July 2025: Referral Bonus Reminder, New Tax Breaks, Staff BBQ Quiz Answers and Summer Weather Preparedness
Posted on Jul 16, 2025
Referral Bonus Reminder!
Don’t forget… HHF offers a $250 referral bonus if you refer someone to work here. After the New Hire has been employed for 6 months, the bonus is yours.
Know someone who’d be a great fit? Send them our way and get rewarded!
New Tax Breaks for Canadians and Albertans
The federal government is moving forward with the proposal to deliver tax relief for Canadians by reducing the lowest marginal personal income tax rate from 15 per cent to 14 per cent, effective July 1, 2025.
Nearly 22 million Canadians are expected to benefit from this measure. The middle-class tax cut would reduce the tax rate that is applied to the first $57,375 (in 2025) of an individual's taxable income, regardless of their income level. This measure is expected to deliver over $27 billion in tax savings to Canadians over five years, starting in 2025-26.
In Alberta, The Financial Statutes Amendment Act, (Bill 39) was introduced to create a new lowest personal income tax bracket for 2025. A new personal income tax bracket of eight percent will apply to the first $60,000 of income for 2025. The first half of the year's income was taxed at 10%. In order to achieve the 8% for 2025 for the second half of the year, the prorated rate will be 6%.
You may notice these changes in your pay cheques starting in July 2025.
2025 Staff BBQ Quiz Answers:
- How many apartment buildings does Heartland manage? We have eight apartment buildings.
- How many households do we support with the Rent Assistance Benefit? 151-200
- What kind of fort was Fort Saskatchewan originally? The NWMP (North West Mounted Police) founded Sturgeon Creek Post in 1875 as a police outpost. The name was later changed to Fort Saskatchewan.
- What year did our newest lodge building open? The new Clover Bar Lodge opened in January 2021.
- How many site maintenance staff work for Heartland? 10, or 11 if you count the summer student
- What does 'Saskatchewan' mean? This name stems from 'kisiskâciwanisîpiy,' or 'swiftly flowing river', the Cree name for what is now the North Saskatchewan River.
- About how many seniors live in our lodges? 400
- How many building addresses make up the Silver Birch site? There are five building addresses! 906 Bison Way (Silver Birch Haven), 910 Bison Way (SBL residences & kitchen), 914 Bison Way (SBL & HHF offices), 918 Bison Way (Silver Birch Manor), and 920 Bison Way (Silver Birch Court).
- Which government department do we fall under? Until last month we fell under the Department of Seniors, Community & Social Services. As of May 16, with a name change and some restructuring, we now fall under the Department of Assisted Living & Social Services. Either answer was accepted as correct (but you received bonus points if you got the current name right!)
- What percent of their income do our subsidized tenants pay for rent? 30%
- How many years has your Portfolio Manager worked for Heartland? Terri (CBL) - 16 years. Linda (SBL) - 25 years. Brenda (DTL) - 9 years.
- Where was the original Clover Bar village in comparison to Sherwood Park? The original village of Clover Bar was located north-west of Sherwood Park, approximately at the current location of the interchange of the Yellowhead and the Anthony Henday. The village cemetery is still located north of the Yellowhead between Sherwood Drive & Broadmoor Blvd.
- What does TRAB stand for? Temporary Rent Assistance Benefit
- What is our CEO's name? Nancy Simmonds
Summer Weather Preparedness
Northern Alberta is no stranger to changing weather. Summer brings risks like wildfires, smoke, storms, and drought. Here’s how to keep your home and family safe.
Wildfires & Smoke
- Stay informed: Sign up for Alberta Emergency Alerts.
- Clean air indoors: Use a HEPA air filter or set up a “clean room” with a portable purifier.
- Go-bag ready? Pack essentials: medications, masks, pet food, documents, water, and snacks.
- Know your exits: Plan how you’d evacuate your home if needed.
Storms & Power Outages
- Secure outdoor items like chairs, toys, and tools before a storm.
- Trim trees near your home to prevent storm damage.
- Charge devices and have flashlights, batteries, and a weather radio ready.
- Surge protect electronics and unplug during lightning.
Drought & Water Use
- Collect rainwater for gardens.
- Water early or late to reduce evaporation.
- Fix leaks around taps and toilets.
- Use mulch to help soil hold moisture.
Household Emergency Kit
- Water (4L per person per day)
- Non-perishable food
- Flashlights & batteries
- First-aid kit & prescriptions
- Portable charger
- Important documents
- Disposable masks for smoke
Resources
- Fire Bans: albertafirebans.ca
- Air Quality: AQHI - Map
- Emergency Info: Emergency preparedness | Alberta.ca