MD Council Highlights

MUNICIPAL DISTRICT BONNYVILLE NO. 87

COUNCIL HIGHLIGHTS May 24, 2017

Keeping you informed of the services, business and development that affect YOU!

 

Rural Crime Watch Grant Denied – Public Safety Director Chris Garner informed Council the M.D. was denied a provincial grant for the Rural Crime prevention program. Garner said parts of the program could be instituted within the existing budget. He also said there are elements of the program he would like to get in place, which could mean more funding may be needed.

 

Ardmore Construction Update – Surface works on the west side of Ardmore have started. The post office boxes for residents in this area have been moved north, to the Community Hall parking lot. The contractor for the storm pond will start the project in the second week of June. The contractor installing the underground services moved into the hamlet last week to complete the 48^th Avenue East replacement.

 

Public Safety Update – Peace Officers have been dealing with a number of dogs running at large and chasing livestock complaints. The department is working with Muni-Corr regarding some issues at the Beaver River Trestle on the Iron Horse Trail. The summer quad patrols of the trail have begun. The School Resource Officers have been busy. They presented Right Choices at École des Beaux-Lacs, while students from Art Smith Aviation Academy graduated from the program. Holy Cross students took part in a finger printing class. There were also several informal visits, which covered issues including bike safety, body image, and drug awareness.

 

Campgrounds Update – Anyone staying in an M.D. campground will now have to fill out a camping permit when staying in the park. This will ensure campers know the rules and regulations of the park, as well as give caretakers accurate information in the event of an emergency.

 

Rural Beautification –  The Agricultural Service Board will be hosting a Rural Beautification Contest this summer. People will be able to nominate friends and neighbours in two categories – 10 acres and under, and Farmstead. Nomination forms and information packages will be sent out to M.D. residents in the mail at the beginning of June.

 

Ag and Waste Services Update – The Shelterbelt Tree Program has wrapped up for 2017. This year, 150 M.D. residents purchased 9,500 seedlings at a discount. Director Matt Janz said this is the most trees that have been sold through the M.D.’s program in its five-year history. The first quarter of the VSI program came in at just over $20,000.

 

Planning and Development Update – There were eight development permits – all residential – taken in during the month of April, for a month-end total of $587,000, and a year-to-date total of $2,740,950. There were also 35 plumbing, gas, sewer and electric permits taken in. Council gave First Reading to Bylaw 1664 for Temporary Occupation and Lease of a Road Allowance north of NE 24-62-6. First Reading was also given to Bylaw 1665 for Temporary Occupation and Lease of Road Plan 872 2638, located within NE 30-59-5 and SW & SE 31-59-5.

 

Transportation and Utilities Update – Brushing crews are continuing to work at intersections to improve sight lines. Staff have been dealing with drainage issues across the M.D., and will continue to do so until everything is flowing smoothly again. The contract road gravelling program started up last week. Director Darcy Zelisko expects the program to be larger this year due to the wet spring. The Paving Crew has begun prep work on Township Road 630. The Oiling Crew has been working on filling soft spots in the Drouin Subdivision. The tech committee for the new waterline is set to meet June 1.

 

Funding Support – Council approved the Dupre Community League’s Operating Grant of $5,000. The Eastbourne Community Hall received its operating grant of $25,000. The Bonnyville Pro Rodeo and Chuckwagon Association will receive $1,575 for its event July 27-30. Council agreed to donate $1,000 to the Toxic Round Up June 24 at the Bonnyville Fire Hall. Council will enter a team of four into the Ronald McDonald House golf tournament at a price of $500. The event will be held at the Cold Lake Golf & Winter Club June 17. Council agreed to provide the Bonnyville Oil & Gas Show with an additional $7,000 for this year’s event, for a total sponsorship of $10,000. The show is being held June 21-22.

 

Briefly – Council agreed to purchase a new command unit for the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority at a cost of $58,000, which was included in the 2017 Budget. Council approved the summer meeting schedule, which will see the June 14 and 28, July 12 and August 9 regular Council meetings cancelled, while June 21 has been added as a regular Council meeting. Council awarded a tender to replace the deck at Kinosoo Ridge to Value Master Homes, with a price tag of $277,894. Council declared June 5 to 11 as Seniors’ Week in the M.D. Council agreed to send a letter to Alberta Transportation requesting a speed reduction (from 100 km/h to 70 km/h) on Hwy. 28, starting at Twp. Rd. 611, northeast toward the Town of Bonnyville.

 

For more information, contact Diane Jenkinson, Marketing and Communications Manager at 780-826-3171. Our website is a useful way to get the information you need. Visit: www.md.bonnyville.ab.ca Follow us on Facebook and Twitter @MDBville.