Years of work and millions of dollars have been put into underground and road work in Ardmore.
The MD of Bonnyville discussed what's next for the project during their council meeting on Wednesday, May 8, in addition to passing a motion to go ahead with phase six at a cost of roughly $1.7-million.
Knelsen Sand and Gravel was awarded the tender, which includes 1.1-kilometres of hot mix asphalt paving, as well as curb, gutter, and sidewalk work.
"I have some serious issues with this," expressed Coun. Darcy Skarsen. "But, I think we're in too deep now."
Check back for the full story.
Policies approved
The policies created by the MD's parks, recreation, and culture department regarding community association operating and capital grants, and the community action grant, were approved.
The community association operating and capital grant policy allows for groups to apply for funding for maintaining and renovating halls and recreation facilities.
In terms of operating costs, associations can submit requests for financial assistance for maintenance, utilities, and professional fees.
A capital project must be a tangible asset that's expected to last more than one year and exceeds the cost of $5,000.
Although this policy has no deadlines to apply, those looking for support through the community action grant can expect a cutoff date.
Interested groups must submit their application to the MD by March 15 for any capital projects, while those hoping for program or event funding must have their paperwork in order for one of three deadlines: March 15, Sept. 15, and Oct. 15.
Coun. Dana Swigart stressed the importance of informing associations why their applications might not be approved, even though they meet all of the required criteria.
"There needs to be a justification there that we budget a certain amount," he said.
Chris McCord, director of parks, recreation, and culture, noted she informs groups of the reasoning when notifying them their application was denied.
Cold Lake Entertainment Society gets financial boost
After executive director for the Grande Parlour, Craig Konechny, made a presentation requesting $25,000 from the MD on May 1, council agreed to give their project the financial support it needs.
The funding, which matches the City of Cold Lake's $25,000 contribution, must be used to purchase equipment for the Grande Parlour.
MD schedules IDP open house
An Intermunicipal Development Plan (IDP) open house has been scheduled for May 23.
The event will focus on the IDP required between the MD of Bonnyville, Village of Glendon, and Summer Villages of Pelican Narrows and Bonnyville Beach.
Bonnie McInnis from Stantec Consulting, the firm hired to create the IDP, will be presenting a draft version of the document at the Bonnyville Seniors' Centre. The open house is from 5:30 p.m. to 7: 30 p.m.
Blueprints in the works for the Fort Kent and Ardmore fire halls
"We're finalizing the blueprints," stated director of planning and development Caroline Palmer.
She continued, "We're moving things as fast as physically possible, to be honest, so that we have a build in early fall so we can get shovels in before the winter hits."
Reconstruction of Range Rd. 485 a go
Council has set aside $3.6-million for redoing Range Rd. 485.
The contract, which consists of the reconstruction of the road from Twp. Rd. 624 to Twp. Rd. 630, was awarded to Knelsen Sand and Gravel.
The MD had approved $3-million in their budget for the project, however, it's coming in $665,000 over.
They will take the $665,000 shortfall from their restricted surplus capital road improvement.
Seed cleaning plant request denied
The Bonnyville Seed Cleaning Plant will have to go at their project alone after the MD of Bonnyville denied their request for funding or assistance with designing and constructing a new offloading approach.
The plant is experiencing water conveyance issues and have turned to the MD for assistance with grading and installing a culvert.
The estimated cost for the municipality to do the work is roughly $11,000.
MD Reeve Greg Sawchuk was against assisting the seed cleaning plant because of the municipality's $500,000 contribution in 2018 towards plant upgrades.
Coun. Ben Fadeyiw agreed, noting these issues should have been considered before.
Reeve and CAO headed to Edmonton for pre-hearing
The Alberta Energy Regulator (AER) has invited the MD of Bonnyville to a pre-hearing in order to determine if the municipality can participate in the Imperial Oil Cold Lake Expansion project appeal.
The MD decided to step-in and take part in the hearing following the AER's announcement on April 1 of the Elizabeth Métis Settlement's regulatory appeal of the project.
The settlement is seeking a stay of the AER’s decisions pending the outcome of the appeal, a reversal of the AER’s decision to approve the project, or a revision of the AER’s approval.
