May 7 Weekly Review by Caribou Publishing

Made in Canada

Poilievre to replace Kurek in local riding

Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter

Damien Kurek has announced his intention to resign his seat in Battle RiverCrowfoot to allow Conservative Party of Canada (CPC) leader Pierre Poilievre to run in the constituency in an upcoming byelection.

Kurek just took the federal election in Battle RiverCrowfoot last week with a wide majority, gaining 81.8 per cent of the total vote.

Now he must be sworn in before he can resign his seat and a by-election called.

Prime Minister Mark Carney, who as prime minister controls the timing of any by-election, has already announced that he will not delay in calling the necessary by-election for Poilievre. Carney says there will be “no games” and would allow it to be held “as soon as possible.”

“It has been a tremendous honour to serve the good people of Battle River-Crowfoot as their Member of Parliament since 2019,” said Kurek in a statement on Friday.

“Their support and committment to the Conservative movement and our mission to bring back hope and prosperity to this country has been unmatched. Which is why, after much discussion with my wife, Danielle, I have decided to step aside for this Parliamentary session to allow our Conservative Party Leader to run here in a by-election.”

Kurek was very clear that this is for one election period only, and that he would run again in the next general election.

Poilievre, who was unable to hold the seat he has held in the Ottawa area riding of Carleton since 2004 (then Nepean-

Carleton) cannot hold the official Opposition Leader title until a seat is secured, but is still the leader of the CPC.

Poilievre said Friday, “It is with humility and appreciation that I have accepted Damien Kurek’s offer to resign his seat in Battle River-Crowfoot so that I can work to earn the support of citizens there to serve them in Parliament.”

Poilievre’s team updated on Monday that he had arrived in Alberta, and accepted an invitation from Kurek to visit his farm, his staff, and some of his family members, posting photos of he and his wife Anaida at the Kurek farm.

While Kurek has only held the seat since 2019, the histori-

cally conservative constituency, which was created by combining parts of the former Wild Rose riding and the Crowfoot riding, was formerly held by MP Kevin Sorenson for nearly two decades.

Kurek said, “Pierre just finished a remarkable national campaign that received the highest vote share since 1988. Under his leadership an unstoppable movement has grown, and I know we need Pierre fighting in the House of Commons to hold the Liberal minority government to account.

“That is why I know this decision is what’s best for Canada and is what’s best for Battle River-Crowfoot.

“Although it will be hard to temporarily step away from this role, in this region that I love and have always called home, the mandate given to me is one that clearly states that change is needed.

“Offering this seat to our Party Leader is an important step in that process.”

In response to Friday’s news, Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely praised Kurek, calling him, “her personal hero,” and adding, “thank you for doing the right thing, sir, for your family, the Riding, and Canadians. Having Pierre Poilievre as our MP in Battle River-Crowfoot will give us the strong voice we need in Parliament, holding the

Liberals accountable.”

Poilievre further commented; “Damien’s selfless act to step aside temporarily as a Member of Parliament shows his commitment to change and restoring Canada’s promise.

“I will work to earn the trust of the good people of Battle River-Crowfoot and I will continue to hold the Liberal minority government to account until the next federal election, when we will bring real change to all Canadians.”

Kurek added, “Pierre grew up in Alberta and was raised knowing how valuable the West is to the country.”

“People in these communities feed and power our country,” said Poilievre.

“It will be an honour to work for their support to return to Parliament, hold the government to account, and champion common sense values for Canada.”

Kurek emphasized it was his belief in Poilievre and his policies. that allowed him to make the decision.

“In the same way I do, Pierre believes that a dollar in the hand of someone who earned it is better spent than by the government who taxed it.

“Like me, Pierre has been fighting to unleash Canada’s energy, build resource projects and get our oil and gas to market. Since he first became a Member of Parliament in 2004, Pierre has been championing Canadian energy and he will continue to do that as the next Member of Parliament for Battle River- Crowfoot.”

During the visit to his family farm, Kurek says he and Poilievre discussed the importance of farming and rural values to the vast riding.

Conservative Party Leader Pierre Poilievre and wife Anaida visited the Kurek family farm on Monday, May 5. Local MP Damien Kurek announced late last week he would resign his seat in the Battle River-Crowfoot riding which would allow for Poilievre to take his place in a future by-election.

Senior Centre Book Club hosts Mother’s Day High Tea

Attendees enjoyed three courses of tea sandwiches, scones, eccles cakes, and a variety of delicious sweet treats. Entertainment was provided by Lisa Cumming playing a beautiful set on her harp. Several door prizes and raffle items were drawn. Two four-generation of Mothers, daughters, grand-daughters, and great-granddaughters attended, making it a very special day. Thanks to all who attended.

Once again the Senior Centre Book Club put on a very successful and enjoyable Mother’s Day High Tea on Sunday, May 4 at the Viking Seniors Centre. The afternoon featured entertainment by Lisa Cumming, door prizes and raffles along with the tea and desserts served by the ladies of the book club.

Viking Extendicare holds annual Spring Tea/bake sale

Staff layoffs likely after Viking Council cuts

Patricia Harcourt Editor

Viking Council made last-minute cuts to the town’s 2025 operating budget which will likely result in layoffs for some town personnel.

This was despite the fact that administration presented a budget with no general municipal mill rate increase this year.

The cuts were spearheaded by Mayor Jamie Buttner and Councillor Cindy Lefsrud, with councillors Dana Ewashko, Judy Acres, and Deputy Mayor Julianna Merta voting in favour at the end of much discussion.

Council was pressed for time as the finalizing of the budget and mill rate bylaw had been delayed at the April 22 meeting by the mayor, who said he wasn’t ready to pass it then.

Several budget meetings had been held to review items line by line but council decided to reconsider the entire matter at a special meeting on April 29. The deadline for passing the budget was the next day on April 30 according to the Municipal Government Act (MGA) so decisions had to be made.

Under expenses in the operating budget, Buttner focused on salaries and wages. “We need to be more cautious with our budget,” he said, adding he didn’t want to pass along any issues to the next council in October after municipal elections were done.

“I don’t want to put council in jeopardy,” he said, adding he believed a cut taking the wages and salaries from $889,375 to $750,000 was “doable.”

In fact, after cutting $230,000 overall the budget was eventually passed, which included $139,375 in reduced wages and salaries. But there was a long discussion prior to that taking place.

Clr Lefsrud referred to recommendations made by the recent auditor’s report that led her to compare the operating budgets of other jurisdictions in the area to Viking’s.

“So we still are the highest,” she said, asking: “Why are we so much higher than everybody else? …And the auditor said we need to look at this.”

“How many (town staff) would we have to fire?” asked Clr. Acres. “Do we want to fire people? Will they be missed?”

Mayor Buttner replied: “My impression was to give the number to administration to work with,” and make the decision on the cuts to staff.

Acres agreed that “this is the CAO’s job.”

Mayor Buttner stated he had been asked to “present a number (to cut) so I did that,” but added: “I don’t know individual salaries.”

Financial advisor Dave McReynolds said in effect that Clr. Lefsrud was comparing apples to oranges when it came to different jurisdictions’ operating budgets.

He explained that the Town of Viking pays $190,000 for people operating the town concession, “and other towns do not,” which would make the comparisons unequal.

“So I wonder if we should close the concession,” was Clr. Lefsrud’s quick response.

Clr. Ewashko said, “That’s the CAO’s decision,” on where to cut staff. He noted there was an increase between 2023 and 2024 in salaries “but I don’t know why.”

McReynolds gave the reason as staff being added at that time, including a recreation director and a second public works operator.

But CAO Lefsrud said two other staff have since left. “We don’t have the staff now that we had then,” he said, referring to the concession manager and public works person who no longer work for the town

When the mayor referred to a $347,000 deficit in the Carena, Clr. Acres clarified the financial situation and stated about the town’s overall financial picture: “The last three years we have had a surplus, not a deficit,” she said.

Clr. Ewashko expressed concern about the financial situation: “If not this year, then next year it will be difficult,” he said. “It will be out of our control,” when the province starts to reduce funding to the municipalities.

And the mayor, while looking at the operating budget, stated: “I’ll challenge these numbers all day

long,” before pointing to a line item for paving and sidewalk repairs.

But Acres defended this annual allocation of $60,000 stating: “I strongly oppose ending sidewalk and curb repair,” said Acres, noting that “the entire community is aging and people must have good sidewalks to walk on.

“We have a budget and a policy in place for this and I don’t want us to be deciding on which sidewalks to repair,” she said, adding that a previous council attempted this unsuccessfully. “I’m not prepared to do that anymore.”

“We need to make cuts, we need to know going forward,” said the mayor about the target of reducing $70,000. He also added that he “wants to save a few bucks,” for the town.

Continued on Page 18

Increase in measles cases in Central Zone causes public alert

Patricia Harcourt Editor

A public alert was issued on May 2 due to more confirmed cases of measles causing potential exposure.

Alberta Health Services has been notified of additional cases of measles north of Viking in the Two Hills area within the Central Zone.

At least one of the new cases has been in public settings while the person was infectious. Additional locations may be released if necessary, states AHS.

Persons who have been in these identified locations on specified dates and times may have been exposed to measles.

These locations include: Two Hills Medical Clinic on April 28 between 8:50 a.m. and 10:50 a.m.; and Subway in Vermilion between 6:30 p.m. and 8:50 p.m.

AHS states that “anyone who attended these locations at these times who was born in or after 1970 and has less than two documented doses of measles containing vaccine is at risk for developing measles.”

If there is such a risk, people are being asked to self-monitor for symptoms of measles and are “strongly encouraged”

Dto review their immunization records.

AHS also warns that measles is “extremely contagious and is easily spread through the air.”

Measles symptoms include a fever of 38.3C or higher; a cough, runny nose and/or red eyes; and, a rash that appears three to seven days after the start of a fever. The rash usually erupts behind the ears and on the face before spreading down the body, then onto the arms and legs.

“The rash appears red and blotchy on lighter skin colours, and purple or darker than the skin around it on darker skin. On darker skin it may even be hard to see.

Measles can have dire complications including ear infections, pneumonia, brain inflammation, premature delivery and rarely, death.

People who are pregnant, less than one year old, or have a weakened immune system are at greatest risk.

Alberta Health has started a campaign to get more members of the public vaccinated in the province. It is stating that the measles vaccine is highly effective at preventing infection and complications.

As of May 5, measles in on the rise provincially with 210 confirmed cases in-

cluding 26 known active cases.

Alberta is taking the outbreak seriously is working to improve vaccination access and share information with Albertans on the need to protect themselves.

“We are looking at one of the largest outbreaks in nearly 40 years,” states Dr Sunil Sookram, Interim Chief Medical Officer of Health.

“When fewer people are immunized measles spreads, and the risks go up,” he said. “Immunization is the best way to protect yourself and loved ones from measles.

“Get immunized against measles now and help prevent the spread,” he said. “Help protecct your communities.”

As of May 5, there will be an expansion of immunization clinic access in the Central and Southern zones.

Clinics in the Central Zone will now have walk-in availability, including some with evening measles-specific clin-

ics and additional Saturday availability. Alberta offers the vaccine free of charge through its publicly funded immunization program.

The usual regimen is to receive the first dose at one year of age, and the second dose at 18 months.

“However, with measles currently circulating in the area, those who are in the Central Zone are also currently recommended and eligible for additional immunizations,” AHS states.

People born before 1970 and unvaccinated can be eligible for a single dose of the vaccine.

And a vaccine given within 72 hours of an exposure to measles can prevent infection. Antibodies given within six days can prevent infection in high risk susceptible people who cannot safely receive a vaccine or because it may not be effective due to age or time lapse of exposure.

TEMPORARY EMPLOYMENT

iscover HARDISTY

Town of Hardisty – Municipal Public Works Position

Open Competition #2025-001 (Closing Date: Open until filled)

Job Description: Permanent Full Time

8 hours/day, 40 hours/week, Monday to Friday, rotating on-call weekends

FUNCTION/PURPOSE:

This position performs duties of a specialized nature related to the installation, maintenance and repair of the water treatment/distribution, and wastewater collection/treatment systems. Perform preventative maintenance repairs and emergency activities for all municipal infrastructures, such as roads, parks, and buildings, undertake manual labour duties as required and ensure the compliance of the Town’s safety policies.

Qualifications and Skills

·High School Diploma or GED

·Completion of Level 1 certification with the Alberta Water and Wastewater Operators Association or ability to do so.

·Preferred tickets: Ground Disturbance 201, H2S Alive, First Aid, and Confined space Entry/Rescue.

·Knowledge and understanding of OH&S Act, Regulations, and Code including WHMIS.

·Proficiency in the use of Microsoft Office including Word, Excel, and Outlook.

·Experience working with a SCADA system.

·Class 5 Drivers Licence

·Operate a variety of equipment including skid steer, tractor, trucks, lawn mowers to perform maintenance tasks.

·Strong mechanical aptitude.

·Physically fit, must perform manual labour and ability to lift 50 lbs.

If you see yourself in this role the Town of Hardisty would welcome your application. For More information please see this posting on the Town of Hardisty Website www.hardisty.ca

Please send your resume to: Town of Hardisty

Attn: Bobbi Usselman – CAO / Job Competition #2025-001 PO Box 10, Hardisty, AB T0B 1V0 e-mail: bobbi@hardisty.ca

Flagstaff Waste is seeking fit & energetic individuals to fill several temporary and seasonal positions.

Temporary Litter Picker(s)

• Seeking several individuals whose primary role will be outdoor litter picking and yard maintenance at the landfill site.

• May also assist with yard operations, recycling diversion and baling recyclables.

• Daily inspection and regular maintenance of yard equipment.

• Conduct themselves professionally, positively, with high integrity and respect for all members of staff and the public.

• Extremely flexible hours between 7:30 and 4pm Monday – Friday (typically 4 hours day) and is weather dependent.

• This is a temporary position to assist with landfill clean-up and other duties as needed and is anticipated to last until the job is complete.

Qualifications

• Ability to get to work at the landfill site. Valid Class 5 Driver's License preferred.

• CSA approved boots for toe protection, with puncture-resistant soles, are required and will not be provided for these positions.

• Ability to operate a variety of shop and yard equipment, with a customer service focus.

• Ability to work with minimum supervision.

Temporary Seasonal Class 3 Tandem Axle Truck Driver

Duties

• Roll-off bin delivery, exchange, finish as per daily work orders.

• Front end truck routes as assigned

• Daily vehicle inspections & maintenance.

• Understand and adhere to all safety procedures.

• Frequent stops, moderate physical activity.

• Safe equipment operation, demonstrating courtesy to residents and vehicles encountered.

• Normal work hours 7:30-4:00, 40 hours per week.

• This is a temporary seasonal position to assist with summer volume and staff vacation, it is anticipated to last May-September.

Qualifications

• Minimum grade 12 education

• Valid Class 3 (Q) license with clean driving record. Abstract & references required.

• Ability to work alone or with minimum supervision, good at problem solving and maintaining records.

Flagstaff Waste offers competitive salaries, which will be commensurate with the candidates skills & experience. Flagstaff Waste provides a dynamic workplace with a culture of adaptation to the needs of customers. Imagination, innovation, and a desire to improve oneself and the organization are valued assets.

If you wish to join our exciting team on a temporary basis, please submit resume to Kevin Lunty at kevin@flagwaste.ca or by mail to Box 309, Sedgewick, AB, T0B 4C0 before May 31, 2025.

May21

9:30AM-4:00PM-RegularCouncilMeeting

BookClub

Location:RossCreekCommunityHall,531041RgeRd191 RuralbookclubthatmeetsthefirstTuesdayofeachmonth.Meetings runfrom7PM-8PM,allageswelcome! TofieldAA -Thursdays,8-9PM BasementofBardoLutheranChurch,473757Ave,Tofield. VikingAA -Wednesdays,8PM,Zoomoptionalsoavailable. GoldenValleyLutheranChurch,532756Ave,Viking. https://area78aa.org/meetings/147-3 WHATSHAPPENINGINOURCOMMUNITY

Admissio

A Musicians/Participants - No Charge Come Dance/Listen to the Music!

Musicians/Participants-NoCharge ComeDance/ListentotheMusic!

SUNDAY

MAY 18,2PM

Submityourevent/s,meetingsand/orgatheringstotheeventscalendaronthe website!Justheadtothewebsite,undertheExploremenuclickonCountyRegion EventsCalendar.WehavepartneredwithGoEasttosharelocaleventsonourwebsite!

HOLDEN CO 4919 - 49 A

HOLDENCOMMUNITYHALL 4919-49Ave.HOLDEN,AB

For more info: ave 780-720-5839 or beaverhillplayers17@gmail com D

We’relookingfordynamic,motivatedsuperheroestojoinour team!What’syoursuperpower?!

Formoreinformation, anddetailsonhowto apply,visitourwebsite >Government>Careers HeavyEquipmentOperatorIII-Grader Operator

ClaystoneCompost it’sgoodforthesoil

ClaystoneWaste iscelebrating Compost AwarenessWeek byoffering freecompost toresidentsofTofield,Viking,Holden,Ryley, andBeaverCountystarting Monday,May5! CompostwillbeavailableattheRyleyTransfer

Stationwhilequantitieslast.

Compostisself-serveand mustbeloadedbyhand. Nomechanicalequipment permitted.

Onlytakewhatyouneedfor yourpersonalneeds.Large quantitiesareavailablefor purchase.

Bringamaskandeyewear especiallyonwindydays. Grabsomebuckets,ashovel, andsomeglovesandget readytoloaduponquality, localprocessedCategoryA compost!

ScantheQRcodeorvisitourwebsitefor informationonhowtouseyourcompost! claystonewaste.com/composting

Fo and ap > G

WhatIfawildfirewasheadingyourway,wouldyoubeready toleaveinahurry?You might befine,butwhatifyou'renot? May4-10isEmergencyPreparednessweek.

Takeafewminutesinthenextweektoprepare: Makeachecklistofessentialsandpostitonyourfridge, and/or Packabasicemergencykitnow,andincludeachecklist forlast-minutegrabslikeprescriptionmedicationsand importantdocuments.

Otherthingstothinkabout: Doyouhavelivestock?Whataboutthem? Doesyourvehiclehavefuelinit? Whatrouteareyoutaking?

Beingpreparedmeanslesspanicandmorepeaceofmind.

Visitwww.getprepared.caformoreresourcestohelpyou andyourfamilyprepareforalltypesofemergencies.

Donations accepted

Brunch Brunch

Hard-SurfaceLocations Constructedinthefollowingphases: Phase1(P1): Cement, Phase2(P2): ChipSeal1stLift, Phase3(P3): ChipSeal 2ndlift, Phase4(P4): FinalsweepofChips.

KingswayEstates-50106RgeRd200 May12 May16

RgeRd202betweenTwp502&504 May19 May30

BeaverCreekEstatesNorth-50514 RgeRd202 Jun2 Jun4

RgeRd200fromHwy630to campgroundentrance&HoopersDr Jun5 Jun9

WhisperingHillsEstates-51308Rge Rd195 Jun10 Jun14

RgeRd200fromHwy630to BlackfootGrazingReserveEntrance Jun16 Jun24

Twp492approx.1.72kmseastofRge Rd170 Jun26 Jun27

Twp490betweenHwy857&RgeRd 142 Jul2 Jul25

Twp490betweenHwy870&RgeRd 120 Jul28 Aug22

TwpRd512fromRgeRd191toHWY 834 Aug25 Sep3

ShoulderPulls(LocationTBD)

Backsloping(locationTBD) Oct2 Nov1

Gravelling Mar13 Dec22

DustControl-1stApplication May13 May30

DustControl-2ndApplication Aug8 Aug15

Overthecomingweeks,KingswayEstateswillundergoasignificantroad upgrade—fromanoiledsurfacetoadurable,all-weatherhardsurface.This improvementincludesstabilizingtheexistingroadbasewithsoilcement, followedbytheapplicationoftwolayersofchipseal.Althoughthisprocess differsfromtraditionalasphaltpaving,residentsandmotoristswillenjoya similarfinishedsurface—dust-freewhendryandmud-freewhenwet.

Duringconstruction,sectionsoftheroadmaybetemporarilyclosedtoallow crewstoworksafely.Detourswillbeclearlymarked.Pleaseplanalternate routeswherepossibleordrivecautiouslyifyoumusttravelthroughthe constructionzone(localtrafficonly).Duringthesoilcementapplication,we stronglyrecommenddrivingat nomorethan10km/h toreduceairborne dustandensuresafety.

BeaverCountyiscommittedtomaintainingasafe,injury-freework environmentforallstaff,contractors,andthepublic.Wekindlyremindall driverstorespectpostedspeedlimitsinconstructionareas.Excessivespeed posesaseriousrisktoworkersandothersinthearea.

Constructionsitescanpresentpotentialhazardssuchasheavyequipment, dust,mud,gravel,chipsealmaterials,andotherdebris.Weurgeeveryoneto stayalertandtravelwithcare.

Weappreciateyourpatienceandunderstandingasweworktoimprove yourroads.Theseupgradesareessentialtomaintainingsafeandreliable infrastructureinhigh-trafficareas.Formoreinformation,pleasecontactthe BeaverCountyServiceCentreat780-663-3730.

Longest Ballot Committee to follow Poilievre here, reportedly recruiting 200 candidates for local byelection

Leslie Cholowsky

On Friday, May 2, the reality of a by-election in the not-too-distant future in Battle River-Crowfoot arose when MP-elect Damien Kurek announced his intention to resign his seat so that Conservative Party leader Pierre Poilievre could seek election in the riding.

Poilievre lost his seat in the Carlton riding in Ontario last week, where he and another 89 candidates lost to Liberal Party candidate Bruce Fanjoy.

The 91-name ballot was 38.22 inches long, more than three feet long, and there were reports of needing “almost origami-level skills to re-fold it.”

Eighty-five of the candidates were reported to have signed up just a few days before the deadline, as part of a movement by an organization called ‘The Longest Ballot Committee.’

The group says it is attempting to draw attention to election reform, protesting the fact that the winning party writes the electoral laws, something they consider a conflict of interest

Spokesperson for the group Donovan E. confirmed Tuesday that the group is hoping to smash the 91candidate record, and is presently recruiting interested parties in the hopes of gaining 200 candidates for

County

Beaver County Council held a public hearing April 16 in council chambers to give the public a chance to provide input on its proposed Repealing Bylaw.

This bylaw had been given first reading at an earlier council meeting.

“The purpose of the bylaw is to repeal bylaws that are either no longer relevant, the county no longer has jurisdiction over the matter, they need updating, they were not repealed when they were replaced, etc.” explained the public hearing.

The bylaws under consideration for replacement include Bylaw #6 - Publication and Distribution of meeting Minutes via Newspaper, this bylaw is no longer relevant. Bylaw #83 - Appointment of Assessor; bylaw is no longer relevant. Bylaw #145Employee Pension Plan, county policy replaces this bylaw. Bylaw #646 - Councillor Pension Plan: Section 12 of County Policy #HR-006, county policy replaces bylaw.

There were no submissions for or against the bylaw at the public hearing, with no opposition raised.

For Bylaw #25-1168 - Repealing Bylaw, council then passed the bylaw, with motion for second reading by Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2), and a motion by Barry Bruce (Division 4) for third reading. Both were passed by council thereby enacting the bylaw.

the future Battle River-Crowfoot byelection.

According to a release from the group, they say, “Given the most recent Battle River-Crowfoot results (81 per cent voted conservative) it looks like [Poilievre] will have no problem succeeding.

“Given the outpouring of interest, we will do our best to make a long ballot happen if we get at least 200 people signing up to be candidates.”

Every candidate in the riding needs 100 local voters to nominate them.

The group adds, “We do long ballots because politicians should not be in charge of election rules; there is an obvious conflict of interest.

“After all, what PM would change a system which brought them to power?”

Donovan E. said Tuesday, “The committee has a variety of ideas towards electoral reform, but ultimately we wish for a good faith look that doesn't give up when the times get tough (looking at you, 2016 Electoral Reform Committee).”

The tie for longest ballot was a riding called LaSalle—Émard—Verdun and occurred during a federal by-election in 2024. Interestingly, in that byelection, a long-time Liberal seat changed to Conservative.

This is the actual ballot from a by-election held in the LaSalle-Émard-Verdun electoral district with 91 candidates vying for the vote.

Patricia Harcourt

Striking imagery in Viking Library’s latest art display

Patricia Harcourt Editor

If you haven’t yet viewed the Viking Municipal Library’s latest art show, there is still another week to take in its striking imagery and colourful displays.

The library often shows art courtesy of the Alberta Foundation for the Arts Travelling Exhibition Program.

This showing is entitled: “At First Glance,” and is described as a collection by the foundation as curated by Jamie-Lee Cormier.

“This exhibition features a selection of

expressionist works which together raises the question, what do you see at first glance? As studies show, when a viewer looks at a piece of art for the first time, the eye is drawn to an initial focal point, but if one looks away and then back again at the piece, the eye is often drawn to a different point,” states the AFA’s introduction.

Using “minimal brush strokes, vibrant colours and line work to draw the viewer in for a momentary presence into the scene the artist has created,” it creates a global impression with the eye encapsulating the work.

A total of 13 artists are part of this art display, each with its own vibrancy and colourful themes to draw from.

Viking is fortunate to be one of the communities which have these exhibitions every year; and more than 300,000 people enjoy them, thanks to the AFA Taveling Exhibition Program.

Art works are chosen from private and public collections, and the program works to ensure as many Albertans as possible are able to view them in their infinite variety.

The current art show will run at the library until May 14.

The Viking Municipal Library’s art show, titled “At First Glance,” is worth a look.

Viking refuses to pay fees for project looking to increase water capacity in Beaver Region

Patricia Harcourt Editor

Viking Council agreed with Mayor Jamie Buttner that the town won’t pay fees for a water modelling simulation project.

Buttner was immediately opposed to accepting “the scope of work proposed by MPE on its proposal dated Dec. 11, 2024, to the Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission regarding the preparation of a water modelling simulation analyses.”

Buttner said there would be no “moving forward until we have checks and balances in place.”

And he would not support the water simulation analyses project for that reason, as well as several others.

The analyses by MPE is supposed to determine how much upgrading will be needed on the pipeline running down Hwy. 14 and run by the Highway 14 Regional Water Commission.

Communities in the county are seeking a way to increase water capacity so there can be more industrial developments built in the area and increase the industrial base.

Administration had brought the initiative to council and asked that it “approve payment to the Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission for the preparation of.a water modelling simulation analyses in accordance with the proposal submitted by

MPE dated Dec. 11, 2024, on an equal, costsharing basis with the towns of Tofield and Viking, the village of Ryley, and Beaver County,” stated the RFD to council’s April 22 regular meeting.

“I do not support it,” said Buttner.

“Everyone should not pay (and) everyone is not participating at this time.”

The topic was discussed at council’s February meeting of joint council, which involves the municipalities in Beaver Region.

“All councils present were asked if they would support this initiative and the resounding answer was yes,” stated Chief Administrative Officer Doug Lefsrud, in his report to council.

He attached for council’s perusal a copy of the MPE engineering firm’s proposal for the water modelling simulation analyses.

Buttner was referring to an attached email from the water services commission asking the municipalities to cover the cost of this water modelling simulation, the total of which was “$37,543.

“The intent is that this cost would be shared equally between the five municipalities,” said CAO Lefsrud, with Viking and the others each having to pay $7,508.60.

CAO Lefsrud also stated that “the benefits of accepting the scope of work are that the simulation model will proceed and, hopefully,