Town of Viking Council Members
Back row from left to right, Councillor O'Toole-Balaban, Mayor Yakiwchuk, Councillor Lefsrud.
Front row from left to right, Councillor Buttner and Councillor Hafso.
To learn more about Viking Town Council, scroll down for Councillor profiles.
The positions of Mayor and Councillors are at-large elections, meaning that each person elected represents the Town as a whole and not a particular section of the Town. The Town of Viking does not have a ward system. Council Meetings are held in Council Chambers, in the Town Administration building. The open session of the Council Meeting commences @ 1800 hours and members of the public are welcome to attend. Council meeting minutes are posted to this web site once approved by Council.
It is legislated under the Municipal Government Act (MGA) that municipalities within the province of Alberta are accountable:
To provide good government, To provide services, facilities or other things that, in the opinion of Council, are necessary or desirable for all or part of the municipality, and To develop and maintain safe and viable communities.
Council has developed governance policies to ensure Council provides good government and conducts its business in compliance with legislative requirements and best practices. In addition to this policy framework, Council is required to adhere to its Procedural Bylaw. The Procedural Bylaw outlines the decision making process followed by Council.
Council Governance Policies
Council Procedural Bylaw
The responsibilities of a member of Council are many. Besides attendance at regular meetings of Council, each member of Council sits on a number of Boards and Committees. These appointments may be to either Town of Viking Advisory Boards and Committees or External Boards and Committees with Regional Partners.
There are 15 boards and committees with Council-representation. Elected officials are appointed to specific boards and committees for one-year terms during the organizational council meeting held in the fall.
| Name of Board or Committee | Description |
|---|---|
| Beaver Ambulance Society | To provide ambulance services to member municipalities within Beaver County. |
| Beaver Municipal Solutions | To promote the advancement of related industries for waste reclamation. |
| Viking/Beaver Family & Community Support Services | To promote and facilitate use of volunteers to enhance strengthen and stabilize family and community life. |
| Viking Municipal Library | To provide comprehensive and efficient library services. |
| Beaver Foundation Management Agency | To provide accommodation in a home like atmosphere for Senior Citizens. |
| Viking Economic Development Committee | To promote, expand and enhance the economic development of the Town. |
| Facilities User Meeting | To update and coordinate the activities of the community facilities and develop a master plan for the Town’s recreation facilities. |
| Kalyna Country | To Promote Tourism in North-eastern & Central Alberta. |
| Highway 14 Regional Water Services Commission | To provide a safe, secure supply of potable water to the Communities within Beaver County. |
| Battle River Alliance for Economic Development | To pursue opportunities for growth & development through regional cooperation and collaboration. |
| Community Partners for Wellness | To provide for an exchange of information from the various helping professions within the area. |
| Beaver County Municipalities Joint Council Meeting | To discuss common issues and promote regional cooperation. |
| Beaver Emergency Services Commission | To provide Fire Protection and Emergency Management Services within the limits of the Town of Viking. |
| Beaver County Victim Services | To provide Information, Support and Referrals to Victims of Crime and Tragedy. |
Mayor, Laura Yakiwchuk
Email: Mayor Yakiwchuk
- Mayor Yakiwchuk has lived in Viking since 1999.
- Has been involved in the community at various levels, including Recreation Coordinator for the Town of Viking for 11 years, personal banker at ATB for 4 years, and currently the owner/operator of Java Blossom Flowers Ltd. for 6 years.
- Sat on numerous boards and committees and is very excited to start this chapter of her life.
- Has an 11 year old son and a yellow lab
- First term on Council and as Mayor.
Councillor James Buttner
Email: Councillor Buttner
- Moved to Viking 14 years ago to find his wife (Lynette Ozubko). They have 4 children, the youngest is involved in the Holden 4-H Club. They moved his mom to Viking Villas 4 years ago.
- Has experience managing businesses including those in trucking, welding and the oilfield.
- Has been involved with many community organizations in various capacities, including Holden Sea Cadets, Viking in the Streets, Cloverlodge Stampede, Viking Lions, and he helps out with Viking Ag Society functions as well as the Bruce Stampede.
- Some of his strong points are managing, teaching, helping, mentoring and brining people together. Some of his weaknesses are being outspoken!
- His focus is on supporting Viking businesses, growing the town, and bringing people together.
- First term on Council.
Councillor Cindy Lefsrud
Email: Councillor Lefsrud
- Councillor Lefsrud was born and raised in Edmonton, AB and moved to Viking in 1993 where she and her husband raised 5 children.
- Their children all attended and graduated from Viking School. They are blesses with 4 beautiful grandchildren.
- She has driven school bus for over 10 years, has previously operated a small catering company, worked for the government and managed different businesses.
- Previously served on council for 2 years (one as a Councillor and one as Mayor).
Councillor Debbie O'Toole-Balaban
Email: Councillor O'Toole-Balaban
- Councillor O'Toole-Balaban came to Viking 19 years ago and raised her two children. She was fortunate to meet and marry her husband here as well
- Is a strong supporter of the community and has been involved in sports teams, service groups, and volunteerism since she came to Viking.
- Is eager to start her second term on Council and continue the work that was started four years ago. She looks forward to working with the new members of Council and moving Viking forward in this new term.
Councillor Gary Hafso
Email: Councillor Hafso
- Councillor Hafso was born and raised in Viking and is proud to be part of the three generation of family to live in Viking. After graduating from Viking School he attended NAIT and completed the courses to become a journeyman Parts Technician.
- Is married to Veronica and they have 3 grown daughters and six grandchildren. At present he manages the Bumper to Bumper in Viking.
- Is active in the community with the Viking Legion, Viking Ag Society, Viking Municipal Library and the Cloverlodge Association.
- Was first elected in February 2018, this is his second term on Council.
