LMT June 07 - Vol 114 - issue 27

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2 lmtimes.ca • Last Mountain Times • Monday, June 07, 2021 • /lastmountaintimes • @lmtimes GLOSSARY OF TERMS NEWSPAPER A paper that is printed and distributed usually daily or weekly and that contains news, articles of opinion, features, and advertising ARTICLE A piece of writing included with others in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication. EDITORIAL A newspaper article that gives the opinions of the editors or publishers of the publication in which it is printed. It is not meant to represent the voice of the readers or community, only the writer and association. OP-ED 1. Short for “opposite the editorial page” is a page of articles usually (geographically) opposite the editorial page of a newspaper. also: a feature on such a page (like on a website, for example). 2. An op-ed, or colloquially “Opinion Editorials,” is a written article published by a newspaper, which expresses the opinion of an author not affiliated with the publication or editor. It is afforded more space than a Letter to the Editor, and can be submitted by any reader. Op-ed submissions can be an effective way to communicate your opinions while initiating or adding to an existing debate. Within or around 700 words. Must be signed by rightful name, no anonymous submissions or pseudonyms. Contact information should be provided with submission but will not be printed with the publication. Op-eds that anticipate news developments such as conferences, court or council decisions, local matters, or the subject of public interest are especially valuable. The publisher reserves the right to edit, condense or reject, any contribution without cause or print in-full, unedited. Submissions made to LMT should be exclusive to LMT unless officially rejected or unresponded to within ten days. LETTER TO THE EDITOR A letter to the Editor is typically shorter than an op-ed. It’s written in direct response to an article previously published in that paper, rather than any general news topic. It’s almost always written by a reader or concerned citizen. People write letters to the editor when they’re either opposed to an article previously published or because they agree with something and want to add further information. Letters should be 250 words or thereabouts. Letters should cite the article name and date that it is referencing. OPEN LETTER An open letter is a letter that is intended to be read by a wide audience or a letter intended for an individual, but that is nonetheless widely distributed intentionally. Open letters usually take the form of a letter addressed to an individual but provided to the public through newspapers and other media. Especially common are critical open letters addressed to political leaders. There are a number of reasons why an individual would choose the form of an open letter, including the following reasons: • As a last resort to ask the public to judge the letter’s recipient or others involved, often but not always, in a critical light. • To state the author’s position on a particular issue. • As an attempt to start or end a wider dialogue around an issue • As an attempt to focus broad attention on the letter’s recipient, prompting them to some action • For humour value • Simply to make public a communication that must take place as a letter for reasons of formality. DETAILS: The definition of these terms is subject to change. lmtimes.ca/glossary THIS PAGE MAY CONTAIN EDITORIALS, LETTERS & OPINIONS THEY CAN BE MUTUALLY EXCLUSIVE Trost to Seek Conservative Nomination in Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan For the last two weeks Brad Trost has been calling Conservatives in Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan and the message they have given him is clear. “Conservatives want a fighter; they want someone who is going to take on Justin Trudeau and the Liberals not just in Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan but across Canada.” Trost is well known in some northern parts of the riding having represented part of the Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan riding when they were part of Saskatoon-Humboldt. “People are telling me on the phones that they are excited to talk to me. The Conservatives in this riding are telling me they want an outspoken, principled candidate, they want someone who is not afraid of the Liberals and their allies in the media.” Brad Trost While Trost has been calling voters on the phone for the last two weeks, he is looking forward to having in person events as soon as covid restrictions permit. “The calendar is being organized, I’ve received invites to meet with people throughout this entire riding, and I intend to visit with as many people face to face as is possible.” Trost’s goal is not just to win in Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan but to help the Conservatives win in the next election. “No Conservative truly wins until we are back in government. I want a principled Conservative government for all of Canada, I won’t be happy till that day comes.” -Media Release, Office of Brad Trost Kathryn Pollack Seeking Conservative Nomination In Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan Tuesday, June 1 - Kathryn Pollack officially announced she is entering the race for the Conservative nomination in Moose Jaw-Lake Centre- Lanigan. While Pollack has never run for political office, she believes that her strong business and family farming background will bring a much-needed fresh perspective to this important nomination race. “I am not a career politician who needs a job,” said Pollack. “I am running because I believe, as your voice in Ottawa, I can make positive contributions to our future growth and prosperity.” Tom Lukiwski currently holds the Conservative seat but recently announced he will not be seeking re-election in the next Federal election. “My commitment to the residents in Moose Jaw-Lake Centre-Lanigan is that I will take your concerns and passionately share them in Ottawa,” said Pollack. “I will proudly represent you and your family on all issues impacting our lives and the future of Canada.” Pollack also looks forward to being part of the Conservative leadership team that will help move Canadians into post-pandemic recovery. ‘I am excited to visit with you and discuss how we can work together to ensure a positive future for our children,” added Pollack. -Media release, Tony Playter Kathryn Pollack Letters and Commentaries Policy: We encourage and appreciate submission of Letters to the Editor and Commentaries to Last Mountain Times. A few guidelines: keep your letters and commentaries short and to the point; even though we tend to correct spelling and grammar, don’t assume that we will: a well-written letter or commentary is more credible. We reserve the right to edit out inappropriate, or slanderous material, or to refuse to publish, at our discretion, certain material. ALWAYS include your name, address, phone number, email address, etc. in your submission: we DO NOT publish anonymous material. If you feel compelled to comment on a published letter or commentary, please send your comments along: we may or may not publish them. -Last Mountain Times Subscribe or Donate to LMT Online: lmtimes.ca/subscribe Call: 306-528-2020 Mail: Last Mountain Times Box 42517, New Westminster, BC V3M 6L7 Paid Subscription - $50. 00 total Cheque Memo: Subscription Donation - $ Any amount Cheque Memo: Donation We’ll use the address on the cheque for your mailing address unless you indicate otherwise LAST MOUNTAIN Linda Degenstien - Aesthetics and Notions Dan Degenstien - Sales / Acting Editor Jennifer Argue - Local Journalism Initiative Reporter Publications Mail Agreement No. 40012083 Proud to be Serving You Published on Monday, 48 weeks per year 103 – 1st Ave. W. Nokomis, SK PO Box 42517 New Westminster, BC V3M 6L7 306-528-2020 editor@lmtimes.ca Contact our nearest community correspondents Nokomis: 306-528-2020 Semans & Raymore: 306-746-7662 Southey/Earl Grey: 306-535-6777 CCNA NEWSPAPERS CANADA Local Journalism Initiative (LJi) is funded by the Government of Canada. We acknowledge the financial support of the Government of Canada. Thanks Canada.
lmtimes.ca • Last Mountain Times • Monday, June 07, 2021 • /lastmountaintimes • @lmtimes 3 Spring bay / mckillop continues from page 1 While we couldn’t get the present Reeve, Bob Schmidt, on record, former RM of McKillop Reeve, Howard Arndt, said that one year at the Spring Bay Annual meeting, a different mill rate had been unofficially brought up. He said during the two years he was Reeve, no organized Hamlet had made an official request “because it would have been shut down before it even started.” Regarding alternate mill rates, Arndt said, “it’s financially unfair to anybody besides the Hamlet that is asking that. It’s economically unfair.” Arndt also said regarding the risks to the RM if an OH had a different mill rate. “If [an unorganized hamlet’s] mill rate was dropped it would be contributing less money into general revenue. Which means that shortfall would be put onto the shoulders of everyone else.” Ardnt also said, “It’s my opinion that once it happens with one organized hamlet others will follow and it will just become even more inequitable.” We asked the Ministry of Government Relations about the requirements around an organized hamlet’s tax levy account. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Government Relations said, “Legislation does not require a RM to keep a fully cash-funded account for an OH. Monies in the hamlet account are used for payments made on behalf of the OH as designated in the OH budget.” When asked about the responsibility around money for an OH’s tax levy account, the spokesperson from the Ministry of Government Relations said, “While the OH is declared by the minister through Minister’s Order, the RM council remains the governing body of the OH and ultimately has financial stewardship of the OH assets and liabilities.” “The RM must keep separate ledger accounts for the OH based on revenue and expenses and be prepared to fund any budgeted or emergency expenses of the OH. This could include using any accumulated reserve funding.” “The RM shall allocate to the hamlet account, all grant monies received on behalf of the OH and at least 40% and not more than 75% (as agreed upon between the OH and the RM) municipal tax revenue and fees.” “Section 32 of The Municipal Regulations states that unexpended funds are to be accumulated and reserved to the credit of the OH account; it does not state that this must be a cash account.” While the RM has failed to respond to questions around what appears to be an ongoing matter between the RM and the Organized Hamlet, it is notable that the RM Council dedicated an entire page to Organized Hamlet’s Tax Levy Account in the May edition of the McKillop newsletter. The information detailed the legislation and a list of expenditures the tax levy is to be used for, noting after each that assets attained are the property of the RM and that an Organized Hamlet’s Municipal tax revenues go into the RM’s general revenue account. Communications to the Chair of the Spring Bay Board, Karen Kramer, have gone unreturned. We will be following this story as it develops. Jennifer Argue, Local Journalism Initiative reporter Note: These reports are abridged for content Town of Lumsden - continues from page 1 ities around pest control vs hunting. Councillor Jenelle Brennan suggested that the town complete more research into their options because they have more responsibility. Council directed administration to look into the matter and report back Boulevard Leases The request for a municipal boulevard lease for Free Bird was approved by council. Council discussed the amendment to the municipal boulevard lease for Lumsden Valley Pizza. As additional work needed to be addressed before the council would approve an amendment, the council sent it back to Planning and Development. Director Bryck would bring it back for the next meeting of council. Care Home There was a discretionary use development application before council for a care home in the Canyon Creek Subdivision. Notices were sent to property owners within 75 meters of the boundary of the proposed use. The council received three submissions and a few inquiries. The care home is a large single detached residential dwelling for up to five care home residents and a family of six who will live at the property. The house will conform to the architectural requirements of the area. Planning and Development Director Aimee Bryck explained that care homes are listed as a discretionary use in Lumsden for concerns around parking. However, as the lots are large at Canyon Creek and there will be no additional staff, this is not a concern for this application. Several councillors noted that it wouldn’t have come to the council if the home would’ve been fostering children. Director Bryck pointed out that the city of Regina changed their bylaws for care homes to be a permitted use as opposed to a discretionary use. If the owner sells the property in the future, it would be sold as a single-detached home, and the designation of being a care home would not go with it. Council approved the application. Group 1 Committee Report The committee looked at increasing swimming fees to offset costs. Councillor Jenelle Brennan provided information around the fee increase. She said that the revenue brought in was approximately $13,000 and expenses around $16,000. The committee looked at the costs of similar programs. They decided to increase the fees to 45$ per swimmer and $120 per family. Council passed the motion for the fee increase. The committee asked the town to look into the costs of improving the dike trail, potentially putting in an asphalt surface on the North and South sides. Mayor Matheson said there would be multiple benefits of paving the surfaces. Council made a motion for the administration to investigate costs. The Health District has approved the license for the town to operate the campground with positive reviews for the cleanliness of the washroom buildings. There are no updates if the canteen will open under current pandemic regulations. Community Coordinator Chris Exner is looking at dates for the scarecrow festival. A potential date of September 25th is being considered. Costs associated with the festival are around $5000. The irrigation is in place for the ball diamonds. In addition, Minor ball has ordered digital scoreboards for the diamonds for which they have raised funds. The trail bridge project west of Lumsden is underway. Fabrication of the bridge and foundation will be in July and August. With targeted completion by the end of September. A contractor has pruned the trees at Riverpark and around the campground and buildings. Town of Lumsden Council Meeting - May 25 2021 The swim program will be happening again with two pools in use. They are hoping to receive a third and will have around 300 participants. The tentative dates for the program are July 5-16 and August 3-13. There is the potential for a future community garden as a resident is willing to allow the use of some land for the purpose. There were two requests from residents to provide a swimming pool in the community. Councillor Tumbach noted they had asked the administration for more preliminary information for the September meeting. Councillor Barber said the town of Indian Head had just put in a new pool, and the town of Balgonie had just completed a significant upgrade of theirs. These towns may be able to provide information to assist Administration in information gathering. Communications The council received a letter from the Financial and Consumer Affairs Authority reminding that all door-todoor sellers are required to obtain a direct sellers license from the Province. If someone has a seller come to their home, they recommended people ask to see their provincial direct seller’s licence. The RM of Pense sent a communication asking that Lumsden not vote in favour of the name change for SUMA. Office Update The CAO, Monica Merkosky, said that 70% of the staff are back to working on site. The CAO will be developing a back-to-work strategy with vaccinations rolling out, preferring to give the most recent staff member a few weeks of experience with the office closed so she can provide the best customer service possible when reopening. The CAO said she prefers the office to be open once tax notices go out. Bylaws Council passed all three readings for the mill rate and mill rate factor bylaw. Council also passed all three readings for the recreation fees. The next meeting of the council is on June 8th. Jennifer Argue, Local Journalism Initiative reporter Note: These reports are abridged for content
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LMT June 07 - Vol 114 - issue 27

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