BrazeauCOUNTY NEWS SWATCHES OF HISTORY - STORIES GET STITCHED TOGETHER IN BRETON - Brazeau County
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Brazeau
March/April 2019
COUNTY NEWS
SWATCHES
OF HISTORY
STORIES
GET STITCHED
TOGETHER IN BRETON
ANNE FRANK OFFERS
LESSONS FOR TODAY
NEW ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE
Reeve's Report
Hopefully by the time you read this, Spring will have finally sprung!
Council has been busy since November fighting the Big- photovoltaic (PV) systems. Residents who wish to take
horn Country Proposal, pressuring the government to advantage of Brazeau County’s solar rebate program will
improve the consultation and to remove Brazeau County now have until December 31, 2019 to complete their
from the Public Land Use Zone (PLUZ) area. Thank you to solar projects. Applications will be accepted until April
all who attended our January 16th session, and asked so 30, 2019 and successful applicants will have until the
many and such great questions. We continue to push the end of the year to finish installation and be eligible for
Minister of Environment and Parks for answers. the rebate. Council will be reviewing the program after
April 30. Visit www.brazeau.ab.ca/energyrebates for
Councillors Wiltse, Gressler and I delivered almost 1,000 details on County rebates for not only solar, but energy
letters from concerned residents and businesses to the efficient appliances, lightbulbs, etc. It’s a great incentive
legislature as a Valentine’s Day gift to Minister Phillips. to reduce your energy bills!
You can see the list of actions we’ve taken in this issue.
As I mentioned last time, the interim 2019 budget aggres-
We will continue to stay active on this issue, no matter sively invests $15 million in infrastructure while main-
when the election writ is dropped, or who forms the next taining our reserves and keeping low taxes and fees. The
provincial government. public is welcome to attend a budget presentation meet-
ing April 24th from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Council will be con-
Also in this issue, you can read about the Anne Frank sidering the final budget, with the aim to have it passed
exhibit coming to the Drayton Valley Museum, and the by April 30th. After that is done, Council will consider
Black History Month event hosted by the Breton Histor- the Tax Rate Bylaw.
ical Museum. Our museums preserve our stories, our
memories, and remind us where we came from. Thank The May/June issue will contain our Annual Report for
you to Pam Schaub, Allan Goddard, and all the volun- the year 2018. Keep an eye out for that in mid-May. Until
teers who preserve our history. then, enjoy the longer days, and hopefully, some warmer
weather.
The County has a new economic development website
at https://brazeau.ecdev.org/ that offers up-to-date sta- On behalf of Council and Administration we wish you a
tistics and maps to provide information and encourage Happy Easter. We hope the bunny finds you along his way!
development in our area. Council and administration
are working on an economic development strategy to
enhance our County even further. Sincerely,
Bart Guyon
And some good news on the energy efficiency front: Coun- Reeve, Brazeau County
cil increased the rebate from $0.75/watt to $0.90/watt
to match Energy Efficiency Alberta’s increased incentive bguyon@brazeau.ab.ca
levels for eligible participants who wish to install solar 780-542-0999
Councillors
Heidi Swan, Donna Wiltse, Marc Gressler
Division 1 Councillor Division 2 Councillor Division 3 Councillor
780-515-9822 780 894-3596 Home: 780-621-1521
hswan@brazeau.ab.ca 780 898-0247 Cell Cell: 780-898-2006
dwiltse@brazeau.ab.ca mgressler@brazeau.ab.ca
2 www.brazeau.ab.ca
Desk of the CAO
Happy Spring (I hope!)
With the majority of the winter months behind us, I With spring around the corner, I wanted to take this
thought I would share some information on snow removal opportunity to share our thoughts on the capital proj-
in Brazeau County for the 2018/2019 season. To date, we ects for our roads, sewer, water, and lagoon infrastruc-
have graded roughly 12,100 kilometres of roads in the ture. The capital projects approved by Council in con-
County and our plow trucks have put on 56,000 kilome- junction with the Interim Budget will begin in the coming
tres for winter operations. Brazeau County employs a months. It is always an exciting time to see the improve-
snow removal crew that is made up of 8 graders, 4 plow ments being made in our County.
trucks, and 3 loaders which clear and maintain 1,050
kilometres of paved and gravel roads, this includes snow At this time, we would also like to ask for your cooperation
removal for subdivisions and hamlets throughout the and support during the construction season. Equipment
County. Reasonable efforts are made to clear all rural and staff will be out getting the work done. For every-
roads within 5 days following a significant snowfall. Your one’s safety, please use caution when in the area of con-
County team puts a high priority on getting out there to struction zones. Please slow down and be careful as our
clear your road. employees are building a better Brazeau County! I would
also like to ask that you use caution when approaching
As part of our continued efforts to provide residents with equipment. Machinery is large and operators can’t always
updates, we will be sharing data on public works activ- stop quickly. Your safety is of paramount importance and
ities, including snow removal and construction. Please I ask that you be very mindful of your safety and visibility.
watch our social media for these updates!
As always, please stop by for a coffee and a conversation
as I am a firm believer in public participation and keep-
ing residents engaged in what their government is doing.
See you soon.
Kind Regards,
Jocelyn Whaley
jwhaley@brazeau.ab.ca
Kara Westerlund Anthony Heinrich Sara Wheale,
Division 4 Councillor Division 5 Councillor Division 6 Councillor
Home: 780-898-4561 Home: 780-696-2468 780-514-4631
kwesterlund@brazeau.ab.ca aheinrich@brazeau.ab.ca swheale@brazeau.ab.ca
www.brazeau.ab.ca 3
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS Easyford Community
Centre Accessibility
Council approved the addition of
$14,065 to the operating budget for
January 15 Property assessments are adjusted accessibility upgrades to the Easy-
Municipal Energy Efficiency yearly to reflect increases or ford Community Centre. The Commu-
Rebate Program Enhancement decreases in market value, or as in nity Centre has received a two-thirds
Council increased the rebate from the case of industrial and linear prop- grant for the upgrades; Brazeau Coun-
$0.75/watt to $0.90/watt to match erties, changes in estimated cost to ty’s contribution represents one-third
Energy Efficiency Alberta’s increased construct or build a specific property. of the funding to construct a wider
incentive levels for eligible partici- sidewalk, access ramp and railing, an
pants who wish to install solar pho- Support For automatic door, and other upgrades.
tovoltaic (PV) systems, effective Jan- Alumni Hockey Game
uary 1, 2019. Council approved a $1,000 Commu- Town Capital Requests
nity Event Grant for the Montreal Council approved two additional cap-
In April 2018, Council introduced the Canadiens Alumni Hockey Game on ital funding requests from the Town
Municipal Energy Efficiency Rebate March 16th, 2019. of Drayton Valley: $38,000 to address
(MEER) program to assist residents safety deficiencies in the Omniplex
to move toward energy efficient Hockey players from the Montreal refrigeration plant, and $38,096 to
buying decisions. Canadiens alumni are coming to Dray- repair the Curling Club header pipe.
ton Valley Omniplex to play against 17 Council had previously approved
In October 2018, Council expanded community members. Following the $187,045 in 2019 capital funding
the MEER program to include solar game, there will be a dinner recep- requests from the Town.
panels. The rebate was mirrored to tion at the Clean Energy Technology
the Provincial program with a rebate Centre. The event incorporates com- Support For Lodgepole
of $0.75/watt up to a total rebate of munity groups and directs funding Boxing Training Facility
$10,000. However, since then the pro- to local charities and organizations. Council approved $3,000 to Boxing
vincial program has been increased to Alberta towards upgrading the light-
$0.90/watt, the lesser of $10,000 or February 5 ing at the Lodgepole boxing train-
35% of eligible system costs. Economic ing facility, in support of a Commu-
Development Website nity Facilities Enhancements Program
The current MEER program runs until Council received an introduc- (CFEP) grant.
April 30, 2019. Council will review tion to a new Brazeau County eco-
the MEER program in May 2019 nomic development website at February 19
which will include the uptake and https://brazeau.ecdev.org that will Eavor Update
money spent. connect potential investors, realtors, Council received an update from
and residents to current economic Vice-president of Business Devel-
Assessment and development information. opment for Eavor Technologies Ste-
Year Modifiers phen Lindop. Eavor will conduct a
Council passed a motion to advise This resource will help businesses, pilot project in the summer, and has
the Rural Municipalities of Alberta residents, developers, and other offered to place the company’s first
that Council’s reaction to the Assess- potential clients access information commercial project in the Brazeau
ment Year Modifiers (AYM) is “since about the local economy, competi- County/Drayton Valley area.
2015 the AYM have been frozen, tion, environmental elements, devel-
which has meant a significant loss opment, and major projects within Eavor’s proposed technology will
of income for Brazeau County and the County. The site features prac- create clean, carbon-neutral, scal-
although we appreciate the mod- tical information to help businesses able, on demand power. The Eav-
erate increase proposed, this does start and encourage growth and or-Loop closed-loop geothermal
not make up for the losses. This investment to occur. It serves as a power system, works essentially a
also makes it extremely difficult to new resource centre with a compre- like radiator, by connecting two wells
develop a five-year budget as man- hensive list of third-party and County underground, and using the Earth’s
dated by the Province.” business tools and guidance. natural heat.
4 www.brazeau.ab.ca
Final Budget Presentation dropped from 97% to 95% or greater. starting at 9 a.m. in the Brazeau
Council set April 24th from 9 a.m. This allows residents more variety Council Chamber. Public Input is
to 3 p.m. for the final 2019 budget and affordability in their choice of heard at 11 a.m.
presentation. Council will approve high efficiency furnace that qualify
a final budget before April 30th. for the program.
The public is welcome to attend the
budget presentation. For more details on the MEER pro-
gram contact Grants Coordinator
Support For Tamara London at 780-542-7777. CONGRATULATIONS!
Agriculture For Life
Council approved a donation of Breakfast The Pembina Physician
$1,500 to the Agriculture for Life (Ag Challenge Issued Recruitment and Retention
for Life) program. Ag for Life is a reg- Brazeau County Council has issued Committee was formed seven
istered charity focused on educating a friendly challenge to the Town years ago because, at that time,
Albertans about rural and farm safety. of Drayton Valley in conjunction there was a serious shortage
Their mobile Rural Safety Unit trav- with Indoor of physicians in the Brazeau
els throughout the Province and has County/Drayton Valley area.
interactive displays aimed at grades Rodeo weekend. Council and mem-
4 to 12 students, as well as volun- bers of Administration will be serving Thanks to the passion and hard
teers, teachers, young farm workers up breakfast on May 4 from 9 a.m. to work of the committee, today
and farm families. 1 p.m. as part of the rodeo activities there is a full complement of
and have challenged their Drayton physicians in Drayton Valley.
March 5 Valley counterparts to do the same Those accomplishments have
Solar Program the following day from 10 a.m. to 1 led to the committee being
Extension Approved p.m. Any funds raised from the break- named the recipient of the
Residents who wish to take advantage fast will be donated to charities of 2018 RhPAP Rhapsody Com-
of Brazeau County’s solar rebate pro- their choice. munity Award from the Rural
gram will now have until December Health Professions Action Plan
31, 2019 to complete their solar proj- 2018 A Busy Year (RhPAP). You can view the
ects. Applications will be accepted For Fire Services RhPAP video about the com-
until April 30, 2019 and successful Members of the Drayton Val- mittee at www.brazeau.ab.ca,
applicants will have until the end of ley/Brazeau County Fire Services and on YouTube (search “Pem-
the year to finish installation and be responded to a total of 343 calls for bina physician and retention”).
eligible for the rebate. Council will service in 2018. Of those calls, 188
be reviewing the program after April were in Brazeau County and included
30. For more information on the solar 50 motor vehicle collisions, 40 fire
rebate program, go online to www. calls, 40 calls to assist other agen-
brazeau.ab.ca/energyrebates or con- cies (mostly medical-related calls),
tact Grants Coordinator Tamara Lon- 30 alarm calls, 23 miscellaneous calls
don at 780-542-7777. and 5 rescue calls (including 2 river
rescues and a rescue at the Brazeau
Meer Rules Around Dam), and one cat rescue from a tree.
High Efficiency The number of total calls was up from
Furnaces Adjusted 2017 when Fire Services responded
In an effort to make its Municipal to 327 calls for service.
Energy Efficiency Rebate program
more inclusive for residents, Coun- June
cil has changed the rules surround- Meeting Date Moved
ing high efficiency residential fur- The regular Council meeting sched-
naces. The requirement for efficiency uled for June 4, 2019 has been
ratings for the furnaces have been rescheduled to Thursday, June 6
www.brazeau.ab.ca 5
LONG SERVICE AWARDS
CONGRATULATIONS
Reeve Bart Guyon presents a Long Service Award Reeve Bart Guyon presents a Long Service
to Community Peace Officer Steve Goodman, Award to equipment operator Stacey Latham,
who has served the County for 10 years. who has served the County for 10 years.
Congratulations Steve! Congratulations Stacey!
Reeve Bart Guyon presents a Long Service Reeve Bart Guyon presents a Long Ser-
Award to grader operator Ken Stewart, vice Award to mechanic David Fowell,
who has served the County for 5 years. who has served the County for 15 years.
Congratulations Ken! Congratulations David!
6 www.brazeau.ab.ca
SURFACE RENTALS
INFORMATION SESSION
Brazeau County, along with
the Pembina Synergy Group,
hosted a Surface Rentals Infor-
mation Session on February 26,
2019 with guest speakers from
the Farmers’ Advocate Office
and the Surface Rights Board.
Approximately 35 citizens
attended the event. Michele
Del Colle spoke on the role of
the Farmers’ Advocate Office,
including annual compensa-
tion and the Surface Rights
Act. Mike Hartfield discussed
how the Surface Rights Board
processes applications for the
recovery of rentals.
solar rebate program
extended
Residents who wish to take advantage of
Brazeau County’s solar rebate program
will now have until December 31, 2019 to
complete their solar projects. Applications
will be accepted until April 30, 2019 and
successful applicants will have until the
end of the year to finish installation
and be eligible for the rebate.
SWORN IN!
Council will be reviewing
Anthony Heinrich, Division the entire Municipal Energy
5 Councillor, was sworn in as Efficiency Rebate program
the Deputy Reeve on March 5. after April 30.
Councillors take turns in the
role of Deputy Reeve through-
out Council’s term.
www.brazeau.ab.ca 7
ALUS
SEEKS NEW
PARTICIPANTS FOR 2019!
Are you a farmer or rancher with some
marginal or ecologically sensitive acres? “Conservation will
ALUS can help you establish wetlands, native
ultimately boil down
prairie, polinator habitat and other projects to rewarding the
on your land.
private landowner
Even better, ALUS pays you annually to keep
these projects in prime working order.
who conserves the
public interest.”
Your ALUS projects will produce cleaner
air, cleaner water and more biodiversity, -Aldo Leopold, 1934
benefiting both your farm and your
community.
Across Canada, more than 830 agricultural
producers have already enrolled over 23,000
acres in the ALUS program.
For more information, contact:
Corbyn Pankonin
780-542-7777
ALUS@brazeau.ab.ca
Box 77
7401 Twp Rd 494
Drayton Valley, Ab
T7A 1R1
ALUS.CA
8 www.brazeau.ab.ca
BRAZEAU COUNTY IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS
FOR THE 2019 DUST CONTROL PROGRAM
A
pplications may be obtained For those residents age 65 and
at the County office, 7401 older who apply for dust control,
Township Road 494, between you now receive a discounted rate
the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 when you provide identification
p.m. Monday through Friday, or on establishing your age. Either show us
our website at www.brazeau.ab.ca. your identification in-person when
You will need your rural address (blue you apply or attach a copy of your
sign) to complete the application. identification to your application if
Full payment is required at the time you’re mailing it in to us.
of application.
Note: Brazeau County subsidizes the
The cost for this service is: cost of dust control for our residents.
$200.00 plus GST for Rural Road Dust Control Policies can be obtained
Residents (200 m) at the County office or on our website
at www.brazeau.ab.ca .
$100.00 plus GST for Country
Residential Subdivisions (100 m) For further information, contact
the Public Works Department at
Applications should be submitted 780-542-7711
before May 17, 2019.
www.brazeau.ab.ca 9
BRAZEAU COUNTY ACTIONS ON
Bighorn Country Proposal
chronology
November 23 November 26 December 19 January 14
Province Council passes the following Open Letter sent RMA Pembina Zone Board passes the following
announces motion: “Moved by M. to Premier Notley motion: “THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that
Bighorn Country Gressler that Council oppose and form letter the Rural Municipalities of Alberta (RMA) urge
Proposal the Bighorn Country Tourism made available the Province of Alberta to put the Bighorn
proposal as presented by for residents Country Proposal on hold until an inclusive and
the Minister.” comprehensive consultation process that includes
and respects First Nations, municipalities,
engagements: stakeholder groups and residents of Alberta can
103,471 10,525
reach: shares: be developed”
(average 339.5) 1276 likes:
(average 3,337) (average 41)
Number of
actions on
posts (clicks,
445
people who (average 14) Resident letters
likes, shares, delivered to
saw the post comments)
949
legislature
comments:
68
(average 2.2,
one in favour
31
of Bighorn)
4
social media posts letters sent to premier
and minister of
environment and Parks
10 www.brazeau.ab.caJanuary 16 January 25 February 1 February 6 February 14
Brazeau County Transmission of Members of Letter to Minister Phillips requesting Hand delivery of
hosts public input letter and 100+ Council attend responses to questions from the residents’ letters
session questions to government January 16 session, and asking to be to the legislature
Minister Phillips public input invited to proposed stakeholder invite-
session in only sessions
Drayton Valley
300+
4
major media outlets seeking
comment from Reeve Bart Guyon
attendees at January 16th question session
46
1 st
speakers at January 16th
question session
108
brazeau county was the
first municipality to oppose the
bighorn country proposal
questions asked at
January 16th question session
www.brazeau.ab.ca 11STITCHES THROUGH TIME
DESCENDANTS OF SOME OF THE ORIGINAL SETTLERS TO THE BRETON AREA GATHERED
TO SHARE TALES OF HARD WORK, HUNTING, FAMILY, QUILTING AND THE IMPORTANCE OF
KEEPING HISTORY ALIVE, VIBRANT AND RELEVANT.
A
piece of in the Royal Albert Museum’s I Am whose family settled at Wildwood. ABOVE
local history From Here exhibit, which shares the The Breton Museum has been Ron Smith,
recently fea- stories of the descendants of Alber- celebrating Black History Month nephew of
tured at Bret- ta’s early black pioneers. for the past 24 years, says museum Vant Hayes
on’s Black Hayes was one of several descen- manager/curator Allan Goddard. at the Hayes
History Month in Breton will be dants of Alberta’s black communi- “It’s been very well received – homestead.
on display at the Royal Alberta ties to speak at the event, hosted in we had very good, entertaining
Museum for the next 18 months. the Breton Faith Covenant Church. speakers,” he says, noting that his-
Brazeau County resident Vant He is also the last remaining descen- tory needs to be documented to
Hayes was one of the speakers dant of the local Keystone com- be preserved.
at the Breton Museum’s celebra- munity (now Breton), where early “We’ve lost all the original set-
tion of Black History Month Feb- black settlers established a com- tlers, and soon the next generation
ruary 10, telling the colourful his- munity, who still lives in the area. will need to pick up the threads.”
tory of his mother’s “cannon”: a Others speakers included Myrna The good news, he says, is that
.43-caliber rifle she used to hunt Wisdom (nee Bowen) who was he’s starting to see an uptick in
and provide for her 10 children in raised at Amber Valley; Christine interest in local history from
the 1930s and 1940s near Breton. Beaver, who was from Campsie, and younger residents.
And that rifle is set to be included Debbie Dobbin and Pamela Parker, While the original settlement of
12 www.brazeau.ab.caTOP
Christine
Beaver talks
about learning
to quilt from her
Grandmothers
and learning
to not waste
precious
resources - even
scraps of fabric.
LEFT
Myrna Wisdom
speaks to the
crowd at Faith
Covanent Church.
BELOW
Deborah
Dobbins and
ABOVE Pamela Parker
VANT HAYES sing the hymn,
tells tales about Amazing Grace.
his mother's
"cannon."
RIGHT
PAMELA PARKER
talks about her
experience as a
descendant of
these settlers.
black communities like Keystone, locations like Keystone to avoid museum it is 140 years old.”
Wildwood and Amber Valley was prejudice and racism (see sidebar Besides being a critical tool for
mostly over by the First World War, for more history, courtesy of the hunting and feeding her family,
Goddard says it’s important to cel- Breton museum). Hayes’ mother found it came in
ebrate the history and the impor- One of the original settlers, Vant handy at other times as well. Once,
tance of Black History Month. Hayes’ mother returned her family a neighbour harassed and threat-
“There’s an old saying that to to their homestead west of Alsike ened her over a dispute involving
know where you’re going, you in 1939. Because his father had a bridge. He rode up to their house,
need to know where you come passed away, she cared for Vant and she produced the gun.
from,” he says. “The black settlers and his nine siblings alone. His “She brought out Big Bertha,
faced the same hardships that all mother was from Oklahoma, his and said if he didn’t leave, she’d
pioneers did, and also faced the father from Mississippi. shoot him and the horse,” Hayes
original challenge of racial discrim- “She did all the hunting – deer, recalls. “After that, he was a good
ination, from the federal govern- moose, and bear – and taught us neighbour.”
ment on down.” all how to shoot,” Hayes says, add- Matthew Leavitt from the
Many of the original settlers fled ing the gun is both large and old. Royal Alberta Museum was also
severe racist policies in states like “The bullet is big, 384 grains of at the February 10 event in Breton,
Oklahoma, and chose isolated powder, and a gunsmith told the and has included the rifle in the
www.brazeau.ab.ca 13“We’ve lost all the
original settlers,
and soon the next
generation will need to
pick up the threads.”
-Allan Goddard
I Am From Here exhibit, which welcome home a railroad porter, experience growing up in the area. ABOVE
opens March 23 and runs until or watch a film about one fami- The book is now only available at Allan
September 7, 2020. ly’s quilting tradition. Explore what the Breton Museum for $15, and Goddard,
The exhibit’s description at it means to say ‘I am from here.’” will be out of print once those cop- Breton &
www.royalalbertamuseum.ca Both Goddard and Hayes ies are sold. District
explains the name: “Hundreds of welcome the exhibit in the Historical
Black pioneers made Alberta their large museum. Museum
home over a century ago, when “The story (of Alberta’s black manager/
the province was still young. The communities) is more than just curator, sits in a
legacy of these early settlers is settlement – it’s a story about cabin on display
deeply rooted in communities such immigration policies and immigra- at the Museum.
as Campsie, Wildwood, Amber Val- tion,” Goddard says. “I see paral-
ley, Breton, Edmonton and Cal- lels between what those settlers LEFT
gary. Yet, when their descendants faced in 1910 and Syrian refugees The Breton
are asked “Where are you from?” today, 100 years apart.” Museum holds
their answer, “I am from here,” is ‘We need to keep doing it (cel- an important
often met with surprise or con- ebrating Black History Month record of this
fusion. “I Am From Here, a new and sharing Keystone’s history),” part of our
exhibition in RAM’s Human History Hayes says. “People should recog- history.
Hall, shares the remarkable sto- nize the history.”
ries of the descendants of Alberta’s He recommends Gwen Hooks’
early Black pioneers. Listen to spo- book The Keystone Legacy: Rec-
ken word stories from a tabletop ollections of a Black Settler, and
jukebox, sit in a classic diner booth, is always happy to talk about his
14 www.brazeau.ab.caA
BRIEF
KEYSTONE
HISTORY OF
T
he picture facing all set- the formation of the settlement. Keystone. During this project, it ABOVE
tlers at the turn of the cen- These early settlers founded was discovered that the cemetery The Charlie
tury was a daunting one Good Hope Baptist Mission in Sep- was not listed at the Land Titles King Jr.
- uncleared land, harsh tember 1911, in a little log cabin Office and also that the property Homestead
weather and isolation. Non-Euro- built by the settlers. Its name was line of the adjoining quarter ran shows both the
peans often suffered the additional appropriate, because to succeed in through the cemetery. With the work achieved
hardship of discrimination. This the harsh environment the parish- help of Brazeau County, the His- and the work
helps to explain why the flow of ioners needed not only strength of torical Society obtained a legal sub- that lay ahead
Black American settlers from Okla- will, but also a heavy dose of hope. division from the present owners for early settlers.
homa, begun in 1908 with Cana- Despite its vibrancy, the commu- of the land and now have title to
dian government encouragement, nity at Keystone began to disperse the property. Today, the Keystone INSET
was virtually over by 1912. Never- after WWI. Many of the settlers’ Cemetery stands as a silent tes- Alvin Ramsey
theless, about 1,000 courageous children joined the army or moved tament to the Black families who and wife Pearl
black souls settled in the province, back to the United States. The rail- were the first major group to pop- with their son
including Keystone (now Breton). way brought many white settlers ulate the area. pose for a family
The Keystone area was a good into the area, and much of the A vote of thanks is owed to portrait.
location for settlement due to its town’s cohesiveness disappeared. these people for the hardships
isolation. That way, black settlers There are only a few black families they endured in the opening of a
could establish a community with- in Keystone today. new land.
out white interference in the forms In 1985 the Historical Society
of prejudice and racism. William restored the Keystone Cemetery, Reprinted from
Allen and his wife Matie were the following many years of neglect. www.village.breton.ab.ca/history.html
first black settlers to arrive in the They erected a cairn to honour
area and laid the groundwork for the Black families who had settled
www.brazeau.ab.ca 15ANNEFRANK - A HISTORY FOR TODAY
Residents will be able to
experience an important part of
history this spring, as the Royal
Canadian Legion in Drayton
Valley will host the exhibit
'anne frank – a history for
today' from the Anne Frank
House in the Netherlands.
T
he exhibit tells the story of Anne Frank, who
spent two years in hiding with her family
and others in Amsterdam during the Sec-
ond World War, during which she wrote
stories in her diary. After being discovered
by the Nazis, she and her family were transported to
Nazi concentration camps, where her mother, sis-
ter, and Anne herself died. Her father, the family’s
only survivor of the Holocaust, later discovered her
diary, and it was published in 1947. Since then, it has
become world famous and an important reminder
about the horrors of war, the Holocaust, racism,
and anti-Semitism.
Even 74 years after the end of the war, Anne’s
story is powerful and relevant, says Drayton Valley
and District Historical Society president and Dray-
ton Valley Museum volunteer Pamela Schaub. The
museum, in conjunction with the Legion and Veter-
ans Affairs Canada, is partnering to bring the exhibit
to the community.
“We – the people of the world – have a history of
decisions that may be regrettable, but should never
be forgotten,” she says. “If we deny our history, what
are we learning presently, and how can we make bet-
ter decisions for our future?”
16 www.brazeau.ab.ca“
I don't think of all the misery,
but of the beauty that still remains.”
-Anne Frank
www.brazeau.ab.ca 17“
This will make us wonder
what our response would be
in her situation, and have we
learned from our past - can
we do better?”
- Pamela Schaub
E
ven without a world war or a Hitler today, ABOVE “(Racism and discrimination) are nothing new,”
the racism, anti-Semitism, and discrimi- Pamela Schaub, she says. “It occurs every day.”
nation that forced Anne into hiding and Drayton Valley and The exhibit is in the form of retractable pan-
led the death of 6 million Jews and 11 District Historical els telling Anne’s story, which will fill the perim-
million others in the Holocaust is still Society president, eter of the Legion at 5204 51 Avenue when the
with us today, Schaub says. To put that sits in one of exhibit opens March 18. Anne Frank House aims to:
in perspective, if someone was to hold 10 seconds the museum's
of silence for every victim, that person would not historical exhibits. • Inform visitors about the history of the Holocaust
speak for more than five years. from the perspective of Anne Frank and her family;
BRAZEAU COUNTY
LAUNCHES A NEW ECONOMIC
DEVELOPMENT WEBSITE
Brazeau County has launched a new economic develop-
ment website at https://brazeau.ecdev.org/ that will con-
nect potential investors, realtors, and residents to cur-
rent economic and development information.
This resource will help businesses, residents, developers,
and other potential clients access information about the
local economy, competition, environmental elements,
development, and major projects within the County. The
site features practical information and inspiration to help
businesses start and encourage growth and investment
18 www.brazeau.ab.ca• S how visitors that cultural, ethnic, religious And people recognize that it’s a big deal too: one
and political differences between people museum post about the exhibit has been shared
exist in every society. In many countries there 100 times, and a similar tweet has more than
are groups who consider themselves supe- 7,000 views.
rior and deny others the right to equal treat- Schaub hopes that interest translates into plenty
ment. Such views can lead to discrimina- of visitors to the Legion.
tion, exclusion, persecution and even murder; “Anne Frank’s story is relevant – and everyone
has a story,” she says. “This will make us wonder
• C
hallenge visitors to think about concepts what our response would be in her situation, and
such as tolerance, mutual respect, human rights ABOVE have we learned from our past - can we do better?”
and democracy; Anne Frank
whose diary
• H
elp visitors to understand that a soci- has inspired
ety where differences between people are generations of
respected does not come about by itself. Leg- people to strive
islation is of course necessary, but people for a better
also have to make a personal commitment. future.
Schaub and other volunteers will take two days of
ANNE FRANK
training in order to help visitors navigate the exhibit.
The hours it is open between March 18 and April 14
will depend on the number of available volunteers,
and the scheduling of school groups. – A HISTORY FOR TODAY
“It’s a big deal” for the community to be able
to host the exhibit, Schaub says, crediting Dray-
ton Valley Museum curator and university student MARCH 18
Kirstan Schamuhn for immediately contacting Anne TO APRIL 14
DRAYTON VALLEY
Frank House when she became aware the exhibit ROYAL CANADIAN LEGION
was coming to Canada.
to occur. It serves as a new resource centre with a com- Realtors and business investors will be able to export data
prehensive list of third-party and County business tools on area attractions and business locations, and develop-
and intelligence. ers can determine areas of growth with our modernized
mapping tools and resources.
“Up-to-date data is an essential aspect of supporting
economic development, and we are excited to offer this The online tool was developed by Canadian technology
enhanced resource to the community,” says Reeve Bart firm Localintel and is also available via the homepage at
Guyon. “These new online tools will equip the County’s www.brazeau.ab.ca, where it complements the existing
existing and prospective business and investment com- Economic Development and Planning materials.
munity with information to make sound decisions when
looking to invest in Brazeau County.”
The website offers a one-stop shop to access information
and customized reports on business offerings, current
opportunities, industry trends, transportation, business
climate, maps, demographics, and land use and zoning,
among other features.
www.brazeau.ab.ca 19N
2019
2021
2020
2022
25% Re-Inspection Schedule
Brazeau County
ATTENTION:
BRAZEAU COUNTY RESIDENTS
Brazeau County has contracted Accurate Assessment Assessors will be easily identifiable to members of the
Group to conduct its 2019 General Assessment. As public. Assessors working on behalf of Brazeau County
part of that contract, assessors will be completing the will be carrying identification tags and will also be driv-
re-inspection process for the 2020 tax year. The re-in- ing Brazeau County marked vehicles.
spection area for 2019 is identified on the map above.
If no one is present when the assessor visits your prop-
Please be aware that assessors will also be conducting erty, a call back card will be left. The County requests
inspections throughout the County pertaining to devel- your co-operation in returning calls and providing the
opment permits, subdivisions and incomplete structures. assessors with the necessary information.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the General Manager of Finance
at 780-542-7777. Additional information can also be found at
www.brazeau.ab.ca/county-hall/corporate-services/tax-and-assessment-review.
20 www.brazeau.ab.caFamily and Community
support Services (FCSS) 7 nights a week. Since opening up for our 2018/19 sea-
son the program has provided 7 individuals in need of
shelter with a safe warm place to stay the night, meals
and snacks, personal hygiene items, as well as good com-
Big News for Drayton Valley’s pany and referrals to local resources. Feedback from cli-
Community Mat Program! ents of both the Mat and other programs indicated that
one of the biggest barriers to accessing is not knowing
when it would be open. Now there is no question, until
Since April of 2015 the Community Mat Program has pro- the end of April, it will be open 9pm to 7am every night
vided those with nowhere else to go a temporary, emer- of the week.
gency over-night shelter. In all that time it has relied com-
pletely on the generosity of community volunteers to The added benefit of having dedicated staff for the Pro-
supervise and care for clients during their stay with the gram is that it takes a little of the burden off our volun-
program. Without volunteers the program would sim- teers. Previously pairs of volunteers would man the pro-
ply not exist. gram from 9pm until 7am. We will now be pairing one
volunteer with one staff and they will remain only until
We are very pleased to announce that we are the recent clients are all checked in a settled, about 11:30pm. This
recipients of a grant from the provincial government change will hopefully allow people who wanted to vol-
that will allow us to fully staff the Community Mat Pro- unteer but were prevented by the over-night aspect a
gram until the end of April and likely again when the pro- chance to. If you have any question about the mat pro-
gram picks up in the fall. By hiring staff we will be able to gram or would like to volunteer you can contact Emily
ensure that shelter is available to anyone who needs it at 780-514-2221 or at homelessness@draytonvalley.ca.
Community Volunteer
Income Tax Program
Dedicated local Volunteers are trained by the Canada Revenue Agency to complete
your tax return free of charge
Eligibility: Annual income of less than $35,000 for an
individual or $45,000 per couple
Simple tax situation
Not able to prepare taxes on your own
Program runs from March 1ST - April 30th, 2019
Please bring all tax papers to: Carol Lapointe Professional Services
5108 53 St
Drayton Valley, AB
Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:30pm
Closed for lunch from 12-1pm
For more information
please call 780-514-2206
www.brazeau.ab.ca 2122 www.brazeau.ab.ca
NEWLOCATION
Join u s fo r a . . .
DINNER
COMMUNITY
At the MacKenzie
Conference Centre
NEWLOCATION
5745- 45th Avenue PAY WHAT
YOU CAN
Or
NOTHING
AT ALL
NEW
Jo in u s fo r a . . .
LOCATION!
COMMUNITY Doors open at 5:30
Food served from 6:00 to 7:30
www.brazeau.ab.ca 232019
GRANTS
Do you have an idea for a project that will enhance
the social well-being of people in our community?
Who can apply? Eligible Services
Not-for-profit agencies Services to assist the community to identify their social needs.
Services to promote, encourage, and support volunteer work.
Community groups
Services to inform the public of available services.
Organizations Services that promote the social development of children and their families.
Associations Services that enrich and strengthen family life.
Committees Services that enhance the quality of life of the retired and semi-retired.
To find out more, call Lola at (780)514-2204
Application
deadline is
March 18, 2019
24 www.brazeau.ab.caCommunity
Connection
Parks Council
News
News, Events & Upcoming Programs
March 16: Guided Snowshoe Tour with Bannock & Tea
Get in touch with the past on this adult snowshoe trek on Eagle Point Provincial Park’s
Riverside Trail. Learn to prepare and cook bannock over a fire and enjoy it with trail brewed
tea! Try your hand at flint and steel! Look for animal tracks along the river’s shore. $35/
person. Max 12 adults or mature teens. Snowshoes, bannock and tea supplied. Register
by email:outreach@epbrparkscouncil.org or contact Kathy at 780-542-1932.
April 12: Stargazing Evening for Families
Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council is collaborating with Royal Astronomical Society
Edmonton Centre (RAS) to bring you an evening under the stars! Observe the moon, sun,
Mars, Andromeda Galaxy, Hercules Constellation and more with RAS telescopes &
guidance! We’ll have a fire going and families can enjoy a bit of hot chocolate as a warm
up! This event will take place, weather permitting, at the Brazeau Bowbenders’ Outdoor
Archery Lane. Price is $20 for adults, $10 for children/youth and $50 for families. Partici-
pants must register in advance. Send an email to outreach@epbrparkscouncil.org or con-
tact Kathy at 780-542-1932.
Outdoor Education Opportunities:
Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council offers environmental and outdoor education pro-
grams free to school and youth groups. Visit us online and have a look at our catalog of
programs at www.epbrparkscouncil.org/learn
Corporate Retreats:
Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council can customize half day or full day retreats for your
business. Contact outreach@epbrparkscouncil.org to start the conversation.
Upcoming Programs (Visit our website at www.epbrparkscouncil.org for updates or follow
us on Facebook): Painting in the Park (June), Mushroom Identification (September),
Medicine Walk (September), Night Photography (October).
Visit us www.epbrparkscouncil.org or Follow us on Facebook.
Eagle Point-Blue Rapids Parks Council Office: 780-898-7275.
www.brazeau.ab.ca 25THE EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT CENTRE IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE THAT WE
WILL CONTINUE TO OFFER $25/DAY CHILD CARE TO THE COMMUNITY!
The Early Learning and Child Care (ELCC) provincial grant will allow our Centre to offer this rate
until March 31st, 2020. The ELCC funding has helped numerous families in the community access
affordable quality childcare and has allowed parents to return to school, to enter into a new career
that may start with a lower wage and still continue to access lower-income subsidies. If you are
interested in care and would like to be added on to our waitlist or have any additional questions,
you can contact the Centre at 780-514-2248. For more information on ELCC Centre’s you can go to
www.alberta.ca/early-learning-child-care-centres.aspx
26 www.brazeau.ab.ca♦ 24 Hour Residential Home
Support
♦ Supported Independent Living
SIL
♦ Community Access Supports
♦ Employment Supports
♦ Respite Services
One
Hive Welcome to the Beehive !
Sweet
Success
Striving to make a difference in the lives of
individuals with disabilities by respecting, honouring
One
and celebrating the equality and abilities of all
Hive Contact us: COM PANY
Sweet 780-542-3113
www.brazeau.ab.ca 27SUMMER DAY CAMP REGISTRATION
BEGINS June 3, 2019
Family Support Services provides free and
Come burn off energy!
confidential support to parents and families.
We offer interactive and Some of our programs offered are:
age appropriate games, Nobody’s Perfect
songs and toys.
Active Parenting for Teens
Active Parenting Now, Active Parenting for stepfamilies
Cooperative Parenting After Divorce
Our Mission Statement:
Free the Horses
To strengthen family
relationships
& community connections
BRIGHTER FUTURES
FAMILY RESOURCE SOCIETY
“Healthy Families Engaged in Community”
Brighter Futures Indoor Playground AND Preschool Gym
Scouts Hall
Faith Evangelical Covenant Church in Breton
Every Wednesday 10:00am to 11:30am
4712 53rd Avenue, Breton, AB
Lunch and Learn January 16,23,30,
February 6,2018 * PRE-REGISTRATION* Every Tuesday 10:00am to 11:30am
Violet Grove Community Hall Lunch and Learn February 26, March
Every Thursday 10:00am to 11:30am 5,12,19,2019 *PRE-REGISTRATION*
Alder Flats Community Centre
Lodgepole Community Hall
Every Wednesday 10:00am to 11:30am
Every Second Tuesday 10:00 to 11:30 am
LEARN Lunch and Learn
ENGAGE
Lunch N’ Learn is a FREE community kitchen, where a group 780.514.5070 or visit
of people gather to cook delicious, nutritious, low cost meals.
Food is prepared, served and participants take home the us at 4743-46 Street
remainder to share with their families. Program Coordinator
(Rotary House) Drayton Valley, AB
PLAY
will facilitate cooking and parenting program, while children
are engaged in age appropriate activities.
See above for locations AND dates
28 www.brazeau.ab.caDV RURAL AREA
CRIME WATCH
Pulling Together Against Crime
Want to find out more about the
association or how to participate.
Contact us at:
DVRuralcrimewatch@gmail.com
www.brazeau.ab.ca 29FREE BASIC
COMPUTER
CLASSES
Sponsored by Pembina
Pipeline Corporation
In partnership with Pembina Pipeline Corporation,
we are now offering for free in 2019:
- Basic Computer Classes (DV) -
- iPads for Seniors (DV & Breton) -
Please call for more info and to register!
780-542-3373
ccs@dvcommunitylearning.ca
www.dvcommunitylearning.ca
5400-22nd Ave, Drayton Valley (CETC Building)
30 www.brazeau.ab.caSHANGRI-LA LODGE
HAS VACANCIES! Now is a perfect time
to consider Lodge Living!
Three square meals per day.
Let us do the Plus - spend time with Friends
cooking and & Neighbours or enjoy the
cleaning! quiet of your own room –
always your choice!
Leave the
grocery
shopping, If you love to garden
lawn care, – we have gardens! Our Friendly Caring
snow removal Staff will greet you
etc. to us! every day!
Come In For A Tour
& Check Us Out!
WHY NOT TRY Rooms available for short term Meals & Lodging
LODGE LIVING? accommodation to seniors Entertainment & Activity
Programming
Seniors are encouraged to Register for one week or longer! Plus 24 hour staffing
keep their independence,
do their own daily chores, $430.00 per week – Lodging and
make their own decisions three meals/day plus 24 hour CALL FOR MORE
and enjoy life – Lodge Living
Staffing INFORMATION
encourages continued 780-542-2712
Regular Monthly Rates Available
Independence! starting at 1250.00* per month
(*Depending on Income)
If your non-profit organization would like us to include any information about your group, your upcoming events or announcements, please forward your
information to Ken MacInnis at the Brazeau County Office. kmacinnis@brazeau.ab.ca
Disclaimer: Brazeau County has the right to review, edit or reject submitted articles for inclusion into the Brazeau News. Content will be subject to space
availability and appropriateness to the theme.
www.brazeau.ab.ca 31Contact Names and Numbers
BRAZEAU COUNTY EMERGENCY ON CALL 780-542-8770
Brazeau County Office 780-542-7777 Public Works 780-542-7711
Fax Line 780-542-7770 Community Peace Officers
Agriculture 780-542-7779 Steve Goodman 780-202-2271
Planning & Development 780-542-2667 Jesse Shymansky 780-202-0047
Brazeau Fire Services Other Numbers
911
Drayton Valley Fire Alarms 55+ Recreation Centre 780-542-4737
Breton Fire Alarms Alive 55 Program 780-514-2206
Lodgepole Fire Alarms Beehive Support Services 780-542-3113
Forest Fires 310-3473 Brazeau Senior’s Foundation 780-542-2712
Breton Food Bank 780-696-3669
Other Emergency Numbers Breton Library 780-696-3740
Alberta Highways 1-888-255-5554 David Thompson Regional Health 780-542-4415
Ambulance 911 Drayton Area Food Bank 780-514-3777
Animal Control 780-514-0372 Drayton Valley Municipal Library 780-514-2722
Crime Stoppers 1-800-922-8477 FCSS Breton 780-696-3636
Distress Line 1-800-232-7288 FCSS Drayton Valley 780-514-2200
Drayton Valley Hospital 780-542-5321 Meals on Wheels 780-542-3216
Poison Centre 1-800-332-1414 Omniplex 780-514-2234
Police 911 or 780-542-4456 Parent to Parent 780-621-2849
Sustainable Resources 780-542-6616 Park Valley Pool 780-514-2225
Rotary Children's Library 780-514-3800
Brand Inspector 403-780-6202 Town of Drayton Valley 780-514-2200
or 403-704-5418
Terry Hjelmeland Village of Breton 780-696-3636
Transfer Station Hours Community Association Contacts
Berrymoor Centre 780-542-4561
Transfer Station Mon Tues Wed Thurs Fri Sat Sun
Buck Creek Community Association 780-234-5443
Violet Grove 9-7 9 -7 9 -5 Carnwood Country Hall Society 780-542-2378
Easyford 1-6 9-6 9 -5 Cynthia Rec Centre 780-542-9732
Lindale 9-6 9 -5 Easyford Community Hall 780-898-8385
Buck Creek 2-7 9-6 9 -5 Funnell Community Association 780-898-3957
Rocky Rapids 4-8 8:30 - 6 9 -5 780-241-3957
Lindale Community Association 780-515-2190
Cynthia 11 - 6 9 -5
Lodgepole Recreation Society 780-894-3520
Breton 9-2 9-6 9 -5
New Moose Hill Community Club 780-696-2109
Lodgepole 11 - 8 9 -5
Rocky Rapids Community League 780-542-5923
Brazeau County Violet Grove Community Club 780-542-7864
Box 77, 7401 Twp Rd 494 Whitby Community League 780-542-2729
Drayton Valley, Alberta T7A 1R1 www.whitbyhall.ca
Phone: 780-542-7777 Fax: 780-542-7770You can also read
