Fire Advisories issued for Waterton Lakes National Park, Glenwood, Hill Spring

Fire Advisory Notices have been issued for Waterton Lakes National Park, Glennwood, and Hill Spring. This is in addition to notices recently issued for Crowsnest Pass, Cardston County, Longview, Calgary Forest Area, and other areas of the province.  Visit albertafirebans.ca for the most current information.

Waterton Lakes National Park

Fires are only allowed in metal fire pits or boxes provided by Parks Canada. No random fires are allowed in the park.

How to safely enjoy a campfire in Waterton Lakes National Park:

• Keep fires small. Fires must be contained within the designated metal fire boxes provided and be kept to a reasonable size.
• Use firewood provided. Transporting wood from elsewhere may spread invasive insects and disease. Do not collect deadfall or cut branches for burning.
• Fires must be attended at all times.
• Completely extinguish campfires with water. Soak it, stir it, and soak it again until it is cool to the touch before leaving it.
• Campers are required to purchase a fire permit before using fire pits in road-accessible campgrounds. Campfires are not permitted during quiet hours (10 p.m. to 7 a.m.).
• Campfires are not allowed in some backcountry campgrounds. Check the backcountry camping information or ask at the park visitor centre before setting out on your hike.
• Charcoal barbeques are allowed. Please dump cold ashes into a fire pit.

Do not throw cigarettes on the ground. Put them out and throw them in a bin.

Report any sign of wildfire to Parks Canada Dispatch: 780-852-6155 or call 911.

Village of Glenwood, Hill Spring

Due to a change in condition(s) within the County, we are currently implementing a Fire Advisory for all areas of the County. We are requesting that you use extreme caution while using the permit process. Permits are still being issued.

Christmas Turkey Shoot at Spring Glen Elementary

Kelly Thomas and Carol Gross presenting Overall Best Shooter Karson Kiemele witha Pincher Creek Coop Compound Bow.

Kelly Thomas - The Spring Glen Elementary School in Glenwood had their First Annual Christmas Turkey Shoot on Friday, December 8, and it was a great success. We had some amazing archers come to participate and they went away with some great prizes.

September 12 updates: Southwestern Alberta wildfire evacuations

• Alberta Emergency Alerts (click here)
• Emergency Kit (click here) 
• Cardston County Mandatory Evacuation for selected areas (click here)

^ Video: On Tuesday evening September 12 a press conference/update was held at the Town of Pincher Creek council chambers about the wildfire situation. Participants included Waterton Lakes National Park Superintendent Ifan Thomas, Pincher Creek Emergency Services Chief Dave Cox, M.D. of Pincher Creek Reeve Brian Hammond, Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg, Cardson County Reeve Jim Bester, Alberta RCMP Information Officer Curtis Peters, Alberta Agriculture and Forestry Incident Commander Scott Elliot, and Alberta Emergency Management Agency Managing Director Shane Schreiber, and several others who contributed as well.

• Shell Canada shuts some gas operations due to Alberta wildfire (external link)
• Offer of help: An offer to assist with livestock and other concerns in the event of further evacuations has been extended by a group located north of Castor Alberta.  Call 780-385-1817 for more information.

Alberta Government situation update at 9:30 pm:

• The Kenow wildfire currently covers approximately 33,000 hectares in Alberta, with a total size of approximately 42,000 hectares. A mandatory evacuation order was issued on Sept. 11 at 10:15 p.m. for a section of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek from Highway 505 South to Waterton Lakes National Park and Castle Mountain Resort. An estimated 150 residences have been affected. A reception centre has been set up at the Vertical Church at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. in Pincher Creek. Residents leaving their community should go to the reception centre or call 403-904-8016 to register.
• A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 11 at 11:44 p.m. for the area of Cardston County between Waterton Lakes National Park and Hwy 800 from the U.S. border north to Twp Rd 40. More than 50 homes have been affected. A reception centre is located at 1050 Main Street in the Town of Cardston. Residents who are leaving and need accommodation should call 403-653-4977.
• A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 12 for areas of the Blood Tribe in Zone 1, including Fish Creek, St. Paul’s area extending north to Russell and Many Fingers residences. An evacuation advisory has been issued for Zone 3, including north of Russell and Many Fingers residences extending to Lavern and little Chicago area. An estimated 180 people have been affected. A reception centre has been set up in the Standoff multipurpose building and residents are asked to register at the multipurpose building even if they do not intend to stay there.
• Approximately 500 people are under a mandatory evacuation order from their homes in Waterton townsite, parts of Cardston Country, parts of the MD of Pincher Creek and parts of the Blood Reserve.
• In the town of Waterton, roughly 60 structural firefighters from neighbouring municipalities, including the City of Calgary, are working to protect the structures within the perimeter of the town. Unfortunately structures outside the perimeter have been lost, including the Visitor Centre and several out buildings.
• Crews are working hard to protect houses and other structures there and our latest information is that they have been successful.
• Firefighters working within Waterton were relieved Tuesday, Sept. 12 by a second team coming in and will continue their work with 17 fire trucks on site.
• Within the park itself, there are roughly 135 firefighters, nine Alberta air tankers and 14 helicopters.
• Alberta Forestry has an additional 125 firefighters and 23 helicopters on standby, waiting for direction from the incident command team.
• The Kenow wildfire has spread outside Waterton Lakes National Park into Cardston County and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. 
• High winds, high temperatures and low humidity continue and intense fire behaviour is anticipated.
• The Office of the Fire Commissioner coordinated additional resources that were brought in Tues. Sept. 12 to replenish and supplement firefighting efforts from Coalhurst, Didsbury, Milk River, Olds, Ponoka and fire protection companies.
• Other information from this update was the same as reported earlier in this thread.

Excerpts from September 12 evening press conference in Pincher Creek:

• Regarding Glenwood and Hillspring - "Currently the two villages are not in the evacuation zone, and we can't tell till tomorrow where the wind's taking it, but we're very hopeful... Tomorrow morning, I can give you a better answer than that.  We are not out of the woods yet." - Cardston County Reeve Jim Bester   
• I want to appeal to the citizens of our county, and our neighbouring counties and MDs here... We ask you to cooperate with us.  Stay out of the (way).  No more rubbernecking.  Stay out of the areas that can cause more harm to other people.  - Cardston County Reeve Jim Bester
• We don't know just exactly how it's going to end yet, but it's going to end okay." - Cardston County Reeve Jim Bester
• "On September 11, the Kenow wildfire demonstrated extraordinary fire behaviour. The fire advanced significantly throughout the night, which presented limited options for fire management. Unified Command was well prepared for the forecasted fire behaviour throughout the night. Structural fire crews remained in the townsite to protect the facilities. Extensive fire protection measures were effective in safeguarding the majority of infrastructure located in the community, and the Prince of Wales Hotel." 
• "Every indication is that in the townsite, the townsite is intact." - Waterton Lakes National Park Superintendent Ifan Thomas
• "The fire is out of control. It is still classified as out of control, and it will probably remain out of control for some time, until we see significant change in the fire behaviour." - Government of Alberta Wildfire Information Officer Leslie Lozinski
• "The fire was more aggressive Monday September 11 due to high winds, low relative humidity, and warmer temperatures. "We didn't experience the aggressive fire behavior that we experienced yesterday. What's going to happen overnight, we don't know. But going into it, it's a little bit calmer than it was last night, and we hope it's going to stay that way, overnight." - Government of Alberta Wildfire Information Officer Leslie Lozinski

Update from Parks Canada issued at 7:36 this evening:

Please see the (above) updated map of the Kenow Wildfire. There have been no significant development to report in addition to the information provided today. At this time, the majority of the townsite appears to be intact. An update will follow tomorrow.

Parks Canada understands that this is a very difficult situation and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the fire. The safety of residents, staff and fire crews and the protection of infrastructure in the community of Waterton are Parks Canada's priorities.

^ Video of this afternoon's press conference at the MD of Pincher Creek No. 9 administration building with Reeve Brian Hammond, Mayor Don Anderberg, and various other officials and representatives.

Statement from Town of Pincher Creek Mayor Don Anderberg, September 12, 2017, 4:22 pm - The Town of Pincher Creek is NOT in a state of local emergency. Our neighbors the Municipality (MD) of Pincher Creek #9 and Waterton have declared a state of local emergency. The Town of Pincher Creek are part of a joint emergency management agency and have provided personnel to both the Emergency Operations Centre and the Reception Centre. The Town of Pincher Creek will actively continue to participate as needed.

Due to the fluid nature of the wildfire event the Town of Pincher Creek and the Emergency Management Agency have actively been working on an evacuation plan. This plan would impact Town of Pincher Creek residents as well as those who have been displaced from the MD of Pincher Creek and Waterton.

We will continue to monitor the situation. At this time, the Town of Pincher Creek is not in immediate danger. If circumstances dictate, we may have to declare a state of local emergency.

September 12 evening updates:

• Recommendations for horse owners preparing for possibility of evacuation (click here).
• While the generosity of Albertans is appreciated, please refrain from making Alberta Fire donations until requested by local municipalities. - Government of Alberta
• Update: The Nanton Fire Dept. has had an overwhelming response to their request for donations of water, Gatorade, non-perishable snacks for Firefighters responding to the Kenow fire. They're fully stocked and ready to go and no more donations are requested.

Government of Alberta update (issued at 3:39 pm):

• The Blood Tribe, Cardston County and Municipal District of Pincher Creek have declared local states of emergency in response to southern Alberta wildfire conditions.
• Overnight the fire grew by 50 per cent to roughly 20,000 hectares. A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 11 at 10:15 p.m. for a section of the Municipal District of Pincher Creek from South Highway 505 to Waterton Lakes National Park and Castle Mountain Resort. An estimated 150 residences have been affected.
• A reception centre has been set up at the Vertical Church at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. in Pincher Creek. Residents evacuating should go to the reception centre or call 403-904-8016 to register.'
• A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 11 at 11:44 p.m. for the area of Cardston County between Waterton Lakes National Park and Hwy 800 from the U.S. border north to Twp Rd 40. More than 50 homes have been affected. Residents who are leaving and need accommodation should call 403-653-4977.
• A mandatory evacuation was issued on Sept. 12 for areas of the Blood Tribe in Zone 1, including Fish Creek, St. Paul’s area extending north to Russell and Many Fingers residences. An evacuation advisory has been issued for Zone 3, including north of Russell and Many Fingers residences extending to Lavern and little Chicago area. An estimated 180 people have been affected. A reception centre has been set up in the Standoff multipurpose building, and residents are asked to register at the multipurpose building even if they do not intend to stay there.
• Approximately 500 people are under a mandatory evacuation order from their homes in Waterton townsite, parts of Cardston Country, parts of the MD of Pincher Creek and parts of the Blood Reserve.
• In the town of Waterton, roughly 60 structural firefighters from neighbouring municipalities, including the City of Calgary, are working to protect the structures within the perimeter of the town. Unfortunately structures outside the perimeter have been lost, including the Visitor Centre and several out buildings.
• Crews are working hard to protect houses and other structures there and our latest information is that they have been successful.
• Firefighters working within Waterton will be relieved today by a second team coming in and will continue their work with 17 fire trucks on site.
• Within the park itself, there are roughly 135 firefighters, nine Alberta airtankers and 14 helicopters.
• Alberta Forestry has an additional 125 firefighters and 23 helicopters on standby, waiting for direction from the incident command team.
• The Kenow wildfire has spread outside Waterton Lakes National Park into Cardston County and the Municipal District of Pincher Creek. 
• High winds, high temperatures and low humidity are forecast for Tuesday, Sept. 12, and intense fire behaviour continues to be anticipated.
• Structural protection units and resources are in place in the Waterton townsite and have worked through the night providing protection.
• The Office of the Fire Commissioner is coordinating additional resources to be brought in today to replenish and supplement firefighting efforts from Coalhurst, Didsbury, Milk River, Olds, Ponoka and fire protection companies.
• Payne Lake Provincial Recreation Area, 25 km west of Cardston, has been closed (new).  A complete list of park closures is available at www.emergency.alberta.ca.

The following highways are closed to the public due to the current wildfire situation:

• Highway 5 east of Waterton Lakes National Park to west of Cardston
• Highway 6 north of Waterton Lakes National Park to Twin Butte

The following highways within Waterton Lakes National Park are closed to the public due to the current wildfire situation:

• Highway 5
• Highway 6
• Chief Mountain border crossing

The following highways are closed to the public, with the exception of permit holders, due to the current wildfire situation:

• Highway 532, west of Highway 22
• Highway 520, east of Highway 22 for approximately 12 km
• Highway 774, from Highway 507 to Castle Provincial Park

Check 511 Alberta for up-to-date travel information.

Resources:

• Emergency.Alberta.ca
• Alberta Emergency Alert app
• Alberta Wildfire app
• Emergency preparedness

Map of estimated extent of wildfire at 3:30 am this morning.

Afternoon updates:

• Exhibition Park Lethbridge South Pioneer Park is open and available to help MD of Pincher Creek #9, Blood Indian Reserve No. 148, and Cardston County emergency evacuees looking for free RV parking. Free power and water provided.  Grass areas available. Animals welcome, please bring corral.  To reserve space please contact Bridget Mearns 403-393-3344. Click here for more information.
• All staff and residents have safely been evacuated from Castle Mountain Resort. - Castle Mountain Resort

Parks Canada update issued at 11:30 am:

The Kenow Fire firmly established itself in Waterton Lakes National Park yesterday afternoon. Adjacent municipalities were alerted that the fire was moving. The wildfire demonstrated extreme fire behaviour for many hours due to high winds and critically dry fuels.

Burning intensified and the fire moved northeast down the Cameron Valley along the Akamina Parkway. Later in the evening, fire became visible from the townsite and then on the north side of Crandell Mountain. The fire began to move north at a high rate of spread through the grasslands along the park’s Entrance Road.

At this time, the majority of the townsite appears to be intact. Extensive fire protection measures were effective in safeguarding the majority of infrastructure and facilities within the community and at the Prince of Wales hotel. Firefighters worked tirelessly throughout the night to extinguish spot fires, monitor sprinkler protection, and protect facilities. High volume pumps and sprinkler systems, in combination with planning and fuel management done in previous years, ensured the townsite perimetre held. We expect extremely dry conditions will influence fire behaviour throughout the burning period today. Additional resources have been dispatched to assist. We are expecting a downturn in weather over the next 24 hours.

Overnight, the fire moved north out of the park and into adjacent lands. Affected municipalities and local fire departments are managing those fires outside of the national park and forest protection area. Local evacuation orders are in effect. Parks Canada staff assisted RCMP with the evacuation of residents adjacent to the park.

The wildfire is still affecting many back-country and front-country areas in the park, including the Cameron Valley, the Crandell Mountain area, the Blakiston Valley and grasslands in the north of the park. Elsewhere in the park infrastructure has been compromised. The unified team is assessing conditions on the ground today and will provide updated information as soon as possible.

The fire crossed into the Forest Protection Area in the Castle drainage area and is moving upslope and not towards values at risk at this time. Airtankers and helicopters are working on this area of the fire, supported by heavy equipment group that is establishing predetermined containment lines to act as fire breaks.

Parks Canada understands that this is a very difficult situation and our thoughts and prayers are with those affected by the fire. The safety of residents, staff and fire crews and the protection of infrastructure in the community of Waterton are Parks Canada's priorities.

Earlier updates:

9:12 am: The TOWN of Pincher Creek is NOT on evacuation notice, evacuation notices at this time are for the MD of Pincher Creek only.

8:14 am: Fortis Alberta reports "We have some customers out in southern Alberta due to the fires. Our crews will re-enter when the fire subsides and it is safe." If you see a downed power line, stay at least 10 metres away and call Fortis at 310-WIRE.

Castle Mountain area: A Mandatory Evacuation Notice is being issued to the residents south of Highway 505 AND Castle Mountain Resort Residents of this area should leave the area.A reception center has been activated at the Vertical Church, located at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. in the town of Pincher Creek. Residents should register at the reception center or call 403-904-8016.

MD of Pincher Creek residents South Highway 505 to Waterton Park and Castle Mountain Resort have been ordered to evacuate. A State of Local Emergency has been issued for the entire MD. A reception center has been activated at the Vertical Church, located at 1200 Ken Thornton Blvd. Residents should register at the reception center or call 403-904-8016. Approximately 150 residences were evacuated. 115 residents have registered at the reception center, and 40 residents registered by phone.

At 4:20 am the MD of Pincher Creek said RCMP has closed Highway 6 south from Highway 505 and were securing the area. At that time the fire was burning within Township 2, Range 29 and was heading NE along the MD boundary. The response includes 11 personnel, 2 engines, 1 tender and a command unit, according to the MD's 4:20 am report. Pincher Creek Emergency Services is continuing to assess the situation and has unified command with Alberta Agricultural and Forestry.

The Pincher Creek Humane Society (PCHS)/SPCA is supplying the evacuation centre with kennels,blankets etc. and is establishing a list of temporary foster homes and also a temporary facility to house animals. Please contact 403-632-9760 for assistance. They are asking for additional kennels that can be donated or loaned to PCHS for the duration of the situation. The MD of Pincher Creek is making arrangements with Country Vets and the Humane Society to take small pets.

Cardston County declared a State of Local Emergency and ordered the evacuation of all residents of all areas between Waterton Park and Range Road 281 (Highway 800) from the U.S border north to Township Road 40. The order was issued at 11:44 pm, September 11. An Evaluation Centre is located at the Town of Cardston Civic Center (67 - 3rd Ave West).

Blood Reserve Zone 1 was ordered evacuated at 4:57 am today, September 12. The evacuation area includes the Fish Creek, St. Paul apartments north to Russell, and Many Fingers homes. Residents in Zone 3 (north of Russell, Many Fingers residences extending to Lavern and little Chicago area) should prepare to evacuate on short notice. Evacuees are directed to go to the Standoff multipurpose building and register. Contact the Blood Tribe Police if you have transportation concerns.

• Get the Alberta Emergency Alert app:  www.emergencyalert.alberta.ca

UPDATED EVACUATION MAP for Division 1 of the MD of Pincher Creek

Jared Pierson photo

Community Foundation awards $14,000 in Youth in Action grants

Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta - The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta is happy to announce ten grants to fund projects through its Youth in Action Granting program, for a total of $14,000. Funding will support active youth, learning opportunities, pet care, and a solar energy project. Communities involved include Cardston, Coaldale, Glenwood, Hays, Lethbridge, and Pincher Creek.

2016 Canadian Census population and dwelling data released

Statistics Canada today released the population and dwelling data from the 2016 census. 

Some highlights:

• Canada population in 2016: 35,151,728 - an increase of 5% from 2011, for an average of 3.9 people per square kilometre. 15,412,443 private Canadian dwellings.
• Alberta population in 2016: 4,067,175 - an increase of 11.6% from 2011, for an average of 6.4 people per square kilometre. 1,654,129 private Alberta dwellings
• Beaver Mines had a population of 82 people in 2016, up by 2 people. 59 private dwellings in Beaver Mines, 26 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Crowsnest Pass had a population of 5,589 in 2016, up 0.4% from 5565 in 2011.  3,225 private dwellings in CNP, 2,567 occupied by usual residents.
• Fort Macleod had a population of 2,967 in 2016, down 4.8% from 3,117 in 2011. 1426 private dwellings in Fort Macleod, 1226 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Lundbreck had a population of 236 in 2015, down 3.3% from 244 in 2011. 141 private dwellings in Lundbreck, 113 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Municipal District of Pincher Creek had a population of 2,965 in 2016, down 6.1% from 3,158 in 2011. 1649 private dwellings in the MD, 1,119 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Piikani Nation had a population of 1,544 in 2016, up 26.9% from 1,217 in 2011. 438 dwellings in Piikani Nation.
• Town of Pincher Creek had a population of 3,642 in 2016 , down 1.2% from 3,685 in 2011. 1,589 private dwellings in the Town, 1,490 of them occupied by usual (permanent) residents.
• Twin Butte's population remained unchanged at 10, in 6 private dwellings, 5 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Village of Cowley had a population of 209 in 2016, down 11.4% from 236 in 2011. 113 private dwellings in Cowley with 100 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Village of Glenwood had a population of 316 in 2016, up 10.1% from 287 in 2011. 119 private dwellings in Glenwood, 107 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Village of Hill Spring had a population of 162 in 2016, down 12.9% from 186 in 2011. 92 private dwellings in Hill Spring, 74 of them occupied by usual residents.
• Waterton Park had a population of 105 people in 2016, up 19.3% from 88 in 2011. 168 private dwelling in Waterton Park, 39 of them occupied by usual residents.

Click here for the full census package.

Saputo announces senior management change

From Saputo press release - On December 16 Saputo Inc. (TSX: SAP) announced that the Company's Chief Financial Officer and Secretary Mr. Louis-Philippe Carrière has advised that he will retire effective August 1, 2017, after 30 years with the Company. At that date Mr. Maxime Therrien will be appointed Chief Financial Officer and Secretary.

Theft of farm equipment in Glenwood

RCMP Alberta - In the early morning of September 23, 2016, a custom built Wheat Heart post pounder was stolen from the lot of United Irrigation in Glenwood, Alberta. The machine is valued at $10,500, is red in colour and has a custom built black steel frame to accommodate spools of fencing wire that would be unique to only this machine.

Anyone who has information about this crime is asked to contact the Cardston RCMP at (403)-653-4932. If you wish to remain anonymous, you can contact Crime Stoppers by phone at 1.800.222.8477 (TIPS), by Internet at www.tipsubmit.com, or by SMS (check your local Crime Stoppers [www.crimestoppers.ab.ca] for instructions). You do not have to reveal your identity to Crime Stoppers.

Spring Glen Panthers win Sabres A Boys 2015 Basketball Tournament

First place: Spring Glen Panthers

Second place/hosts: Livingstone Sabres

Third place: WCCHS Cobras

Consolation: Crowsnest Panthers

Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta announces 25 project grants

The Community Foundation of Lethbridge and Southwestern Alberta will be presenting over $174,000 in project grants from the Community Priorities Fund to 25 deserving organizations from communities across the region at an event to be held today, December 4, 2015 in Lethbridge. Among the recipients are Pincher Creek's Group Group Youth Society, the Pincher Creek and District Historical Society, Heritage Acres, the Glenwood Municipal Library, The Boys and Girls Club of Crowsnest Pass, the Fred Huddlestun Senior Citizens’ Society in Pincher Creek, and the Castle Crown Wilderness Coalition Society.

Glenwood, Hill Spring, and Cardston County recognized as Age-Friendly communities

submitted

As pictured above, representatives from the Councils of Glenwood, Hill Spring, and Cardston County were on hand in Hill Spring on November 10 to receive the Age-Friendly Recognition Award from MLA Maria Fitzpatrick. The Age-Friendly Recognition Award is presented by Alberta Seniors to communities chosen for their efforts to create an age-friendly community for residents.

Feds invest in southwestern Alberta community infrastructure projects

Macleod MP John Barlow makes announcement in Coleman

“Community centres, parks, trails, and other public spaces contribute to the strength of our communities, and by helping to renew them we are ensuring that they remain useable for years to come while creating jobs and economic growth.” - John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Macleod

Western Economic Diversification Canada

On July 31, 2015 John Barlow, Member of Parliament for Macleod, on behalf of the Honourable Michelle Rempel, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification, announced support of $222,143 for six projects benefitting southwestern Alberta under the Government of Canada’s Canada 150 Community Infrastructure Program.

Canada 150 Alberta Projects launched July 31:

• Crowsnest Historical Society - Rehabilitate the Alberta Provincial Police Building in Coleman - $103,000
• Spring Glen Park Association - Create a new walking trail and install permanent tables and benches at the Spring Glen Park in Glenwood - $5000
• Stavely Community Centre - Replace the Stavely Community Centre roof - $37, 900
• The Royal Canadian Legion #46 - Repair and renovate the Royal Canadian Legion in Fort Macleod - $7,321
• United Riders of Crowsnest Club - Expand the recreational trails in Crownest Pass - $58,922
• Village of Cowley - Replace ceiling tiles and exit doors in the Cowley Community Hall - $10,000

MLA Pat Stier raises MSI funding concerns in legislature

Christian Davis

During the June 18 question period of the Alberta Legislature, Livingstone-Macleod MLA Pat Stier asked the Alberta Government to commit to the Municipal Sustainability Initiative (MSI) funding promised for 2015-2016 by the previous government in their now rescinded 2015 budget.

Saputo to stay in Glenwood

Google Street View of Glenwood Saputo plant

Toni Lucas

At a meeting on March 26 of this year employees of Saputo Foods in the Village of Glenwood were informed that the facility, which employs 25 people and produces dried milk, would be closing a the end of 2015. In addition to the effect that closure would have on the employees, it was also expected to have a huge economic impact on the Village of Glenwood itself, as Saputo is by far the largest employer in the village.

That's all changed now.

From a November 6, 2014 Saputo press release: "During the second quarter, the Company reconsidered the previously announced closure of the Glenwood (Alberta) facility that had been planned for December 2015. The facility will continue its activities."

2014 Glenwood Parade

School reunion float at 2014 Glenwood parade
Lloyd Lybbert photos and video

Lloyd Lybbert

This year for Pioneer Days the village of Glenwood held a parade. The parade was one of the many Pioneer Days event, including fireworks, a family dance, and a talent show-like program, along with many other events.

Van and Dan's celebrates 75 years in Glenwood

Front of store and new sign July 2014
contributed photo

Bruce Lybbert

This year Van and Dan's store celebrates it's 75th anniversary.

This story hits close to home. In my last year of Junior High my family moved to Glenwood, where I lived for over 8 years. I have been in the store many times before and since.

In February 1939 Brothers Van and Dan Lybbert bought a store and restaurant owned by Low Hong, located where the Glenwood Village office now sits, and opened Van-Dan's Meats, Eats and Groceries. From 1942 until Jan 25, 1945 during the second world war Dan served in the air force. While he was gone, brother Rae worked with Van.

Van and Evelyn with Dan and Grace - mid 1980s
Photo used with permission of  Jolane Shipley

In February 1945 construction began on the new store at its current location. Later that same year, in June 1945, the new store opened. In 1948, after realizing that the store couldn't support three families Van and Rae left.

Van Lybbert 1942
Photo used with permission of Jolane Shipley

Village of Glenwood responds to Saputo announcement of plant closure

Village of Glenwood press release

On March 26, Saputo announced its intention to close its Glenwood facility, which may occur sometime around the end of 2015. Glenwood Village Council and the Glenwood & District Economic Development Society have been contacting regional and provincial resources and researching ideas to minimize the impact of this announcement.

Spring Glen Dancers begin mini-tour with a show at Vista Village

Spring Glen Dancers 2014
C. Davis photos and video

Chris Davis

The Spring Glen Dancers from Hillspring and Glenwood (hence the name) debuted their 2014 extravaganza before a delighted Vista Village audience on the evening of April 1.  These talented ladies performed to a selection of 18 songs representing a very wide variety of music.  Each song involved a costume change as well, and as one group of dancers would exit the room another would enter.

Plant exchange and Mini-market to be held in Glenwood May 25

The Aged Cheese Country Club will be hosting the third annual Glenwood Plant Exchange and Mini Market at the Glenwood Community Centre on Saturday, May 25 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm.  For more information contact Myrna Young at 403-626-3666.