By Murray Green

Shell Canada is going to be acquiring some 3D seismic data later this year to determine if the area is appropriate for carbon sequestration.

Shell presented a proposal that would allow for an Atlas Carbon Storage Hub south of Beaver Hills and into Camrose County.

Carbon capture would be approximately two kilometres below the surface away from water sources.

Shell will be hosting a second community open house at the Round Hill and District Community Centre on June 21 from 4 to 7 p.m. and will provide background information to council prior to the open house, so that the County is aware of the project and scope in advance of advertising the open house.
“The hub would store 10 million tons of carbon and will be filled at about one million tons per year for 10 years,” said Nicole Ternes, Shell business opportunity manager.

The first open house is on June 20 at the Ryley Community Hall from 4 to 7 p.m.

The proposed Atlas Carbon Storage Hub is a proposed partnership between Shell, Suncor and ATCO to store CO2 emissions generated in the Alberta industrial heartland region. If built, the storage hub would store CO2 emissions captured by Shell’s proposed Polaris carbon capture project, as well as potential carbon emissions from Suncor and ATCO’s proposed Heartland Hydrogen Hub.

Atlas would also serve as an open-access hub to store CO2 from other third-party industrial sources. The CO2 would be permanently stored deep below areas of east central Alberta. The project will build on the success of the Quest CCS, with a plan to store CO2 in a porous rock formation called the Basal Cambrian Sands located about two kilometres underground.

If approved to be built by the three partners, the proposed project would be developed in multiple phases and is contingent on acquiring carbon sequestration leases from the Alberta government.

Shell Canada will acquire 3D seismic data to better understand the subsurface and confirm if the area is suitable for underground carbon storage.

Shell is planning to conduct seismic operations of areas within Beaver County and Camrose County beginning in late 2023. This is a process of mapping the layers of rock beneath the surface to support safe CO2 storage.

Water wells in the area will be tested before and after seismic operations. The surveying and seismic recordings will be done in the winter to not disturb any crops.

Once captured, the CO2 is purified and then sent via pipeline to a storage well where it is then permanently stored in a suitable and safe reservoir underground. CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) has sometimes been referred to as a new technology; however, all the technologies used in CCS have been used in varying forms in the oil and gas industry for many decades.

The compression reduces the CO2 volume by about 400 times–turning it into a very dense fluid. The liquid CO2 is put into a pipeline to be sent to an injection well for safe permanent storage underground.

The CO2 is stored within the small, porous spaces within the sandstone rock. These spaces allow for the flow of a liquid within the rock and make up the storage reservoir.

County council received the presentation as 
information.

The stage is set for a line-up of entertainment happening at this year’s Jaywalkers’ Jamboree (2023) in downtown Camrose.

Jaywalkers can take moments out of shopping, rides and midway games and enjoy some of the many fares available while sitting and listening to or watching some live entertainment.

The line-up entertainment for City Center Stage includes: 

• 10 a.m.,OGR-Scintilla
• 11 a.m., Charly Doll
• 12:00 noon, Fraid Notz
• 1 p.m., Jaywalkers Got Talent
• 2 p.m., Jaywalkers Got Talent
• 3 p.m., OGR-Scintilla
• 4:15 p.m., Abby K
• 5 p.m., Bhey Pastolero
• 6 p.m., Noel Ledesma Band
• 7 p.m., Cod Tongues
• 8 p.m., Awkward Turtles
• 9 p.m., DONE

 

• 10 a.m., Brian Dumont
• 11 a.m., Myra Marshall and Tom Lishak
• 12:00 Noon, Josh and Alex
• 1 p.m., Jaywalkers Got Talent
• 2 p.m., Jaywalkers Got Talent
• 3 p.m., Bhey Pastolero
• 4 p.m., Graysparrow
• 5:15 p.m., Hal Strudwick
• 6:30 p.m., Brian Dumont
• 7:45 p.m., Motorcade
• 9 p.m., DONE

 

• 11 a.m., Charly Doll
• 12:00 noon, Jaywalkers Got Talent Finals
• 2 p.m., Graysparrow

Be sure to stop by and cheer on the eight finalists in this years Jaywalkers’ Talent Show on Friday, June 2 and Saturday, June 3 from 1 p.m. until 3 p.m. as they not only showcase their talent but compete for an opportunity to be showcased in next year’s entertainment lineup.

“We are excited to be able to showcase some local upcoming talent with the Jaywalkers’ Talent Show,” said entertainment and Talent Show organizer Kim Meyer-Hockley. “Our winner last year, Bhey Pastolero, will be showcased at different time slots on our entertainment schedule (see above).”

Aside from awarded prizes, the Talent Show offers contestants an opportunity to meet and bond with other talent (contestants), get some exposure and grow their future in entertainment.

By Lori Larsen

If an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure then even doing the littlest thing, such as securing your property every night at 9 p.m., can help prevent you from becoming a victim of crime.

As seasonal temperatures rise more people are out and about increasing the potential for criminal activity. Camrose Police Service Crime analyst Barb Fowler, said the amount of property crime increased in Camrose in April.

“Our monthly crime report indicated an increase in theft from motor vehicles, and general property theft under $5,000 which included an increase in bicycle theft,” noted Fowler. “As part of weekly morning briefings, we discuss the data and out of that determine any weekly priorities."
One such priority involves building awareness and providing residents with some tips on how they can collaborate with the police on preventing crime.

“We are encouraging residents to take part in the 9 p.m. Routine program again,” said Fowler. “This involves residents getting into a routine every night of checking and securing their property including: making sure children put away their bikes and storing away valuables and locking sheds and garages before heading inside for the evening.”

Fowler also advised residents to register bicycles on the free bicycle index registry available at https://bikeindex.org/

“You submit your name and bicycle information (manufacturer and serial number) and you can also upload a photograph of your bike. The police can access the information and in the event of a bike being stolen it can be reported on the registry.”

Besides ensuring your bike is secured at night, CPS advises using bike locks whenever your bike is left unattended.

According to the April report, 70 per cent of the theft from motor vehicles occurred with vehicles that were unlocked.

“We can not stress enough the importance of locking your vehicle,” said CPS Inspector John Corbett. “And never leave your keys or other valuables in your vehicle. A high percentage of theft is opportunity. So taking away that opportunity by properly securing property goes a long way towards preventing crime.”
Both Fowler and Corbett stressed the importance of reporting any suspicious activity to the police.

“The police need more eyes all over town,” said Fowler. “They can’t be everywhere all the time and so it is very important that citizens report anything, anytime, they see or hear something suspicious.

“Be a good neighbour too,” suggested Fowler. “Keep an eye out on your neighbour’s property and let them know if you see something out of place or contact the police.”

While CPS continues to experience a high degree of success with investigations that lead to detecting, identifying and dealing with suspects and preventing further crime, having residents work cooperatively with them by doing their part to reduce crime is a win-win situation.

CPS will be posting information and tips on their social media platforms or residents are encouraged to contact CPS with any questions or information.


Crime analyst
Crime analysts are one of the most effective tools available to support law enforcement today. In recognizing the valuable role a crime analyst plays in aiding in investigations, sharing vital information on crime trends  with other law enforcement agencies and maintaining a high level of service to the community, CPS developed the position in 2005.

The primary purpose  of crime analyst is to support the overall operation of the police service by gathering, researching and analyzing crime data.

The data is provided to CPS membership to assist in criminal investigation, apprehension, and prosecution; patrol activities; crime prevention, strategic planning and problem solving and the evaluation and accountability of the police service.

“Part of my daily duties includes going over the eight crime indicators every morning,” explained CPS Crime analysis Barb Fowler. “I take a snapshot of where activity is occurring and then present the findings to the membership during the morning briefings and changeover.

“From our briefings, I do a weekly information bulletin, and daily stats are captured through our night shift staff, who will take a look at and score occurrences that came in each reporting period,” said Fowler, adding that these stats are looked at every morning and every week to determine what and where criminal activity is occurring.

CPS leadership views the weekly bulletin and will make informed decisions based off the stats to direct membership towards weekly priorities as to what needs to be done to address the crime trends.

Fowler will also present information on any hot topics that have arisen from conference calls, that she participates in weekly with other law enforcement agencies throughout Alberta.

“If we have similarities, we network and share information with other police agencies. We have a good success rate of identifying people who are responsible (for suspicious or criminal activity) and traveling through different areas.”

All the occurrences that are handled through CPS are, in turn, shared with other policing agencies during the conference calls.

“I created and host a weekly conference call for surrounding RCMP detachments aimed at sharing  what is going on, not only in Camrose, but in any of the participating detachments in the Central Alberta area including: the City of Camrose, RCMP detachments in Camrose, Wetaskiwin, Leduc, Tofield, Viking, Killam, Stettler and Bashaw.”

Fowler also creates and sends out a weekly bulletin to these external agencies.

Having the CPS crime analyst has proven to be a critical tool in providing membership and leadership with vital information pertinent to improving the overall well being of the community.

By Lori Larsen

It’s time to dust off the seat, fill up the tires and check the spokes in preparation for Bike Week in Camrose.

Partnering with the Camrose Bike Club, Family Resource Centre and Alberta Health Services, the City of Camrose is hosting the 2023 Bike Week in hopes of getting residents wheeling out and about from June 4 to 9, with some fun, family-friendly scheduled rides.

On June 4, come prepared for the Community 12-kilometre Bike Ride from 3 until 5 p.m. starting and ending in the parking lot of the Smith Clinic.

“We want to encourage residents to get out and use bikes to explore the fantastic trail systems Camrose has to offer,” said Camrose Bike Club member Lee Foreman. “The ride is open to people of all ages and skill levels.”

On June 6, senior riders are invited to come down to the Community Centre (4516-54 Street) for the Seniors’ Bike Tune-Up & Ride. The ride is approximately eight kilometres long and begins and ends at the Community Centre from 2 until 4 p.m.

“Biking is not only beneficial to a person’s overall physical wellness, but also leads to mental health benefits,” noted Camrose Family Resource Centre program coordinator Vanessa Simonot.

Alberta Health Services Community Health Promotion facilitator Kendra Ferguson added, “Everyone can enjoy biking as an activity and it is great for building connections for family.”

On June 7, it’s the kiddos turn with the Kids Bike Rodeo to take place at the Max McLean arena parking lot. Participants will be given an opportunity to ride through an obstacle course with instruction on bike safety, courtesy of Camrose Police Service. Children will also be given tutorials on developing riding skills and learning the rules of the road.

On Thursday, June 8, adult riders can enjoy the Pedals & Pints ride starting at 7 p.m. The approximately 15-kilometre ride will begin in the underpass (by the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre).The group will split into two rides forming a heart shape throughout the city ending at Norsemen Brewing for a refreshing pint, if you are so inclined.

Finishing up the week is the Fat/Mountain Valley Bike Ride on Friday,
June 9 from 7 until 9 p.m. This ride may require a little bit more skill and experience riding in more challenging terrain.

Riders must wear helmets for all City-sponsored rides.

“The great thing about our programming is that we are helping the younger riders to develop skills and learn the rules of the road while showing seniors they can still participate, and include every age in between”, said City of Camrose Recreation and Culture Department manager Tanya Pattullo.

For complete details on Bike Week including maps, visit the City of Camrose website at
 camrose.ca/en/recreation-and-leisure/bike-week.aspx.

By Murray Green

Camrose County is supporting the City of Camrose Fire Department’s proposal to build a fire training 
facility.

A letter of support was agreed on by County council, as long as no financial commitment was needed, at the regular meeting on 
May 23.

“I move that Camrose County council direct administration to provide a letter of support to the City of Camrose Fire Department for the Camrose Fire Training Ground,” said councillor Doug Lyseng. “The training grounds are of little use to County firefighters because in many cases by the time we get to a structural fire, we are down to the basement,” said councillor Jordon Banack (also a member of the Round Hill Fire Department).

“The fire training facility near the Camrose City lagoons would entail an area of 300’ x 200’ with a 10-40’ sea can fire training facility. Historically, CFD has hosted several Lakeland College fire courses in the past and still has the intention to continue. We are not seeking any financial support, only moral support of the feasibility and need,” said Camrose deputy chief Joe Mah, in a letter to County council.

“Camrose County Fire Departments have trained for the past several years with the City of Camrose Fire Department, as they have hosted many Lakeland fire courses. Our training experience has always been positive and beneficial to our fire service. We understand the significance of fire/rescue training and how it benefits, not only our firefighters, but the community whom we serve. It is our understanding that the City of Camrose Fire Department is seeking to construct a fire training facility compound that will involve a sea-can structure, which will enable live fire training. This would be a great asset to the fire training program, and we fully support the City of Camrose Fire Department in the pursuit of this type of facility,” added Mike Kuzio, manager of County Protective Services and regional fire coordinator.

By Murray Green

Camrose golfer Jayla Kucy placed second in the Maple Leaf Junior Golf Tour Maui Jim Classic at the Elmwood Golf and Country Club in Swift Current, SK, on May 20 to 22.

In the 15-19 girls’ division, Jayla (17) posted scores of 78, 86 and 81 for a total of 245 over three rounds. Regina golfer Hallie Crozier (18) won the event. In the junior (16 to 18) boys, Connor Wenig (16) came in tied for 14th with 77, 81, 80 scores for a 238 total. Thomas Danielson of Saskatoon (18) won with a 209 score.

This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Farmers’ Advocate office in Alberta.

To commemorate the important milestone, the government declared March 22 as Farmers’ Advocate Day.

The first farmers’ advocate, Helmut Entrup, was appointed by former Minister of Agriculture Hugh Horner, on January 1, 1973. Over 50 years, the Farmers’ Advocate office has fielded more than 150,000 inquiries from rural Albertans and provided a voice for them at all levels of government.

“Alberta’s Farmers’ Advocate office has been a pivotal resource for our farming community, providing invaluable support and guidance to ensure that our agricultural industry remains strong and sustainable. The office has always advocated for the needs of farmers and ranchers, ensuring that they have access to the information and services they need to succeed, and we remain committed to supporting this important institution and working together to build a brighter future for Alberta’s agriculture sector for generations to come,” said Premier Danielle Smith.

The original mandate of the office was to protect farmer and rancher land ownership rights.

After five decades and 10 different premiers, the Farmers’ Advocate office continues to have a role in Alberta’s agriculture 
industry.

The office has expanded its services to meet the changing needs of Alberta’s producers, providing support and guidance on a wide range of issues, including land use, environmental regulations, dispute resolution and administrative justice through fair process.

“Over the past 50 years, the Farmers’ Advocate office has been an integral voice of the industry, helping shape the direction of agriculture policy in our province and ensuring the needs of farmers have always been front and centre. I’m honoured to celebrate this important milestone and recognize the contributions the office has made to the success and prosperity of farmers and ranchers in our province,” said Nate Horner, Minister of Agriculture and Irrigation.

As part of government’s red tape reduction initiative, the office also helps producers navigate government processes and works with various departments, boards and agencies to find efficiencies and reduce regulatory burdens that affect the agriculture industry.

“The Farmers’ Advocate office has always put the needs of Alberta’s farmers and ranchers first. As we celebrate our 50th anniversary, we are more committed than ever to providing the resources and support producers need to overcome any challenges they face now and in the future,” added Peter Dobbie, current farmers’ advocate.

The first farmers’ advocate was instrumental in securing the cooperation of the department of Utilities and Telephones to help rural Albertans access natural gas.

In 1976, the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties formally endorsed the services of the Farmers’ Advocate office for the resolution of disputes between rural ratepayers and between municipalities and 
ratepayers.

In 1978, the Farmers’ Advocate office became a founding member of the Rural Crime Watch Program. Today, the office still maintains a position as an honorary member in the Alberta Provincial Rural Crime Watch Association.

In 2003, the government made significant amendments to the Farm Implement Act.

In 2006, the Farmers’ Advocate office partnered with the Canadian Society for Unconventional Gas to develop an informational course, Understanding Agriculture 101, to help the oil and gas industry work more effectively with agricultural producers and communities.

In 2008, the Farmers’ Advocate office partnered with the Alberta Arbitration and Mediation Society to establish the Farmers’ Advocate office umpire network, which provided rural Albertans with enhanced mediation and arbitration services.

In 2015, the Farmers’ Advocate office conducted a full review of legislation and regulations and advised on the new Farm Implement and Dealership Act, which protects the investments agricultural producers make in farm 
equipment.

By Murray Green

 Centra Cam Vocational Training Association’s 26th annual Bowl-a-Thon on April 14 raised about $26,863 for programs and equipment.

A morning and an afternoon session involved 80 to 90 bowlers at Tabb Lanes. The purpose of the Bowl-a-thon is to increase the awareness of Centra Cam’s programs.

“The Bowl-a-thon is Centra Cam’s major annual fundraiser and this year proceeds will be used to purchase a seven passenger van and all related expenses,” said Paulette Vickers, of the Centra Cam Vocational Training Association.

Participants were made up of clients, staff, board members, and challenge teams. The challenge teams consist of teams from local businesses and financial institutions.

You can still make a donation to the Bowl-a-Thon by contacting the main facility at 780-672-9995, or etransfer to billpayments@centracam.ca (please specify bowl a thon).

By Murray Green

More than $19.5 million has been invested at the Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre supporting a series of enhancement projects across the site, including a major redesign of the emergency department and upgrades to the medical device reprocessing department.

Additionally, investments to replace the roof, waterlines and repairs to the building envelope, the chiller, medical gases and heating systems will ensure the comfort of patients, staff and visitors, and help extend the life of the building. A new nurse call system enables patients to alert a nurse or other health care staff members if needed.

“All Albertans, no matter where they live, need and deserve access to our world-class health system, and they need it close to where they live,” said Jason Copping, minister of health. “These projects help make that a reality, and are part of our commitment to manage and improve health infrastructure and services across Alberta.”

Funding came from the Government of Alberta’s Infrastructure Maintenance Program.

“The community is pleased to have these investments in health care,” said Rick Wilson, MLA for Maskwacis-Wetaskiwin. “Investments like these in rural Alberta are an important part in ensuring Albertans have access to healthcare facilities that are safe and secure; places that provide high-quality care when they or their loved ones are sick or injured.”

AHS, in partnership with Alberta Infrastructure and Alberta Health, is building and renewing facilities across the province to provide accessible, sustainable, quality healthcare to all Albertans. AHS currently has about 540 maintenance projects underway throughout the province.

“The Wetaskiwin Hospital and Care Centre plays an important role in the well-being of this community and surrounding area,” added Mauro Chies, interim Alberta Health Services (AHS) president and CEO. “The emergency department is one of the busiest in the Central Zone and its redesign will enhance not only the safety of our patients and staff, but will also provide improved treatment spaces. Elsewhere, renovations to the medical device reprocessing department will help support the site’s surgical program and AHS’ ongoing work to reduce surgical wait times across the province. These local investments help ensure the delivery of high-quality healthcare in Wetaskiwin now and into the future.”

By Murray Green

The Powerline Baseball League started its season on May 13 and after two games each Rosalind and The Rivals are both undefeated.

Powerline Baseball League teams will play a 12 game season before heading into playoffs.

Rosalind Athletics beat the Camrose Roadrunners 11-5, The Rivals crushed the Tofield Braves 15-1 and the Vegreville Blue Jays edged the Armena Royals 5-4 in season openers.

On May 17, The Rivals blanked Armena 7-0 and Camrose crushed Vegreville 14-1. The next day Rosalind edged Tofield 6-4.

Tofield takes on Armena on May 30. Rosalind plays Camrose and Tofield travels to The Rivals on May 31.

Vegreville takes on Armena on June 1. On June 6, The Rivals visit Armena, Tofield travels to Rosalind. The next day, June 7, (Vegreville meets Camrose and Rosalind heads to Heisler to play The Rivals. Vegreville is in Tofield and Camrose battles Armena on June 8.

By Lori Larsen

During the May 3 Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce general meeting, members and guests heard a presentation by E3 Lithium external relations director Robin Boschman regarding future plans of Canadian lithium.

E3 Lithium was founded in 2016 with headquarters in Calgary and is a lithium resource and technology company aiming to power the growing electrical revolution.

“Alberta has a huge lithium resource which many people may not be familiar. So we have been working to spread the word, about the potential in Alberta, over the last several years,” said Boschman.

She explained that Alberta has Canada’s largest high confidence resource of lithium and the plans of E3 with regards to developing the resource, including the impact it will have on communities, such as Camrose.

“Lithium is the critical battery mineral required for electric vehicles (EVs),” said Boschman, adding that with the current atmosphere for electrification of the transportation industry vehicles (a global goal of electric vehicles by 2050) and reducing tailgate emissions, there is a lot of support for the development of critical battery minerals such as lithium. “Alberta has a huge opportunity to play a big role in that development. We also have the ability to do it a bit differently and better than what is currently being done around the world.”

In describing the process E3 will be using to develop the lithium resource, Boschman said that the lithium resource is where Imperial Oil first struck oil in 1947. “Our lithium resource is actually underneath the oil and gas deposits in that same aquifer. It is 2.5 kilometres underground and is a brine resource, which means it is salty water, the lithium is in that salty water.”

Boschman said the process involves the use a conventional oil and gas rig to drill down 2.5 kilometres pump up the brine to surface then move it to direct lithium extraction technology, a water treatment process.  It is then run through a sorbent material that removes the lithium ions out of the water.

“The brine production is really built on the decades of years of experience that Alberta has in producing oil and gas resources from conventional resources–70 years of drilling in Alberta and the process is largely the same.”

The lithium is then processed through refinery processes into lithium hydroxide.

Boschman explained that today’s lithium is primarily produced in Australia and South America, describing Australia’s method of producing lithium through open pit or strip mining and South America (which will be similar to how E3 will produce) through the brine resource. “The way they produce the lithium is through large evaporative ponds called salars. Over a period of months or years they actually evaporate that water out of the brine.”

She indicated that because Alberta’s climate is different than that of South America that process would not work here and that process also requires the use of significant land.

“We are proposing to do it different in Alberta, and there are many lithium and technology companies around the world that are also pursuing the same process and technology. It is not commercial yet so people are working on de-risking it including E3 with their pilot project this year.

“Once successful it will take less than three per cent of the land of typical lithium mining projects.”

E3 is working towards commercial production of lithium by 2026 with the completion and commencement  of a field pilot plant located in Mountain View County close to Olds, by the end of this year.

“There is a big demand for getting at these critical minerals and getting at them in a different way, and that positions Alberta for being able to do some.”

Using a map of Alberta, Boschman demonstrated E3’s mineral permit rights as well as higher confidence areas (measured and indicated) of lithium resource.

“Camrose is in our resource area. We are planning our first commercial operations in our Clearwater area (Calgary), but eventually the plan is to build out and operate all these areas including close to where we are today.”

In conclusion, Boschman said that E3 plans in Phase 1 are to produce 20,000 tonnes of lithium hydroxide monohydrate (LHM) per year with potential of expanding up to 150,000 tonnes of LHM per year, with a forecasted operating life of 50 years.

“We think that building our the first commercial facility at 20,000 tonnes per year will bring about 150 new Alberta jobs.”
Questions and answers
Camrose and District Chamber of Commerce executive director Sharon Anderson commented on the development of E3 lithium resourcing and refinement and the impact it would have on the amount of refining having to be done in China and asked if E3 will be exploring battery production.

Boschman responded, “There are so many interesting things happening with critical minerals right now. Almost all of the critical minerals required for EVs are produced in Australia and South America but almost all the critical mineral resources that we have are sent to China for refinement into batteries.

“There is a huge appetite globally to shift away from that. There are huge incentives (created by the US Inflation Reduction Act) that would require critical minerals to be processed in North America. There are really big financial incentives to keep the critical minerals at home.”

Boschman said that E3 is working on being part of the supply chain (battery).  “We are looking into what kind of incentives can be put behind it to get more processing capability and jobs in Alberta because we have the highest resource.”

Chamber member Denise Hawkins asked, “With this process, there really should be no objections from the way it is mined?”

In response, Boschman said, “In any industry, there is always going to be objection and people that think differently, but the truth is we are not mining. We are considered mining in the Capital market and investment community because we are aiming to produce a resource, but it is not  mining at all. We are not opening up the earth for a large open pit mine. With what our resource is, being a subsurface brine, and how we are planning to process that, the  goal is to have a very environmentally, socially in-governenced, geo-conscious approach.”

Chamber member Bob Blayone asked, “Where is the funding coming from?”

Boschman replied, “A lot of our seed capital is coming from the public market (traded on the Toronto and Frankfurt stock exchange and US). At this point we have matched what comes through capital funding with grant funding as well.”

Chamber member Julie Girard asked if E3 has been receiving government approval on their projects.

“We are regulated by the Alberta Energy Regulator,” replied Boschman, adding that the Pilot Project has all the necessary permits and they are already working on the site. As for the commercial facility, E3 is currently working towards commercial permits and do not anticipate any issues.”

Hawkins asked if E3 will be using any of the Alberta’s abandoned wells.

“That is going to be another amazing thing about operating in Alberta. There are about 4,000 wells drilled today into our resource. Where possible, we are able to repurpose existing wells. Last year, in the inaugural program, we drilled two new wells and repurposed one existing well,” which she said not only saved the company approximately $1 million, but means not having to drill new wells.

Richard Bruneau inquired about funding for both the pilot project and the future commercial 
project.

Boschman said the pilot project is fully funded largely through grants and root funding and said that funding requirements for first commercial facility will be financed using capital markets, grants and debt.

Camrose County Reeve Cindy Trautman asked about the impact E3’s processing of lithium will have on fresh water, specifically how the water is processed, will it be reused and how it is disposed, as well as how much water would it take to make a metric tonne.

Boschman said, “There is no fresh water aquifer interactions. In terms of the brine itself, the process is a closed loop system, so once the lithium is pulled out of the brine, we will reinject the brine back in a different location.” She didn’t have all the answers specific to the fresh water usage and encouraged Trautman to provide her with her contact information so she could get back to her.

Questions were asked on transfer payments, which Boschman said she was unable to provide an answer at this time and about royalties, which she indicated the royalty system in place would be very close to the oil and gas industry.

Girard asked about E3’s plans on training partnerships as the company progresses and expands in employment resources.

Boschman said they are beginning conversations with academic institutions.

For more information on E3 Lithium project, visit the website at 
www.e3lithium.ca.

By Lori Larsen

Camrose & Area Animal Shelter will be the beneficiaries of the power of magic, when four magicians/entertainers come together for a show of intrigue on June 10 at the Camrose United Church, 4829-50 Street.

Imp-Act Entertainment will be presenting Impossibilities Incorporated a live night of entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. with doors open at 5 p.m. with all proceeds for the event donated to the Camrose & Area Animal Shelter.
The evening performance will feature: the wizardry of Lothar Malmberg who has performed all over the world; Greg Ross performing his signature, award-winning  dove magic with second time around assistant, theatre student graduate Ellora Mark; the comedy magic of Mark Hawryluk and the whiz with a rope Kirt Bennett.

Event producer and  magician Greg Ross is excited to be returning to Camrose, somewhere he calls his second home.

“I have family living in Camrose and I always enjoy coming here. Camrose is a city, but has a small town mentality. Everyone is everyone’s neighbour.”

Choosing the Camrose & Area Animal Shelter as the beneficiaries of all proceeds from the show was an easy choice for Ross. “I am very passionate about animals and their welfare. They don’t always necessarily have someone to help them out,” commented Ross who said his co-performers were also happy to be able to give of their talent and time to help out a good cause.

“This is my third or fourth fundraiser and I have helped other local animal rescue organizations.  Camrose & Area Animal Shelter Society is a good organization that needs our help.”

Ross admits he is somewhat of an introvert and found magic as a way to express his alter ego.

“My magic is what makes me feel good about myself,” said Ross, “And I also love to make people smile and be happy.”

Something he not only does by providing and audience with the marvel of magic, but also by performing fundraisers that give beyond the one to two hour shows.

“One of the first shows I did was a school fund-
raiser,” recalled Ross. “There was an older gentlemen there who was laughing and having a great time and we were feeding off each other’s energy.”

Ross said awhile after that show, a woman approached him in a grocery store and asked him if he was a magician. When he told her he was, she gave him a big hug.

“Apparently that gentleman was her husband and that month he had been diagnosed with cancer and probably had less than six months to live.”

For Ross, the fact that for approximately an hour and a half he was able to help someone forget their sad fate, was where the real magic occurred. “That feels pretty good.”

The art of magic plays to so many senses of the audience. The sense of fascination, disbelief or converted belief, confusion and wonder.

“Every show is different because every audience is different. My goal is to make people feel that emotion of awe,” said Ross.

The feeling that children, and adults alike, get when they see fireworks, beautiful art or hear beautiful music but more importantly, experience the goodness of others.

“I really just want others to feel good and feel good about themselves.”

The evening event will also include a silent auction, balloon twisters (by donation) and a 50/50 draw.

Tickets can be purchased by QR Code or directly to Eventbrite. For more information on Greg Ross visit the Magician/Dove Conjuror Greg Ross Facebook page or email 
DoveConjuror.73@gmail.com.

By Lori Larsen

Camrose Association for Community Living invites Camrose and area residents to join them in their celebration of all things community on June 14 during the annual Community Celebration to be held at CAFCL (4604-57 Street) from 4 until 5:30 p.m.

Last year, CAFCL celebrated 60 years of making a difference in the lives of people throughout Camrose and east central Alberta and has grown to serving approximately 584 youth, adults, children and their families.

CAFCL has been serving the community since 1962, when CAFCL was founded by  Irna and Bob Burgess (then called the Burgess School) realizing their son Ricky had some developmental disabilities and the need for a school and organization that would be dedicated to assisting people with disabilities.

CAFCL has since grown to include an association with a board of directors and an organization that, to date, offers a variety of programs and services that benefits and supports the individuals they serve.

Guests wishing to attend the June 14 Community Celebration Ceremony are asked to RSVP by June 12, or, for more information on CAFCL,
visit the website at 
www.cafcl.ca.

DEATHS

• Shirley (nee Kjos) Wilds, of Calgary, on May 12, at 86 years of age.
• Carter Robert Lawrence Barrie, of Bawlf, on May 12, at 18 years of age.
• Ronald “Ron” Lawrence Schoenknecht of Camrose, formerly of Vernon, BC, on May 14, at 72 years of age.
• Lester Christenson of Kingman, on May 21, at 83 years of age.
• Jim Young, of Brooks, on May 22, at 74 years of age.
• Gordon Warner, of Tofield, on May 25, at 86 years of age.
• Patricia “Patti” Ann Hoffman, of Camrose, on May 25, at 64 years of age.
• Hellen Carry Enokson, of Edmonton, on May 25, at 92 years of age.
• Dennis Edward Devitt, of Camrose, on May 25, at 79 years of age.
• Lois Yvonne Fisch of Camrose, formerly of Moose Jaw, SK and Calgary, on May 26, at 89 years of age.
• Merlyn Goy, of Ryley, formerly of BC, on May 26, at 75 years of age.