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RCMP Update from Staff Sergeant Lacey Blair Sergeant Lacey Blair, RCMP Staff Sergeant and Detachment Commander, provided an update for Council on local policing and RCMP initiatives. She noted that with the warmer weather comes an increase in crime and that property offences, motor vehicle thefts, and break-and-enters remain key concerns in the region. Residents are reminded to lock their vehicles and avoid leaving keys inside. RCMP members continue to actively patrol Berwyn and surrounding areas and encourage the public to report any suspicious activity and that no call is too small for the RCMP to respond. It is imperative that suspicious activity be reported to increase presence in the community. She also provided information on a new initiative, Coffee with a Cop , that offers residents a chance to connect with local RCMP members face-to-face. A session will be hosted in Berwyn or Brownvale in the coming months. Council expressed their appreciation to the RCMP for their continued presence and commitment to keeping the community safe. Rural Crime Watch Symposium A member of the Village of Berwyn Citizens on Patrol attended the Council meeting to provide a report on the Rural Crime Watch Symposium held March 14–15, 2025, in Edmonton. Members of the Village of Berwyn Citizens on Patrol took part in the event, which featured presentations on a range of topics, including crime trends, labour and sex trafficking, and included speakers from the RCMP, Fish and Wildlife, and a local MLA was also in attendance. Council extended their gratitude to the Citizens on Patrol members for the important work they do to help keep Berwyn safe. In February, Council approved $400 in funding to support Citizens on Patrol members in attending the symposium Audit Extension Council directed Administration to request an extension from Alberta Municipal Affairs for the submission of the Village of Berwyn’s 2024 audited financial statements. The audit is currently in progress, but due to challenges such as software system updates, delays in compiling financial data, and scheduling conflicts with the auditors, it is unlikely that the audit will be completed by the May 1, 2025 deadline. As a result, an extension is being requested to allow additional time to finalize the audit and submit the required documents. Health Spending Account Council reviewed information regarding the implementation of a Health Spending Account for the Village of Berwyn staff and made a motion to table it and include the information in upcoming budget discussions.  Speed Signs Council received an update on the speed sign recently positioned near Glenmyer Park and discussed plans to rotate the sign to various locations throughout Berwyn. The sign also records vehicle speeds, providing valuable data for the Village. Arena Appraisal Council reviewed an appraisal for the Berwyn Arena and lot provided by Plant & Associates, with a market value of $127,000 as of February 24, 2025. As Council has not received any interest in the area from community groups, Council directed Adminstration to list it at the market value.  Snow Removal Policy  Council approved the Village of Berwyn Snow Removal Policy.  The policy outlines locations, priorities and procedures for snow removal in the Village of Berwyn. Village of Hines Creek Letter of Support Council directed Administration to draft a letter of support in response to a request from the Village of Hines Creek regarding challenges with Alberta's current water sample testing process. The letter will endorse proposed solutions to improve sample delivery timelines and reduce costs for rural municipalities. Roof Repair Quote Council reviewed a quote for $8,317.53 for roof repairs at the Village of Berwyn Administration office and authorized that Administration retain Revive Contracting to complete the project. Freedom of Information and Protection (FOIP) Bylaw Council approved the second and final reading of the FOIP Bylaw. The bylaw outlines a clear and structured FOIP request process and ensures the requirements of the legislation are met. Fee Schedule Bylaw Update Council approved three readings of Bylaw 723 that includes a $3 increase to the utility bill paper copy fee, a housekeeping update in the FOIP request section, and the inclusion of a clause stating that seniors aged 65 years and older are exempt from the fee entirely. The updates to the bylaw align with the legislative structure and provide clarity for the public.

Mark your calendars—Municipal Election Day is October 20, 2025! The Village of Berwyn is seeking nominations to fill five (5) Councillor positions to represent and advocate for the interests of all residents. This is your chance to step forward and make a difference in our community!   Visit our 2025 Elections webpage for:  Information and forms for candidates  Voter information  Links to important election resources For any questions, contact Returning Officer Jatin Saini at the Village Office at 780-338-3922 or via email to cao@berwyn.ca . This is an important opportunity to contribute to Berwyn’s future—whether as a candidate or a voter, your involvement matters!

Attention Residents --- Please complete the survey at the link below before April 22, 2025. The Enabling Housing Choice North Project is partnering with Lac Cardinal Country (Town of Grimshaw, Village of Berwyn and MD of Peace) to help determine effective ways for encouraging and garnering support for a range of housing development in the community. They are looking for your opinion on many aspects of housing in Lac Cardinal Country and invite residents to complete a simple survey to help inform the study. This survey is open from March 21 – April 22, 2025.  TAKE THE SURVEY HERE For more information about the EHC North Project and this survey, please contact the following: Misty Velichka (Economic Development Officer) Lac Cardinal Economic Development 780-618-7797 edo@laccardinal.com Colleen Sklapsky (Councillor) Town of Grimshaw780-616-6619 colleen.sklapsky@grimshaw.ca

Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) Funding Council discussed possible uses for the Village of Berwyn’s 2025 LGFF grant funding. Initial ideas included continuing to update Public Works equipment, replacing and repairing sidewalks, enhancing the new playground area, and fixing the fence at the Public Works yard. The Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) is a primary source of capital infrastructure funding for municipalities, providing predictable, sustainable support for local priorities. Fee Schedule Update Council reviewed proposed updates to Bylaw 723 and a proposed $3 increase to the utility bill paper copy fee and a housekeeping update in the FOIP request section. Council approved the fee increase and directed administration to include a clause stating that seniors aged 65 years and older are exempt from the fee entirely. Administration will bring the bylaw back to Council for their review at the April Council meeting. The updates to the bylaw align with legislative structure and provide clarity for the public. Budget Discussions During the meeting, CAO Jatin Saini provided Council with a budget update. Council directed administration to arrange a special meeting to allow more time for Council and staff to review and discuss the budget in detail. Fund Transfer for Operational Expenses Council approved a temporary transfer of funds from the Village of Berwyn’s savings to support essential operational expenses. Administration will proceed with an initial allocation of $100,000. A repayment schedule was discussed to ensure the funds are repaid as promptly as possible. Snow Removal Policy Council approved the Village of Berwyn Snow Removal Policy. The policy outlines locations, priorities, and procedures for snow removal and ice control on roadways and sidewalks in Berwyn. Freedom of Information and Protection (FOIP) Bylaw Council approved the first reading of the FOIP Bylaw. The bylaw outlines a clear and structured FOIP request process and ensures the requirements of the legislation are met.

The Village of Berwyn is a Citizens on Patrol (COP) community, working alongside local law enforcement to enhance safety. COP volunteers serve as extra eyes and ears in the community, helping to deter crime and keep residents informed. We are very grateful for all they do, and to support their efforts, Council approved $400 in funding to help COP members attend the Rural Crime Watch 2025 Crime Symposium and AGM in Edmonton on March 14–15, 2025. This event provides valuable training and networking opportunities to strengthen crime prevention efforts in our community. New members to the Village of Berwyn COP are always welcome—more volunteers mean better coverage and a safer community. If you're interested in getting involved, contact the Village Office, and we will connect you with a COP representative. To report suspicious activity:  RCMP: 780-624-6611  Crime Stoppers: 1-800-222-8477

The Northern Alberta Development (NAD) Bursary Program provides return of service bursaries to students who agree to live and work within the program boundary in their field of studies after they graduate. Students need to apply for a bursary for each year they want to be considered. Students can apply for more than one bursary but can only accept one bursary in an academic year. See more information below: 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗡𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿𝗻 𝗔𝗹𝗯𝗲𝗿𝘁𝗮 𝗗𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹𝗼𝗽𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 (𝗡𝗔𝗗𝗕) Students entering a program of studies that is one or two years long or students entering the last two years of their program of studies can access up to $7,000 per year. 𝗦𝗽𝗲𝗰𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘁𝘆 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 • Medical or Dentistry Student - $14,000/year - Funding available for up to 4 years of program. • Nurse Practitioner Student - $10,500/year - Funding available for up to 3 years of program. • Pharmacy Student - $7,000/year – Funding available for up to 4 years of program. • Veterinary Student - $7,000/year – Funding available for up to 4 years of program. Application Dates: January 2 – April 30. 𝗧𝗵𝗲 𝗙𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀, 𝗠𝗲́𝘁𝗶𝘀 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗜𝗻𝘂𝗶𝘁 (𝗙𝗡𝗠𝗜) 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 Students in a certificate or diploma program can access up to $7,000 per year for their studies. Students in a bachelor’s, master’s or PhD program can access up to $11,500 per year for any year of their studies. Application Dates: First intake February 1 to June 1. Second intake from June 5 to November 15. 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝘁𝗻𝗲𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗺 (𝗕𝗣𝗣) 𝗕𝘂𝗿𝘀𝗮𝗿𝘆 Students are sponsored by a business, organization, or municipality. The NAD program does not find a sponsor for students. • The NAD program will match the sponsor’s bursary amount up to $3,500.00 per student per year. • Higher matching funds are available for: – Medical or Dentistry students can access up to $28,000/year. – Nurse Practitioner can access up to $21,000/year. – Pharmacy or Veterinary students can access up to $14,000/year. For more details visit: Northern Alberta Development Bursary Program .

There's another planning meeting for the 2025 Berwyn Fiesta taking place next week. Be sure to follow the Berwyn Fiesta Society  Facebook page for updates!

We have heard concerns regarding water quality in the Village, and we want to ensure that everyone has accurate information. Water testing is conducted weekly, and samples are sent to a certified lab for analysis. In addition, a yearly evaluation is conducted. The 2024 tests met all required safety standards and were reviewed by the Village of Berwyn Council at the Council meeting on December 12, 2024. Rest assured, if any issues were detected, the Village would take immediate action and inform residents. The safety and well-being of our community is our top priority. We also contacted Environment Canada, which confirmed that there are no issues with Berwyn’s water. They reviewed our results and confirmed there was no contamination, and the environmental team expressed satisfaction with the Village of Berwyn’s raw water results. Furthermore, Alberta Health Services (AHS) has never issued a Boil Water Advisory or Boil Water Order for Berwyn. AHS is responsible for monitoring and reporting such advisories, and our water operator maintains regular communication with them to ensure that all protocols are followed. It is important for our residents to have accurate, science-based information and we appreciate your support in sharing the facts. The full water quality report is available on our website at berwyn.ca .  If you have any questions, please contact the Village office at 780-338-3922. Thank you for your support.

During the Council meeting held on February 13, 2025, Wayne Larson, Vice President of the Berwyn Fiesta Planning Committee (BFPC), provided Council with an update on plans to revive the Berwyn Fiesta. The event is set to take place on the Thursday before the North Peace Stampede, following the tradition from years past. Planned activities include children’s games, family-friendly entertainment, a car show, brisket on a bun, beer gardens, a smoke-off, and live music. The BFPC is looking to partner with local organizations, seeking committee members, sponsors and volunteers. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact BFPC President Colleen Jackson at 780-219-3849 or Wayne at 780-618-6554. The committee members, in addition to Colleen and Wayne are Rose Estabrook, Secretary/Treasurer; Cheryl McKen, Volunteer Coordinator; and Misty Velichka, Director. Council extends gratitude to the committee for their work and enthusiasm in bringing this treasured community event back to life.

February 13, 2025 Council Meeting Council Approves New Skid Steer Purchase Council approved the purchase of a new John Deer Skid Steer 324G with the snow bucket attachment as part of their ongoing efforts to address equipment needs. The Skid Steer will be funded by the Local Government Fiscal Framework Grant (LGFF) a legislated government program that provides capital funding to municipalities for infrastructure and asset improvements. Berwyn Fiesta Update Wayne Larson, Vice President of the Berwyn Fiesta Planning Committee (BFPC), provided Council with an update on plans to revive the Berwyn Fiesta. The event is set to take place on the Thursday before the North Peace Stampede, following the tradition from years past. Planned activities include children’s games, family-friendly entertainment, a car show, brisket on a bun, beer gardens, a smoke-off, and live music. The BFPC is looking to partner with local organizations, seeking committee members, sponsors and volunteers. Anyone interested in getting involved can contact BFPC President Colleen Jackson at 780-219-3849 or Wayne at 780-618-6554. The committee members, in addition to Colleen and Wayne are Rose Estabrook, Secretary/Treasurer; Cheryl McKen, Volunteer Coordinator; and Misty Velichka, Director. Council extends gratitude to the committee for their work and enthusiasm in bringing this treasured community event back to life. Citizen on Patrol Request Council approved $400 in funding to support members of the Village of Berwyn Citizens on Patrol in attending the Rural Crime Watch 2025 Crime Symposium and AGM in Edmonton on March 14–15, 2025. Tax and Utility Recovery Plan Council discussed tax and utility arrears in the Village of Berwyn and directed Administration to implement an assertive recovery plan. As of now, tax arrears in the Village total $303,654.21, while outstanding utility accounts amount to $24,950.57. Snow Removal Policy Review Council reviewed and discussed the Village of Berwyn Snow Removal Policy. The policy outlines locations, priorities and procedures for snow removal in the Village of Berwyn. Council directed the Administration to make amendments and bring the policy back for further review. Council Approves Purchase of New Technology Equipment Council approved the purchase of new computers and devices to replace aging technology, ensuring improved efficiency and functionality. The upgrades will be funded through the Village of Berwyn’s LGFF grant funding. FCSS 2024 Program Review Council reviewed the 2024 FCSS Program Review provided by Tracy Halerewich, Director of Community Services in Grimshaw. Grimshaw Community Services plans, supports and hosts in Berwyn and throughout the region. Council expressed gratitude to Tracy and the FCSS team for their time, care and dedication in providing a wide range of programming in the Village of Berwyn, and for the entire region. Council shared their gratitude for the number of activities offered in the Village of Berwyn for all ages, and noted hearing positive feedback from the community regarding the support Grimshaw Community Services provides. 2025-2027 Strategic Plan Council reviewed and approved minor amendments to the Village of Berwyn 2025 Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan includes a SCOR analysis (Strengths, Challenges, Opportunities, and Risks), goals, initiatives, action items, and measurement metrics. The goals include: 1) Promote the Village of Berwyn to attract new residents and businesses, 2) Continue with recommendations from the Municipal Affairs Viability Review, 3) Identify and pursue regional collaboration and economic opportunities, 4) Engage residents through enhanced communication and consultation efforts, and 5) Build capacity within Public Works to address maintenance needs.

Let's extend a warm welcome to Jatin Saini as the Acting CAO. Jatin hails from Calgary and has been part of the Village since mid-June, contributing in finance and administration roles. We wish you all the best and offer our support in your new position, Jatin!

Job Advertisement: Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) - Village of Berwyn Position:  Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) Location:  Village of Berwyn Application Deadline:  August 16th or until a suitable candidate is found About the Village of Berwyn: The Village of Berwyn is a vibrant and determined community committed to revitalization and development. We are looking for an innovative and energetic individual to join our team as the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) to help us navigate our future. Position Overview: As the CAO, you will be the key advisor to the Village Council, providing leadership and direction in the administration of all municipal operations. You will be responsible for implementing the Council’s policies and decisions, overseeing the daily operations of the village, and working closely with the community to achieve our strategic goals. Key Responsibilities: Leadership & Management: Provide strategic leadership to the village staff, fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment. Policy Implementation: Implement the policies and decisions of the Village Council, ensuring alignment with the community's needs and goals. Financial Oversight: Oversee the development and management of the municipal budget, ensuring responsible fiscal management. Community Engagement: Engage with residents, businesses, and stakeholders to promote community involvement and address local concerns. Strategic Planning: Assist in developing and implementing strategic plans to guide the village’s growth and development. Operational Excellence: Ensure the efficient and effective delivery of municipal services and programs. Qualifications: Experience:  Previous experience in municipal government or a related field is preferred. While prior experience as a CAO is not necessary, a strong understanding of municipal operations and governance is essential. Education:  A minimum of an undergrad degree or either enrolment or completion of the NACLAA certificate. Skills:  Strong leadership, communication, and organizational skills are essential. The ability to innovate and adapt to changing circumstances is highly valued. Attributes:  The ideal candidate will be energetic, community-focused, and committed to fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Why Join the Village of Berwyn? The Village of Berwyn offers a unique opportunity to be part of a close-knit community focused on growth and revitalization. As CAO, you will have the chance to make a significant impact on the future of our village and work with a dedicated team of professionals. How to Apply: Interested candidates are invited to submit their resume, and cover letter to cao@berwyn.ca by August 16th 2024 For more information about the position or the Village of Berwyn, please visit our website at www.berwyn.ca . The Village of Berwyn is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals. Salary Range: $74,000 - $84,000 depending on qualifications and experience, including benefits and pension plan. We look forward to welcoming a dynamic and innovative CAO to our team!