A new year is here, but first, let’s look back at 2022

At the close of every year, I am tasked with reviewing my articles from the previous 360-ish days, gathering pictures we’ve utilized, and putting together one massive article that encompasses all of it. It was hard to choose, but here is a brief look at 2022.

As they have for many years now, the Whitecourt Taekwondo Club kickstarted the year before most of us had changed out of our comfy Santa pyjamas. For over thirty years, they have celebrated a new January by putting on their uniforms, most without socks and shoes, and exercising outside. There have been some unbelievably cold events, and 2022 was one of them. At about -25, the picture shows the group moments after completing their tradition, running to the warmth of the open door.

A couple of weather anomalies wreaked havoc last year. On January 22, days after a cold snap, the temperature rose to +9, as captured on the big screen outside Percy Baxter Middle School. Wonky temperatures kept happening, which further exacerbated the problem. Covered culverts and melting snow left massive puddles, which then froze, creating a nightmare for everyone.

Through January and into early February, massive pushback on COVID-19 restrictions, both provincial and federal, led tens of thousands of Canadians to fuel up their gas tanks and drive. Some Whitecourt and area folks made it to Ottawa to peacefully protest in person, while others peacefully protested in Whitecourt, holding weekend rallies and driving around with signs. Those participating had many reasons for doing so, and several MLAs made public statements supporting them, calling for an end to restrictions. Within a few weeks, most restrictions in Alberta ended, letting people return to a more normal state of life.

In mid-February, Woodlands County Council decided to change up an important title. Wanting to reflect the difference between a county and a town, the elected group voted unanimously to change Mayor John Burrows’ title to Reeve John Burrows.

After a hiatus, the Whitecourt Potter’s Guild held their annual Chili Bowl Fundraiser in support of Tennille’s Hope Soup Kitchen. Beautiful, handcrafted bowls made by the loving hands of local artists were filled with delicious homemade chilli to support a great cause. On Thursday, April 7, excited buyers stopped into the soup kitchen to pick up their lunch. “It’s always a pleasure whenever we do this because we feel honoured that people want our pottery bowls. We are pretty proud of ourselves and are so happy that it goes to such a great cause,” said Guild volunteer Janice Janzen.

The Whitecourt Food Bank saw its numbers increase over 2022. The need for support has risen along with inflation as Whitecourt families struggle. Able to help in one of the essential areas, food, the community stepped up in a big way to keep food on the tables of Whitecourt families. Roughly 75 percent of the people who accessed the food bank in 2022 have jobs but still need help, and one big way to get it is through perishable boxes that are handed out multiple times a week. With prices/inflation increasing steadily with no signs of slowing down, the need will rise in 2023, and the Whitecourt Food Bank will continue to rely on the community for help.

At the end of April, Whitecourt Minor Ball (WMB) board members excitedly revealed they had received funding through the Jays Care Foundation to do work down at Graham Acres. The Toronto Blue Jays provided funding through their foundation totalling 1.2 million to sixteen Canadian communities, including Whitecourt. The $70,000 Whitecourt received, plus a little extra pitched in from the Town of Whitecourt, helped make WMB’s field of dreams come true.

In May, Tracy Stark and her friend and therapist Sandra Young Kolbuc released their powerful book Gross Misconduct: Hitting From Behind. The novel recounts Stark’s unspeakable loss of her beautiful sons Ryder Patryk and Radek Stryker in December of 2016 at the hands of their father. Stark put pen to paper and shared her profound grief and the courageous path she now walks on behalf of her angels. Her path is about bringing forth much-needed change. “I want the system to look at the children, and I don’t know why they are overlooked because, in many circumstances, the children pay the ultimate price,” spoke Stark. She said it’s also about giving others hope. “Losing a child is one of the hardest things you can get through in life, but there is a light. I want to share that message with the world.”

In the summer, the Town of Whitecourt unveiled a new venture called Park Parties. Each month, a community park was chosen for a fun evening of neighbourhood building. Residents came out to play games and meet and greet with police officers, councillors, firefighters, and Town staff. The partnership with the Rotary Club of Whitecourt, Whitecourt Crime Prevention and the POWER Group of Whitecourt was such a hit that more events will be happening this summer.

In July, Whitecourtians were treated to colourful skies. Not only were there beautiful sunrises and sunsets, but those awake overnight were dazzled by the aurora borealis. Vibrant greens, purples, and pinks that typically stick closer to the north were on display throughout the summer.

The new roadway for Rotary Park kicked off in 2022, sparking debate over the removal of the trees that used to divide the park and downtown. The street had been in the plans for years. After scoring a large amount of grant funding for the project, the Town of Whitecourt went ahead with the road, which will not only give a second entrance/exit to the area, increasing safety, but will encourage town visitors to drive through the downtown, and hopefully stop and shop.

Sticking with Rotary Park, a brand-new attraction was approved in 2022. A Jumbo Jumper will be making its grand debut in the summer of 2023 and will undoubtedly become a hot spot of fun. It was hoped that the massive pillow-like structure could be installed late last summer, but timelines didn’t pan out.

The 2022 Remembrance Day ceremony found a temporary home at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre. With renovations still underway at Central School, using the gymnasium wasn’t an option. The switch was well-received as more people could fit in the larger space.

On October 1, enthusiasts from the Whitecourt Skatepark held Skate Jam ’22. The thrilling event featured crazy jumps that left spectators speechless, like the duo somersault pictured. Kids of all ages took part, showcasing their abilities on their wheels, from bikes to scooters and skateboards, and it was all kinds of awesome. Mid-October, Ecole St. Joseph School received an outdoor facelift. An area of land beside the school, near the main parking lot, was a water collector and utterly unusable. After a request to the town council, the area was levelled and seeded. In 2023, it will finally see use as a soccer pitch.

Being named the first-ever Celebrating Oil Country Community will be a highlight for Edmonton Oilers fans in Whitecourt. On Wednesday, October 19, Oilers’ alumni Kevin Lowe and Jason Strudwick, Oilers Entertainment Group (OEG) staff including president Stew MacDonald, radio voices Bob Stauffer and Jack Michaels, Hunter the mascot, and the Orange & Blue Ice Crew arrived in Whitecourt to spend the day. The icing on a memorable day was playing La Bamba at the Scott Safety Centre that night after the Whitecourt Wolverines kicked butt against the Bonnyville Pontiacs.

Through the ups and downs of 2022, Whitecourtians continually supported one another. All one needs to do is search the Whitecourt Ask Away for posts about someone needing help. Countless residents quickly offer to help or provide items, eager to bless someone in need. Whether it’s fundraiser tickets to support a sports team, a toy drive for the Whitecourt Christmas Hamper, a fundraiser for the Whitecourt Food Bank, or generosity for any other organization in town, people come through and support it. That, my friends, makes this place one-of-a-kind, and everyone should be proud of that. Cheers to 2023!