Bonnyville Council Approves Campground Expansion, Eyes Speed Reductions

The M.D. of Bonnyville council approved a 27-site campground expansion north of town and moved forward on several bylaw changes during its August 26 meeting.

“We’re balancing growth, safety, and community needs,” council noted as the meeting touched on development, traffic safety, financials, and upcoming proclamations.

Development Decisions

Council approved a development application allowing the campground expansion, with conditions attached. An application to place four sea cans on a property was refused, as councillors said the containers did not match surrounding land use. A 4.55-acre subdivision from an agricultural quarter was also approved.

Speed Limits Under Review

First reading was given to Bylaw No. 1900, which would lower speed limits in three areas:

• Truman Bridge (Rge. Rd. 485A): from 60 km/h to 30 km/h

• Rge. Rd. 460 near La Corey: from 100 km/h to 80 km/h

• Rge. Rd. 460 near Cold Lake Air Weapons Range south gate: from 100 km/h to 70 km/h

Planning Updates

The Director of Planning & Development has been appointed as the Subdivision Authority Officer, effective immediately. Council also adopted the Highway 28 and Highway 41 Area Structure Plan after passing second and third readings.

Proclamations

Council proclaimed:

• September 23–26 as Alberta Development Officers’ Week

• September as Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) Awareness Month

• September 9 as FASD Awareness Day in the M.D.

Finances and Reports

Councillors accepted the 2025 second-quarter unaudited financial statements and reviewed the 2024 Annual Report with the 2025 Budget document, which will be posted online in September.

Bylaw Amendments

First readings were given to two amendments:

• Boards and Committees Bylaw (No. 1901): updated terms for the Committee of the Whole and the Agricultural Service Board.

• Procedural Bylaw (No. 1902): removes references to council’s Code of Conduct to align with the Municipal Government Act.

Other Business

• Council heard from STARS, which provided an update and requested continued funding. The matter will return during 2026 budget talks.

• Administration will research alternative access to Little Bear Lake.

• Council approved purchasing property for $75,000, funded from Cash Flow Reserves