Columns & News

Young crusader fights for local post office in Hay Lakes

Zoey Irvine is crusading to save the Hay Lakes Post Office. This is the hub of the community keeping residents connected and it’s important to keep it open.

By Nadine Leming

The Hay Lakes Post Office delivers mail to just under 500 boxes and is a busy location for both parcel pickup and drop off, including Canada Post’s box-free Amazon return program.

When the Village of Hay Lakes received notice from Canada Post about the potential closure of their local post office, a meeting was held on September 10, which had people asking what they are going to do if it closes.

At the community meeting the town requested Canada Post delay making a decision until the new year.

This put 14-year-old Zoey Irvine on a mission to save her local post office in Hay Lakes and has started a petition to keep it open. She said, “It’s a very important place for our community. So many people go there to connect, it’s not just a post office.”

She continued, “It’s a place people bring their dogs and kids. This place is where seniors connect and get their mail.”

The potential closure is likely prompted by the retirement of the Hay Lakes postmaster which occurred earlier this year. As a group office the Hay Lakes postmaster must provide the premises for the post office. Canada Post provides a minimal rent for use of the facility.

Since the building is currently owned by a private individual the logistics of filling both the postmaster position and providing a facility (through purchasing the building or providing an alternate location) is more involved and takes time.

The acting postmaster commented, “Our community members would have to come to Camrose to get parcels that include important medications and that’s going to be difficult for some seniors.”

On Canada Post’s website, it says that they are regularly looking for ways to improve operations and remain competitive. When smaller rural post offices relocate or close, it is to help ensure long-term sustainability. Currently, Hay Lakes post office isn’t posted on their website as closing.
Zoe is asking that people send letters and emails to MP Pierre Poilievre advocating to protect and maintain postal service in Hay Lakes and to have consistent hours of service for the community. Include your name, address (civic and mailing) and either your phone number or email address. Mailing a letter to your member of parliament is free of charge.

Currently, Zoe has collected over 460 signatures that have been sent to MP Pierre Poilievre and is receiving huge support coming from Hay Lakes residents. She feels there is still work to be done.
Petition forms are located at the Tempo gas station and Hay Lakes Supermarket. Camrose residents can sign the petition at Camroast Coffee or email pierre.poilievre@parl.gc.ca

Camrose Arts Council seek increase in funding

By Adan Shaikh

The Camrose Arts Council has requested that City Council approve an increase in its annual funding for the grants that support the local arts and culture programming. The Arts Council has requested an increase from $30,000 to $40,000.

Mike Ploner, chair of the Camrose Arts Council, shared that the council has seen increased demand for funding, with several strong applications competing for limited funds.

During the 2026 spring intake, the council received $25,100 in grant requests. Eligible applications exceeded the funding available for distribution. The fall intake deadline is October 1.

The Arts Council administers the city’s Arts and Culture Grant Program, which supports eligible arts and cultural initiatives in the community.
Council will consider the funding request during the upcoming budget discussions.

Fifth Annual Conlan Davey Memorial Golf Tournament

By Nadine Leming

Out on the course, Conlan’s family enjoyed the beautiful weather the day provided. It was a time to enjoy all the hard work they put in leading up to the tournament. From left, Danny Hertel, Stacie Hertel, Conlan’s uncle and aunt; Will Davey and Franny Davey, Conlan’s parents. This year, the tournament raised an amazing $25,462.78.

September 19 was the Conlan Davey Memorial Foundation’s fifth annual golf tournament. This well-supported event included teams dressed in pink, Conlan’s favourite colour. From left, Laurel McTavish and Trevor McTavish got into the spirit of the event.

Teams had fun out on the course participating in the various activities hosted by sponsor holes. This game was axe throwing, which was more difficult than it looked.

This year registrations for the Conlan Davey Memorial Foundation’s fifth annual golf tournament sold out. This team got into the spirit of the tournament and dressed accordingly hoping to win the Best Dressed title.

Alberta Bound

Ralf and Liz Petruch are a retired Camrose couple who are on a mission to travel all around Alberta. Along the way they have met some fabulous people and dropped off pet blankets to animal shelters.

By Nadine Leming

For local couple Ralf and Liz Petruch, the ultimate life story is traced in tire tracks, highlighted onto maps, and set against the beautiful horizon of Alberta. While the allure of globe-trotting captivates many people, for this couple, they have found paradise a lot closer to home, showing you don’t need a passport for an epic journey, just a full tank of gas and a passion for exploring Alberta.

Inspired by the Go East of Edmonton Roadtrip Adventure Game, they have spent years travelling back roads across this beautiful province, visiting small communities along the way. This has taken them to every corner of Alberta.

Liz said, “We’ve done all the roads in Alberta, so now we’re doing Alberta landmarks and roadside attractions.” She continued, “There are a lot of small attractions that no one ever knows about in small towns.”

She talked about Evansburg as being ‘The Town of the Grouch’. It’s something they started many years ago where people are nominated every summer as the grouchiest person in town. The winner gets their name on a plaque. The town even has a grouch bench for people to enjoy. It’s all in fun, and is a town tradition that locals enjoy every year. That is just one example of great things around our province.

Ralf shared the story about limos stuck into the ground near Lamont, and one about a Cadillac on the way to Barrhead also sticking out of the ground. He commented, “How would you even know about these things? You have to see it.”
During Covid, the couple decided they would start filling out more of the Alberta map as there wasn’t much else going on at the time. They always made a special point of staying at locally owned hotels.

Ralf’s dad’s philosophy about a car trip was to drive one way to get there and drive another way to get back, and he adopted that way of thinking when on the road. He travelled a lot for work and when touring with others everyone enjoyed finding new treasures along the way.

Over the years they have added philanthropy to their adventures having donated over 2,500 handmade pet blankets to animal rescues all across the province. The blankets are a passion project for Liz and her friend Gail Felt, who take any opportunity to create these beautiful blankets, many of them going with the pets transitioning into their fur-ever homes.

These ladies take donations from local businesses like Bloom ‘n Deals, Family Thrift Shop and the Ramada Hotel in Camrose to create each pet blanket. Without the support of businesses like this, Liz and Gail can’t do what they do to support animal shelters. Liz added, “It really does make us feel good to be able to do this.”

Along the way, they have made so many acquaintances. When asked about their travels, Liz said, “These trips are like a scavenger hunt, (finding nuggets here and there) that’s how we like to look at it.” The stories this couple can tell and the memories they have made are quite remarkable with more adventures to come.

Curbside recycling takes effect in October

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose residents will soon be able to put recyclable materials out on the curb as the city launches curbside recycling October 12.
The program, introduced through Alberta’s Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) system, will collect household packaging and paper every two weeks on the same day as garbage and compost collection.

“We are going to be able to put things on curbside, it can be somewhere as long as it’s on the curb, visible, not obstructing traffic or pedestrians, but it can be slightly off the street edge. In terms of the current services they are all remaining in place, we have contracts until the end of 2027 and there are no changes,” said Amy Johnson, Senior Municipal Technologist at City of Camrose.

Throughout Camrose, recyclables will now be collected biweekly on the same day as garbage pick up for each area of Camrose. Residents can use clear or blue bags to collect their recyclables and put them outside on a flat surface to be collected. Each bag should not weigh more than 20 kilograms, to allow for safe lifting by the person collecting the materials. Items accepted include paper and cardboard, plastics numbered 1 through 7, film plastics, metal and tin, glass and Styrofoam.

Materials such as hazardous waste, electronics, batteries, clothing and textiles, food waste and garbage are not accepted through the curbside program.

The new service is expected to divert recyclable materials that would otherwise be placed in household garbage and sent to landfill, while making recycling more convenient for residents.
“This is a large amount of material, your black bin should reduce almost by 60 percent,” commented Amy.

There is no additional cost to Camrose taxpayers. The program is funded through Alberta’s EPR system, which makes producers responsible for the recycling of the packaging and paper products they supply. “The cost of it has been included in provincial taxes for the past five years,” said Amy.

The City’s Recycle Depot will remain available for residents who prefer to drop off materials, including items not accepted through curbside collection. Amy shared the biggest progress is the allowance of styrofoam and aerosol containers as recyclables. “Cooking sprays, deodorants, hairsprays and most of your non-hazardous empty containers are recyclable, so those can go in your blue bags. Any of the hazardous items such as paint, cleaners, those items can still be brought to the hazardous waste roundup.”

The Hazardous Waste Roundup days are
October 2 and 3 at the old Public Works building located at 4202-51 Avenue. Residents can bring electronics, paint, used oil materials and filters, and other household hazardous waste for free.
Residents can find their collection schedule and a complete list of accepted and prohibited materials by visiting www.circularmaterials.ca/camrose

The program is not limited to single-family homes, multi-dwelling homes such as condos and apartments can also register for the curbside recycling by visiting www.circularmaterials.ca/alberta-multi-family-dwelling-recycling/

Mayor’s Arts Awards, celebrating Nelson and Kwong

By Adan Shaikh

Two longtime contributors to Camrose’s arts community were recognized at the Mayor’s Arts Awards on September 17 at the Bailey Theatre.
Mayor PJ Stasko and the Mayor’s Arts Awards Committee presented the Champion Award to Colleen Nelson and the Creator Award to Peter Kwong.

The walls of the theatre were decorated with previous winners of each award, highlighting the community effort and passion that it takes to create a community where arts and culture are valued and invested in.

Committee co-chair Charlene Brown welcomed guests and nominees and announced the recipients. She thanked the committee and the community members, for continuing to recognize the contributions of local artists and volunteers.

“The Champion Award is curated by the committee, we create a long list, and let me tell you it’s pretty long. There are a lot of people that are worthy of it, and then we narrow it down as best as we can to come to a consensus, then the choice is presented to the Arts Council for verification. This year’s Champion Award winner was unanimously chosen by the committee, and once I show the highlights of all that she has contributed to the arts in Camrose, I am sure we will understand why. Colleen Nelson has spent a lifetime educating, advocating, serving and performing in the artistic community of Camrose,” said Brown.

Nelson’s contributions have included education, theatre, music and decades of volunteer service.
A career educator with a degree in Elementary Education specializing in Music, Nelson helped establish arts education at Sifton School. She has served as president of the Bailey Theatre Society and played a key role in securing funding to pay off the Bailey Theatre’s mortgage.

She has also coordinated volunteers at the Bailey, volunteered with the Churchmice Players Society and supported countless local performances. She remains active with local choirs and the EmBellish Hand Bells group.
“It is very humbling to receive an award for doing things that brought me so much joy,” said Nelson. “I believe the arts enrich the quality of our lives and I’m thankful for the support given by the City of Camrose and the Camrose arts council. You have really elevated the focus of the arts and the richness in our community.

“The Creator Award recognizes an individual or a group that creates, performs or practices art. The nomination can be for a body of work or a single piece and each year nominations have come in for a rich variety of disciplines: painters, writers, dancers, choreographers, crafters, musicians, composers.”

Kwong, head of audio at the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre, has been part of the venue’s technical department since before it opened in 2014.

He has worked on hundreds of performances, including musicals, ballets, circus productions and community events, logging more than 21,000 hours at the centre.

“As a performer myself and an avid listener of musical and theatrical performances, I am very, very aware that any performance relies heavily on the mastery of the person at the soundboard,” said Brown. “In other words, they can make or break our artistic experience with their artistic creativity, what power! Peter Kwong is one the best,” she said.

Kwong, who graduated with honours from Humber College’s Theatre Production program, has also worked as an instructor and workshop coordinator for the Canadian Institute for Theatre Technology and designed audio training programs used by technicians across the country.

“This award means so much to me. I work in an environment and an industry that is normally so behind the scenes and not acknowledged, so to get this sort of recognition means so much to me,” said Kwong.

The evening ended with a celebration of both winners, the artistic beat of Camrose and those who are working quietly behind the scenes to keep it thriving.

Colleen Nelson received the Champion Award from Mayor PJ Stasko.

Peter Kwong received the Creator Award from Mayor Stasko.

Celebrating Senior’s Day with a game

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose and District Family and Community Support Services (CDFCSS) Older Adult Services is inviting the seniors of Camrose to celebrate National Seniors Day on Thursday, October 1, with a morning of games, food and conversation.
The celebration will feature a game of The Price Is Right at Camrose United Church, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. where participants will have a chance to win prizes while enjoying lunch and connecting with others in the community.

The event is open to everyone 55 plus and registration is required. To register, contact Kari Cameron, director of CDFCSS Older Adult Services, at 780-672-0141,

ext. 238. The deadline for registration is today. Transportation to and from the event can also be arranged.

STARS request an increase in funding

By Adan Shaikh

STARS Air Ambulance has requested the City of Camrose to increase its financial support as the organization continues providing critical care across the region. Currently the City of Camrose contributes $1 per person to STARS.

Glenda Farnden of STARS presented an update to council on September 21 Committee of the Whole Council meeting. Her presentation highlighted the organization’s impact in the Camrose region over the past five years. STARS has completed 202 missions connected to Camrose and Camrose County, including 165 critical inter-facility transfers from Camrose Hospital and six scene calls in Camrose.

STARS provides specialized medical care and rapid transport for patients facing serious illness or injury, making its service particularly important in rural areas where access to advanced critical care can mean longer travel times.

“With an increase in missions, the astronomical fuel rates, the increase in costs of medical supplies and everything that is associated with a mission, means that the need continues to increase. We continue to have the 41 percent of our government funding from the Alberta Government, which equates to $15.6 million per year, this also means that 59 percent must be fundraised each year,” said Farnden.

She requested that the City consider increasing their funding from $19,882 in 2026 to $26,000 in 2027, with proposed increases reaching $40,000 by 2029. The request would amount to $2 per resident by 2029.

Council will consider the request further during upcoming budget deliberations.

St. Mary’s Hospital hosts event for advance health planning

By Adan Shaikh

The St. Mary’s Hospital Community Board is bringing residents an important resource for advance care planning and having their healthcare wishes documented.

The Green Sleeve and Personal Directive seminar is set for Saturday, October 3, at 10 a.m. at the Camrose Regional Exhibition (CRE) Kinsmen Hall.
The event will include coffee, an open forum and a two-person moderated panel featuring Dr. Ella Rokosh of Covenant Health and Kirstyn Rau, a lawyer with Olson Rau + Mohr Law Office. Gail Cunningham, chair of the St. Mary’s Hospital Community Board, will moderate the session.

The focus will be on understanding what a Green Sleeve and personal directive are, why they matter and how they can help ensure a person’s wishes are known when they are unable to communicate them.

A Green Sleeve is a readily identifiable document that can accompany a person’s health-care records and provide information to health-care providers about their goals of care. Having one prepared can help families and medical teams understand a person’s wishes during a medical crisis or serious illness.

A Personal Directive allows an individual to put their wishes for personal and healthcare decisions in writing and designate someone to make certain decisions on their behalf if they lose the capacity to make them.

“The big thing is that this goes home with you, should the paramedics respond to an event at your home, they can see the green sleeve. This is especially helpful for people who don’t want certain interventions done such as resuscitation or intubation.” explained Dr. Louis Minders, Facility Medical Director for St. Mary’s Hospital. “It is ensuring that people’s wishes are adequately documented. In addition to it being available on hand, it is also in our electronic medical record, which is a provincial medical record called Connect Care.”

Dr. Minders shared that the designation is reassessed every time a patient is admitted to ensure each individual’s goals of care are up to date and ready for any situations where they may not be able to provide, or communicate those wishes themselves.

Dr. Minders encourages individuals 18 and older to attend the event and complete the documents. This is not just something to think about just for the elderly, but something everyone at every age should consider completing.

“We are going to have Dr. Ella Rokosh, who is the Covenant Health’s Associate Chief Medical Officer for Acute Care in Edmonton, and an ICU specialist. In her role in ICU she sees a lot of patients in critical situations and is skilled in
having discussions around goals of care with patients and their families. She also has experience in real world outcomes of patients involved in critical medical events,” shared Dr. Minders.

The Community Board held a similar educational event last year, drawing more than 150 people from the community. While the event provided residents with information about advance care planning, feedback received afterward highlighted a desire for people to be able to take the next step and actually complete the documents. That feedback helped shape this year’s two-part approach.

“When you are a family in that situation and you have to fill all of those documents out, it can be overwhelming and you don’t really have the time to think about what you want to do,” explained
Dr. Gail Cunningham, who with the help from
Dr. Minders’ team is organizing the event.

She shared that the seminar is intended to give attendees the information they need to prepare for a second event on Saturday, October 17.

Augustana Faculty Alumni Awards

From left, Dean John Parkins, Gary Smith, Stephanie Booth and Gavin Cazon-Wilkes.

by Adan Shaikh

Augustana Campus celebrated four individuals for their professional achievements and community service at its annual Alumni Awards on September 18.

The 2026 Augustana Faculty Alumni Awards were presented at Mayer Hall in the Jeanne and Peter Lougheed Performing Arts Centre. This year’s recipients were Gavin Cazon-Wilkes, Gold Achievement Award; Stephanie Booth, Lois Aspenes Award; Kerry Preete, Distinguished Alumni Award; and Gary Smith, Alumni Citation Award.

“It is a longstanding tradition to present our alumni awards in order to recognize our community members’ career achievements, their sustained and continuous support of our campus and their time commitment and dedication to this institution. Our award recipients exemplify what we mean by to lead and to serve,” said Dr. John Parkins, dean of Augustana Campus.
Cazon-Wilkes received the inaugural Gold Achievement Award, which recognizes recent graduates who have demonstrated professional success and community impact.

Raised between Peace River and Fort Simpson, N.W.T., Cazon-Wilkes studied drama and philosophy at Augustana before pursuing law. He now works as a lawyer in Fort Simpson, assisting the Dehcho First Nations with self-government negotiations, policy and contract work.
He was also awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal in 2025 for his work in Indigenous justice in the North.

Trina Harrison, program lead for Indigenous Community and Partner Engagement at the University of Alberta, presented the award.
“Today we present the inaugural Augustana Gold Achievement Award to Gavin Cazon-Wilkes. I have had the privilege of knowing Gavin for well over a decade, I have watched his journey unfold step-by-step from his early days as a student and dedicated student volunteer in Indigenous spaces, in his time here at Augustana and also as an Augustana staff member, through his demanding years in law school. I was proud to stand there as he was called to the bar, and I have been honoured to serve alongside him on our Indigenous Alumni Advisory Circle,” said Harrison.

“To see him come full circle and receive this award today is deeply personal and inspiring,” she added.

Booth received the Lois Aspenes Award for her contributions to the Augustana Alumni Association and campus community.
An infectious disease epidemiologist with the Government of Alberta, Booth has worked in infectious disease and public health, including opioid harm reduction policy, vaccine effectiveness and epidemiology training. She has also remained connected to Augustana as an Alumni Council representative, mentor and convocation speaker.

“Stephanie’s Augustana story is a wonderful example of what makes this place special. She studied biology, but also minored in drama. She moved between science labs, theatre rehearsals, student clubs and community service, always curious, always exploring,” said Kim Wiebe, alumni engagement coordinator at Augustana.
Preete received the Distinguished Alumni Award for achievement in his vocation. A former Vikings hockey player, Preete has continued to support youth hockey and remains involved in corporate governance. “While Kerry spent only one year on campus, he credited his time in Camrose as a turning point for him, that helped him adjust back to academic life after his year at Junior Hockey,” shared Parkins.

He credits his year at Camrose Lutheran College with helping shape the discipline and teamwork he carried into his career. He mentioned LeRoy Johnson, as a key player in his success at the college and thanked him for his mentorship. He was unable to attend the event but conveyed his gratitude to Parkins in a letter. His 33-year career in global agribusiness with Monsanto ended with his retirement as executive vice-president and chief strategy officer.

Smith received the Alumni Citation Award, which recognizes a non-alumnus who has made significant contributions to Augustana.

His connection to the campus began through his daughter, Hilary, and grew into a decade of volunteering and supporting students. Smith has supported Vikings hockey, drama students and the Augustana Students’ Association food pantry, while also providing encouragement and resources to students through the Alumni Student Support and Engagement Team.

“Contributing to the life of Augustana in many ways and forms has been Gary’s mission for years. Gary and I met over a decade ago when I learned of his passion for Augustana and helping students. Gary, as he does with so many things in his life, committed wholeheartedly, when asked to create a student award for Vikings hockey athletes. His hockey award continues to this day, and not only that, he actually decided to create a second award to support drama students representing two things he loves and cares deeply about, athletics and the arts,” said Bree Urkow, development officer at Augustana.

Smith has also remained an advocate for Augustana in the community and has made a legacy gift to the institution through his estate.

The annual awards recognized alumni and supporters whose achievements and service reflect Augustana’s emphasis on education, community and service.

Threads of Legacy in Camrose

By Nadine Leming

The sanctuary at Messiah Lutheran Church will be transforming into a lively music venue. They won’t be hosting a touring act, but to showcase the incredible local musical talent that took root not only at Messiah, but in Camrose.

This special community recital will bring together local voices and instrumentalists for one evening that will be as much about community as it will be about the music. The intimate setting at the church will kick off a weekend of festivities celebrating Messiah Lutheran’s 125th anniversary.

Two of the prominent artists at this performance will be Dr. Joel Harder playing piano and Rachel Coltvet Kristenson on violin. The two have wanted to collaborate together for some time as they both grew up together here in Camrose as pastor’s kids.

Both have made music their professions with Joel working as a pianist and teaching at the Manhattan School of Music. Joy Berg is very involved in organizing this recital, said, “We are so pleased he’s coming back.”

Rachel’s musical path has led her to be the concert master for the Okanagan Symphony Orchestra while also freelancing around the
Winnipeg region. Joy remarked, “The two of them are focusing on the music that has been written for piano and violin through the eras of primarily female composers.”

This evening is being called Threads of Legacy. It will highlight the legacy that is inherited through family and friends, particularly through women, but also through male supporters. There is also the long history of Messiah’s musical legacy that has led them both to be able to pursue musical careers. Joy commented, “Having them come back for this event is very significant for us at Messiah.”

Joy spoke about the concert saying, “A big part of this recital is that it has been supported by a grant from the City of Camrose, because of the connection to the community.” She continued, “Messiah’s (music programs) have enhanced and lifted up musicians in the community.”

The evening will include the premiere of Threads of Legacy that has been composed specifically for this recital by Kristin Flores and she is hoping that it will contribute to the continuing legacy of music at Messiah.

She grew up through the Messiah’s String program and has gone on to complete her doctorate in composition making music her career as well.

The Threads of Legacy recital celebrating women composers will be held October 9 at 7 p.m. The community is invited to attend this free celebration. Messiah Lutheran Church is located at 4810-50 Street.

Safeway Charity Barbecue

By Nadine Leming

People lined up to purchase hot dogs and burgers in the Safeway parking lot on September 19 to support the Stollery Children’s Hospital. The event had so much to offer such as great food, a market, music and family friendly activities.

From left, Kalena alongside her mom Amber volunteered at the Stollery tent at the charity barbecue in support of this worthy cause.

Jasmyn Wright is a local performer who lent her talent to the Camrose Safeway Charity Barbecue on September 19. As a former employee of the store, she was happy to support the event for the Stollery Children’s Hospital.

Defenders of the Children is an organization dedicated to empowering and protecting abused children, supporting families, and raising community awareness. They were on hand accepting donations in support of Xander Newman’s family.

Fire Safety Week kicks off with pancakes

By Adan Shaikh

Camrose Fire Department is inviting the community to learn more about fire safety and meet local firefighters during Fire Prevention Week, October 4 to 10.

The week begins with a pancake breakfast at the Camrose Fire Hall on Sunday, October 4, from
8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Families can also visit the fire department’s open house on Tuesday, October 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. The evening will include fire truck tours, a FireFit Challenge for kids and fire extinguisher training.
Information will also be available on this year’s Fire Prevention Week theme, “Charge into Fire Safety: Safe Charging Is a Superpower,” which focuses on safe charging practices.

Free hot dogs and refreshments will be available for families during the open house.

To wrap the week, the Fire Department will hold a Paid-On-Call Firefighter Information Session on Wednesday, October 7, from 6 to 7 p.m. This session will highlight what it takes to be a firefighter and to learn how to become one. This event requires interested individuals to RSVP ahead of time and is not open to the public. For more information and to RSVP contact the Camrose Fire Department at 780-672-2906.

Stuckless takes apart four trucks to build one

POWDER-COATED PERFECTION
Bruce and Cindy Stuckless with their custom 1947 Dodge truck.

by Adan Shaikh

Bruce Stuckless owns a 1947 Dodge Half Ton, a modified beauty put together by combining four different trucks together. “We started on it in 2017, it was many trucks to make one truck. I had as many as four different trucks in my yard at one point and picked the best pieces to make this,” Bruce said.

Bruce was able to mix and match parts because many of the components used on Fargo and Dodge trucks from 1941 through 1947 were similar enough to be interchangeable. The result retains the look of a 1947 Fargo, but underneath the vintage body are several changes designed to make it more practical on modern roads.

One of the first things Bruce tackled was the engine. The Fargo originally came with a Dodge flathead engine, but Bruce wanted something with more power for highway driving.

“It originally had a Dodge flathead engine but it was too slow on the highway so I switched it out for a V6 and now it has power steering and power brakes, before it was all standard. That’s why the steering wheel is so big because it gives you more mechanical advantage,” he explained.
The replacement V6 came from a Chevrolet S10 truck, which also provided the foundation for the Fargo’s frame. Rather than retaining the original chassis, Bruce built the Fargo on an S10 frame, giving the vintage pickup a more modern mechanical setup.

The truck now has a five-speed standard transmission and the additional gearing is one of the most noticeable improvements when it comes to actually driving the truck.

The entire truck has also been powder-coated, giving the body a smooth finished surface while maintaining the classic appearance of the Fargo.
Behind the truck, Bruce added his own touch with wood for the bed. “These are some old boards I bought off the Hutterites and I sanded them and fit them myself.”

Another impressive touch are the wheels of the truck, the chrome “baby moon” hubcaps paired with the white wall tires mounted on red rims, make the simple black colour of the truck stand out more. The combination of original-era styling and newer mechanical components means the Fargo can still turn heads like a nearly 80-year-old pickup, while being considerably more reliable on the road today.
The balance and the comfort are what Bruce enjoys about his truck.

Referendum, what the questions really mean

By Adan Shaikh

Albertans will face 10 referendum questions on October 19 covering immigration, access to provincial programs, voting rules, constitutional changes and Alberta’s relationship with Ottawa.
In recent weeks, several community members have asked The Camrose Booster an important question: What would a yes or no vote actually mean?

Here is a breakdown of what is being asked and what a vote would do:

Questions 1 to 9 are yes-or-no questions. Question 10 offers two choices. Elections Alberta says the results of all 10 questions are non-binding.

Question 1: Should Alberta seek greater control over immigration?

What it asks: Whether Alberta should seek increased control over immigration for the purposes of decreasing immigration to more sustainable levels.

It would support the Alberta government pursuing those objectives. It would not, by itself, change immigration numbers or federal immigration laws.

Question 2: Who should qualify for provincially funded programs?

What it asks: Whether Alberta should introduce a law making only Canadian citizens, permanent residents and individuals with an Alberta-approved immigration status eligible for provincially funded programs, such as health care, education and other social services.
It would support the government pursuing that change through legislation. The question does not identify every program that would be affected or specify which immigration statuses would qualify. Those details would have to be addressed through legislation and policy.

Question 3: Should some non-permanent residents wait 12 months for social support?

What it asks: Whether Alberta should introduce a law requiring people with non-permanent legal immigration status to reside in Alberta for at least 12 months before qualifying for any provincially funded social support programs.
The question states that Canadian citizens and permanent residents would continue to qualify for social support programs as they do now. It would support the government pursuing a 12-month residency requirement for people covered by the question.

Question 4: Should some non-permanent residents pay a health-care and education fee?

What it asks: Whether Alberta should charge a reasonable fee or premium to people with non-permanent immigration status living in Alberta for their use, and their family’s use, of the health-care and education systems.
The question states that Canadian citizens and permanent residents would continue to qualify for public health care and education as they do now.

A yes vote would support the government pursuing a fee or premium. The question does not specify the amount, how it would be calculated or who would be charged.

Question 5: Should voters have to provide proof of citizenship?

What it asks: Whether Alberta should introduce a law requiring people to provide proof of Canadian citizenship, such as a passport, birth certificate or citizenship card, to vote in an Alberta provincial election.
Canadian citizenship is already a requirement to vote in Alberta. The proposed change concerns the documentation voters would have to provide.
Elections Alberta currently requires voters to prove their name and physical address. More than 50 forms of identification are accepted, including documents that do not necessarily prove citizenship.

Question 6: Should provinces select provincial court justices?

What it asks: Whether Alberta should work with other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution so provincial governments, rather than the federal government, select the justices appointed to provincial King’s Bench and Appeal courts.

Question 7: Should the federal Senate be abolished?

What it asks: Whether Alberta should work with other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to abolish the federal Senate.
It would support Alberta pursuing that constitutional change with other willing provinces. A yes vote would not itself abolish the Senate. Any constitutional change would have to follow the applicable constitutional amendment process.

Question 8: Should provinces be able to opt out of some federal programs while keeping the funding?

What it asks: Whether the Constitution should be amended to allow provinces to opt out of federal programs that intrude on provincial jurisdiction, such as health care, education and social services, without losing associated federal funding for use in their social programs.
It would support Alberta pursuing that constitutional change with other willing provinces.

Question 9: Should provincial laws have priority over conflicting federal laws in certain areas?

What it asks: Whether Alberta should work with other willing provinces to amend the Canadian Constitution to better protect provincial rights from federal interference by giving provincial laws dealing with provincial or shared areas of constitutional jurisdiction priority over federal laws when the laws conflict.

Question 10: Should Alberta remain in Canada or begin the process toward a future separation referendum?

What it asks: Voters have two choices: Alberta should remain a province of Canada, or the Alberta government should begin the legal process required under the Canadian Constitution to hold a future binding provincial referendum on whether Alberta should separate from Canada.

Choosing the second option would direct the Alberta government to begin that legal process. It would not itself separate Alberta from Canada and would not itself be a binding referendum on separation, but would serve as a gateway to another referendum.

Elections Alberta identifies Question 10 as a choice question rather than a yes-or-no question, and its result is non-binding.
Elections Alberta says it does not interpret the referendum questions. Questions about what each question means should be directed to the Alberta government or the local MLA.

Centra Cam reflects on past year at Annual Meeting

By Adan Shaikh

Centra Cam Vocational Training Association reflected on a year of growth, new employment opportunities and strong community support during its annual general meeting September 23.
Board president Doug Macdonald welcomed members and guests as directors presented reports highlighting the organization’s work over the past year.

Centra Cam welcomed six new clients to its programs while three clients moved on. The organization also mourned the loss of two long-term clients, who had been part of Centra Cam for more than 23 and 38 years.

Employment opportunities continued to expand, with 12 new employment sites added and 15 clients securing new jobs. Two individuals also transitioned from long-term volunteer placements into paid employment.

Centra Cam completed its three-year accreditation at Level 1, along with its Complex Needs Designation in February. The organization also continued reviewing its programs and intake processes amid changes to provincial disability services, AISH and PDD funding.

The year also included the purchase of a new social enterprise, Prairie Rose Bottled Water. “With the upcoming changes to recycling, we supported Centra Cam Social Enterprise Ltd with the purchase of Prairie Rose Bottled Water to help ensure their long-term viability and capacity to support our programs financially,” shared Rob Hauser, first vice-president of the board.

Significant facility work was also completed, including the unexpected replacement of four rooftop HVAC units in April. Technology upgrades, accessibility and maintenance projects were also completed, along with improvements to programming and storage spaces.

The organization’s fundraising efforts also produced strong results. Gift card sales generated more than $32,000 in net revenue, while the annual spring Bowl-a-thon raised more than $31,000 to support program transportation costs. Smaller fundraisers, including bottle drives, sausage sales and a Co-op charity barbecue, raised more than $2,700 for client programming.

“Unfortunately, our odd job truck was involved in a collision and the vehicle was written off. Luck was in our favour though when Ken Ozment walked in and graciously donated his 2005 GMC Sierra 2500 diesel truck allowing the odd job crew to keep working right along,” shared Darren McDermott, secretary of the board.

Centra Cam also received grants from organizations including the Battle River Community Foundation, Camrose Energy, Royal Canadian Legion, ATCO and the Seniors’ Golf Tournament. Community awareness remained a priority. Centra Cam reported a 14 percent increase in social media interactions, while its participation in community events, including the BVJ parade and downtown Christmas decorating initiative, helped showcase its programs.

The organization also continued working with local groups and employers to promote inclusive workplaces and increase awareness of employment opportunities for people with disabilities.

“We are grateful for the passion, energy, and relentless effort our team brought to work every single day this past year,” commented Wally Wrubleski, director of the board. The board credited the staff, clients, volunteers, businesses and community supporters for helping make the past year successful.

After the reports, Tracy Culbert executive director of Centra Cam and Macdonald presented the volunteer of the year award to treasurer Cameron Lewis.

Staff and volunteers honoured for their service include: Kris Eide, one year. Dakota Baumle, Amy Rioux, Elyse Russell, and Lenni Stewart, two years. Melissa Badry, Marcy Jolin, and Chad Treleaven, three years. Janelle Dalen and Karla Romero Rodarte, four years. Ian Gira, five years. Dee Sherber, six years. Jenna Charette, Laurel-Anne Kyle, and Catherine Robinson, seven years. Victoria Pidruchney, eight years. Katarina Workun, 10 years. Denise Olson, 11 years. Donna Pederson and Vera Ward, 12 years. Melanie Reade, 13 years. Vina Johnson, 14 years. Jenny Heise, 16 years. Michelle Panas, 19 years. Shannon Brandt and Mandy White, 24 years. Andrea Parnall and Melody Speers, 25 years. Tracy Culbert, 26 years. Derek Gilchrist, Laura McFarlane, and Gaylene Taylor, 28 years. Les Knudsen, 33 years with Centra Cam.
The board of directors for the 2026-27 year includes: Doug Macdonald as president; Rob Hauser as first vice-president; Kevin Gurr as second vice-president; Cameron Lewis as treasurer; Darren McDermott as secretary; Brian Francoeur, Dean Inman, Amanda Maksymchuk, Liz Rolf and Wally Wrubleski as directors.

From left, back row, Darren McDermott, Cameron Lewis, Rob Hauser and Wally Wrubleski. From left, front row, Doug Macdonald, Liz Rolf, Amanda Maksymchuk, Tracy Culbert and Kevin Gurr.

Treasurer of the board Cameron Lewis was recognized as the volunteer of the year, for his contributions to the organization. From left, Tracy Culbert, executive director of Centra Cam; Lewis; and Doug Macdonald, president of the board.

Les Knudsen, left, received the award from Macdonald for 33 years of service with Centra Cam.

Kyle Freeborn, Darren McDermott and Doug Macdonald. McDermott was recognized for three years of his service on the board.

From left, Wally Wrubleski, Julia Forre and Macdonald. Wrubleski was honoured for his 11 years of service to Centra Cam board.

Sawyer Kendall, left, with Macdonald, presented the recognition certificate to Liz Rolf for her 28 years of service. Also recognized but not pictured were Rob Hauser for 20 years of service, Brian Francoeur for 19 years of service, Dean Inman for nine years and Cameron Lewis for nine years. Together the board has put in a total of 153 years of volunteering to help create opportunities for independence.

From left, Dennis Sturrock presented a certificate to Kevin Gurr for 28 years of service, with Macdonald.

From left, Jolene Finnegan presented a recognition certificate to Macdonald, board president, for 26 years of service, with Tracy Culbert, executive director of Centra Cam.

On Track Charity Golf Classic

By Nadine Leming

On September 18, On Track Kuntz & Company hosted their first annual Charity Golf Classic in support of the Kidney Foundation – Northern Alberta & the Territories Branch. This is an organization near and dear to On Track. The tournament included four opportunities for a holes in one to win prizes. The event raised over $40,000 on behalf of the Kidney Foundation.

The first annual Charity Golf Classic in support of the Kidney Foundation – Northern Alberta & the Territories Branch saw a good turnout of golfers to participate in the inaugural tournament. The event included a Scotty Cameron Putting Contest with the winner receiving a Scotty putter.

The On Track Charity Golf Classic in support of the Kidney Foundation – Northern Alberta & the Territories Branch was very successful raising funds and awareness about kidney disease and the good work of the Kidney Foundation. The day had so many fun activities for both golfers and non-golfers alike.

The Charity Golf Classic hosted an event inside an event with the Kidney Lawn Bowling Olympics. This fun event was aimed towards people that wanted to participate in fundraising, but weren’t necessarily interested in golfing. From left, Flavia de la Fuente, executive director of the Northern Alberta & the Territories Branch; Mario Monette from Mario High Performance Diesel; Gabriel Monette.

STACKED WAS STACKED

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

On September 25, Stacked Pancake House celebrated their grand opening with 50 percent off menu items. It was a busy day with many area residents enjoying their delicious food options. Dignitaries, on hand for the ribbon cutting, represented the Camrose Chamber of Commerce and City of Camrose. From left, Mayor PJ Stasko; Devansh Punawala, manager; and Yatin and Isita Punawala, owners.

VIKINGS SOCCER

Submitted by Emily Peterson

The Camrose and District Soccer Association joined forces with the Augustana Vikings Women’s Soccer team for a ceremonial walkout with the “mini” Vikings for the national anthem and starting lineup announcement for the women’s team’s home opener on September 18. Some of the “mini” Vikings enjoyed playing a quick game during the halftime show.

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY

Adan Shaikh, Camrose Booster

The Camrose 3068 Army Cadets joined forces with faculty and students from the University of Alberta Augustana Campus to place flags in honour of Truth and Reconciliation Day. Orange flags and signs containing information about nearby Residential Schools and their effects have been positioned throughout the campus, with the orange landscape vividly representing the profound loss endured by Indigenous communities across Canada. From left, Warrant Officer (WO) Jonathan Dumont, Master Corporal (MCpl) Claude Kelland, WO Justin Coates, WO Malaka and MCpl Noah Johnson.

FAMILY THRIFT SHOP DONATION

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

On September 23, the Family Thrift Shop presented a $1,000 cheque to the Flagstaff Scottish Club. From left, president Ian Malcolm accepts the cheque from Linda Butler-Dunn, Family Thrift Shop board member.

FAMILY THRIFT SHOP DONATION

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

On September 23, the Family Thrift Shop presented a $1,000 cheque to the St. Carlo Acutis Catholic High School’s Student Leadership program. From left, program members Alexis Sheets, Reese Callicott, Ella Sztym and Sarah Terlesky. Presenting the cheque was Linda Butler-Dunn, Family Thrift Shop board member.

ALONGSIDE HOPE

Nadine Leming, Camrose Booster

Over the last couple of months, the children of St. Andrew’s Anglican Church have been collecting money from parishioners in support of Alongside Hope. They collected $720.10 to go toward the agency’s good works. From back row left, Donna Pederson; Madeleine Eisbrenner; Will Postma, executive director of Alongside Hope. Middle row left, Clara Warkentin, Robin King and Liliana Eisbrenner. Front row, Ivy King.

Reflections

By Bonnie Hutchinson

The better angels of our nature

“We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be enemies. Though passion may have strained, it must not break our bonds of affection. The mystic chords of memory will swell when again touched, as surely they will be, by the better angels of our nature.”

Who said that? U.S. President Abraham Lincoln during his inaugural address in March 1861. He was trying to stave off Civil War.

The first Civil War shots were fired in April 1861. By the time the war ended, out of a population of 31 million, over 620,000 soldiers had died along with uncounted other adults and children. The U.S. was torn apart. Traces of that legacy are still visible today.

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So why is Abraham Lincoln’s fervent plea in 1861 relevant in Alberta Canada in 2026?

Resentment and divisiveness are growing in our province and our country. I’m feeling those emotions too. Not healthy.

I’m old enough to know that, however justified, resentment and “being against” are poisonous to the people feeling it. Resentment is also poisonous to families, organizations, communities, provinces and countries in which groups of resentful people live.

Words and actions grounded in resentment never end happily.

As both Jesus and Abraham Lincoln said, “A house divided against itself cannot stand.”

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Months ago, I was one of about 456,000 people who responded to former Alberta Deputy Premier Thomas Lukaszuk’s survey of Albertans. He submitted the results to the Alberta government, hoping MLAs would discuss it in the legislature. They did not. Lukaszuk is now doing a “Forever Canadian” tour of Alberta communities.
I’ve also received my mail-in ballot for Alberta’s October 19 referendum. Last week I responded to all ten ballot questions and mailed back my responses.

Both those acts seem a bit piddly, given the magnitude of what’s at stake.

I’ve much appreciated retired Member of Parliament Arnold Malone’s two columns about Alberta’s referendum in the past two issues of The Camrose Booster. I also appreciated a letter to the Edmonton Journal from Robert (Bob) Wanner, retired Speaker of Alberta’s 29th Legislature. Both former politicians are critical of Alberta’s referendum. They see it as provincial legislators abdicating their responsibility to debate issues in public.

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So, what other options exist to deal with diversity of opinions? A friend who lives in the U.S. has told me about an organization called “Better Angels.” The website says, “Better Angels was born in response to the crisis of polarization—a growing crisis that hampers government, destroys trust, degrades public discussion, fosters isolation, and harms personal relationships.” It also says, “We bring Reds and Blues together to find common ground.”
Better Angels offers “Principles for De-polarization.” Their principles for citizens are:
Try to understand the other side’s point of view, even if we don’t agree with it.

Engage those we disagree with. Seek common ground and ways to work together.
Support political ideas and leaders that bring us together rather than divide us.

In “Red Blue” workshops hosted by Better Angels, an equal number of “Red” (Republican) and “Blue” (Democrat) participants gather together. They do not discuss their differences. They discuss what they think the other group thinks of them, and what they wish the other group would understand about them. Surprise and laughter are two results.

My friend says in the new “climate” that’s created, the Reds and Blues have a different conversation. They may never agree, never like or trust each other, but they can have a conversation that gets somewhere useful.
Our world, our country, our province, our communities, our personal lives have many challenges. Using processes that can help us work together – even with people we don’t like – could save the world.

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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.