Skip to content

Bashaw in 2021: a year in review

The year 2021 had some highs and lows, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact businesses and individuals. However, the Bashaw community banded together and pulled off some truly impressive events despite difficulties and obstacles. There was celebrations and triumphs and hardships and loss as well.

The year 2021 had some highs and lows, with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continuing to impact businesses and individuals. However, the Bashaw community banded together and pulled off some truly impressive events despite difficulties and obstacles. There was celebrations and triumphs and hardships and loss as well.

Here are some of the top local stories covered by the Bashaw Star in 2021.

January

- Bashaw town council rescinded its policing special tax bylaw because it was found to be in contradiction of the Municipal Government Act.

- The Central Veterinary Clinic in Bashaw installed two new blood testing machines, radically improving diagnostic time for critical cases.

- The Bashaw Star wrote a feature on the band Prairie States, that filmed a music video in town a couple of years ago.

February

- An interview with former Mayor Penny Shantz, reviewing the past year and a look forward at upcoming projects.

- Mirror’s Whistle Stop Cafe owner Chris Scott received his first order to comply with public health measures. Another Mirror restaurant owner, Annie May of Mae’s Kitchen, gave an opposing view.

- Alberta’s minor hockey season was officially cancelled.

- Three of Sydney Hunter’s close friends wrote a tribute to her memory after her tragic death the month before.

- A Bashaw restaurant, The Noble Fox, pushed back against restrictions, announcing it was opening for dine-in service. The owner of John’s Gym also planned to open.

March

- Bashaw School designated a star in memory of librarian and long-term staff member Marjorie Boden. The certificate and her photo joined others on the school’s memorial wall.

- Bashaw School teacher Kyle McIntosh pledged to dye his hair colourful shades as an incentive for a Grade 9 leadership class fundraiser.

- Battle-River Crowfoot MP Damien Kurek discussed western alienation during a virtual town hall.

- Dr. Stanley Read, from Bashaw, was recognized for his work in HIV research.

April

- Battle River School Division announced it wouldn’t be piloting the new draft K-6 curriculum.

- The Government of Alberta reverted to Step 1 of their reopening plan.

- Town council decide to advocate for local access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

May

- The Bashaw and District Chamber of Commerce decided to postpone their annual Razzle Dazzle Day, traditionally held in June.

- Alberta Health Services issued a statement about its injunction against the Whistle Stop Cafe owner and all other organizers of illegal gatherings and rallies that breach COVID-19 public health orders.

- PolyAg Recycling asked town council for permission to drill a well for their water needs. Council decided to get more information before making a decision.

- Local crime statistics indicated that Bashaw had a 20 per cent decline in crime in 2020.

- The Noble Fox opened an outdoor patio, “The Fox Den,” but the owners remained concerned about the future of their business.

June

- Central Veterinary Clinic completed their renovations and planned to expand their staff.

- A delegation from the Bashaw Retreat Centre made a presentation to council to propose a new Indigenous family retreat centre. Administration responded that facility wasn’t zone properly for a retreat and community engagement was needed.

- Bashaw School held a parade through town and a graduation ceremony for the class of 2021 at the Bashaw Ag Grounds.

- A residential school survivor from Maskwacis shared her story.

- Bashaw residents placed teddy bears on their doorsteps in memory of the 215 children found in a mass grave in Kamloops, B.C.

July

- Fire works sparked off at Rochon Sands on Canada Day.

- Bashaw Meats and Sausage, a landmark local business, passed to new owners.

- Town council denied Bashaw Retreat Centre’s development application.

- Hometown Bashaw artists, Kyle and Derek Simmers, rehabilitated the arena mural.

August

- Ty Wilson returned to his hometown of Bashaw and is selling homes as a real estate agent after playing for the Edmonton Wildcats.

- Hometown Days festivities took over Main Street on Aug. 20 and 21.

September

- The Town of Bashaw started to receive nomination forms for candidates for the 2021 municipal election.

- Rural hospital bed closures were expected to end soon.

- Profiles were published in the Bashaw Star of the candidates for the Battle River-Crowfoot constituency for the federal snap election.

- Conservative incumbent Damien Kurek was re-elected on Sept. 20.

- The new owners of Bashaw Meats and Sausage, the Hunker family, had their camper trailer stolen.

- Dustin Hemingson was appointed as the new Bashaw fire chief.

October

- A historical heritage marker in honour of the first Hungarian settlers in the Manfred District was dedicated in a ceremony at St. Michael’s Cemetery on Oct. 3.

- The Bashaw Star published profiles for all the candidates in the municipal election.

- Bashaw United Church dedicated its memorial garden.

- Bashaw’s new mayor Rob McDonald was elected by acclamation.

November

- Annual Bashaw Bucks shop local program kicked off.

- Donalda’s Cody Cassidy won his sixth title at CFR47.

- Bashaw Grade 2 students raise money to help with Iqaluit’s contaminated water.

- Bashaw Community Theatre put on a production of Musical Theatre International’s “All Together Now!”

December

- Camrose MLA Jackie Lovely speaks on “Noah’s Law.” The family had briefly stayed in Bashaw.

- The Bashaw RCMP charge a male with attempted murder following a bizarre set of circumstances involving one male stopping to give a ride to another male, both of no fixed address.

- Two local ranchers won awards at the Canadian Western Agribition’s Beef Supreme.

- Holiday celebrations were held in town, including the Parade of Lights and the Festival of Trees.

- A story was published on Bashaw School’s new principal, Randy Wiberg.



Emily Jaycox

About the Author: Emily Jaycox

I’m Emily Jaycox, the editor of Ponoka News and the Bashaw Star. I’ve lived in Ponoka since 2015 and have over seven years of experience working as a journalist in central Alberta communities.
Read more