december 18, 2015 strathmore times

8/20/2019 December 18, 2015 Strathmore Times

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Page 3

Look on Page 4 for Town of Strathmore

Municipal Notices

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Winter concert

D E C E M B E R 1 8 , 2 0 1 5

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VOLUME 7 ISSUE 51

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Times Associate Editor

Following an unsuccessful attempt to acquire$25,000 from the town thur far, Waldo Munoz ap-proached Wildrose MLA Derek Fildebrandt to helporganize an emergency pledge drive, to raise thenecessary funds and inch the vision of a Strathmoredrop-in centre closer to reality.

Munoz had been in discussions with the HarvestHealing Centre Church regarding setting up a drop-in centre within the facilities. However, to qualify forinsurance coverage, the building, which hasn’t beenfully completed yet, needs to meet certain require-ments, including building separate bathrooms formales and females. In order to ensure the require-ments are met and get the drop-in centre up andrunning, an estimated $25,000 is required.

“The last little while, outside of my shop, I findpeople sleeping there all the time,” said Waldo Mu-noz, owner of Waldo Imaging, as well as the presi-dent of the Chamber of Commerce in Strathmore.“The ball is starting to roll, but what we are afraid of

is once Christmas passes, people are going to forgetabout this stuff. Right now it’s touching everybody’shearts.”

Furthermore, $125,000 would be needed to hirea full-time staff member – a mental health profes-sional – and keep operations running for a full year.

According to Munoz, the church’s insurance wouldnot allow individuals to stay overnight.

“We need $25,000 just to get it up and running asit is, and then insurance will insure us, without thatthe insurance will not look at us,” he said. “I just

wanted to help, but now things are starting to takeoff. It feels good to do something for the commu-nity, because the community has been pretty goodto me.”

Community members have already dropped offfood items, and even donated a pig. If the HarvestHealing Centre Church facility works out, three large

rooms could accommodate a total of 12 people, andeven more through the use of bunk-beds. Regardlessof the outcome, the church will forge ahead witha soft opening of a soup kitchen on Jan. 2. It willfeature soup, sandwich, a cup of coffee and a scone,every Saturday from 12 p.m. to 1 p.m.

“Until we have the funds in place we can’t go forward, because we don’t have the money to do it,”said Susan Ruzek, a member of the church who willhelp run the soup kitchen.

“The soup kitchen is going ahead regardless of whether or not the drop-in centre goes ahead. Ithink there is a demand for this, and this is basedon somewhere between 50 to 75 families come in toget bread a week. And that’s telling me it’s a demandand it’s a growing demand.”

Continued on Page 3

Emergency pledge for

future drop-in centre

Doug Taylor Photo

Skating with Harvey!Harvey the Hound was on the ice with some of his friends prior to the Calgary Canucks

‘home game’ versus the Fort McMurray Oil Barons on Dec. 15 at the Strathmore Family

Centre. See Page 29 for more coverage.


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December 18, 2015 • Strathmore TIMES • Page 3

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Strathmore RCMP and Fire Department responded to a gas smell by the

Best Western hotel on Dec. 8. It turned out to be a transport truck carryingricaptin that shut down for the night without cleaning out the lines, which

resulted in the odour.Justin Seward Photo

A smelly situation

MIRIAM OSTERMANN


When four-year-old Brooklyn visitedher Langdon preschool on Dec. 9, herteachers noticed she was clingy andcuddly.

Confiding in the owner of the Step-ping Stones Preschool, Lori Caron-Kluppelberg, the perceptive youngsterinformed her that her father had beencrying because her mother hadn’t comehome the night before. While the preschool made sure

Brooklyn’s day was as normal as pos-sible, Rob Hamilton explained to hisdaughter that same night that hermother won’t be coming home at all.

Bonita Hamilton lost her life sudden-ly on Dec. 8 when her vehicle veered

off the road and into a property. Sincethen the community of Langdon hasalready raised nearly $30,000 throughthe Bonita Hamilton (Gobeil) Go FundMe page, to supplement some of Boni-ta’s income and help the family – Rob,Brooklyn, and Bonita’s step-daughterSam, with some of the financial burden. Wanting to help further, the Stepping

Stones Preschool now set up a trustfund for Brooklyn to ensure her educa-tion in the future.

“We thought the entire town couldtake part and feel like they’ve donesomething while but not intrude on thefamily,” Caron-Kluppelberg said. “Theentire town is just completely broken

up about it. The Go Fund Me, that’s fordad directly to help with finances …(this) is specifically for Brooklyn andher education. I’d like to continue add-ing as a preschool to this fund yearly

until she’s 16. As long as we’re in busi-ness we’re going to continue to donate

to it.” According to Caron-Kluppelberg, thetrust fund will remain open while thefamily resides in Langdon. If the familydoes leave the community, she added,the account would be closed and themoney given to the family.

Forty-year-old Bonita had left workearly on Dec. 8 when she didn’t feel well.

While family and friends continueto wonder what caused the incident,Langdon is also mourning the loss of acontributing member of their commu-nity.

“She was a terrific lady, and wouldhave befriended anyone,” said Kris-tie Mackie who has known Bonita for

three years and took part in the same book club. “She was kind and verysmart and someone who was easy totalk to. She will be more than missedand our hearts are broken for her fam-ily. The community has already ralliedaround the family, but the trust fund is just another way to continue to supportthe family, and in particular Brooklyn.”

Mackie added that Bonita was alwayslending a hand, whether by joining theparent committee, playing a large partin organizing the Christmas party at thepreschool, or volunteering in the com-munity to organize major fundraisingevents.

“She was a key organizer in our par-ent committee, she was a volunteer,and she just helped put together ourchildren’s Christmas party less than a week before this happened,” Caron-Kluppelberg said. “She was a huge con-

Langdon pulls together for Brooklyn

tributor towards our preschool. She’sgoing to be very missed for sure.”

An account has been set up at theMountain View Credit Union in Lang-don, under the name Brooklyn.

Strathmore High School

(SHS) showed off their skills

at the SHS Winter Concert

on Dec. 8, with the help of

the jazz band, choir, and theconcert band.

Miriam Ostermann Photos

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Bonita Hamilton (r) with her almost four-year-old

daughter Brooklyn, posed for this photo just be-

fore Hamilton lost her life in a car accident. Theyoungster’s preschool, the Stepping Stones

Langdon Preschool, is now raising money to go

into a trust fund for Brooklyn.

Photo Courtesy of Carey Stevens Photography

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680 Westchester Road, Strathmore, AB T1P 1J1 • 403-934-3133 • Office Hours: M - F 8:30 am to 4:30 pm

www.strathmore.ca

WINNER OF THE 2012 VENTURE MAGAZINE’S BEST SMALL COMMUNITY TO DO BUSINESS IN

T O W N O F

S T

R A T H M O R E

The next regular

Council Meeting

will be

January 13 & 27,

2016

SNOW REMOVAL FROM SIDEWALKS

COMMUNITY STANDARDS BYLAW #13-05 (1) The owner or occupant of a private parcel of land adjacent

to a Sidewalk or Pathway that runs in front of the property oralong the side of the property where:

(a) Such Sidewalk or Pathway runs parallel to and directly

adjacent to a Street, or

(b) Such sidewalk or Pathway runs parallel to and adjacent to a

Street, where the Pathway or Sidewalk and Street are separatedonly by a grassed or otherwise covered boulevard; Shall remove

ice and snow from that portion of the Sidewalk or Pathway

adjacent to the parcel so that the Sidewalk or Pathway is cleared

to the bare surface, within 48 hours after the ice and or snow has

been deposited.

(2) Where the owner or occupant of a parcel of land has notcomplied with Part V Subsection (1), The Town may remove

the ice and snow, and the owner of the parcel is liable for such

removal costs.(3) Where the owner or occupant fails to pay the expenses and

costs of removal referred to in Part V Subsection (2), such costsmay be added to the tax roll of the parcel.

PLEASE KEEP OFF THE ICEDUE TO THE WARM TEMPERATURES THIS

WINTER SEASON, THE ICE IS NOT FULLY

FORMING. PLEASE BE CAUTIOUS AND STAY

OFF ALL WATER BODIES!

The Town of Strathmore “FEES, RATES, CHARGES AND

PENALTIES FOR SERVICES PROVIDED BY THE MUNICIPALITY”

Bylaw #15-39 has been amended by Mayor & Council.

This amendment will include a need to increase the associatedUtility Rates for 2016 as outlined in the above summary table.

These changes will come into effect for both Residential and the

Commercial properties.

These changes come into effect January 1, 2016. Thesechanges will be reflected on your Dec 15-January 2016 bill for

Route A and for Route B it will affect your January 1-31, 2016 bill.

This increase has come as a result of The City of Calgary

increasing their water rates to the town and increase in cost

running the distribution system.

VOLUNTEERS FOR

DOWNTOWN DESIGN REVIEW COMMITTEEThe Town of Strathmore is seeking Two (2) Community members

who would like to volunteer to sit on the Town’s Downtown

Design Review Committee.

The Purpose of this Committee is recommending to the Town ofStrathmore Approving Authority and Council, regarding:

A) Exterior building material and design features,

B) Mix of land uses,

C) Site landscaping,

D) Public Art,E) Streetscaping including street furniture,

F) Density bonusing

G) Signage including awnings and wayfinding,

H) Parking reductions,

I) Height of Structures,

J) Pedestrian access points.

If you are interested in volunteering, please contact Jennifer

Sawatzky, Municipal Clerk at 403-934-3133.

The town office will be closed forChristmas starting on December

24th, 2015 at noon and re-opening onJanuary 4th, 2016 at 8:30am.

2016 UTILITY RATE INCREASEMeters Monthly Residential & Commercial Utility Rates

Monthly Rate January 1, 2016

Flat Water Maintenance Levy

5/8” x3/4” & 5/8”x1/2”$6.83 $6.83

Water Conveyance Levy $2.40 $2.40

Flat Sewer Maintenance Levy

& Storm Sewer Levy24.46 $24.46

Garbage Levy $16.39 $16.39

Total Monthly Maintenance

Charge$50.08 $50.08

Variable Sewer Charge 1.60 $1.60

Variable Water Consumption

Charge

0-30 m3 $1.83/m3

Over 30m3 $1.88/ m3 0-30 m3 $2.05/m3

Over 30m3 $2.10 /m3

Bulk Water $4.50/m3 $4.50 / m3

.

.

.

.

.

.

COUNCIL MEETING CALENDARJANUARY 2016-DECEMBER 2016

JANUARY 13TH & 27TH

FEBRUARY 3RD & 17TH

MARCH 2ND & 16TH

APRIL 6TH & 20TH

MAY 4TH & 18TH

JUNE 1ST & 15TH

JULY 6TH & 20TH

AUGUST 3RD & 17TH

SEPTEMBER 7TH & 21ST

OCTOBER 5TH & 19TH

NOVEMBER 2ND & 16TH

DECEMBER 7TH & 21ST


5/36

587-316-2000 Email: [email protected]

View listings at www.the-reps.carealestatereps Carey Rose Hayley PoirierDebra Enslen

View all of our listingsand virtual tours at

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GET YOUR

CLASSIFIED ADS IN!

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Continued from Page 1

After Munoz approached town council with the issue, council said they wantedto see him coordinate with services inStrathmore and asked him to work withtown administration to provide moredetail. He was also urged to come back

before council at a later date. Munozsaid a business plan is currently in the

works. However, in hopes of moving theproject forward quickly as the weatherturns colder, Munoz approached Wil-drose Strathmore-Brooks MLA DerekFildebrandt to help with the dilemma.In turn, Fildebrandt started setting up

Money needed drop-in centre in town

Like Us

on Facebook!

an emergency pledge drive at his officeto take donations and food items.

“Growing communities also come with growing social problems,” said Wil-drose MLA Derek Fildebrandt. “We’retrying to make it a full-blown drop-incentre. We’re going to run an emergen-cy pledge drive out of my office, but

you’re trying to work your way througha big bureaucracy, and it’s a slow-mov-ing beast.”

Harvest Healing Centre Church repre-sentatives were scheduled to appear be-fore council to discuss the issue on Dec.16. To make a donation to the projectcall 403-934-4400.

Capsule Comments

Gord MorckPharmacist

YOUR WEEKLY

HEALTH ADVICE

New Hours:

M-F: 9 - 7 pm • Sat: 9 - 6 pmSun & Holidays: 11 - 5 pm

Strathmore 132 - 2nd Ave.Strathmore

Ph: 403-934-3122Fx: 403-934-6474

Get the latest new products, specialsavings, contests and more sent directly

to your email. Sign up today for theValue Drug Mart E-letter.

There are two main types of calciumsupplements used today. Calcium carbonate is

less expensive and depends on stomach acid forbest absorption. Take these with meals. Calcium

citrate, the more expensive form, is absorbed wellwhen taken with or without food.

Keep a list of all the medications you takewith you at all times. This list should contain

all prescribed medications, non prescriptionmedications and herbal products. Many peopledon’t include vitamins and herbal products on

this list but they can be important in assessing

your health.Side effects can happen with medications. Most

are minor and self-limiting. Examples include

nausea, drowsiness and skin rashes. Side effectscan happen when certain drugs are mixed with

others. Alcohol is a good example of the “other”drug. As your pharmacists, we will inform youof any side effects that may affect your quality

of life.

Good habits to cultivate for 2016 include taking

your medications correctly, daily exercise, notsmoking, moderate alcohol consumption and

eating sensibly to keep your weight in control.These habits all contribute to a healthier life.

There is another habit we would like youto keep… having our pharmacists fll your

prescriptions. The side effects of this service areonly positive.

Have a happy and safe holiday season.

Call Us Today 403-934-5292Office location – 100 Ranch Market, Unit 105F Strathmore, AB

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Auction successThe Standard Lions ClubStag Auction raised$52,925 on Dec. 4, withonly 100 people in atten-dance. The event alsofeatured Cody Hayes ofCanadian Public Auc-tions – the reigning “bestauctioneer in Canada.”

Photo Courtesy ofStandard Lions Club

1-800-222-TIPS

(1-800-222-8477)

403-934-2125

Strathmore RCMP is currently

investigating a number of thefts

that occurred at theStrathmore Swimming Pool.

On November 29th, cash

and a vehicle key FOB were

taking from several lockers

sometime between 130pm and

5pm. Should you have any

information that could assist

in solving this investigation,

please contact the

Strathmore RCMP

File: 20151543099


6/36


www.StrathmoreTimes.com

LAUREEN F. GUENTHER

Times Contributor

Alayiah Wolfchild, a17-year-old student at Strath-more High School (SHS), has been performing in the New

Blood dance show since theshow began a year ago.

Directed by DeanneBertsch, and based on Pe-ter Gabriel’s music by thesame title, New Blood wasfirst performed at SHS inthe fall of 2014. Then thecast was invited to performon the Siksika First Nation,and from there, to nine more venues and communitiesaround southern Alberta. The most recent perfor-

mances was at Ernest Man-ning High School in Calgaryon Dec. 10, as part of theschool’s Culture Day.

New Blood features thestory of Blackfoot Chief Vin-cent Yellow Old Woman’sresidential school experi-ence, and represents thestory of all former residen-tial students, including Wolf-child’s own grandparents. Wolfchild and her castmatesare telling a story that’s toopainful for many of them toshare.

“It’s a big honor because it just means that our story, mygrandparents’ stories, are be-ing told,” Wolfchild said.

It was an especially great

honor when her grandpar-ents were in the audience.

“Just seeing them there, it

touched me because I sawmyself in them,” she said. “Itried to put myself in theirshoes when they were inresidential schools.” Wolfchild’s father, Eddi

Wolfchild, has also been per-

forming in New Blood sincethe show began, playing thefather whose son goes toresidential school.

“The show has brought mydad and I closer,” Wolfchildsaid. “It means a lot to him, because his parents were both in residential schools.”

Her dad is also glad, shesaid, to see non-aboriginaland aboriginal students per-forming together, puttingaside their differences and building friendships.

New Blood continues toreceive performance invita-tions.

“We’re always listening toPeter Gabriel (music) andtalking about how muchfurther the show will go,” Wolfchild said. “I want to welcome (people) to theshow, (for them) to know what happened in residen-tial schools.” When she considers the

abuse her grandparents suf-fered, she said, “just imag-ining my two little sistersgoing to school in fear, it breaks my heart.”

You can follow perfor-mances and book tickets on

the New Blood Facebookpage or at newbloodthe-danceshow.com.

New Blood dancer performsher grandparents’ story

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1984-2015Judy Pethick 1945 – 2015 (owner)

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A special thank you for the loyalty,

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HANG ON TO YOURJewellery and watch

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The Strathmore and Dis-trict Agricultural Society bidadieu to some of its boardmembers, including presi-dent Brad Walls, and wel-comed five individuals tothe positions, after electionstook place on Dec. 14. Among those newly elected

was president-elect DennisMcNeill, a long-time member,former president, and lastterm’s vice-president.

McNeill, who’s also aStrathmore Lions Club mem-

ber, has been a member withthe society for over 35 years.

When fhe was first electedas president in 1992, the so-ciety’s prime focus rested on

building the grandstands.Since then, the Strathmoreand District Agricultural So-ciety has grown in events,

facilities, and in attendance. While their signature event,the Strathmore Stampede,also received some adjust-ments, in the form of en-tertainment, a wine cellar,and the use of the RemudaCentre – a multi-use facilitythat aided with admissions– the society is working dili-gently to expand its presencethroughout the year. With an expected five-year

plan focused on additionsand renovations to facilities,funding, and proper direc-tion for management, McNeillis looking forward to create

a more year-round presence without the dependence onone event – Strathmore Stam-pede. However, for McNeill,it was the society’s involve-ment with the 29 user groups– including minor ball, slowpitch, archery, and 4-H – thatkept him coming back yearafter year.

“It’s been discovered thatagricultural societies for ev-ery dollar in grants or otherinput from towns and gov-ernment, agricultural societ-ies turn that into four dollars

by hosting events,” McNeillsaid.

“We’re building experi-ences for people. They come,

they’ve never seen a rodeo,they’ve never seen what wedo in a small town, and wechange people’s lives be-cause of it. It’s exciting.” After two years as presi-

dent, Brad Walls, who is alsoa local councillor, decidedagainst seeking re-election,and referred to his termsas both challenging and re-

warding. While he acknowl-edged the staff and board forhelping make his term ex-ceptional, he is confident inhis former right-handman’sabilities.

“The Ag Society is in ex-ceptionally good hands rightnow and I want to focus onsome other initiatives I spear-headed,” said Walls. “Dennisis one of the most hardwork-ing individuals I know. Heputs more time into the parkthan I think half the staff do.I see him doing great thingsfor the society.”

Some highlights from thesociety include their partner-ship with the Celebration ofLights, the outdoor rink, andthe Open Farm Days. Also elected on Dec. 14,

were Gwen Schneider as a

board member, Cara Burneas vice president, and SheilaCrispin as secretary-treasurer– a position formerly held byPascal Del Guercio – to makeup the 12-member board.Both Walls and McNeillpraised the team for their ef-forts in making the initiativesa success.

New board elected


8/36

JUSTIN SEWARD

Times Reporter

Symbiotic EnviroTek members have been working with Wheatland Countyfor the last year to get the go-ahead forthe first pilot project wastewater treat-ment solution to replace the septic fieldthat has failed in Rosebud.

On Dec. 1 during the Wheatland Coun-ty regular council meeting, the company visited the chambers to provide an up-date. The company provided a microalgae

wastewater treatment solution that alsoproduces algal biomass that can be sold

for a number of different applicationsincluding food and non-food products.Liquid wastes that have different compo-nents of nutrient streams can grow algaeto be sold and used for an input to natu-ral health products, animal feed, or bioindustrial products.

“Terrific progress has been made onthis project,” said Elizabeth Huculak,

consultant for Symbiotic EnviroTek. “Weknew that Rosebud has a problem and we’ve been working to apply the micro-algae production system as wastewatertreatment system for them.”

Huculak was a part of a committeethat did a feasibility study in 2012 with


Symbiotic EnviroTek look for county’s letter of intent

15122DG1

Amendments to the Enhanced Protection for Farm and Ranch Workers Act will assure farming families of their ability to pass on traditions to their

kids: the next generation of producers.That’s how this province was built.

The new legislation will not affect:

• purely family-owned and operated farm and ranch operations,

even if family members are paid,

• families’ ability to teach their children about farming and

farming traditions,

• kids’ participation in 4-H programs, or

• neighbours who volunteer to help each other out.

The new Act will reflect legislation in other provinces that:

• protects the safety of waged workers and helps prevent

workplace accidents, and

• compensates waged workers, or those workers’ families,in case of disabling injury or death on the job.

Family farms continue to flourish in all other provinces with similar

legislation. Ours will too.

Learn more at work.alberta.ca

The Government of Alberta has amended

Bill 6 to respond to farm families’ concerns.

Farm and ranchfamilies spoke.

We’re listening.

15122FF0

FCC is again presenting inspiring, informative speakers, hands-on

workshops and engaging seminars across the country. For anyone

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Find the events that benefit your operation, and register today.

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Sustainability Resources to look at alter-natives for ecological treatment. At thattime, Wheatland County had identifiedfive communities within the county thathad wastewater issues and/or economicdevelopment issues.

“Consequently we met with membersof Rosebud and evaluated the situationand they rose to the top of the pile in

communities most ready to take on aproject like this,” said Huculak.

If the county were to pass the motionfor the company to do this, Symbioticmust follow certain Alberta Environmentand Parks criteria, including the Teflon water quality where they did trial runsover the summer.

“We’ve been using the Rosebud wastewater to grow algae and prove that thedischarge water quality meets the stan-dards that the county needs and willqualify for the Alberta Environment wa-ter standards,” said Huculak. “That workhas now been completed and it puts us ina position now to get the approval fromcouncil to proceed with this project.”

However, Wheatland County gave

them a conditional approval to moveforward on the project because they hadnot received the final draft of the letter of

intent, which outlines the process Symbi-otic EnviroTek has to follow. The guidelines include submitting a

registration under the code of practiceto Alberta Environment to register it asa facility, a service agreement with thecounty and an implementation of sitepreparation work that the county will doin readiness for deployment of the field

for next spring. The cost of the whole field will come

to $6 million with the wastewater comingto $3 million. Wheatland County Councilor Ben Arm-

strong said he would like to see how thisproject operates before considering hav-ing it spread around the county.

“It looks like it’s a workable process,”said Armstrong. “It’s different and I knowthe system we had at Rosebud was start-ing to fail a little bit. We had to do some-thing. These new initiatives come alongand it was a good chance to try some-thing different.”

He added that it’s less of a carbon foot-print than a lagoon system. The site preparation will start as soon

as the ground thaws and go until May with the expectation of deploying theplant beginning in June.

The Junior Achievement SE Prairie Region showed their appreciation to their volunteers on Dec. 10.

The event received donations from Strathmore Station, M&M Meats, Field Stone Wines, and Tina’s No

Frills. Chair for the Regional Leadership Committee Wendy Gerbrandt (l-r), Director Marcy Field, volun-

teers Pat Stillwell, Lenore Stillwell, and Carolin Helder, Director Anne Collins, and Regional Coordinator

for Junior Achievement SE Prairie Region Tristan Periard were having a good time right from the start.

Miriam Ostermann Photo

Volunteers shine


9/36


403.325.0372 • [email protected]

Wishing You & Your Familya Safe andDEBBEST

Christmas ever!!

Jody Schneider Production ManagerKristina Bezic Office ManagerTIMES

STRATHMORE

Strathmore Times is published every Friday by Strathmore Times Inc. and is distributed by Canada Post to Strathmore, Carseland, Cheadle, Cluny,

Gleichen, Hussar, Indus, Langdon, Lyalta, Namaka, Nightingale, Rockyford, Rosebud, Speargrass and Standard. We also have various pickup locations

throughout our coverage area. Our 11,500 issues are printed by Star Press Inc., Wainwright, Alberta. The content in the Strathmore Times is copyright

and reproduction without the proper written consent of the Strathmore Times is strictly prohibited.

Contributors: Doug Taylor, Sharon McLeay, John Godsman, Kevin Link, Wendi Tashlikowich, Laureen F. Guenther

123 2nd Avenue, Strathmore, Alberta T1P 1K1 • 403.934.5589

Mario Prusina Publisher / Editor

Rose Hamrlik AdvertisingMiriam Ostermann Associate Editor

The Times welcomes letters to the editor for publication. All submissions must be signed and a phone number i ncluded for verification purposes. We reserve the right to

edit letters for length, legal considerations and taste. Please tr y and keep your letters under 400 words to ensure that it will appear as close to its original form as possible.

Alissa Jensen Production

Justin Seward Reporter

Manny Everett Office Manager

PAT FULE

Fule for Thought

This is not my typical column. Normally, I try tokeep it light, as everyone has their own pain. No oneneeds to have mine added to theirs. However, this

Christmas is a lot more blue for the Fules, as two ofour family have been hit, and hit hard. We all haveour own demons, pains, and weaknesses, and we allstruggle to find happiness in our lives.

For some reason, that happiness was elusive toDeb’s cousin. His family went through many triumphsand many struggles. Many people turn to things to

bring them happiness, even if it’s fleeting and can’t be maintained. He was a good man, who fell preyto alcohol. This had caused him to become homelessfor awhile, and the family worr ied for him. Yet for 10

years, he fought off, and defeated the power of drink, with the help of a much loved woman.

The tragedy began with her own suffering and de-feat by cancer. That loss was sad enough, but it also

became the catalyst for Dan to begin his second de-cline. No one can tell people how to deal with theirgrief, and his family struggled as he unraveled. Theman who had defeated alcohol, turned his life around,and built a solid life, had it all taken by grief and a re-turn to drinking. Before long, he was homeless againin Calgary. His father and sister braved the downtownstreets to find him, and begged him to come home …that they’d help him, but he could not do it. In fact, heagreed and was taken by his father to a centre to helphim. However, as soon as his father left, Dan went outthe back, never to return. This fall, Dan died on the streets of Calgary. He died

alone, and I hope he had no fear or suffering. He wasa good man, who was brought down by the loss ofsomeone very close to him. He left behind a father,two sisters, a son, and many family and friends. He

will never have a Christmas again, and his grown sonhas to make sense of this horrible tragedy. My hope isthat in his last moments, Dan knew how many peoplecared for him. I’m sure there are many other homeless

people who have their own tales of loss, and of thingsthat crushed their hopes.

My favorite uncle is dying. He was my late mom’s youngest brother, and my parents helped him cometo Canada, get a job, a driver’s license, a car, and theyeven taught him English! If you’re a long time reader,then you know he’s the one that my late mom playedmatchmaker for! She felt that my aunt was the best girlfor him, and she threw out all the letters from one girlshe didn’t approve of, and made sure Poldi got Vera’s!Now, 54 years, three daughters, two sons in law, andsix grandchildren later, here we are for his last months… or even weeks. He’s agitated, scared, and he wantsto go home. He’s had to have restraints placed on his

wrists and ankles, and yesterday they found him inanother room after he’d fallen. Today, I had to remindhim who I was. The young uncle, the one who wasso cool to us nephews, is now trapped in a weaken-ing body. We’ve been told there is no hope … that it’sspread too far, and too fast. There can be no victoryhere … our family is facing the long goodbye.

I hope that these last times I spend with my unclegive him ease from his worries and pain. I hope thatour whole family has a chance to share all our love

with him, and for each other. My Christmas wish for

my favorite uncle is peace, no fear, and a painlesspassing.

I hope you and your families have a wonderfuland loving Christmas. Hug someone you haven’t ina while, tell someone you love him or her, rememberall our lost ones, and pray for those who are sufferingin sickness. I’ll be praying for a lost soul who tried sohard to beat his demons, for his family who couldn’tsave him, and for my favorite uncle. God bless youall.

(“Fule for Thought” is a slice of life humourous col-umn that appears in the Strathmore Times, written bylong-time resident, town councillor, high school teach-er, coach, husband and father of two – Pat Fule. I f youwould like to get in touch with Pat, you can send himan e-mail at [email protected])

Blue Christmas

JENNIFER PAGE

Pregnancy Care Centre Program Coordinator

Have you ever wondered whom to call, at anytime of day, with your questions and concerns? The Pregnancy Care Centre is here to help.

Finding out she was pregnant, Jenica talked toher boyfriend and they decided to parent. Theyknew it would not be easy, as they had just metabout a couple of months ago, but they were bothexcited about the possibility of becoming a familyand decided to put their efforts into making theirrelationship work while preparing to be parents. Their excitement changed after Jenica told her

parents. Suddenly, the reality of her decision be-came clear. She’d have to quit smoking, drinking,partying on the weekends, and would need tomake healthier decisions for herself and her baby.

She and her boyfriend would have to find em-ployment with adequate pay and benefits, and putsignificant effort into life-skill development and fi-nancial awareness. Once her parents laid out theirexpectations – what they would, and would notdo – the excitement took a turn toward panic.

Compounded by these difficult realities was thecomplicated nature of her relationship with her

boyfriend. Though she felt that there was an in-stant connection, the honeymoon phase was com-ing to an abrupt halt. They not only had to makedecisions about the nature of their relationship, but they also had to learn how to communicateabout their needs as well as the needs of the developing baby. They soon realized they had somuch to learn about each other and were not sure

what to do about their relationship. That’s when Jenica found the Pregnancy Care Centre.

Our 24-hour helpline is available for you inthese types of situations. With the support oftrained, dedicated volunteers providing informa-tion over the phone at any time of the day, weoffer care and support to anyone who has ques-tions or concerns, is feeling worried or anxious, orsimply needs to hear a friendly voice. We are hereto come alongside as they face difficult situations.

Many conversations will end with a follow-upappointment for on-going support and more in-depth care. At the Pregnancy Care Centre, Jenica’speer-counsellor helped her navigate some of theconcerns she had about being a mother. Jenica was able to get connected with prenatal help, life-skills and budgeting classes, and also to discussher deep-seated negative beliefs about herself.Her parents were able to receive some much-needed support surrounding their concerns fortheir daughter. Eventually, the peer-counsellorsinvolved were able to provide mediation andsupport for both the family and the boyfriend in- volved.

There is still much work that Jenica and her boyfriend have to do to prepare for the coming

baby, but they are both making strides toward be-coming the best parents they can be. At the Preg-nancy Care Centre, we love helping people like Jenica discover their values and abilities and worktoward their full potential.

If you, or someone you know, would benefitfrom our services, please do not hesitate to call ortext 403-269-3110.

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Water Softeners, Iron Filters& Drinking Water Systems

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10/36


Correction The article “No room at the Inn” that was featured

in the Dec. 11 issue of the Strathmore Times stated

that the Harvest Healing Centre is hosting a

Drop-in Centre and soup kitchen on Fridays.

While the Harvest Healing Centre is interested in

offering these services in the future, they are

not currently providing them.

In the article “Eat right, get active” printed in the

Dec. 11 edition of the Strathmore Times , the Meet

your Neighbour day was attributed to HEAL.

It was actually initiated and organized by the

Newsy Neighbour. We apologize for any

inconvenience this may have caused.

Thought for

the Week

~

Every

choice we

make today

affects the

choices

that we face

tomorrow.

By Irene Knappe, Secretary / PR / Membership

Strathmore Legion Branch #10 NEWS

• Tickets are still available for New Year’s Eve! Why not join us at the Legion

and dance the night away with BLUE STONE!! Party favours, prizes, cham-

pagne and snack at midnight. Your evening begins with no-host Cocktails at

6 p.m. followed by Roast Beef Dinner at 7 p.m. and Entertainment at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets are available at the Legion Bar for $40 per person. See you there!!

• As the year draws to a close, please accept our most sincere thanks to

those who have so generously supported us, from Strathmore and all sur-

rounding towns and villages, through 2015. A heart-felt thank you to all our

Volunteers who have given us so much of their time; to all the establishmentsthat sponsored the wreaths and crosses to show their support during the

two weeks of Remembrance and to everyone who supported our Veterans,

past and present, by buying bracelets and pins and by further donating so

generously towards acquiring

the poppies which are worn so

proudly by all. And thank you

to the children of the schools

who wrote their wonderful

poems and essays and for

their drawings and paint-

ings commemorating what

Remembrance Day stands for.

To them we pass the Torch.

Thank you each and everyone!

For further information, please call the Legion at 403.934.5119

LEST WE FORGET / WE WILL REMEMBER THEM

JENNY SCHUMANN

Strathmore Handibus

Association

Strathmore Handibusstrives to provide profession-

al and safe transportationservices to seniors and thephysically disabled residentsof the Town of Strathmoreand Wheatland County bothfor medical and social ap-pointments. The Handibus Associa-

tion reviews the operationsprocedures, financials, as-set management and client

requirements on a monthly basis. It has been determinedthat the fees, which have re-mained consistent for thepast four years, require an in-crease to offset general infla-

tion costs. The updated fees will commence Jan. 1. For thefull list of fees, please contactdispatch at 403-934-3418. We continue to be grateful

for all your support of theservice, and would like tothank the Wheatland LodgeGoodwill Club, Mardelle Ba-zant, Phyllis Bramley, W. Bar-clay, Margaret Gomez, Ruth

Strathmore Handibus fee increase 2016

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DEREK FILDEBRANDT

Strathmore-Brooks MLA

The recent pushback from Albertans against their govern-ment over Bill 6 shows that even against the odds, the peopleof our province have the ability to stand up for themselves when their backs are up against the wall.

People make mistakes, and governments are made up ofpeople, so governments are bound to make mistakes. What

matters is how we deal with and learn from those mistakes.Ralph Klein was famous for regularly making mistakes, buteven more so for his genuine apologies.

By contrast, the NDP made a colossal mistake with Bill 6,

Bill 6 shows Albertans can fight back but just ploughed ahead with it, critics be damned.

The original form of Bill 6 would have allowedOH&S bureaucrats to come onto people’s private,residential property without a warrant to ensurethat everything met government regulations. Theoriginal Bill 6 would have required that unpaidfarm kids would have to be insured under the Workers Compensation Board.

Farmers and ranchers immediately began to ask

serious questions of the government and express worry that the bill was being rushed through thelegislature without any consultation. These farm-ers and ranchers were immediately brushed off by the premier as extremists who were opposedto farm safety.

Right after the bill was tabled in the legislature, virtually every provincial media outlet endorsedBill 6 before reading it; after all, who was op-posed to farm safety? Almost immediately, my offices in Strathmore,

Brooks and in Edmonton were all swamped bye-mails and phone calls from constituents who wanted me to fight Bill 6 on their behalf. It be-came quickly apparent that Bill 6 did much morethan was advertised by the government. The Wildrose Caucus and I quickly understood

that even if the bill was popular with the media

and (for the time being) in the big cities, it was theright thing to fight it. We were not opposed to legislation that im-

proved farm safety, but we were opposed to any bill that had not consulted with the people it af-fected most: farmers and ranchers.

Farmers came out to rallies in Lethbridge, RedDeer, Medicine Hat and Edmonton by the thou-sands. They had a simple message to the govern-ment: “Listen!” The NDP scrambled to hold a few last minute

“town-hall” meetings where a minister or bureau-crat would explain how the legislation wouldhave to be complied with. They were not intend-ed to be a forum of farmers and ranchers to tellthe government what the legislation should looklike. The NDP initially refused to hold any town halls

whatsoever in our constituency of Strathmore-Brooks, despite being one of the most agricultureintensive constituencies in the entire country.

Between 500 and 600 constituents came out tothe Bassano town hall meeting to discuss Bill 6 with me and several other Wildrose MLAs whoalso attended. To his credit, the Minister of Agri-

culture, Oneil Carlier also attended. The messagefrom constituents to the minister was clear: “KillBill 6.” Albertans in Calgary and Edmonton began to

stand with us against an attack on the family farm,and the refusal of the government to listen to rea-son.

Unlike many in our government, the majority of Albertans know and appreciate the cultural values

of farm life and the history of this province aretightly weaved together.Once the NDP made clear that it would not put

the legislation on hold until the spring in orderto consult, my Wildrose colleagues and I decidedto fight the bill with every tool at our disposal.In short, that meant that we debated the bill ex-haustively, often going well into the early hoursof the morning in the legislature, and providingproactive amendments to have the bill sent backto committee.

Despite condemning the practice as extremelyundemocratic while they were in opposition, theNDP quickly invoked “debate closure,” whichmore a less just shuts down the legislature andautomatically passes the bill. We did everythinglegal within our means to delay the bill, but in theend, the NDP rammed it through.

Political pressure on the NDP was strongenough however to force them to concede someamendments, but not to slow the bill down andconsult with farmers and ranchers first. Still, thoseamendments did significantly water down the billfrom its original form. Namely: the bill will no lon-ger require family members from having manda-tory WCB coverage, and the bill no longer allowsOH&S bureaucrats into your home to conduct in-spections without a warrant. There are still huge problems with the bill, and

if Albertans elect a Wildrose government in thefuture, I am committed to thoroughly reviewingthe legislation. But in the end, Albertans pushed back against their government, and to some de-gree, won.

I truly hope that the premier and the NDP havelearned a lesson about consulting with Albertansfirst and when to put the brakes on somethingthat isn’t well thought out first; but if they havenot, you can count on the Wildrose to remindthem again.

(Derek Fildebrandt is MLA for Strathmore-Brooks, the Wildrose Shadow Minister of Financeand Chairman of the Public Accounts Committee.)

Warke, Rita Reasbeck-Dorr, Mary Os-trom, June Estelle Aune, Bill Walthamand Wheatland County for the generousdonations. Wishing you a happy holiday season

filled with joy and may the coming year

be overflowing with good health, andall the good things in life.


11/36


MIRIAM OSTERMANN


Shortly after reaching their 40s, Leighand Nicole Cordes noticed a change intheir lifestyle and weight, and activitiesthat once seemed effortless quickly be-came a struggle. In an effort to regaintheir active way of life, the couple soonplaced their diet under the microscope. With a background in agriculture, a nu-tritionist education, and partnerships with local and Alberta-based produc-ers, the Cordes decided to answer thedemand from Strathmore residents to

open a market and deli dedicated toproviding the community with health-conscious, nutrient-rich foods.

“That was kind of the evolution forus, or the transition, as we started to getinto our 40s, my weight was going upevery year and I couldn’t ski, I couldn’t bike, I couldn’t do those things that Ireally wanted to do at the age I was at,”said Leigh Cordes, co-owner of Back toGood Market and Deli.

“I found that my physical health wasstarting to deteriorate. So we started tolook at our diet. I tried to do my owngrocery shopping and found there wasso much in the store that I wasn’t evenusing. That was part of where we start-

ed to come from.”Back to Good Market and Deli openedits doors on Nov. 2, stocking items for which Strathmore residents were previ-ously required to shop in Calgary. The business and its staff, which also in-cludes another nutritionist and a localcook, cater to specific individuals andtheir health concerns, including gluten-free, dairy-free, and vegetarian options,no MSG, and alter their recipes to sub-stitute coconut sugar, natural honey, ormaple syrup to replace refined sugars.

In partnership with numerous Albertafarmers and producers, such as PoplarBluff and Organic Matters, the ownersare not only supporting local business-es, but are reflecting on their own for-

mer farming experiences.“What got me interested in this, was

when we used to farm, I always wantedto have more value added products, be-cause … a loaf of bread, you take a little bit of wheat and you figure that back to what the farmer actually gets for that wheat, and it’s such a huge mark-up,”Leigh said. “One of the other importantfactors too, is to have an outlet for lo-cal producers to sell their product. Forthem to get into the big grocery storesis sometimes something the stores

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Thank YouIt is with privilege I thank the

following:

Wheatland Housing Manage-

ment Body for the ve plus years

of employment as your C.A.O.

The Management Body Board

of Directors for their condence

of hire, their individual Municipal

support, leadership and respect.

Wheatland Housing Manage-

ment Team – As team captains

you load the bases of the playing

eld each day and accomplish

“home runs.” As you C.A.O. I felt

very fortunate to have shared with

you your work ethics and “bang

power.”

Union and Contracted Sta – I

feel that the secret of content-

ment of our Lodge residents is

largely due to the sta’s signicant

pride of workmanship, compas-

sion and their unique enjoyment

of service to our seniors.

District Service Clubs, 4-H Clubs,

Strathmore and District Busi-

nesses, Individuals – Each in your

own way through your generous

donaons of nancial funding,

working projects and beauca-on of landscapes, have enhanced

the aracveness of the Lodge for

the pleasure, comfort and safety

of our residents.

The Volunteers – every day at

the Lodge various age groups are

seen volunteering. The giving

of your me and talents creates

great happiness for our residents

and sta alike. I cannot thank you

adequately – It is just “Wow.”

Faith Based Church Groups – You

are truly valued for your Spiritual

Services and religious support.

Time given so willingly for the love

of the seniors. Someday a desig-

nated chapel would be nice.

Lastly but most importantly

thank you to the residents of the

Wheatland Lodge and the resi-

dents and ulizers of the Wheat-

land Social Housing Programs. You

are what we are all about – you

are who we strive to serve each

day.

Goodbye and thank you to the

residents and sta for the rere-

ment dinners and memorbelia.

The many cards received with

rerement advice will be wisdom

for the future.

Our Wheatland Lodge Mission

statement goal is to touch lives

and honor the uniqueness of each

individual we serve. That was

the priviledge given to me at hire.

Welcome to new C.A.O. Beverly

Walker – I pass you the torch-carry

it proudly and with respect.

Thank you to the Management

Board, past and present for my

Rerement Party with “par excel-

lence” dining at Brown’s Country

Kitchen. Your prayers, toasts,memories and a gi of a Framed

Inspiraonal Artwork by Strath-

more’s Brandy Hebbes made it a

remarkable and celebrated closing

to my career.

Sincerely,

Rered C.A.O.

Shirley Reinhardt

won’t even look at becauseit’s too small. It’s a good wayto create an economy in ourown community. It’s quiteneat how many little things you can find once you startlooking.” While Back to Good Mar-

ket and Deli is not intendedto grow into a grocery store,the move of the Calgary Co-op to the highway inspiredthe Cordes family, whosetwo teenage children alsohelp out in the store, to set

up shop downtown and fillsome of that void.

“They don’t have to runto the city, and for me, I’ma believer in eating healthyand I just think it’s impor-tant to eat healthy yourselfand teach your kids to eathealthy,” said Nicole Cordes,co-owner and a certified nu-tritionist, who visits the lo-cal operations on how their

food is produced.“We knew that the Co-op

was moving, and we knewthat a lot of people were up-set that there wasn’t goingto be any sort of a marketdown here. Nowhere to gofor a cup of coffee, or a bowlof soup. So for us it would be nice to provide that forpeople down here.” Although the business is

still in its infancy, the Cordesare already envisioning a sit-ting area in the summer with

baskets showcasing variousfresh produce for sale, areplanning on offering moregrab-and-go items, and inthe future plan on expand-ing their greenhouse to growherbicide-free and pesticide-free produce. For informa-tion on the menu, it is posteddaily on the Back to Good– Whole Foods Market andDeli Facebook page.

Back to Good Market and

Deli owners Leigh (l-r) and

Nicole Cordes pose withtheir staff Allison Koso-

wan Burgess and Kasan-

dra Janzen during the

new store’s grand open-

ing on Nov. 27.

Miriam Ostermann Photo

The United Church donated

over 85 handmade quilts to

local charities, including the

Wheatland Crisis Society, onNov. 28. Present on that day

were Edna Nixon (front row

l-r), Shirley Minty, Shirley

Oancia, Ruth Radway. Do-

reen Anderlik (back row l-r),Joyce Walker, Anne Gods-

man and Doreen Rouse.Manny Everett Photo

Quiltingfor a cause

Strathmore Childrens’ Choir put on a great performance at their Christmas

recital at Hope Covenant Church on Dec. 12.Photo Courtesy of Corine Kruse

Songs of the season


12/36


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LAUREEN F. GUENTHER

Times Contributor

“This year, more than any other year,I’ve found it a challenge to try to cre-ate a sense of community spirit and

wellbeing,” LaVerne Erickson, founderof Rosebud School of the Arts told me, when we sat down to discuss the year2015. That, he said, is primarily because all

levels of government have increasedthe number and complexity of theirregulations.

In June, Erickson organized a volun-teer work bee to build a communitypicnic shelter.

“That was a big challenge, to get itthrough the regulatory approvals,” hesaid. And he’s since learned that, for future

projects on county land, all volunteers will need to be fully trained, wearing

steel-toed boots, harnesses and hardhats, “whereas, we as a group of volun-

teers just got out there and built some-thing.” The Rosebud community is also cop-

ing with government regulations asthey work to replace their wastewatersystem, which was to be finished this

June. Right now, a pumper truck comesto Rosebud two or three times daily tocollect sewage.

“That has been slowed down due to what they call due process,” Ericksonsaid. “You think you’ve got over onehurdle and you run into another.”

In the slowness of that process, Erick-son said, he knows Wheatland Countyis simply coping with the regulations brought down by higher levels of gov-ernment. And, as Alberta’s largest citieslobby for more autonomy, rural com-munities may be brought under the cit-ies’ municipal management. If that hap-pens, Erickson says, someone warnedhim, “‘If you think it’s hard to put ina housing development or start a busi-ness in a little place like Rosebud now,

Rosebud founder committed to communitydevelopment, despite challenges

just wait for two years.’ Much of what we want to accomplish in this commu-nity will come to a standstill.” The economic downturn and interna-

tional conflict also weigh on Erickson,and added to that, “We’ve had someserious losses in our community withsudden deaths and key people that were very, very helpful in keeping thecommunity vibrant.” Yet, as the community deals with

challenges, especially with governmentrequirements, Erickson encourages fel-low residents.

“Let’s pray for people ... let’s be veryconsiderate of these people’s heartsand souls ... let’s make friends withthem, try to help them with their job. They’re carrying a burden like we are,trying to implement all these regula-tions,” he said. “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. It’s such

a fundamental rule if we’re going to build a good community.”

At a recent prayer breakfast, whenpeople were discouraged about Bill 6,Erickson said, “I spoke up and I said, we’ve been through very troubledtimes in the past. We’ve been through world wars and things. The tools that we have at hand right now, we mightnot feel that those tools are adequateto deal with the present situation. ButGod’s built into us a creative spirit. If we focus on the problem, and let itoverwhelm us, we’ll collapse. ... If wetry to think of some creative solutions,then maybe we’ll find a way through.”

He finds many rewards for that per-sistent, creative spirit. The new picnicshelter is enjoyed by Rosebud residentsand visitors, even in December. And Erickson enjoys “just going out

in an evening in Rosebud and hearingall the laughter and the happy voicesand the kids down there fighting on the baseball diamond,” he said. “I’ll go outon an evening and I’ll smell campfiresmoke and I’ll hear people singing, andthat’s always a joy.”

Founder of Rosebud School of Arts, LaVerne Er-

ickson, reflected on 2015.

Laureen F. Guenther Photo


13/36


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All her life, Kelli Cran spent her lifetaking care of other people. For years,the 51-year-old mother of two lookedafter seniors and those with disabilitiesin Strathmore. But in late October, Cran

was told the tables had turned and she would need to fight for her own life – adifficult task for the family where anaccident and layoffs has left the unit

without health benefits. While Cran was fighting a bout with

pneumonia a few months ago, doctorsfinally proceeded with tests and scansthat revealed the Strathmore local suf-fered from inoperable Stage 3 lungcancer. While her husband was laid offfrom the Global Training Centre four

months ago, Cran was on long-termdisability following a knee surgery. With no health benefits, mounting bills,and Christmas around the corner, otherfamily members and friends are hop-ing to raise funds to lessen the financial

burden and reduce some accumulatedstress.

“She’s one of the hardest working la-dies I know, and she would give youthe shirt off her back,” said Holly Rob-inson, Cran’s sister who set up a GoFund Me page.

“All I know is the doctor said get your affairs in order. She’s so stressed.

She’s up and down and all over theplace. She’s worried about the bills andgroceries and Christmas and the kids.

We’re working on staying positive, butI can’t comprehend laying in bed atnight wondering if you’re going to livefor six months or eight months. I can’tpersonally even go there.” The family, which includes her

13-year-old daughter and 12-year-oldson, is now faced with daily trips toCalgary for chemotherapy and radia-tion treatments, added travel expenses,and necessary drug payments. Already

working two jobs and driving Cran todoctor appointments, Robinson was en-couraged to set up a Go Fund Me pageto raise $10,000 to help her sister andfamily out over the next two months. Inturn, if the goal is met, Robinson will

shave her head and post the photos.“She’s going to lose her hair whichshe’s never cut in 51 years,” Robinsonsaid. “She’s going to talk to the chemoguy, and if it’s the type of chemo that’sgoing to make her lose her hair, she’sgoing to donate 12 inches to Locks ofLove, and it’s just going to kill her. SoI started a Go Fund for her, and if weraise $10,000 I will shave my head.” While the fund hasn’t gained much

traction yet, it has already amountedto $2,400 at press time. To donate, visither Go Fund Me page: Kelli’s CancerFight.

Strathmore familycaught in a bind

JUSTIN SEWARD

Times Reporter

A year-long headache ended on Dec.1 for Lakes of Muirfield residents as Alberta Environment and Parks finallysigned off on the application to begina pipeline from Lakes of Muirfield toCattlelands. The decision came after wastewater

was being transported by truck out ofLakes of Muirfield to a nearby wastetransfer site; however, the residentshad to pay for the transportation upto $500 per month in wastewater fees. An application was sent in on Dec.

4, 2014 for a pipeline to be built but Alberta Environment deemed it incom-plete. It took a year to get more in-formation to complete the applicationand get the approval.

On Dec. 1, 2015 the papers weresigned with the registration being fol-lowed under the code of practice for Wastewater Systems using a Wastewa-ter Lagoon.

“The proponent was required to fol-low the process legislated under the

Environmental Protection Act and En-hancement Act,” said Jamie Hanlon,communication specialist for AB Envi-ronment and Parks.

“Construction could not begin un-til the Environmental Protection andEnhancement Act registration was is-sued, and the project was required to be constructed as identified in the ap-plication. As well, excavated soils wereto be separated and backfilled in theirsoil appropriate horizons.”

Hanlon said any pipeline crossings

of the watercourses, which is an ar-tificial water channel, needed to beconsidered under a Water Act Code ofPractice. Also, all wetlands crossingsare to be directionally drilled beneaththe wetlands and must meet the codeof practice for pipeline and telecom-munication lines crossing a body of water.

At the Dec. 8 Wheatland Countycouncil meeting, a public hearing washeld for Lakes of Muirfield residents tospeak to council about changes to theBylaw 2015-39. The bylaw has to do with the waste-

water issue that Lakes of Muirfield isdealing with and states that develop-ment, including single family homes, would require a developing permit andin turn need a wastewater solution.

“This bylaw is in place to stop development until there is a wastewatersolution,” said Hugh Ham, who wasrepresenting the Lakes of Muirfieldresidents from Municipal Counsellors.

Lakes of Muirfield resident ScottKolewaski, who was an original own-er in the area made his opinion well

known that the county could not vetodevelopment.

“We can not allow the county to stopdevelopment, you can not paralyze usas residents,” he said.

“We need your help, don’t stop, it’llkill us.”

Councillor Ben Armstrong said thatthe county wante

december 18, 2015 strathmore times

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