Search Results

The Village of Berwyn is pleased to welcome local business owners Patrick and Lou-Anne O’Brien, who opened Kozy Korner on June 1, 2025. Longtime Alberta residents, the O’Briens have called Berwyn home for the past six years, drawn to the area for its tight-knit community and proximity to family, hunting, and fishing. After identifying a need for daily essentials in the village, the couple made the decision to purchase and open the local store, offering groceries, convenience items, and a variety of freshly prepared meals. In addition to grocery items, Kozy Korner features daily lunch specials, soup and sandwich options, pre-made meals, pizza, soft serve ice cream, Twisters (similar to a Blizzard), boba juice, mini donuts, and more. Their slush machine is expected to be operational this week, and a cotton candy machine is also on hand for future use. A seating area is available for those wishing to enjoy coffee or a meal on-site. Since opening, the couple has been grateful for the warm welcome and community support. “The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Patrick O’Brien. “We want Kozy Korner to be the community’s store, shaped by the people it serves. Our goal is to create a cozy space where everyone feels at home, whether you're a long-time resident or just passing through.” Residents are also invited to contribute photos for a Berwyn history wall inside Kozy Korner, helping to showcase stories and memories from the community. The O’Briens are passionate about supporting local producers and farms, sourcing beef from Jack Knife Creek Cattle Co. in Manning, chicken and vegetables from Homeland Meats in Falher, and pork from Johnny Sausage in Grimshaw. As part of their commitment to community involvement, the O’Briens are proud sponsors of the fireworks show at this year’s Berwyn Fiesta and will be offering cotton candy and other goodies during the event. Store hours are 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. on weekdays, 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Saturdays, and 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sundays. The O’Briens invite community members to share suggestions on items they'd like to see carried, noting that they currently work with 11 different suppliers to meet local needs. Longtime Village resident Norman Allen shared his thoughts as well: “This is a real benefit to the community. They’re listening to residents, bringing in what people ask for, and doing an excellent job.” In addition to groceries and convenience items, Kozy Korner is an approved Alberta Fish and Game licence retailer and will soon offer a selection of hunting and fishing supplies. Purolator shipping and receiving services are expected to launch by the end of this week. Looking ahead, the O’Briens hope to expand Kozy Korner into a full-service grocery store. This fall and winter, they also plan to begin work on a food and concession trailer for regional events, which will feature items like pizza, mini donuts, cotton candy, and hot dogs. The O’Briens are no strangers to entrepreneurship. Patrick is the owner of P & C Earthworks Ltd., a business he has operated since 2014, providing project consulting, construction management, and equipment rentals. He has worked extensively as a construction manager and site superintendent on major pipeline projects across Alberta and British Columbia. The couple also owns three commercial lots located behind Black Swan Helicopters, with plans to open an RV storage site, set to be operational this fall. The Village of Berwyn extends appreciation to Patrick and Lou-Anne for their service, enthusiasm, and dedication to serving the residents and visitors of the Village. Follow Kozy Korner Store LTD  on Facebook for updates!

Effective Noon, June 18, 2025 The Fire Ban for the Village of Berywn has been lifted effective noon today, June 18, 2025. • Fire Permits can now be issued as per normal policies. • Fires are now allowed in Approved Recreational Fire Pits. • Fires are allowed in Natural Gas or Propane barbeques. Please continue to be cautious and diligent. Thank you in advance for your support in keeping our community safe.

June 12, 2025 Council Meeting RCMP Fourth Quarter Report Council reviewed the Peace Regional RCMP’s Q4 report, covering January to March of 2025. The report shows an overall 21% decrease in criminal code offences compared to the same period last year. Property crimes remain a key focus, with several ongoing investigations and community partnerships in place to address problem areas. Community engagement continues through programs like “Coffee with a Cop,” school presentations, and meetings with local leaders. Long-term Financial Sustainability Council approved the 2025 budget amendment and a new reserves policy to strengthen long-term financial planning. An amendment to the tax rate bylaw was also passed, aligning with updated minimum tax revenue projections. The resulting funds will be allocated to dedicated reserves for infrastructure and operational stability while supporting the Village’s long-term viability. Water Agreement Council reviewed the Water Agreement with the Town of Grimshaw and made a motion to enter into a three-year agreement. The Town of Grimshaw manages water services for the Village of Berwyn. Alberta Community Partnership Grant Administration presented information on the Alberta Community Partnership Grant, a provincial initiative to improve long-term sustainability through regional collaboration. The grant would support the development of a comprehensive ten year capital plan for the Village of Berwyn to guide future infrastructure needs. Procedural Bylaw Amendment Council approved a bylaw amendment to remove public hearing procedures from the Procedural Bylaw. These provisions will now be governed under a standalone Public Hearing Bylaw, allowing for clearer, more flexible processes while maintaining consistency within the overall procedural framework.

Please be aware that a 𝗙𝗜𝗥𝗘 𝗕𝗔𝗡 has been issued for the Village of Berwyn effective 11:00 am today, May 30, 2025. This means that: • Fire permits are temporarily suspended until further notice. • All existing fire permits are invalidated. • No fires are permitted in fire pits. • Fires are allowed in natural gas or propane barbecues. • All other types of burning are prohibited. Please report any wildfire or fire by dialing 9-1-1 or calling 310-FIRE. Providing the exact location to 911 is crucial to help fire department personnel swiftly locate and extinguish these fires. For additional information on current fire bans within the Province of Alberta, please visit www.albertafirebans.ca

We're seeking proposals for the operation of the Berwyn Campsite for the 2025 season. If you are interested, please apply by submitting your proposal to the Village of Berwyn CAO Jatin Saini to cao@berwyn.ca or contact the Village Office at 780-338-3922 for more information.

A potential strike at Canada Post could disrupt mail delivery as early as Friday, May 23, 2025. To avoid delays, the Village of Berwyn is recommending that residents temporarily stop sending payments or urgent documents to the Village through the mail. To stay on schedule with your payments, please use one of the following options instead: Online Banking (Bill Payment) Add the Village as a payee through your online banking platform. The Village is listed as: Berwyn (Village) Utilities for utility accounts and Berwyn (Village) Property Tax for taxes. Use your utility account number or tax roll number as the account reference. E-Transfer Send payments via e-transfer to Finance@berwyn.ca . Please include your utility account number or tax roll number in the message field to ensure the payment is applied correctly. In-Person Payments Payments can still be made at the Village Office during regular business hours by cash, cheque, or debit. Property taxes, utility bills (water and sewer), and other accounts will continue to be processed as usual. Please note that residents are still responsible for making payments on time, even if postal service is disrupted. If you have any questions or need assistance, please contact us at clerk@berwyn.ca or finance@berwyn.ca , by calling (780) 338-3922 or stop by the Village office. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

It's Public Works Week! We want to take a moment to recognize Del and Cole, our incredible Public Works team for the Village of Berwyn. As a small but mighty crew, they take great pride in their work and genuine care for our community. Whether it’s maintaining infrastructure or keeping our village looking its best, their hard work makes a big difference every day and does not go unnoticed. We’re lucky to have them—be sure to thank them when you see them out and about.

Peace Library Systems Agreement Council reviewed and approved the updated Peace Library System agreement, which sets out revised terms for regional cooperation, service delivery, and cost-sharing among participating municipalities. Water Operator Services Agreement Council reviewed the Water Agreement with the Town of Grimshaw and made a motion to enter into a three-year agreement. The Town of Grimshaw manages water services for the Village of Berwyn. Berwyn Arena Equipment Council reviewed the equipment inventory at the Berwyn Arena and identified which items belong to the Village and which are the property of the Berwyn Arena Society. Council directed Administration to change the locks on the facility and to contact the Society to coordinate the removal of their items. Community Garden Agreement Council approved continued use of the remaining $8,207.45 from a 2020 community garden grant, with an annual spending cap of $1,500 for eligible expenses. Funds will be administered by the Village upon receipt of invoices. Customer   Code of Conduct Policy Council approved the Customer Code of Conduct Policy that outlines and formalizes behavioural expectations for public interactions with the Village, supports staff safety, and provides a fair process for managing repeated or abusive conduct. It aligns with provincial legislation and reinforces the Village’s commitment to respectful and professional service delivery. Respect in the Workplace Policy Council adopted the Respect in the Workplace Policy, which outlines expectations for a safe, inclusive, and harassment-free work environment. The policy applies to all employees, volunteers, and those interacting with the Village and includes procedures for reporting, investigation, and disciplinary action related to workplace violence, harassment, or discrimination. Fiesta Insurance Quote Council approved event insurance for the 2025 Berwyn Fiesta, scheduled for July 31st, at a cost of $1,725 plus tax. Alberta Rural Health Week Council declared May 26–30 as Alberta Rural Health Week, acknowledging the essential role rural healthcare professionals play in supporting the well-being and quality of life in our communities. ATCO Franchise Report Council reviewed the 2024 ATCO Electric Franchise Report, which includes updates on system reliability, franchise fee revenues, community support, and climate adaptation initiatives.

Effective today, May 8, 2025 a Fire Restriction is in place for the Village of Berwyn. Not Permitted: Open fires (brush, bonfires) Burn barrels Fireworks Permitted: Recreational fire pits with a screen, chimineas Propane or natural gas tables, bowls, and appliances All barbecues Please take extra care to prevent any activities that might generate sparks or start a fire. For more details, please visit the Government of Alberta website at albertafirebans.ca

The Village Spring Clean Up is underway until May 7th! A bin is available at the old Public Works shop for yard debris and unpainted wood only — no household garbage, please. For seniors and those unable to transport debris to the bin, Public Works is offering curbside pickup of one load. Simply place your yard debris by the front curb, and they will collect it for you. Thank you to everyone doing their part to keep our community clean and welcoming — and a big thanks to our Public Works staff for their hard work!

Check out the highlights from the Village of Berwyn Budget Meeting on Friday, April 25th below: Council approves 2025 Fiscal Budget Council approved the 2025 fiscal year budget totalling $2,068,048.74. The fiscal year budget includes both operational and capital expenditures. Tax Rate Bylaw No. 723 Council approved all three readings of the Tax Rate Bylaw. The bylaw authorizes taxation rates to be levied against assessable property within the Village. The 2025 total municipal tax levy is $630,813.57, and residents can expect to receive their tax assessment on their tax notices. View the bylaw on the Village website at berwyn.ca .   Health Care Spending Account Council approved a Health Spending Account (HSA) benefit for three full-time employees effective May 1, 2025. Eligible staff will receive $400 annually to help cover health and dental expenses not fully covered under the existing plan. This addition supports employee wellness and provides greater flexibility to meet personal and family health needs. The next regular council meeting is scheduled for May 15, 2025.

The Village of Berwyn is now accepting applications for the Summer Maintenance Labourer Position. 𝗣𝗼𝘀𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝘂𝗺𝗺𝗮𝗿𝘆 Start Date: First week of May 2025 Duration: 16 weeks Hourly Wage: $18.50 Hours of Operation: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM 𝗞𝗲𝘆 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝗶𝗲𝘀 General labour and outdoor maintenance Groundskeeping including mowing, trimming, and landscaping Identification and removal of noxious weeds Watering and planting flowers throughout the village Painting of public infrastructure Maintenance and improvement of outdoor facilities such as parks, playgrounds, fields, and ball diamonds Other duties as assigned by Public Works or Administration 𝗤𝘂𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗳𝗶𝗰𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 & 𝗥𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗶𝗿𝗲𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 Valid Driver’s License (or ability to obtain prior to start date) Physically fit and able to perform manual labour outdoors Ability to stand and walk for extended periods Willingness to operate landscaping equipment such as mowers and weed trimmers (training provided if needed) 𝗛𝗼𝘄 𝘁𝗼 𝗔𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 Please submit your resume clearly marked “Summer Maintenance Labourer” to: Email: cao@berwyn.ca Mail: Human Resources, Village of Berwyn Box 250, Berwyn, AB T0H 0E0 Equity and Inclusion Statement The Village of Berwyn is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive, and equitable workplace that reflects the diversity of our community. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals, including those from historically underrepresented groups. We value equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism, and reconciliation.Applications will be accepted UNTIL A SUITABLE CANDIDATE IS FOUND. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.