VOLUME 77
NUMBER 29
24 PAGES
Thursday, Th d July J l 12, 12 2012
www.sylvanlakenews.com
FREE
Too slow
- Sliding from his horse to get a solid grip on the animal during the steer wrestling competition was Zane Hankel of Redcliff. He completed his task in 5.7 seconds. Unfortunately for him that was too slow to be in the top 10. More photos and stories throughout the paper. STEVE DILLS
Festive atmosphere being created downtown for Stanley Cup’s arrival by Steve Dills Sylvan Lake News
Many of Sylvan Lake’s businesses will have stalls on 50th Street when the Stanley Cup arrives next Wednesday. Colin Fraser of the cup winning Los Angeles Kings, and a Sylvan Lake resident, will arrive by boat
with the cup and an RCMP escort and then parade down the pier to a stage on the north end of main street. The street will be closed from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. between 50th Avenue to Lakeshore Drive to accommodate a “Jaywalkers Day” complete with vendors and a festive atmosphere featuring music along with a chance for people to
2 Restaurant & Lounge “Dining by the lake”
have their pictures taken with the cup. Fraser will be signing autographs and meeting people during the two hours the cup is present, from 12 noon to 2 p.m. A mini Farmers’ Market is planned for the south end of the area. Then closer to the stage there are 44 booths available free to businesses with Sylvan Lake
business licenses. The town’s economic development officer, Matt Cornall, said 35 of those stalls had already been booked by Monday afternoon. Another advantage for Sylvan Lake, Cornall told councillors Monday night, is that the cup won’t be on public display in Red Deer. Following its stay in Sylvan
Lake it’s going to the Sutter Fund golf tournament that night and then to Viking the following day. So Red Deer residents who want to see it up close will have to come to our community. The Bentley Generals will be on hand promoting the fact they’re hosting the Allan Cup next year.
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2
SYLVAN LAKE NEWS Thursday, July 12, 2012
New fire hall to be located in Beacon Hill area by Steve Dills Sylvan Lake News
The location of Sylvan Lake’s new fire hall has been decided. Councillors approved the purchase of 1.5 acres of land on the northwest corner of Beacon Hill Drive and 50th Street, following an in camera session at Monday night’s meeting. The price was $750,000. The site, which is south of the RCMP detachment, will provide access off both 50th Street and Beacon Hill Drive, said Fire Chief Cliff Brausen. The next step is to begin detailed design for the fire hall, which he said would be about twice the size of the current facility which is located on 47th Avenue. It’s needed to accommodate an increased number of firefighters and equipment in the future as the community and surrounding area grows. Brausen predicted the design work should be completed early next year so tendering can take place and construction can begin in 2013.
Milestones Congratulations Melissa Langmaid Valedictorian for Olds College Graduating uat ati tin ing ing
Class 2012
Melissa Langmaid,
of Sylvan Lake, Graduated with Distinction and Honours from the Land and Water Resources Program at Olds College on June 16, 2012. Melissa is working as an Environmental Planner in Calgary.
o go Way t
sa! Melis We are so proud of you! Jim & Lisa Herder, along with Martin & Rita Byzitter are thrilled to announce the upcoming marriage of their children
Rayelle Herder & Michael Byzitter Wedding to take place in August, 2012
Serious injuries
- A crash and vehicle fire which sent plumes of thick black smoke into the sky last Friday afternoon, forced closure of Highway 11 between Range Roads 21 and 22 in the Kuusamo area for about five hours. A collision between an eastbound semi tractor hauling a 270D Deere excavator on a lowboy and a pickup truck occurred about 2:30 p.m. The semi continued into the south ditch where it caught fire while the pickup truck ended in the north NEW & USED VEHICLES FOR SALE ditch. The 19 year old “We will match their prices, but they’ll never match our service!” male pickup driver from Red Deer was extricated 2012 CHEVROLET CRUZE 2011 GMC CANYON Z85 SLE from his vehicle by 1SD 4X4 CREW CAB LT TURBO FWD Sylvan Lake firefighters and transported by STARS to University Hospital in Edmonton with serious life-threatening injuries. He STK #S12015. 6 SPD. AUTO, 14,350 KMS STK #S12024. 4 SPD. AUTO, 11,485 KMS remains in hospital, said $16,435 $28,785 RCMP Sgt. Michelle Boutin. The driver of 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 2012 CHEVROLET SILVERADO 1500 the semi was checked 2500HD LTZ 4X4 CREW CAB SWB LT 4X4 CREW CAB SWB and released at the scene. Sylvan Lake RCMP report investigation is ongoing into the cause of the crash. STK #S12255. 6 SPD. AUTO, 5 KMS Dean Cameron STK #S12110. 6 SPD. AUTO, 28 KMS Associated Ambulance USED SALES MANAGER FINANCING $41,995 W/0% 403-704-0798 UP TO 72 MONTHS personnel assisted on $58,405 the scene. The road was reopened by about 7 p.m. Corner of Hwy 20 & Hwy 53 in Rimbey - 25 minutes from Sylvan Lake
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STEVE DILLS PHOTOS
Thursday, July 12, 2012 SYLVAN LAKE NEWS
3
Speed limit reduction coming for Lakeshore Drive’s west end by Steve Dills Sylvan Lake News
The speed limit on the west end of Lakeshore Drive will be reduced to 60 km/hr. from the currently posted 70 km/hr. later this year. That’s not as dramatic a drop as was proposed by administration which recommended a 50 km zone
right through to the town’s westerly boundary. A request was made by the Summer Village of Norglenwold to reduce the speed from the Rustic Road corner (the easterly access to the summer village) to Range Road (RR) 15 (60th Street). “The current speed limit, 70 km on this stretch of road, is a serious concern for the
Summer Village of Norglenwold as well as the Town of Sylvan Lake,” wrote Phyllis Forsyth, the chief administrative officer of the summer villages, in a May 31st letter. “This is causing traffic to increase their speed to 100 km by the time they reach RR15. The increasing amount of traffic increases the risk of accidents occurring. “An extension of the
speed limit of 50 km from its western limit on Highway 11A to RR15 would improve the safety of drivers and residents,” she wrote. “With residents on both sides of the highway, these limits would be consistent with residential communities.” This was the second letter from Norglenwold. A previous letter was received by the town last
October. Nick Reijnen, manager of municipal enforcement, in his report, talked about speed limit transition zones, and the ‘rhomboid’ type intersection which is actually two ‘T’ intersections — one at 60th Street and the other on the north side at Range Road 15. Vehicles increasing speed through those intersections while others are slowing to turn was one of the concerns. Transition zones are normally outside a municipality’s boundary, when leaving the community or entering the community, he stated. In this case the transition zone, from 50 km to 70 km begins just west of Rustic Road. Councillor Laverne
Asselstine voiced concern about dropping the limit to 50 and asked if there were issues because of accident history at the intersection of 60th/ RR15. He later said, “50 is way too slow, I don’t think people are going to pay attention to it.” Reijnen didn’t have accident information but indicated it’s not a major problem. “In terms of near misses I’ve seen that first hand, a lot of close calls.” He added with increased population there are more people walking and cycling on the road in that area. There have also been crashes where the road curves before heading along the lakeshore. “I’d like to see some consistency in speed limits,” said Councillor
Sean McIntyre. “Sylvan Lake is a challenge with varying speed limits.” The move to 60 was approved with councillors Ken MacVicar, Dale Plante, Asselstine and McIntyre in favour while Mayor Susan Samson and Councillor Graham Parsons, who favoured the staff recommendation of 50, voted against the motion. Reijnen said the change will take place in conjunction with Red Deer County which he indicated “is onside”. The county will have to create transition zones outside the town boundaries to slow eastbound traffic down before it hits the town boundary and increase the speed of westbound traffic after it leaves town.
Sylvan Lake Seniors Association offers Resources and trained volunteers to assist with applications for:
Underway
- Construction is well underway on the western section of Memorial Trail between Lakeway Boulevard and 50th Street. Border Paving, which was awarded the contract, has verified to the town that the increased scope of work, which the province agreed to fund last week, won’t affect the projected completion date of the end of October for the complete road all the way east to Highway 20. STEVE DILLS
New park space downtown by Steve Dills Sylvan Lake News
There’s a new place to relax or picnic in the heart of Sylvan Lake’s downtown. The town has leased the former hotel site at the southeast corner of 50th Street and Lakeshore Drive and opened it for public use. Councillors approved the lease agreement following an in camera session at their meeting June 25. The “$1 agreement”, said Betty Osmond, the town’s chief administrative officer, sees the town taking care of the property. A door has been installed in the fence along 50th Street and the property is also accessible from the back lane. Flowers, benches, picnic tables and gar-
bage receptacles have been installed to make the property more
usable. Osmond said signs have been ordered and
will be installed shortly encouraging use of the park.
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SYLVAN LAKE NEWS Thursday, July 12, 2012
Six metre reserve created to protect trees; no access to lane by Steve Dills Sylvan Lake News
Residents of Pierview didn’t get everything they wanted but they managed to secure protection for a tree stand which will act as a barrier between themselves and the new Crestview subdivision south of them. Lamont Land Incorporated also agreed there would be no access from their lots to the lane that runs along the south border of Pierview. A six metre wide municipal reserve (which will become town land) was incorporated into the outline plan for Crestview to protect the trees “in perpetuity”. An ornamental
fence will also be erected by the developer along the property line. The reserve was originally to stop on the west side adjacent to the commercial property which houses the Fas Gas station. But an amendment approved by councillors extended that treed reserve right across the quarter section line to 50th Street. The only exception will be at Parson Drive which will be extended into Crestview and will connect through that subdivision to 50th Street. Councillors, after listening to several speakers and much debate, unanimously approved second and third reading of bylaws which changed the South Area
The Community Calendar is an open bulletin board for non-profit community groups running free events open to the general public. Submissions must be received by Tuesday at 12:00 p.m. and should be kept as concise as possible. We will edit for content and length. We strive to publish all submissions we receive, however, due to the number of items or space availability, we are not able to guarantee publication. If you need to be sure your message runs, we suggest you place your message in the Classified section. Deliver submissions to our office at Suite 103, 5020 50A St., Sylvan Lake, fax to 1-403-887-2081 (Toll-Free 1-888-999-2081) or email to editor@ sylvanlakenews.com. Be certain to include dates, times and contact information.
Special Events Saturday, July 14 - Sylvan Lake Customs and Classics sixth annual show and shine on the grass at Meadowlands Golf Club at Sylvan Lake from 9 am to 4 pm. Spectators free, free parking, entry fee for participants. Handmade piston trophy presentation at 3 pm. Contact Gord at 403-887-7047. Concession by Knights of Columbus, music, face painting, silent auction and more. Saturday, July 14 - Central Alberta Singles dance at 8:30 pm at Penhold Hall. Music by Bob and Julie. Members and invited guests only; new members welcome. Elaine 403-341-7653 or Bob 403-304-7440. July 15 - Æbleskiver & Jam at Danish Canadian National Museum & Gardens in Dickson. For a small price all you can eat Æbleskiver, a delicious, traditional Danish round pancake which is often eaten with a generous helping of jam topped off with icing sugar. Entertainment. Tuesday, July 17 - Sylvan Lake Senior’s Association is hosting a golf tournament and supper at Top o’ The Hill Golf Club, starting at 2 pm. For info and to register call Jill at 403-8875428 or 403-318-9381 or Bill at 403-8874777. Wednesday, July 18 - Stanley Cup is being brought to Sylvan Lake by Los Angeles Kings player Colin Fraser. 12-2 pm. 50th Street will be closed for a party which runs from 10 am to 4 pm with vendors, entertainment and more. Saturday, July 21 - Sylvan Lake seniors’ bus to Westerner Days. Door-to-door pick-up beginning at 10 am, returning at 9 pm. Book your seat by
Structure Plan to allow the outline plan and changed the Land Use Bylaw to rezone the first phase of the Crestview subdivision which includes R1A (Medium Lot Residential District), R5 (Narrow Lot General Residential District) and PF (Public Facility) designations. They unanimously approved the Crestview Outline Plan, then made amendments to it extending the reserve to 50th Street and requiring the developer to take extra care when stripping and grading adjacent to the reserve so root systems of the trees aren’t damaged. The also officially approved the name of the subdivision. During the debate,
calling Lenore 403-887-5272. Saturday, July 21 and Sunday, July 22 - Diamond Valley Church special Gospel meetings 10 am, 2 pm and 6 pm each day. Everyone welcome. Saturday, July 21 - Massive community garage sale fundraiser. Scott’s No Frills parking lot, Sylvan Lake from 8 am to 8 pm. BBQ, music and more. Proceeds to Central Alberta Martial Arts’ Scholarship programs. If you have items to donated, please call 403-887-6303. Sunday, July 22 - Commodore’s Cup Regatta, Sylvan Lake Sailing Club. Sunday, July 22 - Sylvan Lake Half Ironman Triathlon 2km swim, 90km bike, 21 km run which attracts hundreds of competitors. Also a new triathlon race - 1 km swim, 60km bike and 10 km run. www.outbackevents.ca Tuesday, July 24 - Sylvan Lake RCMP are hosting a tour of their new detachment for members and friends of Sylvan Lake Senior’s Centre at 2 pm. If you need a ride call 403-887-5428 to book a seat on the bus ($3) or meet at the detachment. Wednesday, July 25 - Sylvan Lake seniors bus to Deerfoot Casino, Calgary. Note new time - Leave 8 a.m. Phone Joan 403-887-7614. Thursday, July 26 - Dickson Store Museum is hosting Thrilling Thursday from 1:30-3:30 pm at the museum. The theme is Wizards, Merlins and Magic. Crafts, games and of course magic. Admission free but donations appreciated. Everyone welcome. For info call 403-728-3355. Saturday, July 28 - Central Alberta Singles dance at 8:30 pm at Penhold Hall. Music by Randy Hillman. Members and invited guests only; new members welcome. Elaine 403-341-7653 or Bob 403-304-7440. Tuesday, July 31 - Members of Sylvan Lake Senior’s Centre and Sylvan Lake Lodge are taking a tour to Ellis Bird Farm. Bus fare $5 and soup and a bun $12 at the Tea House (or bring a bag lunch). Call 403-887-5428 to book a seat.
Weekly events Mondays - Toastmasters Sylvan’s Slick Speakers meet at Sylvan Lake Alliance Church, 4404 47 Ave. from 7-8:15 pm. Join Toastmasters now to become the speaker and leader you want to be. For info call Correna Rae 403-506-9643. Wednesdays - Sylvan Lake Senior’s Association hosts soup and a bun from noon to 1:30 pm. Thursdays - Sylvan Lake seniors bus to Red Deer. Pick-up 9:15 am. Returning to Sylvan 1:30 pm. Phone Mary 403-887-4579. Thursdays - Benalto Leisure Club invites you to an afternoon of games, socializing and refresh-
the gallery was full with 45-50 people, mostly residents of Pierview, listening and applauding various speakers. The council meeting Monday night began with the open microphone session where Heather Donald asked why neighbourhoods “have to go through the same knee jerk reaction when developers come along and want to clear cut trees and cram in more homes”. “We shouldn’t have to keep having these discussions which are strenuous to us,” she said suggesting we should be building a different, more valuable way of life for Sylvan Lake. Wayne Saastad again repeated his complaint
ments from 1-3:30 pm. Call Mary 403-7465237 or Tom 403-588-2620 for info. Thursdays - Bingo at Sylvan Lake Seniors Centre. Precall at 6:30 bingo starts 7 pm.
Monthly events Third Wednesday every month. Coffee and conversation at Sylvan Lake & District Archives from 2-4 pm.
Volunteers Wanted Are you an entertainer, musician or part of a performing group. We have opportunities to showcase your talents to seniors living at Bethany CollegeSide and Bethany Sylvan Lake. Contact Emma Madden 403-887-7741 or maddene@bethanycarecom
Support Programs Sylvan Lake Al-Anon (for families and friends of alcoholics) 8 pm Sundays, Presbyterian Church (north door), Kathy 403-887-4470 or Robyn 403-887-2961. 09/30/12 Sylvan Lake AA meetings. Tuesdays 7:30 pm Lions Hall; Sundays 8 pm Presbyterian Church (north door). For more information call male 403-887-4470, 403-887-4160 or female 403887-4297. 09/30/12 Narcotics Anonymous meetings Thursday nights at 7:30 pm at Sylvan Lake Bethany Care, 4700 47th Ave. 09/30/12 Are you having trouble controlling the way you eat? Overweight? Underweight? Obsessed with weight or dieting? You are not alone. No dues, no fees, no weigh-ins. Everyone is welcome. Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous is a 12 step recovery program. For info call Harry at 403887-2962 or Joan at 403-748-2433. 09/30/12 Are you raising your grandchildren? Come join us at our ACUSHLA meetings first Thursday of the month at Sylvan Lake Library from 1-3 pm. We meet to share and support each other. Questions, call Glenda (Sylvan Lake) 403-8873849 or Sandy (Lacombe) 403-782-2960.
Groups & Activities C.H.I.P.S. - Children’s Indoor playspace is a nonstructured playtime for children 0-5 years old. Riding, climbing and bouncing toys provided and parents and caregivers can socialize. Mondays 9-11:30 am; Wednesdays and Fridays 9:3011:30 am; Thursdays 12:30-2:30 pm. at the community centre. Contact Wendy-Jo for info 403-887-5975.
that he felt the developer had not adequately addressed the need for a buffer between his kennel operation and houses planned in the subdivision. “You will bear the responsibility — this town and this council, when conflicts do arise,” he charged. During the delegation section of the meeting, Matt Prete, speaking on behalf of Pierview residents, called for a 15 metre municipal reserve across the entire quarter’s boundary to preserve the tree stand, include a minimum of 45 per cent R1 (Low Density Residential District) lots, retain Parson Drive as a dead end street and deem the changes major requiring another public hearing. Prete used a report by Mississippi State University Extension Service titled Preserving Trees In Construction Sites, to highlight the residents’ request for a wider municipal reserve to protect the tree stand. His contention was that the root systems extended outside the proposed six metre reserve and he was concerned about development landscaping and landshaping which could damage the roots. He also provided a sketch proposing a way to gain a 15 metre reserve while still creating an ‘economically
viable’ development with a reasonable number of larger lots. “The biggest problem I see,” he said, “is about imagination and vision. The imagination is how much money we can make if we put 62 lots in this spot. The other is vision. That rests firmly on town planners … Town planners should have a vision they’re giving developers. A vision of what has to happen”. Randy Sieben, representing Lamont, countered Prete’s claims stating their proposal fit all the parameters of existing plans for single family residential housing adjacent to Pierview. He noted that besides the six metre reserve, no excavation can take place within 7.5 metres of the north property lines of houses which will back onto the reserve. Trees in the stand were surveyed to determine their location before the six metre width was proposed. “We didn’t just come arbitrarily at six metres,” Sieben said. He added that the number of lots backing onto the tree stand has been reduced from 32 to 30 and the size of the lots has been increased. Access to the public lane in Pierview has been removed. The housing target market for those lots
will be in the $400,000$600,000 range. Discussion by councillors focussed primarily on whether a six metre reserve was enough to protect the trees. “I think the people in Pierview have a win because they do have a barrier between the two neighbourhoods,” said Councillor Ken MacVicar. Councillor Laverne Asselstine agreed the compromise appeared to be good. He heard from residents they appreciated the isolated area, the birds and that there were concerns about increased use of the back lane which had since been taken out of the equation. “The strongest thing we heard,” said Mayor Susan Samson, “is protection of the trees. In my opinion the developers have protected them with adequate setback that we are going to enforce even further. This is going to clearly delineate the neighbourhoods in an aesthetically pleasing manner.” The further enforcement she talked about was captured in a motion by Councillor Sean McIntyre which requires extra care by developers when working near the tree stand so that the root systems aren’t disturbed during stripping and grading.
Impressive - There were lots of colourful blown glass pieces of art at one of the displays during the third annual summer Art at the Lake event Saturday at the Lions Hall. Customers were also drawn to functional one-of-akind ceramics, water colour, oil and acrylic paintings, forged metal work, hand crafted woodwork, and fine photography by leading Central Alberta artists and artisans. Organizer Pat Matheson said they had a steady crowd. “I’m really happy with the quality, some you’d never find somewhere else,” he said. A selection of baked goodies were also available. The next event by the group is planned for Nov. 17. STEVE DILLS
Thursday, July 12, 2012 SYLVAN LAKE NEWS
5
Sylvan to join Lacombe, Ponoka in new federal district and the creation of six new electoral districts have resulted in a new electoral district landscape for Alberta. As one electoral boundary was drawn, an adjacent electoral district was inevitably impacted. In the result, all electoral districts in Alberta have been altered — some more substantially than others,” said the Honourable Carole Conrad, chair of the three-member commission. Under the Electoral Boundaries Re-adjustment Act, the commission’s main aim in redrawing boundaries is to divide the prov-
by Steve Dills Sylvan Lake News
Highway 11 is the new dividing line of proposed federal electoral districts in the Sylvan Lake area. Those people living south of the highway, including those in Benalto, will be in the Red Deer-Mountain View riding while those north will be in the Red Deer-Wolf Creek riding, according to a new electoral map for consideration at public hearings this fall. Currently Sylvan Lake is in the Red Deer electoral district which encompasses all of Red Deer County and the municipalities in the county. The Red Deer riding is being split in two and sections of other ridings are being added to reach the optimum population for the districts. The proposal means Sylvan Lake will join Lacombe, Ponoka and five Indian reserves in
Creative Flowers Open Art & Mon - Sa t Gifts 9am - 6pm the reconfiguration. It also includes all of Lacombe County, the part of Red Deer County north of Highway 11 west of the
City of Red Deer and a portion of the city, as well as a portion of Red Deer County east of the city. The changes result-
ed from an increase in provincial population from 2,974,807 in 2001 to 3,645,257 in 2011. Alberta will gain six electoral districts
because of the increase and the redistribution which takes place following each decennial (10 year) census. “Population shifts
Sylvan Lake News
Several changes have taken place over the past few weeks on the Sylvan Lake News’ website. Now amalgamated into a format similar to other Black Press newspapers, the website is home to all the stories which appear every week in our printed edition. We’re still working out some bugs, but the website and other initiatives underway will continue the evolution of the Sylvan Lake News as your hyperlocal source of news about people and events in the Sylvan Lake area. Take a look, for instance at our web poll. Here are the results from the last two weeks.
On the question for the week ending June 28, “Should the town and summer villages pay the cost to dredge the lake’s outlet creek to lower the lake water level?” the 106 people who voted were 70 per cent in favour. The following week, the question was “Do you support the town’s annual expenditure for fireworks displays four times a year?” Again those voting were overwhelmingly in favour with 35 votes (81 per cent) for and 8 against. The current week’s question was “Are you supportive of the stance taken by Sylvan Lake councillors to require developers to protect mature tree stand when new subdivisions are created?” At press time the polling was 94 per cent in favour. Participation in the
new poll has been rather low but we anticipate as people explore the new features on the site, voting will increase significantly. Another new feature is an interactive calendar on which non-profit organizations can enter their coming events. Check it out and post your events. Eventually this will be a Sylvan Lake-Eckville based calendar but for now it’s linked to our sister paper, the Red Deer Advocate, and provides a region wide list. Like us on Facebook. We’ve entered the age of social media and will be using it in more ways to keep people informed on an emergent basis which adds value to our printed edition. In the near future we plan to post interesting and current information
through Facebook and will be exploring other opportunities to keep our readers informed. Take a few minutes to check us out on the net and send us your suggestions for improvements.
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ince into electoral districts as close to the average population as reasonably possible. Public hearings on the proposals are scheduled for September in various locations throughout the province. In Red Deer, two hearings are planned for Sept. 19, one at 1:30 p.m. and the other at 7 p.m. More information and copies of the current and proposed districts are available at www.federal-redistribution.ca.
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SYLVAN LAKE NEWS Thursday, July 12, 2012
Diligence needed before making decisions; get involved It’s frequently been said that if you repeat something often enough it becomes the truth. The more a person hears the same thing, and from different sources, the more they are likely to take for granted what’s being said is true. In this day and age of political spin doctors and public relations professionals we’d hope both of those two groups are dealing with the truth — making sure the straight facts get to the public. Sometimes though, the spin provides a different perception. Therefore, it’s more incumbent on us to investigate and make our own decisions based on our research. Particularly if you’ve got a job like we do, where we try to present an unbiased report from both sides of a story. What became apparent to us at Monday night’s council meeting
Steve Dills Sylvan Lake News
is that some of the people who made major housing purchases in Pierview subdivision had been told something contrary to fact about the future for development adjacent to them. This isn’t a new phenonenon. It happens, and as we prefaced our remarks, the more it happens the more it’s taken as truth. Our suggestion then is that people need to be more diligent in seeking answers before investing heavily. How often have we heard that about the stock market for instance, or other somewhat risky ventures. Yet you’d never think there’s a need to exercise as much caution about your future home would you? Particularly in an established neighbourhood.
One of the things which slipped into the conversation during the discussion Monday night was ‘when Perry Drive is extended to connect with Ryders Ridge Drive and on to Sobeys’ — this is obviously another fallacy that’s making its rounds. At the eastern end of Perry Drive is a green space. It’s part of the Ryders Ridge subdivision and has been identified in their outline plan and amendments as future municipal reserve. At the council meeting two weeks earlier, where many of the Pierview residents were in attendance, council approved the concept plan for the adjacent Vista in Ryders Ridge subdivision. That plan takes advantage of the space already proposed for green space by adding to it. Rezoning, which was approved for Phase 1 of Vista in Ryders Ridge, at
the same meeting as the outline plan, designated that adjacent area as PF (public facility) meaning it will eventually become municipal reserve land which is turned over to the town for care in perpetuity. That’s also consistent with the South Area Structure Plan, which is a statutory document and would require introduction of a bylaw, first reading, a public hearing then consideration of second and third reading before it could be change. In our opinion, none of that’s going to happen. Perry Drive is not going to be extended. And hopefully we’ve laid another falsehood to rest. Reflecting back on the Crestview subdivision, we believe councillors were diligent in answering the concerns of residents while balancing their responsibility to ensure sustainable growth of our community. In fact, it’s likely, as
Councillor Ken MacVicar suggested, that these very residents won more than any others in town. The suggestion from Heather Donald that we should be looking at increasing our standards is certainly worthy of further discussion — and it comes at a time when the town is rewriting its Municipal
Development Plan which is the overarching guide to the town’s future development. As well, according to project reports presented to councillors at Monday night’s meeting, town staff are also working on an annexation application to bring more land into the town’s boundary, and proceeding on area structure plans or
revisions for the southeast, northeast and south areas. More interest and public input into the creation of these plans at this stage should ease the anxiety that may come with future proposals for more housing, commercial and industrial activities in Sylvan Lake.
Food brings people together in different cultures A recent CBC survey rated maple syrup as Canada’s most iconic food, with poutine, Nanaimo bars, smoked salmon, and butter tarts not far behind. While I agree maple syrup should hold that title, I find it amusing we, as Canadians, would create and vote in such a survey to begin with. Canada is a country created from many different cultures, a mosaic being a popular metaphor to describe it. This is in contrast to the melting pot of the United States, where new immigrants are encouraged to adopt an American identity. It’s not hard to name typical American foods — apple pie and burgers come to mind.
Unlike Americans, Canadians are more unsure of a national identity, likely because multiculturalism is so embraced here. When I lived in Argentina, people there always asked me about Canadian comidas tipicas — typical foods. The only thing I could think of was maple syrup, which I had brought with me. I served it to my friends with pancakes. I don’t like pancakes very much, but I made more pancakes in Argentina than I ever had in my life. The pancakes themselves were not foreign to Argentineans, as they make a thinner, bigger version of them, similar to crepes. The maple syrup, on the other
Aleisha Bosch Sylvan Lake News
hand, was treated with much suspicion. After serving my friends I would pour the syrup generously over my pancakes. The people with me would pick up the bottle and examine it. Many thought it was honey, but I explained that it came from trees, not bees. I pointed out the maple leaf picture on the bottle. They would finally pour a little syrup on their food, and taste it carefully. Everyone that tried it liked it.
They were very enthusiastic about the “honey from trees with its own distinct taste.” I liked being able to share one of the few uniquely Canadian things. Un like C anadians, Argentineans have no problem identifying their typical foods. The most important one, as everyone I asked told me, was asado. This is like a barbecue, but on a much bigger scale. Almost every home has an asado in their backyard, and it’s often a very social event. Friends and neighbours are invited for dinner, which usually takes a few hours. Argentinean beef is considered to be among the best in the world, and in Buenos Aires some of the steakhouses
serve the meat with nothing more than a spoon to cut it. Another typical food is mate. This is like a tea, made with hot water and (for me) lots of sugar, as it’s very bitter. Like asado, this is also present in social situations. The drink is prepared in a special cup, usually made from leather or cow horn, and passed around. The only consistent thing I’ve found about food, in Canada and in Argentina, is that it brings people together. Families talk over dinner, and friends meet over coffee. So get some flour, sugar, eggs, and milk, cook up some pancakes, and invite a friend over. Don’t forget the maple syrup.
Michele Rosenthal,
Steve Dills,
Cathy Lange,
Aleisha Bosch,
Cheryl Hyvonen,
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Thursday, July 12, 2012 SYLVAN LAKE NEWS
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Thanks, thanks, thanks Dear Editor, I would like to express sincere sympathy to those families who have lost loved ones in the past two years, and even before.
You have all spent so much time contributing to this community at so many levels. Thank you. I remember you. To the care givers
throughout the community, thank you and bless you. Thanks to all the kids who are using the safe areas provided by com-
Boat launchers leaving mess behind on Range Road 21 Dear Editor, With the cost at the main boat launch in town being so high, more and more people are using Range Road 21. They are leaving a mess behind. The most disturbing is the feces and toilet paper left behind on the land of Camp Kasota which is being used by children, as people are there all day and there are no facilities. If this area is to be used for this purpose there should be proper facilities, eg. more garbage cans, and properly serviced porta-potties as this is clearly a
health hazard, particularly to the children using the camp. Also evidenced is the mess they are making of the road. With all the traffic it is being dug up by the truck tires and parking in the ditch on both sides of the road. There is inadequate parking and it is causing turmoil later in the day when they are all pulling out. We strongly recommend you take this seriously and make an effort to improve the situation. George Johnston, Half Moon Bay
munity organizations to play or pursue pastimes. It really helps when we aren’t suddenly surprised by a skater, boarder, or cyclist from either right or left, or where ever. Thanks to all the volunteers, young and older, for their passion and persistence. Thanks to our town assistance agencies, FCSS, Community Partners, all the churches and agencies which are associated with them in one way or another. Also service clubs and other associations. Thank you to all the grassroots people who reach out to help each other in so many caring ways. I love you and I love
this community. And do you know, as we approach this Centennial, we do have residents who are still here, at 100, 102, so they really have seen it all … Thanks and blessings
to them in a very special way. At the moment, that’s my gratitude list. Have a wonderful Canada Day. I’m absolutely convinced that our Centennial
year will be totally awesome! That’s my favourite expression when I run out of words. Helen McLean, Sylvan Lake
Secure your “wrecking balls” - jet skis became destructive Dear Editor, This is addressed to Sylvan Lake jet ski owners. Question: What’s the difference between a drifting jet ski and a wrecking ball? Answer: Wrecking balls sink! During today’s (Wednesday, July 4) high winds and huge waves, I counted not one but five Sea-Doo’s floating down the lake, including a beautiful red one that destroyed my neighbour’s new dock,
my dock and I am sure a few others down the shore. There was nothing we could do to pull them ashore as there no longer is “a shore”, nor is there anything to tie them to as they knock everything down in their path. Please do us all a favour and secure your “wrecking balls” so those of us downwind may both use and enjoy our equipment too! Pat Walsh, Birchcliff
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SYLVAN LAKE NEWS Thursday, July 12, 2012
Severe injuries sustained as result of bar fight Saturday, June 30th 8:05 p.m. - RCMP stopped a vehicle on 50th Avenue near the Dairy Queen in Sylvan Lake as the passengers were spotted not wearing seat belts. As a result of the stop, a male passenger was charged with failing to comply with the conditions of a probation order as he was found to be intoxicated. Sunday, July 1st 9:38 p.m. - Members were called to a residence on Hummingbird Lane in Half Moon Bay after a complaint of a disturbance. Four males at the location were hav-
ing a verbal dispute but the homeowner wanted only two of the males removed. RCMP escorted the males to Sylvan Lake where they got a cab to return home without incident. Monday, July 2nd 2:41 a.m. - EMS crews and RCMP were called to Chewies Smoke House on Lakeway Boulevard in Sylvan Lake after reports of a female unconscious and not breathing in the restaurant. The female along with her spouse admitted to voluntarily consuming alcohol and
RCMP Notes Special to Sylvan Lake News
GHB, also known as the date rape drug. The male was treated at the scene and the female was transported to Red Deer Hospital where she later recovered. 4:31 a.m. - RCMP were dispatched to Sylvan Lake RV Park after a male showed up at the location with a bloody face and broken jaw. The male advised that he was staying with
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friends at Sylvan Lake campground and went for a walk by himself but had no recollection of how he had been assaulted. He returned to his truck at the RV park when police were notified. 1:58 p.m. - A male is facing a charge of assault and uttering threats in connection with a domestic incident in Bentley. A parent called police advising that her daughter had been threatened and physically abused by an exboyfriend. The victim advised of a history of violence and ongoing threats made against her life by the accused.
Tuesday, July 3rd 12:44 p.m. - RCMP have charged a male in relation to a domestic dispute on Northstar Drive in Sylvan Lake. The male contacted the victim’s friends advising that he was going to kill her and her friends. Alcohol was a factor in the incident. The male is charged with three counts of uttering threats and mischief under $5,000. Wednesday, July 4th 8:46 a.m. - Police are investigating a vandalism and theft complaint at Sylvan Lake ball diamonds on 43rd Street. The victim advised that when he returned from a baseball game to his
parked vehicle, the back window of the car had been smashed and some camera equipment stolen. RCMP are asking residents to please ensure their items are locked up or out of plain sight while in a parked vehicle. Thursday, July 5th 2:32 a.m. - RCMP were called to Chef ’s Bar and Grill on Lakeshore Drive in Sylvan Lake after reports of a male bleeding with severe injuries as a result of a fight that started inside the bar. The male sustained several broken bones to his face and a broken jaw. A second male is facing a charge of aggravated assault.
Friday, July 6th 2:32 p.m. - Fire, EMS and RCMP were dispatched to a serious collision between a semi tractor unit and a pickup truck on Hwy. 11 between Range Road 21 and 22. When crews arrived on scene, the semi unit was already engulfed in flames and a pickup truck was in a nearby ditch. The driver of the semi was checked and released but the driver of the pickup truck was seriously injured and airlifted to an Edmonton hospital. Alcohol is not believed to be a factor in the incident. Investigation into the cause in ongoing.
Newest members of Sylvan Lake’s RCMP detachment by Steve Dills Sylvan Lake News
Two RCMP officers have joined the Sylvan Lake detachment since the end of June. Cst. Marrla Boxhall moved here after spending the past three years at her first posting in Saskatchewan. Born in Edmonton, she was raised in Manitoba. Then she took her business administration degree at Acadia University in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. While there she played
Cst. Marrla Boxhall
Cst. Landon Durstin
on the university’s basketball team. She also enjoys other sports. Boxhall said she had wanted to be an RCMP officer since she was in Grade 9. “I like interacting with people,
helping people through tough times,� she said. She’s looking forward to working in a larger detachment, and in a beautiful community with lots of tourists. Cst. Landon Durstin started with the detachment on Sunday. He was born and raised on a farm in the Dauphin, Manitoba area. Before joining the RCMP he spend a year at Prairie Bible College in Three Hills. Durstin has been a member of the RCMP
for the past nine years, serving in the northern Manitoba detachment at Wabowden, then in Morris and most recently at RCMP “D� Division headquarters in Winnipeg. At 6’6�, he claims the title as the tallest member of the local detachment. He enjoys sports, particularly hockey. “I’m friendly, anyone can come and talk to me, I’m not shy,� he said. Recent departures from the Sylvan Lake detachment have been Cst. Marlene Schmitte who was promoted to corporal on her transfer to Slave Lake, Cst. Ernie Horne who’s now at Canmore, Cst. Sabrina Caterini who has transferred to Fort McMurray and Cst. Kyle Smeltzer who’s gone to Bonnyville.
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