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Presentation made to town outlining homelessness

The Bonnyville and District FCSS will be revisiting the issue of homelessness in the area. FCSS director David Beale made a presentation to town council on the issue during their June 11 meeting.
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Town Council Briefs

The Bonnyville and District FCSS will be revisiting the issue of homelessness in the area.

FCSS director David Beale made a presentation to town council on the issue during their June 11 meeting. He went over the results of the survey done in 2014/15, and the options they have moving forward.

“Less than five per cent of the population said it wasn’t a problem,” Beale noted. “Most people saw it as an issue to be addressed. We also spent a good deal of time talking to service providers and service agencies, and the overwhelming numbers said, ‘yes, we deal with the homeless people. They’re very difficult to deal with, not that they’re difficult people, but they come with multiple complex issues.’”

As a result of the findings, Beale said a problem in the community is what they call the hidden homeless. This includes youth that couch surf from home to home, people living in their vehicles or RVs, in illegal or unfit dwellings, and those at risk of becoming homeless.

Once their second report is complete, another presentation will be made to council outlining the findings and how they compared to the original results.

Check back for the full story.

Kehewin Healing Ride receives donation

The town is contributing $250 to Kehewin Cree Nation's Healing Ride after receiving a request for financial support.

The ride, which was also completed last year with a journey from Kehewin Cree Nation to Blue Quills, is meant to create new relationships and a path to healing.

CAO Mark Power explained the event promotes civic pride and a sense of place.

The Healing Ride will begin on Friday, June 21 at Blue Quills, and finishes at the Frog Lake Historic Site on Saturday, June 23.

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Town supports 4x4 track

Council voted in favour of supporting the possibility of a permanent 4x4 track at the Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds.

Coun. Rene Van Brabant, who sits on the ag society board, noted the organization endorses the idea. Currently, the biggest expense for the Bonnyville 4x4 Club is reconstructing a track every year.

"They'll be happy to see the 4x4 club building their own facility, and there's enough room on the south for them to build a track back there," he explained.

Before any concrete plans are made, both groups will have to come to an agreement and present it to the town to have the ag society's lease amended.

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Lobbying continues against Bill C-69 and C-48

At the recommendation of Sen. David Tkachuk, committee chair for Bill C-48, town council will be writing letters to indicate the negative impacts Bill C-69 and C-48 could have on the municipality.

According to Power, Bill C-69 was given third reading by the senate with approximately 200 amendments that were made by the Coalition of Canadian Municipalities for Energy Action, various independent senators, and the industry, among others.

"Sen. Tkachuk's fear is now that they've been approved and are in the House of Commons, he's fearful the government will strip all of the amendments that make the bill palatable to us out here in the oil region and send it back to the Senate where it will get debated again without the amendments," he continued.

In regards to Bill C-48, an act respecting the regulations of vessels that transport crude oil, it's currently waiting for third reading. As a previous motion to stop this bill was defeated, it could be sent to the House of Commons to get passed, which would have devastating impacts on the area, according to town administration.

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Town supports drag race

Council voted in favour of providing $5,000 to the Bonnyville Gear Grabbers for their upcoming drag races.

In their projected budget, the club would be facing a loss if they didn’t receive financial support.

Cayle Scherger, Gear Grabbers president, noted they aren’t sure of the exact costs, as they haven’t hosted a drag racing function before.

“We don’t know exactly what we’re getting into. We don’t know the demand for it. We have an anticipated idea, and that puts us in a loss,” he continued.

At their public events in August and September, the club expects between 1,500 and 2,000 spectators with around 200 racers coming to participate.

They've also requested support from the MD of Bonnyville.

Dove Centre adds new sign

A request from the Dove Centre for a wall sign and mural was given the go-ahead.

As part of the organization's rebranding, the Dove Centre wants to feature their new logo on the facility that houses the Bargain Boutique at 4814 50 Ave.

A painting done by students from the local high schools is a possibility being explored, but it hadn’t been confirmed at the time of council’s meeting.

“I love the idea of a mural,” expressed Coun. Elisa Brosseau. “I would highly encourage the Dove Centre to find somebody, even if the students couldn’t do it. I think it only brings more appeal to the downtown.”

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