MARCH 2021 - Regional Municipality of ...
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MARCH
2021
Version 2
1
March 2021
Councillor Jane Stroud’s Update
Fire Chief Jody Butz, kindly sent me an update on Regional Emergency Services. Over
the last six months, we have been tirelessly advocating against the provincial decision
to consolidate Ambulance Dispatch services. Thank you to Julie Stewart and Sean Steil
for being strong advocates for our rural communities. Julie and Sean are members of
the Anzac Fire Department.
Since August 4, 2020, when we received notification of the transition date, it has been
a priority for Regional Emergency Services, Administration, and Council. This is also an
issue that our community has been quite vocal on, and it has seen significant coverage
in media, and on social media. Since August 4, 2020, we have implemented a number of strategies to understand
this decision, ranging from government advocacy, letter writing, media and social media campaigns, and public
education. Collective efforts on this file have not delayed or overturned the decision by the Provincial
government.
The Province remains largely silent on the issue. Our letters to the Premier remain unanswered, and most often
the responses to these letters have been delegated to the Minister of Health, or AHS’ Chief Paramedic. In a
recent letter from the Minister of Health, he incorrectly stated that the transition process has been smooth for
our region, and that it has, in fact, improved the dispatching of ambulances.
In a recent news conference on February 1, 2021, which was held in response to our public statements against
consolidation, AHS’ Chief Paramedic (Darren Sandbeck) reiterated the message that there was no evidence to
suggest that recent consolidation of EMS had led to any delays or inappropriate responses. Furthermore, he
suggested that the recent event in Anzac, involving the snowmobiler was handled the exact same way that it
would have been prior to the consolidation of dispatch in our region. AHS’ Chief Paramedic failed to recognize
our Medical First Response (MFR) agreement, which we have in place with the Anzac Volunteer Fire
Department. (As you know, Anzac was prepared to respond, and they were just minutes away, but they were
not dispatched.) Very simply, these statements are not correct.
On February 9, 2021, Council passed the following resolution: “THAT the Municipality provide notice to Alberta
Health Services that the RMWB 911 Emergency Communication Centre will no longer transfer the 911 caller to
the AHS Provincial Dispatch Centre.” Notice was provided on February 10, 2021 and the RMWB ceased
transferring calls at noon on February 11, 2021. During this time, AHS sought and won a temporary injunction
directing the RMWB to transfer EMS calls to the AHS Provincial Dispatch Centre. The AHS Provincial Dispatch
Centre is now receiving EMS calls from the RMWB 911 Emergency Communication Centre. The application for
permanent injunction will be scheduled for a future date, at which point both parties will have their time in
court.
We remain committed to providing a high standard of care and professionalism, and prompt response when
responding to our patients in emergency situations across all areas of the RMWB. We want to hear from you
about your experiences with ambulance dispatch since January 19, 2021. Please email: FireChief@rmwb.ca
Council passed 1st reading of the Land Use Bylaw at the Council meeting of February 9, 2021. The required public
hearing for Bylaw no. 21/003 is scheduled to occur on April 27, 2021.
Mayor and Council met with Minister Rick McIver on February 4, 2021. I had questions related to the provincial
improvements going forward on Highway 881. I spoke to scheduled upgrades for Highway 881 and requested
2
March 2021
information related to the location of passing lanes, including maps of the specific locations. I also asked
whether LED lighting between Gregoire Lake Estates and Conklin will be included in the construction scheduled
to begin next year. I also enquired whether the functional planning study of Highway 881 (south of Anzac) to
Highway 63, which was expected to be concluded in 2019, was completed.
I attended the Rural Municipalities Association district meeting virtually in February. Concerns came up on how
the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) supports the province of Alberta. A motion was put forward
and passed that a committee be set up to lobby FCM for more support for Alberta.
I also attended a Federation of Canadian Municipalities virtual convention. We were asked to answer some
questions that FCM presented on rural Canada. Following are some of the answers that we gave them. We are
extremely proud of our rural communities! In the case of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, it’s the oil
sands and the energy sector and the significant contributions it makes to our country’s GDP and the well-being
of all Canadians. There is also a spirit of self-sufficiency and pushing to get things done. We see this in the spirit
of our people and leaders of rural communities who go to great lengths to advocate for essential services and
ensure rural residents have what they need for a high quality of life, be it the necessary infrastructure for the
safety and well being of a community, adequate and appropriate housing and reliable broadband. As the heart
of the oil sands, we are particularly interested in FCM lobbying for energy related advocacy and energy
infrastructure to move our product to the east or beyond Alberta.
A big shout out to Chipewyan Prairie First Nation for providing food hampers, face masks and hand sanitizers
on a regular basis to all the residents on the Nation and throughout the hamlet of Janvier. Chipewyan Prairie
First Nation have also opened an isolation unit on their commercial property for residents on the First Nation
and the hamlet of Janvier who have come in contact with Covid-19.
Thank you to the RMWB Indigenous and Rural Relations for putting on programs for the Elders in Janvier.
Kudos to the Public Works department for putting in an outdoor rink in Conklin. Thank you.
Thank you to Bouchier Contracting for the good job of clearing the snow and sanding the roads in Gregoire Lake
Estates and Anzac.
For any good deeds or concerns please e-mail jane.stroud@rmwb.ca or telephone 780-799-6024.
In the picture below I was checking out the outdoor skating rink built by the RMWB. The rink is adjacent to the
Janvier Contact Office.
3
March 2021
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
continues to monitor the on-going COVID-19
pandemic and follow the direction of Alberta
Health Services (AHS) and the Chief Medical
Officer of Health.
For regular updates, please visit Alberta.ca/COVID19.
For municipal information related to COVID-19, visit rmwb.ca/COVID19.
Province-wide face covering requirement still in effect
Provisions of Municipal Face Covering Bylaw suspended
On Feb. 26, 2021 most provisions of the Municipal Face Covering Bylaw were suspended. This is because on
Feb. 25 Alberta Health Services (AHS) reported less than 50 active cases of COVID-19 in the region.
While most provisions of the Municipal Bylaw are
suspended, the Government of Alberta’s province-wide face
covering requirement remains in effect. As of Feb. 26, 2021,
face coverings are still required in public transit, all indoor
public places, all places of worship, all indoor workplaces, in
K-12 schools when required, when you might come within 2
metres of people from outside your household.
Municipal Bylaw may be reactivated
Under the Municipal Bylaw, provisions will be re-activated for a 30-day period if AHS reports 50 or more cases
of COVID-19 in the region.
Stay up-to-date with information on the status of the Municipal Face Covering Bylaw at rmwb.ca/facecovering
or by calling Pulse.
.
ANZAC MUNICIPAL OFFICE
Staff members are still working even though the municipal offices are closed to the public.
You can reach them in several ways:
• Call 780-334-2298 (leave a message and we’ll get back to you)
• Email viola.pindog-seguin@rmwb.ca
Need fast answers? Call RMWB Pulse toll free at 1-800-973-9663 or email pulse@rmwb.ca
4
March 2021
Engineering/Construction Updates-Anzac & GLE
Anzac Contract 1 – Sanitary Lift Stations
• All lift stations are still undergoing commissioning phase and are expected to be in operation by March 2021
• Minor seasonal deficiencies will be resolved when weather conditions improve, likely starting in May once the
snow has melted
o This includes final landscaping, fence installations, site cleanup, etc.
Anzac Contract 3 – Rural Water and Sewer Servicing & Road Upgrades
• Contractor continues to conduct routine inspections of road conditions across the community, with road
condition issues being addressed as required
• Work to resume in Spring 2021
Gregoire Lake Estates to Anzac Sanitary Forcemain Contract
• Contractor continues to complete connections of sanitary force main tie-ins along the pipeline alignment
• Drilling under Highway 881 located south of Singer Drive remains to be completed to allow connection from the
Gregoire Lake Estates system to the Anzac system
• Access Road construction activities to resume once weather conditions become warmer and snow has melted
Watch out for thin ice - river breakup season is approaching!
As temperatures continue getting warmer, the ice on rivers and lakes in the region is beginning to melt and break apart.
Please be extremely careful near shorelines and avoid travelling on ice.
When ice begins to melt, water levels may rise or ice jams may occur, which increases the risk of flooding. If living or
travelling in areas in close proximity to rivers, it is important to stay alert and prepared for potential emergencies. Learn
how you can prepare and how the Municipality is preparing for river breakup season, by checking out the RMWB
webpage listed below.
River forecasts and updates on ice conditions are available at Alberta Environment and Parks online tool and AB Rivers
mobile phone app.
You may sign up for local emergency notifications by subscribing to the RMWB Alertable online tool or downloading the
mobile phone app.
Find everything you need to know about river breakup season, including support resources, at rmwb.ca/riverbreakup.
Sandbag program
The municipal sandbag program begins in March. Stay tuned to our social media feeds and rmwb.ca/recovery for the
latest information.
5
March 2021
Share your thoughts about off-highway vehicles in Fort McMurray
Take the online survey until March 8!
The Off-Highway Vehicle (OHV) Master Plan for the Fort McMurray Urban Service Area is being updated and
feedback from the community, including non-OHV users, is needed!
While residents living in rural communities are certainly encouraged to participate, updates to this Master Plan
are focused on Fort McMurray.
The OHV survey is available until March 8 at rmwb.ca/ohv
Master Plan does not include OHV Bylaws
OHV Bylaws are not being changed as part of Master Plan update. However, the Master Plan may include
recommendations to review or adjust the current OHV Bylaw for the Urban Service Area at a future date.
If changes to the OHV Bylaws are proposed in the future, recommended updates would be presented to Council for
approval at a public hearing. There will be future opportunities for residents to formally share their thoughts about
any proposed change.
Independent consulting firm leading update to OHV Master Plan
The Municipality has hired an independent, consulting firm to lead the update to the OHV Master Plan for the Urban
Service Area.
Prior to this survey, targeted workshops were held with OHV groups and stakeholders, local right holders, regulating
bodies, representatives from different levels of government and municipal staff. The feedback collected through
these workshops and the results of the public survey are being used to shape the update to the OHV Master Plan –
Urban Service Area.
Find everything you need to know about OHVs and take the survey at rmwb.ca/ohv
6
March 2021
Help the Anzac community garden boxes find their permanent home
Have your say! Did you know the garden boxes located at the Anzac Gazebo Park have been functioning in a temporary
space? Join us March 11 from 7:00pm to 8:30pm for a virtual open house discussing potential permanent locations for
these community garden boxes* to call home. You will have a chance to vote on your preferred location at the end of this
event.
If you are unable to make the live event, you can cast your vote for the new location by visiting
https://participate.rmwb.ca/anzac-garden-box between March 11 and March 25. Find more information about this
project by contacting Pulse at (780) 743-7000 or toll-free 1 (800) 973-9663.
Virtual Event Information
March 11, 2021
7:00pm to 8:30pm
Register here to receive the meeting link: https://communitygardenbox.eventbrite.ca
Or join by calling toll free: (833) 841-6713 (ID: 971 022 868#)
*Please note the garden boxes located at the Recreation Centre, as well as those located at Woodsmoke Elders Lodge are
already in their permanent location and will not be moved.
WE ARE HIRING
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo is
currently accepting applications for a variety of
permanent positions throughout the
municipality. A leading employer within the
region, the RMWB prides itself on providing a
positive work environment where we can work
together to make the region the best it can be
for its residents.
As well, seasonal student opportunities are also currently open for application until March 7, 2021. These roles
are available for any student who have obtained their High School Diploma or GED equivalent and have
completed one year of post-secondary education.
To submit an application and view full job descriptions for all available positions, please visit
rmwb.ca/employment.
7
March 2021
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
NOTICE is hereby given that the Council of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo has scheduled a Public
Hearing to take place via electronic communications in accordance with the Meeting Procedures (COVID-19
Suppression) Regulation, Order in Council 99/2020, on Tuesday, April 27, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. regarding the
following:
Bylaw No. 21/003 – Land Use Bylaw
Bylaw No. 21/003 proposes to replace the current Land Use Bylaw No. 99/059 as required changes were
significant enough to warrant the development of a completely new Land Use Bylaw (LUB) rather than continuing
to amend the existing one. The new LUB No. 21/003 proposes improvements to language, provision updates,
modifications to dated sections, and the introduction of new regulations. While it will follow the general zoning
framework of the existing LUB, changes in the new LUB will include:
• Changes to accessory building and home business • Changes to signage requirements
requirements
• Simplifying and reducing the number of districts
• Addition of FireSmart provisions • Changes to property districting
• Changes to parking requirements • Updated definitions and land uses
• Addition of new secondary suite typologies • Addition of design standards
The provisions in the new LUB are not retroactive; they will be applicable when approving new development or
new subdivisions. There are rules in place to protect existing buildings or uses that no longer comply with the
LUB that allow these non-conforming buildings and uses to continue with certain provisions regarding future
alterations or uses.
A copy of the above-noted Bylaw and all related documents, including an Executive Summary of the proposed
changes, may be inspected by contacting the Planning and Development or Legislative Services Department
between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Monday to Friday: Bylaw No. 21/003 is also available on the
Municipality’s website at Public Hearing - Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo (rmwb.ca)
Planning & Development or Legislative Services
planningdevelopment@rmwb.ca legislative.assistants@rmwb.ca
780-799-8695 780-743-7001
During the COVID-19 Pandemic Council will be conducting Public Hearings through electronic communications in
accordance with the Meeting Procedures (COVID-19 Suppression) Regulation, Order in Council 99/2020.
Residents are encouraged to participate in the Public Hearing via the following options:
Written Submissions Prior to the Hearing
8
March 2021
Written comments to be included in the Council Meeting Agenda Package, must be received prior to 12 noon on
Wednesday, April 14, 2021.
• Submit written comments online at www.rmwb.ca/publichearingsubmission; or
• Email written comments to Legislative Services at legislative.assistants@rmwb.ca. You must include your full name
and clearly indicate support or opposition of the proposed bylaw and/or specified section of the proposed bylaw.
Written Submissions Received after April 14, 2021:
Written comments will be accepted up until the closing of the Public Hearing.
• Submit written comments to legislative.assistants@rmwb.ca
• Written comments received following the April 14, 2021 cut-off will be provided to Council via an update to
the Council Meeting Agenda Package; or provided to Council via email as they are received.
• Written submissions received during the Public Hearing will be shared with Council verbally during the
hearing for a maximum of 5 minutes.
• Written submissions not already included in the Council Meeting Agenda Package, will be added in their
entirety to the Council Meeting Agenda Package after the close of the Public Hearing, which is made available
to the public and posted on the Municipality’s website.
• Emails that are received after the Public Hearing has been closed, or submissions not relevant to the Public
Hearing will not become part of the record of this hearing and will not be considered by Council.
Verbal Submission at Council Meeting via Teleconference:
Registration to speak during the Public Hearing, must be submitted prior to 4:00 p.m. on Monday, April 26, 2021.
• Pre-register on-line at www.rmwb.ca/publichearingsubmission. or
• Email Legislative Services at legislative.assistants@rmwb.ca or call Legislative Services at 780-743-7001 with the
following information:
• The following information must be included with your registration:
o your full name,
o daytime phone number,
o the telephone number that you will be dialing in from; and
o an email address at which you may be contacted
All registrants will be emailed the details on how to participate prior to the start of the hearing. Each registrant will
be given a maximum of 5 minutes to address Council.
DATED at Fort McMurray, Alberta this 25th day of February 2021.
Jade Brown
Chief Legislative Officer
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
9909 Franklin Avenue
Fort McMurray, AB T9H 2K4
Phone : (780) 743-7001
Emaillegislative.assistants@rmwb.ca
9
March 2021
Check the mail! – 2021 Property Assessments are on the way
Make sure to check the mail for your 2021 property assessment notice.
• If you have questions or concerns about your assessment, please visit
our frequently asked questions at rmwb.ca/assessments or speak to an
assessor by emailing pulse@rmwb.ca or calling Pulse at 780-743-7000
or toll-free 1-800-973-9663.
Why is this important?
The assessed value of your property will be used to establish the amount of
property tax billed. Any error on your Property Assessment Notice could impact
that amount.
• Your assessment reflects an estimated market value of your property as of July 1, 2020, including any physical
changes up to December 31, 2020.
Tax rates are not disputable, so it is important to ensure that your assessed value is accurate before the 4:30 p.m.
deadline on April 12, 2021.
VULNERABLE PERSONS REGISTRY (VPR)
The VPR is a free, voluntary and confidential service that helps improve the safety of residents living at home who may
be at greater risk during an emergency.
The program provides key information to local emergency responders to efficiently identify and assist vulnerable
individuals during an emergency.
The VPR is available to residents in the region who experience
any of the following:
• Mobility issues
• Visual or hearing impairments
• Developmental or cognitive impairments
• Challenges related to mental health
• Individuals who require electricity for life-sustaining
equipment (life support, oxygen or dialysis)
Individuals registering for the Vulnerable Persons Registry must have a permanent address and at least one (1) valid
contact number on their application. Individuals who are unable to meet these criteria will not be eligible for the
registry. To register, visit rmwb.ca/VPR or call Pulse.
10March 2021
Travelling to Fort McMurray this winter?
Watch out for on-street parking restrictions!
Winter Maintenance Zones season begins Oct. 15! This means there may be on-street parking
restrictions in effect while snow is being removed from residential streets in Fort McMurray.
Make sure to follow posted signage and electronic signage in the neighbourhood you park
your vehicle. On street parking restrictions occur on weekdays from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. if
winter maintenance is needed.
Help us clear a path through winter and plan ahead for on-street parking restrictions at
rmwb.ca/snowplow.
How do Winter Maintenance Zones work?
Every neighbourhood has been divided into five Winter Maintenance Zones, one for each
weekday. Each Winter Maintenance Zone is further broken down into four subzones 1, 2, 3
and 4. On the day that each Zone is active, some of the Subzones within the larger active Zone
will be serviced and others will be relaxed. Residents will be able to park in relaxed Subzones
without being ticketed or towed. Relaxed Subzones will be communicated on neighbourhood
electronic signage, WMZ email Alerts, social media and rmwb.ca.
Residents can find the neighbourhood Zones and Subzones on street signage and online at
rmwb.ca/snowplow.
If you have any questions about Winter Maintenance Zones, connect with Pulse at 780-743-
7000, toll-free at 1-800-973-9663 or online at rmwb.ca/pulse.
11March 2021
COMMUNITY PROGRAMS, ACTIVITIES & EVENTS
ACTIVE ANZAC IS BACK!!!!
FEBRUARY 20th To MARCH 19th, 2021
WEEKLY DRAWS FOR ACTIVE ANZAC SWAG
THE FINAL DRAW WILL BE 3 PRIZES OF $250 CASH!!!
*There may be some hidden treasures along the way, so keep an eye out
and you could be in for a treat *
This will lead us into our upcoming "WINTER EGG-STRAVAGANZA" so keep an eye
on our Facebook page to stay up to date on those details that will be released soon!!
The weekly draws will run as follows:
(Pictures must be texted/posted by 7pm on the Friday before the draw to be
entered for the weekly draws)
Feb 20th - Feb 26th (Draw Feb 27th)
Feb 27th - Mar 5th (Draw Mar 6th)
Mar 6th - Mar 12th (Draw Mar 13th)
FINAL DRAW March 20th (Entries MUST be received by March 19th at 7pm)
All draws will be done using a random name generator and broadcasted via
Facebook Live on our Facebook page
RULES:
You can get up to 1 entry/day for each day that you post a picture of you being ACTIVE! This could be
shovelling snow, snow shoeing, skiing, skating, walking, running, biking, sliding, chopping wood, home
workouts, weightlifting, swimming, etc. *If you are unsure if something qualifies as active, please ask, we
want to make it fair for everyone*
(We encourage you to take photos for our seniors, elders, or other community members if you see them
out being active and they don't have Facebook or know about the event, however, please ensure you
have their permission first!)
You must be a resident of Anzac, GLE, or FMFN#468 to be entered.
Pictures MUST be uploaded to the event page to ensure we see the picture. If you prefer to text in a
picture, text to 780-713-7603 and Shar will post for you. (If you tag the event, it does not post into the
event and it may be missed)
MOST OF ALL.... HAVE FUN!!!
12March 2021
13March 2021
Arctic Winter Games call for artists
Design the Games cultural medallion and pin
Have your work handed out to an international audience!
We are inviting artists, designers, and creative individuals living in the Wood
Buffalo region to participate in a design competition to create a cultural
medallion and culture pin.
The pin design should be inspired by the diversity of cultures of the region,
Indigenous and non-Indigenous, while the concept design for the cultural
medallion will reflect Wood Buffalo’s rich Indigenous heritage and the Medicine
Wheel, which symbolizes equity and the cycle of life in the natural world.
The design competition is open to individuals over 18-years-old who are living
in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. The selection panel will choose
one Indigenous artist for the medallion design and one artist for the culture pin. All winners will receive an honorarium
and the selected designs will be reproduced by a professional fabricator.
Apply before March 4, 2021.
For more information and to apply, visit awg2022.org.
AWG seeking local artists to design Games Torch wrap
We are looking for local artists to design the official Games Torch.
The design should reflect travelling and connections, the interconnectedness of
the communities in the Wood Buffalo region and celebrate everyone’s time to shine.
The winning design will be reproduced by a graphic designer to become a vinyl wrap on the Games torch that
will travel from Fort Fitzgerald, Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Anzac, Janvier, Conklin, Saprae Creek and Fort
McMurray as part of the Torch Relay. Apply before March 15, 2021. For more information and to apply, visit
awg2022.org.
14March 2021
AWG hosting community scavenger hunts
The Wood Buffalo 2022 Arctic Winter Games Host Society is excited to launch Your Time to Shine Community Scavenger
Hunts for Wood Buffalo residents from March 6-12, 2021, event dates may vary.
The community scavenger hunts will be held in Fort Chipewyan, Fort McKay, Saprae Creek, Anzac, Janvier and Conklin.
Rural Hamlet – Your Time to Shine Community Scavenger Hunts are free
events coordinated through local volunteers in each community, whose
contact information can be found below.
• Registration can be completed through the designated
community volunteer. The first 25 people to register per rural hamlet
will receive a gift bag. One gift bag will be provided per registration.
• Clues are designed so participants can stay in their vehicle
for the duration of the hunt.
• All completed entries will be eligible to win one grand prize
basket per rural hamlet which includes a pair of show shoes, Games
merchandise, snacks and winter supply bundle.
All scavenger hunt participants must follow Alberta Health Services
COVID-19 guidelines. Only people from the same household can be in one vehicle during the hunt.
Community contacts:
• Anzac - Amber McIntosh Wilson, executive.Assistant@willowlaketinytots.com
• Fort McKay - Thembie Nyathi, Tnyathi@fortmckaymetis.com
• Fort Chipewyan - Tamera Ellingson, Tamera.Ellingson@rmwb.ca
• Janvier - Justin Herman, ceo@chardmetis.com
• Conklin - Kim Desjarlais, kimd@crdac.ca
• Saprae Creek – Sheila Lalonde, sheila.lalonde@rmwb.ca
For more information visit awg2022.org or contact your community volunteer.
15March 2021
WHO WE ARE:
The McMurray Sno-Drifters is a non-profit organization that was formed in the
early 1980’s. As a club, we provide a safe winter recreational sport for
individuals and families within the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo. In
partnership with local Search & Rescue, we also help our members to be
informed about regulations and safe sledding practices.
OUR TRAIL SYSTEM:
Through the efforts of volunteers and sponsors, we provide Fort McMurray and surrounding communities
with approximately 300kms of award-winning trails. Our trails are located in the following areas:
Thickwood trail is on tower road in timberlea, Anzac trail can be accessed through our garage on
highway 881 or Anzac and Stony Mountain trail is located approximately 30km south of town at the
stony mountain staging area.
MEMBERSHIPS:
Cost: $90.00
To ride our trails, an ASA Membership trail pass is required. Memberships are readily available at the
following locations:
4G Motorsports
NAPA
Bumper to Bumper
Syncrude Club 63 Social Club.
Trail passes are from the Alberta Snowmobiling Association (ASA) and are recognized on all ASA
trails across Alberta.
What does the pass get me?
As a pass holder, you are now apart of the Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Club. You now have access to approx.
300km of a well-maintained groomed trail system (Thickwood/Saprae/Anzac/Stony Mountain) along with over
5000km of groomed trail in Alberta.
How do I benefit?
We are a community! We have volunteers that love to spend their time outdoors and helping us out. Our
volunteers-built 8 fire pit shacks along our trail system and continually stock wood for other members
enjoyment throughout the season.
McMurray Sno-Drifters Snowmobile Association
mcmurray.snodrifters@hotmail.com
780-792-7603
16March 2021
Want to learn Cree or Dene?
The Athabasca Tribal Council has developed free
Cree and Dene language apps to promote and
preserve Indigenous languages. These apps have
over 400 words, with a growing list, that will help
those interested in learning the language.
EMPLOYERS INVITATION TO PARTICIPATE!
To participate please visit www.choosewoodbuffalo.ca & click “Complete Survey”.
All employers in the region are requested to complete the Labour Study Employer Survey. The labour
study survey encompasses the entire Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo region, including Indigenous
communities. The study will assist individuals, companies, and institutions in making decisions
surrounding future training requirements, future hiring demands resulting from changes in the market,
labour trends, and attraction and retention practices. The Labour Study is anticipated to be completed
in March 2021 and will be made available as a public good.
The project is being conducted by Applications Management Consulting Ltd. in partnership with Willow
Springs. Responses are confidential and results will be compiled in group form by. This survey can be
completed over the phone by calling 780-425-6741 or online at www.choosewoodbuffalo.ca.
To request a paper copy or for technical questions, contact Gurpreet Sidhu at 780-425-6741
or gurpreet.appl@mac.com. Please direct any other questions related to the project to Lisa Sweet,
Director of Business & Investment Attraction, Fort McMurray Wood Buffalo Economic Development
& Tourism at 780-793-1063 or lisa@choosewoodbuffalo.
17March 2021
We may be closed to the public but we are still getting library materials into your hands!
Need to get your free library card or help with placing a hold? Give Sheri a shout at
sheri.anthony@wbrl.ca.
Don’t forget – we’re more than books! Check out video games, music and more! Browse the
catalogue at wbrl.ca.
Need to return library materials during building closures? Give us a shout at
community.services@wbrl.ca to arrange a pick up.
Residents in rural communities of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo can contact Wood
Buffalo Addiction and Mental Health Services for free and confidential support.
Individual counselling services offered virtually (zoom/telephone):
• Addiction and Mental Health Support
• Stress Coping Strategies & Life Skills Development
• Psychoeducation on Relapse Prevention, Harm Reduction, Wellness and Wellbeing and
Loss and Grief
• Referral to Addiction & Concurrent Treatment Programs, and Psychiatry Services
• Any other therapeutic interventions as needed
Please call 780-793-8360 for more information or to book an
appointment with Addiction & Mental Health Rural Service
Team
Wood Buffalo Addiction and Mental Health Services#120-339 Powder Drive, Fort
McMurray, Alberta T9K 0M4
PH: 780-793-8360 FAX 780-793-8361
18March 2021
Our Vision "Strong, vibrant communities where youth develop successful careers."
Check out our website: https://www.careersnextgen.ca
We have missed you but are putting everyone’s safety first and going virtual!
Teachers wishing to book a classroom presentation for High School students,
please contact Anika at acampbell@nextgen.org or (647) 220-2052.
We are willing to visit in person when the community is ready.
We have some informative virtual events coming up:
Trades Virtual Showcase
For youth in grade 9 and up who are interested in skilled trades or technology.
Showcases will include live tours, demos and an opportunity to ask an expert some questions about their field of
work. All Virtual Showcases start at 6:00 p.m.
March 3, 2021 Welder
March 23, 2021 Agriculture
April 15, 2021 Cook
April 27, 2021 Information Communication Technology
May 12, 2021 Sheetmetal Worker
Young Women In Trades and Technology (YWITT) Online Sessions
For young women in grade 9 and up who are interested in trades or technology.
Get hands on information from a woman in each field of work. Online sessions start at 5:00
p.m.
March 17, 2021 Information Communication Technology
Registration for all upcoming events will be required.
We can help with that!
Give us a call: (587) 543-0436
Or Email us: mhall@nextgen.org
CAREERS CO-OP Apprenticeship Program
Youth who are 25 years old or younger and have graduated high school are eligible to apply. Application
Deadline is coming up April 2, 2021. Find out more at an information session.
March 8, 2021 11:00 a.m.
Please contact Eric at (519) 709-5477 or
March 10, 2021 3:00 p.m.
eleatham@nextgen.org to sign up for an
March 17, 2021 6:00 p.m.
information session.
March 22, 2021 3:00 p.m.
Application Deadlines
RAP
Health
March 19, 2021
Career Pathways
ICT
Junior Forest Ranger April 1, 2021
CO-OP April 2, 2021
19March 2021
20March 2021
Welcome to March!
The first day of Spring is near! The spring Equinox occurs on Saturday March 20th!
Do you have plans or a special activity planned
for the first day of spring? Here are a few
of our favorites:
Have an outdoor picnic
Make a bird feeder with supplies found around home
Go on a nature scavenger hunt
Start planning your garden
New News: Job Posting – Office Administrative and Program Coordinator
Are you looking for a fun, exciting and rewarding job?! Are you interested in the
community events that are put on, and have some great ideas and a vision of what
your community needs? Apply to AnzacFCSS for the Office Administrative/Program
Coordinator position. See the next page for more details!
Office Update: Our office will remain partially closed until our Office Admin/Program
Coordinator position is filled. We are still available via email, phone, or Facebook
messenger. Please do not hesitate to reach out, we have many resources available
and programs we can refer you to.
Virtual Crib Tournaments: Are always a great way to safely socialize! If you have not
already joined in the fun, be sure to reach out and register! Join us for
our St. Patrick’s Crib Tournament on March 17th at 6:30 pm.
Congratulations to our last months winners – 1st Place Aimee McCamon
and 2nd place went to Elaine Kuncio!
Mindfulness: With Judith Friesen is scheduled for March 15th! You don’t want to miss
it! Visit our Facebook page for details!
BINGO!! WE will be giving out BINGO cards again this month! Check our Facebook
page for Bingo Card distribution options. Please keep in mind the AHS guidelines and
wear a mask and limit one person at a time. 1st prize $200 and 2nd prize $100. Good
luck to you all!
21March 2021
AnzacFCSS Support: Are you living alone? Feeling alone or having anxiety? Were
here to chat! We love to talk but we love to listen even more! Our phone line is always
open, and we encourage you to use it! If you would like daily calls and check-ins to see
how you’re doing or to simply say good morning or afternoon contact us and we’ll be
happy to reach out.
Covid Hampers – If you’re suffering from COVID-19 symptoms, or need to isolate but
need necessities, reach out to us, we can assist and help you get the things you need
safely!
Outdoor Rinks: Do you want to learn how to skate? Teach your kids how to skate or
practice your skills and don’t have the equipment? Contact Allison by email at
fortmachockeybros@shaw.ca or by phone 780-215-5668. Both GLE and Anzac
outdoor rinks are open and available to the public! Get out there and enjoy some ice
time!
BSW and AnzacFCSS are still partnering up to offer you a snowshoe experience! All
you have to do is register and reserve your spot! The March dates are 12th & March
30th!
Please check out our Facebook page Anzac Family Community Support Society for all
upcoming events or call 780 334 2450
WE ARE HIRING!!!
Anzac Family and Community Support Society
Office Administrator/Program Coordinator
This position is the sole point of contact for the majority of business and operational functions
associated with the organization.
Contact AFCSS For More Information:
Position Type/hours:
This is a permanent part time position offering 20-25 hours weekly. Our office is located in the
community of Anzac - #2-232 Stony Mountain Rd.
Please send resumes to President@anzacfcss.com
22March 2021
Anzac / Bill Woodward
2020 - 2021 School Calendar
August ‘20 September ‘20 October ‘20
Su M Tu W Th F S Su M Tu W Th F S Su M Tu W Th F S
1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
30 31
November ‘20 December ‘20 January ‘21
Su M Tu W Th F S Su M Tu W Th F S Su M Tu W Th F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 1 2 3 4 5 1 2
8 9 10 11 12 13 14 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
15 16 17 18 19 20 21 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 10 11 12 13 14 15 16
22 23 24 25 26 27 28 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 17 18 19 20 21 22 23
29 30 27 28 29 30 31 24 25 26 27 28 29 30
31
February ‘21 March ‘21 April ‘21
Su M Tu W Th F S Su M Tu W Th F S Su M Tu W Th F S
1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3 4 5 6 1 2 3
7 8 9 10 11 12 13 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
14 15 16 17 18 19 20 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
21 22 23 24 25 26 27 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
28 28 29 30 31 25 26 27 28 29 30
May ‘21 June ‘21 July ‘19
Su M Tu W Th F S Su M Tu W Th F S Su M Tu W Th F S
1 1 2 3 4 5 1 2 3
2 3 4 5 6 7 8 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 4 5 6 7 8 9 10
9 10 11 12 13 14 15 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 11 12 13 14 15 16 17
16 17 18 19 20 21 22 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 18 19 20 21 22 23 24
23 24 25 26 27 28 29 27 28 29 30 25 26 27 28 29 30 31
30 31
School Closed/ Holiday Division PD (no school for students)
PD (no school for students) First and Last Day of School
PLC (no school for students) Organizational Day
Administrative Meetings
23March 2021
Happy Birthday To:
Wally Cheecham Jr. March 1
Yvette Seguin March 2
Sterling Janvier March 2
Saphire Cree March 3
Chelsey VanEe March 4
Scott White March 4
Mila Seguin March 5
Mary McKenzie March 5
MaryRose Lavallee March 6
Sydney Czibere March 6
Chris Gardner March 7
Violet Cheecham Clarke March 8
Bethanie Lavallee March 9
Hailey Cheecham March 10
Cyrus Cheecham March 10
Allan Louttit March 11
Jonah Kawaguhi March 11
Stuart Ross March 13
Allie White March 13
Faith O’Keefe March 14
Gordon Cree March 15
Tina Cree March 16
Sharon Kreutzer
Daniel Cree
March 16
March 17
Happy Anniversary To:
Branden McKenzie March 18 Simone and Lorne Wiltzen
Brittany McKenzie March 18
Sheila Ryan March 18 March 17th
Jennifer Cheecham March 19
Robyn Lynn Dixon March 19
Al White March 19
Kaitlin Kreutzer March 20
Christine Fotty March 21
Cindy Merrick March 21
Feather Bourque-Jenner March 21
Clara Bourque March 22
Mitch Dawson-Janvier March 22 Note:
Tanner White March 22
Peter Cardinal March 23 If you wish to have your birthday and anniversary
Gabriel Cree March 23 published in the Willow Lake News, please send an
Perry Fotty March 24 e-mail to Anzac Municipal Office’s staff or
Rollo Goodwin March 24
call 780-334-2298.
Katie Borek March 26
Jack Seawolt March 27
Roman McEvoy March 27
Laura Cardinal March 30
Laureen Heineault March 30
Jolene Moyer March 30
Cyndel Cheecham March 31
24March 2021
ANZAC MUNICIPAL OFFICE
Please note the office is closed at this
time due to COVID-19. Staff can still be
reached via the info below
237 Stony Mountain Road, Anzac AB T0P 1J0
780- 334-2298 Pulse 780- 743-7000 or 1-800-973-9664
viola.pindog-seguin@rmwb.ca
IMPORTANT CONTACTINFORMATION
IMPORTANT CONTACT INFORMATION
PULSE 1-800-973-9663 PULSE@RMWB.CA RMWB.CA/PULSE
(MUNICIPAL SWITCH BOARD) 780-743-7000
COMMUNITY CONTACTS: SOCIAL MEDIA:
ANZAC RECREATION CENTRE 780-793-6900
ANZAC RECREATION 780-334-2424
@WOODBUFFALORURALCOMMUNITYCONNECTION
SOCIETY / BOARD
ANZAC FCSS 780-334-2450
ANZAC SCHOOL 780-334-2271 @RMWOODBUFFALO
ATCO 1-800-668-2248
@RMWOODBUFFALO
BILL WOODWARD SCHOOL 780-334-0818
CNOOC COMMUNITY 780-334-2850
MUNICIPAL OFFICE SERVICES
OFFICE
WILLOW LAKE METIS 780-334-0008 • UTILITY BILL PAYMENTS
NATION • WATER AND SEWER HOOK UPS
NORTH LIFE ANZAC 780-334-0005
• ANIMIAL LICENSES
PUBLIC HEALTH NURSE 780-791-6247
WILLOW LAKE COMMUNITY 780-334-2679 DEADLINE FOR APRIL NEWSLETTER
ASSOCIATION SUBMISSIONS: MARCH 25, 2021
HEALTH LINK 811
ALL EMERGENCIES 911
25March 2021
COMMUNITY EVENTS & PROGRAMS CALENDAR
MARCH
SUN MON TUE WED THU FRI SAT
1 2 3 4 5 6
7 8 9 10 11 12 13
A virtual open
house 7-8:30 pm
Re: Anzac
Community garden
boxes(see pg. 7)
14 15 16 17 18 19 20
AFCSS AFCSS virtual
Daylight Mindfulness Crib Spring
Visit Anzac tournament @
Saving Time
FCSS FB page 6:30 pm begins
begins
for details
AR&SS
Winter Eggs-
travaganza
(See pg.13)
21 22 23 24 25 26 27
Newsletter
submission
deadline
28 29 30 31
Palm Sunday
26You can also read
