Thursday, October 17, 2024
MERIDIANSOURCE.CA
VOLUME 7 I ISSUE 17
Aalbers acclaimed, 14 vying for council CHRISTIAN APOSTOLOVSKI STAFF WRITER
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A familiar face is returning to the mayoral seat nearly a month ahead of the Lloydminster municipal election. The election, slated for Nov. 13, has 14 candidates put their name forward for a council seat. However, just one person has put their bid in for the mayor’s seat, current Lloydminster Mayor Gerald Aalbers. Being the sole candidate to put his name forward for the top municipal spot Aalbers will be acclaimed as mayor. “It certainly is an honour and a privilege to be accepted but never expected the reality of the world there’s various people and voices in the world, (I) totally expected someone might have a different perspective they might bring to city council,” said Aalbers. Aalbers, who was first elected in 2016 will be in his third four-year term and says he is carefully con-
sidering his future. “Every year has been a four-year term, I have indicated I will be giving it a lot more consideration that I will do something else after this term,” he explained. “That would give me 12 years as mayor and I think that’s a pretty reasonable amount of time.” He says his perspective has changed regarding his seat. “I’m a grandfather now and it’s going to change my perspective on things a little bit,” said Aalbers. Aalbers hopes to see a new generation come into municipal politics. The candidates looking to take a municipal seat include returning councillors Jason Whiting, David Lopez and Michael Diachuk. New council hopefuls include: Russell Moncrieff, Jean Mills Applegate, Tracy King, Barry Helm, Michele Charles Gustafson, Sara Christie, Darrell Dunn, Tanner Hnidey, Fred Sirett Sr., Jim Taylor and Justin Vance.
Strathcona Resources donate $150,000 GEOFF LEE STAFF WRITER
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Geoff Lee Meridian Source Photo
Strathcona Resources Ltd. has kicked off a timely three-year funding partnership to support Mount Joy Snow Resort. The Lloydminster-based heavy oil producer will help foot some needed operational costs with a $150,000 sponsorship worth $50,000 per year. Greg Nohnychuk, senior operations manager of Strathcona Resources Ltd. announced the partnership at the resort on Oct. 10 in advance of a potentially costly replacement of the T-bar cable. “That money is going to used to maintain the existing facilities, for upgrading any of the facilities and for expanding any future opportunities at the hill for multi seasonal events,” said Nohnychuk.
Source File Photo - 2016 Mount Joy’s board secretary, Sheldon Gallagher was all smiles knowing Strathcona’s funding commitment couldn’t have come at a better time. He noted the resort needs to conduct a nondestructive test on the steel cable rope in the next week or two. If it doesn’t pass, they need to act quickly to replace it before the ski season starts. “It will probably be $60,000-$65,000 to have it installed. Without Strathcona’s help, we wouldn’t be to achieve that at all,” he said. “It’s overwhelming actually to see that kind of generosity and commitment to the community,” he said. In appreciation, Mount Joy has erected several large Strathcona Resources signs recognizing their financial support. Gallagher went on to say if the test finds the rope is usable for another year, then they can look at upgrades to the hill. CONTINUED ON PAGE 2