The M.D. of Bonnyville is moving ahead with the next phase of its new Agriculture and Waste Services facility, approving funding to complete the groundwork on land purchased next to the existing shop.

During its June 23 meeting, council unanimously approved a $70,000 funding request to prepare the adjacent property for future use, ensuring work can move forward this construction season.

Brad Ollen, Manager of Waste Services, told council that the project is directly tied to the municipality’s long-term plans for its Agriculture and Waste operations.

Keeping the Project Moving

When council approved the 2026 budget, administration expected the Transportation and Utilities Department would have the capacity to complete the groundwork using its own crews.

However, after reviewing departmental priorities and workloads, staff determined there simply wasn’t enough time or available resources to take on the project this year.

Rather than delay the work, administration recommended hiring a contractor and using funding that was already available from the 2025 Agriculture and Waste Shop fit-up project, along with a portion of the 2026 operating budget.

The total project is expected to cost $70,000, with $41,194 coming from the remaining balance of the 2025 capital project and the remaining $28,806 funded through the 2026 Waste Services operating budget.

Preparing for the Future

The groundwork will prepare the newly acquired property beside the Agriculture and Waste Shop for future operational use.

Administration explained that the project is directly related to the site’s development and will provide additional functional space for municipal operations as the department continues to grow.

Council heard that the contractor’s work is nearing completion, making timely approval necessary to issue payment and finalize the project.

Making Use of Existing Funding

Rather than requesting entirely new capital dollars, administration recommended reallocating funds that had already been approved for the Agriculture and Waste Shop project.

Ollen said using the remaining balance from the 2025 fit-up budget allows the municipality to complete the work without creating unnecessary pressure on future budgets.

Council supported the recommendation without debate, approving the funding request and allowing the project to move ahead as planned.

The groundwork is expected to enhance the functionality of the Agriculture and Waste Services property and support the municipality’s long-term operational needs.