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Town of Nobleford Municipal Excellence Award Recipient - Connected to the World with Broadband Fibre Optic Box 67, Nobleford AB T0L 1S0 - Municipal Office: 906 Highway Avenue Phone: (403) 824-3555 Fax: (403) 824-3553 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.nobleford.ca Mayor Don McDowell, Deputy Mayor Don Holinaty, Councillors Marinus de Leeuw, Melissa Jensen, Corne Mans “Before any Government can give—it must take” DECEMBER 2020 Newsletter

FCSS Counselling inquires or appointments can be made by contacting (587) 370 3728 or [email protected].

Town of Nobleford Municipal office has continued to be in operation since the beginning of the COVID pandemic in March 2020. The entry to the Municipal office has been renovated for future security and COVID safety. Currently there is no admittance allowed into the office by the public. Please phone 403-824-3555 or Email [email protected]. You can make e-transfer payment by using [email protected]

RCMP non-emergency phone # 403-329-5010

Have you heard of 211? As continues to navigate COVID-19, people are still seeking support and unsure of where to turn. Whether it’s help accessing food, mental health supports, or other non-emergency programs and services in your community, simply dial 2-1-1 or visit www.211.ca. 211 is a free helpline and the phones are answered 24/7 in 150 languages. Community Navigators will talk to you about your situation and help you find the right solutions. Whether you’re a senior feeling isolated or anxious about getting your basic necessities, or an indi- vidual uncertain about whether there are assistance programs for which you are eligible, or a parent worried about your child’s mental health, 211 can help. Make the right call. [email protected] Page 2 www.nobleford.ca MERRY CHRISTMAS

Mayor’s Message

It is with great honor I assume the position of Mayor of Nobleford. I would like to thank past Mayor Don McDowell for his years of service to our community and hope that I may continue to follow his leadership and commitment to Nobleford.

As most are well aware there is a lot of talk about Covid 19 and the measures the Government is considering. No matter what your views and beliefs are we need to be mindful of our fellow citizens and respect their beliefs as well. It would not be optimal to have the Government forced to enact further restrictions. We all have to make the right choice and respect others and the businesses and services you frequent. Hopefully if we all do our part this will eventually fade away and there will be a solution soon. These are hard times for families and the senior members so communicate with each other often and let them know they are important.

The Christmas season may not be what we envisioned in the past but I wish you and your families a Merry Christmas and a happy new year. Mayor Don Holinaty

I would like to send a thank you to my neighbors (Snow Angels) for looking after the sidewalks at 303 Cawdron St. The Town of Have a Merry Christmas!

Tobogganing There are a few hills used for tobogganing around Nobleford the #519 south entry to Nobleford. Drivers please be considerate of the tobogganers and tobogganers please pay attention, be safe... and have fun. wishes The hill in the middle of Kenex Park (Blade Park) is also pretty fun. everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

From Council & Staff

CAO’s Message Christmas is a time of Celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ. If you need a bit of joy this season, read the story. https://www.biblestudytools.com/bible-stories/birth-of- jesus.html Wishing you all “Peace and Good will” Kirk Hofman Visit www.nobleford.ca for more information [email protected] Page 3 www.nobleford.ca

Nobleford Christian Reformed Church Worship Services at 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Pastor Frank Lanting Church office (403) 824-3825

Due to the current Covid-19 pandemic, we encourage you to join us online for worship: Facebook: Nobleford CRC Livestream (live broadcast every Sunday morning) Web: www.noblefordcrc.com/media to access our audio Sermon Library

As we draw near to the end of this year, we eagerly look forward to the celebration of the birth of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. We will begin the Advent season during our morning services on November 29 and ending on December 20. Each of these services we will light candles reflecting hope, peace, joy and love during the Advent season. On Sunday, December 20 at 6:00 p.m., we will have a special Christmas Carol service, followed by a Christmas service on December 25 at 10:00 a.m.

As we look back on 2020, we are so thankful that we were able to celebrate births, marriages, anniversaries, and graduations within our church family. We were able to worship nearly every Sunday (either virtually or in-person). As we embark on a new year, we will continue to provide support and comfort to those struggling with loneliness, anxiety, and hardships amidst the current social and economic situation. We know that our Heavenly Father is in control and He will provide us with whatever we need.

We pray that you will experience God’s unconditional love during this Christmas season. We wish you health, prosperity, peace and happiness in 2021. May God bless you all!

Come let us worship the King! Jesus the Saviour is born! For the Lord will reign over all the earth. Come let us worship the King! Jesus the Saviour is born! For the Lord is great and greatly to be praised! Through all the Earth, let us worship the King!

RCMP 24-Hour Complaint Line 403-329-5010 For non-emergency calls [email protected] Page 4 www.nobleford.ca

Visit www.nobleford.ca for more information [email protected] Page 5 www.nobleford.ca

With all the means and ease for travel and the extent of worldwide communications it seems that our world is getting smaller. So many people want to travel and be with people in countries other than their own and experience the ways and cultures of different races. Still, there is extreme discrimination shown, sometimes without a person even realizing they are guilty of it. There is not only racial discrimination but also religious, cultural and sexual discrimination. In the dictionary one meaning given for the word “discrimination” is “judgement”. Remember. It is not up to us to judge anyone. Sundays, 10:00 am: It is up to God to be the judge of all things.  Worship service with Guest Ministers  For any matter relating to the activities, etc. There will be no in-person Fall Bazaar and Supper at the church this year. of the church contact Bryon Harbers at 403-

I apologies to Don and Heather Groenenboom for the error in the October Newsletter. 824-3607 The congratulations should have read “on their twenty fifth wedding Anniversary on Bible Study: September 9.”  No in-person meetings will be held at this Congratulations: to Don and Marie Groenenboom on their 60th Wedding Anniversary. time to Alberta and Joan Zoeteman on their 63rd Wedding Anniversary.

Hennie de Koning passed away suddenly on November 7, 2020 at the age of 81 years. Hennie and her husband Jack and their three daugh- ters were a part of the Monarch Church for many years. Hennie was a member of the Dorcas Ladies Aid and their daughter Susan served as the organist for worship services. Our Sympathy goes out to Jack and the family. Christmas Blessings to all. May you be kept safe from COVID-19 and may 2021 bring you peace and happiness. Even though the pandemic has altered the way Christmas is to be celebrated this year we can still honour the Birth of the Baby Jesus, our Saviour, the true meaning of Christmas.

SNOW PLOW, SIDEWALKS AND SNOW GARBAGE pick up. The Town of Nobleford Public Works plow snow off and sand main streets (Highway Avenue and King Street), and may eventually plow residential and commercial industrial streets enough to make them passable within 24 hours of the end of a snowfall. Many other municipalities do not plow residential streets. Please do not shovel snow onto the street or your neighbor’s property as the Town snow plow will push it back on to your property. Please be considerate. In order to plow the streets as wide as possible you are requested to park your vehicle off the street. You, the property owner, are advised to keep your sidewalks adjacent to your property clear of snow. As a renter, your landlord may require you to keep the sidewalks clear of snow. In the event that Garbage pickup in alley ways is not possible, consider placing your Garbage in front of your house for pickup. If you would like additional snow plowing or snow removal you should consider hiring a private contractor. TIPS: Shoveling fresh snow before you walk or drive on it is much easier than shoveling and chipping packed snow.

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Barons-Eureka-Warner Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) FCSS receives nearly $10,000 annual funding from the Town of Nobleford Tax payer, as well as complimentary office and activity space at the Nobleford Community Complex where they delivery many programs. Programs are FREE and are for all ages. Counselling Services – 587-370-3728 Family Services – 403-795-3328 Senior/Volunteer Services – 403-915-7063 Youth Services – 587-370-7847 Fax: 403-405-2854 Email: [email protected]

***2021 Pet License Invoices are based on 2020 licensing, please inform the town of- fice of any changes by Dec 31, 2020. ***

Pet Licenses and fines. Thank you to pet owners for registering your pets and adding to your quality lifestyle that Nobleford has to offer. There are only a few of you that have outstanding accounts with the town. These overdue or negligent accounts will have additional fines ($100) added along with interest until they are paid. Unlicensed pets are considered illegal. These accounts may be turned over to a collection agency and Alberta courts for collection. If you have an outstanding account, please contact the Town and we will do our best to help you resolve your issue. Safety is a priority, thanks for keeping for your pet on leash, cleaning up after them and avoiding imposing on your neighbors. Those barking dogs and roaming cats can be quite an annoyance. Annual pet licences start at $30. The fine for not licencing you pet dog or cat is $100. All animal control bylaws fines start at $100. Bylaw fines will not be transferred to your taxes so please pay them so the burden does not fall on others. Avoid or reduce penalties. If you anticipate issues with paying your Property Taxes, Town Utility Bills, or Town Bills please contact the Town Office to discuss various payment plans.

Family & Community Support Services (FCSS) is in Nobleford to help you “FREE” Tel: 403-715-2260 www.fcss.ca

Available for Nobleford Waste Transfer Site after-hours sewer-line cleanings for $150/hr Site Phone Number: (403) 824-3158

Emergency #: (403) 795-7582 Hours of Operation: Thursday and Friday 10am to 6pm Saturday 9am to 5 pm

Noble Central School

Check us out on our website for all information and updates at Noble Central School: http://noblecentralschool.ca also check the division website for updates and information: www.pallisersd.ab.ca [email protected] Page 8 www.nobleford.ca

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The NOBLEFORD NEWSLETTER is an information bulletin published by the Town of Nobleford on a cost recovery basis through advertisement fees and donations. The Newsletter is published bimonthly, for the 1st of Feb, April, June, Aug, Oct, and Dec. The deadline for submissions is the 20th day of the month prior to publication. The newsletter is circulated in print and via email, and is available on the web at www.nobleford.ca Late submissions will not be published. Rates for ads and announcements -No Charge for Nobleford Societies and Organizations up to ¾ of a page. -No charge for brief, business card size ad, citizen announcements related to Nobleford area. All submissions shall contain contributor name. -Business card ad $10.00, ¼ page ad $20.00, ½ page ad $35.00, full page ad $60.00, plus GST. Contact the Town Office for more information. The next newsletter deadline is Jan.20, 2021 Please email your newsletter submission to [email protected]

Ph. 403 634 5878 We are grateful for the support of our community this past year. Wishing all of you a wonderful, safe Christmas season and best wishes for 2021! Email [email protected] Visit our website: noblefordautorepair.com Debit, Mastercard, Visa and Etransfer Accepted [email protected] Page 10 www.nobleford.ca

[email protected] Page 11 www.nobleford.ca THE NOBLEFORD AREA MUSEUM SOCIETY 225 Milnes Street (Est. 1989)

Contact: P.O. Box 505 Nobleford, AB, T0L 1S0; (1)403-824-3909 [email protected]

Open by appointment: Please call Julie Pike (403-824-3224), Peggy Campbell (403-824--3560), or Bernice Hofman (403-824-3860) to book a time. LIKE us on FACEBOOK – “Nobleford Area Museum Society”

Hello again from the Nobleford Museum. In this strange and crazy year we are still not meeting and we are not sure when we will meet again. This COIVD 19 has really put a damper on everything. We feel it is better to keep our distance and keep safe. We are hoping everyone will have a good Christmas even though it will be hard to keep, with the distance in mind. So please stay safe and we will make it through! And here’s to a better New Year. Take care & stay well!

Please pay your outstanding accounts with the Town. Property tax, utility, pet licence, bylaw fines, all have 2% interest added each month. That is 24% per year. If you anticipate late payment, please contact the Town Administration and we will provide and discuss payment options with you. We try to work with you before we take the options of transferring outstanding utility accounts to tax accounts or of tax recovery where your home or business it taken and sold to collect outstanding taxes, or engaging a collection agency to recover outstanding accounts like pet licences and fines from you with added costs. You avoiding payment only costs you more money over time. Please do your part, by keeping your accounts current, you help keep Nobleford efficient and effective. Since 2004 Nobleford has not written off any outstanding accounts.

Noble Mini & RV Storage Inc.

To arrange RV, boat or other storage in a fully fenced and secure yard, please contact:

Rental Manager: 403-892-0969, or 403-824-3877 Alternate: 403-634-5933 www.nobleministorage.ca

NOTE: Discounts available for 6 & 12 month rental agreements!

Sand & Gravel Washed sand & Gravel Specialized in: Filtering Golf course materials Sandblasting

403-824-3566 Box 420, Nobleford, Ab.

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Tax Installment Plan Now is the time to enroll in the Tax Installment Plan!! If you no longer have a mortgage or your taxes are not included in your mortgage payment, taxes can be paid in 12 monthly installments instead of the full amount in August (see sample form to the right). Call 824-3555 for more information; deadline for enrollment is January 1st . If you were enrolled in the plan for 2020, watch your mail for a new form they have all been sent out and must be returned by December 31, 2020.

You can pay the Town with Online Interac E-transfer! Set it up with the following information: Email: [email protected] Security Question: What is my account number? (you can find this number on the top right of your utility bill) Security Answer: 0000### Message Box: Enter Name of Property Owner, Street Address of Property, Account Number, What you are paying Taxes, Utilities or A/R *Please note: We require three business days to process payments* Visit the town website www.nobleford.ca or contact the office for more information . **You must provide us with the correct information or your transfer may be rejected and penalties applied.**

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A Song Was Heard At Christmas Christmas Long Ago Poem By : Timothy Dudley-Smith By Jo Geis

A song was heard at Christmas Frosty days and ice-still nights, To wake the midnight sky: Fir trees trimmed with tiny lights, A saviour’s birth, and peace on earth, Sound of sleigh bells in the snow, That was Christmas long ago. And praise to God on high. Tykes on sleds and shouts of glee, The angels sang at Christmas Icy-window filigree, With all the hosts above, Sugarplums and candle glow, Part of Christmas long ago. And still we sing the newborn King His glory and his love. Footsteps stealthy on the stair, Sweet-voiced carols in the air, Stocking hanging in a row, Let Every Day Be Christmas Tell of Christmas long ago. By Norman W. Brooks Starry nights so still and blue, Christmas is forever, not just one day, Good friends calling out to you, for loving, sharing, giving, are not to put away Life, so fact, will always slow… like bells and lights and tinsel, in some box upon For dreams of Christmas long ago. a shelf. The good you do for others is good you do yourself. [email protected] Page 16 www.nobleford.ca

All Town developed 24 lots in Nobleford Industrial subdivision are now sold and all have development or agreements on them. Sale prices for a developed serviced lot were $30,000 per acre. There was a slight profit to the Town of Nobleford. The recently paved roads were paid for 100% by the property owners. The Town is currently supporting potential future private Industrial lot development NE of Nobleford. This land is privately owner and in the County jurisdiction. Discussion continues with all interested parties. All Town developed 240 lots in Centennial Residential subdivision phase 1,2,3,4,5 are SOLD with 4 lots not having development on them until 2021. Lots were developed to City of Lethbridge standards and sold between $10,000 and $60,000. There is a net profit to Nobleford of 1.7 million dollars. The Town is in discussions with a private land developers regarding privately owned land east of Nobleford. We anticipate residential lots available in 2022.

Town Council has approved a draft 3 year operating budget that should 2020 seen many Property sales in Nobleford driving home maintain LOW property tax rates. Council Tax rate for 2021 is: prices up to above assessed values and near Lethbridge prices.

2021 Target mil Rate City of Lethbridge mill rates are Residential=11 Multifamily =15 Non -residential=24. #288-2020 MOVED BY Councillor Mans that the Nobleford target Property tax mill rate for 2021 is: to increase the Mill rate by .5 for all categories and a $50.00 increase to all Minimum Levies: Target Municipal portion Mill rate for 2021 2021 Target Farmland / Multi- Family Non- Machinery and Residential Residential Residential Equipment Municipal 1.500 2.500 3.500 3.500 In addition to the Alberta School Foundation Fund, and Seniors Foundation (Green Acres) requisitions the minimum amount payable as property tax for general municipal purposes on both developed and undeveloped property within the Town of Noble- ford shall be; -Two hundred ninety eight dollars ($298.00) or twenty cents ($.20) per sq. meter of land whichever is more and shall be applica- ble to all residential and farmland parcels, unless previous agreement is recognized as valid by the Town. -Eight hundred forty eight dollars ($848.00) per parcel or twenty cents ($.20) per sq. meter of land, whichever is more, shall be applicable to all for Non-Residential parcels.

2020 Compare Municipal tax $248,000 R-1 residential house: $248,000 non- residential (Industrial, commercial) This means that the $248,000 in Nobleford taxed at 1 mill= $ 248 Min Levy= $ 798 (3.0 mill = 2021 Municipal $266,000value ) portion of property tax $248,000 in taxed at 6.9 mill = $1711 8.5 mill = $2108 on a $250,000 may be $248,000 in taxed at 7 mill= $1736 9.0 mill = $2232 $375 $248,000 in Coaldale taxed at 8mill = $1984 10.5 mill = $2604 Over the past 10 years, $248,000 in Barons taxed at 11.0 mill $2728 11.0 mill = $2728 Nobleford has $248,000 in taxed at 4.6 mill = $1140 9.0 mill = $2232 maintained some of the $248,000 in Lethbridge City taxed at 8.6 mill = $2,132 20.0 mill = $4960 lowest tax rates in * add Green Acres (Senior housing) and ASFF (Education tax to all the above. Alberta for all property * these are other municipalities 2019 municipal tax rates, they will probably have increase mill rates in classes. 2020. http://nobleford.ca/services/assessment-taxation/ [email protected] Page 17 www.nobleford.ca

Complaints: The town office gets complaints about inconsiderate dangerous reckless drivers, speeding, stunt- ing drivers, cell phone distracted driving and more. We recognize your concern and want to stop this dangerous driv- ing behaviour as much as you do. Because we did not see what you did, we are the middle man, third party. In order for the town or RCMP to do anything we need to know details such as, get a license plate number, vehicle identifica- tion and colour, possible driver description, date time, location. This is a lot of information and if you can, try to use you phone camera to get pictures. You also ask the question about anonymous complaints. YES you can make an anonymous complaint, but in order to lay charges, the RCMP may require your statement for court, your choice. To those of you that we get complaints about, we ask that you take a moment to ask yourself if you are being considerate of others, driving safely. Maybe slow down, get off the phone, be a good citizen.

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Noble Street Christmas 2020 [email protected] Page 18 www.nobleford.ca Nobleford Sanitary Lagoon Upgrade. The new and upgraded sanitary sewage lagoon project north of Nobleford is now operational. This project started over 10 years ago with planning, design and funding concepts that included grant applications. The result is a sound infrastructure system that will support a growing Nobleford for many years. The final cost is near 3.5 million dollars. Since 2004, the Town of Nobleford has been saving part of your utility payments and putting the money in savings reserves that allowed Nobleford to be in a position to apply for grants. The town has received a 2.2 million dollar grant from the Alberta Government tax payer through Alberta Municipal Water/Waste Water Partnership. (AMWWP). The Town also allocated Federal Gas Tax Fund grant (FGT) and Alberta Municipal Sustainability (MSI). All this financial activity will be audited in the annual audit done by AVAIL.

Thank you to: MPE engineering, Nitro Construction , Dennis’ Dirtworxs Ltd., Alberta Provincial Government Tax Payer, Canadian Federal Government Tax Payer, Nobleford Municipal Government, Tax and Utility Payer, and Town of Nobleford Council, Administration and Staff for making this possible.

2020 2017 [email protected] Page 19 www.nobleford.ca

Nobleford 2021 Business License Renewal Do you need a business license? You probably do to be legal. Contact the town office for information. If you operate without a license there is a $100 fine. For safety reasons, Door-to-Door sales requires a Nobleford Day Permit valid for the specific day of canvassing. Always ask to see someone’s business license, if they do not have one; please direct them to the town office. The Town administration staff will renew business licenses in January; all businesses must ensure correct information is on file. Form can be found on the Town of Nobleford website. All forms/ information must be in the town office by January 15, 2021. http://nobleford.ca/wp-contenuploads/2013/05/2019-Business-License-Application-.pdf [email protected] Page 20 www.nobleford.ca