Columns & News

Easter customs around the world

Camrosians celebrate with the yearly Easter Park Hop. Hunters can find eggs placed around Mirror Lake, Jubilee Park and Stoney Creek, strike a pose to take a photo with the egg for a chance to win the Photo Contest. Winner will receive a gift card to a local business of their choice. From left, Candice Lowe, from parks department; Casey Elliot, from community services; and Jayda Calon, recreation program coordinator; took a walk around Mirror Lake as they scouted for the best spots to place the eggs.

By Adan Shaikh

Easter marks an important time for Christians all around the world. While the meaning of the holiday remains the same, every country has its own unique culture and stories that have shaped how they celebrate the holiday over time.

In Canada, Easter celebrations mean church services, family gatherings, egg hunts and long weekend activities. In other parts of the world, those traditions can look very different.

In Australia, the mascot for the holiday is not the bunny. In fact, it has been replaced by the Easter Bilby, an animal native to the country. Chocolate bilbies are sold instead of bunnies, because rabbits are considered a pest in Australia. This shift happened as an effort to raise awareness about wildlife conservation. Introduced to the ecosystem in 1800s, the rabbits caused significant damage to the Australian environment. In 1980s, environmentalists and conservationists posed the idea to use bilbies instead of bunnies and, by 1990s, Easter Bilbies were officially the new holiday mascot.

In Bermuda, Easter looks even more different. The holiday is celebrated by filling the skies with beautiful, colourful kites. This practice is a symbol of the ascension of Christ. On Good Friday, communities gather to fly kites and spend quality time with families and friends. The weather timeline also complements this tradition with steady winds and sunny days. Families often build their own kites and decorate them with a cross to signify the religious significance.

In Poland and Hungary, Easter Monday is known as Śmigus-Dyngus or Ducking Monday. The day is celebrated by people splashing each other with water, a custom that has evolved into a playful celebration. The tradition was derived from older pagan customs tied to purification and spring renewal that later blended into Christian celebrations. Today it has taken on a more joyous role, especially among young people, but the symbolism of cleansing and rebirth are still there.

In Finland and Sweden, children dress up as witches and go door to door looking for treats. The tradition mixes Easter with older folklore and seasonal customs, giving the holiday a local flare. Derived from ancient Norse lore, the tradition is meant to scare away evil spirits on Maundy Thursday. They go door to door with drawings, decorations and even twigs,trading them for sweets. The custom is linked to oan folk tale that believed witches flew off on Maundy Thursday, requiring people to light fires and make noise to ward them off.

In Greece, eggs are dyed red. The colour represents the sacrifice of Christ, while the hard shell symbolizes the sealed tomb, which is broken at the resurrection. The eggs are used in game called Tsougrisma, where families and friends tap their red eggs together. The person whose egg remains uncracked is considered lucky.

Even with unique traditions and customs around Easter, it continues to reflect the common theme of renewal and celebration everywhere.

Council approves pool pass sharing agreement with Wetaskiwin

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose City council has approved a pass sharing agreement with City of Wetaskiwin that will let residents keep swimming and working out when local facilities are shut down for maintenance.

The agreement is between the Mayer Aquatic Centre and the Manluk Centre, and is meant to keep services available during each city’s annual pool shutdown.

Under the plan, people with active monthly, three-month or annual passes can use the other city’s facility at no extra cost while their membership is paused.

“We still pause their passes just to recognize the inconvenience of having to drive down to Wetaskiwin. So when you get back here and our pool is open, that gets added onto your pass, let’s say we are shut down for three weeks and you have a one-year pass, you get the three weeks added onto it,” said Ryan Poole, general manager of community services. Flex passes and 10-visit passes are not included in the agreement.

Access is only available during the official shutdown period and covers the same aquatic and fitness services included in a user’s membership.

“We have different times that we shut down, one is in spring and we do ours in the fall,” commented Poole.

Visitors will need to show a valid membership card, and facilities can verify passes. Anyone with an expired, suspended or revoked membership will not be allowed in.

Both locations will track how many out of town users come through during the shutdowns. There is no cost sharing between the cities. Each will cover its own operations as usual.

The agreement will stay in place unless either city gives 30 days notice to end it and will apply each year during scheduled maintenance closures.

A totally claw-some musical

Phoenix Academy performed their year-end show at the Mirror Lake Centre to an appreciative audience. The students and their instructors worked hard to make this fun musical come together.

By Nadine Leming

The Phoenix Academy is an inclusive arts education program established in 2022. The goal of the program is to provide accessible, engaging and affordable opportunities that empower their students. Each participant gains their own unique voice and builds confidence both on and off stage.

They held several performances of their latest production The Claw March 21 to 22 at the Mirror Lake Centre. This 45-minute musical focused on the themes of friendship, courage and the ability to embrace change.

The storyline follows Dot, a terrified stuffed cow, and her friend Aiden, both living inside a broken claw machine. Together they face their fears of the uncertainty when the machine suddenly turns on and they risk being taken by children.

The students did an absolutely fabulous job of acting, singing and dancing throughout the musical. They mastered the choreography which was set to fun and catchy music.

The audiences were genuinely engaged in the show, often clapping, cheering and laughing throughout the show.

Director Emily Rutledge said, “The teachers and parents give so much support to make these productions happen and having awesome audiences turn out to see the show makes it all worth it.”

The two main characters, “Dot”, played by Karis Rutledge, and “Aiden”, played by Harper Suyker, tapped into their inner stuffed animals with solid performances. The supporting cast were also amazing, celebrating with Dot when she finally faces her fears.

Emily added, “These kids are superstars, putting in work for months in advance. We expect a lot from them, because we know they are capable of doing hard things and doing them well. We are so proud of them!”

Every aspect of the show both on and off stage was well executed, allowing the audience to sit back and enjoy the journey with the characters.

City updates how public spaces are used

By Adan Shaikh

City council has approved updates to how public spaces are used in municipal facilities after concerns were raised about common areas at the recreation centre being used to promote ideologies and collect petition signatures.

At the March 23 Regular Council meeting, council approved an updated facility booking policy along with a new use of City common spaces policy that sets clearer rules for what is allowed in shared public areas.

The changes were brought forward after an increase in requests from individuals and groups wanting to promote ideas, religions or petitions inside City recreation facilities. Under the new rules, those activities cannot take place in common spaces and must instead be limited to a booked room within a recreation facility.

Common spaces such as hallways, lobbies, entry ways, corridors, staircases, elevators, parking areas and spaces within 20 metres of facility entrances are now defined as neutral, non-partisan and welcoming areas intended for residents and visitors accessing City programs and services.

The policy also states that signs, posters, exhibits and promotional materials are not permitted in common spaces unless they are connected to an approved facility use and authorized by the City.

The updates will give City staff clearer direction while making sure residents can continue to enjoy city facilities without being confronted by political, ideological or religious activity in shared public areas.

A golden egg and a chance to win $500

Nicole Jensen, left, and Annelie Breugem are excited to kick off the very first Easter Egg Hunt hosted by the Realty Bureau. The realtors have hidden a golden egg around one of the Camrose parks for one skilled hunter to find.

By Adan Shaikh

Realty Bureau is giving back to the community this Easter with a $500 prize hidden inside a golden egg, waiting to be found.

Participants are invited to solve a riddle and search through Camrose parks for the egg. Once found, instructions will be provided to claim the prize.

Annelie Breugem, co-organizer of the event, shared that the goal is to bring people together while encouraging them to spend time outdoors. “This is the first year of many. We want to do this egg hunt every year.”

“We want to bring the community together, and show the beautiful parks that we have around,” said Nicole Jensen, co-organizer of the hunt.

The hunt begins April 4, and participants can start at any time. To take part, hunters need to follow the clues provided in the riddle below and begin their search.

The riddle:

“Where winter whispers and summer plays,
Where colours change through all the days.
A place that holds the seasons four,
With paths to wander and explore.
Round and round, the beauty spins,
Where every season truly begins…
Look where nature tells its story –
That’s where you’ll find your hidden glory.”

Curling Club set to receive compensation for ice plant failure

By Adan Shaikh

At the March 23 Regular Council meeting, Mayor PJ Stasko and the City council approved compensation for the Rose City Curling Club following a chiller failure that forced an early end to its 2025-26 curling season.

The failure at the Max McLean Curling Rink ice plant in early February left the club without ice. The season was shut down and the club chose not to rebuild once the system was functioning again. The president of the curling club board of directors, Connor Roland, presented to the council with a detailed summary of why the club had incurred losses.

Ryan Poole, general manager of community services for the City of Camrose, noted the lost revenue during the shutdown, but said regular expenses such as salaries, rent and cleaning costs would have been incurred regardless, as well as potential savings during the time of closure.

Two additional options were outlined for council to consider. These included compensation based on lost revenue only, estimated at $34,128.58, or directing administration to work with the club on a revised proposal reflecting curling related losses between February 6 and March 19, minus any revenue generated during that time.

Councillor Lucas Banack made the motion to approve option two, “I would like to make a motion that the council approve a waiver of the Rose City Curling Club’s lease fees for the final three months for the 2025-26 season and for the full seven months of the 2026-2027 season totalling $46,171,10 as compensation for the impacts of the February 2026 ice plant failure.”

Councillor Wayne Throndson opposed the decision, stating that option two overcompensates for the loss actually incurred by the Curling Club and that the adequate number would have been option three, which was $34,128.58.

The motion was carried with the rest of the council voting in favour of option two.

Gordon Olson owns a modified Renault 4L

Gordon Olson’s 1965 Renault may not look like the original model, with its roof chopped and added stripes Olson has maintained the charm of the original while adding his own creativity to the build.

By Adan Shaikh

Vintage car enthusiast, Gordon Olson, owns a completely custom-built 1965 Renault 4L that was headed to the scrap yard but is now a fully-functioning machine.

“It was covered in spruce and when I got everything dug out of it, there was no floor left in it. So it took quite a bit of work to get it to run,” he shared.

The Renault 4L, first introduced by the French automaker in the early 1960s, was designed as a simple, practical vehicle. Known for its compact build and reliability, it became one of the company’s most widely produced models worldwide. However, sightings in Canada are fairly rare, particularly in rural communities, making Olson’s rebuild one of a kind.

The Renault had already been altered by a previous owner. Originally built as a sedan, the structure had been heavily modified before Olson took ownership.

“It was a sedan at one time. Whoever had it before me had renovated it a bit. The top had been just cut off with an angle grinder and I had to put the little top on it and around the back, put some iron on,” he said.

The vehicle still runs on the small four-cylinder engine it came with, producing 26 horsepower. It features an 800 cc engine paired with a three-speed manual transmission. While modest in power, the car remains functional and roadworthy.

The vehicle is not used for long distance driving and reaches speeds of about 50 miles per hour, suited more for short local trips than highway travel. When it does get on the highway to go to shows, it gets passed by other drivers, not because of the speed, but for its unqiue colour and look.

“I thought it should have race car stripes on it,” joked Olson.

One of the most challenging aspects of the restoration was rebuilding the missing floor, which required outside help and careful fabrication.

“The corrugated metal down there is from an old Ford truck box,” shared Olson. “I have a friend at Border Paving and he bent quite a bit of the metal for me and we welded in patches here and there,” he said.

The interior was also pieced together using available materials. The seats installed came from the centre row of a Nissan van, adding to the car’s patchwork character.

Painted a bright yellow, the car garners attention wherever it goes for its creative touches that reflect both the charm of the Renault 4L and the effort put in by Olson to add his own flare.

Down at the honky tonk

By Nadine Leming

There is an excitement of sitting in the audience of the Grand Ole Opry, The Ryman Auditorium, or at your favourite table at the Bluebird Café about to witness country music greatness.

There is also an excitement of not having to pack any bags and struggling through long airport lines to see some of that country music greatness with the return of Heartstrings and Honky Tonks on April 2 at the Lougheed Performing Arts Centre (LPAC). The audience should be in their seats by 6:45 as the show goes live promptly at 7 p.m.

On the heels of two consecutive seasons that saw overwhelming demand for tickets, the show looks to carry the momentum into 2026 with another great line-up.

This event also saw back to back nominations for the Canadian Country Music Associations (CCMA) country music special or event of the year awards.

Experience a truly intimate musical event where artists and audience connect while being part of an unforgettable live broadcast on 840 AM radio hosted by Canadian Country Hall of Fame’s Jackie Rae Greening.

This live show is fashioned after a traditional Nashville style songwriters round, often referred to as a guitar pull.

The evening will feature amazing songwriters sharing the stories behind the music that will take audiences on an epic journey turning personal narratives into powerful, intimate performances.

The list of amazing singer/songwriters for this action packed show includes Brad Mates of Emerson Drive, Dan Davison, Clayton Bellamy, Morgan Klaiber and Tony Stevens. There will be a special guest appearance by Camrose’s own Myra Marshall accompanied by Tom Lichak.

Myra said, “Though I have fronted cover bands for over 25 years, it’s only in the past year that I’ve begun songwriting. Being able to showcase one of my own songs at Heartstrings and Honky Tonks alongside such respected Canadian country artists is something I’m truly grateful for.”

She added, “I’m confident that everyone who attends this intimate show will enjoy the acoustic performances we’ll be bringing to the stage.”

The performance will be led by award winning and platinum selling writers Dan Davidson and Clayton Bellamy.

They bring their Nashville experience to Camrose as the audience gets to enjoy each song performed the way they were intended to be sung.

For more information or to purchase tickets, go to www.camroselive.ca

Lovely advocates for safety on Highway 21

A bench outside the Chuck MacLean Arts Centre honours Hershita Sainbhee, who tragically passed away in June 2018. The bench, along with the many cars still displaying safe driving stickers in her memory, serves as a reminder of the profound impact such incidents can have on families and entire communities.

By Adan Shaikh

Advocacy for passing lanes along Highway 21 continues despite the project not being included in the Province’s 2026 budget.

As reported in the March 17 issue of The Camrose Booster, City Councillor Don Rosland said the Province confirmed passing lanes for the highway were not part of Budget 2026.

The issue returned to the Legislature on March 24, when Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely urged the Province to move the project forward.

“Highway 21 is a major transportation corridor that runs parallel to the Camrose constituency. It is a highway that intersects and serves a number of constituencies across central Alberta and sadly there have been a number of accidents across this stretch of road,” said Lovely.

The push for improvements dates back to 2018, after a young Camrose resident, Hershita Sainbhee was lost in a fatal, multi-vehicle collision. A petition launched by her mother, Parampreet Sainbhee gained tremendous community support, raising concerns about safety along the busy corridor. That effort led to a study, which ultimately recommended adding passing lanes.

Lovely said concerns have been raised repeatedly by the City of Camrose, Camrose County and residents, with families continuing to share the impact of serious collisions.

“Our community remains steadfast in advocating for the Highway 21 passing lane project to be prioritized in this upcoming budget cycle,” she said.

While the project has yet to be funded, Lovely signalled the conversation is far from over, thanking the minister of transportation and economic corridors and expressing a willingness to keep working toward solutions.

“Improving safety on this corridor is not just about infrastructure it is about protecting lives,” concluded Lovely.

Gus at Gravity

By Nadine Leming

Camrose’s own Matthew “Gus” Gusul will be coming home to perform as Gus Gustopherson on April 3 at Gravity Lounge at 6 p.m.

The show will include original music, possibly some from his first album Happy Hour Hootenanny Hymns released last fall. The audience can also expect cover tunes sprinkled into his performance.

This is a timely appearance as Gus releases his new song, “Wakes You Up” on April 2. The single has already been receiving radio play across the country and will be found on his next album, anticipated to be released late 2026 or early 2027.

Over the last few years, Gus has been working on his solo career while living in St. John’s, Newfoundland. His sound fuses the prairie roots of Alberta steeped in storytelling and the spirit of the east coast, evoking the raw emotion of the Maritimes.

He looks forward to sharing his voice as the performance caps off a busy, momentous week leading into his homecoming show.

Many local residents may remember Gus as the lead singer of The Vinyl Experiment, the Camrose band active between 2002 to 2011. To return to his hometown to perform always resonates deeply for him.

Gus’ most recent performance in Camrose was at the Nordlys Film Festival after party. He is ecstatic to bring the music back home to the community that has been a cornerstone of his musical journey.
It is an opportunity that he doesn’t take for granted.
You can find Gus on all major streaming platforms to check out his music.

Get your car road ready for spring

By Adan Shaikh

Entering the fourth month of the year, the coldest days are surely in the rear-view mirror, and although current road conditions still raise some uncertainty, springing into the next season ahead of time can help ensure vehicles are road-ready and well maintained.

Listed below are seven things to check for when the thaw finally happens:

Tires

Switching out the winter tires should be on top of the list, once consistent temperatures of around 7 °C appear in the forecast and the possibility of snow has clearly ended. Vehicles using all-season tires should still be inspected for wear and tear caused by cold weather and temperature shifts.

Clean and clear

Rims and the exterior should be checked to ensure no damage has occurred and no debris is stuck in or around the vehicle, especially around the tires.

A thorough wash, especially of the undercarriage, helps remove debris that may have built up over the winter months. It also provides a good opportunity to check for loose parts or possible damage.

Inspect the brakes

Brake pads should be checked to ensure everything is functioning smoothly. If something feels off, it is usually worth a second look.

Check fluids

Spring is an ideal time for an oil change, helping clear out residue from months of cold starts and heavier use. Other fluids should also be checked and topped up to keep everything running properly.

Check the electronics

Headlights and battery performance should be checked to ensure everything is fully functioning. Winter conditions can take quite a toll on both.

Wipers

After a long winter, wiper blades are often worn down. If they are streaking or making noise, replacement is likely needed.

Air filter

Air filters tend to collect dust and debris over the winter months. Replacing them in the spring helps keep the vehicle running clean and efficiently.

A bit of preparation now can go a long way. Spring in Alberta may take its time, but when it does arrive, it helps to not be caught off guard.

BRCF awards grant to ACAA

Alex Oliver, director with the Battle River Community Foundation Board, presents the cheque to Shara Harke, ACAA education coordinator in the Camrose office.

Submitted by Laura Young

The Battle River Community Foundation awarded a $7,000 grant to the Association of Communities Against Abuse (ACAA).

The grant from the Battle River Community Foundation deals particularly with resources aimed toward the well-being of children.

Stephanie Hadley, the executive director of ACAA states, “We’re grateful to the Battle River Community Foundation for helping us to provide adults the tools they need to respond with care when children reach out about sexual violence. Providing informed, compassionate support leads to stronger healing outcomes for children and youth in Camrose and area.”

The tools of which Hadley speaks includes booklets, written and produced by the organization, to provide trauma informed supportive responses to children impacted by sexualized violence. Potential recipients include parents, teachers, caregivers, and other professional and community members.

ACAA intends, with its written pieces, to create a more sustainable form of capacity building among individuals, as the organization covers such a large area and staff cannot be everywhere. By building strong and useful content to support service providers and survivors, ACAA has created a low cost, low barrier way to start children on the journey to healing.

ACAA, on its website, describes itself as, “… dedicated to addressing sexual violence and other forms of trauma through treatment support and education to promote safe, healthy, well-functioning children, families and communities.”

The idea for ACAA was formed in the late 1980s by a group of individuals from East Central Alberta worried about the number of child sexual abuse cases they were seeing and the lack of services available. In 1987, with the extension to include child emotional and physical abuse, ACAA was born. Today, ACAA has its main office in Stettler and satellite offices in Camrose and Drumheller, providing services to people throughout a large part of East Central Alberta.

The grant for ACAA is provided by the Glen and Kim Renwick Family Fund, as well as the Battle River Community Foundation Community Fund.
The Battle River Community Foundation exists to support organizations in east central Alberta that benefit the local communities and positively impact the future.

Grants from the Battle River Community Foundation are primarily made possible through the generosity of individual donors and organizations that have created endowment funds. The principal of these endowment funds is kept intact, and the income is made available annually to support local projects and organizations.

Since it was founded in 1995, the Battle River Community Foundation has granted over $10,469,392 to support charitable activities in the Battle River Region.

Girls hockey at provincials

By Nadine Leming

The Camrose U13B Wildcats worked hard on coming to each practice and game ready to work with the intention of improving while having a fun and rewarding season.

Coach Ken Schafer said, “We did a lot of team building throughout the season and made our dressing room a positive environment where the girls felt safe and happy, and a place they wanted to be.”

This was a team that had a broad spectrum of players, from ones that were close to making AA and some that had never played hockey before this year and everything in between. After the Christmas break, the team focused on team play while still developing important individual skills, challenging the girls in a strong division for most of the season, helping them to play at a faster pace.

All the work put in by the players, coaches and parents paid off as the team headed into provincials hosted in Vermillion March 20 to 22.

The girls left everything on the ice and showed great heart despite falling short 1-0 to Medicine Hat at the tournament which closed out the run for a provincial title.

In the face of this hard defeat, the coaches and parents were proud and impressed with how the team grew and developed over the season. They were happy that the team enjoyed so much fun together.

The team played with heart over the season and during the tournament, battling hard to get where they did over the season. They should be proud to be one of five teams to represent Camrose at provincials.

Back to Bridgerton event

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

The Camrose Arts Society is hosting their Back to Bridgerton event on April 11 at the Bailey Theatre. The community is busy preparing for the special evening. From left, Mellisa Banack, Aamira Adekeye and Mirriam Ivashchenko were spotted at the modiste’s in search of the perfect gowns for the elegant evening.

Spring RV checkup

By Adan Shaikh

The most anticipated season of the year is here again: camping season! Families are ready to uncover their campers and RVs and trade busy routines for time in nature. Before that first trip, a bit of preparation can make the difference between a smooth getaway and an unplanned lesson in roadside problem solving. Here are five things that should not be skipped when getting an RV ready for spring:

Dewinterizing water system

After months in storage, the water system needs to be properly flushed and refreshed. Antifreeze used during winterizing should be cleared from the lines, and fresh water should be run through the entire system. Faucets, showers and toilets should all be checked to ensure water is flowing cleanly and without any issues. Any lingering smell is usually a sign that another flush is needed. It is also a good time to check for leaks.

Inspecting roof and seals for damage

Roofs and seals take on the full force of winter, with snow buildup, ice and temperature swings. A careful inspection should be done to check for cracks, soft spots or worn sealant around vents, skylights and edges. Even small gaps can lead to water damage over time, and that tends to show up after the trip has already started. Catching it early is far less exciting than dealing with it mid-camping trip, but definitely much more convenient.

Checking tire pressure

Tires often lose pressure during storage, and cold temperatures do them no favours. Pressure should be checked and adjusted according to manufacturer recommendations before heading out. Tires should also be inspected for cracks, uneven wear or anything that looks questionable. RV tires may not see daily use, but they carry a lot of weight when they do.

Battery health

After sitting through the winter, batteries may be drained or weakened. Charge levels should be checked, and connections inspected for any corrosion or buildup. If the battery struggles to hold a charge, replacement may be the better option before the season gets underway. A healthy battery keeps everything from lights to slide-outs functioning, which is usually appreciated once the sun goes down.

Appliances check

Before heading out, appliances should be tested to ensure everything is working as expected. This includes the fridge, stove, furnace and water heater. Running them briefly can help identify any issues early, whether it is a burner that refuses to light or a fridge that takes its time deciding whether to cooperate. It is much easier to troubleshoot in the driveway than at a campsite.

Camping season may be about relaxing, but getting there usually requires making sure the RV is just as ready for the trip as everyone else.

Learn how to prevent heat stress in plants

By Adan Shaikh

Spring may not be fully here, but as all gardeners know, the time to plan for the upcoming season has already arrived.

One of the biggest challenges for gardeners in Camrose and the surrounding area, in recent years, has been water restrictions and an increase in hot days. Rising temperatures can lead to more presistent plant disease and drought conditions, which can quickly wipe out even a well-planned garden.

To help navigate the changing, drier climate, Canadian Northern Society’s expert gardener Glenys Smith will host an informative workshop open to all skill levels.

The class will take place April 11 from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Camrose Heritage Railway Station and Museum.

Smith will share how to plan for heat stress and drought, including practical principles and treatments gardeners can implement. Participants are encouraged to take notes, and handouts will be provided. Beverages will be available; however, gardeners are asked to bring a lunch with them.

To register or for more information, call 780-672-3099 or email canadiannorthern@telus.net.

Legion donation

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

The Ladies’ Auxiliary of the Royal Canadian Legion branch No. 57 presented a cheque for $1,500 to the Battle River Alternative Centre for Education (BRACE). From left, Linda Stevenson, first vice-president of Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary; Amanda Cardinal, BRACE teacher; and Linda Olson, secretary-treasurer of the Legion Ladies’ Auxiliary. BRACE provides online/outreach schooling for grade 10 to 12 students in the Battle River School Division, ensuring accessibility to education for all students.

Property taxes to be increased

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose City Council is preparing for a rise in property taxes following an increase in the provincial education tax. The Province of Alberta sets the education property tax each year, and municipalities collect it on the province’s behalf.

This year, the province raised the rate to fund growing costs in K to 12 education. For residents of Camrose, the increase could mean an extra $110 for the average residential property, and about $40 per $100,000 of assessed value for non-residential properties.

At the March 23 Committee of the Whole Council meeting, Travis Lantz, City manager of assessment, presented three options to Mayor and Council for distributing the tax increase:

Keep rates status quo and spread the increase evenly between residential and non-residential properties.

Shift 0.5 per cent extra to residential properties, reducing the impact on commercial properties.
Shift 0.5 per cent off of residential properties and onto the commercial properties.

Council is leaning toward keeping the status quo and to distribute the tax increase evenly across all properties. Lantz has been directed to bring the proposed rates back for approval at the April 20 Regular Council meeting to finalize the rates.

Property tax notices will be mailed starting May 15, and payments will be due by June 30. The City of Camrose has shared that they have no control over the provincial education tax rate.

Residents can find more details at www.camrose.ca/taxes

Anthem singer

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

The Kodiaks had a very special anthem singer for game four of their playoff series versus Drumheller. Oilers’ anthem singer Robert Clark sang “O Canada” alongside fans from the stands. Robert was happy to take selfies with Kodiaks fans and mascot Kodi.

U18 Wildcats journey to provincials

By Nadine Leming

The U18 Wildcats had a great season, growing together as a team. They faced challenges and adversity, yet stayed composed, supporting each other and competed as a team. It was as a unit they trusted one another in all situations.

As the season developed, the players focused on building a strong team culture from the beginning. They set out clear expectations around respect, effort and accountability.

Coaches encouraged players to communicate openly while celebrating each other’s successes, supporting each other when things got tough.

Team bonding played a role on the squad both on and off the ice. The parents were onboard supporting the entire team, just not their own child, making working together a safe place for everyone.
The hardworking and resilient team of girls grew in their hockey skill set, leadership and sportsmanship this season. That positive attitude led them to the provincials March 20 to 22 in Irma.

Throughout the tournament the girls displayed grit, drive and tenacity. The team showed great character to bounce back after a tough loss to Lakeland.

The players came back with a renewed sense of resilience with a 4-2 win over Cochrane and displayed a fighting spirit in a tie versus Calgary that advanced them to the semi-finals.

In an intense semi-final game, the Wildcats fought hard to the final whistle with Cheyenne Suchy stepping up to tie the score twice with the teams locked at two a piece after regulation to go into overtime.

The girls hustled, playing with determination well into extra time, never giving up. The team came up short with the winning goal scored with just 24 seconds remaining in overtime by the host team.

Though the team didn’t get the outcome they wanted, the coaches and parents couldn’t be more proud of this group of girls. They came together as a team, supported one another and represented Camrose Minor Hockey with pride.

Rotary Cares

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

Dave Kopacz won the February Rotary Cares draw, receiving $1,000. From left, Shane Mooth, Dave and Rotary member Don Rebus. To purchase a Rotary Cares ticket, contact any Camrose Rotary Club member. Contributions from the raffle fund go to Rotary programs such as the Imagination Library that delivers free books each month to 350 children in and around Camrose.

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

Fool me once…

Last year, a Booster colleague who lives in New England wrote this about April 1:

“This mischievous date invokes laughter, clever pranks, and trust issues. That’s right, April Fools’ Day! It’s a holiday that’s either loved or hated by people. That depends on who likes to prank people and who is the receiver of the prank.

“Every year on this day, people take part in playing harmless tricks, telling tall tales and engaging in lighthearted tomfoolery. It’s all in the spirit of good fun. But why?

“The tradition begins like many other customs rooted deep in history, the origins of April Fools’ Day are cloudy. However, the spirit of the day has always remained the same. It’s about laughter, levity and a reminder not to take ourselves too seriously.

“The first official reference to the devious holiday comes from a 1561 poem by Eduard De Dene, a Flemish poet. He wrote about how much fun it is to send his servant on a series of unnecessary tasks. You might recognize this as the origin of the term ‘fool’s errands.’

“Others trace the holiday’s origins back to the late 16th century France when they switched from the Julian calendar to the Gregorian calendar. Some people were slow to adopt the new calendar. They continued to celebrate the New Year in late March or early April. They were mocked as ‘April fools.’

“Some people link the day to ancient Roman festivals like Hilaria. This was celebrated at the end of March. People dressed up in disguises and mocked figures in town. Regardless of the exact origin, the idea stuck and April 1st became a day dedicated to tomfoolery.

“Today, April Fools’ Day remains one of the few times in the year where good-hearted pranks are accepted and encouraged as long as they’re done in good taste.”

It occurs to me that “good taste” is not one of the phrases I would use for some of the pranks I’ve heard about. But who cares? I appreciate our friend’s comment:

“In a time when stress runs high, the economy feels tight, and tensions sometimes boil over, April Fools’ Day offers a rare and welcome escape. It’s a chance to reconnect with our playful side, surprise a friend, share a laugh, and spread a bit of joy, all without spending a dime. That’s something worth preserving.

“I hope this encourages you not only to enjoy the day but help keep this tradition alive. Teach your kids the joy of a clever joke, pulling a harmless prank. Laugh at yourself when you fall for something silly. Remember: the goal is to make someone smile, not to embarrass or hurt.

“Here’s to a day filled with laughter, lighthearted lies, and the timeless joy of being just a little bit foolish.”

Amen.

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I Googled “April Fools’ Day pranks.” Here are a few suggestions for family and friends.

Classics:

Short-sheeting the bed.
Placing a whoopee cushion under someone’s chair.

Some others I read about:

Frozen breakfast. Put cereal and milk in a bowl and let it freeze overnight.
Fake sneeze. You dip your fingers in a bit of water, then wait for your prey to turn around. Once they do, do a dramatic “ah-choo!” before flicking water on the back of their head or neck. Give them a minute before revealing it was only water they felt and not your sneeze.
Toilet paper message: Write “April Fools!” on a roll of toilet paper.
Milk pranks: Add a few drops of food colouring to the carton of milk. When family members pour the milk in a glass or bowl of cereal, they’ll get a colourful surprise.

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When I read these suggestions, I flipped back to our New England friend’s comment about April Fool’s Day pranks “in good taste.” I’m not sure any of these are! Oh well…

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I’d love to hear from you. If you have comments about this column or suggestions for future topics, e-mail Bonnie@BonnieHutchinson.com. I’ll happily reply within one business day.