MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS April 13, 2022
Keeping you informed of the services, business, and development that affect YOU!
#1 2021 Financial Statement – Council approved the 2021 Audited Financial Statement as presented by Metrix Group LLP. The statement shows the M.D. is in good financial standing, with no significant concerns regarding financial position, performance, or practices. A copy of the statement will be available on the M.D.’s website by the end of April.
#2 Planning & Development Updates – Bylaw Nos. 1794 and 1795 received Second and Third Reading. These newly passed bylaws designate Council as the Development Authority and Subdivision Authority. These authorities were formerly assigned to the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC), which was made up of the members of Council. This change streamlines the processes dealing with development and subdivision applications. Council also gave Second and Third Reading to Bylaw No. LU 573, which will reflect the changes in authority in the M.D.’s Land Use Bylaw. Second and Third Reading of Bylaw No. 1793 Amending and Repealing Bylaw was also given, which allows Administration to amend Bylaw Nos. 1787 and 1748 to mirror the designation update from MPC to Council. It also repeals Bylaw No. 1344, which established the commission.
Council gave First Reading to Bylaw No. 1798 for a Road Closure, Cancellation, and Sale. A public hearing for the bylaw will be held May 25 at 10 a.m. in Council Chambers. Specifics of the affected road can be found in the Council agenda package at md.bonnyville.ab.ca.
The department’s first-quarter report showed 20 building and development permits were issued in the first three months of the year, for a development value total of $2,391,300. There were two new subdivision applications received, while 58 Safety Codes permits (plumbing, gas, electrical, etc.) were issued.
Council directed Administration to bring information to a future meeting regarding the possibility of increasing allowances for beekeeping in the municipality.
#3 Parks, Recreation & Culture Updates – Kinosoo Ridge closed out a successful snow season with about 27,000 visits recorded. The restaurant showed an increase in revenue due to the lifting of COVID-19 restrictions. The Green Chair has been dismantled and removed.
Council approved the construction of new sections of the Moose Lake trail at a cost of just over $1.76 million, coming in under the budgeted $2 million. Council agreed to remove three provisional portions of the new trail due to lower speed limits in rural subdivisions where the trails were to be built.
Campground reservations have opened online, with over 900 reservations received in the first week.
#4 Briefly – Council approved a request from the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) to issue a tender for the replacement of five fire trucks (two pumpers and three tankers) over the next three years at an estimated cost just over $2.9 million. This process will allow the BRFA to save two to three percent per truck, not including inflation.
Second and Third Reading was given by Council to Bylaw No. 1797, a bylaw to amend the Master Rates Bylaw. The amendments will reflect changing the sale price for used culverts from the M.D. to residents to zero and include fees for the M.D.’s new commemorative picnic table and bench program.
Council gave First Reading to Bylaw No. 1799 which would see the M.D. loan the Bonnyville and District Leisure Facility Corporation up to a maximum of $300,000 to complete renovations at the C2’s Agriplex. The repayment of the loan would be spread out over five years with a 2.71% interest rate.
Council agreed to fund a $100,000 payment for policing costs from the 2022 Operating Budget. The unbudgeted expenditure was due to an unexpected invoice from the province to cover the policing costs associated with the annexed lands formerly known as ID 349. Council also directed Administration to draft a letter to the three urban neighbours requesting funding support to cover the increased policing costs.
Through a Memorandum of Understanding, Council agreed to a long-term commitment with the Bonnyville Gear Grabbers to allow the club to use the Bonnyville Regional Airport for its annual drag racing weekend event. This year’s event will be held July 22 to 24.
Council approved the purchase of a Renn Tri Pup gravel trailer from Western Sterling Trucks Ltd. at a cost of $56,900. It will be funded from the 2022 Capital Budget.
Council agreed to increase the budget for water distribution pumps at the Fort Kent and Ardmore water stations from $120,000 to $145,000. Supply and demand issues have resulted in increased costs. The additional $25,000 will come from the Equipment Replacement Program.
Recordings of the Council meetings can be found on the M.D.’s YouTube Channel. Follow us on Facebook.