Inspiring perseverance are words that can be used to describe Drayton resident Deb Bossert. She has faced obstacles like cancer and immune disorders to start a successful second business in her retirement.
Bossert grew up in Vernon, B.C., but has been part of Drayton this community since 1996. Over the years she has volunteered in many different areas, all with the mission of serving others. Some may recognize her name from her time on town council, others in the faith community will know her from various events she’s participated in. During her time on council she served on many different boards. Bossert was also a volunteer with Humans Helping Humans and currently sits on the board of Burden Bearers.
On top of that Bossert was also a business owner in Drayton Valley. The store Designs By Deb was a bridal boutique that she built from the ground up.
“I’ve been sewing since I was a young girl,” says Bossert, which she says is 45 years of sewing. She is the fourth generation seamstress in her family, and her oldest daughter is the fifth.
However, life has not been smooth sailing for Bossert. About a year after her youngest daughter was born, Bossert separated from her husband and became a single mother. During that time she sometimes worked a full-time job, but she kept Designs by Deb running.
Designs By Deb was more than just a store for bridal wear. Bossert also offered sewing classes, altered clothing, and spent a fair amount of time repairing coveralls.
In 2009, after hearing encouragement from friends and community members, Bossert decided to run in a by-election for council. She went on to serve as a councillor until 2017.
In 2010, Bossert was diagnosed with aggressive bilateral breast cancer, which led to a double mastectomy as soon as the doctors could arrange it. Four years later, Bossert was diagnosed with a rare immune disorder called common variable immune deficiency.
“I didn’t expect to see 50,” she says and she’s grateful for the eight years she’s had since her diagnosis. “To have survived long enough to meet my grandchildren, and be involved in their lives, and to see where life has taken me has been amazing.”
She did not seek re-election in the municipal elections in 2017. She still worked as much as she could, though she was limited because of her health. However, she lost her job as a teacher for English as Second Language in 2020 when the pandemic hit.
“My health did take quite a decline that spring as well. I was told by my doctors that I needed to retire and just stay home,” says Bossert.
Bossert rarely goes out because her body does not produce antibodies and she has to take an immunoglobulin infusion to keep herself healthy and alive. Any illness she catches could result in hospitalization or death.
One local youth has seen his hard work with 4-H pay off after being selected as one of 12 youth to show their steers at the 2025 Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic.
Hunter Harris is a third generation 4-H member and has been part of the organization since he was 12 years old. Not only does he show cattle for 4-H, he’s also been entering open shows for the past two years. He says showing cattle is just a natural extension of his life as the son and grandson of farmers.
“I think it’s really important to know where your food comes from and I really enjoy showing,” says Harris. He says he also feels like he’s staying true to his heritage working in agriculture, which he is something he is proud of and wants to continue doing.
As an ambassador, Harris got his choice of steer from the OH Ranch this month. At the next Calgary Stampede, he will bring that steer back to show in the Calgary Stampede Junior Steer Classic under a special category for OH Beef.
He says being chosen as an ambassador is an honour and he’s excited to use the opportunity to help educate people about the importance of the industry.
“I think it means putting myself out there and trying to put out a positive image for both the Calgary Stampede and the beef industry as a whole,” says Harris. “As an ambassador, I feel I have the responsibility to try and promote the show world, the beef industry, and this way of life as much as I can.”
Beef showing a competitive sport
He says there is a lot of work that goes into showing and that he considers it a competitive sport, no different than horse showing or dog showing. Each year, Harris works with the steer or heifer he’s chosen. He’s responsible for feeding it, grooming it, and training it, which means spending time with it nearly every day for more than half a year.
“You’ve got to put in a ton of time. You have to be able to halter break it and get it tame,” says Harris. “There’s a process of training it to stand a certain way, how to respond to certain cues when you’re pulling on their halter, and how they should lead and behave in the show ring.”
It’s also important to put time into research about the proper feed for the steer. Harris says the type of food they are fed will greatly impact the standing in competition as well as the sale of the steer for butcher. He says there is a certain balance between fat and muscle that needs to be kept to make good meat.
At the show, all of the cattle get a fitting from the competitors to make sure they look their best when in the ring.
“It’s kind of like hairstyling, but for cows, in a sense,” he says.
Fitting involves cleaning the cow, blow drying them, clipping them, brushing tufts and styling them in certain ways to make the cow look its best in the show.
“It kind of brings out the best traits in them so they look like a better market animal,” he says.
Harris says he plans to attend more open shows this year and hopefully have the opportunity to help educate people about the industry. In the past, he’s spoken with young spectators at events who come up to see his cow and shared a little bit about the importance of the event.
“I just wanted to make sure they were enjoying themselves and that they learned something,” says Harris. “The ladies that were showing [the children] around were learning stuff, too. I think it’s really important to try and connect with everyone on all levels and tell them what an amazing sport it is and how important it is.”
He says that sometimes it can be sad to see the cow go after working with it for so long. But Harris says it’s important for him to remember why he is doing it in the first place, and that families will be fed well because of his efforts.
While Harris is still contemplating what the future could hold for himself in terms of a career, he’s pretty certain that he will likely end up working with cattle and in the agriculture industry. He’s already been working on building up his own herd with his time and money, and a little bit of help from his family. He feels that this will give him a headstart in life and also makes a good choice as an ambassador.
“My parents have been extremely supportive of it, and they’ve helped me out a ton,” he says.
Harris believes his experience in working with his herd makes him more knowledgeable about the industry. He’s been learning about the traditions and the work that goes into maintaining a herd, including breeding, feeding, and the general well-being of the animals.
“I think that makes me a better showman and in a better position to be an ambassador,” he says.
Those who wish to know how Harris’ steer holds up to the other 11 ambassadors will have to wait until the July 2025 Calgary Stampede or hope to catch him at one of the several shows he plans to attend.
Volleyball comes home to Tomahawk
Tomahawk to receive a $1 million dollar upgrade
For the first time ever, the Tomahawk School volleyball team was able to host a home game thanks to their new gym.
Tracey Gilmour, the new principal for the school, says the new gym was a $1 million project. It was started last May and was finally finished on October 16, hours before their opening game.
“They were bringing the scissor lift out as we brought in the net,” says Gilmour.
The Timberwolves went on to win their first home game against the Muir Lake Mustangs.
“They were a little bit worried that actually performing at home would put some pressure on them,” says Gilmour. “But they did great.”
“I was very nervous and excited at the same time,” says Layla Chausse, one of the Timberwolves.
Team practice was a challenge in the past
While the school has always had team sports, Gilmour says it’s been a challenge for the teams to practice, and they’ve never been able to host a game before. The size of the gym wasn’t necessarily the problem. The issue was a large stage that took up about a third of the space in the room.
Gilmour says the stage made it difficult for the students to play any type of sports in the gym. She says small games could work, but a full sized game wasn’t possible.
The previous principal, Fran Bell, really advocated for the students saying they should have equal opportunities to access sports and extracurriculars.
“Parkland School Division stepped up and made that investment in our school,” says Gilmour.
After years of playing away games, the team was happy to finally get to play on their home turf.
“It was really nice to play in the gym for the first time,” says Josie Woodruff, one of the players. “We’re especially grateful to be able to play a home game.” She says their team has never had the opportunity to play in a new gym before.
The fact that they were the very first people to use the gym was something the team enjoyed, as well.
Strocher says winning is just icing on the cake
“We were really excited to have our first home game and be the first ones to play in that gym,” says Isabelle Strocher. She says winning that first game was just icing on the cake.
Up until the home opener, the girls had been practicing outside on a paved area near the school. Gilmour says it hasn’t been easy for the team, but they persevered, and had won every single game going into the home opener.
“Honestly, I think what got them through was their amazing team spirit,” says Gilmour. “I’ve never seen anything like it. They’re so supportive of each other.”
That team spirit has helped the Timberwolves make it into the playoffs this year.
“We’ve finished our placement games,” says Judith Munch. “Now we just have playoffs, and we’re hoping to host one, too.”
Meeting calls for change in town
Members of business community voice concerns over local issues
Some local businesses gathered last week to voice concerns, propose possible solutions, and brainstorm a presentation to put before town council.
Erik Bergen, one of the owners of the Drayton Valley Bakery, held a meeting on October 9 and invited all businesses in the community to come out. Bergen wanted to hear their thoughts on three specific topics: homelessness, essential service administration and the Town’s free enterprise policy.
Bergen says the idea about having a presentation has been on his mind for several months. He says he’s spoken to many business owners who feel frustrated with the Town and the direction council is taking. However, he says he felt that if everybody only talked about it and no one went to the town, nothing would get accomplished.
Along with business owners, the organizers of Warming Hearts and members of the public attended the event.
Homelessness and franchises stir debate
Bergen prepared a presentation for the event, and reviewed it several times as people came and went as they were able. He also had a petition available for attendees to sign.
As he went over his presentation, Bergen says it was difficult to focus on the problems and solutions rather than opinions.
“It did derail a little bit, just because of the opposite points of view, especially regarding the homeless,” he says.
There were some attendees who viewed the homeless issue from a more humanitarian point of view and others that felt a heavier hand was needed. But Bergen says it’s important to
remember that not all homeless people are causing the issue. There are some individuals who are making it difficult for everyone.
“I don’t want to group all people into one basket,” says Bergen. “There are people who are homeless because their house burned down or were dealt a bad hand.”
Another topic that brought up differing opinions was new franchises coming into the community. In his presentation, Bergen argued that by simply leaving the door open for any new businesses in the community, council was putting a strain on businesses that were already established.
According to Bergen, there is about one restaurant (or registered kitchen) for every 95 people in the community. There are more than eight liquor stores and six cannabis stores, 12 pizza places and more than one of some franchises.
He believes that a lack of direction from council in this matter is making it difficult for businesses to do well. Bergen says his concern is protecting the current businesses that the town already has in place and allow them to flourish.
“A lot of these restaurant owners say that they’re one franchise away from closing their doors,” says Bergen.
Town services and the need for improvement
Bergen says that many people have also noticed a disparity in the services the Town offers the community. For example, there are a number of different “nice” things the Town has spent money on like the pumptrack, disc golf, the pool etc. However, there are some struggles with providing basic services such as regular road maintenance, weed control and pest management.
“Maybe they are doing the best they can do, or maybe they got pushed to the back burner,” says Bergen.
He says that he got a lot of feedback from those who attended the meeting. As it was his first time attempting anything like this, there was a learning curve and Bergen says he’s looking forward to making improvements at another meeting that will be held at the beginning of November.
Bergen’s plan is to present a list of complaints with possible solutions to council in November.
Town changing Facility Code of Conduct
The Town is making some changes to its Facility Code of Conduct in an effort to ensure its facilities aren’t being misused.
Cody Rossing, the manager of enforcement and emergency management, presented council with a proposed amendment to the Code of Conduct. Rossing says the Code of Conduct was put in place in August 2016. Since council expressed concern surrounding enforcement of removing homeless individuals from the Civic Centre vestibule, administration reviewed the code and came up with some suggestions.
Rossing says there are several different prohibitions that were not included in the original Code of Conduct. Most of the changes were stronger wording surrounding loitering and failing to comply with signage. While the original code prohibited smoking, it did not mention vaping, so Rossing says they have changed that.
The wording surrounding service animals was also changed to match provincial law.
The proposed changes also give more power to facility managers when it comes to banning individuals from Town facilities. They will be able to ban individuals for up to seven days. General managers and peace officers will also be able to suspend someone for up to six months. CAOs will be able to ban someone for more than six months if necessary.
“It’s putting in those different layers so the CAO isn’t involved in everything,” says Rossing.
He says there are also changes to wording surrounding the appeals process of someone who has been banned for more than 24 hours.
“And it clarifies that if someone is contravening their suspension or expulsion, then they are considered trespassing and law enforcement will be made aware for further actions,” says Rossing.
Councillor Colin Clarke raised concerns about the bans, asking if a ban from Town facilities meant all Town-owned buildings, even if there were tennants operating out of some of them. He says he worried that banning someone from the Omniplex might affect their ability to go to the Food Bank or other necessary services.
Hans van Klaveren, the acting CAO, says that typically the operator is setting those guidelines or rules for their building.
Councillor Tom McGee also spoke about the Warming Hearts Centre as the Town helps to fund the rent for the facility through grants.
In the end, it was decided that if a tenant wanted to have someone trespassed, they would contact Rossing and it would be treated like other businesses in the community. Their bans will only apply to Town owned and operated facilities.
“I’m glad to see we’re addressing this and putting the structure in place to give you the tools to do something about it,” says Councillor Rick Evans.
“I think that, in the end, our residents are going to appreciate our efforts to make the use of our facilities more enjoyable and safe, ultimately.”
A weekend cycling secondary highways
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Spending a weekend cycling the secondary highway in and around Brazeau County is one of the great outdoor activities that this region has to offer. Minutes outside of Drayton Valley you will find yourself on kilometers of highway that seem to continue to stretch West. Many of these highways go near small hamlets and communities in the area, they go into and come out of river valleys and on a clear day offer a beautiful view of the Rocky Mountains.
One such circuit is the DV100 century loop. This 100km route takes you west past farmlands and through lush boreal forests, and through the small communities and hamlets that mark the birth of Alberta’s oil and gas industry. It is a loop that can be done with speed or taken at a leisurely pace, offering snack and eatery stops along the way.
Day 1: Arrival, dinner
Arrive at hotel: When you stay at a Drayton Valley Hospitality and Tourism hotel or campground you support local tourism initiatives in Drayton Valley and Brazeau County.
Evening ride: Stretch your legs and do the 19 km ring road multipurpose trails to Rocky Rapids. Park your vehicle at the “Welcome to Drayton Valley” derricks at the south end of town and right across the street you will be on the trails. The route will take you straight out to the hamlet of Rocky Rapids where you can stop off at the Rocky Rapids store for a snack. The original building is located at the Drayton Valley museum.
Dinner: Did you know we have over 40 different restaurants in Drayton Valley? Look at our restaurant listing in this guide.
Ricochet Aquatic Centre: Take in the steamroom and the hot tub at the local swimming pool. The pool is open until 8:00 pm most nights and will get you ready for your big century ride tomorrow.
Day 2: The DIY DV100
Breakfast: Take in some breakfast at your hotel or head out to one of our great breakfast venues.
DIY DV100: The DV100 is a 100 kilometre route that travels secondary highways in Brazeau County. Along the route there are several spots you can stop to regroup, take in a photo and enjoy some food. Just out of town is the Poplar Ridge Store, this is your last stop to get any supplies until you reach the community of Lodgepole about about kilometre 40.
Arrive Lodgepole: this is a small hamlet that has a general store in the heart of town. Here you can grab a drink, and convenience store fare. There is also the hotel restaurant that is open 11-12:30 and 3-8 most days, there is also the Aud Spot for breakfast and lunch as a cash only option.
Heading out of Lodgepole towards Cynthia there are a few great photo opportunities as you crest a hill coming up from the Pembina River Valley. This is a slog of a climb but once you crest it is smooth sailing to Cynthia.
Near the Hamlet of Cynthia there is the ever popular Cyn City Saloon where you can get a beverage and a burger. Heading back towards Drayton Valley and Hwy 621 your next stop is 39 km away in the community of Rocky Rapids where you can stop at the store for some snacks and then back into town.
(In the Evening)
Hotel: regroup at your hotel and get ready for the evening.
Dinner: Drayton Valley has more than 40 different restaurants. Have a look at our listings page to decide where you want to eat.
Drinks: Head to a patio and enjoy the sunset with an ice cold brew. Lounge patios can be found at; Khal’s Steakhouse, Boston Pizza, Mitch’s Restaurant, Oil Country Tap House, Bourbon House and Mr. Mikes.
Day 3 Check out, walk and head home
Breakfast: Breakfast at your hotel or check out and head to a local restaurant for brunch.
Disc golf or a walk: If you want to stretch your time here in Drayton Valley, head over to Ivan To Park for a walk around the pond or a round of disc golf. The park has an 18-hole disc golf course that is open at no charge. If you’re pushed for time there’s an easy cut off to limit your round to 9 holes.
Head home. We hope you’ve enjoyed your time in our community. Come back soon!
Enforcement options limited
Staff Sergeant Ryan Hoetmer says dealing with the effects of the homeless population in the community is not simple.
Hoetmer says that the most common complaint regarding homeless individuals is about them sleeping or spending time in business entrances. That was one of the main issues raised by town council in a discussion on September 18.
Hoetmer says RCMP involvement in removing the individual and charging them with trespassing is a bit tricky, especially in regards to private businesses.
“The police themselves do not make a determination of whether that homeless individual can be there or not,” says Hoetmer. “That has to be the business that decides that.”
This means that someone from the business has to contact the RCMP to let them know there is an unwanted individual in the vestibule. At that point, police can attend and get the individual moving along.
However, unless the business has served trespass notices on the person causing the issue, the RCMP cannot issue fines for trespassing.
That is also not as simple as it seems. Hoetmer says that does give the trespass notice has to be willing to pursue the entire process into court as well.
“They’ve got to show up at trial if this individual fights it,” he says.
Hoetmer says banks, for example, are not typically interested in pursuing this as they all have nationally run security headquarters, so there’s not a lot of interest in them following those steps.
Both the Town and RCMP have met with bank managers and are encouraging them to lock their doors at night to prevent the homeless from using the vestibule as a warming space.
Due to the lifestyle that comes with homelessness, which often includes mental health issues and addictions, the RCMP do interact with the homeless on a regular basis.
“We get to know these individuals, but unless they are commiting crime we don’t have a lot of power,” he says.
He says the Town has asked them to have more enforcement on homeless individuals who have been banned or issued trespassing notices.
“Our job is community safety so if that’s what the community wants to keep the community safe, we’ve agreed to do that,” says Hoetmer.
However, that means businesses need to start following through with the process on their end.
In regards to the Civic Centre vestibule, Hoetmer says the Town would need to start looking at trespassing individuals in order for the RCMP to begin issuing tickets.
“That is up to the Town whether they want to trespass these individuals from all Town property,” says Hoetmer.
But even with all of the businesses doing their part and the RCMP able to keep up with the enforcement, there is still more to consider.
“Enforcement has failed these individuals for years. Nobody usually becomes unsheltered without probably having had enforcement intervention for a number of years already, and it hasn’t changed anything.”
Hoetmer says there have been no complaints of physical harm caused to residents by any homeless individuals. “They can be aggressive and make people feel uncomfortable, but we have had no assaults. No reports of any sort of physical violence to anybody.”
In regards to break and enters, Hoetmer says some of the smaller property crimes are being committed by homeless individuals, but they aren’t the only ones.
“There’s other individuals in town that are not homeless that are committing those offences,” says Hoetmer. “The bigger break and enters are being committed by prolific property crime offenders.”
In regards to issuing fines for trespassing, Hoetmer says that also isn’t as simple as many believe. Those who have fines may not be able to pay them. At some point, they can be arrested, but there is no guaranteed timeline for how long the individual will stay behind bars, as they will be released first if room is needed for people convicted of more serious crimes.
In the end, the fines do not get paid.
Hoetmer says he doesn’t want the Town to “hang their hat on enforcement,” because while it can play a role in deterring homeless individuals from becoming a nuisance, it’s not the entire solution.
“We’re going to have a role,” says Hoetmer. “Our job is keeping the community safe. So, if part of that is needing to enforce, then we will do that.”
“I don’t like to dwell on the limitations of my medical condition. I’ve learned to be very content and very happy at home,” she says.
When the pandemic broke out, Bossert hardly left the house. Determined not to give in to the loneliness and depression that can come with long-term self-isolation, Bossert turned to painting and calligraphy as an outlet.
Bossert says in many ways she’s reinvented herself over the years. “From administrator to town councillor to teacher and to script and copy editor and calligrapher and artist, and now I’ve come back to my sewing.”
She says she was surprised to realize she had any talent as an artist, because she had never done it efore. By selling the water colour cards she was making, Bossert was able to bring in a little money, but nothing major.
It wasn’t until one of her friends, who became a partner in her new business venture, requested a favour from Bossert that she was able to bring in full-time income.
In mid-October 2021, Bossert’s friend came to her with a request for a riding skirt. Her friend had one, but wanted another, and Bossert was happy to help. She first made a prototype to ensure she got it right, and then she built her friend’s skirt.
At the Home Expo at the MacKenzie Centre in late November, Bossert displayed the skirts she had made. From there her business has exploded.
“It just went crazy from there. Within the first month we had 26 orders,” says Bossert.
Since December, when Bossert first started pursuing this new niche market of historical equestrian wear, she has had almost 60 orders. These have been delivered to 14 states in America, and one was purchased by someone from Switzerland via a sibling in Canada.
“Only about ten percent of my clients are from Alberta,” she says.
She says word has spread through social media, and she hasn’t had to do any advertising. If she posts a picture of a new product, she says she gets even more orders. To allow her to catch up, Bossert says she’s been radio silent on social media for a couple of weeks.
“As soon as I launch stuff, then boom, I get even more orders,” says Bossert.
While the business is a success, it’s been a lot of work in a short period of time. After 30 years, she has decided to retire Designs By Deb, and has now rebranded her business as The Creative Daughter. This has meant ordering new signs, creating a logo, new labels for her products, and finding the space to make it all happen.
The Alberta Junior Hockey League is now an 11 team organization. The defection of five breakaway teams to the British Columbia Hockey League was confirmed last week.
“We are disappointed – but not surprised – that the five defecting clubs now intend to drop out of the AJHL to immediately participate in an unsanctioned exhibition series,” the AJHL said in a statement.
The defecting teams are the Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Blackfalds Bulldogs, Spruce Grove Saints and Sherwood Park Crusaders. In recent years those organizations have been the most successful in the AJHL. Prior to their defection, four of them occupied the top four places in the league standings for the current 2023-2024 season.
With the five teams now removed from the rankings, the Whitecourt Wolverines jump to top spot on 59 points. The Drayton Valley Thunder sit in tenth place on 34 points. Those two teams met in a rescheduled game on Sunday afternoon, with the Wolverines winning 3-0.
Last week the AJHL thanked the 11 remaining teams for their support as the league looked to move forward. It also indicated that it may be looking at adding more teams before too long.
“The AJHL has a strong future. We are grateful for the messages of support our players and coaches have received from hockey fans across the country over the past week,” the league said. “We also appreciate the expressions of interest coming from various partners and stakeholders who are exploring the possibility of becoming part of our great league.”
It’s still not clear what format the playoffs will take in the downsized AJHL. The regular season continues without the five clubs that are now part of the British Columbia League. That schedule sees the Thunder host the Calgary Canucks on Friday evening before heading to Olds on Sunday to take on the Grizzlys.
Five active members and two retired members of Drayton Valley/Brazeau County Fire Services were awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal on behalf of the Governor General on November 26.
Retired firefighters Lieutenant Clifford Swan and Brad Charlton of the Breton station were awarded the 20 year service medal, along with Acting Battalion Chief Colin Bredin. Deputy Fire Chief Murray Galavan, Deputy Fire Chief Kamil Lasek, and Battalion Chief Mike Gramlich of the Drayton Valley station were all given their 20 year service medals, as well.
Battalion Chief Mark Raines of the Breton station was awarded his 1st bar for 30 years of service as he has already received an Exemplary Service Medal for 20 years of service.
The members were also congratulated at the November 29 town council meeting.
“That’s a big shout out,” says Mayor Nancy Dodds. “Thank you, and thank you to your families.”
Fire Chief Tom Thomson, who had the honour of nominating the award winners, says the medal isn’t just for the years of service that a firefighter has worked.
“You have to show exemplary service. You can’t just show up. You have to do more than that to receive the reward,” he says.
Even though Thomson nominated the members, they weren’t automatically awarded the medal. Each nomination form was reviewed by a selection committee to decide if they would receive the award.
“All of the members I nominated won,” says Thomson.
He says he chose those individuals because he has seen the effort they put into their positions. “All of them were selected because of their commitment and dedication to the department.”
Thomson says these members have demonstrated leadership, education of staff and the public, working toward fire prevention, and many other qualities that show their work ethic for Fire Services.
Thomson says these medals are normally awarded annually, but with Covid and the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it has been a few years since they were given out.
“Complacency is dangerous” is the message Drayton resident Maureen Hollingsworth wants to spread.
Hollingsworth, who is a truck driver in the oil and gas industry, had her first opportunity to share her son’s story at a safety meeting held by Plains Midstream on November 15.
“Twelve years, five months, and ten days ago, my life changed,” she says.
On June 5, 2011, her son Colin Stewart, better known as Mouse, went to work in the morning, but didn’t come home in the evening. At the age of 23, Mouse had made a fatal choice at work and forever changed the lives around him.
“It was the day my heart was broken. It was also the day I had to start living without one of my greatest gifts,” says Hollingsworth.
For those in attendance, Hollingsworth shared anecdotes of Mouse. Though he had started out as a premie, Mouse had lived every day to the fullest.
Hollingsworth says that he was always active. He could be found quadding, dirtbiking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling most days. During his downtime, Mouse read.
“He would read anywhere,” says Hollingsworth.
Mouse also had a nephew Xzander, and he spent as much time with him as he could. Whenever possible, Mouse was buying Xzander gifts, many of which were playstation games.
Hollingsworth says the spring of 2011 was very wet. With all of the rain, Mouse couldn’t be out working.
Finally, at the end of May, the weather improved and Mouse and three others went to work.
For ten days the four guys, all aged between 19 and 23, were working long hours. It wasn’t unusual for a day to be 18-20 hours long.
“Not only are they over-houred and fatigued, let’s throw a whole lot of inexperience into the picture,” says Hollingsworth.
One of the 19-year-olds working that day had only been in Canada for five days.
“It’s now a Sunday afternoon and the job is completed. They were done early and were excited to go home. But that’s when complacency came into the picture,” she says.
Mouse’s machine was across the job site. He was tired. So, he hopped onto the back of another machine to catch a ride over to the other side of the job site.
The 19-year-old who was new to Canada, hopped into that machine. He didn’t know where everyone was on the site, and he didn’t walk around his equipment. Instead, he got in, flipped the switch, and that was the end for Mouse.
“Four went to work,” says Hollingsworth. “Three came home. Had [the driver] taken less than one minute and walked around the equipment, I wouldn’t be here talking about safety.”
Hollingsworth says after she was done speaking, Dan Lyons, the man who’d invited her to speak stood to say something. But after a moment of struggling to speak, he suggested a ten minute break for everyone.
“He told me he will never ever forget this,” says Hollingsworth.
She says one of the biggest frustrations she has with the situation is that people always want to know what kind of machine it was or where Mouse was working. For her, it doesn’t matter where it happened or what he was doing. The same lesson can be applied to all industries.
But she says that when she shares it was an industrial farming incident, many act as though that makes the situation non-applicable. Though Mouse died because he wanted to hitch a ride on a manure spreader, the situation is still the same in other industries. There was no walk around, no knowledge of where everyone was, and there was complacency on the worksite.
In 2011, farmers and ranch workers were still exempted from the Labour Code. There were no requirements for safety and they were not covered under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In fact, when OH&S found out that his death was from a farming accident, they said there was nothing they could do.
“At that time there was no farm safety. None. Zero,” says Hollingsworth.
According to a blog written by Jennifer Koshan of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary, a study done by the Alberta Federation of Labour in 2017 showed “agricultural workers are more than twice as likely to be killed on the job as other workers in Alberta, and 4,000 work related injuries occur on Alberta farms each year.”
It wasn’t until Bill 6 was brought in by the Alberta Government in 2016 that things began to change for the farming industry. Now employers are required to have safety practices and are expected to meet the Alberta Occupation Health and Safety Act requirements for their industry.
“Bill 6 also brought farm and ranch workers who are paid, non-family members into the basic health and safety protections under the Occupational Health and Safety Act as of January 1, 2016. Farm and ranch employers are now obliged to ensure the health and safety of their workers, and the workers are able to refuse unsafe work that presents an imminent danger. OHS officers are authorized to inspect farm and ranch workplaces to ensure that that work is not being carried out in a manner that is unhealthy or unsafe, and serious injuries and accidents on farm and ranch work sites must be reported and investigated,” says Koshan’s article.
After the accident, Hollingsworth and Mouse’s dad Marvin Stewart spoke with the young man who’d been working the manure spreader that day. She says she felt awful for him because he was thousands of miles away from home. “He couldn’t even get a hug from his mom,” she says.
They made it clear to him that Mouse should never have been on the back of the spreader. They told him that Mouse knew better, and that he shouldn’t blame himself for what happened.
“I don’t want another mom to hear these words, ‘Your child has died due to safety reasons,’” she says. “I never want another mother to get a call from her kid saying he just killed someone at work.”
While it’s too late to help Mouse, Hollingsworth says she hopes she can spread the message far and wide. She is already slated to speak at two safety meetings at All Choice Rentals and hopes she has the opportunity to do more.
A historic landmark only officially recognized in 2017 will now have a street named after it.
At the November 1 meeting, town council heard from Hans Van Klaveren, the General Manager of Community Services and Recreation, regarding a petition from a community member who asked to have 49th Street renamed as Drake Street. Council unanimously agreed to the change.
Suzanne Hommy, one of the people behind the push for the name change, says she’s happy with the decision.
Hommy’s son Brett is the current owner of the Drake house located at 5048 49 St., though he was unable to speak with the Free Press due to his work shift. Between Brett and his older brother Colton, the home has been in the hands of the Hommys for fourteen years.
Hommy and Brett were also two of the key players in getting the house recognized as one of the original homes that was built in Drayton Valley. In fact, the owners, William and Ellen (Dora) Drake, were the ones who gave the community its name.
“It took the Town a long time to recognize it and actually give us the plaque,” says Hommy.
The history of the original settlement of Drayton Valley is one that is often overshadowed by the discovery of the Pembina Oilfield, say the descendants of the Drakes who still live in the community.
“A lot of people don’t think of Drayton before the Discovery Well,” says Nicole Coleman, William and Ellen’s great-great-granddaughter, and lifetime resident of Drayton Valley.
Coleman can recall a time in elementary school when assignment was to do a family tree. “I was outright told that I was lying,” she says.
Her mother Kathy Linde and aunt Amy Newberry, say they both had similar experiences in school.
Getting the attention from the Town and County of Brazeau has been challenging for the family. For a while, it seemed the Drakes and their history had faded from the collective memory of the community.
That changed when Mandy and Tyler Layden purchased the home in the late 90s.
Layden says they very nearly passed on the home because it looked run down and strange. “I drove past it three or four months before [we purchased the house] and was like ‘Nope!’” says Layden.
That changed when she had a dream about the house. In her dream, she was walking around inside the house, and when she woke she told her husband they had to take a look inside.
“I fell in love with the bones of the place,” says Layden.
At first, Layden and her husband didn’t know anything about the history of the home. The home inspector had told them the house was built in the ‘50s, based on a permit to have a basement dug for the home in 1955. But Layden said the architecture of the place had her thinking differently.
Layden, who worked for the Town at the time, says one day she was in one of the back rooms and came across a booklet that showed older pictures of the community. Layden took a moment to look through the booklet. She came across a familiar roofline in one of the photos. She was almost certain she was seeing the same house she had, but in a different location. That lunch hour, she went home and took several polaroid pictures of her house from different angles.
“I copied the picture from the booklet for an overhead projector,” says Layden.
Once she had the copy and laid it over the picture of her home, it was an exact match. That was when Layden started digging.
She started with the development file for the lot the house sits on. She found the permit to have the house moved from 50th and 50th, where the Shale Clinic now stands, to its current location in 1955. Janet and Jean (Red) Fuhr had the home moved onto a new basement that had been dug out by horses. In 1966, the Fuhrs would sell the home to the Schubergs.
But Layden didn’t drop the trail there. She began to research everything she could find about the beginnings of Drayton Valley. By looking through history books like To Trail’s End by W.S.B. Loosmore, and Trappers, Loggers, Homesteaders and Oilmen published by the Historical Society, Layden was able to piece things together.
Layden also conducted interviews with Les Tucker, the son of Jack Tucker who took over the post office after the Drakes, Fred Kynoch, the Drake’s grandson, Eleanor Pickup, and Keith Fuhr, the son of Fuhrs that bought the house.
The story that unfurled was one Layden felt the community should know about. As she and her husband worked on renos in the house, keeping as much of the original parts as they could, she began work on talking with the Town about getting the place recognized.
But she couldn’t find anyone who wanted to recognize it. “Nobody was interested,” she says.
Layden discovered that William and Ellen Drake were amongst the first settlers in the area. At first, Ellen was alone in the area with her eight-year-old daughter, Dora (Dolly), for eighteen months. They lived in a tent while William was away working. At the time, Ellen was the only woman in the area.
When William came back, he became the Postmaster starting in 1913. He called the post office Powerhouse due to a proposed dam to be built on the North Saskatchewan River.
When William left to serve in World War I, Ellen took charge of the post in the area. But, after a call from Ottawa, Ellen learned there was already a Powerhouse in Western Canada. They asked her to come up with a new name.
Ellen chose Drayton Valley, as William had grown up in Drayton, England.
When William came back, the family eventually moved to a homestead on 50th and 50th, taking the post office with them. Some historians have said the Drake’s built the home, but the research says otherwise.
Newberry was told by her father that the ghost that is purported to haunt the house was from the man “who owned the house before the Drakes.
The home they purchased was originally built in 1928. Les Tucker, who had spoken with Layden, said he recalled the house being built “by a young man named Albert Black.” Layden also found reference in one of the books from a woman who remembers seeing the house being built in 1928 when she was going to the Eldorado School, which at the time was situated across from the house.
The Drakes purchased the home in 1930 and built a shop onto it. They operated the shop and post office until 1936. While they no longer operated the post office or the store, the Drakes lived in that house until the close of World War II. The Drakes moved to Edmonton, leaving behind their eldest daughter, Dora, who had married Gordon Kynoch.
Newberry and Linde’s father is Fred Kynoch, the son of Dora and Gordon Kynoch. They can both recall efforts that were made to try and get the home recognized.
Newberry says the original homestead was across from where Intercon Messaging now sits. She says there was a sign there at one point. But it eventually fell to the ground and though her mother tried to get the County to put it back up, it never happened.
Later, Ivy Clark, Newberry and Linde’s cousin, tried to get the Town to rename the street, but had no success.
When Layden and her husband sold the home, they were careful to choose someone who respected its history. Colton, Brett’s older brother, originally bought the home, making no changes to the house. When Brett purchased it from Colton, he decided he wanted to do some upgrades to the house, but was careful to keep as much of the original work as possible.
Hommy and her husband helped Brett with the renovations.
“We tried to keep as much as we could. We didn’t throw anything out but the old windows, but they were from the ‘80s,” says Hommy.
They restained the cupboards in the kitchen, though they were not the original cupboards, and Brett installed a dishwasher. The original threshold was kept in place, the original stairs were restained, and the old brick stove chimney that runs through the house was kept. While the Hommys changed the exterior doors, the interior doors are the same.
While Hommy’s sons lived in the house, she began speaking to the Town about having the place recognized. “I told them, ‘I’m not stopping until you give them something,’” she says.
When the plaque was put up on July 1, 2017, Hommy says she spoke to Fred Kynoch, who told her that they had tried to have the street named Drake at one point, but had no success. “So that was my next mission,” she says.
The Drakes’ family says they are very grateful for the efforts that were made on their ancestors’ behalf.
“We don’t learn about history so that it doesn’t repeat itself,” says Jodi Sandercock, Newberry’s daughter. “We learn about history because every single step that our ancestors took led us exactly to where we are standing today. Just as every step we take today impacts the steps future generations take.
“Renaming the street honours those very steps our ancestors, the Drakes, took. The Drakes created a foundation for our family to grow in this community for six generations and counting.”
Coleman agrees with Sandercock. “I would love to see some of the old settlers recognized by renaming buildings and streets,” says Coleman.
Crystal O’Malley, Newberry’s daughter, says she is excited about the change. “I think this will start a conversation and get some dialogue going.”
Linde’s daughter Melissa Linde says she’s happy there is going to be some recognition. “I think my grandpa would be really proud of all of the work that’s put into it,” she says.
“[Layden, Hommy, and Brett] did all of the legwork to make this happen, and that’s important to remember,” says Linde.
Hommy says that while she and Brett appreciate the thanks, they weren’t the only ones who made it happen. “I know they were thanking me, but there’s a whole lot of people before me. I’m just the end,” she says.
Hommy and her husband will be moving out of the country in January, and she is hoping to see the sign go up before then. Brett is also looking to sell the home in the near future, but both of them feel the Drake House’s tale is far from over.
“This story isn’t about the street, or even the family,” says Hommy. “It’s about this house and all of the people who have lived in it.”
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After giving so much to the community, Brighter Futures is hoping the community can help them out.
Jen Sinclair, the executive director of Brighter Futures Family Resource Society, says they are looking to fill some spaces on their policy board. “We currently have five board members. Ideally we are looking for five more,” she says.
Sinclair says it’s a low time commitment. The board meets once every two months for about two hours, meaning a total of 12 hours per year. Sinclair chooses a couple of policies to review each month and the board helps to decide when and where edits are needed.
“We also go over what’s happened in the organization in the last two months,” says Sinclair. “I give them a fill-in, let them know what’s up and coming, and if I have any issues they give me guidance.”
When it comes to finances, the responsibility of the board is only to review and approve expenditures. There is no treasurer on the board, but the Chair and Vice Chair are needed to sign cheques.
Brighter Futures has been in the area since 1994, when they first started in Breton and served rural locations. Eventually, they moved their office to Drayton Valley, but they still have programs running in the Faith Covenant Church in Breton, the Alder Flats Community Hall, Easyford Hall and Miss Joanne’s School of Dance in Drayton Valley.
The programs they offer are for children aged 0-6 and their caregivers. Sinclair says these programs offer fun learning and socialization for both the children and their parents. She says there is some circle time, free play, crafts and snacks.
“It’s a good way for moms to connect with each other, and for kids to socialize if they aren’t really getting out of the house much,” says Sinclair.
Brighter Futures also offers a Nutritious Beginnings Program, that helps pregnant, at-risk moms. There is some financial support, check-ins to ensure they are getting to the doctor, and giving them guidance if it’s needed.
“We even supply them with car seats if they need them,” says Sinclair.
She says that while there is some financial support, that isn’t the goal of the program. Instead, they are focussed on educating moms that need a bit of support.
Another support they offer the community is Baby’s Essentials, which is run entirely on community donations. Sinclair says when the Food Bank gets donations of diapers, baby wipes, formula, or other necessities for babies, they forward them to Brighter Futures. She says they distribute those items to families in need.
The Essentials program will also help with a $75 gift card at a grocery store so that caregivers don’t have to choose between diapers or formula and food for the rest of the family. She says if the mom is breastfeeding, they encourage her to use the extra money to purchase healthy foods.
This year the donations have been way lower than usual, says Sinclair. She says they are hoping that monetary donations and item donations will increase, as they require community support in order to keep the programs running.
Sinclair says anyone who is interested in becoming a board member can go to their office in the Rotary House for an application. Those who wish to give to the program can drop their donations off at the office in the Rotary House, or they can attend one of the fundraiser’s the program hosts throughout the season.
“They can just give us a call and either drop it off or we can arrange a pick up,” says Sinclair.
With hot summer temperatures a day at the river is just the ticket.
Just a 10 minute drive west of Drayton Valley is the Willey West campground and boat launch. From what I can tell no one knows how the Willey West Campground got its name, there is no mention of it in the local history books and there is also some debate among locals on how to pronounce the name. Is it “Willey” like the caretaker from Simpsons or “Wiley” like that old coyote that keeps getting bested by the Road Runner? It was a hot debate in my grade six classroom.
The road heading down to the campsite rolls, winds and finishes with a steep downhill. For you cyclists looking to make the trip from Drayton Valley the ups and downs will not disappoint. The road meandering the campground’s treed campsites open up to a large activity field and playground at the heart of the camp. This is a fantastic place to play but in the heat of summer it can be quite hot.
Following the boat launch signs you will find a large parking lot with a gravel beach and a rocky river bank. The current slows close at the water’s edge but get out too far you may find yourself going on a ride down the river.
Play in the river
There is a row of Adirondack chairs on the upper bank but many locals opt to bring their own lawn chairs and sit in the shallows, cooling their heels and sipping a pop. Kids splash and play among the rocks at the boat launch. With such hard underfoot conditions, bringing along a pair of water shoes or sandals is a great idea. Sand toys such as buckets and shovels are also great. There is one picnic table at the boat launch.
With such beautiful scenery it is important to remember that the water can be dangerous. Often the water’s surface masks the turbulent activity below. If you look to the bend just south of the boat launch below the surface there are some powerful undertows and have taken more than one life in recent years. Although the North Saskatchewan River is a class 5 river, being cautious, using life jackets, and keeping a watchful eye is always a great idea.
As part of Canada’s broader trapper and fur trade history the North Saskatchewan River was once a vast trade route. By 1776, the North West Company had begun to travel up the North Saskatchewan to give competition to the Hudson’s Bay Company. South along the North Saskatchewan River Boggy (or Bogey) Hall is one refuge stop the famed David Thompson stopped at during his time with the North West Company. This clearing can be accessed from the Powerhouse Road near Lodgepole through a network of lease roads. Fast forward a century and industry and modernization came to the area.
In 1913, upstream from Rocky Rapids, Edmonton Hydro-Electric Power planned to build a dam; but it was funded by a British syndicate and all funding stopped with the outbreak of WWI. The great flood of 1915 wiped out all evidence of dam building. In the 1930’s coal in the seams in the riverbanks sold for $2.50/ton.
Pan for Gold
If coal isn’t a mineral that interests you, maybe you’d like to spend your time panning for gold.
Although gold rush fever never took hold of west central Alberta like it did the Yukon panning for gold is still a fun activity you can do at the river’s edge. I have yet to know anyone who struck it rich doing this but even just finding a few flakes here and there can feel like you won the lottery.
Hiking the trails
Hiking from the Willey West boat launch is also an activity for the to do list. If you head south along the river edge on a sandy hiking trail the curves along give you a view of the new Drayton Valley River Bridge. The original two-lane bridge structure was built in 1956. It replaced a ferry crossing further upstream. The ferry crossing brought its own set of challenges. Eleanor Pickup, the namesake for the local arts centre, re-lived her experience with the old ferry crossing in the Drayton Valley Historical Society book “Trappers, Loggers, Homesteaders and Oilmen.”
“…I am first on. “What’s happening? The car made the ferry bob around like a rubber ball. The front of the ferry was higher than the back, “Oh NO!” I thought. Then the back was higher than the front.”
Mrs. Pickup managed to navigate her car on and off the ferry but in a time before backup cams, and big car fronts the task wasn’t for the faint of heart.
In 2010 construction broke ground on a new two-lane bridge that you see today with completion being reached in 2016.
Along the hike there are viewpoint benches to rest on. You can go all the way under the bridge but eventually the trail dead ends and so begins the journey back.
Biking the trails
If you head from the north end of the boat launch parking lot there is another hiking/biking trail that connects with the Hill Top and Hillside trail systems. These trails were developed along with the construction of the new river bridge.
Hiking and biking the trails is best to do in the morning or evening on a hot day. Although both trails are covered by a thick forest canopy, they do not have any water source. So bringing water is encouraged if you are heading out during the heat of the day. Also before you go have a look at the trail maps on www.epbrparkscouncil.org because although these are two loops they only intersect at one point and if not planned properly you can find yourself on the trail longer than you expected.
Spending a day or a weekend in the Eagle Point Provincial Park at Willey West Campground is a fantastic way to enjoy the summer heat.
Golfing Breton and Birchwood
A one day golf extravaganza, 27-holes, 3-courses. Breton Municipal Golf Course, Big Tee in Breton and The Village Golf Course in Birchwood.
Fumbles and bumbles at Rose Creek
We were about 45 minutes into what turned out to be a very thick bushwack. I was mid-lunge and my ski was looking like a “U” as I tried to get over a fallen tree when my aunt asked, “How much weight do you think we can put on our skis before they break?” I paused, unweighted my ski and looked around to see if there was another way through.
Five scenic bike rides near Drayton Valley
Here are five rides that are moderate in length, located on quiet secondary highways, and offer a variety of views not more than 40 minutes from Drayton Valley.
Experiencing the finer arts in the valley
Art galleries can be an inspiring place to visit but they can also be baffling.
DV100 a personal ride
Finally, seven years after I was first introduced to the DV100 I completed the 100km race.
I was first introduced to the event as a planner when I worked for the Drayton Valley Community Foundation.
Driving the Sunchild Road
Drayton Valley to Lake Louise via the Sunchild Road is the most scenic route to the Rocky Mountains.
During this time, Bossert has also been down with Covid and another illness, which meant she was unable to work for three weeks.
“These last three months have been an amazing journey,” she says.
Bossert is once again sewing full-time and has been able to hire a part-time employee to help her keep up with her orders. Because she can’t leave her house due to her disability, Bossert says she needs to be careful about how many orders she takes on because she only has so much space.
Her spare room is currently her new studio, and she converted her sunroom into an office/spare room. She has a fitting mirror in her living area, and her dining room table is often used for cutting patterns.
She says when she was first building the skirt for her friend, and displaying it at the Expo, she didn’t expect it to really go anywhere. Her business partner, however, knew it would be a roaring success.
Bossert and her partner have stepped into a niche market for equestrian wear. Many of her competitors don’t offer wool skirts with patterns on them. Everything is one colour. Bossert, on the other hand, offers several different patterns of material for her products.
All of her products are reversible. They are wool on the outside, but if a person is out in rainy weather, they can turn the skirt around and expose the nylon lining. The lining allows water to roll right off it. One client even requested some reflective wear on the inside, so Bossert made a skirt with reflective fabric.
“Some of my clients told me they have been looking for a skirt like this for four years,” says Bossert.
One of the perks her clients enjoy with Bossert is all of the items are custom made. This means Bossert can make clothing for any size of person.
She says her business doesn’t just focus on attire for people who are trail riding. Bossert also makes clothing for hunters, mounted archers, and carriage drivers. “Some of it is really specific stuff, so I enjoy it,” she says.
Her daughter, Michelle, used to be a costumer, but has now followed in her mother’s footsteps and designs bridal wear. Bossert now considers herself mainly a costumer. “We’ve kind of switched places,” she says.
The Alberta Junior Hockey League is now an 11 team organization. The defection of five breakaway teams to the British Columbia Hockey League was confirmed last week.
“We are disappointed – but not surprised – that the five defecting clubs now intend to drop out of the AJHL to immediately participate in an unsanctioned exhibition series,” the AJHL said in a statement.
The defecting teams are the Brooks Bandits, Okotoks Oilers, Blackfalds Bulldogs, Spruce Grove Saints and Sherwood Park Crusaders. In recent years those organizations have been the most successful in the AJHL. Prior to their defection, four of them occupied the top four places in the league standings for the current 2023-2024 season.
With the five teams now removed from the rankings, the Whitecourt Wolverines jump to top spot on 59 points. The Drayton Valley Thunder sit in tenth place on 34 points. Those two teams met in a rescheduled game on Sunday afternoon, with the Wolverines winning 3-0.
Last week the AJHL thanked the 11 remaining teams for their support as the league looked to move forward. It also indicated that it may be looking at adding more teams before too long.
“The AJHL has a strong future. We are grateful for the messages of support our players and coaches have received from hockey fans across the country over the past week,” the league said. “We also appreciate the expressions of interest coming from various partners and stakeholders who are exploring the possibility of becoming part of our great league.”
It’s still not clear what format the playoffs will take in the downsized AJHL. The regular season continues without the five clubs that are now part of the British Columbia League. That schedule sees the Thunder host the Calgary Canucks on Friday evening before heading to Olds on Sunday to take on the Grizzlys.
Five active members and two retired members of Drayton Valley/Brazeau County Fire Services were awarded the Fire Services Exemplary Service Medal on behalf of the Governor General on November 26.
Retired firefighters Lieutenant Clifford Swan and Brad Charlton of the Breton station were awarded the 20 year service medal, along with Acting Battalion Chief Colin Bredin. Deputy Fire Chief Murray Galavan, Deputy Fire Chief Kamil Lasek, and Battalion Chief Mike Gramlich of the Drayton Valley station were all given their 20 year service medals, as well.
Battalion Chief Mark Raines of the Breton station was awarded his 1st bar for 30 years of service as he has already received an Exemplary Service Medal for 20 years of service.
The members were also congratulated at the November 29 town council meeting.
“That’s a big shout out,” says Mayor Nancy Dodds. “Thank you, and thank you to your families.”
Fire Chief Tom Thomson, who had the honour of nominating the award winners, says the medal isn’t just for the years of service that a firefighter has worked.
“You have to show exemplary service. You can’t just show up. You have to do more than that to receive the reward,” he says.
Even though Thomson nominated the members, they weren’t automatically awarded the medal. Each nomination form was reviewed by a selection committee to decide if they would receive the award.
“All of the members I nominated won,” says Thomson.
He says he chose those individuals because he has seen the effort they put into their positions. “All of them were selected because of their commitment and dedication to the department.”
Thomson says these members have demonstrated leadership, education of staff and the public, working toward fire prevention, and many other qualities that show their work ethic for Fire Services.
Thomson says these medals are normally awarded annually, but with Covid and the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, it has been a few years since they were given out.
“Complacency is dangerous” is the message Drayton resident Maureen Hollingsworth wants to spread.
Hollingsworth, who is a truck driver in the oil and gas industry, had her first opportunity to share her son’s story at a safety meeting held by Plains Midstream on November 15.
“Twelve years, five months, and ten days ago, my life changed,” she says.
On June 5, 2011, her son Colin Stewart, better known as Mouse, went to work in the morning, but didn’t come home in the evening. At the age of 23, Mouse had made a fatal choice at work and forever changed the lives around him.
“It was the day my heart was broken. It was also the day I had to start living without one of my greatest gifts,” says Hollingsworth.
For those in attendance, Hollingsworth shared anecdotes of Mouse. Though he had started out as a premie, Mouse had lived every day to the fullest.
Hollingsworth says that he was always active. He could be found quadding, dirtbiking, horseback riding, and snowmobiling most days. During his downtime, Mouse read.
“He would read anywhere,” says Hollingsworth.
Mouse also had a nephew Xzander, and he spent as much time with him as he could. Whenever possible, Mouse was buying Xzander gifts, many of which were playstation games.
Hollingsworth says the spring of 2011 was very wet. With all of the rain, Mouse couldn’t be out working.
Finally, at the end of May, the weather improved and Mouse and three others went to work.
For ten days the four guys, all aged between 19 and 23, were working long hours. It wasn’t unusual for a day to be 18-20 hours long.
“Not only are they over-houred and fatigued, let’s throw a whole lot of inexperience into the picture,” says Hollingsworth.
One of the 19-year-olds working that day had only been in Canada for five days.
“It’s now a Sunday afternoon and the job is completed. They were done early and were excited to go home. But that’s when complacency came into the picture,” she says.
Mouse’s machine was across the job site. He was tired. So, he hopped onto the back of another machine to catch a ride over to the other side of the job site.
The 19-year-old who was new to Canada, hopped into that machine. He didn’t know where everyone was on the site, and he didn’t walk around his equipment. Instead, he got in, flipped the switch, and that was the end for Mouse.
“Four went to work,” says Hollingsworth. “Three came home. Had [the driver] taken less than one minute and walked around the equipment, I wouldn’t be here talking about safety.”
Hollingsworth says after she was done speaking, Dan Lyons, the man who’d invited her to speak stood to say something. But after a moment of struggling to speak, he suggested a ten minute break for everyone.
“He told me he will never ever forget this,” says Hollingsworth.
She says one of the biggest frustrations she has with the situation is that people always want to know what kind of machine it was or where Mouse was working. For her, it doesn’t matter where it happened or what he was doing. The same lesson can be applied to all industries.
But she says that when she shares it was an industrial farming incident, many act as though that makes the situation non-applicable. Though Mouse died because he wanted to hitch a ride on a manure spreader, the situation is still the same in other industries. There was no walk around, no knowledge of where everyone was, and there was complacency on the worksite.
In 2011, farmers and ranch workers were still exempted from the Labour Code. There were no requirements for safety and they were not covered under the Occupational Health and Safety Act. In fact, when OH&S found out that his death was from a farming accident, they said there was nothing they could do.
“At that time there was no farm safety. None. Zero,” says Hollingsworth.
According to a blog written by Jennifer Koshan of the Faculty of Law at the University of Calgary, a study done by the Alberta Federation of Labour in 2017 showed “agricultural workers are more than twice as likely to be killed on the job as other workers in Alberta, and 4,000 work related injuries occur on Alberta farms each year.”
It wasn’t until Bill 6 was brought in by the Alberta Government in 2016 that things began to change for the farming industry. Now employers are required to have safety practices and are expected to meet the Alberta Occupation Health and Safety Act requirements for their industry.
“Bill 6 also brought farm and ranch workers who are paid, non-family members into the basic health and safety protections under the Occupational Health and Safety Act as of January 1, 2016. Farm and ranch employers are now obliged to ensure the health and safety of their workers, and the workers are able to refuse unsafe work that presents an imminent danger. OHS officers are authorized to inspect farm and ranch workplaces to ensure that that work is not being carried out in a manner that is unhealthy or unsafe, and serious injuries and accidents on farm and ranch work sites must be reported and investigated,” says Koshan’s article.
After the accident, Hollingsworth and Mouse’s dad Marvin Stewart spoke with the young man who’d been working the manure spreader that day. She says she felt awful for him because he was thousands of miles away from home. “He couldn’t even get a hug from his mom,” she says.
They made it clear to him that Mouse should never have been on the back of the spreader. They told him that Mouse knew better, and that he shouldn’t blame himself for what happened.
“I don’t want another mom to hear these words, ‘Your child has died due to safety reasons,’” she says. “I never want another mother to get a call from her kid saying he just killed someone at work.”
While it’s too late to help Mouse, Hollingsworth says she hopes she can spread the message far and wide. She is already slated to speak at two safety meetings at All Choice Rentals and hopes she has the opportunity to do more.
A historic landmark only officially recognized in 2017 will now have a street named after it.
At the November 1 meeting, town council heard from Hans Van Klaveren, the General Manager of Community Services and Recreation, regarding a petition from a community member who asked to have 49th Street renamed as Drake Street. Council unanimously agreed to the change.
Suzanne Hommy, one of the people behind the push for the name change, says she’s happy with the decision.
Hommy’s son Brett is the current owner of the Drake house located at 5048 49 St., though he was unable to speak with the Free Press due to his work shift. Between Brett and his older brother Colton, the home has been in the hands of the Hommys for fourteen years.
Hommy and Brett were also two of the key players in getting the house recognized as one of the original homes that was built in Drayton Valley. In fact, the owners, William and Ellen (Dora) Drake, were the ones who gave the community its name.
“It took the Town a long time to recognize it and actually give us the plaque,” says Hommy.
The history of the original settlement of Drayton Valley is one that is often overshadowed by the discovery of the Pembina Oilfield, say the descendants of the Drakes who still live in the community.
“A lot of people don’t think of Drayton before the Discovery Well,” says Nicole Coleman, William and Ellen’s great-great-granddaughter, and lifetime resident of Drayton Valley.
Coleman can recall a time in elementary school when assignment was to do a family tree. “I was outright told that I was lying,” she says.
Her mother Kathy Linde and aunt Amy Newberry, say they both had similar experiences in school.
Getting the attention from the Town and County of Brazeau has been challenging for the family. For a while, it seemed the Drakes and their history had faded from the collective memory of the community.
That changed when Mandy and Tyler Layden purchased the home in the late 90s.
Layden says they very nearly passed on the home because it looked run down and strange. “I drove past it three or four months before [we purchased the house] and was like ‘Nope!’” says Layden.
That changed when she had a dream about the house. In her dream, she was walking around inside the house, and when she woke she told her husband they had to take a look inside.
“I fell in love with the bones of the place,” says Layden.
At first, Layden and her husband didn’t know anything about the history of the home. The home inspector had told them the house was built in the ‘50s, based on a permit to have a basement dug for the home in 1955. But Layden said the architecture of the place had her thinking differently.
Layden, who worked for the Town at the time, says one day she was in one of the back rooms and came across a booklet that showed older pictures of the community. Layden took a moment to look through the booklet. She came across a familiar roofline in one of the photos. She was almost certain she was seeing the same house she had, but in a different location. That lunch hour, she went home and took several polaroid pictures of her house from different angles.
“I copied the picture from the booklet for an overhead projector,” says Layden.
Once she had the copy and laid it over the picture of her home, it was an exact match. That was when Layden started digging.
She started with the development file for the lot the house sits on. She found the permit to have the house moved from 50th and 50th, where the Shale Clinic now stands, to its current location in 1955. Janet and Jean (Red) Fuhr had the home moved onto a new basement that had been dug out by horses. In 1966, the Fuhrs would sell the home to the Schubergs.
But Layden didn’t drop the trail there. She began to research everything she could find about the beginnings of Drayton Valley. By looking through history books like To Trail’s End by W.S.B. Loosmore, and Trappers, Loggers, Homesteaders and Oilmen published by the Historical Society, Layden was able to piece things together.
Layden also conducted interviews with Les Tucker, the son of Jack Tucker who took over the post office after the Drakes, Fred Kynoch, the Drake’s grandson, Eleanor Pickup, and Keith Fuhr, the son of Fuhrs that bought the house.
The story that unfurled was one Layden felt the community should know about. As she and her husband worked on renos in the house, keeping as much of the original parts as they could, she began work on talking with the Town about getting the place recognized.
But she couldn’t find anyone who wanted to recognize it. “Nobody was interested,” she says.
Layden discovered that William and Ellen Drake were amongst the first settlers in the area. At first, Ellen was alone in the area with her eight-year-old daughter, Dora (Dolly), for eighteen months. They lived in a tent while William was away working. At the time, Ellen was the only woman in the area.
When William came back, he became the Postmaster starting in 1913. He called the post office Powerhouse due to a proposed dam to be built on the North Saskatchewan River.
When William left to serve in World War I, Ellen took charge of the post in the area. But, after a call from Ottawa, Ellen learned there was already a Powerhouse in Western Canada. They asked her to come up with a new name.
Ellen chose Drayton Valley, as William had grown up in Drayton, England.
When William came back, the family eventually moved to a homestead on 50th and 50th, taking the post office with them. Some historians have said the Drake’s built the home, but the research says otherwise.
Newberry was told by her father that the ghost that is purported to haunt the house was from the man “who owned the house before the Drakes.
The home they purchased was originally built in 1928. Les Tucker, who had spoken with Layden, said he recalled the house being built “by a young man named Albert Black.” Layden also found reference in one of the books from a woman who remembers seeing the house being built in 1928 when she was going to the Eldorado School, which at the time was situated across from the house.
The Drakes purchased the home in 1930 and built a shop onto it. They operated the shop and post office until 1936. While they no longer operated the post office or the store, the Drakes lived in that house until the close of World War II. The Drakes moved to Edmonton, leaving behind their eldest daughter, Dora, who had married Gordon Kynoch.
Newberry and Linde’s father is Fred Kynoch, the son of Dora and Gordon Kynoch. They can both recall efforts that were made to try and get the home recognized.
Newberry says the original homestead was across from where Intercon Messaging now sits. She says there was a sign there at one point. But it eventually fell to the ground and though her mother tried to get the County to put it back up, it never happened.
Later, Ivy Clark, Newberry and Linde’s cousin, tried to get the Town to rename the street, but had no success.
When Layden and her husband sold the home, they were careful to choose someone who respected its history. Colton, Brett’s older brother, originally bought the home, making no changes to the house. When Brett purchased it from Colton, he decided he wanted to do some upgrades to the house, but was careful to keep as much of the original work as possible.
Hommy and her husband helped Brett with the renovations.
“We tried to keep as much as we could. We didn’t throw anything out but the old windows, but they were from the ‘80s,” says Hommy.
They restained the cupboards in the kitchen, though they were not the original cupboards, and Brett installed a dishwasher. The original threshold was kept in place, the original stairs were restained, and the old brick stove chimney that runs through the house was kept. While the Hommys changed the exterior doors, the interior doors are the same.
While Hommy’s sons lived in the house, she began speaking to the Town about having the place recognized. “I told them, ‘I’m not stopping until you give them something,’” she says.
When the plaque was put up on July 1, 2017, Hommy says she spoke to Fred Kynoch, who told her that they had tried to have the street named Drake at one point, but had no success. “So that was my next mission,” she says.
The Drakes’ family says they are very grateful for the efforts that were made on their ancestors’ behalf.
“We don’t learn about history so that it doesn’t repeat itself,” says Jodi Sandercock, Newberry’s daughter. “We learn about history because every single step that our ancestors took led us exactly to where we are standing today. Just as every step we take today impacts the steps future generations take.
“Renaming the street honours those very steps our ancestors, the Drakes, took. The Drakes created a foundation for our family to grow in this community for six generations and counting.”
Coleman agrees with Sandercock. “I would love to see some of the old settlers recognized by renaming buildings and streets,” says Coleman.
Crystal O’Malley, Newberry’s daughter, says she is excited about the change. “I think this will start a conversation and get some dialogue going.”
Linde’s daughter Melissa Linde says she’s happy there is going to be some recognition. “I think my grandpa would be really proud of all of the work that’s put into it,” she says.
“[Layden, Hommy, and Brett] did all of the legwork to make this happen, and that’s important to remember,” says Linde.
Hommy says that while she and Brett appreciate the thanks, they weren’t the only ones who made it happen. “I know they were thanking me, but there’s a whole lot of people before me. I’m just the end,” she says.
Hommy and her husband will be moving out of the country in January, and she is hoping to see the sign go up before then. Brett is also looking to sell the home in the near future, but both of them feel the Drake House’s tale is far from over.
“This story isn’t about the street, or even the family,” says Hommy. “It’s about this house and all of the people who have lived in it.”
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After giving so much to the community, Brighter Futures is hoping the community can help them out.
Jen Sinclair, the executive director of Brighter Futures Family Resource Society, says they are looking to fill some spaces on their policy board. “We currently have five board members. Ideally we are looking for five more,” she says.
Sinclair says it’s a low time commitment. The board meets once every two months for about two hours, meaning a total of 12 hours per year. Sinclair chooses a couple of policies to review each month and the board helps to decide when and where edits are needed.
“We also go over what’s happened in the organization in the last two months,” says Sinclair. “I give them a fill-in, let them know what’s up and coming, and if I have any issues they give me guidance.”
When it comes to finances, the responsibility of the board is only to review and approve expenditures. There is no treasurer on the board, but the Chair and Vice Chair are needed to sign cheques.
Brighter Futures has been in the area since 1994, when they first started in Breton and served rural locations. Eventually, they moved their office to Drayton Valley, but they still have programs running in the Faith Covenant Church in Breton, the Alder Flats Community Hall, Easyford Hall and Miss Joanne’s School of Dance in Drayton Valley.
The programs they offer are for children aged 0-6 and their caregivers. Sinclair says these programs offer fun learning and socialization for both the children and their parents. She says there is some circle time, free play, crafts and snacks.
“It’s a good way for moms to connect with each other, and for kids to socialize if they aren’t really getting out of the house much,” says Sinclair.
Brighter Futures also offers a Nutritious Beginnings Program, that helps pregnant, at-risk moms. There is some financial support, check-ins to ensure they are getting to the doctor, and giving them guidance if it’s needed.
“We even supply them with car seats if they need them,” says Sinclair.
She says that while there is some financial support, that isn’t the goal of the program. Instead, they are focussed on educating moms that need a bit of support.
Another support they offer the community is Baby’s Essentials, which is run entirely on community donations. Sinclair says when the Food Bank gets donations of diapers, baby wipes, formula, or other necessities for babies, they forward them to Brighter Futures. She says they distribute those items to families in need.
The Essentials program will also help with a $75 gift card at a grocery store so that caregivers don’t have to choose between diapers or formula and food for the rest of the family. She says if the mom is breastfeeding, they encourage her to use the extra money to purchase healthy foods.
This year the donations have been way lower than usual, says Sinclair. She says they are hoping that monetary donations and item donations will increase, as they require community support in order to keep the programs running.
Sinclair says anyone who is interested in becoming a board member can go to their office in the Rotary House for an application. Those who wish to give to the program can drop their donations off at the office in the Rotary House, or they can attend one of the fundraiser’s the program hosts throughout the season.
“They can just give us a call and either drop it off or we can arrange a pick up,” says Sinclair.
With hot summer temperatures a day at the river is just the ticket.
Just a 10 minute drive west of Drayton Valley is the Willey West campground and boat launch. From what I can tell no one knows how the Willey West Campground got its name, there is no mention of it in the local history books and there is also some debate among locals on how to pronounce the name. Is it “Willey” like the caretaker from Simpsons or “Wiley” like that old coyote that keeps getting bested by the Road Runner? It was a hot debate in my grade six classroom.
The road heading down to the campsite rolls, winds and finishes with a steep downhill. For you cyclists looking to make the trip from Drayton Valley the ups and downs will not disappoint. The road meandering the campground’s treed campsites open up to a large activity field and playground at the heart of the camp. This is a fantastic place to play but in the heat of summer it can be quite hot.
Following the boat launch signs you will find a large parking lot with a gravel beach and a rocky river bank. The current slows close at the water’s edge but get out too far you may find yourself going on a ride down the river.
Play in the river
There is a row of Adirondack chairs on the upper bank but many locals opt to bring their own lawn chairs and sit in the shallows, cooling their heels and sipping a pop. Kids splash and play among the rocks at the boat launch. With such hard underfoot conditions, bringing along a pair of water shoes or sandals is a great idea. Sand toys such as buckets and shovels are also great. There is one picnic table at the boat launch.
With such beautiful scenery it is important to remember that the water can be dangerous. Often the water’s surface masks the turbulent activity below. If you look to the bend just south of the boat launch below the surface there are some powerful undertows and have taken more than one life in recent years. Although the North Saskatchewan River is a class 5 river, being cautious, using life jackets, and keeping a watchful eye is always a great idea.
As part of Canada’s broader trapper and fur trade history the North Saskatchewan River was once a vast trade route. By 1776, the North West Company had begun to travel up the North Saskatchewan to give competition to the Hudson’s Bay Company. South along the North Saskatchewan River Boggy (or Bogey) Hall is one refuge stop the famed David Thompson stopped at during his time with the North West Company. This clearing can be accessed from the Powerhouse Road near Lodgepole through a network of lease roads. Fast forward a century and industry and modernization came to the area.
In 1913, upstream from Rocky Rapids, Edmonton Hydro-Electric Power planned to build a dam; but it was funded by a British syndicate and all funding stopped with the outbreak of WWI. The great flood of 1915 wiped out all evidence of dam building. In the 1930’s coal in the seams in the riverbanks sold for $2.50/ton.
Pan for Gold
If coal isn’t a mineral that interests you, maybe you’d like to spend your time panning for gold.
Although gold rush fever never took hold of west central Alberta like it did the Yukon panning for gold is still a fun activity you can do at the river’s edge. I have yet to know anyone who struck it rich doing this but even just finding a few flakes here and there can feel like you won the lottery.
Hiking the trails
Hiking from the Willey West boat launch is also an activity for the to do list. If you head south along the river edge on a sandy hiking trail the curves along give you a view of the new Drayton Valley River Bridge. The original two-lane bridge structure was built in 1956. It replaced a ferry crossing further upstream. The ferry crossing brought its own set of challenges. Eleanor Pickup, the namesake for the local arts centre, re-lived her experience with the old ferry crossing in the Drayton Valley Historical Society book “Trappers, Loggers, Homesteaders and Oilmen.”
“…I am first on. “What’s happening? The car made the ferry bob around like a rubber ball. The front of the ferry was higher than the back, “Oh NO!” I thought. Then the back was higher than the front.”
Mrs. Pickup managed to navigate her car on and off the ferry but in a time before backup cams, and big car fronts the task wasn’t for the faint of heart.
In 2010 construction broke ground on a new two-lane bridge that you see today with completion being reached in 2016.
Along the hike there are viewpoint benches to rest on. You can go all the way under the bridge but eventually the trail dead ends and so begins the journey back.
Biking the trails
If you head from the north end of the boat launch parking lot there is another hiking/biking trail that connects with the Hill Top and Hillside trail systems. These trails were developed along with the construction of the new river bridge.
Hiking and biking the trails is best to do in the morning or evening on a hot day. Although both trails are covered by a thick forest canopy, they do not have any water source. So bringing water is encouraged if you are heading out during the heat of the day. Also before you go have a look at the trail maps on www.epbrparkscouncil.org because although these are two loops they only intersect at one point and if not planned properly you can find yourself on the trail longer than you expected.
Spending a day or a weekend in the Eagle Point Provincial Park at Willey West Campground is a fantastic way to enjoy the summer heat.
Golfing Breton and Birchwood
A one day golf extravaganza, 27-holes, 3-courses. Breton Municipal Golf Course, Big Tee in Breton and The Village Golf Course in Birchwood.
Fumbles and bumbles at Rose Creek
We were about 45 minutes into what turned out to be a very thick bushwack. I was mid-lunge and my ski was looking like a “U” as I tried to get over a fallen tree when my aunt asked, “How much weight do you think we can put on our skis before they break?” I paused, unweighted my ski and looked around to see if there was another way through.
Five scenic bike rides near Drayton Valley
Here are five rides that are moderate in length, located on quiet secondary highways, and offer a variety of views not more than 40 minutes from Drayton Valley.
Experiencing the finer arts in the valley
Art galleries can be an inspiring place to visit but they can also be baffling.
DV100 a personal ride
Finally, seven years after I was first introduced to the DV100 I completed the 100km race.
I was first introduced to the event as a planner when I worked for the Drayton Valley Community Foundation.
Driving the Sunchild Road
Drayton Valley to Lake Louise via the Sunchild Road is the most scenic route to the Rocky Mountains.
Both she and Michelle work together to help their businesses. Bossert is currently using an industrial serger that her daughter lent to her. She also has an industrial sewing machine that she bought herself for her 40th birthday.
When Bossert ships out her finished pieces, she also includes one of her handmade cards as a gift. She has also sold some of her cards, with the most recent batch going to Tennessee. Since beginning The Creative Daughter, she has had to take a step back from her painting to make her products, and she’s excited to get back to painting.
“I love the art, and the art is my reward to myself for making skirts, but I’ve haven’t had time,” she says. “I haven’t made a card for weeks.”
She’s also being requested to make a landscape painting for someone in Nunavut
Recently Bossert had MP Gerald Soroka and his wife come for a visit.
“He was a great ambassador for the small businesses in Alberta and I was honoured to have him come visit,” she says, “I thought it would only be a half-an-hour visit because he’s very busy, but it turned into four hours.”
Bossert says she loves the life she is currently living. “I cannot tell you how grateful I am for the life I have right now,” she says. She sees her children and grandchildren regularly, and she still sees friends when she can.
She says right now it feels like the end of an era for Designs By Deb, but she felt it was time to start anew.
“The Creative Daughter was a name I came up with to honour my dad, who passed away two years ago. And also because I am a daughter of the King and I am a devout Christian. I believe that it’s He that gave me the talent to do whatever I do.”
Bossert says she was never expecting this turn of events, and was content with being an artist and a grandmother. But one of the hardest things for her with her health and retirement is that she felt she couldn’t serve her community in that capacity.
Now that she has this business, she feels like she’s serving others again. “My life really has been about service, whether it’s as a volunteer, or within the faith community, or as a public figure.”
She says for many years her health limited her ability to offer most services to the community. She says it wasn’t necessarily a physical limitation, but rather a mental limitation because she thought she could no longer serve.
“My health is still as fragile as it ever was. But there are other ways to serve. It doesn’t mean you have to volunteer. There are other ways to serve and I’m very grateful for that.”
Staff Sergeant stepping down
The Drayton Valley RCMP Detachment is looking for a new Staff Sergeant as the current man in charge, Troy Raddatz, heads into retirement.
Concern over Winfield School
The parent advisory council at Winfield Elementary are worried about the future of their school.
County spends on fire suppression
Brazeau County is set to spend $560,000 to improve fire suppression in two underserved parts of the municipality. Last week council approved $250,000 for a 210 cubic metre concrete water tank in Lindale and $310,000 for a similar tank and water well in Buck Creek.
Tax help is here
Matalski says the Income Tax Program has volunteers in the community, who have received training provided by the Canada Revenue Agency, do the tax returns. She says people drop their information off at her office, and then a volunteer comes to get the information and files it.
