The MD of Bonnyville discussed hiring goats to get a certain job done, during their regular council meeting on Wednesday.
Over the summer, the municipality is hoping to use goats to rid the Kinosoo ski hill of some noxious weeds.
The program is new to the area, but has been utilized by other communities, including Calgary, explained Chris McCord, director of parks and recreation for the MD.
The idea is still in the early stages, but if they do get the green light from Alberta Parks and Recreation, the MD plans on incorporating a family-friendly event where residents can meet the environmentally friendly workers first-hand.
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Muriel Lake Trail to have new users
Hikers along the Muriel Lake Trail may run into some new users in the future, after the MD of Bonnyville decided to add horseback riders into the mix.
The MD is currently working on a number of aspects for the project, including signage and a corral area.
The project is in the hands of Alberta Parks, and if the MD is approved, they could start work by June, explained McCord.
"I really hope this works out," said Coun. Dana Swigart.
Riders will be required by the MD to clean up after their horses when they're on the trails and staying in the campground.
"There are trails that are shared all of the time at the National Parks... They're really nice and wide trails," described Coun. Marc Jubinville.
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MD approves WJAC funding request
The World Junior A Challenge (WJAC) is once again coming to the region, and the MD of Bonnyville has agreed to show their support.
During their meeting, council unanimously voted to support the event to a tune of $100,000. However, it's not all cash in pocket.
A total of $75,000 is in monetary donations, while the other $25,000 is through the use of the Bonnyville Centennial Centre at no cost.
The C2 donation is in conjunction with the Town of Bonnyville.
"I think it's a great think for Bonnyville. It's going to bring lots of people," expressed Swigart.
Teaching women self-defence
The MD of Bonnyville will be hosting self-defence classes at Iron River School next month, as part of their Rural Crime Prevention Program.
Director of public safety Chris Garner said the free class starts at 6:30 p.m. on June 7, and will finish up around 9 p.m.
Ag Society receives funding
The Bonnyville Ag Society has received a chunk of funding from the MD in support of three of their upcoming events.
The first is the Canadian Professional Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) event from June 8 to 10, followed by the pro rodeo in July, and the fall fair in September.
The MD agreed to fund the ag society to a tune of $5,000 for all three events.
"I think these are pretty good events in the community. They draw in a lot of people," Jubinville noted.
Some small businesses missing out on tax class
Small businesses within the MD of Bonnyville have been given a bit of a tax break this year, after council approved a small business tax class.
However, not all businesses filled out the paperwork in order to qualify.
According to Michael Trabysh, director of finance and administration, only 125 of the 188 applicable businesses went through the process.
Businesses that haven't applied prior to their taxes being sent out who still want to benefit from the tax class will have to apply for an adjustment, which can be done up to September, Trabysh explained.
