MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87
COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS January 12, 2022
Keeping you informed of the services, business and development that affect YOU!
#1 Kinosoo Ridge Green Chairlift Update – Due to regulatory inspections, the Green Chairlift at Kinosoo Ridge has been delayed in opening for the 2021/22 season. In response to this delay, Council approved credit/refund scenarios for current season pass holders, which will include resort credits or partial or full refunds. For complete details, please visit kinosoo.ca.
#2 Changes to Council Remuneration – Council agreed to change the payment structure for its members. Previously, Council members received a base pay, plus compensation for each meeting attended. As of January 1, 2022, Council will now receive a flat monthly rate, plus any mileage or other expenses incurred. The Reeve will now be paid $6,750 per month or $81,000 annually, while Councillors will receive $4,750 per month, or $57,000 annually. The rates are based on averages from past years, and do not reflect an increase.
#3 Planning & Development Updates – Council approved the Municipal Development Permit Fee Waiver Policy. This will allow non-profit organizations to request the reduction of development permit fees or to have the fees waived. Copies of all M.D. policies can be found on our website at md.bonnyville.ab.ca/419/Policies.
Council gave Second and Third Reading to Road Allowance Licensing Bylaws 1780, 1781, 1783, 1784, and 1785. Details of the road allowance locations can be found in the agenda package on the M.D.’s website at md.bonnyville.ab.ca/313/Agendas-Minutes.
Council approved the re-designation of the Subdivision and Development Authority from the Municipal Planning Commission to Council. This will allow for the elimination of the monthly Municipal Planning Commission meetings.
#4 Boards and Committees Bylaw – Council gave First Reading to Bylaw 1748 – Boards and Committees Bylaw. This bylaw will officially establish six existing municipal committees as per the Municipal Government Act.
#5 Policies Rescinded – Council rescinded several policies, including the Public Safety Department Peace Officer’s Use of Firearms Policy. Late last year, Council agreed to sell off the M.D.’s remaining firearms. Council decided the policy was no longer required.
The Signage on or Adjacent to Municipal Roads Policy was rescinded, as this policy is covered under the Land Use Bylaw and the Municipal Addressing Bylaw.
Due to the creation of the M.D.’s Human Resources Handbook, Council agreed to rescind six policies that are covered in the handbook.
#6 Briefly – Council appointed Caroline Palmer to the M.D.’s Subdivision and Development Appeal Board for a four-year term.
Council received, as information, a presentation from Algae Control Canada. The organization is requesting a letter of support to lobby the Government of Alberta to pay for a pilot project to use alum to reduce phosphorus levels in Moose Lake. Council directed Administration to bring back more information on the options available for the lake.
At the request of the Fishing Lake Métis Settlement, Administration will come back with a date to have a virtual meeting between the M.D. and Fishing Lake Council. The meeting will include discussions on future collaboration opportunities.
Council gave first reading to Bylaw 1787 – Procedural Bylaw. This updated bylaw provides for the orderly proceedings of Council meetings.
Due to four members attending the provincial Agricultural Service Board conference, the January 26, 2022 Council meeting has been cancelled.
Recordings of the Council meetings can be found on the M.D.’s YouTube Channel at bit.ly/MDBvilleYouTube. Follow us at facebook.com/MDBonnyville.