Grant program.

Paul McLauchlin, president of Rural Municipalities of Alberta, says this is a big step towards a program that works for rural communities.

“The RMA is encouraged by the Government of Alberta’s efforts to apply a rural lens on how health care is funded, structured, and delivered. This plan is a significant step towards designing and implementing a system that works for rural communities across the province,” he said.

CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER

Scott Cyr Facebook photo

Hospital to undergo paving operation

Seniors in Lloydminster are applauding a decision by the Saskatchewan Health Authority (SHA) to repave the parking lot of the Lloydminster Hospital before winter.

The confirmation came in a copy of a letter on Sept. 24 from Andrew Will, chief executive officer of SHA to Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers who was concerned about patient and visitor safety. In the letter, circulated at the Lloydminster Concerned Citizens for Seniors Care Society meeting on Oct. 2 ,Will wrote, “Work is already underway to make arrangements to have the work complete, with the goal of completing this project before the winter season.”

“We understand the importance of ensuring patients, families and visitors can access the hospital with ease and we share your view that current conditions need to be addressed promptly.” Will said maintaining the lot in good condition is an essential first step in the health journey for all who rely on the hospital in the city and sur

rounding region.

GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER

Geoff Lee Meridian Source

Workplace injury leads to $55K fine

surized setting tool.

Summit Wireline Inc. pleaded guilty to one violation of The Occupational Health and Safety Regulations, 2020. The company, based out of the RM of Britannia, pleaded guilty in Lloydminster Provincial Court on Sept. 23, 2024.

The charges stemmed from an incident on Aug. 16, 2022, near Waseca, Sask. A worker was seriously injured when a disc was ejected from a pres -

The company was fined for contravening clause 3-6 (1) of the regulations (being an employer, failing to ensure that all work at a place of employment is sufficiently and competently supervised, resulting in a serious injury to a worker).

As a result, the Court imposed a fine of $39,285.71. Furthermore, they added a $15,714.29 surcharge for a total of $55,000.

The court withdrew two other charges.

MERIDIAN SOURCE STAFF

Source File Photo

Word on the beat: Police duties

Staff Sgt. JERRY NUTBROWN SPECIAL TO THE SOURCE

On any given day, the Lloydminster RCMP Detachment will respond to a wide range of calls for service, or occurrences.

Through a recent two-week period, the detachment responded to about 908 calls for service averaging 65 calls per day. This is a high volume of calls and the Lloydminster Detachment is considered a busy detachment. While some of these calls are handled fairly quickly with little to no follow-up required, others will take many hours due to investigation and administration.

Some investigations will be finalized in the same shift, while others may stretch into months for various reasons.

The more involved investigations often then require lengthy court disclosure packages for the charges laid against an accused person(s) which then proceed into the courts.

The types of calls range from traffic-related issues, but not always specifically traffic enforcement, to wellbeing checks and thefts to assaults with a weapon. A large number of mischief investigations were also conducted as they are the most common type of complaint the detachment currently receives.

During these two weeks, there were 18 false alarms and 43 911 calls passed to the detachment. False alarms unfortunately take an officer away from other duties to respond to what is then determined to be a call with no urgency, nor requirement for police or any other first responders.

You might see police vehicles going somewhere

with their emergency equipment activated, indicating it is a priority call and urgency is required. There may be times you see a police vehicle with the emergency equipment activated and then suddenly, they turn it off and start driving the speed limit. This is most typical when a report of an urgent nature is received but as the officer is en route, more information is learned, which downgrades the urgency, and a lights and siren response is not required.

All marked police cars, those with all the decals and lights on the roof, are equipped with mobile workstations, which provide the officer with much information. The officer can enter some of their response details on their workstation but more typically, they will return to the detachment to document everything on a more capable computer. Unfortunately, this then takes them

off the road as they type up the incident and possibly prepare for further investigation, more documentation and a lot of administrative work, which helps to fully document everything.

A 10-minute on-scene response may take the officer many hours of additional work to get the investigation where it needs to be for a proper resolution.

All Lloydminster officers attending calls for service are also responsible for the follow-up investigations. Some very large detachments may have front-line officers that hand their notes in and other officers then do the investigations, but not here.

When some ‘spare’ time does become available, this is when proactive, versus reactive work can occur, and when you may see an officer on a foot or vehicle patrol.

Source File Photo

It wasn’t a bad weekend to be a Bobcat.

Playing out of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL), the Lloydminster Bobcats (2-6-1-1) snapped an eight-game losing streak last weekend with back-to-back wins over the Bonnyville Pontiacs (2-40-1).

The boys in black and orange were in Bonnyville’s barn on Friday night, shutting out the Pontiacs in style with a 5-0 win. The action could be found at the Centennial Civic Centre on Saturday where the ‘Cats earned a 2-1 victory after a lengthy shootout.

“That was a really, really good turn in the right direction, and something we’ve been waiting for a

‘Cats sweep ‘Yaks, snap losing streak

few games,” said Bobcats head coach Jeff Woywitka. “It was nice to get it there and build from there.”

Having spent time playing and coaching in Alberta, Woywitka knows how formidable the ‘Yaks’ RJ Lalonde Arena can be. He’s also aware of how quickly success in that building can translate to confidence.

“Anytime you go in there and get a lead, sustain the lead, and then shut them right out, that gets guys off the boards and guys feeling good,” said Woywitka.

“Guys gain confidence when they’re getting points, and let’s be serious, points make kids feel good.”

After playing 10 of 57 regular-season games, Woywitka and the Bobcats believe the future is bright, but they know there’s work to be done.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

‘Cats finding confidence with wins

“I still believe we’re gonna score our share of goals. It’s not coming yet,” said Woywitka. “We’ll do some skill development and get the guys more connected.”

“I think as we continue to do that, our group will continue to score, but right now, we must defend and do

things properly without the puck.

When we have the puck, we have to manage the puck.”

Woywitka’s promotion to head coach was announced in April. Assistant head coach, Matt Brassard, was brought on two months later.

A native of Barrie, Ont., the 26-year-old former Vancouver

Canuck draft pick played 249 games in the Ontario Hockey League and 61 games in USports with the University of Prince Edward Island.

“I am thrilled to be joining the Lloydminster Bobcats organization,” said Brassard in a June press release.

“I can’t wait to work with Jeff Woywitka, Nigel Dube, all the play -

ers and the community of Lloydminster. I am a big fan of the junior hockey level and can’t wait to help develop our players and have great team success in the process.”

The Bobcats are back on home ice on Oct. 18 to host the Devon Xtreme. They then host the Pontiacs on Oct. 19.

BOBCATS FROM PAGE 25

Taylor Weaver Meridian Source Photos

Sr. Barons conquered by Crusaders

Rustlers

hockey ready to hit ice

The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s hockey team is back in action this weekend.

The Rustlers host the Red Deer Polytechnic Queens at the Russ Robertson Arena for their home opener on Oct. 11 at 5 p.m.

Pre-season action sees the Rustlers with a 5-3 record after games against the Lloydminster PWM U18 Steelers, the Sherwood Park Steele, the Cochrane Chaos, the University of Saskatchewan Huskies, and Team Sask’s U18 squad.

The Rustlers travel to Red Deer on Oct. 12 before hosting the Olds College Broncos at the Russ Robertson on Oct. 18 and 19. The puck drops on Oct. 18 at 7 p.m. Oct. 19 will feature a 2 p.m. matinee game.

The Prince Albert Crusaders came, saw, and conquered the Barons Sr. Football team on Oct. 4.

Their explosive offence led to a 20-0 halftime score, but they gave up 31 total points in the loss. Barons head coach Kieran Link said there were a few bright spots in an otherwise huge loss.

“One of the bright spots was our punter, Mason Byford. He had a 43.7-yard average and was able to flip the field a few times throughout the game,” said Link. “Cane Brust led the team with 7 tackles as a starting halfback.”

However, amid the good, he had issues that needed to be addressed.

The offence needs to sustain drives by getting our best players the football,” emphasized Link. “The defensive backs need to ensure they are getting deep enough in their zone coverage. The special team’s unit needs better execution.”

He has his team preparing for a slightly different offence going into the Oct. 10 battle with the Prince Albert St. Mary’s Marauders.

“St. Mary plays a double tight end and double wing offence that primarily runs the ball. On defence, we will be spending the week preparing for a more unique offence.”

Furthermore, he has a few keys to beating the Marauders.

“We must be gap sound and key on the pulling guards. On offence, we need to add a couple of wrinkles to attack their younger defence,” stated Link. “We must execute our core plays to a higher level. The team needs to be incredibly physical this week.”

Kickoff is at Armstrong Field on Oct. 4 at 4 p.m.

TAYLOR WEAVER EDITOR

women’s

Source File Photo

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Dan Gray Meridian Source Photos

Rustlers women’s basketball dominate court

The Lakeland College Rustlers women’s basketball team hooped

their opponents from Red Deer twice over the weekend.

They outscored the Queens by at least 30 points in each game. On Oct. 4, they won 84-45, followed by an 84-54 final the next day.

Between Friday and Saturday’s game, they worked on a few things they wanted to clean up. Marissa Linquist stepped in as acting head coach for the weekend. Correspondingly, she led a ‘good chat’ with the team after Friday’s game.

“After facing Red Deer yesterday, we knew today was going to be another tough game. We knew they were going to make some adjust -

ments,” said Linquist.

“I thought we did a good job responding. We had a really good chat as a team about things we wanted to clean up and we executed those things today.”

Meanwhile, she explained that by dictating the pace and tempo of the game, they maintained momentum and avoided a lull, even with a big lead.

Additionally, she’s impressed with some of the strengths they will take into another season.

“I think a really exciting thing from today, and this team in general, is how different players can step up in

different games. Missy (Hineaupounamu Nuku) and Susan (Ayaa) played really well for us on Friday night. Today, Jayci (McNain) and Andria Stitt both stepped up for us,” acknowledged Linquist.

“Just seeing the depth and continuing to find people, find the right spots to put them in. I think that’s just something to keep working on going forward, putting people in the right position to be successful.”

The women’s team is in Lac La Biche on Saturday to take on the Keyano College Huskies. Their home opener is against the University of AlbertaAugustana at 6 p.m. on Oct. 25.

Weekend split for Rustlers men’s B-ball

The Red Deer Polytechnic Kings bounced out of town after a weekend at Lakeland College with a two-game split.

A 107-90 win and an 84-75 loss defined the second-last pre-season weekend for the Rustlers men’s team.

Head coach Sheray Thomas said Friday night’s game was a “gritty” performance.

“I thought we came out focused; we were able to knock down some shots and deal with their pressure,” observed Thomas. “We played gritty and that allowed us to come out with the win on Friday.”

On Saturday, he noticed the lack of grit and turn-

overs plagued the team in their loss.

“We are going to work on strengthening our ball handling, especially under pressure and rebounding on both sides of the ball,” said Thomas.

“We will also be working on our on-court communication.”

With the final preseason game coming up this weekend, he addressed the team’s slightly smaller size compared to past years.

“We’re usually a smaller team, but we are a little smaller this year,” said Thomas.

“We’ll have to do things a little differently, apply a little more pressure and use our speed to get away with some wins.”

The Rustlers are in Edmonton to play the NAIT

Ooks on Oct. 11. The home opener is scheduled for Oct. 26 against the University of Alberta-Augustana.

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Dan Gray Meridian Source Photo

DAN GRAY STAFF WRITER

Dan Gray Meridian Source Photo

PAGE 29

Thursday, October 10, 2024

MERIDIAN SOURCE

306-825-5111

admin@meridiansource.com

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Advertisements and statements contained herein are the sole responsibility of the persons or entities that post the advertisement, and the Saskatchewan Weekly Newspaper Association and membership do not make any warranty as to the accuracy, completeness, truthfulness, or reliability of such advertisements. For greater information on advertising conditions, please consult the Association’s Blanket Advertising Conditions on our website at www.swna.com.

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NOTICE TO CREDITORS AND CLAIMANTS

ESTATE OF LARRY GORDON OLYNYK, WHO DIED ON SEPTEMBER 1, 2024.

If you have a claim against this estate, you must file your claim by November 16, 2024 and provide details of your claim with:

JEREMY C. WAKEFIELD, of FOX WAKEFIELD at P.O. BOX 500 5016 - 48th Street LLOYDMINSTER, SASK. S9V 0Y6

If you do not file by the date above, the estate property can lawfully be distributed without regard to any claim you may have.

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MOUNTAIN

I want to express my deepest gratitude to all my friends and family for making my 80th birthday celebration so special. Your presence, thoughtful gifts, and warm wishes meant the world to me. A special thanks to my wonderful children for giving me the trip of a lifetime to London—an experience I will cherish forever. I am truly blessed to have such amazing people in my life. Thank you all for making this milestone so memorable.

With love and appreciation, Myrna Fisher

passed away surrounded by love and family in the Lacome Hospital on Sunday, September 29th, 2024 after a thankfully short battle with COVID Pnuemonia. Gerald (Gerry, Dad, Papa,Geritol,Gramps) was beloved by

many as a generous man, a comforting shoulder, a trusted ear, dog lover and caring friend and will be missed

He is survived by the love of his life, wife, Nancy, their sons, Mathew and Clarke with wife Amanda, daughters Laura, Christine, Erin and Emily, very special niece, Amanda, grandchildren Kaytlin, Justin, Megan, Hunter, Hayden and Adalynn, and great grandchildren Grayson, Alayna and Eleanor.

The family wishes to celebrate Gerry’s life with his family, friends and community at a later date in the Spring of 2025. Please look for an announcement in the new year.

Condolences may be made by visiting www.wilsonsfuneralchapel.ca

and cousins.

HOROSCOPE MOVIE SHOWTIMES

TAURUS Financial matters come to the forefront. It’s a good time to review budgets or make investments.

SCORPIO

SAGITTARIUS

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

LEO

VIRGO

PISCES