Town of Bonnyville Councillor Kayla Blanchette focuses on being “Together for Tomorrow”

Town of Bonnyville Councillor Kayla Blanchette is seeking re-election with the campaign theme “Together for Tomorrow,” reflecting her belief that collaboration and community connection are key to Bonnyville’s continued growth.

From local leadership to provincial representation

First elected to council in 2021, Blanchette quickly became active in community and social programming through her appointment to Bonnyville’s Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) board. Her involvement soon expanded beyond the local level — representing the Northeast Region on the provincial board before being elected President of the FCSS Association of Alberta in 2024.

As president, Blanchette advocates for family and community services across the province, helping to shape discussions around social programs and community well-being.

“I really found my place in FCSS,” Blanchette says. “It’s about supporting people and strengthening the communities we live in.”

Collaboration at every level

Blanchette says her approach to municipal governance is rooted in teamwork. Over the past four years, she has built strong working relationships with fellow councillors, the town’s administration, regional neighbours — including the MD of Bonnyville and the City of Cold Lake — and provincial ministries.

She believes that addressing complex issues such as homelessness, crime, and social services requires cooperation beyond Town boundaries.

“We can’t solve these challenges alone,” she says. “By sharing ideas and drawing on what’s worked in other communities, we make better decisions for Bonnyville.”

Recreation investment along Jesse Lake

Blanchette points to the improvements at Slawuta Pond, part of Phase 1 of the Lakeshore Drive Master Recreation Plan, as an example of the kind of long-term planning she supports. The initiative enhances the green space along Jesse Lake and addresses long-standing concerns such as parking, access, and public use.

She describes the project as a significant step in creating a cohesive, welcoming waterfront that residents can enjoy year-round.

“It’s about taking a thoughtful, phased approach to development rather than piecemeal upgrades,” Blanchette says.

Strengthening community events

As a member of the Town’s Events Committee, Blanchette has contributed to expanding local celebrations and programming, including the Canada Day festivities, the Festival of Trees, and the live-streamed Christmas Parade. The committee also helped bring back the Barbecue Bash, which was later transitioned to community organizers at Big Smoke Bonnyville to ensure its sustainability.

“When community groups take the lead, it builds a sense of pride and ownership,” Blanchette notes. “Events like these bring people together and showcase what Bonnyville is all about.”

A new home for FCSS on the horizon

Blanchette also highlights a major investment in family services — the approval of $2 million in the Town’s 2025 capital budget for a new FCSS facility. The project will provide staff and residents with a dedicated, purpose-built space while freeing up additional capacity at the Parent Child Centre, where FCSS currently shares space with a not-for-profit daycare.

“This project benefits everyone,” Blanchette says. “FCSS gains the room it needs to grow, and families benefit from more available daycare spaces.”

Voting information

Advance voting for the Town of Bonnyville’s municipal election begins tomorrow in Council Chambers at Town Hall, with several additional advance dates before Election Day on October 20.

Residents can contact the Town of Bonnyville for full voting details, including identification requirements and polling hours.