Vegreville News Advertiser - January 17, 2024

VOL. 77 NO. 3

WEDNESDAY,, January 17, 2024 WEDNESDAY 77 YEARS OF SERVING THE COMMUNITY The Only Locally Owned News & Adver tising Media in Vegreville .

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From Jan. 26, 2023, to Dec. 1, 2023, Vegreville and District Chamber of Commerce (VDCC) offered a Four Seasons Photo Contest where contestants were asked to submit a photo of the Pysanka at Elks/Kinsmen Park.

There was no limit to how many entries people could submit and they received around 40 photos. The pictures will be used for postcards and a calendar for the 50th Anniversary of the Pysanka which was constructed in 1975.

Photo contest winner Jennifer Clyne explained, “I have been contest and prompted me to enter. doing photography since 2016. I Since I started taking photos, I used submitted 17 photos, and I decid- the Pysanka as a muse because I enjoy ed to enter the contest after a how it is the same but yet so different friend made me aware of the depending on the weather, sunrise, and

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Andrew News

Mundare Council Rejects Proposal

See page 11 for story

See page 14 for story

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January 17, 2024

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WHAT’S INSIDE Agriculture ..................... 8 Andrew News .............. 11 Business.......................... 5 Classifieds .................... 10 Community .................. 16 Employment................... 7 Family ........................... 14 Marketplace ................. 13 Real Estate ................... 15 Tributes ........................ 12 Upcoming....................... 9

Drought Livestock Assistance Page 8

Vegreville RCMP Investigation Results in Jail Time Vegreville RCMP Submitted

Vegreville, Alta. – On June. 17, 2023, Vegreville RCMP were dispatched to multiple reports of a dangerous driver eastbound on Highway 16. Witnesses reported that a vehicle was ramming into others along the roadway, causing major damages to vehicles and injuries to other drivers.

Vegreville RCMP located the suspect vehicle and a pursuit was initiated. During the pursuit the male exited the vehicle and pointed what was believed to be a long gun at the members. The vehicle came to a stop a short time later, and a male and female were taken into custody without further incident.

As a result of the investigation, 39-yearold Mark William Cardinal (Brazeau), resident of Kelleher, Saskatchewan was charged with:

• Flights from Police • Assault with a weapon • Theft of motor vehicles • Operation of a motor vehicle while impaired causing bodily harm • Possession of a firearm • Pointing a firearm • Dangerous operation of a motor vehicle • Forcible confinement • Operation of motor vehicle while prohibited On Oct. 24, 2023, Cardinal appeared at the Alberta Court of Justice in Vegreville where he plead guilty to impaired operation causing bodily harm, dangerous operation of a motor vehicle causing bodily harm, flight from police, assault with a weapon, theft of motor vehicle, and possession of a firearm knowing possession was unauthorized. The Crown asked Justice Schaffter for

Alberta RCMP Issue Warning in Wake of Recent Fentanyl Overdoses Alberta RCMP Submitted

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4-DAY WEATHER Thurs.

-20°C

Fri. -16°C

Sat. -10°C

Sun. -10°C

MORE ON PAGE 8

LOTTERY NUMBERS Friday, January 12, 2024

5 6 7 18 22 34 36

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a six-year prison sentence however the defence argued for four-year sentence.

Justice Schaffter reserved her decision until December 2023.

On Dec. 12, 2023, Justice Schaffter imposed a global sentence of five years, six months, a lifetime firearm and weapons prohibition, and will be prohibited from operating a motor vehicle for the maximum allowable sentence of 10 years.

“The quick response and actions of the Vegreville members, including assistance from the Tofield, Fort Saskatchewan and Two Hills RCMP resulted in the best possible outcome from a situation like this, where someone has complete disregard for human life. This incident serves as just one example of the risks our members take everyday to ensure the safety of the public,” stated Vegreville RCMP Commander S/ Sgt. Colin Folk.

From January to November 2023, Alberta RCMP have responded to over 100 percent more drug overdoses than in all of 2022,[1] including frequent suspected fentanyl overdoses with a high fatality rate. Alberta RCMP also had a 24 percent increase in the number of naloxone deployments in response to overdoses in 2023.

[2] Furthermore, from January to August 2023, there were 1262 opioid related deaths in Alberta, which is up by 255 compared to the same time period in 2022.[3] Many of these overdoses appear to be tied to the dangerous practice of cutting Fentanyl. In order to create a cheaper high, Fentanyl is being mixed with other substances that are easier and cheaper to access. A side effect of this mixing is that it reduces the effectiveness of naloxone, meaning more doses are needed in order to save someone’s life, if it works at all.

The Alberta RCMP is issuing a warning to the public, reminding them that street drugs are not always what they appear to be.

Furthermore, drugs marketed as fentanyl (sometimes pink, blue, red, purple or containing a mixture of these colors) may in fact be a mixture of unknown potency and characteristics, making a user’s “normal dose” potentially more dangerous. The increase in overdoses, and the possible resistance to naloxone, suggest that fatal overdoses may occur more often.

The Alberta RCMP remind the public that the signs of a fentanyl overdose include slow, irregular and shallow breathing, pinpoint pupils, muscle stiffness, seizures and unconsciousness. Alberta RCMP also want to remind the public of these safe practices to follow if you are going to use illicit drugs: • Avoid using while alone.

• Ask someone to check on you, or use while on the phone with a trusted person able to call for assistance in the event of an overdose.

• Know the signs and symptoms of poisoning/overdose, and call 911 for direction and support.

• Carry a naloxone kit, and know how to use it to respond to a suspected opioid poisoning/overdose.

• Consider using the Digital Overdose Response System app when consuming drugs.

For anyone seeking help, the Virtual Opioid Dependency Program can assist members of the public who struggle with addiction issues and wish to safely change their life habits and live healthy lives. This service also offers information to family and friends. For more information, you can contact the addiction helpline at 1-866-332-2322. There you will be able to access information on opioid dependency, treatment and access to support and resources.

The RCMP is working collaboratively with other law enforcement agencies to keep both domestic production and importation of Fentanyl out of our communities. In August, new federal regulations classified certain chemicals as fentanyl precursors, allowing law enforcement to act against any illegal importation, distribution, and use of these precursor chemicals. The RCMP National Chemical Precursor Diversion Program also liaises with Health Canada and the chemical industry to deal with clandestine laboratories, and to provide training to the chemical industry to identify, monitor and prevent suspicious activity. The Federal Policing program collaborates with domestic and international law enforcement partners through specialized units such as Federal Serious and Organized Crime, the Alberta Clandestine Lab Enforcement and Response (CLEAR) Team, and the Integrated Border Enforcement Team.

The Alberta RCMP also employs the expertise of proactive and specialized units, like General Investigative Sections, Crime Reductions Units and Major Crime units, to investigate and build cases to dismantle the high-volume traffickers that are harming our communities.

If anyone has information about illegal activity regarding fentanyl or any other drug, please contact your local police. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-2228477 (TIPS), online at www.P3Tips.com or by using the “P3 Tips” app available through the Apple App or Google Play store. To report crime online, or for access to RCMP news and information, download the Alberta RCMP app through Apple or Google Play.

January 17, 2024

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Municipal Leaders Asked to Take Action on Water Management Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Even though the provincial government has created a drought command team in the event of emergency, and will be striking an advisory panel of leaders to provide expert advice in the coming months, officials are asking all municipalities in Alberta to take action on the issue.

In a letter addressed to elected municipal leaders, Minister of Environment and Protected Areas, Rebecca Schultz, outlined a set of directives for municipalities to follow in the months ahead. Those directives are to: • Initiate efforts to monitor water supply infrastructure proactively, paying particular attention to water intake relative to water levels.

• Begin a review of the terms of your municipality’s water license so you are aware of any conditions that may limit your ability to withdraw water during a drought.

• Alert municipal water managers to prepare to be engaged with officials from the Drought Command Team, should conditions within your municipal water license need to be triggered.

• Develop a water shortage plan so your municipality is prepared to respond if water availability decreases.

Schultz also urged all water users to start planning now to use less water in 2024. Mayor Tim MacPhee stated that predictions for the North Saskatchewan are looking a lot lower than normal, but they will have to wait and see how things will work out as far as the weather is concerned.

MacPhee said the Town of Vegreville is “fairly lucky” to be a member of the John S. Batiuk Water Commission and water is supplied through EPCOR. He also noted that the Town has a second reservoir that has been well maintained and affords the community additional water supply for two-and-a-half to three days.

MacPhee has also directed a review of the Town’s

One of the Town of Vegreville’s two water reservoirs located at 48st and 45ave.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

water management plan and related policies. Dale Lefebvre, Director of Infrastructure, Planning and Development for the Town of Vegreville, explained a bit about water demand measures at the Jan. 8 regular meeting of council.

Lefebvre informed members of council that, “It’s not uncommon for us to go into a water demand measure.

We have different water demand measures, A, B and C.” He said in spring during the time of turbidity in the North Saskatchewan River water demand measure A

24013dg1

can be put in place reducing street sweeping with water, sewer flushing and water usage during firefighting training.

“Water Demand B can be put in place with council’s approval and would include limiting watering of front lawns. “One of first things if we see a reservoir level get to a 63 percent level, is we cut down bulk water for oilfield and as it progresses then agricultural, and the last one is small residential acreages, potable water for their cisterns on acreages.”

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January 17, 2024

Great Communication

Arthur Beaudette

News Advertiser – Opinion

CIRCULATION

9,233 PUBLICATION AGREEMENT # 40790520 The Vegreville News Advertiser Ltd. is an independently owned newspaper featuring the best news and the best buys in the area.

Published every Wednesday at Vegreville, Alberta by The Vegreville News Advertiser Ltd.

The Vegreville News Advertiser Ltd. has a total market coverage by mail and carriers to every home in 25 communities and rack distribution in ohters.

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When you search, or maybe even ask people to name off great communicators, certain names may come up. Ronald Regan, Winston Churchill, Martin Luther King Jr, Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs or some news people like Al Roker, Lloyd Robertson, Peter Mansbridge or Anderson Cooper.

Some of the names I think of are science people like Neil deGrasse Tyson, Hakeem Oluseyi and Michio Kaku. For very smart people (Physicists) they have a way of speaking that allows them to communicate very complex topics to regular people without any background whatsoever in science.

People who need to be good communicators are often in the public eye. Politicians, newscasters and one that comes to mind for me, sportscasters. Because I’m a sports fan, I consume my share of sports and at times I find it painful to listen or read what they are conveying.

One trait of a good communicator is clarity. Clarity is the ability to communicate effectively and succinctly, eliminating jargon & reducing ambiguity. Jargon in many fields is common and between colleagues or others familiar with the subject, it’s understandable. However, when trying to communicate to the masses, it serves no purpose other than for the person using it to feel like they are the smartest or wittiest person in the room.

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One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents.

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The Vegreville News Advertiser Ltd. is a family oriented community newspaper and therefore reserves the right to refuse any advertisement that in our opinion does not fit our focus. We cannot accept advertisements criticizing or disparaging other advertisements, firms, or individuals or any advertisements directed to a specific race or religion. The views of individuals expressed in The Vegreville News Advertiser Ltd. are not necessarily those of the publisher.

I’m not sure anyone ever heard Steve Jobs, who I would guess was often the smartest person in the room, use technical jargon unnecessarily.

The use of jargon is particularly problematic with sportscasters. This has bugged me for some time, particularly with hockey coverage. The NHL in general complains about not having broader viewership, yet seems to be trapped in their own echo chamber.

It seems to me that US hockey coverage is worse than others.

Half the time the commentators are not even talking about the game, another third, it’s an ex-NHL star that complains about every aspect of the game from the play, to the effort to the officiating. Whatever is left, is actual coverage full of so much hockey-speak, you need a secret decoder book to understand what’s going on.

Canadian hockey coverage is a close second. The next time I hear a GWG in OT while on the PP, I may scream. There are also the apples, cellys, cheese, clappers, dangles and ginos. In fact there are entire guides to understanding hockey slang, just so outsiders can keep up. Not to sound average, there are now sportscasters trying to get even more creative. No longer can a puck (biscuit) simply be dumped or shot out of the zone, now sportscasters are using terms like knife, spoon and fork as in “it was spooned out of the zone,” or “forked up the boards.”

To make matters worse, it seems that some are just thinking things up. In the last week I’ve heard about “landing” a puck on net and referring to a shot on net and what is typically referred to as a backcheck or “back pressure” described as a “defensive forecheck” or something similar. At a point I had to tune out it was so ridiculous.

All this makes me think of how my hockey loving grandmother would be able to watch if she were still around.

One example of an organization doing it right, you only need to look at NASCAR. It goes to great lengths to educate viewers and create a more inclusive experience where fans are informed and not exposed to randomness or fan-unfriendly things like foul or derogatory language. Their stars are protected, and the message is clear and consistent.

Which brings us to this weekend. Most everyone with a cellular phone should have received the alert sent out via the Alberta Emergency Alert system. I had a number of people comment on the use of the system to communicate the issue at hand. In hindsight, the power outage was averted as Albertans responded positively, but many questioned the method of communication.

Some felt that the use of the Emergency Alert System was not necessary. I’m not sure I agree, as it seemed to divert an emergency, but after a few questions, it sounded like the alert system “siren” was the real issue.

In the spirit of better communication, I think the operators could continue to make use of the system but make some adjustments which would prove friendlier. Leave the siren for Amber Alerts, fires, tornados, floods etc. and create a second class of alerts for notifications to use less power etc. It shouldn’t be too hard to create a sensible approach that was not as reactionary and involve a blaring siren asking you to turn off your stove. In the middle of a hockey game I might add.

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January 17, 2024

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Winner of the top four prizes in the photo contest was Jennifer Clyne, left, who received $500 in Chamber Bucks from General Manager for VDCC Roxane Tannas on Jan. 9.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

stop in an instant and take a snapshot when something catches my eye.

What drew me into taking photos was my love of landscapes, architecture, abandoned buildings, and nature. I also enjoy sharing the beauty of Alberta with others. It’s a getaway for a few moments of silence in a world that’s so hectic.

My technique is honestly to walk in a downpour to catch raindrops on twigs,

VDCC General Manager Roxane Tannas, left, presents First Place Winner of Passport for Christmas Contest Cindy Baydala with $1,000 in Chamber Bucks, Second Place Winner Lillian Basaraba with $300 in Chamber Bucks, and Third Place Winner MaryEllen Smiley with $200 in Chamber Bucks. (Rosanne Fortier/Photo)

lay in a snow bank so the light bounces off an object, never be afraid of a mud puddle just to catch a rainbow, and of course always go out on the coldest of days to catch the beauty of Canadian weather.”

After this, the Passport Winner Mary Ellen Smiley commented that this was the first significant thing she ever won.

“It was pretty awesome and exciting to

find out I won. I am looking forward to participating next year.”

The VDCC Passport for Christmas Contest was also held from Nov. 24, 2023, to Dec. 31, 2023. Participants had their passport stamped when they shopped at participating businesses. A total of 1,100 passports were received and $250,000 was spent in local businesses as a result of this contest.

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January 17, 2024

FROM THE PAGES OF THE VEGREVILLE OBSERVER COMPILED BY DAN BEAUDETTE

90 Years Ago – January 17, 1934

Dr. Scott of Vermilion presented a resolution asking the government to re-open the Vermilion School of Agriculture for the fall term.

There is only one agricultural college left open in Alberta, but Dr. Scott stated that he was certain sufficient encouragement could be found to make it worthwhile for the government to re-open the School.

Mr. Bruce Purdue had the misfortune of falling from the top of the British American oil tank on Monday while measuring the tank. He was rushed to the R.M.B. hospital in Vegreville but was not in critical condition.

Rinks skipped by Buster Shaw and Hacker visited Innisfree last week and brought back the White Cup which Innisfree had just nicely won from Mundare.

A local doctor has requested that a warning be issued to pedestrians who will persist in using the roads for thoroughfares when the sidewalks have been cleaned off for their convenience.

Safeway’s store has been undergoing alterations this week, not only in appearance but also in personnel. Mr. Perrins, who was manager here for some time resigned to take up a position in the Army and Navy Stores in Edmonton. His place is being taken by S. Holmes of Lloydminster.

75 Years Ago – January 19, 1949

The Warwick Board of Trade held its annual meeting on January 3, 1949. A new executive consisting of Mr. C. Langpap, President: P. Lewis, Vice-President: and A.W. Fedoruk, secretary-treasurer.

Residents of Tofield, 30 miles east of Edmonton will be using pasteurized milk only from now on. Ratepayers endorsed a by-law calling for the sale of Pasteurized milk only.

The national parks service is adding several youth hostels to accommodation in Banff and Jasper National Parks.

The watermelon has been cultivated since ancient times.

Canadian Pacific Air Lines plans to install its own air-ground radio facilities at Cranbrook airport when the Department of Transport radio range station is moved 120 miles north to Radium.

A Bronxville centenarian’s advice to those who would live to be 100 is to “do everything” … everything that is, except swallow medicine without looking at the bottle label, walk across a highway without looking both ways, and a few little things like that.

The whole cloves used in cooking and preserving are the dried flower buds of the clove tree.

50 Years Ago – January 17, 1974

Baby Roxanne Lee Sereda was the firstborn child in St. Joseph’s General Hospital, Vegreville, in 1974 and arrived on the scene on January 8th. Proud parents are Mr. and Mrs. Edward Sereda of Mundare. The little girl tipped the scale at 6 lbs. 3 ¼ oz.

The Vegreville Rotary Club on Monday purchased a 16mm selfthreading projector for the community. Prior to this, a projector had been supplied to the Vegreville Film Library in cooperation with the National Film Board.

Recognition of many years of service since the origin of the Historical Living Village and Pioneer Museum at Shandro was granted to William Zazula at the annual meeting of the association held recently.

At the annual meeting of the Vegreville Public Library Board held on January 9th, 1974. Mr. Burton Tierney was elected as chairperson for the coming year.

Eugene Makowichuk of Alberta Power Limited Smoky Lake staff was among 41 persons honored on January 4, 1974. Eugene received a Certificate of Merit for his participation in helping save the lives of three persons whose light aircraft crash-landed on Smoky Lake during a severe storm on September 21, 1972. The plane carrying four persons was forced to attempt a landing on the lake because of heavy snow and poor visibility.

25 Years Ago – January 19, 1999

The approximately 240 students at Queen Elizabeth Elementary School will be relocated once the modernization project at A.L. Horton School is completed. A.L. Horton currently has 180 students.

With the renovation, it will be rated for 525.

The town of Vegreville’s attempt to form a regional economic development committee with the county of Minburn received a setback when the county council decided to favor the status quo.

Two Hills Farmer’s Bonspiel Committee and their volunteers prepare to reflect on the past by bringing back outdoor curling on the Vermilion River. The Bonspiel will take place from January 18 to 24 with 40 teams participating.

Mary Hyshka was the big jackpot winner at the Jr B. Rangers Bingo on Sunday night. Jr. B. Rangers president, Bill Triska, was on hand to present her with a cheque for $2762.00.

Dr. Johan Smit is the newly arrived doctor in Two Hills. Dr. Smit and his family arrived in this country on a cold winter’s morning just to get a taste of what Canadian winters feel like.

Daryl Vinet and Pat Dobush of Vegreville Value Drug Mart made a presentation of $1,000.00 to the Homestead Lodge Building Fund.

The Homestead Lodge was represented by Helmet Zelent and Wilma Cherniawsky.

Letters Welcomed

One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher.

The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

Trudeau Hiking Taxes Again in 2024 Franco Terrazzano

Canadian Taxpayers Federation Brace for impact, taxpayers.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau will be reaching deeper into your pockets in 2024 with payroll tax hikes, a carbon tax hike and alcohol tax hikes.

Canadians will be paying higher payroll taxes because of the mandatory rising Canada Pension Plan and Employment Insurance contributions.

If you make $73,200 or more, you’ll be paying an extra $347 in payroll taxes in 2024 for a total tax bill of $5,104.

Your employer will also be forced to fork over $5,524 in the New Year.

The federal government is imposing a new tax, which it calls “CPP2.” The original CPP taxes your income at six percent up to $68,500. The new CPP2 expands that threshold and taxes additional income at four percent up to $73,200.

Trudeau likes to claim he’s “working to make life more affordable.” But he’s also hiking a tax that directly makes life more expensive: the carbon tax.

The carbon tax increases the price of gasoline, diesel and home heating fuels, which is a big deal in our vast, cold country. The carbon tax also makes groceries more expensive, as it increases costs for the farmers who grow our food and the truckers who deliver it.

The carbon tax will cost the average family up to $911 in 2024, even after the rebates, according to the Parliamentary Budget Officer.

The feds are also scheming to implement a digital services tax. This new tax targets social media platforms, companies operating digital marketplaces, and businesses earning revenue from online advertising, such as Amazon, Google, Facebook, Uber and Airbnb.

Consumers should expect to pay higher prices because of the tax. When faced with the three percent DST in France, Amazon increased its commission charge to French vendors by the same amount.

You could be forgiven if all these tax hikes drive you to

drink.

But when you pick up that case of Blue, a bottle of Pinot or a mickey of rum, Trudeau will be taking an extra 4.7 percent from you through his alcohol tax hikes.

The federal alcohol tax hike is expected to cost taxpayers almost $100 million.

Taxes in Canada already account for about half of the price of beer, 65 percent of the price of wine and more than three-quarters of the price of spirits.

While Trudeau hikes taxes, many other countries are providing relief.

The Canadian Taxpayers Federation identified 51 national governments that provided tax relief during the pandemic or to ease the burdens of inflation. Those governments include more than half of the G7 and G20 countries and two-thirds of the countries in the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development.

Provincial governments – of all political stripes – are also providing relief.

Manitoba’s NDP government is suspending its fuel tax. Gas tax relief from Ontario’s Progressive Conservatives will save a family with a minivan and pick-up truck about $185 through June 2024. And the Liberals in Newfoundland and Labrador cut their gas tax by eight cents per litre.

The Alberta government promised to cut personal income taxes and passed legislation requiring a vote before a government can increase income or business taxes. Manitoba’s income tax cuts could save an individual taxpayer more than $2,000. Quebec lowered its income tax rate on the first two brackets. New Brunswick implemented significant income tax relief in 2023. And Prince Edward Island’s income tax cut will save middle-class taxpayers up to $200.

The fastest, simplest and easiest way for Trudeau to make all areas of life more affordable is to ditch his high-tax policies and allow Canadians to keep more of our money.

Franco Terrazzano is the Federal Director of the Canadian Taxpayers Federation.

Every time a newspaper dies, even a bad one, the country moves a little closer to authoritarianism...

- Richard Kluger -

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January 17, 2024

Great Strides in 2023

Jackie Armstrong-Homeniuk

MLA for Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville

Over the last year, we have made incredible strides in government and throughout our constituency of Fort Saskatchewan-Vegreville to prioritize the concerns of our area and find meaningful solutions to bolster our community.

In March, our government balanced the budget for the second consecutive year. Today, we remain on a path to balance, with a projected surplus of $5.5 billion – an increase of $3.2 billion from Budget 2023. Through this renewed fiscal strength, we paid off a record $13.4 billion in debt and put nearly $3 billion back into the Heritage Savings Trust Fund for future generations.

Full Time Commission

Sales Person The Vegreville News Advertiser has an opening for a Commission Sales Person

In November, Dow announced their choice of Fort Saskatchewan as the location for their Path2Zero project. This landmark investment, estimated at nearly $9 billion, is Alberta’s largest private sector investment in the past 15 years. Dow Chemical’s Path2Zero project will strengthen our constituency’s job opportunities by creating 6,000 positions during peak construction, and 400-500 permanent jobs following the completion of the facility.

On top of this, our government increased funding for health care and social services to increase the quality of life for individuals throughout our community. In 2023, our provided $141,631 in funding to Lamont’s Aging Well in Community project to provide the necessary assistance to support seniors who wish to remain in their homes.

In March, our government created a multi-billion-dollar inflation-relief package to help Albertans cope with the rising cost of living, including $600 in affordability payments for those in need, electricity rebates, natural gas rebates, and a full provincial fuel tax cut.

In November, our government announced a strategy to refocus Alberta’s health care system around patients to ensure Albertans have access to more effective care and improved frontline service delivery.

Part-Time/Casual Positions Also Available Duties include developing and maintaining customer relations in person and by phone and filling out paperwork for customer orders.

The successful applicant will have excellent people and organizational skills.

Hours are flexible. Sales/Customer Service experience an asset, on going training provided.

If you are interested in working in a fast paced environment with a great group of people, please apply with a resume and references to:

Vegreville News Advertiser P.O. Box 810 5110-50 Street Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1R9 E-Mail: hr@newsadvertiser.com Due to the volume of submissions, only those requested for an interview will be contacted. We appreciate everyone’s time.

DO YOU BELIEVE BANKING CAN CHANGE PEOPLE’S LIVES FOR THE BETTER? At ATB, we’re creating positive impact in our communities, redefining the future of work culture and redefining the future, period. Join us.

We’re looking for an ATB agent in Innisfree, Alberta.

With the support of a partner branch, you’ll run an ATB location like it’s your own business and become your community’s go-to for financial advice and services. You’ll promote our products, diversify your clients’ portfolios and earn commission to do it.

As the MLA, I appreciate hearing from constituents who have taken time to contact me. To advocate on behalf of your needs and the needs our region to ensure its long-term success. This is why in 2023 I participated in over 1,700 meetings along with the 20,000 emails and 2,600 calls my office received regarding constituency matters. As we begin this new year, I look forward to engaging with as many constituents as possible and partnering with our community to build a brighter, better future.

Employment Opportunity Full Time Nanny For Special Needs Girl

We are a very busy farming family in the Innisfree area. Duties include but not limited to: taking child to and from school daily (25 minutes away), attending medical appointments for child with parent, doing prescribed occupation and physical therapies, housework and meal preparation.

For more information please email t.copland@usask.ca with “Nanny Job” in the subject line.

EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY County of Two Hills No. 21 is seeking applications for a full-time position of:

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

Responsibilities include but are not limited to: •Monthly preparation of Agenda Packages •Monthly preparation of County Highlights •Attend all County Council, Department and other meetings for minute taking •Prepare minutes and correspondence for CAO approval •Update and manage the minute books and by-law books •Any other duties as assigned by the CAO Requirements: •Experience in managing multiple schedules and deadlines •Working knowledge of municipal government structure •Working knowledge of Microsoft 365 County of Two Hills offers a competitive benefit package and Local Authorities Pension Plan.

Interested applicants are invited to submit their detailed resume (together with no less than two references) and salary expectation to the undersigned on or prior to January 22, 2024.

Sally Dary, CAO County of Two Hills No. 21 Box 490 Two Hills, AB T0B 4K0 Phone: (780) 657-3358 Fax: (780) 657-3504 E-mail: sdary@thcounty.ab.ca

Sound like your dream opportunity?

Send your resume to Angie Halvorson-Vandale 4931-50 Street, Vegreville, Alberta T9C 1R1

by January 26, 2024

All applicants are thanked for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. All resume and personal information provided herein, will be handled in accordance with the Province of Alberta Freedom of Information & Privacy Legislation.

PAGE 8 News Advertiser

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January 17, 2024

County of Minburn Lobbying for Inclusion in Drought Livestock Assistance Program Michelle Pinon News Advertiser The County of Minburn is appealing to provincial and federal agriculture ministers to be included in its joint drought livestock assistance program.

At the Nov. 20 regular meeting, members of county council unanimously endorsed a motion to write a letter to the agriculture ministers outlining their concerns as well as formally request assistance for its agricultural producers.

In conversation with County of Minburn Agricultural Fieldman Darwin Ullery on Jan. 5, he stated that he has not received a formal response to the request and felt that it wasn’t looking good for local producers at this point in time.

The letter that was endorsed by council and signed by Reeve Roger Konieczny, stated, “On behalf of the County of Minburn I am writing to express our deep concern regarding our municipality’s exclusion from the 2023 Canada-Alberta Drought Livestock Assistance Program.

The 2023 season has proven exceptionally challenging for livestock producers in our area, with low winter precipitation and minimal moisture throughout May and June resulting in severe drought conditions for forage crops and pasture.

Rural area southwest of Vegreville on Jan. 5. (Michelle Pinon/Photos)

While late-season rain in July and August did provide some relief for annual crops, it unfortunately came too late to salvage forage crops and pasture. This has left our producers struggling to secure sufficient pasture for the remainder of the season and facing a shortage of forage for the approaching winter. The adverse impact on our agricultural community is significant, with far-reaching consequences for both our livelihoods and the broader regional economy.”

Konieczny also pointed out the frustration felt by them after observing other neighbouring municipalities to the east and

north of the County of Minburn being included in the assistance program. “Upon reviewing weather station data from the Alberta Agriculture Financial Services Corporation (AFSC), it is evident that many stations in these municipalities received nearly double the rainfall in May and June compared to our region. Despite these discrepancies, they were deemed eligible for assistance while our municipality was excluded.”

He went on to say, that in light of the circumstances consultation should be done, and reconsideration be given to County of Minburn to be included in the program.

7-DAY WEATHER Weekly Crop Market Review

wed

thu

fri

sat

sun

mon

tue

Jan 17

jan 18

Jan 19

Jan 20

jan 21

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-19°C

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-16°C

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-7°C

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WEATHER VEGREVILLE & SURROUNDING AREA

News Advertiser PAGE 9

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January 17, 2024

Nature’s Masterpiece

A foggy frosty morning provided an interesting opportunity to photograph the rural landscape between Mundare and Vegreville on Jan. 5. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Things to Do During the January Chills Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

There are many activities families can do indoors to keep their children occupied during the cold winter months.

A perfect way to begin the year is to get some construction paper, scrapbook paper, glue, and other materials and make thank you cards with your children. This gives them a chance to acknowledge all the people who made a difference in their lives this past year.

Another common project is to encourage your kids to make Play-Doh creations. If there is none of this material in the house, find a recipe online where you can make it with flour, salt, oil and other food colouring.

Buy a gingerbread house and decorate it together.

Search through a recipe book and bake something.

Kids can be taught to make their own piggy banks where they find salt or cereal boxes and cover them with colour paper or paper with designs on it. Then they need to make a slit at the top of the box. For extra excitement, create a scavenger hunt around the house where they can find nickels and dimes to put into it.

Sock puppets can be created with old socks where people add eyes, hair, and ears with items around the house. Later, have your children create a play using these puppets.

God’s Eyes are another simple craft where with ice-cream sticks and yarn, kids can make something really cool.

This is a good time to have your children tell a story where each participant gets to say a paragraph and the other kids continue from there. If children are old enough to write, have them print out the story.

Traditional activities such as board and card games are fun to play too.

For younger school age children, this could be a good time to teach them life skills which could include telling the time, how to treat others right and how to save money.

Watch a family-friendly movie together at home.

Create a home video and watch it later.

Have your child explore around the house and capture pictures of stuff or people they find interesting.

Finally, this could be a time to just have a conversation about all the interesting things that are happening to each member of the family in their lives.

Join

Jan

Vegreville Football Association

AGM February 15, 2024 7:00 p.m.

5737 - 47 St. Vegreville, AB

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Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.

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Fridays at 7:00 p.m.

Thursday Bingo

Starts at 6:50 p.m.

Progressive Jackpot $1,573 in 55 numbers Mini Jackpot $841 in 25 numbers

Steak Fry

January 26 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

80’s Dance Party January 27 Tickets Available!

Royal Canadian Branch No. 39 Vegreville

5037 - 52 Avenue

780-632-3900

Wendy Brook Music Festival March 4-11, 2024 Open to all ages, all instruments, band, choral, voice, community music, speech arts and Ukrainian speech and song performances.

Registration & Payment on-line at: http://wendybrookmusic.wixsite.com/wendybrook Registration forms can also be printed off from the website, and completed registrations, with the fee, can be mailed to: Wendy Brook Festival, Box 2075, Vegreville, AB T9C 1T3.

If you would like to support the festival, or ask questions not answered on the website or by the participant's music teacher, contact Larissa Bombak: 780-632-4907 or wendybrookmusicfestival @ gmail.com Registration Open: January 12 - February 16, 2024

SENIOR’S WEIGHT TRAINING CLASSES January 19th February 9th February 16th February 23rd March 1st March 8th March 15th

Friday’s @ 9:30 AM Contact us for more info and to sign up! info@fieldsidefitness.ca www.fieldsidefitness.ca

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PAGE 10 News Advertiser

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January 17, 2024

Vegreville Town Council Authorizes Demolition of Former Downtown Business Building Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Vegreville town council rubber stamped a request from its Infrastructure, Planning and Development (IP&D) Department to demolish a former downtown business building at its Jan. 8 meeting.

The building at 4930-50 Avenue, is 80 years of age and last operated as a café bistro back in 2017.

Jamieson Brown, Manager of Community Engagement & Economic Development, said, “The Town of Vegreville acquired this building through tax forfeiture and unfortunately, given its state of disrepair – especially on the inside – having it demolished was the only viable option. We reached this conclusion after dialoguing with local realtors who stated that, in their opinion, it had little to no value in its current condition and could perhaps have more value as a vacant lot.”

Because the expenditure of funds was

unbudgeted, the item had to be brought forward to council for approval before IP&D could proceed further. IP&D Director Dale Lefebvre made council aware it had received two quotes for the demolition from local contractors at council’s Jan. 2 Legislative Committee Meeting Regarding the awarding of the contract, Brown said, “The project does not need to go out for official tender as it falls below the $200,000 MASH sector trade agreement threshold. The Town sought quotes from local contractors and have gone with the lowest bid. This information can be on our website under policies – FIN6009 Procurement Policy.”

Council unanimously approved the transfer of up to $15,000 for the demolition. Lefebvre said adjacent business owners would be personally notified of this decision and members of the public would be notified via Town of Vegreville social media posts.

Commercial building located on 50th Ave. in Vegreville. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

Walk Carefully

Rosanne Fortier

News Correspondent

Alberta Health Services gives these suggestions to prevent a person from slipping and falling when walking on icy sidewalks.

They indicated that the boots and footwear you wear on your feet can help prevent a fall. Make sure boots and shoes are the right size and have a good grip. Items like shoe grips or ice cleats can give you extra traction when you are walking on snowy or icy surfaces. Always remove these grips or cleats when walking inside because they can make you slip on indoor flooring.

Another suggestion they gave is to find an area around the ice if you can.

Learn how to walk the way a penguin does which is to walk slowly, take small steps, and point your toes out slightly to be more stable on icy paths.

• Keep your head up and don’t lean forward.

• Keep your hands out of your pockets to help keep your balance.

• If you use a cane, you can buy an ice pick for the cane.

• Give yourself plenty of time when you go places to make sure you have enough time to get where you’re going.

• Assume that all wet, dark areas on the pavement may be slippery or icy. If you can, walk around them.

• Walk on cleared walkways and try not to walk on sidewalks that haven’t been cleared.

• Don’t use your cell phone and walk at the same time.

• Use handrails on stairs and ramps. If you’re walking on a slope where there are no handrails, be extra careful.

• Spread sand or grit on your steps and walkways.

• Try not to carry heavy things that can make you lose your balance or large things that could block your view. If possible, use a backpack to keep your hands free.

IceFX is a winter boot-tread technology in the form of an anti-slip rubber outsole that can offer greater traction and it might be good to look into if you are in the market for a new pair of winter footware.

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MACHINERY Food-grade pails. 4 US gal. $3 ea.

AUTOMOBILES

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COMPUTERS VM SYSTEMS Looking for a new computer? VM SYSTEMS has all you’ll ever need in computers! Installation – Sales – Service – Internet. One call will get you in touch. Phone 780-632-2859 9am – 5pm.

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SERVICES Gary’s Eavestroughing & Carpentry work. Inside or outside. Soffit, fascia, roof repairs, etc. Sidewalk and driveway snow removal. Free Estimates. Call Gary - 780-9935934; Henry - 780-603-9083.

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News Advertiser PAGE 11

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January 17, 2024

Village of Andrew Wants a Say in Emergency Services Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Fire Services was one item up for discussion at the Jan. 10 Village of Andrew council meeting, and something that Mayor Barry Goertz wanted to address directly.

First to speak was Interim Chief Administrative Officer Ken Glover who informed members of council that he had spoken with Lamont County Regional Fire Chief Bo Moore. “I simply, in our conversation that council’s conveyed to me, we understand there is a regional model now and there is a regional fire service agreement which enables that regional fire chief, and essentially Lamont County, to manage that service, and deploy equipment, and people as necessary. But I just stressed with him our necessity as a community, with citizens, to know what might be happening before it happens that could impact our community in general terms.

My understanding, and he was receptive to our comments. He said, you’re right there’s no process in place, but my understanding is there will be a mechanism that is this REAC (Regional Emergency Advisory Committee) meeting on Feb. 1 where we could bring

that forward as an action items as a recommendation, and that is one avenue.

The door is not closed. He was certainly receptive to our position. I think there is a sense of communication versus direction.

Notification versus decision making, and that clarity will occur over time, but right now it’s just simply respectful notification stressing, especially when there’s deployment and/or major changes that can affect response times to this community,” Glover said.

Mayor Goertz explained that regional emergency services is designed around disasters, and not so much around fire services. He said Bruderheim, Lamont, Chipman, Mundare, and Andrew are part of the regional service, but have “no say whatsoever” in the delivery of fire services.

“So, right now the way the agreement says is they will do it and they’ll tell us when it so fits them. Okay. That part of it has to change. So, one of the things I’d like to bring forward tonight to make sure that Councillor Lupul has something in his back pocket is my belief is that we need a fire services commission. I think we need as a community, we need to have a say not on the

Moving the Needle Forward Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Village of Andrew Mayor Barry Goertz is glad 2023 is finally behind them and is looking forward to 2024.

In his report to council at the Jan. 10 regular meeting, Goertz said, “I look forward to our new year, to the changes that are needed, to the growth and development of our Village as we move the needle forward.”

While the contents of the Municipal Inspection by Municipal Affairs have yet to be made public, one of the recommendation will soon be implemented as the Village of Andrew will be hosting a Muni 101 Course for members of council who decided that a one day inperson format would be preferable. It is expected to take place in late February.

Referencing the Municipal Inspection, Goertz stated, “This project was initiated by us to ensure that we were doing the right things, but also to identify the practices that were not being implemented correctly. It is the direction of this council to follow the recommendations and directives of the Minister and we will become more efficient and politically correct with everything we do.”

Goertz also pointed out the new staff additions of Finance Clerk Colette Ducharme and Public Works

Foreman Matt Fitzgerald have made the Village “much stronger” in a “very short period of time.” He thanked Ken Glover of HumanEdge Consulting for his guidance and for Sharman Donald for stepping up and taking on the role of Interim CAO and doing “everything possible” to keep the Village of Andrew up and running during her tenure.

He noted, “Our two new Councillors, Mr. Chris Lupul and Mr. John Van Vyfeyken, it is with pleasure that we have a full council and voices that are not afraid to be heard; you as well will make us so much stronger.

Welcome.

Lastly, the addition of Ms. Kylie Rude, as our new CAO. We all know you, have watched you mature and develop over the past years and now your resume and your interviews have just confirmed that you are and will be the strongest manager this Village could possibly have secured. We look forward to working with you, and to see where this Village can be over the next few years.”

He went on to say, “Lastly, we have JMD professionals taking on the daunting task of completing our financial audits and the expectations are that this will be done by the end of January. Along with this completion and the training of our staff with the existing software we will not be in this predicament ever again.”

Andrew Fire District Station. (Michelle Pinon/Photo)

delivery, not fighting fires, and so on and so forth; but the system as it stands.

In the two years that we’ve been on council we have not been advised as to the status of our fire service or the status of our fire service in Andrew. That’s a better way of putting this. We don’t know how many calls they have or how many calls they haven’t attended or have attended. We don’t know the severity or the training or anything else of that service. All they’re doing is saying, you have a fire department, be happy; and I don’t

Emergency Services - CONTINUED ON PAGE 16

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PAGE 12 News Advertiser

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January 17, 2024

Tributes MEMORIAM

SHULKO, Judith July 28, 1944 – January 16, 2015 In Loving Memory of a Dear Mother, Grandmother and Mother-in-Law: You can only have one mother Patient kind and true; No other friend in all the world, Will be the same to you.

When other friends forsake you, To mother you will return, For all her loving kindness, She asks nothing in return.

As we look upon her picture, Sweet memories we recall, Of a face so full of sunshine, And a smile for one and all.

Sweet Jesus, take this message, To our dear mother up above; Tell her how much we miss her, And give her all our love.

Lovingly remembered and deeply missed by your family, Brian, Charlene, Lana, Bria and Tyra Kevin and Tracy

CASAVANT, Victor September 8, 1953 - January 17, 2021 My “Pookabear” Miss You So Much and, Love You More!

Thanks for Watching Over us!

Love All your Family and Grands and Great Grands

In Loving Memory of MACKNEY, Mark January 7, 1956 - January 20, 2020 We thought of you today, But that is nothing new.

We thought about you yesterday And days before that too.

We think of you in silence.

We often speak your name.

All we have are memories And your picture in a frame.

Your memory is a keepsake From which we will never part.

God has you in his loving arms, We have you in our hearts.

Missing you always - remembering you forever.

Marla, Darwin, Nathan, Makayla, Aliya Michael, Courtney, Avery, Owen Christopher, Stephanie, Audrey

MEMORIAM

OBITUARY

OBITUARY

GIEBELHAUS, Florence January 19th, 2014 The beauty of a memory, Is that it’s always there, Like a penny in your pocket, You can take it anywhere.

And when your heart is heavy And your eyes are filled with tears, You can focus on a memory, And travel through the years.

Your heart can visit happy times When laughter filled the air, And the memories of your loved one, Make you wish she still was there.

So, as you travel on in life, Take comfort as you go, In a lifetime of sweet memories, Of one who loved you so.

Lovingly remembered and forever missed by Wallace, Lynn and Dave, Mark and family, Janet and Paul and girls.

KOBYLNYK, Dan March 23, 1934 – January 9, 2024 On Tuesday, January 9, 2024, Dan Kobylnyk of Vegreville, Alberta passed away at the age of 89 years.

Dan is survived by his loving wife of 39 years, Janet; one son Rick (Amanda); grandson Michael; one sister Lassie (Roland) Ewaniuk; nephew Darren (Courtney) Ewaniuk along with their family; nieces Christine (Peter) Wellsman and Debbie (Bob) Race along with their families. He was predeceased by his parents Steve and Anne Kobylnyk; two sisters Joanne (Peter) Andrishak and Mary (Paul) Ruzycki; and niece Patricia Andrishak.

A Divine Liturgy of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 19, 2024 at 10:30 a.m. at the Holy Trinity Ukrainian Catholic Church (5705-51St.) in Vegreville, Alberta with Basilian Fathers officiating.

Interment to follow in the Riverside Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the “Holy Trinity Parish – Vegreville” or “Heart & Stroke Foundation.”

The family would like to express a very special thanks to the staff of the Fort Saskatchewan Community Hospital for the compassionate care given to Dan. To send condolences, please visit www.autumnrosefuneralhome.com AUTUMN ROSE FUNERAL HOME LTD. Vegreville,780-603-5800

BUCKLAND, Clifford Douglas June 16, 1943 – January 12, 2024 It is with great sadness that the family of Cliff Buckland announces his passing on January 12, 2024 at the age of 80 years. He will be forever loved and remembered by his beloved wife, Jeanne, of 55 years; two daughters, Kim (Peter) and Laurie (Chad); and four grandchildren, Rachel, Kelsey, Abbey and Brady. Also left to miss him dearly are five sisters, Janet (Richard), Barbara (Gordon), Gail (Jack), Audrey, and Debbie (Garry). Cliff was predeceased by his loving parents, Edward and Anna. A memorial service will be livestreamed and held at 11:00 am on Monday, January 29, 2024 at Parkland Funeral Services, 3502 44 Ave, in Stony Plain.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be left for the family at parklandfuneralservices.com.

Parkland Funeral services, Stony Plain, in care of arrangements.

780-963–2520.

Vegreville Vipers to Help Kids with Cancer Through Ben Stelter Fund Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

Main Photo: Lea and Mike Stelter with daughter Emmy and Viper players Ryan Drake, Colton LebidPham, Braden Van De Kraats and Colby Warawa at World’s Longest Game kids’ edition in 2023.

Insets: Special jersey to be auctioned off at fundraising game.

(Vegreville Vipers/ Submitted Photos)

Vegreville Vipers who brought donations during the World’s Longest Game kids’ edition last year. L-R: Colby Warawa, Colton Lebid-Pham, Braden Van De Kraats and Ryan Drake.

(Michelle Pinon/File Photo)

To many hockey fans, Ben Stelter needs no introduction. The brave young boy was an inspiration to many people during his courageous battle with cancer, including Oilers Captain Conner McDavid. He was also highly respected by Vegreville Vipers player Colton LebidPham.

As Vipers General Manager Bryan Brown explains, “Our last year’s Captain Colton Lebid-Pham was watching an Oilers game and saw little Ben Stelter and what he was suffering from…Colton then came to me and asked how we as a team could support this little guy in his fight.

So, after that point, I said to Colton let’s put our heads together and do something special from the Vegreville Vipers organization to help. We first had a hockey game last year to help support Ben’s fight against cancer. It was shortly after that Ben lost his battle, and this young man became dearer to our hearts.

Colton then took those proceeds from that game and gathered some players together as we knew the World’s Longest Hockey Game was being ran with the proceeds going towards the Ben Stelter Foundation. The players went with our donation to drop it off and met up with Mike and his wife Lea to give them our money.”

The Vipers originally planned to have another fundraiser for the Ben Stelter Fund during the first game of the 2023-’24 season. “But Mike Stelter was also diagnosed with cancer. So, it was postponed until he was back home from treatment,” says Brown. Now, the game will be held in two day’s time at the Wally Fedun Arena, and the Vipers will be hosting the Stelter family and Ben’s grandparents.

Brown says he grew up and was best friends with Ben’s grandfather and is looking forward to reconnecting at the upcoming hockey game. Special jerseys have been designed for the game. They will be worn by the players during warm up and auctioned off later that night. The Stelter family will also receive a commemorative jersey.

“We are so looking forward to this becoming an annual event to help support this great cause and look forward to filling the Wally Fedun Arena for this night,” added Brown.

News Advertiser PAGE 13

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January 17, 2024

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January 17, 2024

Mundare Council Rejects Proposal from Early Childhood Educator Michelle Pinon News Advertiser Early childhood educator Anna Fejzo was hoping to gain the support of the Town of Mundare to open a preschool in the HUB building at Victory Park, but that proposal was rejected by members of council at its Jan. 2 meeting.

The request was first brought forward

by Fejzo during the Dec. 12, 2023, council meeting and tabled to the Jan. 2 council meeting to obtain further information.

Fejzo told council there was a definite lack of child care in the community.

“Mundare is growing with families with young children. Our school is a wonderful school, but it does not have a preschool available for children from two to six years of age.

We can appreciate the frustration

Crazy Laws Arizona:

HUB building located at Victory Park.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

amongst parents in our community who cannot find any available spaces for childcare and rely on this essential service. We would like to take steps to address both immediate and longterm needs of our community.”

Fejzo had selected the HUB building as a site for the preschool as it is not used much during the day. Councillor Rick Patrie said the building is used by FCSS and non-profit organizations like the Fish & Game Association. He also didn’t feel the building was set up for a profit business.

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Chief Administrative Officer Colin Zyla said he had spoken with Fejzo, but that she hadn’t had the chance to talk to the school yet, but didn’t believe she would be able to operate a preschool in the school. Zyla said there was a bit of a concern if the preschool operated out of the HUB building five days a week as it would cost the Town of Mundare more money in electrical, utilities and water fees. “I never even thought of this initially, but could potentially affect our insurance,” added Zyla.

There was no further discussion and Councillor Danika Brison made the motion that the Town of Mundare not allow the HUB building to be used for a preschool for free. The motion was carried unanimously.

The Vegreville News Advertiser reached out to Fejzo for comment, but hadn’t received a reply by deadline.

News Advertiser PAGE 15

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January 17, 2024

Sledding Away on a Warm Winter Day

Main: Tymur Bodnar shows off his new sled at the Vegreville Elks/Kinsmen Park on Dec. 28.

Top Right: L-R: These youngsters took advantage of the nice weather when they went sledding at Vegreville Elks/Kinsmen Park.

(Rosanne Fortier/Photos)

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Vegreville Town Council Reacts to New Provincial Funding Program

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

The Government of Alberta recently launched the Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) program, and councillors with the Town of Vegreville had the opportunity to react to the announcement during their regular meeting on Jan. 8.

Chief Administrative Officer Sandra Ling read the official letter issued to municipalities by Alberta’s Minister of Municipal Affairs Ric McIver before members of council offered their thoughts.

McIver’s letter stated in part, “The Alberta government recognizes local infrastructure is critical to Albertans and to supporting the province’s economy, and we are committed to providing predictable, long-term infrastructure funding for all communities. As part of this commitment, I am pleased to announce the launch of LGFF program, which will enable municipalities and Metis Settlements to build infrastructure and serve their communities more effectively.”

LGFF capital funding will start at $722 million in 2024. “LGFF capital funding in future years will reflect the percentage change in provincial revenues from three years prior. This means in 2025, Alberta communities will receive $820 million, an increase of nearly 14 percent, in accordance with growth in

provincial revenues between 2021/22 and 2022/23.”

Subject to Budget 2024 approval, McIver said, local governments will have access to $60 million in LGFF operating funding.

While Councillor Tina Warawa was happy to see that funding would be in place for at least two years, and that would assist in budgeting, she felt that additional advocacy would be needed going forward.

“I know they wanted to make it fair and equitable for large and small, urban and rural, but both provincial and federal governments do seem to forget that the hub communities are providing a lot of resources to the surrounding communities, and I do still think that’s a bit of a component that’s missing or maybe needs to be a completely different program, because a lot of times it’s our assets that are being used not only from our residents within.”

Councillor Taneen Rudyk echoed Warawa’s comments about security in funding, but noted that the level of funding the Town will receive this year is “drastically below” what the Town had received previously under the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) program.

Mayor Tim MacPhee weighed in by saying, “Again, we have two beefs: Calgary and Edmonton still receive 50 percent of all the money, and then the rest of the municipalities have to deal with what’s left. I

still don’t think that’s fair and equitable to anybody.

The other fact is, and I’ve said this publicly a few times; I’m happy that the government has reeled in a little bit of their spending, trying to put some money down on the deficit, because it’s 2.6 billion in interest on that deficit.” MacPhee added, “what I’d like push for, and all municipalities should push for, is the savings on interest. As the interest on the debt payment goes down extra money should now turn back over into the LGFF, and we should push hard for that because we’re the ones taking the haircut. That’s exactly what they said, as interest payments get smaller our hair should be able to grow.”

He urged his council colleagues to voice their opinion on that every chance they get. “Those two things are not fair, and I’d like to tie the increases to the LGFF to the reduction of interest.”

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January 17, 2024

Vegreville Christmas Bureau Donations Vegreville Christmas Bureau volunteers Lisa Gegolick, Melody Batchelor and Val Kuzmic accept two cheques on behalf of local residents and business who generously contributed to the 2023 campaign through the Vegreville News Advertiser Christmas Tree. Residents contributed $2,670 and business contributed $3,120 for a grand total of $5,790.

(Michelle Pinon/Photo)

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think that’s enough.

So, coming forward, and I know that there has been conversation from some of the other communities, but from our side of it, I really would like to see that fire services commission built with the same people as are on the emergency team. We don’t need to create a whole other wheel, but change our hats and talk about the fire services. They know better about equipment and manpower and so on and so forth, but if we’re helping pay for part of the service, we should at least be sitting at the table.”

Councillor Chris Lupul, is a former Fire Chief of the Andrew Fire Department, and shared a few of his thoughts. Lupul said fire chiefs used to sit in during these meetings. . We originally sat at these meetings and negotiated back and forth and then it was taken over by the CAOs. So, now we don’t have a say. You’re absolutely correct.

We have to have a say at that table.”

Lupul added, “I’d like to see a local fire department, not necessarily trained up like the county wants us trained. I call it a surround and drown fire department, the guys get to the hall, get in the truck and get to that fire, put the wet stuff on the red stuff and save the family photo albums. You might not save the structure, or enter the building, but you can train to the level of service that the municipality sets. And I worked on this when I was up in Wabasca as their Emergency Services Manager.”

He said that aspect as well as equipment would have to be discussed as well as the idea of a fire services commission.

Councillor Merwin Haight pointed out that during previous mayors and reeves meetings he attended, information on fire calls and motor vehicle collisions were all lumped together. “I have my concerns also about our services here and finding out after the fact instead of being involved. I agree with Councillor Lupul, we need somebody at the table and he has experience with it in the past so that’s the direction we should go.”

According to information supplied by Lamont County, Fire Service Agreements were signed in July 2021 for 10 years. REAC previously met annually and plans are to meet two times a year going forward.

REAC: • Meets a minimum once annually, or as any emergent or immediate need arises.

• Develops and approves policies concerning emergency preparedness, mitigation, response, recovery and the operation and administration of the Regional Emergency Management Partnership and the Regional Emergency Management Agency.

• Approves the Regional Emergency Management plan.

• Declares, renews and/or terminates a State of Local Emergency.

• Appoints the Regional Director of Emergency Management and Regional Deputy Director of Emergency Management by resolution of the committee.

• Provides guidance and direction to the Regional Emergency Management Agency.

• Reviews the Regional Emergency Management Plan and related plans and programs at a minimum of an annual basis.

• Advises all Councils, duly assembled, on the status of the Regional Emergency Plan and related plans and programs at least once annually.