MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87
COUNCIL & COMMITTEE HIGHLIGHTS April 1 and 8, 2020
Keeping you informed of the services, business and development that affect YOU!
#1 Outdoor Rinks To Be Built In Cherry Grove And Ardmore – M.D. Council approved the construction of outdoor rinks in Cherry Grove and Ardmore at its April 1 Committee Meeting. Council directed administration to proceed with a Request For Proposal for engineering and design of two similar outdoor rink structures for the hamlets. Pricing for two options was requested – one with a metal roof, the other with a fabric roof. The M.D. will enter into an agreement with the Cherry Grove Agricultural Society for the M.D. to construct the community rink on the society’s land. At its April 8 meeting, Council agreed to take an additional $1,825,500 from cash flow reserves to construct the outdoor rink on the Ardmore Community Centre site, for a total estimated cost of $3,090,500. Work at this location will provide utility services to lots located on the southwest portion of the subdivision site plan proposed by the Ardmore Community Society. The M.D. will enter into an agreement with the Society for the rink location.
#2 Ongoing Annual Funding For Seniors’ Drop-In Centres – At its April 1 meeting, Council agreed to provide $15,000 in annual funding to each seniors’ drop-in centre in Glendon, Bonnyville and Cold Lake. In 2020, the $45,000 in unbudgeted expenditures will come from cash flow reserves. The funds will assist with operational costs at the centres. M.D. residents are registered members of these facilities.
#3 Project Status Update – The M.D. of Bonnyville is slated to have busy spring, summer, fall and winter project seasons. On April 1 Council accepted, as information, the 2020 M.D. Projects Status Summary. Twelve road projects are on the list, with some preliminary design work already underway. Seven Rip and Relay projects are on the books, although they could be delayed due to the pandemic. A survey of Ardmore’s back alleys has been completed and a report will soon be in Council’s hands. Three bridge replacements and one major repair will be tendered shortly, with construction scheduled for winter 2020/21. Nine drainage projects are in various stages of development. Earthwork and foundation formation has started on the Fort Kent and Ardmore Fire Halls. The Ardmore and Fort Kent Lagoon Liner Repairs are ready to go once the weather warms up. The Muriel Creek Restoration Project should get underway in the spring if all the approvals are granted. In the fall, approximately 50 km of roadsides will be brushed. A new Class 3 Waste Cell will be built at the Ardmore Landfill by the fall, and three bin sites will be paved. The Fort Kent and La Corey Municipal Area Structure Plans (MASP) will be completed this year, as well as the Cold Lake Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP). The two outdoor skating rinks are scheduled to be completed by October. The Cold Lake M.D. campground expansion will begin this year, with the new sani-dump being finished in the fall. Power will be installed at Chicken Hill, Crane Lake East and Minnie Lake West campgrounds. Ongoing improvements will be made at Vezeau Beach Campground. The Schematic Design and costs for the Outdoor Recreation Park in Bonnyville will be presented to Council by the end of the year. The Adventure Park at Kinosoo Ridge should be completed by the fall.
#4 Mixing And Stockpiling Contract Awarded – The $1,868,000 2020 Mixing and Stockpiling Asphalt Stabilized Base Coat/Cold Mix Material contract was awarded to Knelsen Sand and Gravel Ltd. The contract is for the contractor to mix the HF 500M cold mix material required for Rip and Relay projects and the MC 250 patching material in the M.D.’s Infrastructure Services yard. After an extensive analysis of the patching and rip and relay process, administration showed that by changing gravel specifications, and using M.D. gravel for cold mix, as well as mixing in-house, there will be a budget saving of $1 million in 2020.
#5 RCMP Performance Priority Plan For M.D. – Council endorsed the Bonnyville RCMP detachment’s 2020 Performance Plan Priorities of Crime Reduction – Property Crimes and Community Engagement – Consultations & Connections. The Bonnyville RCMP are maintaining the same priorities as last year, as they remain a high priority both locally and divisionally.
#6 Draft Strategic Plan Discussion – Council has until April 17 to submit comments regarding the draft 2020 Strategic Plan and Tactical Plan, which will come back to Council for final approval at a later date. The key priorities for the plan include: building a prosperous and sustainable community; enhancing safety in the community; sustainable infrastructure that meets the needs of the community; and enhancing the livability of the community. The 2020 emergent issues to be considered in the tactical plan include: review and update policies and procedures; review and monitor the current concept of 24-hour police patrolling; completion of Highway 657 (east/west); finalize Kinosoo Adventure Park plan; enhanced communication within and between M.D. departments and recruit for an Economic Development Officer.
#7 Letter Of Support For Proposed Federal Bill – Council agreed to send a letter of support to Lakeland MP Shannon Stubbs for the introduction of Bill C-221 to the House of Commons. The proposed Environmental Incentive Act will create an immediate tax credit for decommissioning old and inactive oil and gas wells and propose a flow-through share mechanism to get private investors to invest in well closure, remediation and reclamation.