WPSS will be holding it’s AGM on Thursday, April 23,2026. The public is welcome to attend but only bona fide members are eligible to vote. Click on the link to view all relevant details.
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LUNCH with the ALBERTA VETERAN’S GUITAR BAND
WPSS will be hosting a luncheon social featuring the Alberta Veteran’s Guitar Band on Friday, February 6, 2026
LOCATION: Royal Canadian Legion
6 Tache St. St. Albert, Ab.
REGISTRATION: 11:30 – 12:00
LUNCH: 12:00 – 1:00
ENTERTAINMENT: 1:00 – 3:00
All are welcome! Cost is $5.00 per ticket for members, $10.00 for non-members. Payment at the door.
Please RSVP the office by January 30 780-428-8842
Letter From Madeleine Mant re Her Research Into Vaccination Attitudes
Some time ago Madeleine Mant, a researcher at the University of Toronto, approached WPSS about participation in a project she was conducting regarding country wide vaccination attitudes. The link below will take you to her letter to us and to her published article. I encourage you all to read this interesting piece!
November 3, 2025 Board Meeting – Reimbursement
Your board, after reviewing the current state of our finances, voted to increase the reimbursement limits for each member from $1500.00 to $3000.00. The updated claim form is here.
Your events coordinator is working on a February social with musical entertainment and August dinner theater date. Also on the docket, naturally, is our annual picnic in the park in July or August.
Full details will be posted as plans are finalized.
Petition Against the Provincial Government’s new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP)
The disabled community does not approve’: Edmonton man starts petition against ADAP
One man has started a petition against the provincial government’s new Alberta Disability Assistance Program (ADAP) which is scheduled to take over the Assured Income for the Severely Handicapped (AISH) program next summer.
“You’re starting from such a small pot, a small income to begin with, so any change is a big change relative to you,” said Darryl Learie, who has been relying on AISH for nearly 30 years. Learie has severe anxiety, chronic depression and is autistic.
Learie’s petition points out five main concerns with ADAP, including a $200 reduction in the monthly benefit and a reduction in the amount people can earn before the benefits are clawed back.
The information you need to know, sent directly to you: Download the CTV News App
“The more I look into the program, the more it concerns me,” he said. “I feel like I’m drowning and this petition is me flapping my arms trying to stay afloat.”
Learie initially had 900 signatures on the online petition before finding out that the province only accepts hard copy petitions. Now he has nearly 200 signatures.
“If I succeed with one thing, I want it known that the disabled community does not approve of the ADAP program,” he said.
I don’t have any information on where to sign this petition but when that becomes available I will post it here! Bernd
WPSS Interviews with Edmonton Media
WPSS had several requests for interviews as polio has made the news again. There is fear of resurgence of the virus with the anti-vax movement rampant here in Alberta. Several outlets did interviews. Below are the links.
WPSS Interview with Quinn Ohler of Global News: Interview
WPSS Interview with Bernie Hornung: Interview
DINNER THEATER
We will be doing a group event at Jubilations Dinner Theater again in October. Make your plans to attend.
DATE: Wednesday, October 22, 2025
TIME: Doors open at 5:00 pm, theater doors open at 6:00 pm
COST: $30.00 per member, $50.00 per non-member
SHOW: Abbamania: Back to the Disco Dimension
FULL DETAILS: POSTER
PAYMENT MUST BE RECEIVED BY OCTOBER 8
POOL CLOSURE
Please take note that the ACT pool will be closed for maintenance all of MARCH and APRIL, 2026.
Casino – 2027
We have received AGLC confirmation that we will be granted a casino in the 2nd quarter of 2027 (April-June). Specific dates are still forthcoming. If you are at all able, please put your name on the volunteer list. Many hands make light work! Contact the office at 780-428-8842.
August 18 BofD Meeting Highlights
Your Board of Directors met at St. Albert Legion on Monday, August 18.
There were a couple of highlights you should know about.
- Rick Meunier has been appointed as our interim Vice President to fill in until the next AGM.
- As I said in the previous post, we were considering closing our Saturday pool sessions due to very poor attendance.
- This is now confirmed as the city has amended our contract. We will no longer have the Saturday 4:00 pm pool time
- We as a society have pledged access to water therapy as part of our mission, therefore we will be subsidizing individual memberships at pool facilities of your choice. (City of Edmonton, YMCA. St. Albert or Sherwood Park rec centers, etc)
- The value membership for seniors at City of Edmonton small to medium sized recreation sites (includes the ACT Center) costs $442.00 for a 1 year membership. Therefore we will subsidize individuals for their pool fees up to a limit of $442.00 per year. Receipts will be required. This subsidy will not count against your $1500.00 reimbursement limit. This will go into effect as of September 2, when the new contract with the city begins.
- We will continue having the Tuesday sessions with a qualified exercise therapist present to lead the workout routines in a safe, adaptive manner. Here is the link to the Swim Program page for complete details
- Please take advantage of this opportunity to get out and to keep moving if you are able to do so!
ACT POOL SCHEDULE
Please be aware that your board is considering eliminating the Saturday scheduled pool time at the ACT center. The final decision will be based on the fact that the time slot is not being utilized. There appear to be only 2 people using the pool on an intermittent basis.
Following up on the above statement, the new pool contract with the city comes into effect September 1 and our Saturday time slot is now officially eliminated. Stay tuned for more news re some form of reimbursement for individual recreation center memberships to help us carry on with our water therapy.
If you have any thought regards this policy change please do get in touch with the office and voice your feelings.
780-428-8842
Lester Campbell
It is with heavy heart that I have to inform you that our long time WPSS member and friend, Lester Campbell has passed away. We send our heartfelt and sincere condolences to Donna and the Campbell family. Donna, know that the WPSS community is there for you.
Lester MacNeil Campbell of Edmonton, AB, passed away on Friday, August 15, 2025 at the age of 87 years. Left to cherish his memory are his wife Donna; children Beryl Clement (Ken Hanlin), Neil (Leanne), and Roxanne Wilson; eight grandchildren; three great-grandchildren; his sister Shirley Stensrud; and numerous nieces and nephews. Lester was predeceased by Albert Campbell, Donald Campbell, Tommy Campbell, Margaret Pike, Doreen Haugen, William Campbell, George Campbell, Bob Campbell, Stuart Campbell and their spouses. A service will be held at 11:00 am, Thursday, August 28, 2025 at the Round Hill Hall. To send condolences, please visit www.burgarfuneralhome.com.