The Crater on Main Street

Photo courtesy of the Rocky View Weekly

A number of Beisekerites have voiced to me their concern over a business on Main Street, because of a large pit not far from the sidewalk.  It was brought up at our most recent Town Hall meeting in April.  We've even had visitors ask why this eyesore continues to exist.

I understand that the pit was created when underground fuel tanks were removed from the site.  I was told that environmental authorities insisted that the pit be left open for a length of time, to assure that no hydrocarbons would seep into the hole. 

I believe that the stipulated time stated has now elapsed.  The time to fill in the hole and return the area to its past configuration has come.  The temporary fence around the pit isn't really secure and permits people, especially youngsters, to enter the site.  This isn't safe.  In my opinion, the pit should be filled in and the area tidied up a bit.

The Village's Bylaw Enforcement and the Village Office are now working with Alberta Environment and other departments to resolve this situation.  We're hoping that we will have compliance in this situation as soon as possible.

Bullying in Our Village

I'm sure most of you are now aware of that hateful web page that was written anonymously about our little village, and then shared on Facebook.   I regard that page as straightforward bullying!   I felt very badly for those folks singled out for that undeserved wrath on that page!

I will not respond to any of those comments and allegations because they do not deserve a response.  But I was most offended by the venom directed  at our Village office staff and Public Works who work very hard to make our village the best it can be.  I have seen these folks work many hours of unpaid overtime, work all night, or get up from a Sunday family dinner to address a concern within the village.

Their work to improve this little village is very dependent on finances and resources available.  I admire their enthusiasm and dedication!  These are not the people to be bullied for the work that they do -- not that any person should be bullied!

This is all I'm going to say on this - so I've asked my son to close comments on this post.

Sloppy, Wet 2016 Stampede Over

My medical issues prevented me from volunteering at this year's edition of the Calgary Stampede.

I usually help out in the Agrium Ag-tivity in the City area for at least four or five of the ten days.  I was sorry I wasn't able to help out this year.  It was definitely a challenge running the show this year under monsoon-like conditions.

Folks were calling the "Greatest Outdoor Show Under Water and Mud"!  I watched the rodeo on TV.  A shout out goes to the CBC for their excellent ten day rodeo coverage.  I was little disappointed that no Canadian cowboys took home the biggest prize money, but a number of them did do well with day money and pool prizes.  A shout-out goes to Kirk Sutherland who won the $100,000 Chuckwagon race!

One thing I was most pleased and proud of is the fact that no animals were seriously hurt during this Stampede.  Having worked down at Stampede Park for many years, I know that animal welfare and safety ranks very high in the Stampede's creed.  All animals participating in the show are checked by a small army of vets every day.  Living conditions and care are inspected regularly.  The Stampede must be very proud of their record in animal safety and welfare.

I'm sure other shows will sit up and take notice.  The Calgary Stampede once again leads the way!  

Let's pray for a much drier 2017 Calgary Stampede!

Beiseker's First Stampede Breakfast a Huge Hit

Thursday morning on Main Street in Beiseker was the place to be!  The Beiseker Chamber of Commerce held its first annual Stampede Breakfast! 

More than 325 people came out to munch on pancakes, sausages, and eggs, while listening to live music from Verlin Rau and his group;

We were also treated to a square dancing demonstration.  What a fantastic morning! 

A huge shout goes out to our Chamber of Commerce and those members who worked so very hard that morning to give us an awesome Stampede Breakfast!  The support of businesses and businessmen and women like this is one reason why our village is a great place to live.  Well done!

Pothole Victory and Stampede Breakfast!

On behalf of the Village of Beiseker, I declare at least a partial victory over our potholes!  A shout-out goes to Public Works foreman Dave and his crew for their work!

I know some of you will say, "what about that one in front of my place?"  Please report any wayward potholes to the village office (403 947 3774) so Public Works can check it out. 

I hope I'll see all of you at Beiseker's first annual Stampede Breakfast!  It goes this Thursday on Main Street between First and Second Avenues, in front of the Arcadia Cafe!  Pancakes will be served from 9:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m.  Come on down and meet your neighbors and members of our business community!

Great 149th Canada Day!

I hope you all had a great Canada Day!  The weather sort of cooperated to give most of us the chance to get out and celebrate Canada's 149th Birthday. 

I often wonder if Sir John A. MacDonald, Canada's first Prime Minister, would recognize the nation he helped create 149 years ago.  It was much smaller then with only four provinces, but it grew into one of the proudest nations in the world! 

Thanks again to the "Flag Folks" who put a tiny Canadian flag at each home throughout the village so it will be there in the morning to announce cheerfully Canada Day!  Otherwise, Canada Day was very quiet in the Village.  Other communities around us had parades, parties and fireworks, so this Canada Day did not slip by unnoticed! I hope you were able to take in some of the festivities.

I hope you had a great Canada Day 2016.  I did!  Now we get to plan out our big celebration for next year as Canada turns 150 years old.  I think Sir John A. would be proud of Canada today.  I know I am! Happy Canada Day!

Ray's Note: Did you know that Canada Day was known throughout most of Canada's history as "Dominion Day," to celebrate the creation of the Dominion of Canada?