The Town of Bonnyville has been busy…

After a productive few weeks in Bonnyville, things are finally starting to settle down at Town Hall.

Between hosting the Alberta Winter Games and a wave of illness that swept through the community, it’s been a packed stretch for Mayor Elisa Brosseau and council. However, with the dust now settling, the focus has shifted to reflecting on the games, looking ahead to new recycling changes, rezoning discussions, senior support services, and a new opportunity opening up for residents interested in getting involved with local governance.

Winter Games Bring Energy to the Region

For Mayor Brosseau, the Alberta Winter Games were a major highlight for the region.

“From my perspective and council’s perspective, it went very well,” Brosseau said. “Everybody’s happy.”

Thousands of athletes, coaches, volunteers and families travelled through Bonnyville, Cold Lake and Glendon during the games, bringing a noticeable buzz to the community.

“It seemed to us that everybody we spoke to, including the athletes who were the shining stars, were happy,” Brosseau said. “It was a good mood for everybody.”

The games weren’t just about competition. They were also about connection — young athletes meeting friends, families supporting their kids, and communities working together to host a provincial event.

“It’s fun to get together and compete and see your kids, or the kids getting together with their friends,” Brosseau said. “Overall, we thought it was an amazing experience for the region.”

She also praised the collaboration between communities that helped make the games successful.

“I think all three communities did an exceptional job,” she said.

Beyond the sporting success, the event also had a positive economic impact, filling hotels and restaurants throughout the Lakeland region during the busy weekend.

New Recycling Program Coming to Bonnyville

While the games are now behind them, council is already focused on upcoming changes affecting residents.

One of the biggest is a new recycling program being introduced across municipalities in Alberta.

“This has been coming up the last year,” Brosseau said. “It was a recycling program that is being thrust upon the municipalities to start doing recycling.”

Despite the provincial push, Brosseau says the initiative is something residents have been asking for.

“It’s not something that we don’t want to do,” she said. “Many residents have been wanting more curbside recycling pickup.”

As the program rolls out, residents will begin seeing blue bins at their homes for recyclable materials like plastics and cardboard.

From council’s perspective, the groundwork has already been laid.

“There’s been a lot of conversations to get us to this point,” Brosseau said. “Everybody’s on board, and we’re looking forward to seeing the community take part.”

Supporting Seniors Through Regional Services

Council also recently heard a presentation from Age Friendly Cold Lake, an organization looking to expand its services across the region.

The group focuses on helping seniors remain in their homes by filling service gaps that often fall outside traditional programs.

“This was the first time I’ve gotten to understand a little bit more about the services that they provide,” Brosseau said.

The organization is exploring opportunities to expand services into Bonnyville, St. Paul and Elk Point. Their programs support seniors who may lack transportation, nearby family or financial resources.

“They’re trying to fill a gap,” Brosseau explained. “It’s things like transportation to medical appointments in the city, bringing home-cooked meals.”

Volunteers also help seniors attend important treatments and appointments when they don’t have someone to go with them.

“Or seniors who are in the area but don’t have family or a network around them and they’ve got to go for cancer treatments,” Brosseau said. “They have volunteers who will go and spend that time with the seniors.”

The presentation to council was informational, allowing leaders to better understand how the program operates and where it could support residents most in need.

Rezoning Conversations Continue

Council also recently discussed potential rezoning in the Beau Vista area that could allow for townhouse development.

Brosseau clarified the project is still in the early stages.

“We passed first reading of the bylaw,” she said. “This still needs to go to a public hearing.”

The rezoning process allows council and residents to discuss how future housing developments may fit into the community before any final decisions are made.

Council Chair Position Opens for Community Member

Council is also currently looking for a resident to step into a leadership role within one of its advisory committees.

A new opening has been announced for a Council Chair position, giving community members an opportunity to become more involved in municipal decision-making.

Brosseau says these roles play an important part in connecting residents with council.

“It’s a great opportunity for someone who wants to be involved in the community,” she said.

Advisory boards and committees allow residents to share their perspectives, help shape discussions and bring forward ideas that impact the community.

“They bring forward ideas and concerns from the community,” Brosseau said. “It’s another way for residents to have a voice.”

Council encourages anyone interested in local governance and community development to consider applying for the position.

---

Between regional sporting events, new environmental initiatives, conversations around housing and senior care, and opportunities for residents to step into leadership roles, it’s clear Bonnyville’s council agenda hasn’t slowed down.

Yet, if the Winter Games proved anything, it’s what the community can accomplish when people come together.

Good energy. Good teamwork. A community continuing to move forward!