The Beaver Heritage and Ag Society’s annual Fuel the Pool harvest took place on Saturday, Sept. 27, a warm and sunny fall day this year. The field of wheat was completed in about three hours by four combines and hauled away to be stored in bins by five trucks.
“It turned out a little better than we expected. I think I got over 8,000 bushels and it probably yielded at about 10 bushels an acre more than we were anticipating,” Ag Society secretary Lonnie Lauber said.
Lauber said the grain is being stored at his place, and the Ag Society will watch the markets to decide when to sell the crop.
“We're hoping to maybe catch a little bit of a higher price than what is currently being offered. I’d say we'll sell it sometime mid-winter, depending. I mean, if we need the money, then we might have to sell some of it sooner, but we don't have to sell it all at once either,” he said.
Ryley Pool manager Susie Williams said that
they are grateful for all the community support in bringing in the harvest each year.
“We are also especially thankful to Claystone Waste, as we couldn’t grow a crop without the land,” she said.
Lauber said the same, “Claystone has let us manage that land now for quite a number of years, and we sure hope it continues.”
Lauber also pointed out that the harvest that the local farmers bring in by volunteering their equipment and time is truly what makes the pool able to operate.
“It's really just a handful of farmers every year who do the work on this. The revenue from the crop is really the difference between the pool being open all the time or having to close for parts of the year. It's a pretty significant contribution that these guys make. I think every one of them would say, well, it's not a major thing, it's an afternoon, a little bit of diesel fuel and a little bit of time, but it's encouraging that guys are willing to do that.
“All in all, we are just really pleased with the outcome,” Lauber said.
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Beaver Heritage and Ag Society’s annual Fuel the Pool harvest took place on Saturday, Sept. 27. The field of wheat was completed in about three hours by four combines and hauled away by five trucks. KARI
JANZEN PHOTOS
Advance vote in Tofield
Institutional vote
to be held at Lodge, Villa, and Tofield hospital
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
At the last regular meeting of Tofield Council, held Monday, Sept. 22, it was decided that Tofield’s advance voting will take place on Tuesday, Oct. 14 at the Tofield Golden Club.
“With the upcoming election on Oct. 20, we want to recognize that not all individuals may have the opportunity to place their vote on that day,” Chief Administrative Officer Jeff Edwards said.
“Therefore, we would ask for a resolution to be placed to have an advance vote, which would be Oct. 14 from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. at the Tofield Golden Club. This would also coincide with Beaver County Division 1 holding theirs at the same time and date,” Edwards said.
The authorization of the Returning
Officer to designate institutional voting stations was also in the same Request for Decision put forward to Council.
“We are also asking to have what is called an institutional vote, in that we see the Returning Officer and Deputy Returning Officer going to take votes at the Tofield Lodge and Sunshine Villa on Oct. 20,” Edwards said.
Mayor Deb Dueck asked if the Tofield Health Centre patients and those living in Long Term Care would be included in that, and Edwards confirmed that they have done so in the past.
“I think that they should be included as well, because they should get to have that opportunity if they can’t get out,” Dueck said.
The wording of the motion was changed to add the Tofield Health Centre to the institutional voting locations, which was carried.
Tofield All Candidates Forum to be held next Tuesday
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Tofield and District Chamber of Commerce is hosting an All Candidates Forum at the Tofield Community Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 7, starting at 6 p.m.
All 10 of those who are running for mayor or councillor for the Town of Tofield, the two Beaver County Division 1 candidates, and the two Battle River School Division (BRSD) Ward 2 candidates have been invited to the forum, which will be moderated by David Williamson, Founder of SDI Group.
“If everyone comes, that’s 14,” Tofield Chamber president Greg Litwin said. Residents of Tofield and area are invited to hear from the local candidates on issues that matter most to the community.
“This is your chance to ask questions, listen to the issues, and make informed
decisions about the future of our community,” a Tofield Chamber social media post said.
Darren Erickson and Adam Hall are running for Tofield mayor, incumbents Brenda Chehade, Harold Conquest, and Larry Tiedemann as well as Tofield residents Jennifer Durrant, Samantha Giegold, Clayton Roe, Elaine Taylor, and Dustin Terpstra, are competing for the four councillor spots, Kevin Smook (incumbent) and Nora Abercrombie are looking to win Beaver County Division 1, and Lyle Albrecht (incumbent) and Zsuzsanna Hemperger are running for BRSD school trustee for Beaver County.
“We are waiting to hear back from a few people, but we have the vast majority confirmed,” Litwin said.
Beaver County Division 2 councillor Lionel Williams was elected by acclamation, as no one put their name in to run against him.
Tofield hosts Culture Days event
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
The Tofield and Area Welcome Initiative, Tofield and Area Health Foundation, along with Tofield Beaver County Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) and the support from the province’s Alberta Culture Days grant, held a Culture Days event at the Tofield Community Hall on Friday, Sept. 19.
Vendors included a stained-glass artisan, an Avon representative, handmade soap, fall décor, baked goods, Beaver County Community Adult Learning Program, and woodworking were set up in the hall, interspersed between display tables full of Tofield and area history including the Tofield Legion, Tofield Museum, Tofield United Church, Central Rural East Alberta Museum (CREAM), and the Bruderheim Museum.
Events such as these are hosted to invite the community to join in the celebration of arts, culture, heritage, diversity, and community spirit of Tofield and area.
“The mandate for the Tofield and Area Welcome Initiative is to make new and existing residents feel welcome in the community regardless of their cultural background,”
said Brenda Chehade, the Tofield Town councillor on the committee.
“During Culture Days events, we focus on the many different cultures that make up our community and we want to celebrate them. It also gives people a chance to ask questions about a culture that they might not feel comfortable with in an everyday setting. At Cul-
ture Days events, questions are expected, and people are happy to share information about their food, dress, and traditions,” she said.
There was also a kids table with crafts and colouring pages, and complimentary chili and a bun provided.
“We are thankful to everyone who stopped by, our vendors, partners, and
volunteers. Thank you to Yvonne Brown for sharing her stories and Jenn Durrant for sharing her music
Tofield/Beaver County West Family and Community Support Services would like to thank the following businesses:
Beaver EMS for their generous donation of $1,310.50 that will be used for counseling.
Tofield United Church for their generous donation of $344.50 to our Tools for School Program
Busy B for the many boxes of school supplies they generously donated to our Tools for School Program and Public members who dropped off cash, cheques and supply donations to our Tools for School Program.
Above photo: Tracey Boast-Radley accepting a donation cheque on behalf of Tofield/Beaver County West from some of the staff from Beaver EMS. Below photo: Many items were donated and some items purchased for the Tools for School Program. PHOTO SUPPLIED
RCMP Report
From September 14-29, Tofield RCMP responded to 105 calls for service which consisted of five person crimes (assaults, sexual offences, etc.) 17 property offences investigated (including 2 frauds), two drug involvements, five impaired driving investigations with sanctions imposed, 19 traffic concerns mitigated, 12 vehicle collisions attended, 10 violation tickets or warnings issued, four missing persons reported or wellbeing checks completed, six suspicious persons, property, or vehicles assessed, two sudden deaths investigated, 11 mental health concerns addressed, 18 public assistance or unspecified 911 calls received, and four animal complaints.
With the weather getting colder and the days becoming shorter, Tofield RCMP would like to remind the public to exercise increased care when driving, watch for wildlife and pedestrians, slow down, and drive to the road condi-
tions (which is often slower than the posted limit), be patient and arrive safely, and ensure your vehicle remains locked (if warming it up).
Additional information on these topics will be distributed throughout the month
of October, with tips and reminders de-
Re-Elect Larry
Tofield RCMP responds to 105 calls for service
signed to further enhance safety.
JOHN’S RANT OPINION
I am, Darren Erickson, a 37-year business owner in Tofield. I’d like to address some of the rhetoric that has been circulating on social media these past weeks.
I was criticized for not allowing comments on my social media post; instead I am choosing to address some of the comments that have surfaced on social media in the Tofield Mercury.
The credibility of The Mercury and their practice of fact checking before posting, does not allow bashing with no supporting facts. I have never seen an issue resolved with Facebook posts but I have seen hundreds of hurtful, cruel comments hurled.
My wife is especially sensitive to remarks directed at us, our workers and other businesses in Tofield and for that reason I chose not to allow comments on my post. We’d be pleased to respectfully discuss any concerns regarding our businesses or staff hiring in person with anyone.
If we look at Canada we are all immigrants. Our ancestors moved to Canada in order to give their families a better life. The same is happening today. My wife’s grandparents immigrated to Canada from the Ukraine in the early 1900s. Her grandparents were discriminated against because they spoke German, their children were called Huns during WWII and beat up at school but when my fatherin-law dropped his accent he “fit in” because he was a white skinned caucasian.
I am sorry my employees are being discriminated against because I hired them. Over the last few years we have hired employees whose families - or they themselves - have immigrated from the Middle East, Africa, and the Philippines. They have left their families in their homeland sometimes for years while they study, write exams, learn new languages, and work to bring their families here, hopeful that they can one day become Canadian
Dear Sir, I am 81 year old and have lived, taught school, and coached teams in Beaver County since my early 20s. I still coach Jr. High boys’ basketball.
My plan was to continue this in Tofield School for the upcoming basketball season. But, and this is a big but for me, I am very conflicted about this at the moment.
Why? Because the schools have now been ordered to have girls fill out and sign a document attesting to their sex at birth. This is a blanket demand across the province, and if even one
girl fails to do this her team is disqualified.
Why has this come up as an issue?
My thoughts are that it is a distraction, a pea at the bottom of a pile of 10 mattresses that the Princess wants as an issue.
The Princess needs a distraction from the fact that healthcare is circling the drain, that AISH recipients are being robbed, that people are unable to find a hospital bed even if they have cancer, condemned to death as a result.
The fact is that education in Alberta,
Box 150, Tofield, Alberta T0B 4J0 Phone 780-662-4046
We have seen the joy these individuals have expressed when they become Canadians, stand proudly holding the Canadian flag, take pictures and post them on social media. Instead, they are now being insulted and told they don’t have the right colour of skin to be a Canadian, even if they already are. They are first generation Canadians, who still carry an accent and thus are not considered to be Canadians even when they have a Canadian passport in their pockets because they have darker skin. This is discrimination.
We employee 28 workers in our four businesses. By federal law 10 per cent of our workers can be temporary foreign workers; we have three temporary foreign workers in our four businesses; two permanent residents married to Canadians; two students who have diplomas from Canadian colleges who have asked for employment with us to complete their
schooling (who we pay); three with permanent residency who are well on their way to citizenship; the remainder are Canadian citizens many of whom have coloured skin.
We hire by merit, not by skin colour. We promote within our business, pay higher than minimum wage and offer health benefits and because of our hiring practices we are fortunate in that our employees often stay with us for many years.
On social media it was stated that the government pays $10 per hour and the employer $5 per hour, which is false. The government does not subsidize temporary foreign worker wages, we pay them all ourselves. We do not discriminate when hiring and invite anyone to bring in an application.
Please, give them the respect they give you.
Respectfully submitted by Darren Erickson
Letter: Why is the Province making trans an issue?
once a shining light around the world, is being allowed to deteriorate to an appalling level.
Now back to the issue of girls having to sign a document, but not boys. I have done some research on this and much of it is out of the USA. Apparently this is where any issues have arisen. They are very few in nature.
Approximately 0.002% of college athletes in the U.S. are trans. I think we would be hard pressed to find this as an issue anywhere in Alberta. If it did occur then it could be dealt with on the local, individual level.
Back to my coaching. I am very tempted to opt out of coaching this year due to this issue. At the very least let’s enlarge the pea under the mattress and make it compulsory for everybody to sign, male and female. Whoa you say, that is pretty stupid! Yes, you’re right, the whole issue is pretty stupid and nothing more than an unnecessary distraction. I still have a small window of time to make my coaching decision.
Kerry Anderson Publisher Lisa Kuflay Manager Reporter Reporter Office Assistant Michelle Anderson Payroll Administrator Crystal Moren Production Kari Janzen Reporter
John Blades
Town of Tofield Mayor Candidate Profiles 2025
DARREN ERICKSON
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Darren Erickson moved to Tofield in 1988 and purchased the Town & Country Guardian Pharmacy, newly renamed Beaverhill Pharmacy.
“I married Gayleen Neufeld-Erickson in 1993, the local Bank of Montreal Manager at the time. Together we built other successful businesses in Tofield and raised two awesome children. I continue to spend time in the pharmacy dispensing medication and guiding staff on pharmacy efficiencies and business.”
At age 29, Erickson sat on the board of Northwest Drug, later the Advisory Board for Drug Trading, Advisory for Daryl Katz Drug Trading, and was the Secretary-Treasurer and President for RxA the Alberta Pharmacy Association. Erickson participated in the Tofield Chamber of Commerce for many years and volunteered and chaired the Tofield Economic Development and Recreation Board.
“We were involved in the development of Lafond Drive, helped organize the first Snow Goose Festival, developed Francis Point, the Tofield Soccer Fields, and brought home the idea of a community garage sale from one of our holidays.
“With a dream to stabilize health services in Tofield, I joined the Tofield Health Foundation and Rural Physician Action
Plan. My wife and I, with the help of RPAC, opened the Tofield Medical Clinic, bringing three new doctors to Tofield.
“Tofield is well positioned for success in the future. Moving forward, I feel the priorities of leadership should be to connect our senior facilities to the walking paths, assist the Tofield Golden Club with the construction of their new facility, encourage the economic growth of the town by assessing the current incentives offered for building homes and businesses, assess the need for a dog park in Tofield as per requests, ensure that taxes are maintained at current levels, and collaborate with likesized communities to see what successes they have had that we can build on in our community.
“I believe that with the business and development experience I have gained over the years I would be the best candidate to move Tofield forward in the coming years. I would humbly ask for your support in the upcoming election.”
ADAM
HALL
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Adam Hall and his family have lived in Tofield for 15 years and their three sons have attended both C.W. Sears School and Tofield School.
Hall served as the minister of the Tofield United Church for thirteen years, and for the last two years he has worked at the administrative level of The United Church of Canada.
“The community of Tofield is deeply important to me. I have served in a number of volunteer capacities over the years: chaplain for the Royal Canadian Legion Tofield branch, community member at large on the FCSS board, parent lead for the Tofield school travel club fundraising committee, and I had the opportunity to support the Travel Club trip as a chaperone to Italy in April 2025.
Hall also currently serves as the vice president of the Tofield and Area Minor Ball Association, coaches 13U baseball, and is treasurer of the Holden/Tofield Navy Cadets Branch.
“As I am meeting people, my
platform has focused into seeking to serve on a council that is ready to step into the future by looking to develop affordable housing opportunities which would help to retain our youth and young adults. At the same time, also creating transition housing for our seniors who are not quite ready to move into the Lodge or Villa.
“We can help create opportunities for jobs through the development of sustainable industries in partnership with Beaver County. We need to seek to support our local business by ensuring that Tofield is a place where people want to visit and live and lastly that our Town Council does so with a form of governance that is transparent, accessible, and accountable.”
Town of Tofield Councillor Candidate Profiles 2025 BRENDA CHEHADE
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Incumbent
Brenda Chehade has been a resident of Tofield for over 28 years. During her time in Tofield, she has worked in the public service industry, the school system, and had a partnership in a business. She also owned a business when she and her husband lived in B.C.
“This will be my third term on council which thus far has been very rewarding. Many of the boards that I’ve sat on are community based, which is where I shine. I love working with people, helping out where I can, advocating and, of course, chatting. I’ve vol-
unteered for the Christmas Hampers as well as with many groups and events held within the town.”
Chehade said she has and will continue to be door knocking throughout the campaign period and is open to new ideas.
“I encourage citizens to approach me with concerns and ideas they may have. There will be some new faces and new ideas on the next council. I would like to be the experience to help guide over the next four years, continuing to make Tofield a great place to live.”
HAROLD CONQUEST
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Incumbent
Harold and Barbara, a graduate of Tofield High School, moved to Tofield in 2000. Harold soon became involved in community life, serving on the Community Development Board and the board of the United Church. In 2004 he became a councillor for the town of Tofield. For the next two terms he was appointed Deputy Mayor, and in 2013 was elected Mayor. In the 2017 election he successfully ran for office as a councillor, and was appointed Deputy Mayor for the next two
terms (2017-2021), where he said he continued to encourage financial responsibility on the part of the Town. During his time on Council he has served on most committees where he has gained knowledge and understanding of the Town and Beaver County. He says he looks forward to continuing to serve the citizens of Tofield.
JENNIFER DURRANT
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Jennifer Durrant has been a resident of Tofield for just over 10 years and says she settled here because she felt it was a great place to raise her son and pursue her personal and professional goals.
Durrant has worked for community organizations in both administration and program development, serving as the activities coordinator at the Sunshine Villa and later, as the program coordinator for the Tofield Summer Program for kids and youth.
Currently, Durrant runsa busy music studio in town, providing lessons to people of all ages.
“I am passionate about community and commu-
nity service. I started volunteering at age 12 and never really stopped. I would love the opportunity to work with a council and the town administration to maintain the great things about our community, while fostering growth and development.”
Durrant says attracting new businesses and residents will help Tofield become an even more vibrant and prosperous community.
“I am confident that my experiences give me a wide lens through which to look at our town and I would love the opportunity to represent you and be a fresh, new voice in our council.”
Town of Tofield Councillor Candidate Profiles cont’d
SAMANTHA GIEGOLD
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Born and raised in Tofield and Beaver County, Samantha Giegold, her fiancé, and three children own their home, attend school, and work in Tofield.
“My education is in community services and mental health with work experience in criminal justice coordination, community programming, mental health navigation, recreation assisting, and rural barrier reduction. I spend my free time going on adventures with my family, volunteering for local nonprofits, and practicing self-care.”
Tofield has been Giegold’s home for over 25 years and she says she has watched it grow immensely.
“It is my intention to contribute my time, ideas, and love for this
town to ensure that we are not only growing, but flourishing. This years’ election has the potential to be a turning point; for the first time in many years we have a competitive running. Community members have the opportunity to choose who will be on council rather than adjusting to uncontested individuals. How exciting! But also, how important to make sure the people you are voting for reflect your values, respect your home, and offer comfort with change. If elected, I will ensure our community members feel safe, supported, and satisfied.”
CLAYTON ROE
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Clayton Roe has lived in Tofield for over 23 years. He and his wife raised their three chil-
ELAINE TAYLOR
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Elaine Taylor has called Tofield home for four years. Since moving
DUSTIN TERPSTRA
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Dustin Terpstra is 36 years old and has worked in business management in the HVAC trade for 15 years.
“I have been married for six years to my beau-
TIEDEMANN
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Incumbent
Larry Tiedemann was born in Tofield, grew up on a farm near Lindbrook, and graduated from Tofield School.
Tiedemann attended the University of Alberta and started his negotiating career in Edmonton.
“My wife, Cheryl, and
dren in this community and have volunteered in many activities within Tofield.
“I have been involved in the Alberta education system for over 30 years and have worked with many students and employers in my role as offcampus coordinator.
“I am running for
to town, Taylor says her relatives have followed, drawn by the strong, family-oriented spirit of the community. Taylor was a journeyperson electrician, spending 17 years selling electrical wire and cable and five years in purchasing before retirement.
tiful wife Cayla Terpstra and we have two amazing girls, Georgia and Laine.”
The Terpstra’s have lived in Tofield for the past five years and his wife grew up in in Tofield. He has been a volunteer coach for both Tofield minor baseball and soccer associations.
“I believe people should vote for me because it’s important to
I have raised our three girls, and are now helping raise our six grandchildren in Tofield.”
Tiedemann has been a councillor for the Town of Tofield for many years, but he says he always has mixed feelings at the end of each term.
“I feel good about making progress, but there has always been unfinished work left too. I have chosen to run again for Council, because while there is always a need for new ideas, there is also a need
Tofield Town Council because I want to get involved and make Tofield a stronger community. I plan to work with businesses and community members to continue building Tofield into a place of growth and economic opportunities with a focus on family.”
“I've been retired for the past two years. I am an active volunteer two days a week, involved in the food hamper project. My goal is to make a difference in Tofield, to be involved, to listen, and to help make our town an even better place to live, work, and play.”
have a variety of voices on council, both younger and older, to ensure proper representation of all demographics. I hope to bring more business and residents to town by implementing policies designed to encourage and incentivize growth and construction while still ensuring our existing neighborhoods’ infrastructure, like roads and sidewalks, are updated and repaired so we can all enjoy our community safely.”
to know how to make those ideas come to life.
“This time, there is talk of replacing the schools, and maybe making progress on getting a new community hall. I want to strengthen our municipal relationships and look at expanding our shared cost agreements, as we all do better when we work together.”
Tiedemann wants to see more residential housing being built and commercial development.
“We need to expand our tax base, but I very much want to keep our small town welcoming atmosphere. Help me use my experience for you at the polls on Oct. 20. Thank you for your support.”
Fuel the Pool
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
Holden council hears quarterly report from Tofield RCMP
Cpl. Cunningham details hotspot patrols and bait project
Kari Janzen Staff Reporter
Cpl. Stephen Cunningham, who had been the acting commander of the Tofield RCMP detachment until Sept. 17, met with the Village of Holden council at their regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 15 to provide the quarterly report.
“I come to you with some good news that Tofield has selected a permanent commander, Sgt. Clayton Mamchur. He's coming from Okotoks, he's landed, purchased a house, and will be taking over effective Wednesday. In my short time working with him, I have good faith that he'll do well for the community,”
Cpl. Cunningham said.
Cpl. Cunningham was the acting commander of the Tofield detachment
from November 2024 to January 1, 2025, and then again from May until mid-September, returning now to St. Paul.
Cpl. Cunningham told council that when he came back to Tofield in May, his main priority was getting the members into the temporary trailer following the arson at the Tofield detachment that occurred in December 2024.
“We were working out of the Tofield Town Office, which was not the best, but the best given the situation. It was a lot of work to move into the trailer, but we're pretty well settled in there now,” he said.
Cpl. Cunningham said the summer was fairly busy for the Tofield detachment, focusing on crime reduction, hotspot patrols, and a vehicle
theft bait project.
“Some of the crime reduction initiatives we implemented during this time included offender management, which is, for example, if a judge has put someone on curfew, a 24-hour house ar-
rest, they’re serving their sentence in the community. I want the members checking on them to make sure that they're actually home and if they're not, we're putting them on warrants and finding them, holding them ac-
countable.
“Another initiative I also implemented is what we call hotspot patrols. When we look at locations that are having active crime, or we know that there's criminal activity taking place, myself
with the members have designated that location as a hotspot patrol. Each member is assigned a task on the file, and they're required each shift, time permitting, to document what they see.
Continued on Page 17
KARI JANZEN PHOTO
Holden Council members heard from Cpl. Stephen Cunningham of the Tofield RCMP at their regular meeting on Monday, Sept. 15, who reported on the last quarter. L-R: Councillor John Markel, Mayor Tyler Beckett, Deputy Mayor Shawn Cole, Cpl. Cunningham.
Local horseback archer Hazel Carter and her Clydesdale Jewel performed in the 2025 International Horseback Archery Alliance (IHAA) World Championships from September 19–21, in Lewisburg, Tennessee.
The duo competed in the senior category and placed 24th, 25th, and 31st out of 56 competitors. Carter participated in the raid 235, tower 110, and hunt categories.
"The raid is focused on speed and accuracy, the tower is focused on precision and consistency, and the hunt is focused on versatility and ability to adapt to multiple situations on the field.
“My favourite is the hunt track; it stretched 1,700 metres across open fields, over jumps, and through the trees. There
were 31 targets in total," Carter said.
"Jewel and I did incredible for all three tracks. Jewel gave me her heart for the event, and considering it was 30°C and above with the humidity, I'm very proud of how well she performed. Everyone was struggling in the extreme heat," said Carter.
Carter says she’s learned a lot and cannot
wait for her next international event.
“I've made so many new connections in the horse archery world, and I've set new goals and standards for myself and my horse. I'm also incredibly thankful for all the support I've received. This trip would not have been possible without the supportive community around me. Especially including my amazing fam-
ily," Carter said. Next stop for Carter and Jewel is in Springfield, Illinois on October
1, performing horseback archery at the World Clydesdale Show. This event will be streamed
live online through YouTube, and Carter will be posting updates on their social media pages.
Horseback archer Hazel Carter and her Clydesdale Jewel performed in the 2025 IHAA World Championships in Lewisburg, Tennessee from September 19–21, and placed 24th, 25th, and 31st out of 56 competitors.
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The Beaver County Chronicle
Beaver County Council agreed to grant the Tofield Curling Club $30,000 in capital for its renovation plans.
At its Sept. 17 regular meeting, council passed a motion by Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1 Councillor) to approve a grant to a maximum of $30,000 to the Tofield Curling Club (1988) to rebuild the Tofield Curling Rink entrance vestibule. The funds were to be derived from the county’s Clean Harbors Donation Fee reserves.
The Governance and Priorities Committee (GPC), which is composed of all of county council, heard a presentation by the Tofield Curling Club at the latest GPC meeting on Sept. 3 on the club’s construction project.
“The club requested that the county contribute funding of $30,000 to supplement other funding towards the $80,000-$90,000 project,” said Deborah Juch, General Manager of Community and Protective Services.
“The club provides recreation, exercise and fellowship through curling instruction, practices, matches and competitive events bringing in visitors from in, around and outside the region,” she explained.
“In the off-season, the facility is used extensively for floor hockey and other sports, auction sales and event hosting like the Snow Goose Festival, as well as many other community events and activities,” she said.
Juch also offered that the support of the club financially complies with the county’s Policy REC-002, Capita
Funding for Recreation (Attachment B), “as the requested funding is less than 50 per cent of the project cost.”
She also noted that the Town of Tofield had already contributed double the amount requested from the county, or $60,000, for the project.
The money for the $30,000 grant by the county would come from the Clean Harbors Hosting Donation Fee reserve, which at the time of the meeting had $88,799.01 in the account.
Juch said that administration would request a copy of the final project cost from the club after construction has been completed, and pay an amount not covered by the other funders to a maximum of $30,000.
Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) questioned the reasoning
County grants Tofield Curling Club $30,000 in capital funding
behind this method of paying out the fund, wondering why the $30,000 wasn’t simply a straight payout to the club.
Ryan Arndt, General Manager of Corporate Services, explained that “the payments are based on quotes which are estimates,” and it was the county’s “best practice” to make its payment “based on the final invoice.”
Juch said the other funders were the Town of Tofield and the curling club.
“The other funds (from these two funders) would be applied first,” she said, to the invoice. The county would then pay the amount remaining up to the $30,000 cap.
The curling club stated in its request for support that it would be applying for other grants in September, if available.
First reading given to Non-Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw
Deputy Reeve asks for review of incentive ratios
Patricia Harcourt
An existing Business Incentive Grant Policy that has been in place since 2017 must now have a bylaw replace it due to changes to the Municipal Government Act (MGA).
Beaver County Council met for their regular meeting Sept. 17 and gave first reading to Bylaw #25-1178 - Non-Residential Tax Incentive. The vote on a motion by Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) was unanimously in favour.
However, the reeve and deputy reeve did not agree on a second motion by Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) concerning a review of the incentives provided in the bylaw.
“How current are the numbers now (in the bylaw),” he asked, referring to the incentive ratios put into the policy enacted in 2017 which
were carried over for the new legislation.
“Administration is not suggesting changing the ratios,” replied Margaret Jones, Manager of Legislative Services, which are the same ones used by the Town of Tofield in their legislation.
But Hrabec felt a review could be warranted. “Maybe we can give a bigger tax incentive if other jurisdictions are,” he said.
Hrabec made a motion that administration review the tax incentive ratios. The motion passed 4-1 with Reeve Kevin Smook (Division 1) opposing it but without comment.
The actual tax incentive bylaw that was given first reading will be brought before the final meeting of Beaver County Council before the municipal election on Oct. 20.
At this last meeting of council, the
second and third readings to finalize the bylaw will be considered.
This proposed bylaw provides for an application fee to be charged, which will be included in the Fees, Rates and Charges Bylaw.
“If no fee is specified in that bylaw, the provision for the application fee can still remain in the NonResidential Tax Incentive Bylaw in the event a future council decides otherwise,” stated Jones.
The proposed bylaw also states that development or revitalization will be ineligible for the tax exemption if this work has already begun.
“This will encourage the developer to obtain all necessary permits, complete the work in a timely manner and will also mitigate a risk to the developer that the bylaw is revoked before the development can be completed,” explained Jones.
She added that the county assessor has been processing applications under the current policy and this authority has been carried forward into the proposed bylaw (chief administrative officer or delegate). Appeals of these decisions will be heard by council.
“The Municipal Government Act provides the option for council to make decisions on applications,” she said. “If council wishes to take this approach an amendment in the proposed bylaw is required.”
The tax exemptions currently specified in the policy and also in the proposed bylaw are 75 per cent in the first year, 50 per cent in the second year, 25 per cent in the third year, and 0 per cent in the fourth year.
Since the policy was implemented in 2017, seven properties have received the grant for a value of over $1 million.
County unanimously passes 2026 interim operating and final capital budgets
Beaver County passed its interim 2025 operating and final capital budgets prior to the general municipal elections taking place on Oct. 20.
Having the interim budget in place eases the burden on a new council not yet familiar with all the parameters of running a county, said Chief Administrative Officer Kayleena Spiess, later in the meeting of Sept. 17.
Spiess was responding to a couple of councillors expressing some doubt about adopting a final capital budget that a new council couldn’t alter based on new circumstances.
Council usually deliberates on the interim budget for the upcoming year in late November, early December and it is passed before the end of December. Having it in place now puts it at least three months earlier than the usual time lines.
“The 2026 interim budget anticipates a 0 per cent municipal mill rate increase excluding fire and emergency services as well as the police service contract, which are shown as separate mill rates,” stated Ryan Arndt, General Manager of Corporate Services, in his report to council.
“Council will make a decision regarding the 2026 mill rates with final operating budget approval in April 2020,” he said.
Budget meetings were held Aug. 26-27 and Sept. 10 During that time, an additional $5,500 was added in that was not in the original documents, said Arndt. Of this, $500 was added for more candy to give spectators in summer parades.
Deputy Reeve Gene Hrabec (Division 3) noted that if accepted, the interim budget was not the final document which still has to be passed in April.
His motion to pass the interim operating budget passed unanimously.
However, Hrabec did question whether the 2026 capital budget needed to be passed at that time after a motion was made by Councillor Dale Pederson (Division 5) to accept it.
Hrabec asked if there was “a significant change on council” following the election, if changes would still be possible to the capital budget for 2026 before next April.
CAO Spiess replied that, “theoretically, yes, operationally (that is) not
so good.”
Spiess explained that “capital is different from operating… There’s a lot of process to the capital budget.”
Projects have to planned out, staff hired, work out costs, buy concrete and order necessary items.
“There would be significant impact to our process,” she said, if changes were made… We need to get going in January. Trucks, people and equipment need to be ready to go so we can get out on the road and do what we do.”
But Councillor Lionel Williams (Division 2) felt it was “somewhat like imposing a capital budget on the next council,” calling it “a surprise from a governance perspective.”
Williams said he “gets the practicality of it,” referring to the passing of both interim operating and final capital budgets so new councillors don’t have to deal with it as a new council.
With that, CAO Spiess said any new council would have to rescind earlier motions by the old council to make changes at that stage. This would “throw a wrench into it,” she said, regarding the county’s budget and capital project plans.
“These are the logistics of an elec-
tion,” she said, “but the county still needs to run.”
She added: “Typically new councils don’t like to make major decisions…They don’t have the background or understanding.
“This council has more information,” said Spiess. “This budget would be asking newbies to vote on it… We need to get operations going.”
With that, the motion by Pederson to accept the 2026 operating budget passed unanimously, and the issue of changes later on was nullified.
Council also passed approval of the 2026 non-union salary grid presented by administration in Closed Session.
The 2026 Interim Operating Budget consists of total expenditures of $22,697,268, and a tax levy of $15,331,949. As it is interim in nature, it can change prior to the final operating budget in April when mill rates will be set.
The 2026 Capital Budget, however, is the final document with no changes. Total expenditures are $11,884.56, requiring $940,900 to be raised in taxes. The final meeting of council prior to the election is on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
County passes bylaws for intermunicipal committeesViking delays decision to new council after the election
Patricia Harcourt
Beaver County Council passed four bylaws to establish Intermunicipal Committees with the county’s four urban partners. Second and third readings were given to the Tofield/Beaver Intermunicipal Committee Bylaw 25-1166, the Ryley/Beaver Intermunicipal Committee Bylaw 25-1175, the Holden/Beaver Intermunicipal Committee Bylaw 25-1176 and the Viking/Beaver Intermunicipal Bylaw 25-1177.
Margaret Jones, Manager of Legislative Services, explained in her report that the Municipal Government Act requires committees established by council be done through the bylaw process.
“This includes intermunicipal committees,” she said, at the Sept. 17 council meeting.
“The county has been meeting with each of its urban counterparts for several years without a bylaw in place,” she said. “The proposed bylaws will bring these committees into compliance with provincial legislation.”
The urban partners must also pass similar bylaws but not all are on the same time frame to do this.
Tofield and Ryley have already passed their intermunicipal committee bylaws, while Holden was to consider their bylaw at their September meeting.
A reticent Town of Viking Council, however, had decided not to address this bylaw but to leave it up to a new council to make a decision following the Oct. 20 municipal election.
Each intermunicipal committee meets about four times per year, and the meetings are attended by
the chief administrative officers of the respective towns and villages. The intermunicipal committees
Patricia Harcourt
Winter coat program begins Oct. 1
Vanessa Poitras Staff Reporter
For the third year, Tofield/Beaver County West FCSS and the Tofield Ryley and Area food bank is teaming up with Busy B Bargains for their winter coat program.
This program is designed to provide used jackets for anyone in need as the weather begins to cool. Winter coats that have been donated are available at the second-hand store beginning October 1 until February 28 for customers who have a coupon.
Community members
in need can call or drop in at Tofield FCSS in the Town Office, the food bank, or the Village of Ryley Office to access a coupon free of charge.
"We are focused on respecting community members’ confidentiality with discreet coupons so that they can shop at Busy B and choose a jacket that will keep them warm," Dawn Arnold, food bank manager, said.
"Last year was the first year we began offering accessories such as scarves, hats, gloves, and boots when needed as well. No one should have to be cold this winter," Arnold said.
A coupon for a warm winter jacket is not transferable to any other items in the store. Winter jackets of all sizes have been collected all year for this program.
Donations are always accepted and appreciated through the winter months, as these items tend to go quickly to those in need. Last year over sixty jackets were brought into the community.
Students take part in Terry Fox Run
Colton Kuflay Student reporter
On Wednesday, Sept. 24, Tofield and C.W. Sears School ran the annual Terry Fox Run together to raise funds to aid in cancer research.
Students donated a Toonie for Terry by bringing a Toonie to the office
at Tofield School or to a Teacher.
The annual Terry Fox run is held in the field that joins Tofield School to C.W. Sears. Here is where students, educational assistants, and teachers do laps and encourage each other to push harder for the cause.
Each Student was handed a sticker to write down why they run. They can choose to write down a person or a reason as to why they are running.
The students and staff of Tofield School and C.W. Sears enjoyed being able to participate in this run on a warm Fall day.
It’s a resounding ‘No’ from teachers on the latest deal from the Province
Leslie Cholowsky Staff Reporter
Alberta Teachers voted definitively to reject the Province’s latest offer, as 89.5 per cent of those who registered a vote rejected a memorandum of agreement with the Province.
Alberta Teachers’ Association (ATA) President Jason Schilling called the decision “resounding and historical.”
The ATA says that a teacher strike, “is a legal job action taken when bargaining breaks down. “It is used to advocate for better working conditions and learning environments as well as fair pay.”
Teachers previously served strike notice for Monday, Oct. 6.
Battle River School Division will provide updates about any changes to school operations, programming, or instructional services as that information becomes available over the next few days.
Parents should look out for school newsletters, emails, or information on school apps as to what to expect.
The Battle River School Division (BRSD) said Friday, Sept. 26 that should the agreement be voted down and a strike begin: “All classes will be cancelled for students both in person and online. Homework will not be assigned or reviewed by teachers.
“There will be no teaching, supervision, or extracurricular programming.
“We understand this situation creates uncertainty for families. Please begin making arrangements for childcare or alternate plans for your daily routines in case of a strike. We will continue to monitor the situation closely and provide updates as new information becomes available.”
Schilling said Monday
night, “The proposed agreement failed to meet the needs of teachers, failed to improve student classroom conditions in a concrete and meaningful way, and failed to show teachers the respect they deserve.”
He added, “The undeniable truth is that Alberta spends the least per student on public education than any other province in Canada. Teachers and students feel this every single day. Parents and the public are witness to the fact that this government has chosen to devalue the education of its youth.”
Late in August, Alberta Finance Minister Nate Horner said, “The way we look at all public sector bargaining is that we want to be at market.” He went on to say that the Province doesn’t have the data to lift the offer over the existing 12 per cent increase over four years and increases that could amount to as much as a 17 per cent pay increase for as many as 95 per cent of all teachers. On Tuesday morning, Horner added, “These adjustments would have resulted in greater salary increases for newer teachers to help address recruitment and retention issues.
“Increases in northern incentives and substitute teacher pay would also have been secured through the new deal. Alberta teachers would have been receiving the highest pay in western Canada after taxes.”
Horner had said earlier in August that the Province is looking at Ontario and West, adding, “We don’t want recruitment challenges, we want all of our occupations to be paid the going rate, and that’s what the data shows.
“So I guess my only comment is we’ve looked at this from a proactive
way.
“We don’t want labour unrest, we want kids in schools.
“We tried to come with a fair offer; that’s what’s on the table, and depending where this goes, I don’t see that offer changing because the data doesn’t show that it should.”
He added, “I don’t think Alberta can afford to be an outlier. This is what happened with public sector wages in Alberta for the last 15 years, and that’s why we saw a series of zeroes and ones.
“We want them [teachers] to be at market; we have no appetite to be above market.”
The Premier, Finance and Education Ministers expressed their disappointment in the ATA’s decision to strike on Tuesday, Sept. 30.
The Province said that the settlements were based on a mediator’s recommendation, and then agreed upon by TIVA and ATA, and still rejected
Continued on Page 20
Two killed in Ryley explosion
This was the scene after a raging gas fire was brought under control following two explosions on the Northwestern Utilities Ltd. gas line three miles east of Ryley on Saturday morning, Sept. 23 which killed two men. The white arrow indicates the spot where workmen recovered the body of Richard Oslund, 28, of Tofield, who was killed instantly, while the black arrow points to the spot where Elmer Jenson, 33, of Edmonton was when he suffered burns to 60 per cent of his body. He died yesterday at the University Hospital in Edmonton. Seven other men working on the site at the time of the explosions, almost directly behind the black arrow, escaped serious injury although three of them suffered minor burns. The small white area near the front-centre of the picture is the last traces of the fire still burning from the pipe which is covered by earth. This photo appeared in the Tofield Mercury on September 28, 1967
ANNOUNCEMENTS
With deep sorrow we announce the death of Helene Page, who passed away peacefully in Airdrie on August 12, 2025 at the age of 85.
Her ashes will be scattered at Forestburg Cemetery at noon on October 4, 2025 in a small ceremony attended by family. All are welcome to attend. 37-39p
COMING EVENTS
New Musician Open House at Battle River Pipes and Drums Band Camp. Introductory lessons for pipe chanter, and snare, tenor, or bass drums.
Saturday, Oct. 14 from 2 to 3 p.m. Please RSVP to info@flagstaffscottishclub.com or call Ian for more info at 780-390-0096.
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Variety Vendor Markets in Hardisty and Killam. Discover local businesses, crafters, and hot/cold food.
Killam United Church
Tuesday, October 7, 10 a.m. until 3 p.m.
Apply with Tiffany 780-280-0690 37/38c
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Here are the tomatoes that are available at Brian’s Market Garden now: Oxheart tomato: $3.50 for a bread bag; or $4 for a flat box. Old Brook - $3.50 for a bread bag; or $4 for a flat box, and Roma VF Red - $3 for a bread bag; or $3.25 for a flat box. Also Sweet Million Cherry tomatoes - $2.75 for a bread bag; or $3 for a flat box. Call 780-678-0053 to book. 39/40c
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Continued from Page 9
If we know criminals are coming and going from this location, we're going to be doing traffic enforcement, stopping them, find out who's coming and going. It can be as simple as driving by and seeing a stolen vehicle. It's getting us out there. With police work, it's easy to get stuck behind the desk, so every little thing to try to encourage the members to get out in the community, fly the flag, show the colours; that's what prevents crime.
“We did operate the bait project out at the Tofield detachment this year. Theft of motor vehicles is still on the rise here, and everywhere it seems like stolen vehicles are still a hot item. Unfortunately, the bait vehicle wasn't stolen while we had it, though on seven occasions, at the different locations we placed the vehicle, people entered the vehicle. They didn’t steal it, but they did enter it. We’re not sure if people were suspicious of the vehicle or if it was people actually looking to steal items from the vehicle,” Cpl. Cunningham said. He also pointed out to council that Criminal Code offences are down 37 per cent over the last
five years, which he said is good but they of course always want it to be better.
Cpl. Cunningham said that reports of suspicious people, vehicles, and items were up seven per cent in the last year, which he says is a good sign because that means their encouragement to the public to report suspicious activity is working.
With the new school year, Cpl. Cunningham said he encourages the members to patrol school zones especially in the mornings and afternoons.
“We're also in the Safe School program where we're working with schools, practicing lockdown procedures and hold and secure procedures so that everyone's on the same page with that,” he said.
Cpl. Cunningham also said that he hopes that by the end of October all Tofield members will be wearing body cameras, and said they were delayed in the rollout due to the detachment fire.
After elections when the new councils have been established, Cpl. Cunningham said that Sgt. Mamchur will be meeting with them to discuss strategic priorities.
“He'll be coming to all the community leadership, meeting with you guys once the elections are over to talk about what, you guys as a com-
munity, feel should be the priorities of your policing,” he said.
Mayor Tyler Beckett said he’s heard complaints from Holden residents about the vehicles leaving the school’s student parking lot and whether enforcement can be a priority over education.
“With my school being back in I've heard complaints of vehicles leaving the parking lots of the school very quickly, speeding down streets. You mentioned that you are interacting with the school, but is there ways that enforcement can be the priority, rather than teaching? Occasionally, some of the kids may need to have the fear of God put into them. If somebody is sitting down the street, watching for that kind of activity from a distance, they're going to act proper,” Beckett said.
Cpl. Cunningham agreed but said they don’t usually see much when they sit there, because they can be seen or word spreads quickly that there’s a cop at that location.
“You could sit there, they see you, or their friend messages, hey, there's a police officer down the road so of course, nothing ever happens. Do come in and report it to us, first
off, and then we have other means. Maybe we can't catch them in the act, but if we get a statement from someone who saw them drive like a nutcase, then we could deal with it that way,” Cpl. Cunningham said.
Cpl. Cunningham said
that school administration can also help by addressing it.
“Most of the time, it's a few troubled students who are causing these issues. But the school administration can also help us out; if they say, well, we know Stephen
pulls out of here on two wheels every day from school, now it's time that we're going to bring Stephen in and maybe we'll discipline it at school. I encourage calling us out too, then we can talk to the parents too,” he said.
Tofield Fire Department
Fall East Central Machinery Consignment Auction
Sale Starts on October 10th, 2025 - Machinery Ring Closes October 14th, 2025
Livestock Ring Closes October 15th, Miscellaneous Ring Closes October 13th, 2025
Location: Hwy #16 & Rge Rd 185 (1 Mile East of Hwy 834) - South Side of the Road
Bobcat T595 Skid Steer
JD F350R Mower Conditioner
Leslie Cholowsky Editor
The Canadian Union of Postal Workers (CUPW) announced a nation-wide strike in response to the Federal Government’s announcement last Thursday, Sept. 25.
The Federal Minister of Government Transformation, Public Works, and Procurement Joël Lightbound, said Thursday in a statement that while Canada Post is a national institution that is older than the country, it is now facing an existential crisis.
“Since 2018, the corporation has accumulated
more than $5 billion in losses. In 2024 alone, it lost over $1 billion, and in 2025, it is already on track to lose close to $1.5 billion.
Earlier this year, the federal government provided a $1-billion injection to keep the corporation operational. In the second quarter of 2025, Canada Post posted its worst quarterly results ever, losing $407 million. Today, the corporation is losing approximately $10 million every day.”
Lightbound pointed out that Canada Post delivered 5.5 billion letters a year 20 years ago, and now delivers less than
“I encourage ATA to return to its members and gain some much-needed clarity.
Finance Minister Nate Horner said, “It’s now up to the Union to determine next steps. I’m left questioning what exactly the teachers want.
“The ATA continues saying it wants a negotiated settlement, so do we, so do parents.”
There is a new plan to support familes and students through this time, a new payment program
half of that, at 2 billion.
Parcel volumes have also declined, with Canada Post’s market share declining from 62 per cent in 2019 to below 24 per cent today.
Lightbound announced a series of measures to stabilize the corporation’s finances and enable its modernization. It reduced letter mail delivery standards, allowing non-urgent mail to move by ground instead of air, at a savings of over $20 million a year.
Lightbound also said the government will lift a moratorium on community mailbox conversa-
for parents with students age 12 and under, $30 per day, or $150 per week, per student for the duration of the ATA’s labour action. The first payment will be made on Oct. 31.
To get ready, parents can set up an Alberta.ca verified account at alberta.ca/alberta-ca-account.
tions. “Currently, threequarters of Canadians already receive mail through community, apartment, or rural mailboxes, while one-quarter still receive door-to-door delivery. Canada Post will be authorized to convert the remaining 4 million addresses to community mailboxes, generating close to $400 million in annual savings.”
A moratorium on rural post offices, in place since 1994, is also being lifted. Lightbound said that areas that used to be rural may now be suburban, or even urban, but are still required to operate as
“The government remains committed to support families during this time.”
Minister of Education and Childcare Demetrios Nicolaides said the Parent Payment program will be
rural post offices. He has said that the intent is not to close truly rural post offices, but to address post offices in areas that have become urban or suburban, but were covered by the freeze on rural post office closure.
The changes are intended to modernize and right-size the network while maintaining and ensuring service in genuinely rural, remote, and Indigenous communities, Lightbound says, “I want to be clear: Canada Post has an obligation to serve all Canadians in every community in Canada, and that will not change.”
The government is also reviewing the process for stamp rate increases. Canada Post says it is disappointed that the union chose to escalate its strike action, which it says will further deteriorate the corporation’s financial position.
CUPW says Lightbound’s announcement “was just the latest in a series of attacks from the Federal Government and Canada Post since bargaining started almost two years ago.”
CUPW acknowledged Canada Post’s intent to present new offers to the union.”
accompanied by a tool kit to help parents support their children through a week by week learning program based on current curriculums. For each week, and core subject, the tool kit begins with a vido that outlines the subject material for that week, with detailed learning plans.
Due to the postal strike:
Parents can go to https://curriculum.learnalberta.ca/pt/en/home to find the free resources
Subscribers can pick up their paper at the:
-Tofield Mercury office (open M-F 8:30am to 5pm)
-Tofield Municipal Library (open M-T-F 9:30am to 5pm, Sat. 9:30am to 2pm, & Wed. & Thurs. 9:30am to 8:00pm)
-Beaver County office in Ryley (M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm)
-Village of Holden office (M-F 8:30am to 4:30pm but closed during the noonhour for lunch)
-Spilstead Hall
AND, until the strike is over, the weekly edition will be available for free viewing online patreon.com or issuu.com
Papers also continue to be available for sale at local stores.
Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. Call or text 780-662-4046, email adsmercury@gmail.com, or visit us 5312 50 St. Tofield.
