BONNYVILLE – Downtown Bonnyville could see new features in 2027 as the Town moves forward with gateway and wayfinding improvements tied to its downtown revitalization plans.

Councillors discussed the projects during the October 13 Town Council meeting as they reviewed the Town’s August financial report and the status of several capital projects.

Administration explained that it is preparing tender documents for downtown gateway and wayfinding features, with the intention of moving the projects through procurement before the end of the year.

However, residents may not see the finished improvements until 2027.

Working around Highway 28 construction

The timing is connected to ongoing work along Highway 28, which runs through Bonnyville’s downtown.

Rather than installing new features while road construction is still underway, the Town plans to complete the improvements after the highway overlay work.

Administration indicated that summer 2027 could be a suitable installation window, depending on the tender process, contractor availability and construction schedules.

The gateway and wayfinding features are part of the Town’s broader downtown improvement plans.

Gateway features are intended to help identify and welcome people into an area, while wayfinding features help residents and visitors navigate destinations and points of interest.

What about the budget?

During the financial discussion, council also received an update on the Town’s branding budget.

The Town allocated approximately $750,000 for branding-related projects, including entrance signage and the possibility of an electronic sign along Main Street.

As of August 31, the town had spent only about $5,000 from that budget.

Administration indicated that some branding funding could be redirected toward downtown improvements as project priorities and costs become clearer.

That does not mean the entire branding budget has been committed to downtown revitalization, and final project costs will depend on the work that moves forward.

What’s next?

The Town is preparing to move the gateway and wayfinding components toward tendering, with installation potentially following the completion of Highway 28 improvements in 2027.

While the exact designs, locations, and construction dates have not yet been finalized, the discussion gives residents an idea of what could come next for downtown Bonnyville.

For now, the focus is on planning and procurement, with the more visible changes potentially arriving next summer.