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Published by support, 2021-10-04 10:53:33

REPORT ON SE Alberta 2021

REPORT ON SE Alberta 2021

20
21

REPORT

AlbertaON SOUTHEAST
STRONGER TOGETHER!

MEDICINE HAT’S #1 APPLIANCE

STORE

2021 2021, 2020
& 2019

APPLIANCE, FURNITURE
AND MATTRESS STORE

###SSSHATOVAEPLYOMLCLAOOOLLCYRCAOAEWLLNED◗◗B◗Y 3TLRSGOIEPECARNTAVHELIRONLLYAGDTOIMNIWOGESNNDLSEITCDD.INE HAT

3 GSeenrevrinatgionMs,edLicoicnaellyHOatw!ned,

1356 Trans Canada Way SE • 403.526.2611 • www.leons.ca

What’s inside... REPORT

TOWN PROFILES.......... 4-38 AlbertaON SOUTHEAST

SHOP YXH —is the Hat’s ultimate Return of the roar: 2021

4virtual marketplace...........................   32Tigers eager to welcome fans MEDICINE HAT NEWS OFFICE

County offers diversity and back inside Co-op place............. 3257 Dunmore Road SE
Medicine Hat, AB
6opportunity.......................................... 34Wikkerink proud of T1B 3R2

Cypress County Reeve county’s ability to adapt............ 403.527.1101
Dan Hamilton on navigating
36Small business the heart PUBLISHER/
8the pandemic....................................... GENERAL MANAGER
of local economy...........................
How does one go about Jeff Sarich
promoting tourism during A look back on a
[email protected]
10a global pandemic? ..................... 47challenging year in
GRAPHIC DESIGN
Even a pandemic can’t the classroom..................................
hamper the Medicine Hat Alison Peltier
The road ahead: educators,
14Real Estate scene............................
50students hopeful for return
Food bank’s mission
to normal..........................................
17remains solid...................................
Mavericks owner and GM
Sticking together:
Hat businesses collaborate 54can’t wait to unleash new

21through COVID............................... team in 2022...................................

Trucking industry more Worming her way to the top:
appreciated following
56Doerksen developed business
25COVID-19..........................................
from the ground up......................
Waterfront district highlights
Medicine hat sport and event
28future plans for downtown.......
57council getting the city’s

name out there...............................

HONOUR ROLLS...................... 39-42

A message from the publisher...

This year’s Report offers a look at the positive steps every industry has taken to adapt
to rapid changes in how we communicate, do commerce, travel and even share
holidays. Health care, education, business, real estate, tourism and sports were all
faced with challenges that had never been seen before. But even in the face of these
unprecedented obstacles and a highly divisive sociopolitical climate, Hatters united —
albeit from farther apart — to prove we are Stronger Together.

Jeff Sarich

Publisher/General Manager
Medicine Hat News

ptowron files Shop YXH 

Community of Choice —IS THE HAT’S ULTIMATE
VIRTUAL MARKETPLACE
Medicine Hat
STAN ASHBEE operation,” Ireland added.
www.medicinehat.ca Southern Alberta Newspapers A partnership was created between
Medicine Hat located along the South Many southern Albertans tend to Invest Medicine Hat, Community
Saskatchewan River the sixth-largest city in Alberta enjoy an occasional, but somewhat Futures and the Medicine Hat and
with a population of 63,230. It is approximately casual, shop until one drops District Chamber of Commerce,
169 km east of Lethbridge and 295 km southeast experience. according to Ireland.
of Calgary. Adjacent to the Town of Redcliff and
located within Cypress County Medicine Hat is Medicine Hat and area continues “We got together and we said how
served by the Trans-Canada Highway and the to be a shopping mecca with do we support these businesses
Crowsnest Highway. a diverse selection of small-to- and how do we get them back up
With 330 days of sun, come play in Medicine Hat large businesses stocked with all and running, so they can continue
and find five first class golf courses and the longest the current wares, wonders and to sell?”
season of golf in Alberta, and 92 kms of biking and services one would need or want.
hiking trails with 618 acres of parks. Located 59 Now, there’s an Ireland pointed
kms from Cypress Hills Provincial Park and Ski Hill opportunity for out the first
it is a quick drive to fun all year round. residents and initiative was
Supporting occupations in trades, transportation visitors to Shop the Shop Here
and equipment, sales and service, and business, YXH virtually program,
finance and administration there is a large, diverse through an It’s amazing which was a
workforce within one hour of commuting distance online local what we’re partnership with
of this growing municipality. Medicine Hat is one of small business Google out of
the only cities in the world that owns and manages showcase seeing — Ontario.
its own electric and gas utilities, making Medicine marketplace — just from the “We were able
Hat a great place to live, work and play. support of the
an innovative to offer free
City of inception websites to our
Medicine Hat created at the community local businesses.

• POPULATION (2020): 65,527 beginning of We had about
• LAND AREA: 119.7 KM2 the COVID-19 158 businesses
• M AJOR INDUSTRIES: SERVICE INDUSTRY, pandemic. that participated
in that program.”
OIL AND GAS When the she said.
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: ALBERTA HEALTH pandemic hit,
it was very Participants
SERVICES detrimental to everyone, noted received a free Shopify
• MAYOR: TED CLUGSTON Kelli Ireland, marketing specialist e-commerce website, “so they
• INCORPORATED: 1906 for Invest Medicine Hat. could at least continue to sell
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: SAAMIS TEEPEE, online,” Ireland said.
“Specifically, small businesses
CO-OP PLACE, ESPLANADE ARTS AND HERITAGE across the country,” she said. “Small From the successful Shop Here
CENTRE, MEDICINE HAT CLAY INDUSTRIES business makes up 95% of the program, Ireland continued, the
NATIONAL HERITAGE DISTRICT business community in Canada.” partners thought the program was
• MOTTO: “SUNSHINE STATE OF MIND” great — but online shoppers didn’t
Many of the local small businesses necessarily know who was local
4 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021 in Medicine Hat were forced to shut and who was not.
their doors — not permanently, but
temporarily when the initial COVID An idea to bring all these small
restrictions and regulations were businesses together onto one
put into place provincially. platform was born — Shop YXH.
A virtual one-stop online shop
“It really had a huge impact on where consumers are directed to a
businesses and their more regular plethora of local businesses.

“We teamed up with a start- all of your products to Shop YXH, live,” Ireland said. “We’re really have this idea we’re strictly an oil
up out of Calgary that had so literally that business can be trying to, with this campaign, and gas town and you just drive
already built the back-end of a up and selling in minutes.” push the incredible businesses through on the highway and
marketplace,” Ireland said, adding Ireland says the Shop YXH we have locally and the incredible there’s not much to do or see,”
from there, the group was able to initiative is heading in the right talent that lives here and try to noted Ireland. “That is so far from
create their very own custom- direction. make it fun and hip using local the truth. We’re seeing waterfront
built template. “We were able to “We are continuing to update it entrepreneurs in the campaign developments happening and
take everybody that was on the and get all the bugs fixed on it,” and local businesses and we’re seeing businesses opening
Shop Here program and some he said. “And really make it user- products. up two or three locations in the
and put them into one spot, friendly and market it to all of May was the tentative date for midst of a pandemic.
so it was easy for residents and southeast Alberta.” the rebrand marketing campaign. “It’s amazing what we’re seeing
consumers to support and buy Ireland added the initiative isn’t “I think that’s so great to — just from the support of the
local.” about shutting down the physical celebrate because so many still community.”
As of March 2021, Shop YXH had location of a local business.
approximately 122 businesses “We’re actually seeing the Stronger Together! | 5
active and up-and-running. complete opposite. People are
Because Medicine Hat was the remaining consistent and busy
first municipality to partner with and they are now looking for
the company out of Calgary to spaces to grow,” she said.
create the platform, Ireland said, According to Ireland, the next
it has turned into somewhat of a phase of the Medicine Hat
pilot project for the start-up. Business Innovation Grant,
“There’s still a lot of integration which is a grant the city put
happening every day,” explained together, is going to specifically
Ireland. “We’re working on focus on digitizing the business
our PayPal integration with community.
an engineer to create a single “That is the direction of the world
checkout, essentially. That way, and it’s the direction of business
when you go to the site, you’ll e-commerce and it’s becoming
be able to shop from multiple more and more relevant now,
different stores and only pay once than ever. Businesses need to
through one credit card.” be both online and in-person to
It’s a free website and it will really create that full commerce
always remain free to use for a experience for their customers,”
business, Ireland noted. Ireland said.
“Anybody can start a profile. I Shop YXH’s future is a plan that
kind of compare it to Facebook,” includes working with tourism,
she said. “You have a business, local entrepreneurial influencers,
you go on it and create a page refreshing the entire brand and
and you can upload items right promoting Medicine Hat as a
away or if you were a part of unique, trendy and growing
the Shop Here program, which community.
is a Shopify-based site, you can “It’s not just Medicine Hat. It
automatically integrate your encompasses Brooks, Bow Island
website. Basically, you type in a — the prairie area, in which we
URL and it brings up and uploads

Redcliff County offers
Diversity and
• POPULATION (2020): 5,955 Opportunity
• LAND AREA: 16.4 KM2
• M AJOR INDUSTRIES: TRACEY POPICK residential subdivisions.
Cypress County Communication Coordinator
GREENHOUSES Cypress County aims to provide
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: RED HAT CO-OP Cypress County boasts a landmass rural charm, and small-town
• MAYOR: DWIGHT KILPATRICK of 1.3 million hectares, it’s one of country feel, with easy access
• INCORPORATED: 1912 the biggest counties in Alberta. to amenities in the mid-size city
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: REDCLIFF MUSEUM, Surrounding the City of Medicine close by.
Hat, the Town of Redcliff, and
RIVER VALLEY PARK, RIVERVIEW GOLF CLUB, Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park, Farming within the county has
REDCLIFF DAYS it also includes nine hamlets of long been one of the main
• MOTTO: “GREENHOUSE CAPITAL OF THE PRAIRIES” varying location, density and industries along with oil and gas
affordability, as well as country production, however offering
Dunmore one of the lowest tax rates in

• POPULATION (2016): 1,097 OUR COMMUNITY.
• LAND AREA: 5.69 KM2
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE “THE SMALLEST ACT OF KINDNESS IS WORTH
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: CYPRESS COUNTY MORE THAN THE GRANDEST INTENTION”
• UNINCORPORATED - OSCAR WILDE
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: DUNMORE DUGOUT
RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL
FAMILY FUN CENTRE, DUNMORE EQUESTRIAN CONSTRUCTION
CENTRE
NEW BUILDING DESIGNS/COSMETIC
Desert Blume AND STRUCTURAL RENOVATIONS

• POPULATION (2016): 586 Serving the Medicine Hat area since 1999
• LAND AREA: 0.38 KM2
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: REAL ESTATE Ph: 403-580-5914
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: DESERT BLUME GOLF CLUB www.janzenbuilders.com
• UNINCORPORATED
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

DESERT BLUME GOLF CLUB

6 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

the province has attracted other works operations to provide The MDP is a long-range planning development. It effectively acts
industries to locate in the county the most efficient and effective document that establishes the as a rule book for what can and
creating a small, but strong and service to residents, and the long-term land use policies cannot occur on a parcel of land.
growing business corridor. planning department has for growth and development
been working on reviewing in the county. It helps guide Throughout the review process
The pandemic and the drought of and amending the Municipal council decision making on for both of these documents, the
2021 have hit county businesses Development Plan (commonly community and infrastructure county held multiple engagement
and residents hard, the county is referred to as the MDP), and investments. The MDP and LUB sessions for members of the
hoping the end of 2021 and 2022 the Land Use Bylaw (commonly go hand in hand, as the LUB is a public to provide input and
will be kinder. referred to as the LUB), to make regulatory planning document feedback to help shape these
both documents consistent, that establishes the rules and documents. The documents will
This year the county has been clearer, and easier to use. regulations for land use and go to council and should be in
focusing on streamlining public place before the end of 2021.

Stronger Together! | 7

Experience Cypress
County Reeve
Cypress County Dan Hamilton
on navigating
www.cypress.ab.ca the pandemic
With 74,561 Acres of irrigated land and 1.3 million
hectares of county land mass, Cypress County has STAN ASHBEE suffered considerably with the
offers rural living with urban benefits. Known for Southern Alberta Newspapers restrictions imposed,” he said.
the lowest municipal non-resident tax rate in the Last year, Hamilton pointed
province by over one million, it is home to eleven Cypress County Reeve Dan out, the province announced
growing and thriving urban communities Cypress Hamilton says it’s been an potential scenarios for the
County has a population of 7,662 with a median age interesting adjustment over Assessment Model Review. The
of 38.6 years. the last year, navigating the outlook for the county was a little
The major economic activities of the county are COVID-19 pandemic. bleak, the reeve noted.
agriculture, tourism, CFB Suffield Military Base and “Our loss of tax revenue could’ve
Oil and Gas Production. However with a changing “We are thankful we have not been up to $7.8 million in the
landscape in southeast Alberta, the county has been been hit hard with high case first year alone, which could have
home to several announcements with diversification numbers in the southeast. had a knock-on affect to our
into the renewable energy sector. These projects will However, businesses have still
work to enhance and diversify an already skilled
workforce and business opportunities within the Eye Exams • Emergency Eye Treatment
region. 1000 Frames • Boutique Area
In the southeast corner a visit to Cypress Hills
Interprovincial Park, Elkwater, is an area of over Sunglasses • Dry Eye Treatment
50kms of trails and spectacular views seen from Skin Tightening Treatment
the highest hills east of the Rockies. Visit one of
the nine fresh water lakes and reservoirs, two golf Monday - Wednesday 8am to 5:30pm
courses, the Red Rock Coulee, Prairie Memories Thursday 8am to 8pm • Friday 8am to 5:30pm
Museum, or the Hidden Valley Family Ski Resort.
Saturday 9am to 2pm
Cypress 2960 Dunmore Road SE • 403.529.0190
County

• POPULATION (2020): 7,803
• LAND AREA: 13,494.8 KM2
• M AJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE,

OIL AND GAS, TOURISM
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: CFB-DRDC SUFFIELD
• REEVE: DAN HAMILTON
• INCORPORATED: 1985
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

ELKWATER-CYPRESS HILLS

8 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

residents with a significant tax Dan Hamilton adjustments alone, were the
increase and drop-in services,” best course of action. Council is
he said. Cypress County Reeve very grateful the work has been
Thankfully through proactive completed,” Hamilton said.
advocacy, especially from numerous years to reduce risks Many options were looked at, An exciting development that
residents of Cypress County and at the Dunmore intersection. Hamilton explained, such as happened in 2020, Hamilton
other rural municipalities, “the Alberta Transportation agreed in the county’s proposal of the says, was the unveiling of a
process has been put on-hold late 2018 to provide a solution extension of 3 Ave to meet replica dinosaur skull in Irvine,
pending further review,” for reducing the risk to users of Highway 1 east of Dunmore. thanks to Pauline Guilliet.
Hamilton said. the intersection, Hamilton said, “However, Alberta Transportation “The species was discovered
According to Hamilton, “and further agreed to match the made the decision the on the William Yanke farm
last year also saw the county’s financial contribution to intersection lights and near Irvine in the 1950s,
construction of the Suffield complete the work.” and subsequent naming of
solar project — which was the dinosaur Chasmosaurus
the first project to use Canadian (Kaz-mow-sore-us) Irvinesis is
Solar’s high-efficiency bifacial something for the county to be
modules. proud of,” said Hamilton.
“Aura Power is a solar facility For anyone wishing to see the
located near Empress,” Hamilton replica please contact the Nature
said. Arbre Bistro at 403-458-2789.
It is anticipated, the project will Last year, Hamilton continued,
commence construction in the the province decided to
coming weeks. discontinue its operation of the
“The county is also working Walsh Visitor Centre.
through the land-use and “We decided to take the
development permit processes opportunity to lease the building
with other renewable energy for a year and open it up as the
companies including EDF Cypress County Welcome Centre,
Canada,” Hamilton added at the to promote our region,” he said.
end of March. “There are many hidden gems in
Hamilton says Cypress County the county, and we want to help
council, past and present, showcase what our region has to
have also been advocating for offer to travellers and residents.”

The Medicine Hat & District 41355336 • 03/3404/112340501583943764••030/93/02/82/0210921

LivMLCiuvlsueibc The Medicine Hat & District

Livee MMuussiicc CClluubbToPromoMtLCeiuvlsueaibcndEnhanceLiveMusicasaPartofourCommunityandourHeritage
TOhueTrwhMmeSelceeMoohmdcffeoibeadlcTaeriloicrnrastisPnaheprseiloplehaHHmsacnaarteoteott.tf&aeWpo&crrDaoheDcnimisoediotsmvorEiftetcmfrenmetifchuuaLreatnninanvndiLcetcf,paieovceMtlnoireaoLucmpcnisoMv,iemeuceeruoiCdafMtosmpguluuireclcebseacntiCcthsotwiot,ealrmdnuiisvmsebaemahdunsiiPssdcnutitaoacgnrertaitpixivolctproetonoaaefsvlatroseiiindeotuhnodenrtnascCcarp,eoeanoerfmdfmodomMvacrmuerriupadceduesdaaeniocietctiepitrian.oyileeenena.xdHwTpn, hadeeicsetrxhoriaeeLpiunnniaervgdcetHreteDioeMefisroesnuitrhtxrcsailapcioegcrtceeeCyaarmollinueutudabtnshleoci.cnffe.te, rfsor
oWfOfeeurrswOmSeuTlcercwhhmmoeeomeMbol‘maWeefferberdspeserihecerasioiskpnhpplsesyallhaeHrtLaceoarioevetafpef&acoarcMorlhDlhcmiauieisoegstvomvrieeicetcmesmmtJtuLaaeoenimnnvniccedtst,oa,’cMmetceoionuovemnscem,iomocreuymuiCdttTmruliaauutcemnbgeandestsetidot,entrdnaihnvtey,jeaeoddns7yimdce:t3toadueh0tpixiespocprin.oacemevtxaarii.iponldeaetdenntarccatilaeeheannnemndfdoctEacrsecrrlp,akeoajedsaafmoetmHMepraialeeeaerl.axnldwTpd-dihecies3esrihr0niheiLien5eanivg.rc3HeeTetrodahyMftoo.esuSruhasLtlarnio.cirmvdNceCeaWumDllusMtiu.abiscsulteaoircsnilffc.ittcet,arCylseolnuutbsth. .

‘WeekFlyorLSivcmheooMlarrusehsipicnsJtfaoomprrsmo’meaovtteeiroaynnTduecenoscdonuatryaag7ce:3tt0hepm.mu.saictatlhtaeleEntlsksofHMLiaveeldlMi-ucsi3nic0eC5lHuba3mtrdaemn. dbSetDr.sihNsitprWsicfot.ry| oSuethp.t. to June

Bill de‘WWseBewaklreyrlLceiovsemaMetups4eic0oJp3aml-e5so’2ef6vae-lr1lya0Tgu7ee0sdtaoyc7o:3m0pe.mo.uatt athnedEelkns$joH1ya2ltl.0h- e300e/5xy3prred..rSiet.nNcWe,.

We welcome people of all ages tjaomcomanedousthaanrdeeynojouyr tmheuesxicpaerlietanlceen, jtasm. and share your musical talents.

For more information contact Live Music Club memberships for
Bill desBarres at 403-526-1070
$12.00/yr.

Stronger Together! | 9

Elkwater How does one go 41408905
about promoting
• POPULATION (2016): 84
• LAND AREA: 2.83 KM2 tourism
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: TOURISM
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: GOVERNMENT OF during a global
pandemic?
ALBERTA
• UNINCORPORATED Have you visited the Town of Redcliff lately?
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: CYPRESS HILLS
Come to shop,
PROVINCIAL PARK and stay to play!
• MOTTO: “WHERE PINES MEET THE
Redcliff is a unique centre that boasts several updated and brand-new
PRAIRIE SKIES” recreational facilities, fresh veggies from the multiple greenhouses, and
many exceptional shops. The next time you’re looking for a special gift,
Hilda check out what these stores have to offer! Uniquely Different Décor and
More, Dynamic Deals, Chic Crafter, and the Occasional Piece are only a few
• POPULATION (2016): 45 of the shops that make Redcliff a unique place to plan a day trip or your
• LAND AREA: 0.44 KM2 next weekend adventure! After biking the popular mountain biking trails
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE along the South Saskatchewan River, skateboarding at the new skatepark,
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: CYPRESS COUNTY or taking a dip at the outdoor pool, grab a bite to eat, peruse the shops and
• UNINCORPORATED enjoy Redcliff’s small-town charm.
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: SANDY POINT
CONTACT US
PARK, HILDA MUD BOG 1 – 3rd Street NE, Mail: Box 40

Irvine Redcliff, Alberta T0J 2P0

• POPULATION (2016): 307 Phone: 403-548-3618
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: PRAIRIE ROSE SCHOOL Email: [email protected]

DIVISION
• UNINCORPORATED
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS:

PRAIRIE MEMORIES MUSEUM,
20 MILE POST DAYS

10 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

RLYLAoNocMacaclCllRylAyCoKowEwNnneeddaanndd ooppetehrarataetaterelidedstsssitianngcec,eeyo11ur99o66w7n7!! border American visitation “A lot of them were going to
Medicine Hat News were “pushed a little bit further pick-up or delivery, or they were
community has to be confident down the line” in order to focus modifying their service delivery
on “moments of immediate in one way or another,” he said.
LTsaCabttnhOyaoTsarJVocwttaIsauDwcerrelr-aii1gsliAssmy9hntfthtadMooaereotwefrqrkhsdonuoohimecenmoisdnltasedieino.ma idHnnpnahf2latdei0scw,2etboh0edupe.a tTnmeihrteatedwctpfsIfropoesoeyenobimolnfnpeiuikddlacroeeenteoluyinfmwratt1oouaneamu9tnnhgcid6ndoeeh7ixnmttcnhtt!onemiatcmorhtinuttesfyanobiprlirseat(ottypcaaiwenlbnias.vn”ldceinetpsiotpsnoht)agietnconet . need” and ways to impact the “But because of the volume
community.  of noise and everything else
“We recognized that with COVID, With the Canada-U.S. border shut that was going on, it was really
travel will come back slowly and down and travel across provincial One of those initiatives was Dig important that they get their
it will come back in stages,” said borders discouraged, Anderson In, Eat Well, Tip Big — a campaign message out, so we dedicated
Anderson, executive director says things like long-haul travel, aimed at promoting local some of our efforts to tell that
of Tourism Medicine Hat. “At international travel and cross- restaurants, which were all forced story and help get that message
to shift their methods of bringing get out. We’re doing that all the
food to customers as soon as way through. We’re looking at
health restrictions took hold.  elevating our partners’ voices

LototcoaololuyuTrTorcwHcHunuesAsdtAtooamNmnNdeeKrKorspseffYroYoarrtOOevvdooUsUttiiinnncgge u1u9ss67! Continued on page 12

BBEESSTTJJEEWWEELLLLEERRYY SSTTOORREE www.prsd8.com
to ouTr cHusAtomNeKrs fYorOvoUting us
403-527-5516
BEST JEWELLERY STORE 918 2nd Ave, Dunmore, AB

to ouTr cHusAtomNeKrs fYorOvoUting us Prairie Rose Public Schools offers unique, innovative and one of
a kind educational programming at our 18 public schools across
BEST JEWELLERY STORE southeastern Alberta.

Medicine Hat Mall’s Only Locally Owned Jeweller! South Alberta Hockey Academy
South Alberta Flight Academy
w“wFw“wo“FrwwFwot.horrweirwct.dhhtr.i4hraaei0ceimrc3ddhod-hi4sn5aai4oaa0d2mr0nm6r3ad3-sdo-s6osj-n5ess7n5odp2wo8d2en64cna6eia-sals-s6lsjl6ejes7ears7pwy8psw8.eec4y4cecoeoiiaulmall.lle”leararys.cyoo20um21 .” Outdoor and Survival Skills
Art Institute and Fine Arts Academy
Agriculture and Farm Programs
Archery Program
Rodeo and Equine Programs
Home Plus Learning Network (a home education and shared
parent responsibility program)

Contact us to learn more about these exciting educational
opportunities and to find out what is available in your local area.

Stronger Together! | 11

Promoting tourism
during a pandemic

Continued from page 11

Seven Persons all the time, but it’s really critical “We’re selecting and inviting
right now.”  people that both speak to a
• POPULATION (2016): 275 market that we want to reach
• LAND AREA: 0.89 KM2 Anderson says Tourism Medicine and are also showing interest or
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE Hat then focused its efforts showing platform in things that
• L ARGEST EMPLOYER: PRAIRIE ROSE SCHOOL on drawing more Albertans to set us apart as a community,” he
the southeastern corner of the said. 
DIVISION province while encouraging
• UNINCORPORATED Hatters to get out and explore Anderson says much of Medicine
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: QUONSET DAYS their own backyards. Hat’s tourism comes through
VFR, or those visiting friends and
Schuler “Over the last couple of years, relatives. These individuals may
we’ve invested a significant not always see themselves as
• POPULATION (2016): 72 amount of time, effort and tourists, but Anderson says they
• LAND AREA: 0.42 KM2 money in reaching our Calgary play a key role in the industry.
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE and our Edmonton markets,” he
• L ARGEST EMPLOYER: PRAIRIE ROSE said. “We’ve always marketed in “Anything they do in addition
Calgary, we have perhaps spent to (visiting a friend or family
SCHOOL DIVISION a little bit more time marketing member), it might feel
• UNINCORPORATED in Edmonton the last couple secondary, but one of the things
of years and we’re seeing the we’ve learned is that if we can
Suffield results of that. We’re hearing continue to communicate
the results this summer — local well to our residents what our
• POPULATION (2016): 255 operators and partners telling community offers the visitor,
• LAND AREA: 1.22 KM2 us that the number of folks, then their ability to lure or recruit
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: CIVIL SERVICE anecdotally, that they’re seeing or invite visitation from friends
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: CFB-DRDC SUFFIELD is really encouraging or perhaps and relatives from other markets
• UNINCORPORATED surprising to them. We know here, instead of going there, it
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: CANADA DAY we’ve been spending intentional just gets better,” he said. 
dollars giving a compelling lure
CELEBRATIONS, SUFFIELD DAYS, CURLING to folks in the Edmonton market As restrictions continue to ease
that we believe would appreciate across the country and beyond,
Medicine Hat when they are on out-of-province and international
that leisure travel.” tourism will likely receive a
significant bump, but Anderson
Part of that lure, says Anderson, says he believes stay-cationing is
has been recruiting travel writers here to stay.
and social media influencers
to promote Medicine Hat up in “I absolutely do,” he said. “One
the provincial capital, as well as of the things that we are seeing
online, print and other marketing consistently is that more and
initiatives.  more people are taking the time
to travel, whether it’s overnight
or not, they’re taking the time to
experience things that are closer
to home. That’s huge.”

12 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

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Stronger Together! | 13

The Brooks Even a pandemic can’t
Region hamper the Medicine Hat

www.visitnewell.com real estate scene
If you enjoy boating, swimming, fishing, sailing or
bird watching there is a place for you here. The Brooks STAN ASHBEE to do with COVID with contact
region has an abundance of campgrounds in the area, Southern Alberta Newspapers tracing,” Devine pointed out, the
some of which are Kinbrook Island Provincial Park, Real estate in Medicine Hat week of March 22.
Crawling Valley Reservoir and Rolling Hills Reservoir. and area is fairly stable, says With the local real estate market
A wide variety of sites to see including historic and Frank Devine, president of the being stable — even during a
educational as well as a multitude of recreational Medicine Hat Real Estate Board pandemic, Devine said it also has
attractions and events can be found in the region. Co-operative Ltd. to do with interest rates, as well.
“Sales are equivalent, if not up Devine’s gut feeling, when talking
The County of Newell is a wide and vast place. It has a little bit from even last year — to people, was that a city the size
many different hamlets and smaller communities which was up a little bit from the of Medicine Hat has an advantage
that house incredible history and people. The County year before. As far as sales go, over the bigger cities.
covering 1.5 million acres, with The City of Brooks we’re doing great,” notes Devine. “We’re not so congested, for one
located in the center is a major transportation hub for As far as protocols during the thing. You’ve got a lot better
all surrounding communities ideally situated between COVID-19 pandemic set out value for your dollar and prices
three of Alberta’s cities, situated 187 kilometres from by the provincial government, are relatively stable,” he said.
Calgary, 100 kilometres from Medicine Hat, and 150 Devine said the industry was like When looking at Medicine Hat
kilometers from Lethbridge. everyone else in the province — historically, Devine explained, the
waiting week to week. city is probably one of the most
A skilled and diverse work force supports agriculture, “We (could) only show two steady places on the planet for
oil and gas and manufacturing within the Brooks people a house at a time. the amount of real estate that
Region. One out of every seven workers in the region Everybody has to wear masks and goes on and for the prices.
makes a living in the manufacturing industry, which there’s some extra paper work
provides 17 per cent of total business revenue in the
region. #6 - 1651 Broadway Ave E. 41409300 • 09/28/2021
Redcliff, Alberta T0J 2P0
Discover what the communities of the Brooks Region
have to offer.

City of Brooks

• POPULATION (2020): 15,805
• LAND AREA: 19.6 KM2
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: OIL AND GAS
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: GRASSLAND

PUBLIC SCHOOLS
• MAYOR: BARRY MORISHITA
• INCORPORATED:2005
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: BROOKS

AQUEDUCT, BROOKS AND DISTRICT MUSEUM,
BROOKS GOLF COURSE
• MOTTO: “ALBERTA’S CENTENNIAL CITY”

14 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

“I can’t see that changing anytime active realtors currently with the “We have farm and ranch, some Frank Devine
in the near future,” he said. Medicine Hat Real Estate Board manufacturing and the oil and
As for the commercial and Co-operative Ltd. gas sector. We have the services President, Medicine Hat Real
industrial sectors located in the “Which is actually up from a year sector with the seniors’ homes Estate Board Co-operative Ltd.
city, land and utilities in Medicine ago — we were at 131.” and the hospital,” he said.
Hat are still relatively cheap, says The board, Devine says, Medicine Hat, Devine added, is
Devine. represents all the realtors and a great place to live and a great
“And we’re on the CP Rail and agencies in Medicine Hat. place to raise kids.
we’re on Highway 1,” he said. “I According to Devine, the “You’re not driving for two
think overall, we’re situated fairly economy in Medicine Hat is hours to go to a soccer game
good here.” extremely diverse, especially for or a hockey game,” he said. “For
Devine noted there are 140 the size of the city. raising a family, it’s pretty hard to
beat Medicine Hat.”

#41408455/09/28/2021

Stronger Together! | 15

Veinerville I’M FINE, THANKS. WHY DO
YOU ASK? OH. I HAVEN’T BEEN
• POPULATION (2016): 83 SLEEPING WELL, AND WORK IS
• LAND AREA: 0.11 KM2 REALLY BUSY. I BARELY HAVE
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE TIME TO REST, EVEN WHEN I’M
• L ARGEST EMPLOYER: HIGHER GROUND DISTRICT HOME. BUT I’M GRATEFUL TO
EVEN BE WORKING. A LOT OF
SCHOOL PEOPLE AREN’T SO LUCKY. SO
• UNINCORPORATED I WILL NOT COMPLAIN ABOUT
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: YE OLD JAR BAR IT. EVEN IF I DID, WHO WOULD
LISTEN? SOME STRANGER I
Walsh BARELY KNOW? I’M NOT OKAY
WITH THAT. IT’S COMPLICATED.
• POPULATION (2016): 60 I JUST HAVE TO MAKE IT TO THE
• LAND AREA: 1.25 KM2 WEEKEND, THEN I CAN PRETEND
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE THINGS ARE FINE. THAT THIS
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: TRAIL SIDE CAFÉ AND ENDLESS CYCLE OF WORK AND
DEPRESSION AND EXHAUSTION
GENERAL STORE IS OKAY FOR A LITTLE LONGER.
• UNINCORPORATED
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: ALBERTA VISITOR GO FURTHER
THAN FINE -
INFORMATION CENTRE HEAR WHAT ISN’T
BEING SAID.
Crown Community
of Ralston #GiveHope4MH / givehope4mh.ca

• POPULATION (2016): 282
• LAND AREA: 1 KM2
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: CIVIL SERVICE
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: CFB-DRDC SUFFIELD
• ESTABLISHED: 1947
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: RALSTON RODEO
• MOTTO: “EXIMIUS ORDO”(BASE MOTTO)

16 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

Food bank’s
mission

remains solid

STAN ASHBEE get what they need to eat.” throughout the pandemic manage without volunteers.”
Southern Alberta Newspapers process because of “fear of
Thus far, the food bank’s main the virus and making sure we Typically, the food bank would
It’s probably been the most mission has remained solid were being fair to those in our have 28 volunteers a day in the
trying year of Celina Symmonds’ through 2020-2021, according building.” building.
career. to Symmonds.
Symmonds added “there have “We were down to six, at one
Symmonds is the Medicine “I think the biggest challenge, been a lot of times where we point. But, we still did it,” said
Hat and District Food Bank’s for us, has been navigating the had zero volunteers in the Symmonds.
executive director, and says different changes happening building and just staff has had to
navigating the COVID-19 consistently across the Continued on page 18
pandemic has been tough for board and trying to fit within
many businesses and not-for- regulations, while still being able
profit organizations throughout to feed people,” she said. “It’s
the province and coast-to-coast. been an ongoing challenge. I
guess we’re hanging in there.”
“I think we navigated it well,”
she said. “We never had to Unfortunately, volunteer-wise,
close. We’ve been consistent in the food bank has had to
ensuring participants and clients send help away several times

MGicLhaAelaSGO

MLA, Brooks-Medicine Hat

“Brooks-Medicine Hat is the best place to live,
work and raise a family. From our legacy of
the resilient farmers and ranchers who broke
the land to the innovation and technological
advances of the energy sector, we have so
much to be proud of”

- MLA Michaela Glasgo

Constituency Offices:

#4, 650 Cassils Road East, Brooks • 537 4th Street SE, Medicine Hat
403.527.5622 • [email protected]

Stronger Together! | 17

Burdett Food bank’s mission
remains solid
• POPULATION (2016): 406
• LAND AREA: 0.79 KM2 Continued from page 17
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: PRAIRIE ROSE At the beginning of the pandemic, service the community and allow
Symmonds explained, donations for people to come and celebrate
SCHOOL DIVISION went up — but, certainly there around food. The hope is, by the
• UNINCORPORATED was a drastic decline in the last time we move in, this virus has
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: quarter with donations to the changed a little and we can again
food bank. start to gather, as a community.”
BURDETT CAMPGROUND
• MOTTO: “HOME OF THE FIRST IRRIGATION “We know businesses are suffering It’s been a long-term vision of the
and we understand the natural food bank to change the way the
PIVOT IN CANADA” thing that is going to happen organization offers service, she
when business shuts down,” she says.
Etzikom said.
“What we know for sure is food
• POPULATION (2016): 26 Over the last year, between security is not only a problem
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE the at-home brown bag lunch for folks living in poverty, food
• L ARGEST EMPLOYER: ETZIKOM MUSEUM AND program, the breakfast program security is a community-wide
and the food bank’s regular day- problem,” said Symmonds. “I think
HISTORIC WINDMILL CENTRE to-day hampers and deliveries, we learned that more so during
• UNINCORPORATED Symmonds said the food bank is the pandemic. I think, as a food
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: ETZIKOM seeing close to 85-90 people per bank, our responsibility is to teach
day, “and sometimes higher than — not just give food, but to teach
MUSEUM AND HISTORIC WINDMILL CENTRE that — depending on what time about how to utilize that food and
of the month it is.” to engage people in a community
Manyberries response to food security, and
In 2021 though, the big news for that’s what this is.”
• HOUSEHOLDS (2016): 41 the food bank is the completion of
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE, OIL AND GAS its brand-new building. Symmonds added the food bank
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: CITY OF MEDICINE HAT is grateful to be situated in a
• UNINCORPORATED “We bought the fire hall on Maple community which allows the local
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: MANYBERRIES Avenue,” she said. “That hub would organization to dream big and to
allow us to have an industrial pilot something “that’s never been
STATION CABOOSE kitchen, four teaching kitchens, a done before and move to a new
garden, an emergency shopping location.”
18 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021 pantry, as well as a cafe that will

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20 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

Sticking together:
Hat businesses collaborate through COVID

LAUREN THOMSON community. There is a high Boss has four kids, aged 18, 16, “In the beat-based, boutique
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter capacity for success.” 14 and 10; the two oldest are spin, you’re intended to be
One of the ways that local Sou Boss, owner, manager and now helping in the kitchen often. in these really small, intimate
businesses made it through chef at Thai Orchid, says COVID “We’ve lost our kitchen staff and spaces, moving together as a
restrictions due to COVID-19 in forced her to wear many hats, but we’ve been trying to hire and it’s group, that’s kind of the premise,
the past 18 months has been to with the help of family, things just been really hard, so we’ve so obviously when they brought
collaborate. have run smoothly. been doing it ourselves mostly,” in those restrictions, we had to
The Economic Impacts, “We did meal kits during the time she said. “Our family, my kids shut down,” she said.
Outcomes and Opportunities when dining was closed and helping out in the kitchen. We’ve One of the things they did to
for Southeast Alberta in a also when we were completely just been doing the best we can.” mitigate losses was to rent out
Post-COVID Economy report closed for a few months right Boss also coaxed her mom out of their 23 bikes to some of their
by the Medicine Hat and when everything started. When retirement to help. ridership and do live online
District Chamber of Commerce we started re-opening, we kept “In that respect it has been a classes. Once they understood
talks about the benefits of doing that on and off and people blessing to have the family come that shutdowns would last a lot
collaboration. enjoyed it,” said Boss. together and do it, because longer than initially predicted,
“Partnerships and collaborations She also started to include now our older boys are learning they transitioned to using the
can be highly beneficial for the cooking videos with helpful so much more and they’re MindBody platform and a video
growth of small businesses, tips for those who purchased contributing much more than on demand system, which they
corporations and communities,” the meal kits, saying that it was they have and they’re enjoying have continued for members not
it reads. “Some of the key something her kids would help that as well,” said Boss. yet comfortable with coming into
benefits of collaborations out with. Sabrina Moore, owner and studio.
across businesses include “We just filmed them from home,” motivator at Kollektive Cycle, says Moore also collaborated with
diversified revenue, increased said Boss. “We kept it very simple spin was decimated as part of the Chelsea Purves, owner of Crew
communication, mobilized and the kids all enjoyed it.” fitness industry. Training Studio, to run some
resources and stronger online fitness challenges.

Continued on page 22

41408345

Stronger Together! | 21

Sticking together:
Continued from page 21

Town of “One was going right into one of community might help them out,
Bow Island the hard lockdowns and I think so they put out a call on Facebook
that’s when people really needed and Instagram.
• POPULATION (2020): 2,054 it the most, knowing that they “The next day, everybody was
• LAND AREA: 5.8 KM2 couldn’t go to the gym and do the stopping in and dropping off
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE things that they normally would in what they had. It was really cool,”
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: TRU-CO STRUCTURES INC terms of exercise or for their mental said Schmunk. “We had like a little
• MAYOR: GORDON REYNOLDS health.” assembly line going of people who
• INCORPORATED:1912 During the second challenge, did nothing but bottle and help
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: PINTO MCBEAN participants were given t-shirts us unpackage the aloe vera that
and other swag, which Moore people were dropping off.”
STATUE, BLUES AT THE BOW says helped challengers recognize Schmunk also said they had a
• MOTTO: “THE BEAN CAPITAL OF THE WEST” each other in public, introducing couple of businesses help them
themselves to each other while out, like SALCO construction which
Foremost running stairs or other activities. was also to source out a large pail
“They might have never met them of glycerine for hand sanitizer,
• POPULATION (2020): 558 before but that would be kind and Mike’s Meats, who brought
• LAND AREA: 2.2 KM2 of like their common ground, so sandwiches for them while they
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE people built relationships that way,” packaged and handed out small
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: FORTY MILE COUNTY explained Moore. bottles of sanitizer to community
• MAYOR: LORNE BUIS Andy Schmunk, owner of Grit members.
• INCORPORATED:1950 City Distillery, says he noticed “I know that a lot of other
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: FORTY MILE PARK hand sanitizer was scarce at the businesses have implemented
• MOTTO: “FOREMOST…IT STARTS HERE!” beginning of the pandemic and so many ways to work around
threw around the idea to make all the restrictions and it’s been
Special Areas some in their distilleries. awesome to hear,” said Boss. “Of
No.2, No.3, No.4 They found some recipes, but were course the community support has
missing an important ingredient; been phenomenal. I can’t thank
• POPULATION (2020): 4,302 aloe vera. They thought that the everyone enough for the support
• LAND AREA: 21,124.79 KM2 the community has shown.”
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: ATCO SHEERNESS Connect with us at: Wellspring Calgary is a
• CHAIRMAN: JORDAN CHRISTIANSON Wellspringcalgary.ca registered charity offering
• INCORPORATED:1938 free programs and services
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: BLOOD INDIAN 1-866-682-3145 in southern Alberta that
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22 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021 If you or a loved one has
cancer, Wellspring is here
for you.

41408903

Do you want to support local growers #41408432/09/28/2021
AND save money on your grocery bill?
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join the Good Food Club today! FREE LIBRARY
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yGoeutrs 41408348
today.

41408182 • 09/28/2021 Support a Charity! • Child Care
• Before & After School Care
• Health/Fitness/Aquatics • Day Camps
• Employment Services -
(Medicine Hat and Brooks)

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Stronger Together! | 23

Cereal Thank you to all the individuals,
businesses, service clubs & community
• POPULATION (2020): 110
• LAND AREA 0.8 KM2 groups who supported us in 2020.
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE We look forward to your continued
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: SPECIAL AREAS
• MAYOR: TAMI OLDS support in 2021.
• INCORPORATED: 1910
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: CEREAL PRAIRIE Share the Warmth & Support
Share the Warmth & Support
PIONEER MUSEUM
Share the Joy & Community
Empress Share the Joy & Community

• POPULATION (2020): 134 Share the Season 403-528-9900 #41408448 • 09/28/2021
• LAND AREA 1.6 KM2 Share the Season
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE www.mhsantafund.com
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: VILLAGE OF EMPRESS
• MAYOR: CARMAN COOPER
• INCORPORATED: 1917

Hanna

• POPULATION (2020): 2,552
• LAND AREA: 9.1 KM2
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE, ENERGY
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: ATCO POWER
• MAYOR: CHRIS WARWICK
• INCORPORATED:1912
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: PRAIRIE OASIS

PARK, HANNA PIONEER VILLAGE AND MUSEUM
• MOTTO: “WORTH THE DRIVE”

41391982/09/28/2021

24 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

Trucking industry more
appreciated following COVID-19

RYAN DAHLMAN stocks were short, the importance of industry as we see more product move
While many lives were impacted truckers was made extremely evident. that maybe was closed during COVID. It
and forced to make adjustments Besides public appreciation, many has created that opportunity. Now, the
during uncertain and turbulent of those store owners were more downside is that we are short drivers,”
pandemic times, the provincial motor appreciative, says Nash, adding they explains Nash with a chuckle. “It is a
transportation industry changed too. are working with various sectors to good problem for the industry moving
However, for Chris Nash, president ensure amenities for truckers are forward, but definitely a challenge.
of the Alberta Motor Transport more available. He says the industry “We have to create the pathways, you
Association, the change was for the is constantly looking for ways to know, mandatory entry level training
better in many different facets, one of make motor transportation a more was obviously something we needed
the biggest areas being appreciation. comfortable career to follow. to move forward with…We need to
“With ’The Thank the Trucker’ campaign This suits Nash just fine. The association get more employable folks and that’s
and everything that went on, people is working on attracting and training what we’re working on, as an industry,
were realizing when you don’t have more drivers for the industry. as an association, working with our
toilet paper, it comes on a truck,” states Nash says there are 43,000 Alberta stakeholders and partners to find those
Nash. truckers employed right now, but opportunities to bring people into
Once different sectors of society were adds 150,000 people have their Class 1 the industry. Right now realistically, if
more aware of the importance of licence in Alberta. we had across Canada another 40,000
getting vital supplies when very few “The economy is on an upswing and drivers today, we’d still be looking for
stores were open and supplies and the recovery coming, it definitely more drivers.”
secured the future of drivers of the
Continued on page 26

Simply
Fresh

Creative Floor 1097 - Trans Canada Way SE

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Stronger Together! | 25

Trucking industry more appreciated following COVID-19
Continued from page 25

BUILD MOMENTUM IN Nash says there is no one With job security being a key
SOUTHEAST ALBERTA particular sector of the motor drawing card for those looking for
transportation industry which work and all the technological and
seems to be desperate for drivers. the improved public perception
Manufacturing, retail, energy and of the trucking industry, Nash
of course agriculture could all says knowing the industry is on
use some more available people solid footing and appreciated is a
behind the wheel. positive. Nash says the industry will
Nash says the industry is crucial to figure out how to keep up with the
keeping the economy going. He change.
points out “51.3% of Alberta’s GDP
goes on the back of the truck in “I think it’s important in an industry
some form or fashion.” that has always had to be agile,
With the social and economic based on the economy or the
disruption, the motor season, has always come through
transportation industry has and figured out very quickly
been looking at new growing on how to keep goods moving,
technology as well as new sectors like the necessities of life on the
where the industry is changing shelves and in our hospitals,”
such as alternative energy. Another explains Nash. “It boils down to the
area is new electronic technology truckers that are out there, so just
such as driver-assist and improving an absolute thank you for what
the comforts of the industry such they do. They are the highway
as the need to ensure educational heroes, they set the pace, we
technology as well as increased couldn’t be here with out them.
and improved opportunities for Everything we have, came on a
new drivers. truck.”

Perfecting Warmth
Since 1890

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26 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021 1006 South Railway St. S.E.
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WE ARE ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS!

Waterfront District
downtownhighlights future plans for
STAN ASHBEE the project.
Southern Alberta Newspapers
Clugston says the three projects
According to Invest Medicine Hat, announced include the 603 1
in 2020 the City of Medicine Hat Street site, kitty-corner from city
adopted the myMH Master Plan. hall and the site will be upgraded
The progressive plan outlined into a parking lot. Across the
a 30-year vision for the future street from city hall, an addition
growth and redevelopment of and consolidation of office space
the community. around downtown will take place
and Athletic Park will be receiving
This plan includes a city about $3 million in major
Waterfront District and the upgrades.
revitalization of the city’s
downtown core. “Unfortunately, it’s been a tough
year for the Mavericks,” Clugston
“The vision for Medicine Hat’s said. “They didn’t get to play last
prime waterfront land is a year and we’re unfortunately
vibrant, high-density, mixed- going to have to move them
use area that provides a focal up to Jeffries Field this summer
point for entertainment and because of the construction at
events, and capitalizes on the Athletic Park. But, the owner is
beautiful natural surroundings extremely excited and well aware
of the South Saskatchewan and working with us on that
River,” states Invest Medicine Hat. project
“The Waterfront District may
integrate outdoor, recreational NewRock Developments is
experiences seamlessly with working on bringing down
unique entertainment and retail the old arena and “developing
opportunities in the historic a very substantive housing
downtown core.” development on that site,” adds
Starting in 2021, Invest Medicine Clugston.
Hat and the City of Medicine There’s also been a plethora
Hat will advance infrastructure of grants distributed to local
projects required to connect businesses for assistance and
the Waterfront District to its commercial improvements, as
surrounding neighbourhoods business owners continue to
and take the first steps toward navigate the COVID-19 pandemic.
revisioning the Waterfront
District and downtown — Invest “There’s a couple of million
Medicine Hat points out. dollars in there as well. We
are seeing a lot of businesses
City of Medicine Hat Mayor Ted showing interest,” said Clugston.
Clugston says with the recent “Be it just adapting to COVID or
Waterfront District development changing the exterior of their
announcement, the city, in building or adding residential.”
conjunction with the province
and the federal governments, has Clugston says the city is also
three projects are in the works to excited about some potential
kick things off downtown. Public private sector announcements
money will also be injected into for the downtown core in the

28 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

future — with some business Health restrictions, regulations, TuTehsedFairystof
prospects just tire-kicking, but lockdowns and shutdowns. Every Month
some developments could come Clugston says he’s proud of
to fruition. the way local businesses have earn
Medicine Hat recently opened adapted to the on again/off
up Unit 16 for more electric again restrictions put in place, 40X
generation and the city will especially the city’s pubs and points
be opening up an additional restaurants. or
Unit 17, “adding another 42-43 “It was a tough year, even for
megawatts to the city’s power the hair salons and massage
supply and we have a lot of and everybody has just been
people interested in that extra struggling — but adapting and
power,” Clugston says. The city adapting,” he said.
had also set aside power for No other Canadian municipality,
Aurora, which unfortunately on a per capita basis, helped out
wasn’t utilized. their businesses than Medicine
“We do have quite a few irons in Hat — notes Clugston. An $8.2
the fire,” said Clugston. “You could million grant was distributed to
see, with the commissioning of allow people to pivot to more
that new generator, some new revenue streams during the
businesses coming. pandemic.
Invest Medicine Hat, Clugston “We held property taxes at zero
continues, is very aggressive — per cent for two years and put
even more so than it was four money into paying people’s
years ago. utility bills. That was about
One aspect of the COVID-19 another $1 million,” said Clugston.
pandemic that continues to be “We’ve really, really tried to be a
detrimental to businesses of all part of the solution and not the
shapes and sizes are the Alberta problem.”

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Stronger Together! | 29

There's no denying that COVID-19 has had an outsized and established neighborhoods and provided economic
impact on Alberta’s economy. Since the onset of the stimulus as part of the City’s COVID-19 response.
pandemic, Medicine Hat’s residents and businesses have While remaining committed to its existing business
tackled the unprecedented challenges and everchanging community and the long-term economic growth for
restrictions that impacted their quality of life and work Medicine Hat, IMH is also playing a strong leadership role in
norms. Despite the many ups and downs in 2020-21, the City growing the regional economy. From business development
of Medicine Hat found innovative ways to stay connected to planning services and procurement, IMH provides a
and serve their community. customized, concierge approach to investors and developers
For Invest Medicine Hat (IMH), the economic development doing business in Medicine Hat.
division of the City of Medicine Hat, working with the On August 13th, 2021, IMH announced the foundation of a
business community to understand and address the impacts Task Force to establish Canada’s second hydrogen hub in
of the global pandemic was a primary focus. Throughout the Southeast Alberta. This world-class Task Force is composed
pandemic, IMH has collaborated with local agencies to build of: Prairies Economic Development Canada (PrairiesCan),
a directory of resources and launch initiatives to support City of Medicine Hat, City of Brooks, Palliser Economic
local businesses and residents. Partnership, CF Industries, Methanex Corporation, APEX
In May 2020, IMH and City Council worked together to Regional Innovation Network (Alberta Innovates,
approve the COVID Hat Support Framework, an $8.2 million Community Futures Entre-Corp and Medicine Hat College),
program that included a $2 million grant to support business RockPoint Gas Storage, Campus Energy, Envoy Energy and
cope with the economic impacts of the pandemic. Medicine The Transition Accelerator (University of Calgary). The
Hat Business Innovation Grant (MHBIG) dispersal of Southeast Alberta Task Force is modelled after Alberta’s
$1,409,285.86 resulted in an additional $717,459 of private Industrial Heartland Hydrogen Task Force, whose research
sector investment in the community, totaling $2,126,744 paved the way for the Edmonton Region Hydrogen HUB to
total industry spend. Every dollar spent on MHBIG generated Force’s foundational study is expected to be completed in
an additional $3.08 of additional economic activity, directly economic opportunities associated with growing large-scale
and indirectly supporting 175 jobs. Overall, the grant will complement national and provincial hydrogen and
supported 150 applicants in a variety of sectors in creating a natural gas strategies. Invest Medicine Hat is currently
new revenue stream, equipping their business with working on advancing several key infrastructure projects
appropriate PPE, and helping to digitize their services. which will complement and enable the work being done by
Recognizing that small businesses needed to quickly pivot the Southeast Alberta Task Force and the transition to a net
from bricks and mortar to online, IMH partnered with APEX zero economy in Southeast Alberta.
Alberta, Community Futures Entre-Corp and the Medicine To learn more about the opportunities for low-carbon
Hat and District Chamber of Commerce to introduce two hydrogen in Canada, visit:
major initiatives, ShopHERE powered by Google and Shop https://www.investmedicinehat.ca/hydrogen
YXH. The ShopHERE program provided free e-commerce
websites to 144 local businesses followed soon after by Shop welcome you!
YXH, an aggregated marketplace featuring 160+ businesses
from the Southeast Alberta region. Guiding consumers to “Invest Medicine Hat is honoured to work
discover and buy local while also giving the businesses a alongside a business community that has shown
competitive advantage online. resiliency, creativity, and innovation during these
Out of 64 municipalities across Alberta, Medicine Hat was unimaginable times. We thank you for your
recognized and awarded the Minister’s Award of Municipal contributions and investment in the community.”
Excellence in the Building Economic Strength category for
MHBIG and Shop YXH programs. Shop YXH also took home
the Economic Developers of Alberta excellence award.
IMH also launched six development incentive programs, the
Commercial-Industrial Development Tax Incentive,
Waterfront District Housing Incentive, Waterfront District

“COVID has caused “I was so excited to hear
uncertainties for everyone about the ShopYXH.ca
and those that already face marketplace. It is an
trauma, anxiety, and amazing place for
depression, are faced with a businesses to connect and
whole new set of stressors. collaborate together, and it
With the grant, I was able to creates that directory feel
purchase a neurofeedback for customers to discover
machine to better serve the new and existing businesses
more vulnerable clients. I am within the community.”
thrilled to bring this new
technology to Medicine Hat JENELLE LESMEISTER
and help promote a healthy
community.” Burk & Co. and Sewline Upholstery

STACEY STEELE

Owner, Stacey Steele Counselling

We look forward to
working with you to
build a bright future.

investmedicinehat.ca Stronger Together! | 31

Return of

Oyen the roar:

• POPULATION (2020): 820 Tigers eager to welcome fans
• LAND AREA: 5.3 KM2 back inside Co-op Place
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: BIG COUNTRY HOSPITAL RYAN McCRACKEN we have such great fans and it’ll
• MAYOR: DOUG JONES Medicine Hat News be exciting to have them back
• INCORPORATED:1913 After a season of silence, the in the building,” said Desjardins.
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: CROSSROADS CENTRE, Medicine Hat Tigers are ready to “We’ve waited for this. It’s been
ride the roar of the crowd once a while but I think it’ll be good. I
OYEN MUSEUM, OUTDOOR SHIRLEY MCCLELLEN more when WHL hockey returns think the fans are excited, I think
LEISURE CENTRE to Co-op Place on Oct. 2. there are lots of people renewing
• MOTTO: “BLUE SKY. CLEAN AIR. FRIENDLY PEOPLE” It’s been 18 long months since the season tickets and that, so I think
Tigers last welcomed fans into the it’s really exciting for everybody.”
Youngstown building, and while that stretch The pandemic-shortened season
did feature 23 games in empty had its share of challenges and
• POPULATION (2020): 152 barns, head coach and general uncertainties, but Medicine Hat
• LAND AREA:1.1 KM2 manager Willie Desjardins says ultimately pulled through with a
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE nothing compares to the energy 14-8-0-1 record and zero cases of
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: K&M GAS PLUS of the crowd.  COVID-19.
• MAYOR: ROBERT BLAGEN “It was totally different last year, Desjardins says that success —
• INCORPORATED:1922 and we have the best fans. I think both in terms of performance
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: BLOOD INDIAN and public health — was made

CREEK PARK Every small business
• MOTTO: “SPORTSMAN’S PARADISE ” has a story. We’re here
to help print yours.
Newell County
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variety of small business
• POPULATION (2020): 8,022 products and services to
• LAND AREA: 6,196.1 KM2 help you step up your
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE marketing efforts,
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: JBS LAKESIDE PACKERS reinforce your brand
• COUNTY OF NEWELL REEVE: MOLLY DOUGLAS identity, and run your
• INCORPORATED:1953 business efficiently.
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: LAKE NEWELL
We Print: Ask us how we can
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32 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021 • Flyers
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possible through a massive group care of each other, and that’s kind the mic, Desjardins says he
effort stemming from ownership of what a team is all about.” expects the fans will be
all the way down through the The upcoming season will likely ready to celebrate like it’s
billets and game day staff.  still feature a number of enhanced 4,000 all over again.
“You’ve got to give a lot of credit health protocols, but Desjardins “It’s a great
to the owners. I think it was pretty says they’ll ultimately have to accomplishment for Rids.
great that they gave us a chance wait and see what the official He’s been a big part of the
to play,” he said. “You’ve got to guidelines are. franchise right from the start
give a lot of credit to the billets “I think it depends where COVID is and nobody can say enough
too. They’ve been great. They at when we start,” said Desjardins. about him,” Desjardins said of
stepped up. It’s a tough situation “I know everybody will have to Ridley, who has called all but
— you’re bringing someone into keep safe. That’s just a priority.” one game for the Tigers in their
your home, you have kids, there’s And even though Medicine Hat’s 51-year history. “I think all the
lots of things. The billets really home opener against the Swift fans and the players certainly
came through for us. They did Current Broncos will serve as Bob respect and admire him for what
everything they could and made Ridley’s 4,023rd game behind he’s done and what he’s gone
it a great spot. Everybody took through with the team.”

Veteran Family Program

The Veteran Family Program, Le Programme pour les familles
funded by Veterans Affairs des vétérans, financé par Anciens
Canada, supports medically Combattants Canada, appuie
releasing CAF members, les membres des FAC en voie
medically released Veterans de libération pour des raisons
and their families. médicales, les vétérans libérés pour
des raisons médicales et leur famille.
The program is
accessed through: Voici les points d’accès :

• local Military Family • Centres de ressources pour
Resource Centres les familles des militaires

• Family Information Line • Ligne d’information pour
1-800-866-4546 les familles au
1-800-866-4546
• CAFconnection.ca
• ConnexionFAC.ca

41408109 • 09/28/2021 To contact the Suffield Military Family Resource Centre
Phone: 403-544-5567

Email the Suffield Veteran Family Program Coordinator:
[email protected]

Stronger Together! | 33

Tilley Wikkerink
proud of
• POPULATION (2016): 364 county’s ability
• LAND AREA: 0.70 KM2 to adapt
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE,
STAN ASHBEE Steve Wikkerink
OIL AND GAS Reeve, County of 40 Mile
• L ARGEST EMPLOYER: GRASSLAND Southern Alberta Newspapers
in the Public Works facility that
PUBLIC SCHOOLS When the COVID-19 pandemic were a little big vague, but it still
• UNINCORPORATED began last year, early discussions pointed out the severity of keeping
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: by the County of Forty Mile were your guard up,” he said.
probably like any other business –
TILLEY CAMPGROUND, ‘OK, if we get COVID in here, how “We were quite nervous at the
TILLEBROOK PROVINCIAL PARK do we maintain our business?’ beginning, but I think overall — our
• M OTTO: “WHERE PEOPLE MAKE A staff has done an excellent job,”
DIFFERENCE” “Of course, we are a municipality Wikkerink said. “We were at zero for
and getting that type of news or a lot of weeks within the county, it
Bassano risk in early March when you still hasn’t been too bad.”
have some winter to go — for
• POPULATION (2020): 1,280 us, is how do we maintain our According to Wikkerink, 2021
• LAND AREA: 5.2 KM2 grader fleet if all of sudden we has some pretty big things in the
• M AJOR INDUSTRIES: get COVID in our fleet and do we works with wind and solar projects
have to shut down?” noted Reeve underway in the county.
AGRICULTURE Steve Wikkerink. “Or if you get
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: it in the office, you’re struggling Two years ago, Wikkerink
to keep your bills paid and your explained, the county had Capital
GENTHERM GLOBAL POWER employees paid. That was kind of Power building windmills, but
• MAYOR: RON WICKSON the first reaction.”
• INCORPORATED:1911
• MAJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: CRAWLING But, Wikkerink added, county
staff realized the severity of the
VALLEY RESERVOIR, BASSANO DAM, pandemic and administration
BASSANO RODEO did an excellent job of cross-
• MOTTO: “BEST IN THE WEST BY A DAMSITE” training staff. Within about six
or eight months, the county’s
34 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021 administration and staff were
pretty comfortable in the office.

“We’d had enough staff cross-
trained, so we would be OK. Then,
later on, we did get a case or two

because of the pandemic it out to the same announcement southern Alberta, especially in
seemed a majority of work facility, so bringing of the Highway 3 the area,” he said.
building towers was put on-hold three different twinning to Burdett,
for the summer of 2020. “But we locations all into says Wikkerink. “We’re hearing some talk of
had two companies that were one site,” said maybe some more potato
still building access roads and Wikkerink, adding “We’re starting to facilities coming in... We’ve had a
burying some of their network the new facility should call this Highway few visits from a few companies
of cables to tie their windmills be operational in 2022. 3 corridor the food that are interesting that will fit
together.” corridor... At one time, potatoes into some of that... From the
Wikkerink says the county has were one of the few things. irrigation and agriculture side it
In 2021, Wikkerink pointed heard a little bit of feedback We grow it here, we process it looks very promising and I hope
out, the county will see three from ratepayers in the and we get to eat some of the we can continue to grow that
different companies building municipality, as the project has French fries,” he joked. Today, and get more processors, so we
different types of turbines in the a pretty hefty price tag. But, there’s more of a push towards can process it and use it here.”
summer. Capital Power will be Wikkerink noted, he has been processing what is growing in
pouring concrete and building on council for over seven years
towers and SunCor will be and many other long-term MIYWASIN 41408143 • 09/28/2021
developing some of their access councillors have said council FRIENDSHIP CENTRE
roads and will be pouring their had the same discussion 12
bases. At the Rattlesnake Ridge years ago. Our Services:
location this summer, pouring • Counseling Programs
will be moving ahead, as well as “It seemed like a lot of money, • Housing Programs
the towers being erected. so they backed away from it. All • Youth Development Program
it’s done is increase the cost,” • Caregiver/Parenting
“That’s the next phase of that,” he said.
said Wikkerink. Education Program
“We have to start over, so we • Elders Program
Wikkerink says the county also don’t have to do it again for
has two fairly large solar farms another 50 years.” Our vision is to:
nearing completion, with a • Celebrate our Aboriginal Cultures
tentative date of June 1 for the Before Christmas, Wikkerink
projects to go on-line. “Both of says, the government RE• Gather together and share
those are south of Burdett.” announced funds for irrigation
districts. “We’re going to see • Respect our diversity
In late April or during the first some of that into our area.” • Build our future
part of May, Wikkerink said, the
county will be breaking ground Wikkerink believes this fall the 517 3rd Street SE,
on a county shop expansion, St. Mary’s River Irrigation District Med. Hat, AB T1A 0H2
on the same facility it will be is going to be doing some work
adding on the Administration in the Rattlesnake Ridge area. Ph. 403-526-0756
Building. “I think that irrigation money Fx. 403-504-4064
is going to be a huge welcome
“What that’s going to allow us to to infrastructure in southern For more information visit our website:
do is we’re going to be moving Alberta — which we’re going to
our Ag Department down to see some of it right to Medicine www.miywasincentre.net
join onto the Public Works Hat.”
building and then we will be Stronger Together! | 35
moving all of our administration There’s also been a lot
staff from downtown Foremost of excitement with the

Experience County Smthaellhbeuasritnoefss
of Forty Mile! local economy

www.40mile.ca LAUREN THOMSON and adaptations. These effects
You will be miles ahead with a visit to the County of Forty Local Journalism Initiative Reporter have negatively impacted some
Mile! businesses while positively
This county is home to a population of 3,581 spread According to a report by the influencing others,” reads
across 78 townships. Medicine Hat and District the report. “The economic
By way of highway 3 and 61 it is 55 minutes from the Chamber of Commerce 95.9% of downturn pre-pandemic, further
Coutts Border Crossing and one hour to either Medicine businesses in Medicine Hat are augmented by COVID-19 and
Hat or Lethbridge. The 40 Mile Rail runs from Sterling to classified as small businesses. the various levels of restrictions,
Foremost and offers further logistic opportunities into has negatively affected several
the county. Foremost was strategically chosen as the The Economic Impacts, businesses. In turn, Governments
location for the establishment of this innovative training Outcomes and Opportunities
and development centre for Unmanned Aircraft Systems for Southeast have
(UAS) technology. Geographically the region has unique Alberta in a implemented
attributes that make it an ideal location for the operation, Post-COVID funding
development and training for UAS. Economy report mechanisms
With over 119,900 acres of irrigated land, the variety by the Chamber and resources
of agriculture crops being grown in this area is of Commerce to try to assist
unsurpassed. Recently there has been a diversification states that these businesses
of hemp opportunities in the area with an anticipation of businesses through those
accelerated opportunities to come. employee a difficult times.
With a visit to the county you will find two golf courses, large number There is no
several camping areas with watercraft opportunities of individuals doubt that some
for the angling enthusiast, the Milk River Natural Area, and  contribute highly to the organizations have thrived.
Pakowki Lake Bird Sanctuary, and the Kennedy Coulee overall GDP. Still, for others, despite the
Ecological Reserve. supports, it has proved to be
The spotlight for industries in the County focus on “It is essential for the government both financially challenging and
Agriculture, Health and Social Assistance, Educational locally, provincially, and federally mentally exhausting, causing
Services and Wholesale Trade and help to offer a further to ensure that small businesses difficulties in ways the business
diversification to a skilled workforce. survive this pandemic and owners never expected.”
Good things are to come for the Southeast Alberta Region overcome the restrictions,
and the County of Forty Mile! lockdowns, and cutbacks in Brooklyn Kalista, owner broker of
economic activity,” it reads. Royal LePage community realty
County of in Medicine Hat and Brooks, says
Forty Mile It is no doubt that businesses that during the initial shutdown
have been required to re-invent in March of 2020, her company
• POPULATION (2020): 3,724 the wheel over the past 18 experienced a very quiet period
• LAND AREA: 7,412.9 KM2 months as they tried to stay for about 45 days. During that
• MAJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE afloat amidst closures and many time, she and the other agents
• LARGEST EMPLOYER: FORTY MILE COUNTY other challenges due to the in her office focused on helping
• REEVE: STEVE WIKKERINK COVID-19 pandemic. others by using their advertising
• INCORPORATED: 1958 fund to give back to various
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: ETZIKOM WIND “Many organizations have organizations in the community.
experienced the effects of
MUSEUM, RED ROCK COULEE NATURAL AREA, FORTY COVID-19 on their businesses, Some of the ways that businesses
MILE PARK, GOLDEN SHEAF PARK with varying impacts, dependent grew and changed during
• MOTTO: “WE’RE MILES AHEAD” on the industry, perceptions
Continued on page 38
36 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

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41408313

Stronger Together! | 37

Small business the heart of local economy

Continued from page 36

Rosemary the pandemic are by using at ProComm, says his company
technology and social media spent much of their time at the
• POPULATION (2020): 363 and also utilizing business beginning of COVID shutdown
• LAND AREA: 0.6 KM2 community collaboration. helping seniors residences
• M AJOR INDUSTRIES: RETAIL update their call systems
• L ARGEST EMPLOYER: GRASSLAND PUBLIC “When you’re not allowed to between residents and nurses.
be in people’s properties or
SCHOOLS open housing gets halted, that They also did a lot of work
• MAYOR: BILL MARSHALL is tough, especially for new remotely, which helped seniors
• INCORPORATED: 1951 agents because that’s a big homes cut down on technicians
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: CANADA DAY, way that they can get their face coming in and out of their
in the community,” she said. buildings.
ROSEMARY CAMPGROUND “So we really promoted being
• MOTTO: “LAND OF PROMISE” online that way and doing the “If there was a new resident
walk throughs, whether it was coming in, we were able to
Duchess you personally doing or paying remotely program their pendants
additionally to get the 3D walk and we were also able to
• POPULATION (2020): 1,030 through tours. I would say program their telephones, which
• L AND AREA: 2.0 KM2 photography has always been really cut down on the amount of
• M AJOR INDUSTRIES: AGRICULTURE a big thing; all of our agents people coming into the building,”
• L ARGEST EMPLOYER: ALBERTA PRAIRIE generally use a professional said Schotanus.
photographer for their photos
MEATS so that didn’t really change, but I Schotanus also said Procomm
• MAYOR: TONY STEIDEL know a lot more invested in the helped a number of businesses
• INCORPORATED: 1921 3D tours and taking the time to set up video door phones.
• M AJOR TOURIST ATTRACTIONS: DINOSAUR do the live open houses, and all
the reels and stuff on Instagram “Businesses were able to leave
PROVINCIAL PARK and other things to get the their door locked, the customer
• MOTTO: “WHERE THE SWAN SITS” property out there as much as would walk up, press the
you can without being able to button, and then the call would
physically get bodies through go through to employees cell
there.” phones and then they would
be able to look to see who’s at
Kalista remarked that markets the door and open up the door,
Canada-wide are back up and so that they were able to leave
booming. She feels they adapted their doors locked during COVID,”
well during the worst of it and explained Schonatus. “We’ve also
will continue to. done just about all the schools
for the Medicine Hat Public
Guy Schotanus, sales manager School’s with this same device.”

38 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

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403.580.5914 21 Years • Fully Insured
www.janzenbuilders.com • Free Estimates
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Workmanship, Integrity, Quality

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20 Years

For all your Home Gift & Garden Centre #2 - 12 Sierra Dr SW
Cleaning, Janitorial and
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Dunmore, AB
403.502.1027 17 Years
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17 Years

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23 South West Drive S.W. To receive copies of Ag Matters at
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www.advancedesign.ca 403.580.7599

17 Years 15 Years Email: [email protected]
ag-matters.com

6 Years

42 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

Atroowunnd LIGHT
Support INDUSTRIAL
local KINGSWAY
business!

PROUDLY SERVING THE MEDICINE HAT
& SURROUNDING AREA FOR OVER 20 YEARS!

We Sell Arctic Spas
Canada’s Biggest Manufacturer.

We also Sell, Repair & Maintain
Above-Ground & In-Ground
Swimming Pools.

We carry Canada Billiard Supplies including 41409301•09/28/2021
Billiard Tables, Poker Tables, Chairs & Bars.

QUALITY YOU CAN TRUST..... SALES • PARTS • SERVICE

403-528-54481224 Kingsway Ave. SE, Medicine Hat, AB

Stronger Together! | 43

Brooks m u s e u mBROOKS & DISTRICT
Corn Maze
SOUTHERN ALBERTA CULTURAL HERITAGE CENTRE
South of Brooks, AB,
7th Street East & Industrial Road P.O. Box 2078
1269 Sutherland Dr. East
403-793-4034
Brooks, AB T1R 1C7
Open Weekends mid-August through October 403-362-5073

Look for details www.brooksmuseum.ca
on Facebook The Brooks & District Museum offers an Accredited
Information Centre as well as operates the Kiwanis
44 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021
Campground for the benefit of Tourists visiting
our Community.
41391961 • 09/28/2021
41409302 • 09/28/2021

EBXPLrOoREoks! 403.362.3544

"Give where you live!" “Your One Stop Steel Shop
& Steel Service Centre”
P: 403.376.8884 E: [email protected]
• Flats • Channels • Shafting
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• Sheets • Expanded Metal • Nuts & Bolts
• Plate • Pipe & Fittings • Bar Grating
• Rebar • Tubing • Culvert

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Fax: 403-362-7042 -
Email: [email protected]
#41408176/09/28/2021

41391962 • 09/28/2021

Eastern Irrigation District

Public Access

The Eastern Irrigation District (EID) manages its land with a multi-use concept. Hunting is generally permitted
on EID Community Pastures during the legal recreational hunting season. Individuals wishing to access these
lands for hunting must have written permission from the EID and possess the appropriate recreational hunting
licenses.

The below conditions must be followed: Access to these private
• Automobiles must stay on designated routes or lands is a privilege not a right.
established trails
• No off-highway vehicles Please use respect and
• No camping or fires hunt with care.
• No hunting near livestock
• All watercraft must be registered with EID’s
Aquatic Invasive Species Prevention Program and
follow approved prevention procedures
• Leave gates as found
• Obey all signs, certain areas have added restrictions.

41391960/09/28/2021

[email protected] www.eid.ca (403) 362-1400

Stronger Together! | 45

NEW OWNERS

FORMERLY JACKSON DODGE.

The Plewis Automotive Group has been family owned for over 110
years in Saskatchewan and has now expanded to Medicine Hat.
Standard Jeep Ram #BETTER TOGETHER

MEET

OUR
TEAM
DEREK SHAUN SHAUN JUSTIN DEVAN Brian “Sparky” CRAIG KYLE FINLAY
KEELER HAGEMEISTER VAUDRY SCHERER LITTLE Mcculloch DUCLOS
SALES
Dealer Principal General Manager Sales Manager Financial Services Sales Consultant Sales Consultant Sales Consultant CONSULTANT
Manager

Standard Jeep Ram is a premier Chrysler, Dodge, • Responding to your email requests for booking
Jeep, and Ram retailer with an inventory of high a test drive, service appointment, or any other
quality new and pre-owned vehicles. The team at inquiry.
Standard Jeep Ram believes that customer service
means making your vehicle buying experience an • Showing vehicle CarProof reports.
enjoyable one. • Comprehensive inspection for pre-owned vehicles
We’re here to help you find the vehicle you want by
providing all the information you need to buy a car, that goes beyond AMVIC requirements will be
including: presented prior to finalizing a deal.
• Complete listing of our New and Used Inventory. We understand that your time is valuable and –
having researched your vehicle of interest – you want
to minimize your time at the retailer. That’s why we
• Finding and providing quotes on vehicles – even do everything possible to make your visit to Standard
those not presently stocked on our lot. Jeep Ram brief, informative and enjoyable.

“Thanks to Craig Duclos and team for getting me into my “ Fantastic buying experience with Devan.
perfect Cherokee. Craig came to me with it for a test
drive and that is truly appreciated. They worked with We went in with a budget and they not only worked with it
me to get the options I wanted for the price I Needed. but sweetened the deal. The whole process was quick and
Annelise simple and pressure free. Justin in nance was quick and

explained everything upfront. Would recommend for all
budget and vehicle needs. Brittney
““

1500 STRACHAN Local
Road S.E.
403.527.5581
MEDICINE HAT, AB.
www.standardjeepram.ca
41408901

46 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

A look back on a challenging
year in the classroom

LAUREN THOMSON Gale said that after the long break from masking was a big part of that — but there
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter in-school classes, many teachers, parents is still a need for kids to be kids, and I think
and students were anxious in the fall of 2020 we’ve actually done a very good job of that
Staff and students of schools all over the about what COVID protocols would look like throughout the last year and a half.
world were hit with challenges to overcome in classroom. But as the weeks and months
and procedures to manage because of progressed, instilling routines with the kids “To be honest the guidance given by
COVID-19 during the 2020-21 school year, but seemed to alleviate some of those worries. government has shifted so often over the
it wasn’t all bad. course of the last year that we’ve been really
Mark Davidson, superintendent for the trying to be consistent in the midst of a lot of
Hailey Gale taught Grade 1 at Dr. Ken Sauer Medicine Hat Public School Division, also shifting and transitioning.”
school in the 2020-21 school year, and will spoke to the challenges of balancing
transition to teaching Grade 6 at the same protocols and mental health. Mark Heinricks, principal for Eagle Butte
school this fall. High School, discussed some of the biggest
“We made sure that our students had challenges his school and staff faced with
“With COVID restrictions starting in March opportunities, particularly the littles, to be COVID.
the previous year, we kind of hit the ground outside, to be with their friends and to not
running with what we knew to expect for be masked all the time,” said Davidson. “Our “Finding a balance between the safety
when and if we ever needed to go online approach all along has been to try and strike protocols, extra classroom procedures, do’s &
again,” said Gale. “We were more purposeful a reasonable balance between what we have dont’s for schools and meeting the demands
in making sure that there was online content been told now for 18 months are excellent of the high school curriculum,” Heinricks said.
available for parents and students if a child steps to help mitigate the virus — and “At-Home Learning, although possible, is not
did have to be gone for a while.” even remotely as effective for most students

Stronger Together! | 47

A look back on a challenging year in the classroom

Continued from page 47

as the face-to-face learning environment.” There was helped with such — although taxed to its
creativity limits at times – were definitely a positive for
Heinricks also said the rigour of restrictions and teamwork students and staff,” Heinricks said. “There was
became more difficult with each passing in finding creativity and teamwork in finding solutions
month, as well as keeping school a priority solutions to a to a whole host of issues.”
when students were at home for lengths whole host of
of time. They also ran into challenges with Gale says she feels teachers are responsible
Internet connections for rural students. issues. for modelling calm and resilience for
students, and saw lots of good examples of
Gale says she noticed many positives showed us that they were capable of much that.
throughout the year, including a surge more than we give them credit for.”
of independence for kids throughout Heinricks also spoke about some of the “I think if we continue to model that calm
elementary school, noting that building positive impacts. and reassuring voice for our students and
those skills really helped to boost students “Mental health programs and those that engage them in ways that are safe and bring
confidence. technology into the classroom and continue
to make learning exciting for our students,”
“There were definitely some good parts said Gale. “Then it doesn’t really matter what
about the whole process. There were format that takes, whether that be online
opportunities for our students to become school, or a hybrid, or in the classroom.”
independent,” said Gale. “I had a couple
of kids, during the online portion in May, “I think teachers do a really good job of
after two days tell me they got signed in all making learning exciting and really hi-
by themselves! They were very happy and lighting those positive aspects of learning,
excited. I think sometimes we look at kids across the districts and across our schools,
and think that this is going to be too hard regardless of whether you’re in the Catholic
for them, but they rose to the challenge and division, public division, wherever.”

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48 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021

Stronger Together! | 49

Tahheeardoa: d
Educators, students hopeful
for return to normal

LAUREN THOMSON Gale says she believes students
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter and staff have all learned to be
more empathetic this year, and
With the perspective of the to hear and respect the opinions
last 18 months in the rear view, of others.
students, teachers and staff are
headed back to school, and they “I’m hopeful that we’ll see a lot
hope this coming year will feel of things returned to the way
a lot more normal than the one we were doing things,” said Gale.
gone by. “But I think we’ve learned the
importance of wellness. I think
Hailey Gale, a teacher at Dr. Ken we’ve learned as a community
Sauer Elementary School, says that we need to self-monitor and
“There’s sometimes this idea we need to be able to say and
that it was all horrible, but I be okay with saying ‘I can’t come
think there were some things to school, or work, or wherever,
that we learned from that we’re because I’m not well and I don’t
going to take into this coming want to spread that to other
year to make school and school people.’ I think if we can make
environments better.” sure we are well, that’s the only
way we can make sure other
Gale says that although there are people are well for learning and
things they’d love to get rid of, growing.”
she feels kids have learned a lot.
Gale says she is looking forward
“I think we’ve taught our children to building community within
some of the things we can do the school again.
to make sure we’re not risking
the health of others, like hand “I’m really looking to someday
washing and sanitizing and having my Grade 6 class be
cleanliness,” said Gale.

50 | REPORT ON SOUTHEAST ALBERTA 2021


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