MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS March 27, 2019
Keeping you informed of the services, business and development that affect YOU!
#1 North Shore Heights Trail Project Open House – Municipal District of Bonnyville Council is hosting an Open House with SE Design for the North Shore Heights Trail Project on Tuesday, April 9 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The Open House will provide the opportunity for residents and adjacent landowners to see the location of the trail, offer feedback and speak to M.D. staff and project managers. Council also agreed to budget up to $15,000 to do the preparation work and analysis for the final connection of the North Shore Heights Trail from the water treatment plant to Vezeau Beach. At a future Council meeting, Parks Recreation and Culture will also be presenting an overall M.D. trail plan that Council can adopt.
#2 Outdoor Recreation Park Concept Review Open House – Council approved an Open House for the review of draft concepts for the Outdoor Recreation Park proposed for just outside of the Town of Bonnyville. The Open House is scheduled for Monday, May 6 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Shaw House on Vezeau Beach. The format will begin with a presentation from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by an informal discussion. Attendees will have an opportunity to provide feedback on the different concepts. Consultants RC Strategies + PERC will provide an overview of the Outdoor Recreation Park Feasibility Survey results, as well as some draft recreation park concepts to Council at the April 17 Committee Meeting.
#3 Second Reading For Cannabis Bylaw – Council gave second reading to Bylaw No. 1704 – Public Consumption of Cannabis Bylaw. The bylaw provides a listing of specific locations and areas where the consumption of cannabis would be prohibited. It states “A person shall not consume cannabis in any public place, workplace, public transportation vehicle, or any private motor vehicle, with the exception of those being used as a temporary residence, such as a parked recreational vehicle (RV), within the municipality regardless of whether or not a ‘No Consumption of Cannabis’ sign is posted.” Similar to tobacco legislation, the bylaw places some onus on a proprietor, or employer, to take initial steps to curb the consumption of cannabis in a public place. Offence penalties range from $200 to $400. The bylaw will be given third and final reading at the next Council meeting.
#4 Grant Partnership Approved – Council approved partnering with the Cherry Grove Recreation and Agricultural Society on their application to the 2019 Farm Credit Canada (FCC) AgriSpirit Fund. The $25,000 project the Society is submitting is for the repair and maintenance of their building and grounds. In order to qualify for the program, the Society has to partner with a charity group or municipality that agrees to receive any awarded funding on their behalf and provide confirmation of receipt to the FCC.
#5 Parks, Recreation And Culture Update – Starting construction on the Kinosoo Ridge Adventure Park is contingent on an $800,000 federal grant, which may not be awarded until Fall 2019. The M.D. is currently working on some background approvals for the project which will take most of the summer. The municipality will not be able to proceed with the tender until the grant is awarded, as any contract signing prior to the grant being awarded would affect the M.D.’s eligibility.
#6 Planning and Development Update – First Reading was given to Bylaw No. 1705 to close all of Road Plan 5044JY within NE 6-63-1-W4M containing 4.08 hectares (10.08 acres) more or less. The road allowance was realigned under plan 952 0756. The old Road Plan 5044JY was not closed during the realignment in 1995. The road closure will facilitate the registration of the old road as a drainage ditch.
#7 Transportation and Utilities Update – The M.D. received a $350,000 Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP) Grant – Local Road Bridge Component for Bridge File #72618 Concrete Bridge Replacement Project that was completed last year.
#8 Funding Support – Council approved a $500 contribution to the Bonnyville Victim Services Mock Collision Event on April 23 to assist with the Centennial Centre rental costs.
#9 Briefly – Council provided a letter of support to the Cold Lake Library for their funding application to the Alberta Culture Days Grant Program to host a cultural event the last weekend of September. The library’s event will include arts and culture demonstrations, ethnic food, museum articles and art displays.