Guide To Rural Living

The Municipal District of Bonnyville is a vast municipality located in Northeastern Alberta. With more than 82 named lakes, millions of acres of farmland, a busy oil and gas industry, growing tourism sector, and vibrant economy, the M.D. is an ideal place to call home.

Our urban neighbours offer a variety of shopping, dining, and recreation opportunities. Couple that with the hamlets located within the M.D. border, and you can experience a unique and fulfilling rural-urban-lake lifestyle.

This guide is to help residents find the information they need about the services we offer. From building permits and veterinary programs to waste disposal and snow removal, you will find out all about what it means to live in the M.D.

Have more questions? Consult the contact list at the back of this guide or visit our website at md.bonnyville.ab.ca

Turn to the centre of this guide to find a map of the municipality and meet your 2021-2025 M.D. Council.

HIT THE ROAD

Preparing for good and bad weather is an important part of rural living as well as understanding its effects on our road systems.

MAINTENANCE

The M.D. of Bonnyville maintains over 2,600 km of roads, consisting of pavement, cold mix, and gravel. The M.D. maintains all public roadways, except for primary (two numbered) and secondary (three numbered) highways. These are the responsibility of the province.

Most road challenges are encountered either in winter or in the spring, with heavy snowfalls or rainfalls respectively. These conditions can cause gravel roads to become rough, soft, and slippery, and a washboard effect may develop. Remember to give yourself ample time to travel during unfavourable weather.

DUST CONTROL

The M.D. operates a Dust Control Program whereby gravel roads receive dust abatement to control nuisance dust issues on our rural roads. This program typically begins in the spring of the year.

Please visit bit.ly/MDBvilleDustControl for details, including how to sign up for the program.

PRIVATE DRIVEWAYS

Private driveways or roadways are the responsibility of the landowner, including their maintenance and clearing. However, during the winter, snow removal services are offered by the M.D. Transportation Department with the use of grader flags.

These can be purchased at the M.D. Main Administration Office or online. Each flag is good for a maximum of 15 minutes and must be displayed at the entrance to the driveway. Clearing normally occurs within three to four days of placement, after major arterial roads have been cleared.

Call the Public Works office at 780-826-3951 when the flag is set out. To help support residents who are experiencing a hardship, the M.D. offers a program for private driveway snow removal service.

To find out more about these programs, including how to buy a flag online and hardship eligibility, please visit bit.ly/SnowFlags.

SLOW MOVING VEHICLES

Please watch for, and be patient with, slow moving vehicles. Most drivers will wave you through when it is safe to pass. As for farm implements, please note that they also share the roads with you – they travel at a slower pace so be patient and courteous.

ROAD BANS/ROAD USE AGREEMENTS

In the spring, Road Bans are imposed to protect M.D. roads. Weight restrictions on all gravel and oiled roads will be 75 per cent unless specified otherwise.

Companies or individuals can apply for a Road Maintenance Agreement to operate in excess of the road bans. By entering into a Road Maintenance Agreement, the carrier is taking on 100 per cent responsibility should a road be damaged during their journey.

Visit bit.ly/MDRoadUseAgreements for details.

To report road concerns, please call 780-812-5000.

WEATHER WARNINGS

• Water from the spring melt and summer storms can sometimes pool or cause flooding before finding natural drainage courses. Keep natural and artificial drainage systems clear.

• Severe snowstorms or heavy snowfall can cause roads to become impassable. M.D. crews will be out in full force, but that does not mean your front door to the nearest highway will be snow-free in a matter of hours. During the winter months, make sure you are well stocked with supplies such as food, water, wood, and/or propane, as well as a generator.

• Wildfires are a concern in rural areas, especially during dry years. The vast expanses of hay fields, crops, and brush can easily ignite and spread quickly. Rural residents need to keep their lands clear of dead brush and be very careful with any outdoor fires.

Before starting any fire, contact the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority at 780-826-4755 or check the M.D. website md.bonnyville.ab.ca for information on fire permits and fire bans.

WHERE IT ALL FLOWS

WATER

In the Hamlets of Ardmore and Fort Kent and in the Lakeview Estates Subdivision, the M.D. of Bonnyville provides municipal water services to properties. The water is supplied from the Cold Lake Regional Utilities Services Commission.

Utility bills, for those residents that have municipal water and/or sewer connections, are issued monthly.

The M.D. operates two potable bulk water stations in the Hamlets of Ardmore and Fort Kent. Water bills for those people that obtain water from the M.D. bulk water sites are issued monthly.

Many M.D. residents do not have access to treated potable water. Ground water wells or water cistern systems are typically used to provide rural residents with water. Contact Alberta Environment at alberta.ca/environment-andprotected-areas or a water well drilling company for additional information.

SEWER

Sewer service is provided in the Hamlets of Ardmore, Fort Kent, and in the Lakeview Estates Subdivision. Outside of this service area, rural residents must manage their own sewage disposal through options such as septic tanks or septic fields.

Permits for private sewage systems are obtained through our Planning & Development Department. Find out more at bit.ly/MDBvillePermits, scan the QR code below, or email planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

Please visit the Alberta Safety Codes Council website at safetycodes.ca or call 1-888-413-0099 to obtain a copy of the Alberta Private Sewage Systems Standards of Practice for sewage system guidelines.

WASTE & RECYCLING

M.D. residents living in Ardmore, Fort Kent, Emerald Estates, Country Lane Estates, and Countryside Estates have curbside waste collection. The Waste Services Department provides a waste cart. Collection is every Tuesday. Service interruptions (due to weather or mechanical issues) are reported at md.bonnyville.ab.ca. In the event of an interruption, carts should be left out as they will be collected as soon as the weather permits, or the issue is resolved.

The M.D. has six landfill/transfer stations and 32 bin sites. Residents can use all these sites for free.

• If using the Ardmore Landfill, you will need to register for a free waste utility account to receive a scan card or smartphone app for access.

• Residents living close to Cold Lake can also apply for a landfill card which can be used at the City of Cold Lake’s landfill. This will allow you to drop off household waste at the landfill at no extra charge. Please note — this is for bagged, household garbage only.

The M.D. provides several recycling programs including agricultural plastics, an expanded electronics recycling program, and even mattress recycling.

Find out more about our Waste and Recycling Programs, including a list of our landfills and bin sites and what they accept at bit.ly/MDWaste

THE SPACES BETWEEN US

ZONING & SUBDIVISION

Zoning regulations determine land uses, lot sizes, as well as setbacks from roads, property lines, and other features. Within the M.D. of Bonnyville, the majority of our lands are zoned Agriculture to protect and enhance our valuable agricultural land resources and our agriculture-based economy.

Subdivision regulations determine how land may be divided into smaller lots. Zoning and subdivision regulations promote orderly development and minimize conflicts between incompatible land uses.

If you are looking to develop your land or invest in new property within the M.D., your first step is to contact the Planning & Development Department at planning@ md.bonnyville.ab.ca or call 780-826-3171 to explore what opportunities are possible.

PERMITS

Permits for construction, renovations, septic systems, and other land-use activities may be required to ensure compliance with regulations. With property near waterfront or town/city limits, additional regulations and responsibilities may exist to ensure resources are protected.

Contact the Planning & Development Department at planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca or by calling 780-826-3171 prior to any construction, changing, or adding to a use on a piece of property. A typical permit process can take up to three weeks.

For permit applications or more details on the process, contact the M.D. Planning & Development Office using the contact information above or download the Contractor & Homeowners Guide to Understanding the Permit Process at md.bonnyville.ab.ca

INSPECTIONS

With your approved Development Permit and Building Permit (if applicable) in hand, you are ready to break ground on your project. Permits are required prior to the installation of electrical, plumbing, gas, or sewer services.

As construction progresses, inspections are required to ensure all services are installed correctly to protect the occupants of the home and commercial or industrial building.

Book your inspection online at bit.ly/MDInspectionServices or contact the Planning & Development Department planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca or by calling 780-826-3171.

GIVE ME A SIGN

RURAL ADDRESS SYSTEM

Do you have your blue Rural Address Sign? These signs are provided at no additional cost by the M.D.

The sign clearly identifies your rural address for emergency services. It also serves as a location identifier for visitors and service crews.

Please note — this system is NOT the same as your postal address or your legal land description. If you do not have a rural address sign, please fill out the online form at bit.ly/MapsAddressing. If you have questions, email ruraladdress@md.bonnyville. ab.ca or call 780-826-3171.

The Rural Address Sign should be easily seen facing the public roadway, a minimum of three feet above the natural ground level. Before installing or moving your sign, Click Before You Dig by contacting Utility Safety Partners at utilitysafety.ca

Remember after you install your sign, upload a photo using the same online request form to let us know it has been put up.

ERs & MRs

WHAT IS AN ER?

Lands designated as Environmental Reserves (ER) are considered essential to the protection and enhancement of the environment. These lands are usually adjacent to lakes, streams, or other bodies of water and prevent pollution and provide access to the body of water.

WHAT IS AN MR?

Municipal Reserves (MR) are lands that can be used for public parks, recreation areas, school board purposes, green space, or to separate lands that are used for different purposes (e.g., as a buffer).

PURPOSE OF BYLAW NO. 1766

The purpose of the Municipal Lands and Reserves Bylaw No. 1766 is to regulate the conduct and activities of people on municipally-owned lands, promote the safe, enjoyable, and reasonable use of the lands, and protect and preserve natural ecosystems for the benefit of all residents of the municipality.

A permit or license is required for any existing and new projects on Municipal Lands such as:

• Small deck structures

• Stairs in a zigzag pattern

• Meandering pathways

• Seasonal dock or boat hoist storage

• Essential retaining walls

• Directional or informative signage

Please contact our Planning & Development Department at 780-826-3171, by email at planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca, or visit bit.ly/PreserveReserve for additional information on permits and licenses.

MONEY MATTERS

PROPERTY TAX

Property Assessment and Tax Notices for M.D. residents are mailed in May/June each year. An announcement will be posted in your local newspaper, on the M.D. website and social media platforms, and in the M.D.’s resident newsletter Rural Review

The Property Assessment and Tax Notice includes your municipal tax amount, provincial education requisition, seniors’ housing requisition, and other requisitions.

The property value that determines your property assessment is based on the estimated value of your property as of July 1 of the year prior to the notice being sent out. Farmland, machinery and equipment, and linear properties are valued based on provincially regulated formulas. The property that is subject to assessment and tax is the existing property on December 31 of the year prior to the notice being sent out.

If you do not receive your Property Assessment and Tax Notice, please contact the Administration Office at 780-826-3171 to ensure your mailing address on file is correct.

The last day to pay off your current year’s property taxes without penalties is currently September 15. Please check your notice each year, as this date is subject to change. Any current year’s taxes that are outstanding after September 15 are subject to a 12 per cent penalty on September 16. On March 1, there is an additional 10 per cent penalty applied on all property taxes outstanding.

Taxes can be paid through your online banking service, in person at the Main Administration Office, via credit card only through an online third party (see the payments section of the M.D.’s Property Tax web page), or through our monthly Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP).

TIPP is a program that sees your property tax bill divided into 12 payments and automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the 15th of each month. The deadline to sign up is February 28.

All outstanding tax amounts must be paid in full to be eligible for the program.

SMALL-BUSINESS TAX

If you have a small business (50 employees or less) in the M.D., you may be eligible for a reduced non-residential tax rate. Contact the Assessment Department at 780-826-3171 or visit bit.ly/MDBvilleSmallBusinessTaxRate for more information.

REEVE

Barry Kalinski

bkalinski@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

780-573-6082

WARD 1

Josh Crick

jcrick@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

780-545-5961

WARD 2

Darcy Skarsen

dskarsen@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

780-201-3478

WARD 3

Mike Krywiak

mkrywiak@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

780-573-6093

WARD 4

Don Slipchuk

dslipchuk@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

780-545-8443

WARD 5

Dana Swigart

dswigart@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

780-573-9095

WARD 6

Ben Fadeyiw

bfadeyiw@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

780-826-1462

COUNCIL PROFILE COUNCIL

The Council of the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87 is comprised of a Reeve and six Councillors. Each Councillor represents one of the six Wards within the M.D., as indicated on the map on the next page. Council members are elected within the ward where they live to act as a representative of that specific area.

DUTIES & FUNCTIONS

The Reeve and Council are governed by the Municipal Government Act. Council passes bylaws and create policies to ensure the safety and viability of the M.D. They provide leadership as the legislative and policy-making body for the organization.

Council conducts biweekly Council meetings and a monthly Committee of the Whole meeting. These meetings are open to the public and allow for public input in accordance with the M.D.’s Procedural Bylaw. The Reeve is the default Chair of all Regular Meetings of Council.

M.D. OF BONNYVILLE

WARD MAP

You can find the M.D.’s highresolution ownership map at bit.ly/MDOwnershipMap or by scanning the QR code below.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

Call 9-1-1 for an emergency where assistance is required from the RCMP, Fire, or Ambulance. Emergency response times cannot be guaranteed.

• Ambulance: Ambulance services are provided by the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority and the Cold Lake Ambulance Society under contract to Alberta Health Services.

• Fire Departments: The Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority provides fire services in the M.D. from their seven fire stations and through a contract with the Cold Lake Fire & Rescue Department. Most firefighting members are volunteers. If you are interested in joining the local rural fire departments, please contact the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority or visit their web page at brfa.ca.

• Enforcement: RCMP coverage for the M.D. is provided from both the Bonnyville and Cold Lake Detachments. The M.D.’s Public Safety Department offers various services to provide enhanced coverage for our rural area. Their patrol services include speeding and traffic patrols, snowmobile and ATV enforcement, dog control, unsightly property, dangerous goods inspections, parking and traffic bylaw, commercial truck route enforcement, liquor offences, and patrols of municipal campgrounds. They provide these services 24 hours per day, 365 days per year using shift work and on-call hours. When calling with a concern, please be prepared to provide your rural address to the dispatcher.

Please call 780-812-3332 to report bylaw infractions or traffic concerns.

VOYENT ALERT!

The Voyent Alert! system will help keep M.D. residents up to date.

Alerts will be sent in a variety of ways including through an app, text message, email, and even through a landline telephone. From road closures due to construction, or emergencies (fire, flood, etc.), the Voyent Alert! system will make sure residents know what’s going on.

Residents can even submit information — from missing pets to looking for items that may have been taken from your property, the M.D. has a form you can submit to the Public Safety Department to post out on the Voyent Alert! system. Find out more, including how to sign up for an account at bit.ly/MDVoyentAlert

FIRE PERMITS

Fire permits are required during the Alberta wildfire season (March 1 to October 31). Fire permits can be obtained from your local Fire Guardian or from the Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority.

Visit bit.ly/MDFirePermits to find out who your local Fire Guardian is or call the BRFA at 780-826-7446.

EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT

Emergency management is an integral part of the Municipal District of Bonnyville’s commitment to public safety for residents. While there are several layers of emergency management, both from the federal and provincial governments, local municipalities carry much of the responsibilities in this area.

You can find out more about emergency management in the M.D., including steps to take to become prepared at bit.ly/MDEmergencyManagement

DOWN ON THE FARM

Agriculture is fundamental to the rural lifestyle in the M.D. of Bonnyville. Much of the M.D. is zoned for this purpose. If you choose to live among the farms and ranches, there are some things you should keep in mind.

• Farmers often work around the clock, especially during planting and harvest time.

• Farm operations commonly include dust, noise, odours, and farm chemicals. These typical activities may affect adjoining property owners, especially during windy weather.

• Farm vehicles are allowed on all roads and may cause traffic delays.

• Animals can be dangerous. Bulls, cattle, horses, ostriches, etc. can attack and trample human beings. It is not safe to enter pens, pastures, and/or meadows where animals are kept.

• Livestock can cross fences and be difficult to see on or near roads.

VETERINARY SERVICES INCORPORATED (VSI) PROGRAM

The M.D.’s veterinary health program is designed to maintain professional veterinarian services within and around the municipal district to bolster herd health. The VSI Program, which finances 50 per cent of select veterinary procedures, applies to most types of meat-producing livestock such as beef and dairy cattle, swine, sheep, and goats. Nontraditional species (bison, elk, deer, alpacas, llamas, and ostriches) are also eligible.

RENTAL EQUIPMENT

The M.D. provides a variety of rental farm equipment to ensure farming and ranching operations within the municipality remain sustainable and profitable. The items are rented on a daily basis from either our Bonnyville office location or at one of our three agent locations. A listing of available equipment and the agent locations is available at md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

SHELTERBELT PROGRAM

The M.D. of Bonnyville orders seedling trees through local suppliers for our Shelterbelt Program. The online-only sale goes live in early March, with seedlings ready for pick up at the end of May.

For more information on the program please visit bit.ly/MDShelterbelt

PEST CONTROL

RODENTS

The M.D. offers rental services for traps that can be used to control small pests such as magpies, porcupines, and skunks. We also have options available for the control of Richardson Ground Squirrels. If you’re interested in learning more about our pest control programs, please visit our website at bit.ly/MDBvillePestControl.

RATS

As a municipality that borders another province, the M.D. is part of the Alberta Rat Control Program that is intended to prevent the introduction and establishment of Norway Rats and rabies.

Farm inspections are carried out at all farm sites and acreages within the first range adjacent to the Saskatchewan border to detect and control any rat infestations that may occur as rats attempt to cross over into Alberta. Bait is provided to residents living in this area to assist in preventing the establishment of rats on their property.

BEAVERS

The M.D. offers an incentive program to local landowners for beaver removal in problem areas affecting residential, structural, and agricultural flooding on private land. The M.D. has also compiled a list of local trappers willing to assist landowners through trapper proxy. Please call the Ag Services Department at 780-826-3951 for more assistance with problem beavers.

COYOTES & WOLVES

The M.D. runs a coyote and wolf reduction incentive program from November 1 to March 31. Find out more at bit.ly/CoyoteWolfProgram

WEED CONTROL

The M.D.’s Agricultural Services Department is dedicated to reducing the establishment and spread of prohibited noxious and noxious weed as designated by the Weed Control Act. The M.D. uses an integrated management approach to manage vegetation along the rights-of-way. Management tools include spraying, mowing, hand pulling, and biological controls. Find out more about weed control agreements, roadside spraying, and more at bit.ly/MDWeedControl

HOWDY NEIGHBOUR!

Owning rural land means knowing how to care for it and being aware how your neighbours use their land. It is important to remember that agriculture is an important business in the M.D. of Bonnyville. To maintain a good neighbourly relationship, keep the following in mind:

• Ask for permission before entering private land, even for a casual stroll, and before driving on private roads.

• Leave gates the way you find them – open or closed.

• Foster a strong sense of community – watch for strangers and look out for your neighbour’s property when they are away.

• Ensure that your pets stay on your property, for you and your neighbour’s sake.

• Secure your garbage to prevent wildlife problems. Bears and other wildlife are attracted to garbage as a food supply.

FUN & GAMES

INTERACTIVE PARKS & RECREATION MAP

Looking for a new playground to visit or trail to hike? Check out the online interactive Parks & Recreation map at bit.ly/ParksAndRecMap. You’ll find information about all the parks and recreation facilities and amenities owned and operated by the M.D. including baseball diamonds, boat launches, ice rinks, campgrounds, and more!

VISITOR INFORMATION

The M.D. of Bonnyville Visitor Information & Interpretive Centre is located in the Shaw House at Vezeau Beach on the shores of Moose Lake. It is adjacent to the Vezeau Beach M.D. Park and the newly constructed dual-vehicle boat launch.

It is your one-stop shop for information on local attractions, guides for regional tourism, and recreation maps. Check out the M.D.’s Trading Post while you are there to buy locally created souvenirs from the region.

@ShawHouseVIC

LET’S CAMP

PARKS & CAMPGROUNDS

The M.D. operates 12 campgrounds on eight lakes.

Visit letscamp.ca to book at the following M.D. parks:

CHICKENHILL LAKE

COLD LAKE

CRANE LAKE EAST & WEST

ETHEL LAKE

FRENCH BAY on Cold Lake

MINNIE LAKE EAST & WEST

MURIEL LAKE

PELICAN POINT on Moose Lake

VEZEAU BEACH on Moose Lake

WOLF LAKE

Find our more about each M.D. park at bit.ly/MDCamping or call 780-826-2245.

There are also provincial- and privately-operated campgrounds located throughout the region. For a complete listing pick up the annual Adventure Guide or view it online at bit.ly/MDAdventureGuide

KINOSOO RIDGE RESORT

Kinosoo Ridge is owned and operated by the M.D. of Bonnyville.

WINTER

In the winter, relax in the chalet or enjoy a workout on one of the runs covered in natural and machinemade snow or hit up the Tube Park. The resort has two quad chairlifts and three carpet lifts to get you to the top for your snowy adventure.

SUMMER

In the summer, be sure to visit the 60-foot-tall Aerial Adventure Park. Take a new route to the top each time. Climb to the top to get the best view of Cold Lake! Or hit a few targets with the kids at our Target Golf course while enjoying our famous ice cream.

Winter and summer learning camp programs are offered year-round.

Hungry? Stop by The Ridge, the restaurant on the second floor of the chalet, summer or winter! The chefs are serving up local food and locally brewed beverages on seasonal menus. Every bite is a delight!

Find out more about upcoming events, lessons, and hours at kinosoo.ca. Check out the Kinosoo Ridge socials to keep up to date and follow The Ridge for daily specials.

GOOD TO KNOW

Here is some information about other services not offered by the M.D.

MAIL

Door-to-door rural route mail delivery is not available in the M.D.

Contact Canada Post to setup a post office box at your nearest Canada Post location –canadapost.ca

FCSS

Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) is a partnership between the Province of Alberta and municipalities that develops locally driven preventive social initiatives to enhance the well-being of individuals, families, and communities.

Visit bonnyvillecommunityservices.ca to learn more and view the programming calendar.

OTHER UTILITIES

There are a number of natural gas and electricity providers in the province of Alberta. You can find out about the available retailers and distributors through the Utilities Consumer Advocate.

Visit ucahelps.alberta.ca/retailers.aspx to find out what providers are available in your area and to do cost comparisons.

COMMUNITY HALLS

For a complete listing of the rural community associations in the M.D., their hall locations and their numerous events, see the Community Calendar on the website at md.bonnyville.ab.ca

GET IN TOUCH

Main Administration Office

4905-50. Ave

Postal Bag 1010

Bonnyville, AB

T9N 2J7

780-826-3171

General Information info@md.bonnyville.ab.ca md.bonnyville.ab.ca

Planning & Development planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

Taxation & Assessment taxsupport@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

Bill Payments ap@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

@MDBonnyville

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

Agriculture, Pest Control, and Weed Control

Agricultural Services Shop

61330 RGE RD 455

780-826-3951

To report concerns, use the 24/7 hotline at 780-812-5000.

WASTE SERVICES

Waste and Recycling

Public Works Shop

61330 RGE RD 455

780-826-3951

waste@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

PUBLIC SAFETY

To Report Bylaw Infractions

780-812-3332

INFRASTRUCTURE SERVICES

Transportation & Utilities

Public Works Shop

61330 RGE RD 455

780-826-3951

PARKS & RECREATION

The Shaw House at Vezeau Beach Visitor Information and Interpretive Centre

#2 46300 TWP RD 611

780-826-3972

Campsite Booking

780-826-2245 letscamp.ca

Community Grants

communityservices@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

@ShawHouseVIC

Kinosoo Ridge Resort

63231 RGE RD 411

780-594-5564

info@kinosoo.ca

kinosoo.ca

@SkiKinosooRidge