Red Deer
Trevor Thomas will lead organization formed for advocacy and development of sport and events – Central Sport
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Article submitted by Central Sport
Central Sport Announces New CEO, Trevor Thomas, and Welcomes New Board Members
Central Sport’s Board of Directors is pleased to announce it has named Trevor Thomas as its new CEO effective March 2023. Thomas brings with him 25 years of experience in post-secondary as an Instructor, Chair, and Associate Dean as well as almost a decade of coaching experience in the Alberta Junior Hockey League.
“Our Board of Directors is thrilled to introduce Trevor Thomas into this new role with Central Sport. His expertise and commitment will allow Central Sport to continue to grow our mission to be the voice for sport in Central Alberta, connecting sport organizations through sport advocacy and development, sport hosting and event development, and sport inclusion and celebration.” says Russ Wlad, Board Chair. Thomas is well known in the community and transitions from a Board Director to this new role. He succeeds Scott Robinson, who is now the CEO of the Red Deer Chamber of Commerce
“Being a Board member on Central Sport for the past year, I see how important this organization is in Central Alberta”, stated Thomas, “Local Sport Organizations need support more than ever coming out of COVID . Our Mission to be the voice for sport in Central Alberta, connecting sport organizations through three distinct operational pillars: sport advocacy and development; sport hosting and event development; and sport inclusion and celebration helps fill a gap in our region.”
Additionally, Central Sport strengthens its Board of Directors by appointing five new board members: Shawna Pearman, Rick Polutnik, Evan Hardy, Renae Clark, and Patrick Callan. Each of these new board members brings with them unique credentials, experience, and perspective to inspire growth in community development of sport in Central Alberta. They join current Board members Chair Russ Wlad, Past Chair Allan Ferchuk, Trent Rix, Lori Schiller, Todd Thiessen, and Patrick Wigmore.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, we are proud to welcome these five individuals to our organization. They each bring with them tremendous value and contributions in their respective fields with a shared focus on excellence and collaboration,” says Wlad.
As the Board of Directors continues to serve Central Sport and the Central Alberta community, diversity of skills and backgrounds of its members are key factors in influencing the growth, awareness, and collaborative opportunities Central Sport provides for local sport organizations and the community.
“I am thrilled with the strength and diversity of our Board. Everyone here is looking to make an impact and help Local Sport organizations in Central Alberta. New Board members were elected during the March Board Meeting and began serving at the end of March.
For more information, visit https://centralsport.ca.
ABOUT CENTRAL SPORT: Formed as a legacy of the 2019 Canada Winter Games in Red Deer, Central Sport is committed to connecting Central Alberta sport to build on the momentum created by the Games and to position Central Alberta as a leader in sport.
Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team
Alleged Human Traffickers arrested in Red Deer, Montreal, and Edmonton
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Human trafficking suspect arrested in Red Deer, July 2024
From Alert, the Alberta Law Enforcement Response Team
Three human traffickers arrested in Project Endgame
Three men have been arrested and stand accused of running a human trafficking operation that stretched across Canada; operating throughout Alberta, British Columbia, Saskatchewan, and Quebec.
Project Endgame was a year-long investigation led by ALERT’s Human Trafficking unit, and also relied on the assistance of the Edmonton Police Service, RCMP, and the Quebec joint forces Anti-Pimping team known as EILP.
Arrests and search warrants had taken place in Edmonton, Montreal, and Red Deer. A total of 23 charges related to human trafficking offences have been laid against Clyde Elien-Abbot, 31, Kevin Dorcelus-Cetoute, 31, and Jean Rodnil Dubois, 31. Elien-Abbot was arrested on January 31, 2025 in Edmonton, while the other two accused were arrested on July 23, 2024.
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Peavey Mart Centrium
Westerner Park Reflects on the Impact of Peavey Mart’s Closure
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Westerner Park acknowledges the recent announcement of Peavey Mart closing all its locations across Canada, and the significant impact this will have on our community.
Peavey Mart has been the naming sponsor of the Centrium since 2021, a partnership that has helped create lasting memories for thousands of Central Albertans. Their support extended beyond their name on the building—Peavey Mart embraced our community by participating in activities during Westerner Days and supplying essential items that brought these events to life.
“Our partnership with Peavey Mart exemplifies the kind of meaningful relationships that can have a lasting impact,” said Shelly Flint, CEO of Westerner Park. “While their closure is undoubtedly a loss for the community, we are grateful for the support they’ve provided over the years and remain committed to finding the right partnerships to continue serving Central Alberta.”
As Westerner Park navigates this transition, the organization remains as a hub of Central Alberta. This includes not only hosting more events and attractions on the park but also finding new ways to connect with the community. “Whether it’s collaborating on events outside of our grounds or encouraging our team to participate in local initiatives as volunteers, our focus remains on strengthening our ties with the people and organizations that make this region so vibrant,” Flint added.
Westerner Park is actively seeking businesses and organizations that share a vision of fostering growth and connection within the community. Any parties interested in exploring partnership opportunities are encouraged to reach out.
ABOUT WESTERNER PARK
Westerner Park is Central Alberta’s largest tradeshow, agricultural, sports, entertainment, and convention facility. A not-for-profit organization and agricultural society, Westerner Park typically generates $150 million annually in economic activity, hosting over 1,000 events and 1.5 million visitors each year.
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