St. Alban’s Cathedral to host memorial service for Queen Elizabeth II

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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St. Alban’s Cathedral to host memorial service for Queen Elizabeth II

St. Alban’s Cathedral will be hosting a memorial service in the City of Prince Albert for Queen Elizabeth II on Wednesday evening. Residents of all faiths from Prince Albert and surrounding communities are invited to mourn her passing.

The program will consist of a standard Anglican evensong, with hymns and prayers for the departed Queen, as well as the King and Queen consort. Father David Butorac,  the Rector of the Cathedral of St. Alban the Martyr in Prince Albert, said the loss of the Queen feels much like that of a family member.

“We’ve lost someone important to us, both to our national life and personally. For most of us, the Queen is the only monarch we’ve ever know,” he said. “She led a life of service, which I think is an incredibly important virtue to nurture in our communities and in our country.”

Butorac said the Queen’s seventy-year commitment to service during her longstanding reign inspired him many times throughout his life.

“She put her own interests aside and she promised to serve, I’ve always found that insistence and dedication to be very moving for me,” he said. “The idea of it touched me in a way that I can’t quite put my finger on.”

The service is open for all residents of the Prince Albert area and beyond, said Butorac.

The solemn evensong and state prayers will be held at St. Alban’s Cathedral at 1410 Bishop McLean Crescent at 7 p.m. on September 21.

“It would be wonderful to get together as a community and give thanks to her life,” he said.

Lt.-Gov. Russ Mirasty will also be in attendance for Wednesday’s service.

PAPS searching for new leads in 31-year-old homicide case

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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PAPS searching for new leads in 31-year-old homicide case

It has been 31 years since Jean LaChance was the victim of homicide and her family, including the five children she left behind, continue to wait for answers about who is responsible for her murder.

On September 15, 1991, LaChance’s body was discovered along the bush line in a field south of Victoria Hospital.

Her death remains under investigation by the Prince Albert Police Service and they are urging anyone with information to come forward.

“Someone knows what happened to Jean LaChance,” reads a statement released by PAPS.

LaChance’s children were between the ages of four and 11 in 1991 when they were suddenly and inexplicably left without their mother.

According to investigators, LaChance was last seen on the evening of September 15, 1991, at the former Coronet bar around closing time. At the time, there were multiple witnesses who were able to assist police in providing a timeline of her actions that weekend.

Sgt. Kathy Edwardsen with the Prince Albert Police Service’s Missing Persons and Historical Crimes unit continues to work with the family of Jean LaChance to help find answers.

“Jean’s family has spent years waiting for answers about what happened,” said Sgt. Edwardsen. “We know someone has information and we need them to tell the truth so Jean’s family can finally have closure. They deserve to know the truth.”

Anyone with information about the unsolved homicide of Jean LaChance is asked to contact police at 306-953-4222 or Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477.

Indigenous-owned company purchases Prince Albert Photocopier Ltd.

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Indigenous-owned company purchases Prince Albert Photocopier Ltd.

An Indigenous-owned investment company says their new acquisition of a Prince Albert business is a “step towards increased Indigenous participation” in the local economy.

IT Services company Optek Solutions LP has announced the recent acquisition of Prince Albert Photocopier Ltd (PAP) in a move that CEO Kevin Aebig describes as “historical”.

“It seems kind of like blowing things out of proportion, but in my mind it was a very important first step to work together,” Aebig said. “It’s gone extremely well, their experience and capabilities within each of their organizations has been a huge asset as we’ve grown.”

Optek was started by Athabasca Basin Development, Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies and Kevin Aebig in 2021. Kitsaki Management joined ownership in June of 2022 as part of the deal to acquire PAP. The company provides IT services, support and solutions to organizations of all sizes across the province.

According to Aebig, Optek started out as business analysis and eventually turned into a conversation between the different organizations that expressed interest in working together. 

“As these conversations progressed, it turned into something that was feasible, that actually had some legs,” he said.

Aebig said the opportunity to acquire PAP has opened up doors for Optek.

“It was important for us because our ownership groups are established in the north of Saskatchewan and it made sense for us to look at moving into that area of business,” said Aebig. “Because PAP has been around for quite some time, their experience and history made them a very good fit. As the conversations kind of proceeded, it was found that there were a lot of synergies between the two companies.”

PAP is a full-service IT solutions business and long-standing Ricoh Canada dealer serving the central and northern Saskatchewan market and is considered the market share leader in the area. PAP collaborates with customers of all sizes and complexities to help determine their physical and digital infrastructure requirements to optimize their operations and simplify the management of their IT systems.

“As a group, we are very excited to work together to acquire PAP and build on the excellent foundation established nearly 30 years ago by Dan Fenton and Carolyn Fenton,” said Geoff Gay, CEO of Athabasca Basin Development and a representative of the ownership group. “As investors, when we looked at PAP, we all saw a successful, established business and we look forward to supporting the company as it continues to provide excellent service to their customers.”

Dan Fenton, founding principle of PAPS, plans to stay on during the company’s transition.

“Athabasca Basin Development, Kitsaki Management, and Peter Ballantyne Group of Companies are three very successful Indigenous-owned investment groups based here in Saskatchewan that collectively own over 35 businesses, including an IT Services company whose leader has decades of experience in IT,” said Fenton. “Carolyn and I felt this was the right group to take good care of the company and help take it to the next level.”

PAP currently has 16 employees and will be headed by Aebig once the transition is complete. 

“This is a very exciting opportunity for everyone,” said Aebig. “PAP is a solid, established business with a strong track record of providing service to a huge geographical area.

“PAP is a growing company in a growing sector and the focus for all of us is in taking care of customers and employees and continuing the spirit of the legacy that was established. I look forward to working with Dan and the employees to ensure the transition is as seamless as possible.”

Subjects of missing persons report found deceased

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Subjects of missing persons report found deceased

Three people who were the subjects of a missing persons media release on Monday have been located deceased by police.

Around 7:09 p.m. on the evening of September 12, Meadow Lake/Green Lake RCMP received a report of a potential submerged vehicle off Highway #155 at the Beaver River Bridge, approximately 40 kilometres north of Green Lake.

An investigation by police determined there was evidence a vehicle had left the roadway and entered a body of water. Saskatchewan RCMP’s Police Dog Services, Collision Reconstruction and Underwater Recovery Team were called to the scene to assist.

On Tuesday, one day after the trio was reported missing, officers located the vehicle in the water. All three individuals were located inside and pronounced deceased.

They have been identified as 25-year-old Alyssa Durocher, 25-year-old Megan Boyer and 31-year-old Conrad McDonald.

Durocher and Boyer were reported missing to Big River RCMP and McDonald was reported missing to the Saskatoon Police Service.

“Their families have been notified and our thoughts are with them during this difficult time,” said a media release by Sask. RCMP. “They have been offered support through North Sask Victim Services.”

Meadow Lake/Green Lake RCMP have shared their thanks to the community members that assisted and provided support at the scene.

Police continue to investigate the incident.

Man wanted on Canada-wide warrant

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Man wanted on Canada-wide warrant

Pierceland RCMP are searching for a man wanted on a nation-wide warrant issued by Correctional Services Canada.

Police have been working diligently to locate Tonio Cantell, 25, and gather information on his whereabouts and potential areas for travel.

Cantell is known to frequent areas of Loon Lake, Meadow Lake and and Pierceland, Sask.; as well as Cold Lake, Lloydminster and Bonnyvile, Alta.

He has been actively evading arrest and his whereabouts are currently unknown.

Tonio Cantell is approximately 6’3” tall and 165 pounds, with a slim build. He has short black hair and is normally clean shaven. Cantell has numerous tattoos, including roman numerals on his right forearm and very noticeable tattoos on his face and neck.

Police warn to use caution and do not approach if seen. Call RCMP to report the sighting immediately.

Anyone with information about Tonio Cantell and is whereabouts is urged to contact the Pierceland RCMP at (306) 839-3330. Tips can also be submitted anonymously through CrimeStoppers.

Provincial day of mourning for Queen announced by Government of Saskatchewan

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Provincial day of mourning for Queen announced by Government of Saskatchewan

The Government of Saskatchewan has proclaimed Monday, September 19, as a day in tribute and commemoration of Queen Elizabeth II and flags all around the province are lowering in mourning of her death.

A memorial service has been set for 7 p.m. on September 19, at St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral in Regina

“Her late Majesty’s seven decades of selfless public service is an honourable legacy,” said Premier Scott Moe. “We will pay tribute to her incredible dedication and commemorate her 70-year reign in a memorial service in our capital city – the Queen City.”

The City of Prince Albert will be lowering the flags at City facilities in honour of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II until sunset on September 19.

“I have only ever had one Queen in my lifetime and her passing brings a sense of loss for many of us,” said Mayor Greg Dionne in a statement released earlier Tuesday afternoon. “The Queen was much loved and highly regarded for her stability and commitment to duty.”

In 1866, the founder of Prince Albert named the City after Royalty. After settling down in the area, James Nisbet named the community after Albert, Prince Consort and husband of Queen Victoria.

The City said in Tuesday’s statement that they are joining the people of Canada and throughout the Commonwealth in mourning of the Queen’s death.

A book for messages of condolences is available for Prince Albert residents to sign at City Hall during regular business hours, until sunset on the as-yet-to-be-determined day of the Queen’s funeral. The books can also be found at the Regina Legislative Building and Government House, as well as City Halls in Regina and Saskatoon.

People unable to attend these in-person signings can also submit a digital message by visiting www.canada.ca/en/canadian-heritage/commemoration-her-majesty-the-queen/book.html. 

While September 19 is being proclaimed to honour Queen Elizabeth II, it has not been designated as a provincial public statutory holiday.

Spiritwood RCMP arrest four people in connection to emergency alert issued in Witchekan Lake First Nation

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Spiritwood RCMP arrest four people in connection to emergency alert issued in Witchekan Lake First Nation

Four people have been arrested in connection with a series of shootings on Witchekan Lake First Nation that resulted in an emergency alert last week.

Around 12:51 a.m. on September 2, Spiritwood RCMP received a report of shots fired and immediately attended the Witchekan Lake First Nation. Witnesses advised that a male in a grey Pontiac was shooting at a driver in a white Ford vehicle.

Later that day and as officers continued to investigate, a vehicle fled from police in the community around 2 p.m. Two occupants abandoned the vehicle and fled on foot into the bush. With the assistance of Police Dog Services and the RCMP Critical Response Team, a 31-year-old man was arrested.

A report was received by Spiritwood RCMP around 7:30 a.m. the morning of September 5, stating occupants wearing masks in a black Nissan SUV had stolen gas from a gas station in Leoville, Sask.

Police then received another call stating an occupant of the SUV discharged a firearm in the direction of a resident in the neighbourhood, no injuries were reported.

Due to the imminent risk to public safety identified by investigators, a dangerous persons emergency alert was broadcasted to all residents in the Witchekan Lake First Nation and surrounding areas to seek immediate shelter.

All available officers from the Spiritwood RCMP, along with additional RCMP resources were called to locate the black Nissan SUV.

Police began to receive numerous reports of the suspect vehicle driving dangerously and swerving into incoming traffic between the Witchekan Lake First Nation and the Pelican Lake First Nation, which continued to evade the RCMP.

Shortly after 11:30 a.m., police located the suspect vehicle in a cornfield near the Witchekan Lake First Nation. Officers were advised the occupant of the vehicle may be armed with a firearm.

The vehicle continued to drive dangerously and at a high rate of speed in the cornfield. Police followed until the black Nissan SUV eventually caught fire and slowed to a stop. The driver and lone occupant of the vehicle was apprehended without incident.

Police confirmed the driver was not involved in the initial report of shootings. The investigation into locating the persons involved in the shootings, including gathering and analyzing witness interviews, continued.

At 2:41 a.m. on September 6, the dangerous persons alert issued by the Spiritwood RCMP was cancelled.

The next day, Spiritwood RCMP charged and arrested three individuals involved in the firearms incidents that sparked the initial emergency alert. At this time, police believe there is no risk to the public in relation to this ongoing investigation.

Dallas Sakebow, 31, is charged with theft of the truck and breaking, entering, and committing a resident.

Kelly Witchekan, 22, is charged with 11 offences, some of which include possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition, carrying a weapon for the purpose of committing an offence, and using a firearm while committing assault with a weapon.

Shane Witchekan, 32, is charged with 12 offences, some of which include robbery with a firearm, careless use of a firearm, and possession of a prohibited firearm with ammunition.

All three individuals appeared in court in North Battleford on September 9.

Melvin Starblanket, 33, was also located by police on September 7 in connection with these incidents.

The investigation is ongoing.

“The Saskatchewan RCMP would like to thank members of the public for their diligence in providing pertinent information relating to this investigation and for following the safety instructions in the dangerous persons emergency alert,” said a statement by the RCMP.

The Spiritwood RCMP is asking anyone with information they may have on the shootings that occurred on September 5 to call the Spiritwood RCMP detachment at 306-883-4210 or their local police detachment. Information can also be submitted anonymously by contacting Saskatchewan Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or www.saskcrimestoppers.com.

Local fitness competitor wins big at international competition

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Local fitness competitor wins big at international competition

A local historian, farmer and fitness competitor is ecstatic after winning double titles at the Ms. World International pageant, ten years after getting a life-changing cancer diagnosis and beating the odds.

Brenda Cheveldayoff, property owner of the Doukhobor Dugout House National Historic Site near Blaine Lake, Sask., was awarded two titles for both the fitness category and age category after competing at the four-day and five-night long pageant in Miami, Florida in August.

“I thought about this kind of stuff, but I never dreamed I would do it,” Cheveldayoff said. “When I was diagnosed with ovarian cancer in 2012 and told to get my life affairs in order, I got scared and I really got into health and fitness. I became a competitor, fighting for my own life, but at the same time, showing others they can get healthy and do this stuff too.”

She said she believes her survival was linked to her ever-present positive attitude.

Seven years after her diagnosis, Cheveldayoff was sought out and approached by the Ms. World International team, who asked her to begin competing within their pageant system.

“I was thinking, ‘Geez, that’s the states, that’s huge. What is this small-town person going to do in Miami?’”, she said. “I prepared and worked really hard… I had no idea that I would come home with anything, it was tough.”

The World International event is based on team building experiences where delegates participate in group challenges, as well as four phases of individual competitions showcasing each competitor’s “unique beauty, modeling ability and camera appeal”, according to the Ms. World International website.

To reach the international level of competing, delegates must first be crown provincially and nationally.

“Even for Saskatchewan, that was large-scale for me,” she said. “To get there and win that, it’s a steppingstone to be invited to go to the next level.”

Although admitting she was initially intimated, Cheveldayoff said the other competitors are now her life-long friends.

“[I met] different women from all over the world,” she said. “I have friends I met there that can’t speak English, I had to speak with them through a translator. I never want to lose those friendships.”

Being crowned at the international level has inspired Cheveldayoff to continue within the pageant circuit, who said it has all to do with personal motivation.

“It was kind of a goal,” she said. “You have to show up, because it’s only you that it will affect if you don’t. It’s inspiration for other people to be able to do these things, it’s nice to invite them along for my journey.”

Her next competition will be the Golden Prairie Cup in Saskatoon on September 24, a fitness competition sanctioned by the Canadian Fitness Alliance.

Councillor disputes park naming decision due to lack of equal representation

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Councillor disputes park naming decision due to lack of equal representation

Sixteen public park spaces around Prince Albert will be named after local Veterans and elected officials in recognition of their contributions to society, but not everyone believes the choices were made with equal representation in mind.

Out of the 16 names chosen for the unnamed park spaces, only one identifies as a female-representing individual. Councilor Terra Lennox-Zepp said Prince Albert should take notes from the City of Saskatoon’s naming policy, which makes an effort to be gender-inclusive.

“It matters to people,” she said.

Lennox-Zepp said she heard from the public that changes to the naming policy need to be made to encourage diversity and gender equity, she mentioned making a notice of motion for a future City Council meeting to amend the public parks and street naming policies.

She said female-identified individuals are underrepresented in the naming of civic spaces in Prince Albert due to long-term, systematic reasons.

“I’m not detracting from anyone on this list in any manner,” Lennox-Zepp said. “The list is simply incomplete.”

In response, Coun. Dennis Ogrodnick said what was supposed to be a celebration was turned into a “downer.”

He went on to list the significant accomplishments of the individuals that the park spaces in Ward 5 are named after, which include Thomas Settee, George Sutherland, Edwin E. Laird, Glenn Martin, and the several Veterans from the Nelson families.

“If there’s people that are more competent, more qualified, that have greater accomplishments, bring their names forward,” Ogrodnick said. “I think we have done the right thing. We have brought forward the best people and named parks after them.”

In 2021, the City of Prince Albert commenced a review to identify available park spaces available for naming. The names were prioritized utilizing the City’s Street Naming list as approved by City Council and through consultation with the local Royal Canadian Legion, ANAVETS and Prince Albert Grand Council.

The park locations and assigned names are:

  • Park Space located on the North side of River Street from 13th Avenue East to the easterly end of River Street East – Eldon Lautermilch
  • Park Space located on the North side of River Street from 10th Avenue East to 13th Avenue East – Don Cody
  • Park space located on the North side of River Street approximately from 8th Avenue East to 10th Avenue East – Steven Ross
  • Park space on the North side of River Street approximately from the Diefenbaker Bridge to 8th Avenue West – Emile Highway
  • Park Space on the North side of River Street approximately from 13th Avenue West to the most westerly end of the City limits – Norman Henderson
  • Park Space adjacent to the Crescent Heights Community Club, Cook Drive & Agnew Avenue – Thomas Settee
  • Park Space adjacent to the Midtown Community Club, 6th Avenue East & 8th Street East – Lee Atkinson
  • Neighbourhood Park on Muzzy Drive – Edwin E. Laird
  • Neighbourhood Park adjacent to Barton Drive & Coombe Drive – John Hall
  • Neighbourhood Park adjacent to Southwood Drive – Myron Kowalsky
  • Neighbourhood Park on Agnew Street – George Sutherland
  • Neighbourhood Park on Davis Street – Glenn Martin
  • Neighbourhood Park on Dent Crescent – Loyd Smith
  • Neighbourhood Park on Erickson Crescent – Albert E. Gosselin
  • Neighbourhood Park on Hogeweide Drive – Amy Meadows
  • Neighbourhood Park on Longworth Place – Nelson

City Administration has also suggested an opportunity to include a background profile for each of the Veterans and Elected Officials being recognized at each park location.

Parks Manager gives update on City playgrounds

Bailey Sutherland, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
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Parks Manager gives update on City playgrounds

The City of Prince Albert Parks and Open Spaces Manager will be providing an update on the 2022 States of the Playground Report at the upcoming Executive Committee meeting on Monday.

The report highlights Community Services’ accomplishments to date, the current state of the playgrounds and the City’s current investments. 

Community Services has recommended that the report be forwarded to the Budget Committee to review a proposed funding level increase in the 2023 budget year for playground maintenance and possibilities of refurbishment and replacement.

In 2019, Community Services provided City Council with a comprehensive State of the Playgrounds Report outlining objectives to enhance the current playground structures. 

“Prioritizing those objectives through a systematic inspection process continues to identify priority locations and those that have the ability to wait,” reads the report.

The City of Prince Albert owns and operates 29 playgrounds, one paddling pool and eight spray parks in all types throughout the neighborhood parks. Each park comes with different amenities, such as fully themed units, climbers, and spring toys, allowing for unique experiences depending on which location you visit. 

Through Capital funding and partnerships, six objectives outlined in the State of the Playground Report were accomplished or are in the process of being accomplished in the 2022 budget season.

While $70,000 in operational dollars was used to help maintain and improve the play spaces in the 2022 budgeting season, partnerships and funding opportunities are important in achieving milestones for future development. 

Capital investment dollars of $130,000 were provided to the Carlton Community Club to fund the brand-new development of two basketball courts including player’s benches, basketball poles, backboards, hoops, and basketballs, as well as three pickleball court installations within the Carlton Community Club outdoor ice rink. The City partnered with the club through fundraising efforts to help raise approximately $30,000 in additional funds to put towards the development on the Club’s side. These funds also allowed for the conversion of an unpaved outdoor rink surface to a paved surface to accommodate for year-round usable space, a new puck board, new netting above the rink boards, netting to divide the rink in half, garbage/recycle bins, and picnic tables.

Other important partnerships in 2022 allowed opportunity for the City and the Malcolm J. Jenkins Family Foundation to bring an enclosed skate park and enhanced basketball courts to the James Isbister Park located near the West View Public School. A capital budget investment from the City in the amount of $100,000 and $200,000 from Jenkins was used to fund this project.

Both projects were the recipient of new asphalt work and will see lighting upgrades, picnic tables, garbage/recycling bins, player’s benches, new basketball poles, backboards, hoops, and basketballs.

“This one-of-a-kind project will serve as an opportunity to review how we use space moving forward,” reads the report. “Looking for those one-of-a-kind projects to help in planning practices of how park space can be redesigned to help meet the needs of community.”

The Prince Albert Rotary Club also partnered with Jenkins and the City of Prince Albert to bring the Rotary Adventure Park to Little Red River Park.

The Rotary Adventure Park is one of the largest projects this year and was scheduled to open in July of 2022 but is still currently under construction, according to the report.

“Due to delays at times beyond the City’s control, we continue to monitor and reset timelines to ensure we are being as realistic as possible to deliver a great product that will enhance the Little Red River Park system for years to come,” said the report.

The Crescent Heights area benefitted from a City capital budget investment of $120,000 and $230,000 from Mr. Jenkins to install a brand-new spray park just north of the Crescent Heights Community Hall. The project allowed for new features not seen before within the City, including the flash flood, mini flash flood, aqua gather station, whirl flex, tot wellspring and acrylic tot shower dome.

According to the report, these types of projects continue to help the City during the planning process to push the boundaries of water play can and could look like bringing hours of fun and inclusive play in a spray park setting.

The report has recognized a change in priorities for 2023, with the Midtown Park project being moved to the top of the list after a review was done by Community Services over increasing safety concerns.

Several concerning factors include roots from the nearby poplar trees invading the play space and the park’s close proximity to 6th Avenue East.

Community Services’ plan for the 2023 operating year is to pull the play space back to the west of its current development, opening the potential for a broader range of ideas on how the space is to be reimagined. 

Replacing the spray park in Midtown in 2023 would leave the paddling pool at Hazeldell Community Club as the only other spray park or paddling pool needing replacement. 

“Public parks are an important place for formal and informal play. Especially amongst children, play is a foundational method for developing a number of skills that are necessary for later life. Through play, children develop skills associated with socialization, coordination, imagination, and cognition,” reads the report. “If we want to have a playground environment, we are proud of, that offers children, families, users the opportunity to experience play in a fun, unique and safe environments we believe steps have been, taken, ensuring that the City playgrounds are around for the long term by investing in today and reaping the benefits of that investment tomorrow.”

The Community Services Department has recommended two options for the Budget Committee to take into consideration for the 2023 budgeting process.

Either the current source of funding for the total Capital playground investment of $130,000 be increased to $150,000 and the $70,000 in Operating remains the same, or that new capital investment from the City into spray pad replacement of $200,000 be considered with a commitment from the Department to seek matching dollars through other funding opportunities.

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