MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS June 26, 2019
Keeping you informed of the services, business and development that affect YOU!
#1 Shaw House Mortgage Paid Off – Council approved the $60,076.24 payout of the Lakeland Sports and Recreation Association (LSRA) mortgage for the Shaw House to come from unbudgeted expenditures. Discussions during the negotiations between the M.D. and the LSRA for the purchase of the Vezeau Beach Campground and Shaw House for one dollar were that once the lands were transferred to the ownership of the municipality, the M.D. would pay out the mortgage as the LSRA could no longer hold the mortgage on land they did not own.
#2 Transportation and Utilities Update – Council awarded GHD Ltd the $151,520 engineering contract for the Willow Ridge and Hillside Estates Stormwater Drainage project. On June 19, Council approved the following tenders: BCL Engineering was awarded the $149,000 engineering services contract for Fort Kent and Ardmore Lagoon Liner Repairs; Wood Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions was awarded the engineering services $171,787 contract for the Beaver River – RR 454 Drainage Control Project and Location Cats Ltd. of St. Paul was awarded the $580,520.75 contract for the 2019 Roadway Rehabilitation Range Road 494. Council also approved the unbudgeted expenditure of $200,000 for the engineering and associated works for the Beaver River – RR 454 Drainage Control project.
#3 Bridge Contract Awarded – On June 19, Council awarded Wood Environmental and Infrastructure Solutions the engineering services contract for the 2019-2024 Bridge Inspections, Maintenance and Capital Works for a five-year term. The M.D. owns, and maintains 119 bridge structures, which includes 55 standard and four major bridges, as well as 60 bridge-sized culverts. Bridge replacements will be included in the annual capital budget. Alberta Transportation requires a certain number of bridge inspections and maintenance to be done every year by qualified bridge inspectors.
#4 Recreation, Parks and Culture Update – Council adopted the amended Policy No. 70.74.06 – Community Action Grant to show three intake dates for applications – March, July and October. Council adopted the Terms of Reference for the Trails Committee to assist with trail committee planning and budgeting for future trails in the M.D. Council directed administration to develop a policy for trail development standards. These standards would be for developed, semi-developed and natural trails. The developed trail standard would include a 250 mm subgrade, 150 mm base and 75 mm asphalt. This common standard has a two-year warranty, as well as a lifespan of 15 to 20 years, dependent on trail use.
#5 Planning and Development News – Council approved Policy No. 60.61.05 – Antenna System Siting, outlining the Land-Use Authority (LUA) consultation process and the public consultation process applicants are to undertake prior to applying for a development permit and letter of concurrence for Radio Communication Antenna Systems. One of new requirements is additional setbacks of 100 percent of the tower height from residences and property boundaries. Council denied the request to develop Range Road 431, as legal and physical access is established for the quarter section through Township Road 640.
#6 Legal Services Appointed – Council approved the retention of services of Reynolds Mirth Richards & Farmer LLP and Brownlee LLP as legal counsel for the M.D. for the period of 2019 to 2023. Administration is recommending the selection of two firms to allow for flexibility and to resolve issues where there could be conflict of interest, as both of these firms are legal counsel for several other municipalities.
#7 Funding Support – Council approved a $40,000 sponsorship for the Cold Lake Airshow on July 18 and 19, 2020. Council approved a $10,000 sponsorship for the Cold Lake Chamber’s Feast at the Beach on August 30 and 31 at Kinosoo Beach. On June 19, Council approved the provision of free lift tickets for the 2020, and subsequent, Family Day Weekend Snow Fever event at Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort. Offering the complimentary ticket will provide a free family experience and bring existing and new customers to the Ridge. The cost is projected to be approximately $6,000.
#8 Getting Rid Of Red Tape – Council is sending a supporting letter to the Associate Minister of Red Tape Reduction, Grant Hunter, to assist local M.D. businesses who want to see quicker approvals of gravel (aggregate) leases. Council will also send the letter to MLA David Hanson. Presently the applications get bogged down in the approval process and businesses are losing contracts.
#9 Briefly – On June 19, Council approved Bylaw 1708, a revision of the Ardmore and Fort Kent local improvement tax to account for the consolidation of four properties, to ensure each parcel in the hamlets bears an appropriate share of the tax. Reeve Greg Sawchuk was appointed to the Cold Lake Hearts For Healthcare Committee due to a committee conflict for Councillor Ed Duchesne.