Proclamations

A proclamation is an official public announcement or declaration issued by the Town of Vegreville intended to increase public awareness of an important issue, specific matter, or specific event. A proclamation may recognize a day, week or month.

Vegreville Town Council recognizes the importance of public awareness campaigns, events, art and culture celebrations and organizations' special honours. Town Council also recognizes the value of proclamations as a way to promote, educate, inform and bring public awareness in these areas. Proclamations declared by the Town of Vegreville are based on a framework that ensures all requests are dealt with consistently.

To request a proclamation, fill out the Proclamation Request Form below

Please note, you must include a draft copy of the proposed full proclamation with your form. If no draft is provided, the proclamation will not be considered.

*A complete request form must be submitted at least three weeks in advance of the proclamation date.

Proclamation Criteria

Every request requires a completed Proclamation Request Form accompanied by a draft copy of the proposed full written proclamation.
A completed request form must be submitted at least 3 weeks in advance of the proclamation date.
If no draft copy is received, the proclamation will not be considered.
The Town of Vegreville may edit and revise the wording of the proclamation at its discretion.
The Town will not provide media coverage for proclamations.
Proclamations will not be put onto a council meeting agenda and will not be read out at a council meeting.
A request for proclamation will not be considered if it:
- is determined to be of political controversy, religious beliefs or individual conviction;
- is determined to be intended for commercial or profit-making purposes;
- advocates discrimination, hatred, violence or racism;
- is contrary to the Town of Vegreville’s policies or bylaws.

Example Proclamation

PROCLAMATION TITLE

WHEREAS, [insert reason or occasion, e.g., September is recognized across Canada as Literacy Month, highlighting the importance of reading, learning, and lifelong education]; and

WHEREAS, [insert background, e.g., literacy strengthens communities by empowering individuals, supporting workforce development, and enhancing quality of life]; and

WHEREAS, [insert local relevance, e.g., the Town of Vegreville acknowledges the contributions of local schools, libraries, and community organizations in promoting literacy for residents of all ages]; and

WHEREAS, [insert collective value, e.g., fostering literacy helps ensure that every person has the opportunity to reach their full potential and actively participate in community life];

NOW, THEREFORE, I, [Name], Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim the month of [ Insert date of proclamation: Day, Week or Month] 20XX as proclamation title.

2025 Proclamations

December 2025

Human Rights Day

WHEREAS, recognition of the inherent dignity and the equal and inalienable rights of all persons is the foundation of freedom, justice and peace in the world;

WHEREAS, it is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all persons are equal in: dignity, rights and responsibilities without regard to race, religious beliefs, colour, gender, gender identity, gender expression, physical disability, mental disability, age, ancestry, place of origin, marital status, source of income, family status or sexual orientation;

WHEREAS, multiculturalism describes the diverse racial and cultural composition of Alberta society and its importance is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and a matter of public policy;

WHEREAS, it is recognized in Alberta as a fundamental principle and as a matter of public policy that all Albertans should share in an awareness and appreciation of the diverse racial and cultural composition of society and that the richness of life in Alberta is enhanced by sharing that diversity; and

WHEREAS, it is fitting that these principles be affirmed by the Legislature of Alberta in an enactment whereby those equality rights and that diversity may be protected.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Mayor Tim MacPhee, by and with the advice and consent of the Council of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim December 10, 2025 as “Human Rights Day” in the Town of Vegreville as we observe the protections of the Declaration of Human Rights, the Canadian Human Rights Act, and the Alberta Human Rights Act.

October 2025

Purple Thursday

October 16, 2025

WHEREAS, the Canadian Royal Purple recognizes the intersection of Acquired Brain Injury and the incidence of Interpersonal Violence which effects as high as one in three women in Canada; and

WHEREAS, the third Thursday in October each year will be declared as a special day of connection between the Canadian Royal Purple, our communities and Women’s shelters across Canada to stop the violence; and

WHEREAS, the Canadian Royal Purple has adopted brain injury awareness and prevention as their official cause; and

WHEREAS, the Vegreville Royal Purple Lodge #125 is a valuable asset to our community.

NOW THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim October 16, 2025, the third Thursday of October 2025, as Canadian Royal Purple’s National Purple Thursday.

October 2025

National Depression Screening Day

October 9, 2025

Counselling Alberta is committed to providing affordable and professional counselling services that help build better lives for Albertans. Since 2005, National Depression Screening Day (NDSD) has raised community awareness by offering a free and anonymous online screening tool for depression.

WHEREAS, Depression is the most treatable mental health issue, early treatment promotes faster recovery and prevents long-term effects on individuals and their families;

WHEREAS, In 2024, of the 2,498 Albertans who participated in the NDSD online screening test, 63 percent were recommended to seek further evaluation;

WHEREAS, During the week of October 6-12, Albertans are encouraged to check in on their mental health and take the free online screening test at areyoufeelingok.com

WHEREAS, CN and Operation Lifesaver have requested City Council adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim October 9, 2025 as National Depression Screening Day

September 2025

Rail Safety Week

September 15 - 21, 2025

WHEREAS, Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 15 to 21, 2025;

WHEREAS, 261 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2024; resulting in 68 avoidable fatalities and 58 avoidable serious injuries;

WHEREAS, educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws) will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries cause by incidents involving trains and citizens; and

WHEREAS, Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership whose aim is to work with the public, rail industry, governments, indigenous communities, police services, media and others to raise rail safety awareness;

WHEREAS, CN and Operation Lifesaver have requested City Council adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim September 15 to 21, 2025, as Rail Safety Week in Vegreville, and urge my fellow citizens to recognize the importance of rail safety and the risks of trespassing and not obeying signs and signals at grade crossings.

July 2025

Collector Car Appreciation Day

July 11, 2025

WHEREAS, The Specialty Vehicle Association of Alberta (SVAA) and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) in the US have declared July 11, 2025 as International Collector Car Appreciation Day; and

WHEREAS, automotive enthusiasts are celebrating the month of July as Automotive Heritage Month across Canada; and

WHEREAS, Alberta’s rich automotive heritage has broad appeal to classic car hobbyists and the public, which is demonstrated through car shows, cruise nights and afternoon drives; and

WHEREAS, automobile clubs enrich Alberta's communities by serving as active participants in local festivals, parades and celebrations; and

WHEREAS, the collector car community contributes to Alberta’s economic and social well-being by hosting events and car shows that raise funds for local charities and engage Alberta’s communities; and

WHEREAS, the Government of Alberta wishes to celebrate the passion of Albertans for driving, restoring, preserving and collecting an important part of Canada’s history; and

WHEREAS, the Proclamation of Collector Car Appreciation Day will give Albertans the opportunity to recognize the vibrant car collection community in Alberta;

NOW, THEREFORE, I Mayor Tim MacPhee, by and with the advice and consent of the Council of the Town of Vegreville hereby declare July 11, 2025, to be Collector Car Appreciation Day.

May 2025

Alberta Rural Health Week

May 26, 2025 - May 30, 2025

WHEREAS, More than 18 percent of Albertans live in rural and remote regions, yet fewer than seven percent of family physicians and other healthcare providers practice in these areas; and

WHEREAS, This distribution highlights the critical need for accessible healthcare in rural areas and the steadfast dedication of healthcare providers serving in non-urban communities; and

WHEREAS, Alberta Rural Health Week is a time to recognize and celebrate the outstanding commitment of healthcare providers and volunteers who work tirelessly to provide essential care to Albertans living in rural and remote communities; and

WHEREAS, Rural healthcare providers deliver vital medical services in areas with limited alternatives, easing the burden of long-distance travel and reducing wait times; and

WHEREAS, Rural healthcare providers often build strong, long-term relationships with patients, fostering trust and continuity of care by serving remote populations, they play a key role in bridging the healthcare gap between rural and urban communities; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim May 26 - May 30 2025, as Alberta Rural Health Week in Vegreville, and urge my fellow citizens to recognize the crucial role played by healthcare providers in our community.

April 2025

National Volunteer Week

April 27, 2025 - May 3, 2025

WHEREAS, 24 million Canadians give their time through formal or informal types of volunteering, contributing close to 5 billion volunteer hours per year; and

WHEREAS, volunteers in the Town of Vegreville & the County of Minburn mentor our children, support those feeling isolated, beautify our green spaces, and fundraise for our charitable organizations; and

WHEREAS, volunteers in the Town of Vegreville & the County of Minburn have continued to give their time and talents to support families, friends, neighbours, and strangers - people standing up to systemic racism, and sharing insights on how to create a more just and equitable society; and

WHEREAS, the Town of Vegreville & the County of Minburn’s volunteers are individuals, families, workers, retirees, and community members of all ages and backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, the collective result of the work done by our volunteers is that the Town of Vegreville and the County of Minburn are more desirable places to live; and

WHEREAS, fundraising, tutoring, delivering hampers or food, yard work, connecting with seniors, serving on boards or committees, organizing food drives, coaching, and supporting local non-profits; and

WHEREAS, volunteers support essential organizations in the Town of Vegreville and the County of Minburn, including Agricultural Societies, 4-H Clubs, VALID, Christmas Bureau, Preschool Association, Elks & Royal Purple, Warwick Ladies Club, Lions, Rotary, Kinsmen & Kinettes, Seniors Sunshine Club, MD of Minburn Foundation, Heritage House, Crisis Association, VegMin Learning Society, Vegreville Food Bank, Heather Curling Club, Lavoy Action Society, and KidSport; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, and I, Roger Konieczny, Reeve of the County of Minburn, do hereby proclaim April 27 to May 3, 2025, as National Volunteer Week, and urge my fellow citizens to recognize the crucial role played by volunteers in our communities.

2024 Proclamations

April 2024

NATIONAL VOLUNTEER WEEK

April 14 - April 20, 2024

WHEREAS, 24 million Canadians give their time through formal or informal types of volunteering, contributing close to 5 billion volunteer hours per year; and

WHEREAS, volunteers in Vegreville & County of Minburn mentor our children, support those feeling isolated, deliver meals to seniors, and fundraise for our charitable organizations; and

WHEREAS, Vegreville & County of Minburn’s volunteers are individuals, families, workers, retirees, community members of all ages and backgrounds; and

WHEREAS, the collective result of the work done by our town’s volunteers is that (your city or town) is a more desirable place to live; and

WHEREAS, fundraising, tutoring, building or delivering hampers, delivering food, cutting grass, shoveling walks, calling a senior, being a board, coalition, or committee member, organizing a food drive, coaching, strengthening the non-profits in our community; and

WHEREAS, organizations in Vegreville & County of Minburn that rely on volunteers include such fundamental organizations as the Agricultural Societies, VALID, Christmas Bureau, Preschool Association, Elks Lodge & Royal Purple, Warwick Ladies Club, Lion’s Club, Rotary Club, Kinsmen & Kinette Clubs, Seniors Sunshine Club, MD of Minburn Foundation, Heritage House, The Crisis Association, VegMin Learning Society, Vegreville Food Bank Society, Heather Curling Club, Lavoy Action Society, KidSport; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Tim MacPhee, by and with the advice and consent of the Council of the Town of Vegreville, and I Roger Konieczny, Reeve of the County of Minburn, do hereby proclaim April 14-20, 2024, as National Volunteer Week, and urge my fellow citizens to recognize the crucial role played by volunteers in our community.

May 2024

WORLD FAMILY DOCTOR DAY

May 19, 2024

WHEREAS, citizens trust and rely on their family doctors to provide health care that is both timely and of the highest quality; and

WHEREAS, we recognize and appreciate that 80% of health care in Alberta is delivered in communities by family doctors and primary health care providers; and

WHEREAS, the foundation of an effective health care system for Alberta starts with strong primary health care; and

WHEREAS, Family Doctor Day provides an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the central role family doctors have in the delivery of personal, comprehensive, and continuing health care for people throughout their lives; and

WHEREAS, Family Doctor Day also presents the opportunity for governments, health care organizations, other professionals, and patients to recognize the vital role family doctors have;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Tim MacPhee, by and with the advice and consent of the Council of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim May 19, 2024, as World Family Doctor Day in Vegreville, Alberta.

June 2024

SENIORS' WEEK

June 3 - June 9, 2024

WHEREAS, we recognize seniors have made, and continue to make many contributions to strengthen our province, our Town, our communities, and daily lives, and

WHEREAS , seniors are a vital part of our families, giving generously of their wisdom, experience, and love, and

WHEREAS , a more positive attitude toward aging is creating new opportunities for seniors, and

WHEREAS , it is appropriate that a special week be set aside to celebrate with seniors;

THEREFORE, I, Mayor Tim MacPhee, by and with the advice and consent of the Town of Vegreville Council, do hereby proclaim the week of June 3 to 9 2024, to be Seniors’ Week in the Town of Vegreville and call upon all residents to join in celebrating our seniors.

PRIDE WEEK

June 9 - June 15, 2024

WHEREAS, Vegreville is a welcoming, diverse, an inclusive community where we are pleased to celebrate and support Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Questioning, Two-Spirit, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, Polysexual, and other identities; and,

WHEREAS, this marks the fourth annual raising of the Rainbow Pride flag in the Town of Vegreville in a show of solidarity to the LGBTQ2S+ community; and,

WHEREAS, Pride Week brings visibility to the region's community in order to illuminate and celebrate human diversity, captivate the public, inspire and foster harmony and acceptance;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Mayor Tim MacPhee, by and with the advice and consent of the Council of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim June 9 - 15, 2024, as Pride Week in Vegreville, Alberta.

July 2024

COLLECTOR CAR APPRECIATION DAY

July 12, 2024

WHEREAS, The Specialty Vehicle Association of Alberta (SVAA) and the SEMA Action Network (SAN) in the US have declared July 12, 2024 as International Collector Car Appreciation Day; and

WHEREAS, Municipalities and provinces across Canada and The United States are observing the tribute to the collection and preservation of historic, classic and specialty vehicles as well as preserving the technological achievements and cultural heritage of automobiles.

NOW, THEREFORE, I Mayor Tim MacPhee, by and with the advice and consent of the Council of the Town of Vegreville hereby declare July 12, 2024, to be Collector Car Appreciation Day.

September 2024

RAIL SAFETY WEEK

September 23 - 29, 2024

WHEREAS, Rail Safety Week is to be held across Canada from September 23 to 29, 2024;

WHEREAS, 229 railway crossing and trespassing incidents occurred in Canada in 2023; resulting in 66 avoidable fatalities and 39 avoidable serious injuries;

WHEREAS, educating and informing the public about rail safety (reminding the public that railway rights-of-way are private property, enhancing public awareness of the dangers associated with highway rail grade crossings, ensuring pedestrians and motorists are looking and listening while near railways, and obeying established traffic laws) will reduce the number of avoidable fatalities and injuries cause by incidents involving trains and citizens; and

WHEREAS, Operation Lifesaver is a public/private partnership whose aim is to work with the public, rail industry, governments, police services, media and others to raise rail safety awareness;

AND WHEREAS, CN and Operation Lifesaver have requested City Council adopt this resolution in support of its ongoing efforts to raise awareness, save lives and prevent injuries in communities, including our municipality;

THEREFORE, I, Mayor Tim MacPhee, by and with the advice and consent of the Council of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim September 23 – 29, 2024, as “Rail Safety Week” in the Town of Vegreville.

December 2024

INTERNATIONAL DAY OF PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES

December 3, 2024

WHEREAS, December 3rd is recognized worldwide as International Day of Persons with Disabilities, a day dedicated to promoting the rights and well-being of persons with disabilities in all areas of society; and

WHEREAS, this day provides an important opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges faced by individuals with disabilities, and to celebrate their invaluable contributions to our community; and

WHEREAS, the inclusion of persons with disabilities in every aspect of community life, including employment, education, and public services, is vital to building a more accessible, equitable, and thriving society; and

WHEREAS, Vegreville is committed to fostering inclusive environments where all individuals, regardless of ability, are given the opportunity to participate fully in the workforce and contribute to the economic and social fabric of our community; and

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Tim MacPhee, Mayor of the Town of Vegreville, do hereby proclaim December 3rd, 2024, as International Day of Persons with Disabilities in Vegreville, and encourage all residents, businesses, and organizations to recognize and support the contributions of persons with disabilities in our community and beyond.