Columns & News

Local residents hold rally in support of teachers’ strike

From left, Anne McIntosh, Heidi Bergstrom, Tawnya Williamson and Lucy Ernst.

By Nadine Leming

A large crowd gathered at the pavilion at Mirror Lake to support the grass-roots rally organized by local parents. The purpose of the rally was to raise awareness around properly funded public education, respect for teachers and resources.

Heidi Bergstrom, one of the rally organizers, said, “We wanted to bring like- minded people together to show support for teachers, as well as send a message to the government that they work for us and we want you to listen to what we want, which is well-funded public education and to value teachers and students.”

During her speech prior to the rally, Heidi stated, “Alberta has one of the lowest per student funding in all of Canada and it needs to be better.” She thanked the crowd for helping to send that message. Attendees were encouraged to call or email local representatives, the minister of education, the minister of finance and the premier.

QR codes were available for people to scan that would take them to a pre-populated letter in their email app addressed to leaders mentioned above as well as the NDP critic for education.

A letter by a local teacher Daylan Wizniuk was shared with the crowd gathered at the rally. In the letter, he shared that, as a child growing up, he had access to the “Alberta Advantage”, with a world renowned education system. Teachers had the professional autonomy to teach the curriculum in a way that was effective. The letter continued by saying today we have the lowest per student funding in the country, larger class sizes with less educational assistant (EA) support and less resources for students.

In his letter, Daylan continued that, in 2015, he had 25 students per class, 50 per cent EA support, flex teachers to support students with behaviour complexities and other resources to assist in student learning. Today, he has 30 students in his class, very little EA time, flex programs are gone, learning facilitators are gone, and the curriculum has been weakened with working hours pushed to the limit.

The letter stated this means each student receives less support, less resources to engage students and the ability to provide textbooks and computers to students is less. It means diverse learners are being left behind. Daylan said in the letter that he feels that today, students are not receiving the same support he did, nor the same support students received 10 years ago.

He stated that the road to return to what was the province’s high educational standards will be hard, time consuming and costly, but our children and future are worth it. That is why he believes in this job action.

Heidi also read a statement from NDP deputy leader Rakhi Pancholi encouraging Albertans to stand up for public education, smaller classrooms, better supports and resources. The letter also stated that students deserve better than the lowest education funding in the country.

After all speeches were presented, the crowd marched along 48 Avenue for approximately 90 minutes, holding signs in support of teachers.

A media release from the office of Nate Horner, minister of the treasury board and finance, states that in the 2025 budget, the current school year received $55 million to address classroom complexity, a 20 per cent increase from last year. The release also included that the government is offering to invest $2.6 billion as part of the deal for teachers.

Minister Horner said in the release, “We have consistently met the ATA at the table. The last deal was put forward by the ATA based on what they said Alberta’s teachers wanted. This was clearly not the case. We believe it’s time the ATA consult directly with their teachers to put together a deal that will actually work for you. We are ready, willing and able to review any commonsense proposals by the ATA in the coming days.”

Camrose Senior Centre held information fair

By Nadine Leming

The goal of the seniors’ centre is to help seniors fulfill their potential through overall wellness.

Throughout the year, seniors can participate in a variety of activities including various card clubs, dances, floor curling, table tennis and more.

On October 3, the Senior Centre held a community information fair in the auditorium. The goal of the event was to share services and activities within Camrose.

Visitors perused a variety of services and activities ranging from tech services, health care options, as well as representatives from a variety of recreation pursuits like cards or quilting. There was a cross section of tables that provided information for seniors and their families to explore to keep seniors happy, healthy and active.

The afternoon was informative, and was a social outing in itself with food samples along with program information from both the Seniors’ Centre and the City of Camrose.

In addition to their regular scheduled activities, the seniors’ centre will be hosting a fall/Christmas market on November 21, between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., located at 5415-49 Avenue.

The market will have over 30 vendors, 50/50 cash draw, and basket raffles. The community is invited to attend the market to do a little shopping. For more information on the market or any of the activities, call 780-672-7022 or email camsrsoc@telus.net.

1990s performers hit stage at Lougheed

By Nadine Leming

Two amazing singer/songwriters will be performing at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre (LPAC) on October 17 at 7:30 p.m. Paula Cole and Sophie B. Hawkins are best known for their successes in the 1990s.

One of Sophie’s biggest hits was “Damn, I wish I Was Your Lover”. She’s continued to root herself in raw, poetic lyrics. Her sound is captivating as she taps into storytelling that is filled with as much passion as it is eclectic. Paula’s voice can be described as ranging from whispering poetry to a primal scream. Her sound contains the soulfulness of gospel, the sensitivity found in folk, but also contains the earnestness of rock.

As a songwriter, Paula leans towards an autobiographical style, writing what’s deep in her heart and what’s on her mind. She approaches writing in a variety of angles, but primarily to her, it’s the melody that usually comes first. To keep things fresh, she challenges herself to write in different keys. Her favourite music, and art in general, comes from feeling. It could be a simple chord that moves one’s heart.

Paula has had the opportunity to work with many amazing artists over the years, including Sarah McLachlan. She said, “I’ve collaborated with such beautiful people in the past. Having watched the Lilith Fair documentary recently, I realized how close I was with Sarah.” The two toured together for four years growing Lilith Fair. Paula commented on Sarah’s softness and gracefulness, yet strong and centred at the same time.

Another artist she was able to work with was Dolly Parton. She describes Dolly by saying, “She exemplified grace under pressure, humour under pressure, longevity, and positivity. I love her so dearly.”

After 11 albums under her belt, Paula’s wish is, “I would like to be seen for the depth of my catalogue and musicianship and less than just the hit songs or the Dawson’s Creek association.” She continued by adding that she means no shade to the TV show, it was great, but it became bigger than her. She wants to be seen for all that she is.

The audience can expect a show filled with fire and passion. Paula added, “Hopefully some healing tears,” as she says her music is very personal and feeling. She’s not afraid to go deep. Sophie is a great songwriter and a great performer; she’s funny and wild. It will be a wonderful journey throughout the evening. When talking with Paula, one gets a true sense of who she is as a person. She’s open, honest, while being authentically kind and caring. The audience will have the opportunity to see that during the upcoming performance. For more information or tickets, visit camroselive.ca.

Sinkler’s 1956 Chevrolet turns heads wherever it goes

When Gerry Sinkler bought the wagon, it was yellow all around. He added the white and chrome details to the car.

By Adan Shaikh

Gerry Sinkler owns a 1956 Chevrolet Handyman two-door wagon. Among the many gleaming and polished cars at the Round Hill car show, Sinkler’s car drew the crowd’s attention to itself, with many on-lookers stopping by to take photos in the car.

“I have owned this for 10 years. I bought it from a guy in Calgary. We dressed it up as a Bel-Air and Chevy never made a Bel-Air in this style. I was just looking for a two-door sedan and this one came on the market. I thought it was a bit different but let’s give it a try,” he shared.

“It has a 383 Stroker, it’s a broadened stroked 360. We have done a few things under the hood, we moved the battery to make it easier to work on, put a cross flow radiator in it for more cooling. Added cruise control, tilt wheel, power windows, and power seats. It is a rear-wheel drive with a four-speed automatic transmission,” added Sinkler.

The 1956 Chevrolet Handyman was originally known as a practical, no-frills wagon. It was built for families and tradesmen, a solid, steel-bodied workhorse in the Chevrolet lineup. But Sinkler’s version is far from it. The two-door wagon has evolved into a special car with its vintage charm and modern performance.

“When I bought it I knew it needed a new floor, so we worked on putting that in there, and I put new inner panels by the rear wheels because they were all rusted out. We put new fenders on it and new doors, just because I didn’t want to fix up something that somebody else had already fixed up. We added a whole bunch of chrome trim to dress it up like a Bel Air. Around the windows, the top bit of trim above the windows came from a guy in New York State. The one below the window came from a guy in Sherwood Park, and these are just after market reproduction pieces,” explained Sinkler.

Each detail, from the shiny chrome to the retro styling, contributes to the illusion of a Bel Air model. It’s a custom vehicle that turns heads wherever it goes.

“I added the LED headlights and just a few other upgrades for driving at night and added air conditioning. Over the years, we just kept adding a little more features. Now it’s pretty well complete and we are into the maintenance stage now,” said Sinkler.

Sinkler drives the car every chance he gets. “I do drive it often, my friend and I drove down to a car show in Keremeos, BC, which is a 2,400-kilometre round trip. It cruises along at about 110 just nicely. It’s just a fun toy, I drive it every day during the summer when the weather’s good and take it to car shows,” he said.

Sinkler’s wagon, whether parked at a show or cruising down the highway, always displays his craftsmanship, and is a testament to how a practical wagon can be turned into a showstopper with a little imagination and a lot of chrome.

Pickleball fun

The Camrose Pickleball Club’s latest tournament was a success with participants having a lot of fun. From left, Donna Duff was the tournament director and presented Danny Gibbs with his bronze medal.

By Nadine Leming

Pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the world right now and all over Alberta highly skilled players can enter in competitive tournaments. Recently in Camrose, there was a tournament aimed for players who are new to the sport or may not feel confident to play a tournament at a higher level quite yet.

The goal of this tournament was to give these players an opportunity to experience the fun and excitement of a tournament. Donna Duff was the tournament director for a high level tournament back in August with the help of her son who’s a pickleball instructor in Mexico. With a variety of players in the club, she really wanted to organize a tournament for lower level players.

With so many beginners in the Pickleball Club, there are many players who had never participated in a tournament before. Donna said, “I had this vision of a tournament and I wanted them to see how much fun it is.” This was a great place for these players to participate and not be intimidated.

Players competed in eight games, unusual for tournament play, as well as a minimal entry fee of $10 to encourage people to sign up.

Donna continued, “My biggest goal was to make everyone sweat, and I told everyone that.” As the director of this tournament, she had a team of eight to ten volunteers who helped her pull this one together.

She added, “A tournament can’t happen without volunteers.”

The event included medals and door prizes with great community support and sponsors. She added, “Everything seemed to fall into place, like it was meant to happen.”

Donna had to nudge some players along to join the tournament, one being 69-year-old Danny Gibbs. Danny won bronze in the tournament and was also recognized as the most strategic player of the tournament. He said, “It was very well organized by the participants and volunteers.”

One of the things Danny appreciated about the tournament was getting to know some of the other players and learning how each plays a little different. He’s been playing pickleball for about six years, after being invited by other players his age to play. He had thought about playing tennis to remain active, so it was a natural fit.

During tournament play, some of his competitors were much younger than him. Danny enjoys the hand-eye coordination and planning on where you want to hit the ball. He continued by saying, with a twinkle in his eye, “I suppose it’s more fun to beat the other player than it is to lose.”

Known to be the last guy to leave the court, Danny’s motto is “one more game”. When he’s not on the pickleball court, he has three routes delivering The Camrose Booster, and the word on the street is that he’s been seen delivering the paper wearing his bronze medal.

Donna mentioned, “I was thrilled to see people having so much fun. I walked out at the end of the day feeling really good.”

Managing wetlands workshop to be held in Holden

By Adan Shaikh

Battle River Research Group (BRRG) is hosting a free workshop for local producers, “Water on the Land: Managing Wetlands for Farm and Community Resilience.”

The workshop will feature speakers from four organizations who will cover a variety of topics related to wetlands, agriculture, and water management. “Our wetlands are one of the most important parts of our ecosystems, especially for producers. Highlighting the importance of restoring and maintaining them, as well as the resources that are available to our farmers in support of restoration is vital to our purpose at BRRG,” said Kabir Makan, extension coordinator of BRRG.

Jill Owen from Ducks Unlimited will provide a general overview of wetlands, highlighting their ecological and agricultural importance. Susanna Bruneau from the Battle River Watershed Alliance will discuss the Riparian Restoration Funding Program and current funding opportunities for landowners.

Kyle Lund from Alberta Environment and Protected Areas will explain how the Water Act affects farmers and outline funding administered by the province. Jonathan Culbert, agricultural fieldman with Beaver County, will share Beaver County’s perspective on local surface water challenges and strategies.

A complimentary lunch will be provided for all attendees. This workshop is a valuable opportunity for farmers and landowners to learn more about wetland management and connect with experts in the field.

The event will take place on October 22 at 10 a.m. at the Holden Community Hall, 4919-49 Avenue.

Banack re-runs for council in upcoming City election

Questions asked of the City of Camrose mayor and council candidates:

What made you want to run or be on the City Council?
How do you plan on involving residents in the decision-making processes within the City of Camrose?
What are some of the most important challenges and issues that you feel need to be addressed by the City in the next four years?
How would you promote growth within the City?
In your opinion, what are some decisions that the council has been a part of in the past four years, that have had an impact on the City?
Why should citizens vote for you?
What is your favourite part about residing in Camrose?

By Adan Shaikh

Lucas Banack’s slogan, “Don’t panic, vote Banack,” sums up his practical approach to city issues. After serving on council this past term, Banack is seeking re-election with an emphasis on transparency, efficiency and long-term planning.

“I have always been politically minded. I worked in media for about 15 years in Camrose, Stettler and Wetaskiwin. I ran in 2021 for the first time, I have been an active volunteer my entire life, so I felt that running for council was the next step,” he shared.

Banack said one of his main concerns is ensuring residents can have their voices heard. “I would like to see our public commentary section at the council meetings adjusted a little bit. At 5 p.m., many people are still getting off of work and can’t make it to the meeting in time to utilize that option, so I would like to figure out a way along with future council colleagues to make that more accessible to the public,” explained Banack.

He said residents deserve openness from their council. “The taxpayers need to know how their money is being spent, and it needs to be spent efficiently and wisely,” Banack said.

Banack said two priorities stand out for him heading into the next term, water security and asset management. “As a City, there are two big priorities for me, water security is absolutely essential right now. Driedmeat Lake levels are dropping, we have to find a secondary water source and work collaboratively with the province and the regional water systems throughout the area to get that in place. Asset management is also a priority for me, we need to make sure that we are taking care of the things that we already have in the community. That includes our roads, our equipment, the arena, basically everything that is in the public sphere, this is going to save the taxpayers money and it will make sure Camrose is positioned in the right place for a long time,” he stated.

He said the City also needs to take pride in what it already has. “We need to do a better job at showcasing just how beautiful and wonderful the City of Camrose is for businesses and families.”
Banack said his favourite part of Camrose is its green spaces. He said he wants to help preserve what residents love most and keep it accessible for generations to come.

Francoeur runs for re-election

By Adan Shaikh

City councillor David Francoeur says his decision to seek another term comes from a long history of community involvement and a belief in thoughtful leadership. A lawyer by trade, he has practiced in London, Singapore and Dublin before returning to Alberta. A graduate of University of Alberta—Augustana Campus, Francoeur has also spent years volunteering with local groups including Downtown Camrose, Rotary Camrose, the Camrose Elks, Bailey Theatre Society, Covenant Health/St. Mary’s Hospital Board, and the St. Mary’s Hospital Community Foundation.

“I have been involved in a lot of community boards for years, through that I had a lot of interaction with the City Council. I wanted to be able to make a bigger difference in regards to assisting the community,” he shared. Francoeur said that move from volunteer to council table allowed him to take a more active role in decisions affecting residents.

“I think this past term we have done a great job at communicating with our residents and our administration has done a pretty good job in keeping the public engaged. Communication was one of our goals when we did our strategic planning and I think we are close to fulfilling that goal as a council,” he said. Francoeur said he wants to keep that focus on transparency and make sure residents continue to feel informed and involved.

“I think we are addressing some of the most prevalent issues in our community already, we are addressing the homelessness problem in Camrose. The council has created a housing and homelessness task force. Another cause I want to continue working on is bringing more businesses and development to Camrose, especially our downtown businesses, I will always be pushing for our downtown to be a more vibrant place for everyone,” said Francoeur. He said supporting local business and ensuring people have access to stable housing are both priorities he plans to carry forward.

“I want Camrose to be on the right track for economic growth and a development friendly place. This was also part of our strategic planning as a council and I think we have definitely worked towards this goal. In the next term I plan on continuing that work by making sure that economic growth is top of mind,” he said.

“The closing of the landfill was a big decision that Council made in the last term. That saved us a lot of money that was going to go to reclaiming that site. The situation with the new high school was unfortunate but we did what was needed to be done to get the school open,” he said. Francoeur said those decisions show the kind of practical approach he hopes to keep bringing to council–measured, cost-conscious and focused on what works for the City.

Ilg runs to keep his seat on City council

By Adan Shaikh

City councillor and local business owner DJ Ilg has decided to run for re-election to stay on the city council for another term. Ilg feels a sense of commitment to the community he calls home. Having already served one term on council, Ilg said his focus remains on accountability, communication, and ensuring residents see real value in the decisions being made at City Hall.

“I grew up here in Camrose but then moved away and lived in several other places before being drawn back to the community. Camrose has always been home for me and the community has given me so much and being on the council is my way of giving back,” he said. Ilg said returning to Camrose has given him a renewed appreciation for what makes the city unique and why it’s important for residents to stay involved in shaping its future.

“We have to have open dialogue, we have to have communication between residents, administration and council. We need to find ways to get more people coming to council meetings or watching them online, we need to get better at the communication and getting that information out to the residents as well,” he shared. He added that transparency is key to building trust and believes increasing public participation is essential for better decision-making.

“Our infrastructure is the backbone of our community, we need to make sure we are making smart long-term investments that don’t just patch problems but actually prepares Camrose for growth. Property taxes have gone through the roof and it is not fair to keep asking residents to shoulder more and more when funding from federal and provincial government keeps getting cut and cut. I plan on making sure that I keep advocating that our per capita funding goes back up, because it has been cut significantly in the last eight years. This raises our taxes without inflation, without adding any increase in services, it is just strictly downloaded from other levels of government,” Ilg explained. He noted that maintaining infrastructure while balancing affordability will remain one of his top priorities.

“Every tax dollar collected by the City belongs to the residents of Camrose, we need to be responsible stewards of that money. We need to be pushing for efficiency, make sure projects are cost-effective and asking ourselves ‘will this decision make life better for the people who live here’,” he said. Ilg said he wants to see greater fiscal responsibility and a stronger focus on long-term community benefit rather than short-term fixes.

“This election isn’t just about me–it’s about all of us. It’s about building a city where families want to stay, where seniors feel supported, where young people see opportunity, and businesses feel confident investing,” he said. Ilg said he hopes to continue fostering a sense of collaboration and optimism in Camrose, with decisions guided by practicality and care for the people who live here.

Lesmeister runs for council in upcoming City election

By Adan Shaikh

Ivan Lesmeister is vying for a seat on the City Council in the upcoming municipal elections scheduled for October 20. He brings with him a wealth of experience in municipal government. Lesmeister has previously been elected for three terms on the Town of Hardisty council, where he served as deputy mayor during his final term.

“Near the end of that term, I was also approached by the community and accepted the position of head of Public Works. With this background, I think that I’d be a valuable asset to the city and council, bringing a new perspective backed by experience and leadership,” shared Lesmeister.

The Lesmeisters have owned property in Camrose for a couple of years and he and his family relocated to Camrose after officially retiring from his role as head of Public Works in Hardisty. Additionally, he continues to volunteer as a firefighter for the Hardisty Fire Department and makes occasional weekend trips to assist and train when possible.

He plans to stay in tune with the residents of Camrose by promoting open dialogue, utilizing social media platforms, council meetings and open houses. “I want to put myself out there as much as I can and be approachable for anyone who would like to speak to me. I will always advocate for consultations to be held early in the planning stages to try and keep the residents involved in the decision-making,” he commented.

Water management, lack of physicians, public safety and vandalism are some of the main focus areas for Lesmeister. “Without water a city cannot grow, we need to address the water situation as soon as possible,” he said. “Since relocating to Camrose, I have experienced firsthand the challenges of finding a family doctor. There is a critical need for initiatives that attract and retain medical professionals,” he continued.

When asked how he plans to work with the provincial government to increase access to health care in Camrose, Lesmeister responded, “One of the things when you are on council is that you have more of a voice with the provincial government. I’ve had quite a bit of dealings with the provincial government as councillor and deputy mayor. I would like to utilize my experience to get the council as a whole to get into lobbying and advocate to see what we can do about the doctor shortages.”

When it comes to public safety and vandalism, Lesmeister believes a different approach needs to be taken by the city, that doesn’t require reducing access to public spaces for law-abiding citizens. For example, public washrooms being closed. “We need to address the root causes of the problem. Residents shouldn’t be worried about getting assaulted, or public spaces being vandalized. We need to first find out who is doing it and then deal with the problem accordingly,” shared Lesmeister.

“From what I have seen in Camrose and surrounding area, economic growth taking place over the last few years. There has been over a hundred million dollars worth of development in the area, take Cargill for example. Inside the City, there’s new apartment buildings being built and many new houses.”

“We need to sustain and build on this growth. Ways of reducing red tape, and upfront construction costs need to be considered. Camrose needs to be seen as a desirable place to build and invest,” he said.

“I have made Camrose home due to the blend of small-town atmosphere and urban amenities. It offers a high quality of life, and a lower cost of living compared to major cities. There’s abundant access to nature and recreation trails, the beautiful golf course and many facilities that offer year-round activities. The downtown was also a major draw to us, there are so many unique businesses and events in Camrose, and the arts and culture scene is very vibrant here,” said Lesmeister.

If elected, he plans to bring value to the taxpayers, improve service delivery including water, waste management, snow removal and emergency services and increase transparency and accountability when it comes to decisions made by the City.

MacIntyre runs for mayor in upcoming election

By Adan Shaikh

Chris MacIntyre believes Camrose is at a crossroads, and he hopes to guide the City with a new approach to long-term challenges. Running for mayor, MacIntyre wants to tackle economic development, youth unemployment and public safety while keeping residents engaged in council decisions.

“Camrose is hitting a crossroads, our demographic is changing and I feel that the leadership here needs to move on to a different way of thinking. Some of the main challenges that I feel we are facing in our community are a lack of economic development and currently we are at an all time high for youth unemployment, which I understand is a national issue but we need to do something for our future generations,” he explained.

MacIntyre pointed to his experience in the City and professional background as a foundation for leadership. “I moved to Camrose about 22 years ago, it’s a beautiful city that I absolutely love. I grew up on a small farm north of Edmonton. After high school I ended up working in the oilfield. I have worked in automotive sales and financing. Now I work for the Government of Alberta in Water Infrastructure as senior operations and maintenance supervisor,” he noted.

He stressed the importance of maintaining an open dialogue with residents. “I hope the residents come out to regular council meetings. I would also like to make myself available to the residents, over coffee or even over email, just have some open dialogue with them,” MacIntyre added.

MacIntyre also highlighted projects he hopes to implement quickly. “One of the first things I want to do as mayor is to bring a heated shack at the St. Patrick’s rink, this is something that the residents have wanted for the longest time,” he said, emphasizing community priorities.

His key focus areas include, property taxes, youth unemployment, and child safety. “I think if we had more police officers patrolling to enforce traffic laws, people in the city would drive safely. We have a community standards bylaw now but you don’t see anyone enforcing it,” MacIntyre remarked.

He encouraged voters to support him if they are seeking change in council’s approach. “People should vote for me if they would like to see change. I will be the voice of reason within council to guide them. I find myself working with people quite easily. I have a different outlook on things and I believe with proper leadership and a good clear path forward on municipal issues, Camrose can thrive,” MacIntyre concluded.

Barker runs for council in upcoming City election

By Adan Shaikh

Paul Barker says his decision to run for Camrose City Council comes from a desire to give back to the place he’s called home for nearly three decades. Having lived in the City since 1997, he said he’s seen how the community has grown and wants to play a role in shaping its future. “My family and I moved here in 1997, Camrose is a wonderful community and I would like to give back to the community,” Barker said.

Pedestrian safety is one of the issues Barker said he has noticed most in recent years. “There are a few things that catch my attention, pedestrian safety is one, maybe we could institute an educational plan or something like that. I live right across from a playground and I see a lot of close calls with children trying to cross the street,” he explained.

Barker said he believes residents should feel comfortable bringing their concerns directly to council. “As a councillor I would encourage residents to bring their issues directly to the council, come down to a meeting and use the public commentary time. Without residents joining in on council meeting, it is hard for us to guess what people are thinking, everyone looks at things differently,” he commented.

He said he appreciates the work the current council has done to improve infrastructure. “I like the way the City has been replacing infrastructure, I also like the fact that they are no longer in the garbage disposal business, they have sold that off to a private party,” Barker said.

Barker also pointed to the city’s facility upgrades as smart long-term investments. “I think the most impactful decisions that the City has made in the last four years have included upgrading and changing city owned buildings and infrastructure. The Mayer Aquatic Centre and the rinks, these are amenities that most people don’t understand the importance of in a community. It is more economically feasible to replace something than to repair or restructure the old one, and I think the council has done a very good job of it, we don’t see a big jump in taxes just to cover the costs of it,” he shared.

While Barker said he still wants to learn more about the challenges facing economic growth in Camrose, he believes his character and work ethic will stand out to voters. “It is hard for me to understand what challenges the City faces when it comes to economic growth without being on the council. I am a very straightforward and honest person, I mean what I say and I say what I mean and that is why people should vote for me,” he stated.

Bloomfield runs for mayor in upcoming City election

By Adan Shaikh

Norm Bloomfield’s decision to run for mayor comes from concern over the direction the City has taken in recent years and a desire to see more accountability and action on local issues. Bloomfield moved to Camrose about 12 years ago and has been active in business since the age of 17. He currently manages a store in the downtown core and says his daily interactions with residents and business owners have given him a clear sense of what’s working, and what isn’t.

“I moved here about 12 years ago because it was such a beautiful city and the decline of it over the last few years is what motivated me to run for mayor,” he said. Bloomfield said he wants to focus on restoring pride in the community and improving how the city handles issues that affect residents’ safety and quality of life.

“For example we used to have one homeless guy that everyone used to talk about and now there’s a whole encampment and seems like all the city does is move them around. With homelessness comes crime and drugs. Drugs are another issue in Camrose that I don’t feel is being dealt with properly, there have been a lot of overdoses that are swept under the rug but they are definitely happening here,” he said. Bloomfield said he believes the city needs to take a more direct and transparent approach to addressing homelessness and drug use, rather than avoiding the problems or shifting them out of sight.

“I think engagement with the residents is low when it comes to making major decisions with the city, Jaywalkers’ is a great example of that. An open door policy would be number one, I think it’s a bit difficult to communicate with our current mayor and council and I think there should be an opportunity for everyone to have a say,” he said. Bloomfield said he wants to make communication with City Hall easier and believes residents should have a stronger voice in shaping decisions.

“We also need to deal with the railway issue, down by the north side of the city. They created a safety and awareness campaign about it which is a good start but there is no actual plan to fix the issue. There have even been some deaths on the tracks. Another issue in Camrose are the lead pipes, we still have lead pipes in Camrose and I believe they have a 25-year plan to change them but I don’t think that is quick enough. My educational background is in environmental sciences and so I understand the importance of having the pipes changed out as soon as possible,” he said.

“The cleanliness of downtown is another area of concern for me, I think they need to do more to promote the downtown, there are a few programs in place right now but more needs to be done,” he said. Bloomfield said keeping the downtown clean and active would help local businesses and create a stronger sense of community.

“We currently have the fourth highest property taxes in Alberta and something needs to be done about that, the affordability in the city has become an issue many residents are concerned and vocal about,” he explained.

Bloomfield said addressing affordability, improving communication with residents and tackling long-standing issues like infrastructure and safety are the main priorities driving his campaign for mayor.

Bloomfield runs for mayor in upcoming City election

By Adan Shaikh

Norm Bloomfield’s decision to run for mayor comes from concern over the direction the City has taken in recent years and a desire to see more accountability and action on local issues. Bloomfield moved to Camrose about 12 years ago and has been active in business since the age of 17. He currently manages a store in the downtown core and says his daily interactions with residents and business owners have given him a clear sense of what’s working, and what isn’t.

“I moved here about 12 years ago because it was such a beautiful city and the decline of it over the last few years is what motivated me to run for mayor,” he said. Bloomfield said he wants to focus on restoring pride in the community and improving how the city handles issues that affect residents’ safety and quality of life.

“For example we used to have one homeless guy that everyone used to talk about and now there’s a whole encampment and seems like all the city does is move them around. With homelessness comes crime and drugs. Drugs are another issue in Camrose that I don’t feel is being dealt with properly, there have been a lot of overdoses that are swept under the rug but they are definitely happening here,” he said. Bloomfield said he believes the city needs to take a more direct and transparent approach to addressing homelessness and drug use, rather than avoiding the problems or shifting them out of sight.

“I think engagement with the residents is low when it comes to making major decisions with the city, Jaywalkers’ is a great example of that. An open door policy would be number one, I think it’s a bit difficult to communicate with our current mayor and council and I think there should be an opportunity for everyone to have a say,” he said. Bloomfield said he wants to make communication with City Hall easier and believes residents should have a stronger voice in shaping decisions.

“We also need to deal with the railway issue, down by the north side of the city. They created a safety and awareness campaign about it which is a good start but there is no actual plan to fix the issue. There have even been some deaths on the tracks. Another issue in Camrose are the lead pipes, we still have lead pipes in Camrose and I believe they have a 25-year plan to change them but I don’t think that is quick enough. My educational background is in environmental sciences and so I understand the importance of having the pipes changed out as soon as possible,” he said.

“The cleanliness of downtown is another area of concern for me, I think they need to do more to promote the downtown, there are a few programs in place right now but more needs to be done,” he said. Bloomfield said keeping the downtown clean and active would help local businesses and create a stronger sense of community.

“We currently have the fourth highest property taxes in Alberta and something needs to be done about that, the affordability in the city has become an issue many residents are concerned and vocal about,” he explained.

Bloomfield said addressing affordability, improving communication with residents and tackling long-standing issues like infrastructure and safety are the main priorities driving his campaign for mayor.

Brushstrokes Between Us, a moving display by local artists

Andrew Ray Dahlen, left, and his mother Penny Hills are displaying the pieces they have created together over the last year at Camrose Coffee.

By Adan Shaikh

Local artists Andrew (Andy) Ray Dahlen and his mother Penny Hills are showing their work together in a new exhibit, Brushstrokes Between Us, at Camrose Coffee. The exhibit features paintings from both artists, and half of any sales from Andy’s pieces will go to MS Canada.

Andy has been painting for more than 15 years, though his creative life began with music in high school. He played guitar in a band called Noodled until multiple sclerosis affected his ability to play, at which point, he returned to painting.
“I was working in a kitchen full time and I lost my abilities to play guitar and do all the creative stuff, so I decided to give painting a try,” he said. He taught himself using a book called Oil Painting for Dummies and by watching Bob Ross. He paints in acrylics and oils, often inspired by fairy tales and stories. Last year, he and his mother painted a piece inspired by “Jabberwocky”, thinking of Alice in Wonderland.

Penny retired last year and began painting with Andy. “I asked Andy if he would teach me to paint when I retired. So every Wednesday for the last year, we have been painting every week,” she said. “We have been committed to that, and I really enjoyed it, because my time is now mine again. One of my reasons was also to get Andy to get painting again. Another thing Andy has inspired me to do again is reading. We have been reading a lot of stories by this Victorian author George MacDonald. He wrote a lot of fairy tales that we have both read and some pieces have been inspired by visuals we had while reading his work.”

The pair are currently working on a reinterpretation of the view outside their living room window. The exhibit came about after Andy’s brother suggested the coffee shop walls could use some art.

Their style ranges anywhere from landscapes to abstract pieces. Both artists like to let their creativity take the wheel and see what the pieces become through this process.

Brushstrokes Between Us is on display with no set end date, offering visitors a look at the work of two local artists who are passionate about bringing their perspective onto the canvas.

Garage sale for a cause

By Nadine Leming

The biannual garage sale that started in 2022 has been one of the most successful fundraisers for the Camrose and Area Animal Shelter. According to Matt McKeil, Shelter manager, “We are quickly outgrowing our current space and we are so thankful for the support of everyone who donates to and purchases from these events.”

This fall, the sale will be held from October 24 to 26, with the doors opening at 9 a.m. Donations will be accepted starting October 20 between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. at the Le Chateau Ballroom. Donations can be items like you’d see at a typical garage sale like toys and dishes as well as clean clothing. The preference would be to not receive large pieces of furniture or large appliances, but smaller items will be accepted.

Matt added, “If this time doesn’t work for someone, or they can’t bring the donations to us, they can call or text us and we can make other arrangements.”

Other ongoing fundraisers include their monthly bottle drives and a Purdys Holiday Fundraiser with orders due by November 26.

Like many non-profits, volunteers are the heartbeat of a successful organization. Matt said, “We are always looking for help! Volunteers can apply online and indicate that they are interested in volunteering for events outside of the shelter.”

If you are interested in volunteering for the garage sale specifically, you are encouraged to call or text the Shelter at 780-608-0091.

The September stats from the Shelter saw 30 cats taken in from inside the City of Camrose limits, seven from outside the City, and four guinea pigs. Twelve cats and one rabbit found their new fur-ever homes, while three strays were reunited with their owners. Currently the shelter is over capacity with approximately 106 cats in its care; capacity is between 75 and 80. The youngest kittens coming into the shelter in September were only three days old, but luckily they came with a mama.

The sheer number of animals in the care of the Shelter means a lot of work. Matt added, “We are so thankful for all our supporters and volunteers who help make sure these animals are looked after every day.”

There are many ways to support the shelter. Donations of money or products like food or cat litter can be dropped off or purchased through their Amazon wish list, or you can volunteer to help care for the animals.

The Camrose and Area Animal Shelter has monthly meet and greet hours that happen on the last Saturday of the month between 1 p.m. and 4 p.m. This is your opportunity to learn more about the Shelter, meet some adorable cats up for adoption and find out how you can volunteer.

For more information on volunteering or to participate in any of the shelter’s efforts, visit their website at www.camrose animalshelter.ca email at camroseanimalshelter@ gmail.com or call/text 780-608-0091.

Dr. Frank Marshall’s talks about avian flu

By Nadine Leming

Dr. Frank Marshall, a long-time local veterinarian, specializing in swine and poultry medicine, presented information on what he’s seen in his practice the last couple of years in regards to the avian flu (H5N1). This is a high pathogenic respiratory disease caused by the influenza A virus. It can infect wild and domestic birds as well as humans, pigs, horses, dairy cows, cats, dogs and a variety of other mammals. Many wild waterfowl, such as geese, ducks and shorebirds, can be non-clinical shedders of H5N1 which can put commercial poultry at risk, killing them. Currently commercial turkeys and ducks seem the most susceptible; broiler chickens are seeing mutations of the virus.

H5N1 was first discovered in Canada in 2021 in wild ducks in Newfoundland, stemming from trans-Atlantic migratory birds. This lead to outbreak numbers never seen before. These migratory birds are arriving earlier and stay longer with some species like Canada geese staying year round. The Fraser Valley in BC has been one of the hardest hit areas in the country with approximately eight million birds affected.

According to Dr. Marshall’s presentation, H5N1 has claimed over 190 million commercial poultry in North America over the last couple of years. Europe is experiencing its largest avian flu epidemic, with outbreaks also reported in other regions of the world. Wild birds can be asymptomatic carriers that put commercial production at risk as domestic poultry are highly susceptible.

Clinical signs that domestic poultry may have been infected are sudden mass death, reduced food and water intake, respiratory distress and neurological signs. These are just a few of the symptoms. In laying birds, farmers will notice a significant drop in egg production, greenish diarrhea, and loss of coordination (looking like their drunk), or having a twisted neck.

As the avian flu continues to spread, the economic impact to farmers is huge, with Alberta seeing approximately two million birds impacted.

Dr. Marshall told the story of a farmer in Saskatchewan who found his dugout filled with dead snow geese. The dugout was the primary source of water for his animals, causing H5N1 to decimate his barns.

This outbreak can severely impact the well-being of farmers with industry boards referring to the situation as a mental health crisis. Some farmers have reported selling their farms or quotas due to the emotional and financial stress of the widespread virus.

Dr. Marshall also shared information that H5N1 has also been detected in dairy cows and any barn cats sharing the same space. This virus causes severe mastitis and the live virus in milk. Pasteurization of milk inactivates the virus, but its presence in raw milk increases transmission to humans if consumed.

Hunters also need to be aware of the threat of avian flu. Unlike people where the virus sits in the respiratory system, the H5N1 virus ends up in the tissues of the bird causing viremia (the presence of viruses in the blood). For hunters, be advised to avoid sick or dead birds, wear protective gear and follow strict hygiene practices. Avian flu spreads quickly through direct contact with infected birds and feces as well as through contaminated surfaces and materials like clothing, shoes and hands.

Dr. Marshall suggested taking care when dressing game birds. Though the risk is low, still take precautions by not eating or drinking while cleaning birds. Wash your hands and clothes after handling birds to avoid cross contamination and cook the birds thoroughly until the meat reaches an internal temperature of 74 degrees Celsius or 165 degrees Fahrenheit.

The spread of H5N1 is unprecedented, not only in North America, but across the world. Mutations continue to evolve, making it difficult to contain the virus. As it is hunting season for birds like geese, it is good for hunters to be aware of the impacts of the avian flu and the potential risks, but following safe handling practices can keep the impact to a minimum.

Battle River Lending Place fundraiser launch

Battle River Community Foundation (BRCF) donated $15,000 to the cause. Executive director of BRCF Bobbi Way, left, presented the cheque to BRLPS board president Erhard Pinno.

By Adan Shaikh

Battle River Lending Place Society (BRLPS) held its Under One Roof fundraiser on October 4, at the Camrose Heritage Railway Station and Park. The event kicked off with a delicious barbecue, where approximately 100 community members, supporters, generous donors and board members of BRLPS gathered around to hear from president of the board Erhard Pinno.

Pinno greeted the guests with poetry.
“With joy we assemble with thanks in our song, For a dream under one roof, we have carried so long.

Our vision is simple, yet mighty in scope– a lending place home built on faith, love and hope.
To serve those in need with equipment and care, a centre of kindness for all who come there,” he recited.

Among the guests were MLA Jackie Lovely; Camrose County Reeve Cindy Trautman; Camrose Chamber of Commerce president Jennifer Fossen; Kidney Foundation Alberta and Northwest Territories executive director Flavia de la Fuente; and Battle River Community Foundation’s executive director Bobbi Way.

He continued the program with lively and inspiring rhyming verse interspersed with the entertaining David Samm playing the bagpipes. The fundraiser marked the launch of BRLPS’ fundraising campaign to raise $300,000 in funds to build an expanded facility for its mobility equipment lending program.

“A few years ago, what you see here today began as a simple but profound idea, a concept rooted in compassion and community need,” said Julie Girard, executive director of BRLPS.

“The idea was quickly embraced by local businesses, community agencies and service organizations which saw the need and wanted to help. Dr. Jane Ross, with expert guidance from Morris Flewwelling, developed the transition framework that carried the concept from vision to reality,” she continued.

“Our campaign goal is $300,000 and, thanks to community savings, in-kind donations and generous local supporters, we are well on our way,” commented Girard.

Pinno thanked advisory member Ron Grue for all his time and effort and he shared that Grue will be taking the lead on getting the new building constructed. “He will begin construction come next year. In April’s sun, the work will start; by August done, with grateful hearts.”

He also recognized the BRLPS board members– Cliff Drever, vice president; Susan Nigh, secretary; Leona Calhoun, treasurer; members Mary Broen, Chad Treleaven, Chad Gerber, Glenys Smith and Susan Stockall; for contributing $33,418 themselves.

Thanks to community donations, BRLPS has already raised $102,786 toward the project. An application has also been submitted to the Community Facility Enhancement Program (CFEP) which, if approved, will grant the Lending Place up to $125,000.

The afternoon concluded with David Samm playing the bagpipes, leading a procession to the Battle River Lending Place and sending guests home with gratitude and hope.
For more information or to make a donation to Battle River Lending Place, contact 780-673-1335 or visit lendingplace.ca

Off the ice with the Kodiaks

By Nadine Leming

The Camrose Kodiaks have teamed up with Wild Rose Co-op to open the doors for a fun afternoon match-up versus the Lloydminster Bobcats on October 15 at 12 noon. There will be free admission for all families while season seat holders can choose their own seats or sit in section Y where space has been set aside for loyal fans. Families and fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food item to support the team’s “fill the rink” food drive.

Calling all children crazy about the Kodiaks. The team hosts the Kodiaks Kids Club where young fans can feel like part of the action. This is an opportunity for children to enjoy exclusive perks, get an opportunity to meet their favourite Kodiak and create life long memories throughout the season.

For community minded people looking for an enjoyable social evening, while sipping on diverse selections of wine, spirits and craft beers, the Kodiaks have just the thing for you. Proceeds from ticket sales for his 18+ event will directly help support the team. With your ticket, you can enjoy delectable food, great beverages while you enjoy the amazing atmosphere or bidding on silent auction items. This event will be at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Theatre on November 15 at 7 p.m. Tickets and information can be found at www.camroselive.ca/events/camrose-kodiaks-beer-wine-spiri-fest.

The Kodiaks Goals for Kids has already climbed to $650 this season. The proceeds of this campaign goes to local children’s charities in Camrose. Last season, $4,575 was raised and donated to Kid Sport Camrose and the Battle River School Division’s lunch program.

BRCF supports Animal Shelter

The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a $1,200 grant to the Camrose and Area Animal Shelter Society. Alex Oliver, a director with the Battle River Community Foundation board, presents the cheque to Sherry Lafortune, president of the Society.

Submitted

The vision statement of the Camrose and Area Animal Shelter Society, as provided on their website, is to provide “Responsible homes for happy, healthy pets.” The shelter’s low cost spay, neuter, and microchip program, supported by the grant from the Battle River Community Foundation, helps the shelter to fulfill this vision. According to Society President, Sherry Lafortune, “Camrose and Area Animal Shelter Society is grateful to the donors and to the Battle River Community Foundation for their generosity and continued support for our low cost spay, neuter, microchip program.”

By helping, as able, to provide accessible spay, neutering and microchip services, the shelter is able to afford cats a better quality of life. Spaying and neutering works to fight overpopulation, while it also helps reduce the risk of certain cancers and behavioural challenges. The microchip program ensures that, should a cat go missing and end up somewhere like the shelter, a microchip reader is able to provide staff with the information to return the cat to their home. The grant for the Camrose and Area Animal Shelter Society is funded from income earned from the Alice Ofrim Fund and the Fred and Jean Molnar Fund.

The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support organizations in east central Alberta that benefit the local communities and positively impact the future. Grants from the Battle River Community Foundation are primarily made possible through the generosity of individual donors and organizations that have created endowment funds.

The principal of these endowment funds is kept intact, and the income is made available annually to support local projects and organizations.
Since it was founded in 1995, the Battle River Community Foundation has granted over $9,891,300 to support charitable activities in the Battle River region.

Cadets host Hungarian-style dinner

By Adan Shaikh

The 3068 SALH Royal Canadian Army Cadet Corps (RCACC) is inviting the community to a special fundraising dinner in support of its program.

The Cadet program, open to youth ages 12 to 18, offers young people in Camrose a chance to develop leadership, teamwork and practical life skills through hands-on activities that mirror aspects of Canadian Armed Forces training. Participants also contribute to the community through volunteering and local events.

“This fundraiser is being put on by the 3068 Corps Support Committee. We decided to host a dinner by our wonderful cook, Monika Roman, who will make a Hungarian three-course meal for us. We are excited to have folks come down to the Moose Hall and enjoy a lovely meal served by the Cadets,” said Melissa Hande, chair of the 3068 Corps Support Committee.

Hande said the program has had a positive impact on her family. “My son really loves the program. He gets to go and visit the armoury, he gets to do all the fun activities like marksmanship, but he is also learning to be a young leader. I am seeing him become this young man, giving back to his society and being part of the community. I feel when he goes out into the world, these skills will give him a step up,” she said.

The program is free for participants, and its operations depend entirely on fundraising and community support. Each year, they do community markets and a family dance, but this year, they will also be hosting a dinner. The event will feature a three-course Hungarian dinner on November 2, at 5 p.m. in the Moose Lodge Hall located at 5001-52 Avenue.

Gluten-friendly options will be available. Proceeds from the dinner will help cover program costs and ensure local youth can continue to benefit from the free Cadet experience. To register or purchase tickets, contact 780-672-3194.

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

As part of recognizing the Camrose Genealogy Society’s milestone anniversary, a special luncheon was held a few weeks ago to honour and appreciate all past and current members of the society.

Bailey accepts donation

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

Denise Hawkins from Camrose Energy was happy to present Elliot Harder, Bailey Theatre manager, a cheque for $5,000. Camrose Energy donates 10 percent of their profits to their community partners program where grants are submitted for funding. Elliot said the funds will go towards the purchase of a new professional grade projector. The projector will be used for films, productions and shows at the theatre.

Rotary Donation

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

Rotary Camrose made a $15,000 donation to the 644 Camrose Rotary Air Cadets on October 9. This donation helps secure the space the Air Cadets use at the Mirror Lake Centre and is the largest donation they give back into the community every year. From left, Captain Erin Mitchell, commanding officer Tina Myles, Rotary Camrose youth chair WO2 Tarik Bains, FSgt Connor Beingessner, Sgt. Tave Cotter and FCPL Maizie Rutledge.

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

What I learned from doing puzzles

Okay, I admit it. I’m a puzzle junkie. Crossword puzzles, Sudoku, Ken Ken, logic puzzles, Jumbles, jigsaw puzzles – I enjoy them all.
It’s occurred to me that doing puzzles is relevant to living life.

THE PATTERN. In puzzles, as in life, there seems to be a pattern to finding solutions.

First, you notice the easy things. You fill in the easy words, the easy numbers, the obvious jigsaw pieces. That feels good.

Each time you add one more word, one more number or one more puzzle piece, you notice something you didn’t see before. Each small answer reveals another small answer. You’re on a roll. In projects and life, too, each step opens the door to something you couldn’t see before.

Then there’s the impasse. You’ve solved the easy parts. What’s left is not obvious. You look at it, re-read the clues. Nothing jumps out at you. You’re stuck.

Sometimes you pause, look away, look back, notice one small thing and you’re back on a roll. But sometimes, you really are stuck stuck stuck.

I’ve learned that if “stuck” lasts more than a few minutes, it’s best to take a break. When you come back, you notice something that you didn’t see before. Nearly always that leads to a solution. Hah! Satisfaction.

In life, in times of impasse, sometimes if you take a break, something new emerges. When you come to the edge of your ability, there’s value in backing away for a while.

OPTIMUM CHALLENGE. In puzzles and in life, there’s an ideal level of difficulty. Easy enough to be solved, but not so easy that it’s boring or even insulting. Hard enough that it’s a stretch, but not so hard that it’s impossible and overwhelming.

As you get more skilled at doing a certain kind of puzzle, you begin to seek a more challenging level. Not too challenging – just enough to add stimulation.

In a book called In Over Our Heads, author Robert Kegan talks about how to foster young men moving from teenage self-centredness (appropriate for one stage of life) to the adult ability to look after the well-being of others. Kegan talks about “an ingenious combination of challenge and support” (a phrase I love).

To help yourself or someone else to grow to their next level, set a challenge that’s a bit beyond their ability. Then provide enough (not too much) support so they’re not overwhelmed. The challenge has to be worthy – something that means something to the person. This reminds me of teenagers who don’t like to read, but pore over the driver’s manual to get a driver’s licence – a worthy challenge.

TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING. Doing puzzles is fun when it’s for a short break. I know I’m in trouble when I have a looming deadline or a not-negotiable task I dislike, and I’m doing my third Sudoku on the way to a fourth crossword.

Doing a few puzzles is totally appropriate. Doing too many begins to feel yucky. I’ve learned to tell the difference – when puzzles are a useful diversion, and when they are a crutch to avoid facing what needs to be faced.

PUZZLES CAN BE ADDICTIVE. That short burst of satisfaction on finding the solution requires the next short burst. The total mental absorption that blocks out whatever are the worries or responsibilities of the day can also be addictive. “Just one more” is a dangerous thought.

In puzzles, as in life, even good things, used to extreme, can lead to bad outcomes.
That takes me to the Alcoholics Anonymous Serenity Prayer:
“God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.”
“The wisdom to know the difference” is a gift of life experience – a puzzle solved.

***

I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, e-mail Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within one business day.