The Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) is courting the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMD&C) however, they might not be interested.
    Last week the AUMA passed a resolution that its members support merger talks with the AAMD&C.
    “We have a long history of cooperation and collaboration between the AUMA and AAMD&C. This vote from our members shows the commitment and belief they have in the value of collaboration,” says president-elect Barry Morishita. “It is also very clear that the AUMA and our individual members need to make an even greater effort to build a better relationship between other organizations and our members. The reality is that the requirements of the MGA for municipalities to work together will not go away and our organizations will play an important role in facilitating these conversations.”
    However, the previous week the AAMD&C passed a resolution at their conference to the effect that it is not interested
 Reeve of Starland County Steve Wannstrom, while he sees there are areas where they work together well, he feels that counties could lose their ability to represent rural concerns.
    “We can all work together on things where we have the same interests, but otherwise, there are too many big differences that it would never work,” said Wannstrom.
    “There is a lot of programs we could work together on, we have similar interests and we can get better pricing on things, but ultimately too many bigger issues that we are too different in. We wouldn’t have the vote, we would lose every time.”
    Morishita says what the resolution by the AUMA means that it will be on their books for the next three years and should the AAMD&C ever wish to explore the idea, it would be open to talks.
    He feels there is still a possibility.
    “On the advocacy side, I think there are some practical applications to it. When the province has to deal with one entity when it comes to infrastructure programming and funding programs, they don’t have to play one against the other, they can come with one solution,” he said, adding he hopes they can get to the table.
    “We think there is a lack of understanding of what we want to accomplish. We don’t want to swallow anybody or take away a rural voice, when in fact a lot of members are part of rural communities,” he said. “I think we have to work a little harder to get our message through.

    After 70 years in business in Drumheller, Wade’s Jewellery is taking a close look at its future.
    Last week the local business owners advertised that it is for sale.
     Bruce Wade explains the family-owned business is looking at possibly selling. However, if the business does not sell, he will continue to operate the business providing the great service and quality that had been offered for the last seven decades.
 Bruce explains his family came from the Halkirk area and owned a grocery store in Rosedale for many years. It was his uncle Walter that took the leap into the jewellery business. Walter was a pilot during World War II and when he returned home, took watchmaking in training, and began in the jewellery store.
    They incorporated two stores for some time all within a block of the current building. There was a Wade’s Jewellery beside their current location as well as the Jewel Box where the Royal Bank was located.         They amalgamated into the location on the corner of Third Avenue and First Street West in a building once  shared  with Rutz’s Agency. After Rutz’s left, they occupied the whole building before moving to their current location.
    In 1957, Bruce’s father Bernie decided to join his brother working in the jewellery businesses.
    “All the families worked in it or through it at some point in time,” said Bruce.
    In 1976, Bernie became the owner, continuing the family legacy, and for the last 40 years, the business has carried on. Today Doug and Bruce are active in the day-to-day operations. Both have trained extensively in the craft of watch repair and goldsmithing. They have endured through a number of jewelry businesses coming and going.
    They have built their reputation on quality and service, and hope the tradition continues with a new owner.
    He says they have been weighing the future of the business for quite some time.
    “It has been a difficult decision for both of us, but now I think we are in a good position to get it going,” said Doug.
    He adds the expertise the family has could be a benefit for those interested. They are willing to train or work on contract.
    “It’s a unique field,” said Doug.