MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS January 6 & 13, 2021
Keeping you informed of the services, business and development that affect YOU!
#1 Speed Limit Map Under Review – M.D. Council accepted the new Speed Limit Map as information on January 6, and directed Administration to come back to Council with recommended speed limit changes that reflect the current policy adopted on May 27, 2020. The map depicts the various speed limits throughout the municipality. Many areas have speed reductions based on road conditions or topography challenges. The map is currently being reviewed by the Infrastructure Services Department to recommend changes that are based on the Speed Limit Policy framework. Although the province prescribes that rural roads have a maximum speed limit of 80 km/h unless otherwise posted, the municipality has the authority to set alternate speed limits.
#2 Kinosoo Adventure Park Update — Council agreed to add a Giant Swing to the Kinosoo Adventure Park Design on January 6. The Swing will cost $75,000, with an additional cost of $10,000 for the regulating authority and an annual $3,000 operating cost for the apparatus.
#3 Bonnyville Regional Airport Passenger Shelter Approved – On January 6, Council approved a request from Cenovus Energy for the company to install a temporary trailer at the Bonnyville Regional Airport. The 12x60-foot trailer will house its passengers during the winter months, or until the current COVID-19 restrictions are lifted. Pandemic restrictions currently limit the occupancy level in the airport terminal building to eight people. Cenovus Energy is presently running multiple scheduled flights two days a week where each flight carries up to 20 passengers, who then must board a bus to the company’s facility on the Air Weapons Range. Cenovus will cover any insurance requirements for the trailer and pay for the cleaning services.
#4 Seniors Transportation Grant Amended – Council adopted Policy No. 1.005 Seniors Transportation Grant Policy on January 6, amending the policy to indicate that “Mileage is paid for a trip of at least 150 kilometres (one way) outside the municipal boundaries. This means the official boundaries of the M.D., but also includes Cold Lake, Bonnyville and Glendon.”
#5 Telecommunication Tower In Contention – CCL Networks was informed by letter on December 18, 2020, that the Development Permit approval for a telecommunication tower constructed on NW 29-60-6-W4M is no longer valid until the tower is relocated within the required setbacks from property lines as per the Agricultural District, or the company applies for, and receives, an approval from Municipal Planning Commission for a variance to the setbacks. Additionally, CCL Networks was informed that the approved access stated on the permit to NW 29-60-6-W4M is not the access currently being used, and is now considered to be an illegal access.
#6 Funding Support – STARS Air Ambulance received $30,000 in funding support from Council on January 6. Previously, Council had agreed to provide $10,000 in annual funding to STARS. The contribution was missed in 2019 and 2020, so Council agreed to maintain the $10,000 funding for 2021 and to provide the sponsorship for the missing two years as well. In the previous five years, STARS has made 162 Air Ambulance flights out of the area. At the January 13 meeting, Council agreed to provide Age Friendly Cold Lake with a Community Action Grant of $5,000 for their February 12 fishing tournament. The tournament is raising money for the Cold Lake Men’s Shed – a place for men to come together to build various projects. While open to all ages, the intent of the Men’s Shed is to reduce isolation for senior men.
#7 Election Bylaw Amendments – Election Bylaw 1754 was given Final Reading on January 6 to allow for additional payment methods for the 2021 Municipal Election nomination form deposit. Candidates can now pay by cash, certified cheque, money order, debit card or credit card. The modification is only in effect for the 2021 general election year.
#8 Correspondence – At the January 13 meeting, Council agreed to send a letter to the Minister of Alberta Environment and Parks (AEP) regarding concerns about the possibility of shutting down Walleye fishing in Moose Lake. The restriction of fishing for Walleye on the lake would affect the annual Walleye Fishing Derby and could have a negative effect on tourism in the area. AEP is hosting a number of online sessions in regard to changes to the sportfishing regulations. Visit www.alberta.ca/2021-22-sportfishing-regulations-engagement.aspx to take a survey and share feedback on the proposed changes. Council directed staff to send a letter to all municipalities in Alberta to gauge interest in starting a Western Canada municipalities association. Council directed staff to send a letter to MLA David Hanson requesting the province loosen COVID-19 guidelines to allow businesses to reopen. The municipality would then be willing to enforce said guidelines. Reeve Greg Sawchuk and Council are concerned about the long-term effects on small business in the Bonnyville/Cold Lake region and their ability to reopen after the State of Public Health Emergency has ended. Council will send a letter of support to the County of Smoky Lake for their endeavor to have the North Saskatchewan River (NSR) designated under the Canadian Heritage Rivers System. The designation will not affect the ability to develop in proximity to the river, but will help promote and celebrate the natural, cultural, and recreational value the river offers. The NSR watershed reaches to the southeast boundary of the M.D.
#9 Briefly – At the January 13 Council meeting, directed staff to bring back two options for a new Riverhurst Bin Site – one option that covers using the M.D.’s quarter section of land south of Highway 55 on Range Road 433, and another that covers buying a piece of land south of the Riverhurst Hall. Council accepted the Provisions of Cost Analysis of Fire Apparatus report, with the recommendation that staff bring back options implementing effective use and placement of equipment, and the possibility and cost of training M.D. mechanics to perform maintenance and inspections on the trucks. Council also asked for an investigation into the feasibility of giving the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority control to make its own decisions about equipment, procedures, and operations. Construction on the fire halls in Fort Kent and Ardmore is moving forward, with the installation of the overhead doors. Interior work is also progressing in both locations. CAO Luc Mercier said, not including outside work that will have to be done in the spring, the buildings still require six to eight weeks of work. Council will attend the virtual Agricultural Services Board provincial conference on January 21.