WESTLOCK – The Top 10 Impactful Events in 2024 ranged from leadership changes to wild animals but each event certainly caused reactions within the community.
1. Westlock’s new Mayor Elected in January
Mayor Jon Kramer was elected to the position of mayor of Westlock on Jan.11. Kramer took office after having served as a councillor since 2021.
Kramer believes in the people of Westlock and strives to maintain a caring, supportive community where community members look out for each other and feel safe.
2. Town of Westlock hit by cyber-attack
Westlock experienced a cybersecurity attack to their data system by hackers. The Town acted quickly and conducted a manual review to clearly understand what data had been compromised.
Cybersecurity incidents are on the rise. Personal attacks, and scams are also increasing in frequency and complexity.
The result being that organizations are investing more money and more effort on keeping their data safe.
3. Plebiscite vote passed
A majority of Westlock residents voted to restrict crosswalks to the white painted lines and to only fly flags representative of the municipal, provincial, or federal governments.
The vote was close with a total of 663 residents voting yes while a total of 639 residents voted no to the bylaw, a difference of 24 votes defining the bylaw.
“(I’m) just trying to encourage everyone to understand this within the wider lens of inclusion as a whole. It’s easy to look at it as a single issue but when you come at it from a council perspective, it’s part of branding, it’s part economic development, it’s part of everything when we talk about being an inclusive community,” said Kramer to Westlock News at the time.
4. Westlock County Responsible Animal Bylaw
Westlock County held three public hearing meetings to discuss the new responsible animal bylaw with many residents expressing their opinions.
The bylaw states a limit of two dogs for every resident of a hamlet, summer village or residential subdivision within the county and each dog requires a licence.
The bylaw includes noise guidelines, animal care expectations and vicious animal specifications of Westlock County.
The bylaw defines the County officers’ abilities and actions in animal reports including searches, capture, impoundment, surrender, and repeat offenses.
5 Co-op builds new cardlock in Westlock
The Town of Westlock sees economic growth with Pembina West Co-op’s brand new, state-of-the-art $4.1 million cardlock facility at the east end of town.
Pembina West Co-op broke ground on July 22, and were joined by board members, Town of Westlock Mayor Jon Kramer, CAO Simone Wiley and director of planning and development, Danielle Pougher.
The project was three years in the making and is the fourth cardlock facility for Pembina West Co-op. There are cardlocks in Barrhead, Mayerthorpe and Whitecourt.
6. Heritage Building remodel
Major renovations to the Heritage building took place in 2024 with interior upgrades to the HVAC heating system, exterior upgrades to building insulation efficiencies, and enhanced curb appeal.
The project was planned in two phases and was completed in June 2024.
“Of the $794,700 approved budget, $200,000 came from the Northern and Regional Economic Development program (NRED) and the rest was from Municipal Building Reserve,” said Wiley, to Westlock News.
7. Bear cub captured Halloween night released back into the wild
A black bear cub captured in Westlock in October 2023 on Halloween night had been cared for at the Alberta Institute for Wildlife Conservation (AIWC), north of Calgary.
Alberta Fish and Wildlife officers released the bear back into the wild on June 20.
“The release went very well. The bear left (AIWC) on June 19 and (spent) overnight near Edmonton and was released north of Fort Assiniboine on the morning of June 20,” said AIWC’s acting executive director, Katrina Terrill. “Fish and Wildlife will continue to monitor him over the next year to see where he goes.”
8. Meditation Wellness Centre Roof Collapse
Concern, shock and sadness went through the community when the roof collapse incident occurred on July 31 after an extreme windstorm event.
One life was lost, and several people were injured.
“We extend our deepest condolences to the family of the individual who lost their life. We also offer our heartfelt support to those who are recovering from injuries and to their loved ones who are providing them care and comfort,” said Reeve Wiese to Westlock News at the time.
“To the residents of Westlock County, and especially to the owner and staff of the Westlock Meditation Center, we share in your grief and sorrow. This incident has deeply impacted our community, and we stand together in mourning and support.”
“We commend the Emergency Medical Services, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), and all the firefighters from Busby, Pickardville, Clyde and Town of Westlock for their prompt and professional actions during this difficult time,” said Wiese.
“Your dedication and swift response are greatly appreciated and have been a beacon of hope and care amid the tragedy.”
9. Pellet gun shooting
Westlock RCMP arrested two youths after a drive-by shooting with a pellet gun at R.F. Staples Secondary School on May 30.
The Pembina Hills School Division stated on their website a pellet gun had been fired by a student at R.F. Staples School, resulting in a student being struck in the shoulder.
“Fortunately, the injured student suffered only minor injuries and did not require medical attention," the notice stated.
“The students responsible for the incident will be facing disciplinary measures and comprehensive support will be provided to all involved.”
The youth, who can’t be named due to the Youth Criminal Justice Act, has been ordered to comply with a mandatory DNA order as part of his guilty plea to assault with a weapon and was given an absolute discharge.
10. Bubbles for Lexah
May 14 a tragedy occurred, taking the life of Lexah Makey, a five-year-old Westlock girl, in a two-vehicle collision on Highway 2 north of the Village of Clyde.
Westlock RCMP and Fire Services as well as Westlock County Fire Services responded to the scene of the collision on Highway 2 north of Township Road 602 in Westlock County.
The Westlock Soccer Association organized the Bubbles For Lexah, community event, held at Westlock Elementary School, on May 28.
The family was grateful for the support from the community.
Everyone grieves the loss of this beautiful soul gone too soon.
Honourable Mention: Class of 74 50th reunion
May 4 was a night full of memories, reminiscing, and laughter at the 50th anniversary reunion party for Westlock High School’s Class of 1974. There were 51 graduates in attendance for the reunion.
It was a very special evening with a fantastic dinner, plenty of pictures and stories from 50 years ago and music that meant the world to those who attended.
