MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS October 12, 2022
Keeping you informed of the services, business, and development that affect YOU!
#1 Municipal Planning Decisions – Council approved three discretionary use applications at the meeting. Two applications were for the installation of 90-foot, free-standing telecommunications towers on the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range. The third application was for a renewal for a family care unit. Council also approved the subdivision of a 16-acre parcel from an agricultural quarter section. Details of the applications can be found in the meeting agenda at md.bonnyville.ab.ca under the Council tab.
#2 Planning & Development Updates – Council gave Second and Third Reading to Bylaws 1804 and 1805, adopting the updated Ardmore and Cherry Grove Area Structure Plans (ASPs). The ASPs will help guide future growth and development in the hamlets. Copies of the ASPs can be found on the M.D.’s website under the Planning & Development Department.
Council gave First Reading to Bylaw No. 1811 Aurora Borealis Estates Area Structure Plan. This bylaw will repeal the previous ASP and establish a new plan containing amendments to help facilitate the subdivision and land use near the M.D.-owned Bonnyville Regional Airport.
#3 Briefly – Council passed Bylaw No. 1809 Emergency Management Bylaw. The bylaw outlines how the M.D. responds to emergencies, establishes the Emergency Management Plan, Emergency Management Agency, and the Emergency Advisory Committee, and agreements to work with neighbouring communities.
Council passed Bylaw No. 1808 Amending Boards and Committees Bylaw. The amendments include advertising open positions even if current members are eligible for re-appointment, maximum term appointments, and updating the current Committee of the Whole Terms of Reference.
Council approved an $8,000 sponsorship request from Ronald McDonald House Charities for its annual Winterland Invitational hockey tournament being held in February 2023. It will be funded from the 2022 Operating Budget.
Council approved a request for $2,000 from the Bonnyville Sr. AA Pontiacs through the Donation, Sponsorship, and Recognition Policy. The donation will be funded from the 2022 Operating Budget. Members of Council will attend the 70th anniversary commemorative hockey game being held December 16 at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre.
Council approved the purchases of a new snow groomer and a compact tractor for Kinosoo Ridge Resort. The snow groomer, including trade-in value, came in at just over $366,000, while the Massey Ferguson tractor came in at $60,000. Both pieces of equipment were budgeted for in the 2022 Capital Budget.
Council is opposing the development of a new Indigenous Protected and Conservation Area (IPCA) proposed for the Wolf Lake area until some concerns are addressed, including assessment control, land use planning control, the M.D.’s autonomy over lands within the municipal jurisdiction, and future use of the lands by residents. Council heard about the IPCA through a delegation from Toma Consulting and Solstice Environmental Management at the September 28 meeting. Council directed Administration to draft a letter from the Reeve to the Premier of Alberta, Minister of Environment and Parks, Minister of Municipal Affairs, and Minister of Indigenous Relations outlining the M.D.’s concerns.
#4 Council Invitation – Council approved the purchase of two tickets for the Cold Lake Snowmobile Club’s annual Sleds and Threads fundraiser on November 12, 2022. The cost of the tickets will be funded from the 2022 Operating Budget.