Council Profiles
Reeve Tony van Rootselaar
tvanrootselaar@mdspiritriver.ab.ca
Born and raised in the Peace Country, I have called the MD of Spirit River home for most of my life. I currently operate a 3,100-acre grain farm within the boundaries of the MD and Saddle Hills County.
This year marks the 30th anniversary of my farming career in the MD of Spirit River. There have been ups and downs; however, it is a journey I would take a second time. It has been a rewarding life to be sure.
On a personal level, I have been involved with Kitakaze martial arts for over 25 years, helping train hundreds of local kids and adults. It has been a privilege to help them find that inner athlete that is in us all. I have also travelled extensively to six continents, creating friendships, memories, and connections that will last a lifetime.
I have served 12 years on council, chairing Central Peace Fire Rescue and the Central Peace Medical Services Corp since its inception. After three terms, I also continue to sit on the Board of Directors with both the Alberta and Prairie Oat Growers Associations, providing the opportunity to interact with heads of international corporations, ambassadors, and numerous provincial and federal officials. I hope to continue using this experience for the betterment of our entire region.
During the summer months, like many Canadians, when the time permits, you will find me enjoying our lakes and rivers.
As Reeve for the M.D. #133, I represent the following Boards;
To be announced soon.
Deputy Reeve Dean Wark
dwark@mdspiritriver.ab.ca
Originally from a mixed farm in East Central Alberta, I have resided in the Peace Country since 1994. My wife and I, married for 32 years, live on a hobby farm in MD #133, where we care for our animals and enjoy outdoor activities such as camping, travelling, and motorcycling.
My career started in the Oil and Gas sector in 1987, and over nearly four decades, I‘ve gained broad experience across Western Canada and the Territories. Currently, I am a Managing Partner and Senior Vice President at Solution Services Inc.
Community involvement is important to me: I have coached minor hockey and baseball, volunteered with several organizations, and helped organize the annual Spring Breakup Dine and Dance fundraiser since 2012, which has raised over $1.5 million for Local initiatives.
Since joining the Central Peace Natural Gas Co-Op in 2014, I served as a board director, then Chairperson since 2018 onward. In 2023, I became President of the Rycroft Ag Society, working alongside committed colleagues to support local communities.
I am passionate about fostering sustainable development and honouring Rural Alberta’s legacy for future generations. It is vital to acknowledge our region’s history and actively pursue opportunities that build a positive future for our municipality.
As Deputy Reeve for the M.D. #133, I represent the following Boards:
To be announced soon.
Councillor Evelyn Bzowy
ebzowy@mdspiritriver.ab.ca
My family moved to Rycroft in 1973 when my Dad & Mom (Harry & Leona Hartley) purchased the Rycroft Hotel as a family business.
I graduated from Spirit River Secondary High School & later Mount Royal College in Calgary & successfully received my Certificate for Legal & Oil Administrative Support.
During my work career, I worked a short time at Procter & Gamble in GP before moving to Rycroft, where I worked as the ATB Branch Assistant to the Accountant. Later, I was asked if I would consider coming to work for the “MD”. Being young & not a farm girl, I got quite the laugh when I thought I was coming to work for a “Medical Doctor”! Well, I ended up working for the “MD of SR 133” for about 18 years as their Secretary Treasurer Assistant. Then, I moved onto my last work calling – a 23-year career as the Grande Spirit Foundation Housing Manager, which included managing the old Pleasant View Lodge and the Provincial Government’s rural housing Units in Spirit River, Rycroft, Wanham, and Eaglesham - mainly focusing on housing needs for our communities’ seniors. This was the most challenging and rewarding of all my careers as it involved communication & collaboration with various Health agencies and others, including the individual and families, and problem-solving of various needs. I retired from GSF in 2023.
Boards I have been on included the Central Peace Health Board & the AHS Mistahia Regional Health Board. I was also one of the originating members of the Central Peace FCSS.
I have been involved over the years with helping my husband, Stan, with both grain and cattle farming. Additionally, Stan served for 23 consecutive years as a Councillor for the MD, and because of both of our longstanding relationships with the MD 133 over the years, the growth and progress of this municipality have always been incredibly important to me.
Our family has grown from two sons and one daughter to two more, our cherished daughters-in-law, and four grandchildren who are the "joy of our lives". My hobbies, "other than spoiling our grandchildren & then giving them back to their parents," include cooking, gardening, and yard work.
I firmly believe our newly elected Council has a common goal of working together towards the betterment of the MD of Spirit River #133, and I look forward to the directions it takes us!
As Councillor for the M.D. #133, I represent the following Boards:
To be announced soon.
Councillor Shelley Rozecki
srozecki@mdspiritriver.ab.ca
I was born in the Holy Cross Hospital, lived in Spirit River until our family moved to SW 28 77 6 W6; the land was owned by my great-grandparents, grandparents, and now my father, Lloyd Buck.
I have been volunteering for years, mostly for schools and youth sports. I was part of creating the Woking School Foundation. This was a necessary organization to help support shortfalls in funding at the school. I served six years as treasurer.
My husband and I love to travel to warm destinations and golf as much as we can at our local course.
My 34-year career with AFSC was rewarding. I was able to build relationships that I will treasure forever, and the information shared is invaluable. Assisting agricultural producers in their risk management decisions was my most important role.
As Councillor for the MD, I represent the following boards:
To be announced soon.
Councillor Bernie Schoorlemmer
bschoorlemmer@mdspiritriver.ab.ca
I have been actively farming full-time in the MD of Spirit River since the late 1980s, when my brother and I took over the operation of the family dairy farm. Along with my wife Sue, and sons Brenton and Aaron, we now operate a large-scale grain farming operation with most of our owned and rented land in the MD of Spirit River.
After graduating from the local high school, I attended the University of Alberta and pursued a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and came back to the farm full-time immediately afterward. While the farm evolved from a primarily dairy operation to a large-scale commercial field crop production farm, he always made time to contribute to local community projects and sports and has held active roles in many organizations, including Peace Region Forage Seed Association, Central Peace Seed Cleaning Association, Alberta Pulse Growers Commission, and the CN Agricultural Advisory Council.
As Councillor for the MD, I represent the following boards:
To be announced soon.