Vegreville News Advertiser - October 15, 2025

WHAT’S INSIDE

Alberta RCMP Marks OCCtober

Fraser Logan

Alberta RCMP Media Relations

The Alberta RCMP is marking another year of OCCtober, a campaign recognizing the hard work of its Operational Communications Centres (OCC), with the launch of Next-Generation 9-1-1 (NG9-11). Among the first agencies in Alberta to implement this upgrade for its OCC, NG91-1 benefits both public and officer safety by transforming how emergency calls are placed, how data is shared, as well as police response.

As of Oct. 1, 2025, NG9-1-1 has the following benefits:

• Improved caller location accuracy: Rather than relying solely on cell-tower approximations for latitude and longitude, NG911 will be able to use cell GPS location. Altitude is a feature that will be available in the future.

• Live coordinates: A caller’s location coordinates will now update live when on

the line with an operator.

• Clear indication when a call is disconnected: Operators now have a clear indication when a caller has disconnected. Future benefits coming soon to NG9-1-1:

• Text-to-9-1-1: NG9-1-1 will soon enable capabilities for the public to contact 9-1-1 via text messaging. This can be critical for situations in which speaking safely is not possible.

• Photo/Video-to-9-1-1: Photo and video capabilities will be possible in the future, giving callers the ability to share real-time photos and videos with Alberta RCMP OCC operators to help inform police response.

• Interagency data sharing & response: NG-9-1-1 will soon allow data sharing among communication centres across Alberta and Canada, improving situational awareness for both operators and first responders. Additionally, callers will be able to report occurrences happening

across the country, with immediate transfers to the appropriate agency.

“Thanks to the committed teams in our Informatics unit and Operational Communications Centres, we are rolling out NG9-1-1 one and a half years ahead of the mandated deadline,” says Deputy Commissioner Trevor Daroux, Commanding Officer of the Alberta RCMP. “This is a strong example where dedicated people, through innovation, move technology forward, enhancing both public and police officer safety. NG9-1-1 allows for increased accuracy and interoperability to the extent not previously possible.”

“This upgrade provides benefits that change the landscape of call-taking, not just for the Alberta RCMP but for municipalities, such as St. Albert, Strathcona County, and Lloydminster, that rely on the technology of the Alberta RCMP to operate their own dispatch centres,” says Chris Spence, Alberta RCMP OCC Director.

Prepare Before Heading Into the Backcountry This Fall

Cpl. Gina Slaney - Public Information Officer - SAD

Alberta RCMP Media Group

With summer winding down and fall around the corner, many Albertans will be taking the last chance to enjoy the backcountry and campgrounds across Alberta. With this in mind, the Alberta RCMP are urging the public to take essential safety precautions before venturing into remote wilderness areas.

During the fall in Alberta, the situation in the wilderness can change rapidly. Sudden dips in temperature, unexpected snowfalls, and animal migrations can all lead to unexpected emergencies. Whether it’s a day hike in the foothills, a multi-day backpacking trip in the Rockies, or off-grid camping under the prairie sky, the backcountry presents real risks that can escalate quickly without proper preparation.

The Alberta RCMP reminds the public of the following key safety practices when planning backcountry travel:

• Plan your trip - Map your route and leave your itinerary with someone you trust, including your estimated return time.

• Check the forecast - Alberta’s weather can change rapidly. Be aware of storm systems, temperature drops, and wildfire advisories.

• Gear up wisely - Pack reliable, terrain-appropriate equip-

ment, including sturdy footwear, layered clothing, and weatherproof outerwear.

• Stay found - Carry navigation tools that function without cell service, such as a physical map, compass, or GPS device.

• First aid ready - Bring a well-stocked first-aid kit and know how to use it.

• Know your limits - Be honest about your fitness level, skillset, and how far you can go — and make conservative choices.

Even the most experienced outdoorsmen can get stranded by unexpected turns in the weather or terrain. If you are stranded, remember to stay in place, make yourself visible with bright clothing and reflective materials, and make your presence known with sounds and lights. If you do have to move, make sure to leave clues to where you are going by using flagging tape on trees and rocks to mark your passage, and by leaving notes or arrows if you can.

Backcountry travel can be rewarding, but it also demands respect for the environment and a strong sense of responsibility. Being prepared is the best way to ensure that an outdoor adventure doesn’t become an emergency.

For more information on backcountry safety visit us on Facebook @RCMPinAlberta and on X @RCMPAlberta.

Keith & Karen see friendly local banking.

This is Keith and Karen, owners of Pro-trade Plumbing, a Wainwright fixture for 20+ years. Keith says he spent part of his profit shares taking Karen for dinner. They appreciated the cash, but what Keith really values about Vision is the friendly branch atmosphere. Karen says he goes there daily, banking or not. You could say he’s become a fixture at the branch. Keep it up, Keith, and we’ll get you a name tag and wicket.

Trump’s Border Crackdown on Small

Roslyn Kunin Troy Media

Here’s a true story. It happens to come from my family a few generations back, but you’ll find no shortage of similar tales across Canada.

Two brothers arrive from Eastern Europe. They don’t speak a word of English and have $10 between them. They struggle, they hustle, and eventually scrape together a small business. It lasts a couple of years—then it folds.

“What are we going to do?” one brother moans.

“Well,” replies the other, “the $10 we had when we started, we still have. Now we know the language. Let’s start another one.”

They did. And that business not only survived—it flourished. Today, it has outlets across North America.

I share that story now because countless small businesses in Canada are staring down the barrel of failure—not due to bad products, poor management or market saturation—but thanks to yet another arbitrary, ill-conceived trade move by the United States.

This time, it’s the axing of the de minimis rule—a U.S. policy that allowed low-value imports (under US$800) from countries like Canada to enter duty-free

and without complicated customs paperwork, as long as there was only one parcel per person per day.

Why did Donald Trump eliminate this? Hard to say. These are tiny shipments, filling consumer niches, not upending global supply chains. Cracking down on them won’t make American manufacturing great again. But it will make things messier.

Maybe he’s hoping for a bit more in tax revenue. If so, he should think again. These duties will be microscopic. And the cost of collecting them? Not so small. Bureaucracy doesn’t come cheap—especially not the kind that involves paperwork for every knickknack crossing the border.

Here’s the timeless rule politicians always seem to forget: you get less of what you tax. Pile duties and documentation on small shipments and—shocker— there will be fewer of them. Canadian businesses are already seeing it happen.

That’s a problem. Small businesses and self-employment are pillars of Canada’s economy. And in this age of supply-chain chaos and tariff roulette, they’re more important than ever.

Many of these businesses—artisans, specialty food producers, independent retailers—found a niche selling to individual U.S. customers under the old de

minimis exemption. They’re not shipping by the truckload. But with the internet as their storefront, they carved out loyal customer bases and a modest, meaningful livelihood.

Now? Higher prices. Heavier paperwork. Shrinking margins. Vanishing viability.

So what are these entrepreneurs to do?

Fortunately, entrepreneurs are a special breed. They don’t give up easily. They pivot. They push forward. They find the next opening.

Can they boost Canadian sales? Tap into Australia or Britain, where customs are friendlier and language isn’t a barrier?

Reinvent themselves with a new product or service entirely?

It’s said the only one who enjoys change is a wet baby. But ready or not, change is here—and it’s not even our doing.

Trump’s decision to kill the de minimis exemption was a gut punch to Canadian micro-exporters. It created costs and red tape that many small firms simply can’t absorb. While Ottawa has backed away from its own self-defeating tariffs, that won’t fix the damage already done.

If Canada wants to support its entrepreneurs, it needs to do more than clean up its own mess. It must help small businesses reach new markets, simplify export logistics, and build a trade system that doesn’t collapse every time Washington sneezes.

Because when global trade rules break

Hammering Canadian Sellers

down, it’s not the multinationals that suffer. It’s the little guys. And in Canada, they’re the backbone of everything.

and a

is that in

democracy you vote first and take orders later; in a dictatorship you don't have to waste your time voting."

- Charles Bukowski

90 Years Ago – October 16. 1935

Only a few farmers had their threshing done at Shandro when the snowstorm stopped work. The miserable weather that followed also delayed still further the work on the community hall.

The water levels in the North Saskatchewan River at Shandro crossing are higher this year during this month than in previous years. This enables a more rapid ferry crossing and may mean a later freeze-up.

While Liberals in general expected the Dominion elections to be reasonably favorable, few of them would have ventured to predict the sweep that took place on Monday. From 135 to 140 seats were expected, but as returns came in on Monday night it became evident that the turn-over would be the most emphatic known in Canadian political history. Seven of the nine provinces gave substantial Liberal majorities, the only two failing to do so being Alberta and British Columbia. The Right Hon. W.L. Mackenzie King, Liberal leader enjoyed the most thorough political victory in his history.

Canada provides the bulk of the cheese, oats, motor tires, tubes, silk hosiery, nails, and hay imported to Trinidad, British West Indies.

75 Years Ago – October 18, 1950 Vegreville friends will be sorry to see Anna Flizuk leave town to accept a position with an Edmonton law firm. She has been working as a steno for Decore and Koshuta for the past two and a half years. Mrs. George Dowhaniuk will be taking her place at the local law office.

Another local, Miss Madeline Zaporozan of the Canadian Utilities is leaving our fair town in a few days for the west coast. She’s intending to take time off for a holiday and then find employment in Vancouver. Mrs. Greenway of Lamont will be relieving her temporarily.

The second group of Master Farm Family Award winners was announced today by Hon. David Ure, minister of agriculture. Following are this year’s five master farm families. Emile Cammaert Family, Rockyford; Charles J. Kallal Family, Tofield; Roy Ballhorn Family, Wetaskiwin; E. S. Parson Family, Boyle, and Fred Labrecque Family, Spirit River.

The trend toward the use of Thermopane insulation glass is so strong that architects associated with Libbey-Owens-Ford Glass Company predict that eventually, all homes will have doublepaned windows.

Experiments have indicated that cows increase their milk production by as much as 50% when they are switched from hard to soft drinking water.

50 Years Ago – October

16, 1975

The Vegreville and District Savings and Credit Union will triple its size in floor space sometime before the end of the year, according to manager, Chuck Johnston. Located at 5010 – 50 Ave., the building expansion will include the space presently used as apartments located at the rear of the building.

The Mannville and District Chamber of Commerce after the summer recess, met in the Town Council Chambers. Although only six members were in attendance, a busy session was held.

Dan White and his wife have taken over the Rite Spot in Innisfree and will be making a number of changes while still remaining open for business.

An enthusiastic Legion member, Orville Tebbutt, was among those who worked this weekend raising the level of the stand on which the Cenotaph rests. The base was raised about eight inches from its former height by filling in one step of the monument. Others who helped were Barney Welsh, Gordon Cochrane, Sam Smolyk, and Walter Gafka.

Bob and Kathy Harrison will be celebrating the first anniversary of the European Music and Book Store in Vegreville this November. The store, which was located in Edmonton for a number of years, was formerly owned by Gaby Haas.

25 Years Ago – October 17, 2000

Alberta Infrastructure Structure Minister Ed Stelmach read to the Kindergarten students at St. Martin’s School as part of Read In Week in Vegreville.

Vegreville & District Co-op Manager Ed Dzik presented Parkland Conservation Farm Education Co-coordinator and Interpreter Kim Zeleny with 85 pumpkins to be used at the Spook II at the Parkland Conservation Farm.

Rainfall for the week averaged about three/tenths of an inch over the province, but as much as eight/tenths fell in parts of the eastcentral region. In general, about 73 percent of the crop has been harvested compared to 65 percent the previous week.

Vegreville’s Coats for Kids campaign has now gotten underway. Coats for Kids project coordinator Diane Lydom started off this year’s campaign with the delivery of a box to Dairy Queen owner Joanne Veldkamp. Thanks to everyone who, in any way, contributed to the Coats for Kids campaign in the past. Let’s all pitch in and get into the Christmas Spirit. Let’s help our fellow man by taking the time to look in our own closets and donate the items we no longer need or want.

Letters Welcomed

One role of the Vegreville News Advertiser is to promote dialogue on various issues of concern to area residents. We accomplish this by welcoming Letters to the Editor and allowing various issues to be debated through our pages. All letters must contain the writer’s name, address and phone number. Anonymous letters will not be printed, however the writer’s name may be withheld from publication in special circumstances deemed appropriate by the Publisher. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to edit letters for length, clarity, spelling and grammar, taste or for reasons of potential libel. A maximum of 150 words is preferred. The Vegreville News Advertiser reserves the right to withhold letters from publication.

Alberta Wants Pipelines. Ottawa Wants Proof It’s Serious About Climate Action

Alberta push for pipelines and carbon capture will fail unless the province enacts a climate accountability law with binding targets and oversight

Lennie Kaplan Troy Media

If Alberta hopes to strike a “Grand Bargain” with Ottawa on climate, carbon capture and pipelines, it first needs to commit to a strong, legislated climate change accountability framework. Without it, the deal lacks credibility at home and abroad.

The “Grand Bargain,” as it has been described, is shorthand for a political trade-off: Alberta delivers on emissions reductions while Ottawa clears the way for pipeline and carbon capture development.

Alberta’s current climate strategy, the Emissions Reduction and Energy Development (ERED) policy, falls short because it lacks clear implementation plans, sector targets and independent oversight.

Released in April 2023, ERED is the Alberta government’s official climate strategy, replacing earlier plans under previous governments. Two years later, it still has no overall implementation plan, no sector-by-sector roadmaps, and no public monitoring and reporting system.

Annual progress reports are missing, as are periodic assessments by the auditor general and an independent advisory body. ERED lacks the legislated accountability frameworks that underpin credible climate strategies in other jurisdictions, including the federal government.

Other provinces have already moved in this direction. British Columbia, Quebec and Nova Scotia have legislated climate accountability laws that set

emissions targets, mandate regular progress reports and require government to respond to expert advice. Ottawa’s own framework does the same.

If Alberta continues to lag behind, it risks being seen as an outlier in Confederation, a province asking for economic concessions without proving it can deliver environmental commitments.

That gap threatens both Alberta’s reputation and its bargaining power. Without legislated accountability, the province risks losing Ottawa’s support for pipelines and carbon capture projects, along with private investment from companies under pressure to prove climate compliance.

The stakes go beyond climate credibility. Resource royalties, pipeline toll revenues and thousands of energy and construction jobs depend on confidence that Alberta can meet its emissions promises.

The risks of falling short are real. In late 2023, Ontario’s auditor general reported that the province had no credible plan to meet its 2030 emissions target and that existing policies would fall far short. That failing grade damaged Ontario’s climate credibility and weakened its claim to be doing its fair share. Alberta could face the same outcome if it continues without a legislated framework.

What would a strong accountability framework look like? The Canadian Climate Institute, an independent policy research organization that provides expert analysis and economic modelling, has identified best practices that point to several key elements Alberta should

Arthur Beaudette News Advertiser

The Government of Alberta is launching the Parent Support Payment Program to provide financial assistance to families during the ongoing teachers’ strike. The application portal opened on October 14.

Starting October 14, parents and guardians are to apply through a new online parent portal to receive $30 per child, per day — or $150 per week — while schools are closed due to labour action.

The payments are non-taxable and are meant to ease the costs of childcare and other expenses. The program applies to children aged 12 and under who attend a public, Catholic, or francophone school affected by the strike. Eligibility also requires both the parent and child to be Alberta residents.

Payments will be retroactive to the start of the strike on October 6 and will continue for the duration of the labour disruption. The first payments will be delivered monthly via e-transfer starting October 31.

To apply, parents will need to log in using a verified Alberta.ca Account once the portal opens. The child’s Alberta Student Number (ASN) may also be required. Only one parent or guardian per child can receive the payment.

Additional Program Details and Family Supports

1. Enhanced Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD)

The province has announced a higher level of financial support for families of students with more complex needs who have an active Family Support for Children with Disabilities (FSCD) agreement.

Children Aged 12 and Under with FSCD: These families will receive an additional $30 per instructional day, bringing the total daily payment for these children to $60 (up to $300 per week).

Students Aged 13 to 17 with FSCD: These families are also eligible to receive $60 per instructional day (up to $300 per week), providing support for older children with disabilities who are normally in school.

Application Note: Families will be asked to provide their child’s FSCD file ID number when applying through the same online parent portal, and no separate application is required for the enhanced rate.

2. Financial and Tax Status Details

Source of Funds: The provincial government has stated that the funds for the Parent Support Payment Program are being redirected from unspent teacher salaries and instructional grants that are not being paid during the strike.

Tax Status: The payments are considered non-taxable income by the Government of Alberta and are available to eligible parents regardless of household income.

3. Other Supports for Families

The government is also providing several non-financial supports:

Free Admission to Museums: All children and youth aged 17 and under receive free general admission to provincial historic sites and museums for the duration of the strike. This includes locations such as: Royal Alberta Museum (Edmonton) Royal Tyrrell Museum (Drumheller) Reynolds Museum (Wetaskiwin) Head-Smashed-In-Buffalo Jump (Fort Macleod)

Increased Childcare Subsidy: For families with children in Grades 1 to 6 who require full-time, licensed out-of-school care, the monthly subsidy rates for October will be temporarily increased to a maximum of $644. This change takes effect after the fifth consecutive day of the strike to align with summer full-time care rates.

Educational Resources: An independent learning toolkit is available for parents on the alberta.ca website to support their child’s learning at home during the disruption.

Buy Canadian should fund Canadian jobs and news, not U.S. Big Tech

A Message from Canada’s news publishers

To the Government of Canada,

Canada’s sovereignty and economy is under threat from abroad. More than ever, Canadians must be free to decide our own country’s future.

A strong, plural and free news media is an essential ingredient to our democracy: a healthy industry that serves and is beholden to Canadians, not foreign tech giants.

Our Canadian publications have always stood for a strong and independent Canada.

We applaud the Government of Canada’s ambition to build Canada strong, and commitment in the forthcoming Budget to Buy Canadian.

Last year, the federal government including agencies and Crown corporations spent over $100 million on advertising. Most of it went to U.S. Big Tech.1

Why are we funding American tech monopolies that extract tens of billions a year out of Canada -- largely untaxed -- at the expense of local journalism and culture, and whose platforms have become vectors for division and disinformation?

Unlike them, we are accountable to Canadians and legally liable for what we publish. Our professional journalists chase the truth, not algorithms. We produce reliable, trustworthy information.

Let’s reinvest our ad dollars in Canada. In Budget 2025, the Government of Canada should follow Ontario’s lead and set aside a minimum of 25% of its advertising budgets for Canadian news media.

At no additional cost to taxpayers, the government can support local jobs while getting its message out in a brand safe environment. Far fewer Canadians trust ads on Facebook and Instagram than those published by Canadian news media. 2

Buying Canadian advertising in Canadian news media is both the right and smart thing to do.

Respectfully, Canada’s news publishers

Alberta Crop Report

Government of Alberta Agriculture and Irrigation

Harvest across the province is nearing completion, with most regions reporting a few late-seeded cereal and canola fields remaining. Dry weather has supported steady progress, though

occasional rain and frost caused minor delays in some areas. Provincial harvest for all crops advanced 18 per cent over the past two weeks to 96 per cent complete, above the 5-year average of 93 per cent (see Table 1). Regionally, harvest is virtually complete across the province, with the South, Central, and North East regions all at 96 per cent, and the North West and Peace regions at 97 and 98 per cent, respectively. Dry peas are fully harvested, while spring wheat, barley, and oats are virtually complete. Provincially, canola is 92 per cent combined, ahead of the 5-year average of 86 per cent. Fall-seeded crop progress remains closely tied to soil moisture conditions. Provincially, fall-seeded crops condition rated good to excellent declined by 6 per cent over the past week to 34 per cent. Regionally, good to excellent conditions (5-year averages) are highest in the South at 51 (58) per cent, followed by the Central at 30 (56). The North West sits at 15 (58) per cent, while the North East is the lowest at 7 (51) per cent. The Peace Region has no fall-seeded crops reported.

EMIL DMYTRIW

Jerrold Lemko

Vegreville Town Council 2025

"Experienced. Committed. Working for Vegreville."

"As I seek my third term on Town Council, I bring proven experience, a deep understanding of our community, and a commitment to keep moving Vegreville forward. Over the years, I have worked hard to make sound, fiscally responsible decisions, support local businesses, and invest in infrastructure that benefits us all. But there is more to do. My focus remains on:

Business Growth - Strengthening our local economy by supporting existing businesses and attracting new opportunities.

Fiscal Responsibility - Continuing to make wise, transparent financial decisions that respect taxpayers while preparing for future needs. Infrastructure - Building and maintaining the essential services, roads, and facilities that keep Vegreville strong.

Community forAll - Ensuring every resident-young families, seniors, and everyone in between-feels valued and supported.

I am proud of the progress we have made together, but I also know there is unfinished business. With your support, I will continue to work hard to ensure Vegreville remains a great place to live, work, and raise a family."

• Addressing safety and rising crime

• Supporting small businesses

• Keeping life affordable

• Promoting responsible development

running because I care deeply about Vegreville, and I

the number of candidates running, it's

and

I represent the future - a future homeowner, a future parent, a future volunteer. I'm not just thinking about tomorrow—I'll be living it, alongside so many others in my generation.

I believe Vegreville deserves a voice that's not only committed to the present - but invested in the

Important Election Reminders

Co ncillors Joe Naf iger (Di ision ), Roger Koniec n (Di ision ) and Tara K io (Di ision ) ha e been acclaimed. If o li e in those Di isions o do not ha e to ote. Residents in Di isions , , and please bring o r go ernment iss ed pict re ID to Vote.

Ad anced Vote, October (From Noon to pm) Vo ng Loca ons:

Di isions and - Innisfree Millenni m B ilding

Di isions , and - Vegre ille Elks Hall

Elec on Da , October (from am to pm) Vo ng Loca ons:

Di ision - Innisfree Millenni m B ilding and Minb rn Seniors Centre

Di ision - Innisfree Millenni m B ilding, La o Comm nit Hall and Vegre ille Elks Hall

Di ision - Imperial Comm nit Hall and Vegre ille Elks Hall

Di ision - War ick Hall and Vegre ille Elks Hall

25th Annual Andrew Garlic Festival a Rousing Success

Michelle Pinon News Advertiser

October 11, 2025 marked the 25th anniversary of the Andrew Garlic Festival. The signature event has grown in size and scope over the years and continues to generate excitement and inspiration throughout the small village, with people who attend from neighbouring communities as well as other municipalities throughout the region.

Initially, the Garlic Festival was jointly hosted by the local Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Ag Society and the Andrew Community Centre Association (ACCA). More recently, the Ag Society and ACCA have put on the large-scale event with only a handful of volunteers.

Andrew Ag Society President Carri Hrehorets says, “The main volunteers of our two groups are about 10, but of course, we round up extra people to help with set up, etc.” She adds, “It has become well known and well attended” especially over the last 15 years.

Reflecting on its success, Hrehorets says, “It is overwhelming to think that our little village can host a huge festival that brings in people for the day that is basically five times the population of our town.”

This year’s attendance reached 1,700 people; which is on par with most years. The festival boasts a wide variety of

I am a ratepayer who deals with the same issues and concerns as you do everyday, and who understands. When we relate and communicate openly about the issue at hand, that's when we can build a better Division 4. I do not believe the campaign ends after the vote. There is a full term in which we should engage with the constituents, listening to their issues and ideas as to where they would like to see the county advance. Please consider supporting me on October 20th.

activities and points of interest for young and old. One of the popular staples of the festival is the Farmers’ Market, which is set up in the curling area of the facility.

The Farmers’ Market featured 100 vendors this year, who were selling everything from sausage to perogies to preserves to artwork and so much more.

“We could’ve sold a lot more tables, but we keep it at that number so there’s lots of room as there is a family dance, entertainment and other activities in the main hall.

There is so much to see and do throughout the day, starting with the Andrew Lions Club Potato Pancake Breakfast followed by a perogy dinner hosted by the Andrew Rainbow Club. Supper is a true Ukrainian inspired garlic feast with a family dance afterwards.

The afternoon parade is always a fun-

filled spectacle, and this year was no different. Many people were stopping at the Andrew Museum afterwards for a tour. There were activities for the children outside and inside the ACCA throughout the day. The evening culminated in an impressive fireworks display.

Hrehorets says they are very proud of the fact they have made the event affordable for families to attend and enjoy their day to make it a great festival. Josh Bryks can attest to that. He grew up in the area, attended Andrew School and always attended the festival every year growing up, and has managed to return every year since. Bryks, who now has two children of his own, says, “The kids are enjoying it as much as I did!” One of his favourite memories is when the firefighters would spray them with water during the parade. “It was so cold!”

Naturally Preserving Foods

Rosanne Fortier News Correspondent

President of Vegreville Garden Club, Diana Ashton, and member Jocelyn Hryniw gave a presentation on pickling and fermenting at the VGC Regular Meeting on September 29 at Vegreville Agricultural Society Boardroom.

PROPERTY TAX DUE DATE AND PENALTIES

Ratepayers are reminded that property taxes must be paid in full by October 31, 2025. Any outstanding amounts not paid by this date will be assessed a penalty of 12% on November 1, 2025.

Ratepayers are reminded that an additional penalty of 5% will be charged on February 1, 2026 on all taxes remaining unpaid after January 31, 2026.

Payments can be made via online banking, Interac E-Transfer sent to payments@minburncounty.ab.ca, debit/credit card via the County website, or in person at our Administration Office at 4909-50 Street, Vegreville, Alberta. To ensure accurate processing of your payment, please ensure to reference the tax roll number(s) you are paying.

Important Property Tax Payment Reminder

Due to the recently announced Canada Post strike, we'd like to remind residents that property taxes are still due on October 31, 2025.

If you have already mailed a cheque, please take the following steps:

1. Call our office to confirm whether your payment has been received.

2. If we have not received your cheque, you will need to make your payment using an alternative method.

3. Once your mailed cheque arrives and provided the alternative payment has been made, we will safely destroy it to avoid duplicate payment.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and sincerely appreciate your understanding and cooperation.

VGC now has 63 members.

Diana Ashton reported that their club is in charge of the Horticulture portion in the Exhibit Hall during the Fair.

Ashton said that many of the items from the former Vegreville Regional Museum are now moved into the Exhibit Hall, and will be permanent exhibits there. They decorated around them, and were pleased as they were appropriate and very nice.

The number of entries for their exhibits was the same, but the junior entries were up, and she believes that the attention the Junior Gardeners Club brought helped create this bit of an increase.

Bev McCarty spoke about the new program, Streetscapes, which was a committee of four members-three from VGC and one Vegreville Agricultural Society. They chose three categories-Front Yards, Best Balcony, and Best Business.

They only had nine nominations in the Front yard category, and no entries in the balcony or business category. “So, we drove around town, and we nominated two balconies and five businesses,” McCarty said.

NOTICEOF ELECTION & REQUIREMENTS

May 13, 2025 Notice of Election and Requirements for Voter Identification Local Authorities

Act (Section 12, 35, 46, 53) LOCAL JURISDICTION: LAMONT COUNTY, PROVINCE OF ALBERTA Notice is hereby given that an Election will be held for the filling of the following offices:

th Voting will take place on the 20 day of October 2025, between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 8:00 p.m. (Start Time) (Closing Time) Offices

One piece of identification issued by a Canadian government, whether federal, provincial or local, or an agency of that government, that contains a photograph of th person, for example your Alberta Driver’s license, or • One piece of identification authorized by the Chief

After this, Ashton started to speak about fermenting and said sauerkraut is one of the top fermented foods.

Fermenting is pretty easy, and there are many books that will show you how to do this. The difference between fermenting and pickling is in fermenting it turns the sugars into lactic acid. Fermented foods are good for you because they contain probiotics, which are beneficial bacteria that improve our health and support the immune system. Pickled foods are a way to enjoy and preserve our food.

Fermented foods also enhance nutrient absorption by breaking down anti-nutrients, increasing overall microbiome diversity, and providing valuable vitamins and antioxidants.

Ashton then showed the fermented cucumbers she made out of vegetables, salt, and water. She mentioned not to use tap water, as the chloride will kill the ferment. Instead, use bottled water.

Next, Hryniw did a brief presentation on pickling and mentioned she uses bottled water and always keeps her pickles in the fridge, and they stay crisp. She doesn’t use any type of pickling salt, but uses

Naturally Preserving Foods - CONTINUED ON PAGE 15