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Province approves MD's use for regional ID 349 funding

The MD of Bonnyville's request to put their regional ID 349 funding toward hiring additional RCMP members and staff has been approved.
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The MD of Bonnyville discussed Lessard Bridge construction, ID 349, supporting Canada Day celebrations, and flooding mitigation.

The MD of Bonnyville's request to put their regional ID 349 funding toward hiring additional RCMP members and staff has been approved.

Although they've been given the green light on their proposed project, the municipality hasn't been told just how much they will be getting from the Regional Collaboration Fund.

“We are expecting another letter to actually say the dollar figure we’re getting... We were asking for $1.6-million on this, and we’re wondering if we’re getting that or not. We can’t actually apply to the RCMP to get more members until we know what we’re getting,” explained Reeve Greg Sawchuk during their regular meeting on Wednesday, March 13.

Check back for the full story.

MD preparing for the worst

Acting director of transportation and utilities, Matt Janz, explained how the municipality is preparing for spring and the flooding that generally comes with it.

“Part of those plans are snow removal in subdivisions and the hamlets. We’ve set up some off-site emergency locations for pumps and any of the other items needed when we’re going to a short call so we can respond to emergencies quickly,” he detailed, adding the MD also has six-inch pumps they've rented that are now available to send out if needed.

“We’re preparing as best as we can knowing that we will have some problem areas."

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Municipality agrees to apply for First Nation Municipal Collaboration Program

The MD has agreed to partner with the City of Cold Lake and Cold Lake First Nations (CLFN) on applying for the First Nation Municipal Collaboration Program.

Esther Quiambao, administrative officer, explained, “The MD has been discussing with CLFN and the City of Cold Lake about putting in an application for this possible partnership. What this program does, is it supports reconciliation, relationship building, and the development of joint-community economic development or land-use initiatives."

The cross-Canada two-year program has municipalities and indigenous communities working together to brainstorm initiatives that would benefit their areas.

“We’re not signing on for a certain project or applying for a certain grant. This is an application to help explore our relationship and possible development,” Quiambao said.

It runs from April 1, 2019 to March 2021.

“They were reaching out to us, it might help us in our work. If we’re trying to do things like the ski hill, it might give us a better idea of what they’re trying to do in terms of some of their economic development as well,” noted Sawchuk. “This is more-so to push forward relationship building, and the City of Cold Lake is on-board with that."

Keep an eye out for the full story.

LICA continues push for change on Moose Lake

According to Coun. Dana Swigart, the Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) is getting an operating grant to help determine where the phosphorus in Moose Lake is coming from.

"One of the projects they were working on was Moose Lake and a budget was proposed for a phosphorus study on the lake. Phosphorus is the chemical that’s causing all of the algae blooms," he explained.

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MD joins Coalition of Canadian Municipalities for Energy Action

Municipalities across the province, including the MD of Bonnyville, are signing up for the Coalition of Canadian Municipalities for Energy Action, a group of communities who are engaging with the federal government to discuss their concerns about Bill C-69. 

As part of joining the coalition, the MD has agreed to contribute $1,000 to the cause.

Lessard Bridge construction moving along

Upgrades to Lessard Bridge are going well, said Janz.

"They’re keeping on their 20-day construction period."

Residents are still being reminded that the bridge isn't open for use just yet, but weekly updates are being shared by the MD.

Regional Waterline update

“Construction is continuing on the 24-inch main line that’s going to Bonnyville and a couple of different places. They’re also working on the transfer station on the north-side of the river, and partially with the City of Cold Lake at the treatment plant,” Janz detailed.

There are still a few parcels that need to be negotiated in terms of access for the waterline, however, Janz said resolution is close.

“What they’re preparing for now is the under-road digs. That will begin probably next week,” he continued.

Roadside Cleanup Program ready for volunteers

The MD is ready for volunteers to hit the road for their Roadside Cleanup Program.

Janz explained how letters have been sent out to groups who have taken part in the past.

“I can’t say enough about it. It’s a great program for fundraising and for everybody involved,” expressed Coun. Ben Fadeyiw.

For more information on the program, click here.

Another successful year for the shelterbelt program

For the first time, the MD of Bonnyville offered their shelterbelt program online, allowing interested residents could place orders through their website.

“I was a little skeptical… but I was pleasantly surprised that it worked out really well. Ninety per cent of all of our purchases were done online," Janz noted.

There are a few "odd trees left," but for the most part, they've sold out.

Council approves funding

Council agreed to support the Bonnyville Canada Day celebrations to a tune of $5,000.

Cold Lake's own event will also be getting a $5,000 boost, while the Village of Glendon will have $1,000 for their festivities.

The MD approved Riverhurst Community Hall's application for a $25,000 operating grant, and will be lending a financial hand to Mudfest.

They had requested $24,000 for bleachers, but rather than give them all of the money this year, the MD has decided to offer half.

The $12,000 will cover the cost of one set of bleachers.

Municipality meets with Alberta Parks

Chris McCord, director of parks and recreation, explained to council how she has met with Alberta Parks about the Kinosoo Ridge Adventure Park, and they've hit an unexpected snag.

“There’s one thing we became aware of at that meeting, and it’s a rare plant study,” she noted. “That, unfortunately, has to occur between April and possibly August of this year, so that’s going to put us back a little bit before we receive our approval."

She added, “What we’re going to do hopefully, if we can, is have the rare plant study done for all of the projected areas for growth, and then it’s covered and we won’t run into this issue again."

McCord said they're also planning a meeting with Alberta Parks to discuss a trail the province is wanting to run from the Cold Lake Provincial Park to the city's own trail system. The MD is involved is because the trail would, at one point, run on their land.

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