The Bonnyville Search and Rescue Society is asking the Municipal District of Bonnyville to recognize the organization as an eligible community association, a move that would allow the volunteer group to apply for municipal grant funding to help support training, equipment and operating costs.

Representatives from the organization appeared before council on May 26 to discuss the services they provide across the region and the growing challenges associated with maintaining a volunteer-based emergency response team.

Founded in 1997, Bonnyville Search and Rescue provides ground search and rescue, swiftwater rescue, ice rescue, ATV operations, and disaster response support throughout the region. Members assist with missing-person searches, support emergency services during incidents, and respond to mutual aid requests when called upon.

“We were officially formed as a nonprofit in September of 1997,” representatives told council. “We’ve been operating in the community since that time uninterrupted.”

Today, the organization consists of 12 certified members along with several support volunteers. Council heard that membership has doubled over the past year, a positive sign for the organization’s future as demand for outdoor recreation and emergency response services continues to grow.

Volunteers shoulder significant costs

Representatives explained that becoming a search and rescue volunteer requires extensive training and a significant personal commitment.

Many members purchase their own equipment in addition to the specialized gear owned by the organization. Volunteers also dedicate hundreds of hours annually to training exercises, certifications and emergency response calls.

Council heard that grant eligibility would allow the organization to focus more resources on training and preparedness rather than fundraising.

“Every dollar that we don’t have to fundraise or can find through other means outside of fundraising puts us in a position where we can respond to calls and increase our training and services to the community,” representatives said.

The organization responds to several search calls and mutual aid requests each year. While some calls end with successful rescues, members emphasized that their role is equally important when families are seeking answers during difficult circumstances.

“We put ourselves and our lives on the line to save a person,” council heard. “That’s our goal, to save a human life.”

Representatives added that when searches become recovery operations, the organization helps provide closure for families and loved ones.

Looking ahead

The organization is not requesting direct funding at this time. Instead, it is asking the M.D. to make Bonnyville Search and Rescue eligible under existing community grant programs so it can apply for support in the future.

Council members asked about provincial funding opportunities and were told that while grants are available through Alberta’s search and rescue network, funding is competitive and often focused on training initiatives rather than ongoing operational needs.

Following the presentation, council voted unanimously to accept the information and directed administration to bring funding support options back to a future meeting for consideration.

Deputy Reeve Ben Fadeyiw thanked the volunteers for their continued service to the region.

“We’re very appreciative of you guys,” Fadeyiw told the delegation.

If approved in the future, the change would provide another funding avenue for the organization as it continues to grow its volunteer base and emergency response capabilities throughout the Bonnyville area.