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Vol. 18, No. 25, Wednesday, May 17, 2023 www.LamontLeader.com
Beware of black bears at EINP By Kerry Anderson While sightings of bears in Elk Island National Park (EINP) can be quite rare, they are not preposterous as the Leader’s Crystal Moren exposed last week when she photographed park bears. Bears generally prefer avoiding contact with humans, but the fact that there are presently bears in EINP does make the annual 400,000 visitors to the park consider safety measures: Stay alert that bears may be in the area. Make noise and be visible. Hike in groups. Bike slowly when rounding corners or approaching blind spots. Keep dogs on a leash. Don’t feed any wildlife, and keep areas clean. Don’t leave food unattended. Don’t stop to view bears, as they may get more accustomed to being around humans. Carry bear spray when hiking or biking. Bears are part of EINP’s ecosystem and are provided natural space to thrive. Remember that we are the visitors and EINP is their home.
Village of Andrew councillor resigns BY JANA SEMENIUK Village of Andrew Councillor Even Genung turned in his letter of resignation from council May 10, which was read during the regular council meeting that evening by Chief Administrative Officer Tim Melnyk as Municipal Affairs inspectors looked on. Sherri-Ann Doolaege of Sage Analytics, inspector for Municipal Affairs, was seated in the gallery along with two of her staff to observe and interview council members in addition to touring the facility as part of the ongoing municipal inspection. Genung was not present at the meeting. “It was after the regular council meeting adjourned on Apr. 26, I was reminded by the mayor that if you don't want to be here, then don't be. It was that comment that made me realize that in fact, I do not want to be here. Continuing on as a councillor would be a disservice to the residents of
Andrew,” read the letter. Genung was recently critical of the lengthy council meetings and opposed a time extension vote after the previous council meeting Apr. 26 went beyond the allotted two hours. Genung said the agenda should be put together with the time for each item in mind while Mayor Merwin Haight said there were simply too many items to cover. Meanwhile, Haight said he respects Genung’s decision in leaving council. “I respect Evan’s decision. It took courage for him to run for council and to be here representing residents. I respect his view points and wish him well,” he said. According to the MGA (Municipal Governance Act), councils have 120 days to fill a vacant seat taking the byelection date to early Sept. Genung was elected last Aug. after previous Councillor Osama Hamad resigned. The next Andrew council meeting is scheduled for May 24 at 7 p.m.
Andrew councillor Benny Dubitz sits near the empty chair of former Andrew Councillor Evan Genung. Genung submitted his resignation from the council on May 10. Councillor Barry Goertz is seated next to Dubitz. Photo: Jana Semeniuk