Development, volunteers and vision shape Standard
By Fernando Moreno-Prado Times Contributor
The Village of Standard closed out 2025 with new leadership at the council table, steady infrastructure progress, and a slate of active community projects that signal continued growth for the small but vibrant community.
“We’re a small municipality but we can do a lot for ourselves and keep moving forward,” said CAO Yvette April.
The 2025 municipal election welcomed three new councillors. Brandon Duffala, Rhett Penny and Brian Pedersen joined the re-elected members Mayor Martin Gauthier and Richard Bryan to form the five-member council. Duffala serves as Deputy Mayor. Gauthier was unavailable for comment.
While no major infrastructure builds were completed in 2025, the village focused on essential repairs and maintenance, including sidewalk and street repairs and annual servicing of water, sewer and hydrant systems.
The village’s partnership with Connect Mobility to provide local internet services has proven successful and is now generating revenue for the municipality.
“It’s fast and reliable and affordable,” said April.
Funding was also secured for a municipal solar project, aimed at reducing electricity costs for municipal buildings and local non-profit organizations. In addition, the village received a grant for a building feasibility study to evaluate municipal facilities and explore ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
“If the weather keeps going the way it is, we might be ready as early as April,” said April. “It definitely has been challenging.”
Greenleaf Fuel continues to offer competitive fuel pricing comparable to nearby Strathmore, to which April points out that it is “sometimes even cheaper.”
The community grocery store, Standard Clover Farm, came under new management in 2025. Won and Jamie Lee now operate the store as a mother and son team, explains April. The store features local products, fresh baked goods, an on-site butcher, produce, dairy, dry goods, lottery services and liquor.
The Wheatsheaf Bakery and Grill was also welcomed as the new operator of the arena kitchen, adding to local amenities.
The village campground saw increased bookings after launching an online reservation system through Camp Spot.
The Ag Society enhanced recreational facilities with a new skate shelter at the outdoor arena, providing benches for skaters. The annual Skate-a-thon last February raised funds for the arena, while the concession building at the campground was re-sided.
Baseball remained active across all three community diamonds, and hockey continued to field teams in every age group.
The Rodeo Society faced weather-related challenges when its annual parade and rodeo were postponed, but celebrations were successfully held later on Canada Day. Gymkhana events ran throughout the summer and fall, and a new shelter was added at the rodeo grounds to host functions.
The local library reported strong attendance at its annual Golf Tournament and Ham & Oyster Supper fundraisers and is planning an outdoor garden space titled “Reading in the Green.”
The Standard Community Hall remained a popular wedding venue during the summer months, bolstered by its proximity to the campground, as stated in the Standard 2025 review document that was emailed. Its annual “Nashville Night” fundraiser also drew strong community support.
The Standard Lions Club donated and installed new “Village of Standard” signs at both the north and south entrances to the community. The Lions’ annual auction fundraiser raised more than $100,000, with proceeds earmarked for community projects.
Looking ahead, the Village Fire Department is set to receive new trucks in late 2026, replacing both its current fire engine and bush buggy. It is “an investment that will strengthen emergency response capacity for years to come” according to the review document.
From steady development and environmental initiatives to strong volunteer engagement and recreation programs, 2025 proved to be a year of progress and community pride for the Village of Standard.
April gives “a huge shout out to all the volunteers,” for which everything is made possible.