Mayor Elisa Brosseau Confirms Re-Election Bid and Updates on Bonnyville Priorities

As Bonnyville’s summer event season winds down, Mayor Elisa Brosseau has officially announced her intention to run for a second term. In a wide-ranging conversation, Brosseau spoke about her decision to seek re-election, ongoing town projects, public health concerns, and efforts to strengthen enforcement and housing.

Summer Slowdown for Council, Busy Season for Events

While council business slows in July and August, summer in Bonnyville is packed with community events. Brosseau highlighted the Chamber golf tournament, the Clayton Bellamy Foundation Gala and Golf, and other fundraisers that keep councillors and residents active throughout the season. “On the business side, we slow down a little,” she said. “But on the community side, we’re out there supporting events and connecting with residents.”

Decision to Run Again

Brosseau confirmed she has submitted her nomination papers for the October 20 election. Her decision followed extensive conversations with her husband, children, and council colleagues. “I don’t think a person could do this without the support of their family,” she said, noting the demands of balancing public office with a young, busy household.

After eight years in municipal government—four as councillor and four as mayor—Brosseau said continuity was a key factor in her choice. With a new CAO in place and several initiatives underway, she felt it was important to see them through. “We’ve got a lot of things on the go,” she explained. “I want to see a lot of those things go through.”

Public Health and Jesse Lake

The mayor also addressed concerns about avian flu after several dead geese were found along Jesse Lake earlier this summer. Testing by Alberta Fish and Wildlife confirmed the cause, but Brosseau emphasized the situation is being monitored. “We’re confident in the results that came back,” she said, stressing that the town is not taking the issue lightly. At this time, trails and playgrounds remain safe for residents.

Alongside health concerns, work continues on a major revitalization project at Jesse Lake, including a redesigned parking lot, public washrooms, and plans for a new community hub with pergolas, picnic areas, and gathering spaces. Brosseau noted the project will carry into next year. “It’s about creating a communal type of hub where people can connect with family and friends,” she said.

Main Street and Infrastructure

Discussions with Alberta Transportation remain ongoing regarding Main Street upgrades, including turning lanes and traffic lights at key intersections. Brosseau said while the province holds responsibility, the town is pushing to ensure long-term planning aligns with Bonnyville’s downtown revitalization vision. “It’s important to manage expectations but also do a good job so we don’t have to come back in five years and redo it,” she said, pointing to aging underground infrastructure that should be addressed before surface paving.

Strengthening Enforcement

This summer, Bonnyville welcomed a second Community Peace Officer to support bylaw enforcement, with a focus on unsightly properties. “The workload was just too much for one person,” Brosseau explained. “Now, hopefully, we can see more enforcement happening.”

The town also encourages residents to use its mobile app to report concerns directly, including uploading photos of problem properties. Brosseau emphasized that enforcement is not just about penalties but about keeping neighbourhoods clean, safe, and welcoming.

Housing Incentive Program

Bonnyville’s new housing incentive program, introduced in the latest budget, has already attracted its first local developer. Brosseau expressed excitement about the program’s early success and said more applications are expected. “We have about half a million dollars just in that one incentive program,” she said. “That means we can get a lot of homes built.”

Looking Ahead

With the next council meeting set for late August, Brosseau remains focused on steering Bonnyville through both immediate issues and long-term goals. From infrastructure upgrades to community beautification and housing growth, she stressed the importance of teamwork and resident engagement.

As she campaigns for another term, Brosseau said she is motivated by the chance to build on progress made. “We’ve got momentum, and I want to keep that going,” she said.