About 500 of Lloydminster Public School Division's staff kickstarted the upcoming school year together. All faculty, bus drivers, board members, support staff, maintenance workers and everyone employed by the LPSD gathered together to focus on the year ahead of them.

The kickstart is a time to reflect on the values of LPSD and the impact each staff member has on the development of students. LPSD staff were presented to by Shelley Moore, an inclusive education consultant and advocate. Moore shared with the teachers how the idea of inclusive education is changing

"Historically inclusive education has been how to include kids with disabilities," says Moore. "Historically we've been trying to figure (it) out, and they've been segregated into different programs. But I think what inclusive education is really evolving into is, not necessarily including kids who are different, to how we teach to difference."

Moore says that many kids experience diverse struggles in their school years. With many different kids needing support for many different reasons, Moore advocates for empowering teachers to be able to provide that support. Kids may feel they are different for their race, gender, culture, language and ability, and teachers ought to be supported helping them shine bright.

"It's one thing to meet the needs of individuals (and) it's another thing to meet the needs of a group of diverse individuals. It's sometimes seen as more work but it's really helping people to see that it's not more work, but it's different work, and we have to support our teachers in that way."

While in the area, Moore spent time giving similar presentations in Onion Lake, to school administrators and a community session. The focus changed depending on the group; administrators looked at inclusion from a leadership perspective, while a community group looked at advocacy support and how parents could know what to ask for.

The advocacy is personal for Moore; growing up, she struggled in school and admits it wasn't a good story. This inspires her to dig into the many ways kids face adversity in their schooling and to look for solutions from those who can help. Moore believes we can help support kids throughout their time in school whenever they need it.

"It's really thinking about the 'me's' [sic] out there, and the kids that struggled in school, and say 'how do we make this better for them' and not have to lose the kids that aren't being successful, and getting supports to kids before they get the point of crisis and failure. That's really one of the topics we were talking today, and really destigmatizing that idea of support and making sure that kids just get what they need when they need it, without having to wait."

On top of the keynote presentation, LPSD staff heard from Director of Education Todd Robinson. Highlighting the division's core values, such as respect for diversity, care for themselves and others, continuous improvement and leadership in making positive choices, Robinson believes there was great deal alignment between these messages that was purely unintentional.

"I'd like to say that was a planned occurrence, but it really wasn't planned," says Robinson. "Which I think at the end of the day speaks to the value of the message that we have, At Lloyd Public, we believe every kid can achieve personal excellence, and we stick to that. That's our mission."

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UPDATE: Constable Michael Hagel says there were no shots fired from the police and can't comment further on the incident.

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Mounties have closed off the intersection of 52 avenue and 39 street. A heavy police presence is in the area and is re-routing traffic around the intersection at Village Green Mall. People have been seen being questioned by the RCMP. More details will be shared when they become available.

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The 11th year of Burgers To Beat MS raised $13,584.45 in the Border City's four A&W locations. This year locals contributed to raising a record of more than $2 million across Canada in support of the MS Society of Canada.

More than 970 A&W locations participated this year by donating $2 from every teen burger sold. The Burgers To Beat MS campaign has become the MS Society's largest partner in supporting 77,000 Canadians living with and affected by MS. Tammy Klotz, fund development coordinator for the Lloydminster MS Society, believes this shows Lloydminster's commitment to supporting the cause.

“This is another testimony to how our community rallies together to create a world free
of MS,” says Klotz.

Canada has one of the highest rates of Multiple Sclerosis in the world. MS is a chronic, often disabling disease of the central nervous system comprising the brain, spinal cord and optic nerve. Klotz says the staff at A&W were excited to help with the campaign, and thanks Lloydminster residents for doing their part.

“We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to everyone for joining us at an A&W location – your support truly does make a difference in the lives of those affected by MS."

The MS Society provides programs and services to people with MS and their families, advocates for those living with MS, and funds research to help improve the quality of life for people living with MS and to ultimately find a cure for this disease.

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A new recovery movement is being organized at the local, provincial and federal level, aiming to keep the focus on how recovery works and makes life better for millions of Canadians. Recovery Day aims to put a face and a voice on those who have found the solution. By sharing success stories, organizers hope those who are still suffering can see that recovery is possible.

Along with 30 other cities across Canada, Lloydminster is rallying on Saturday, September 7 to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of addiction in the community. As shown in the 2017 Lloydminster Needs Assessment (2017), 57.7% of respondents felt addiction is a high importance issue in the community—making it the highest rated issue in Lloydminster. In addition, 43.2% of respondents stated they had family or friends who were impacted by addiction. Recovery Day’s purpose is to break through the stigma and show the community that help is available, and life in recovery is possible.

There will be representation from 12-Step and Non-12 Step Support Groups, treatment centres, the health regions, local counsellors and wellness coaches. Through this, organizers hope to inspire the 1 in 5 Canadians who suffer from addiction find the recovery path that is best suited for them.

Recovery Day this year will take place at Weaver Park Campground from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Last year’s event saw over 100 people celebrating life in recovery. Everyone is welcome to this family-friendly event featuring a breakfast, music, stories of recovery and local support group information. If you wish to participate in Recovery Day as a speaker, volunteer, or exhibitor, please visit the Recovery Day YLL Facebook page for more information or contact Recovery Day YLL at recoverydayyll@gmail.com or amanda@residentsinrecovery.com.

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Canada's Border City is faced with a number of challenges from being in two provinces at once. Being a provincial responsibility, health care is one of those challenges. In an interview with MyLloydminsterNow.com, Mayor Gerald Aalbers hopes to host health ministers from both provinces to meet in the city and work out some of the kinks in Lloydminster health care.

"We have the opportunity today, with two MLAs that are both sitting in their respective government sides of their legislature, that have a direct link to their health minister. That involves (their) respective health authority, and we're going to try and get that conversation struck up, and bring the issues, many of them years old, to the surface for resolution," says Aalbers.

Aalbers says these concerns don't go unheard by his office in City Hall, and that as mayor he's become involved in a number of different provincial matters. He points out that each province comes with its own health care system and authority that meet here in the Border City.

"Our bi-provincial nature has challenges on many fronts, and I'm finding health care is likely the toughest one, because two provinces both have their own health departments, with the Saskatchewan Health Authority on one side and Alberta Health Services on the other."

With the Lloydminster Hospital on the Saskatchewan side, it's operated by the SHA while serving some 20,000 Alberta residents. Those residents have Alberta health care numbers and health records with Alberta Netcare. When it comes to those records, Alberta MLA Garth Rowswell says they don't always share very well into Saskatchewan's system.

"That seems like it should be an easy one to fix, we just need to get through the red tape of it somehow," says Rowswell. "I don't know what the problems are that cause that not to be able to be done, but I definitely want to pursue that and see if we can't get that fixed the easiest.

"The goal, of course, (is that) we want Lloydminster to be treated the same. Every resident, regardless of where you're at like it's all one town. We need some special cooperation with the provinces on that relative to any other town in my constituency."

The differences between the provinces can include different unions, protocols, definitions and legislation. Saskatchewan MLA Colleen Young says the protocols and definitions for what constitutes health care workers, health care aids, and home care workers may differ between the two. Similarly, EMS personnel may have different legislation and protocol to follow.

"It can create some significant challenges in a community that is bi-provincial," says Young.

Young says there is a myriad of issues related to things like capital project funding, long term care, addictions and mental health, and home care services. Young admits these are part of a laundry list of issues to be brought up in a potential health minister summit and has invited both Health Minister Jim Reiter and Rural and Remote Health Minister Warren Kaeding.

"They typically do work together addressing some of the health care issues in the province, so I think it would be great to have them both sitting at the table."

Rowswell confirms he has also invited Alberta Health Minister Tyler Shandro to meet in Lloydminster. Aalbers hopes for eventual success on this file with two MLAs on his side to get the right people involved.

"It may not happen today or tomorrow, but I want people to know in our city that health care is on the radar and we are addressing it as best as we can."

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City council has approved a motion to reduce lot prices for several lots in the areas of Colonial Park and Hill Industrial. Many of the now discounted lots sit undeveloped, and city officials hope to see them sell soon.

The former lot prices were set by council in 2015 based on current market conditions. For today's market, the city has determined residential lot prices be reduced by about 5 to 10 per cent, and a recommended greater spread between "superior and inferior lots" in industrial areas, of between 10 and 20 per cent.

Colonial Park, a largely residential area on the east side of Lloydminster, saw prices considered with individual lot attributes. Hill Industrial, a largely industrial area on the city's west side, saw a smaller per acre reduction with a variance of 11 per cent top to bottom pricing.

Affected Colonial Park lots range from the 3000, 3100, 3200 and 3300 block of 41 avenue, and the 4100 block of 31 street are discounted. On the west side, various lots from the 6100, 7000, 7100 and 7200 blocks of 62 street, the 6100, 6200, 6300 and 6400 blocks of 70 avenue, and lots from the 6200, 6300, 6400 and 6500 blocks of 73 avenue are affected.

Coun. Jonathan Torresan admits that it's not an ideal situation. He admits that in many cases, running a government like a business just isn't feasible, except in this case where the city's inventory has been priced out of the market.

"That's understanding that at least there are competitors out there who have been doing something in this downturn that we have not been able to, so I think some of these adjustments we're making here will be a benefit the city's land division overall," says Torresan.

Mayor Gerald Aalbers also agrees with the price reduction. Aalbers says that making the adjustments is about staying competitive, and it's part of the challenges of public ownership.

"Taxpayer money built those lots, taxpayers will see the benefits of the sale of those lots. But if the lots aren't selling and we're being told we're not in the marketplace, we have to make that adjustment," says Aalbers.

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Property tax penalties are being examined for an update to better reflect other municipalities in both provinces. City council granted first reading to a bylaw updating local tax penalties, not touched since 2012.

Previously, taxes were penalized at a rate of 1 per cent from July to December, for a total of 6 per cent. Penalties are also charged on tax arrears on January and July 1 at 5 per cent, for a total of 10 per cent. The city believes that the current penalty structure doesn't incentivize paying overdue taxes until they become tax arrears the following year.

The new bylaw also changes the penalty date for overdue taxes. Instead of the first of January and July, the new penalty dates for overdue taxes will be January and July 10. The bylaw also changes the due date of property taxes to due upon mailing, and penalty dates set to when penalties are charged.

Changes are also coming to the penalty structure of property taxes. Penalties will increase on current

taxes over the course of the year to incentivize paying on time and in the current year. The city believes this will reduce the need to apply monthly penalties and give property owners a chance to catch up on outstanding balances.

[caption id="attachment_34313" align="alignright" width="300"] Proposed tax penalties for a bylaw updating property tax penalties. (Photo: City of Lloydminster)[/caption]

A version of the bylaw was recently voted back to be worked on at a governance and priorities committee meeting. Coun. Jonathan Torresan believes the penalties proposed in the bylaw then were too heavy handed and could hurt some residents. After the first reading of the updated bylaw, Torresan believes this presents a more balanced approach.

"I think they were a little too heavy right off the bat, and we don't want to be in a scenario where we're not kicking people while they're down or having a tough time. But we also do want to incentivize payment earlier rather than later," says Torresan.

Torresan also notes that administrative problems were present with the old system. The first day of January and July are always holidays when City Hall is closed. A clause in the bylaw states that penalties falling on a weekend or holiday will fall on the next business day, with no penalties applied until after that date. Torresan believes this bylaw will accomplish both goals of prompt payments and fair penalties.

"This is trying to find a balance so that everyone is playing by the same set of rules. The ninety-nine per cent of people who pay on time aren't going to be affected by this, but that one per cent (who) are potentially going to be taking advantage of this, or just need some additional incentive to pay on time, or to set up a system so that they can afford to do it on a regular monthly payment."

This bylaw won't replace the current property tax penalty bylaw until it passes second and third reading.

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Lloydminster is set to enter a formal agreement with ATCO Electric to convert an estimated 79 streetlights from 400-watt high pressure sodium (HPS) to 180-watt light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures. City council approved the agreement on Monday after ATCO approached the city with the opportunity.

Now approved by the city, ATCO will apply to the Alberta Utilities Commission to include the multiplier of 6.7 per cent, or an estimated $32 per light. According to the city, the multiplier is the incremental cost difference between a 180 watt LED and a 106 watt LED at about $220 per light. Once paid off, the city expects to save $6,732 on operations over 2 and a half years based on today's rates.

Lloydminster has worked with ATCO before when it installed LED lights along College Drive that utilize bluetooth technology to dim based on movement. Last year, ATCO replaced all regular streetlights with LED fixtures. At the time, the company told the city it would return with a proposal to approach the 400-watt infrastructure. Mayor Gerald Aalbers is happy to move ahead with the company's proposal.

"We're moving it forward, and I appreciate the steps we've taken," says Aalbers. "We didn't jump right in, but at the same token, we've worked our way through it and we know that it's working. I've had no complaints about lighting in the city at all."

The city expects work to be completed sometime this year. It's also looking at tackling 400-watt decorative lights throughout the city. LED fixtures are expected to reduce the city's carbon footprint through energy efficiency and reduce light pollution.

The post ATCO to replace streelights with LED fixtures appeared first on My Lloydminster Now.

The inaugural Lloyd Fest is being called a success. In its first year, organizers say it beat expectations and brought two days of family fun in the name of cultural diversity.

The colourful event drew a crowd from the Border City into Bud Miller Park to celebrate diverse cultures that call this area home. Indigenous peoples stood beside people celebrating Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, China, Pakistan, Ukraine and other cultures, some serving food, selling wares or performing. A total of 24 cultural booths were there as both food and non-food vendors alike.

A parade of traditional outfits and regalia kicked off the event featuring culturally appropriate garb, music and dancing. The RCMP were also present in the parade alongside other diverse backgrounds. A stage allowed for music and dance performances, and sponsorships allowed for prize giveaways. Susan Cambridge, organizer of Lloyd Fest 2019 is thrilled with the festival's very first success.

"It was really eventful, colourful, just as I envisioned and everything. We did get a lot of attendees, considering it was our first time. Everything that I had planned and how it worked out, and the vision that I wanted it, worked out really, really well," says Cambridge.

Next year's edition is already looking at some changes. A bigger planning committee is in store with representation from each culture participating. More accessibility is being considered to give better access for disabled people, possibly accessible parking.

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Lloydminster is set to move ahead with a plan to update its traffic light system along 44 street a.k.a Highway 16. Can-Traffic Services Ltd. of Sherwood Park, Alta., will be installing new controls to traffic lights along the highway this fall to help them coordinate better.

It's estimated that 10,000 vehicles travel the 44 street corridor daily. Due to the increased traffic volume and demands along the 44 street corridor, the city will move forward with the Centracs Advanced Traffic Management (ATM) System, which provides ‘real-time’ data collection and analysis to develop optimized traffic signal timing plans. In a statement, Mayor Gerald Aalbers expressed his excitement for the project's impact.

“Every improvement made to city infrastructure is made with the residents’ safety and well- being in mind. These upgrades will provide additional comfort to pedestrians when crossing at many of the city’s designated crosswalks along 44 street,” says Aalbers. “As a bonus, we expect travel times to decrease.”

The following intersections along 44 street will be included in the hardware upgrades:

• 80 avenue
• 75 avenue
• 70 avenue
• 66 avenue
• 62 avenue
• 57 avenue
• 54 avenue
• 52 avenue
• 50 avenue
• 49 avenue
• 45 avenue
• 40 avenue

City council approved the award of the 2019 Traffic Signal Hardware Upgrade to Can-Traffic Services Ltd. for $336,180.00, excluding GST. Council also approved a contingency allowance of 10 per cent in the amount of $33,618.00, excluding GST. The project is slated to begin September and is expected to be completed by December, weather permitting.

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