Council moves ahead with 2026 interim budget, planning decisions and community updates

The M.D. of Bonnyville Council covered a full slate of financial, development and community items at its November 25 meeting. Here are the highlights.

2026 Interim Budget approved

Council approved the 2026 Interim Operating Budget at $132,910,323. The projected deficit will be covered by the Unrestricted Surplus, with a final budget expected by April 30, 2026.

The 2026 Capital Budget, sitting at $25,301,000, also received approval. Full budget details are online at md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

Planning & Development decisions

Council approved several development matters:
▪️ A discretionary use application for a minor rural industrial operation in Cherry Grove, where cabinets will be manufactured
▪️ A development permit for a 96-foot freestanding communications tower at the La Corey Landfill
▪️ A 12-acre subdivision from a previously subdivided agricultural quarter section

Planning & Development updates

Council also advanced several bylaws to first reading:
▪️ Bylaw 1904 – Road Closure and Sale: Would close a road used only by the applicant, sell it at fair market value and consolidate it into their adjacent property. A Public Hearing will be scheduled.
▪️ Bylaws 1905 & 1906 – Roadway Licences: Would allow the M.D. to enter into agreements to renew licences for specific roadways.
▪️ Land Use Amendment Bylaw LU 582: Would revert a parcel back to Agricultural zoning from Country Residential 1. A Public Hearing will be scheduled.

Delegations to Council

Council heard from three groups during the meeting:
▪️ TC Energy: Provided an update on the Leming Lake Sales Lateral Loop Project, including timelines and current progress.
▪️ Kokum’s House: Reported on their program supporting men in need, noting they have helped 120 men in two years. They also requested funding and a letter of support. Administration will bring the request back at a later meeting.
▪️ RCMP Eastern Alberta District: Shared crime statistics, staffing updates and new policing initiatives. Council received the presentation as information.

Additional decisions

▪️ Councillor Ed Duchesne was appointed Chair of the Agricultural Services Board for a one-year term.
▪️ Council passed Second and Third Readings of Bylaw 1903, updating the Boards and Committees Bylaw to include the M.D.’s new Ambassador Program and its Terms of Reference.

Stay connected

All bylaws can be viewed at bit.ly/MDBvilleBylaws, and full agenda packages are available at bit.ly/MDBvilleAgendas.
Council meeting recordings are archived on the M.D.’s YouTube channel at bit.ly/MDBvilleYouTube.

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