Rural Review - December 2022

RURALREVIEW

December 2022 md.bonnyville.ab.ca

TABLE OF CONTENTS

2023 BUDGET PG 2

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AGLOW IN THE M.D. PG 3

FLASHING LIGHTS PG 4

WHAT'S NEW AT KINOSOO PG 5 LITTLE BEAR LAKE DANGEROUS ICE PG 6

CHEMICAL JUG RECYCLING PG 7

IDENTIFYING NORWAY RATS PG 8

UTILITY BILLS WITHOUT THE PAPER PG 9 IN THE WORLD OF WASTE PG 10

ADDRESS SIGNS/COUNCIL CONTACTS PG 11 REEVE/CAO MESSAGES PG 12

HOLIDAY HOURS

With the festive season on the horizon, here are changes to the hours for all M.D. offices and landfills. All M.D. offices will be closed December 26, 2022, with regular business hours resuming January 3, 2023

The following are the hours for all M D landfills: December 24 open from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

December 25 & 26 CLOSED January 1 CLOSED

Immediate road and infrastructure concerns can be directed to 780 812 5000 All bylaw concerns can be directed to 780 812 3332. In an emergency requiring police, ambulance, or fire, please call 9 1 1.

2023 BUDGETS PASSED

After three days of deliberations, Council approved the 2023 Operating Budget and 2023 Capital Plan at the Regular Meeting of Council on November 23, 2022

The Operating Budget came in at $109,457,673, while the Capital Budget (not including carryover projects from 2022) came in at $20,107,481.

Administration presented balanced budgets by reducing operating expenses To continue to offer the high level of service residents have come to expect living in the M D of Bonnyville, Council also approved a two percent tax increase, and will be implementing a one percent Environment Levy in 2023.

FOOD FOR THE SOUL

“This has been a challenging budget,” said Reeve Barry Kalinski “Revenues and assessments are down, while expenditures have increased.”

The budget also includes a review of the M.D.’s water and sewer rates There will be an incremental increase to water and sewer rates to help move toward a partial cost recovery model.

“There were tough decisions to be made,” said Kalinski “We’ve come off of years of prosperity and zero tax increases to now having to raise the rates a little to make sure we can continue to offer our residents the services they need not necessarily the services they want and plan for the future so we can continue to offer those services, while continuing to put money in reserve for larger projects.”

The budget is reflective of the 2022 2027 Council Strategic Plan. The plan, passed earlier this year, sets a clear path for the municipality for the next five years, including building a viable and diversified regional economy, enhancing safety in the community, and promoting community development

The M D of Bonnyville remains as one of the lowest municipal residential tax rates in Alberta. The 2023 Mill Rate will be brought forward in May, after the M.D. receives the provincial requisitions for education and Lakeland Lodge.

Municipal Land and Reserves Bylaw Update

The Municipal Land and Reserves Bylaw went to Council at the end of August and received First Reading. This bylaw proposes to update the enforcement and restrictions regarding the use of lands owned by the M.D. Once it receives Second and Third Readings, the updated bylaw will provide greater flexibility and control for development that occurs on municipal land

Keep an eye on the M.D. website and social platforms for an announcement about education and information packages coming soon

*This bylaw was passed at the November 23, 2022 Regular Meeting of Council.

In September's Rural Review, the wording under the Municipal Land and Reserves Bylaw Update on Page 8 was incorrect. The information that should have appeared is as follows:

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT AGLOW IN THE M.D.

LIGHT UP NIGHTS IN HAMLETS, CHRISTMAS DECORATING CONTEST BACK

You're invited!

Join us as we unveil the new Christmas lights in Fort Kent, Ardmore, and Cherry Grove. We will be hosting a meet and greet with Council, serving up some light refreshments, and will have a colouring contest for the kids!

The hamlet Light Up Nights are as scheduled:

Dec 6 Fort Kent Seniors' Hall

Dec. 7 Ardmore Community Hall Dec. 8 Cherry Grove Community Hall

Each evening will run from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m.

This year also marks the second annual Light Up The M.D. contest

M.D. residents are invited to share photos of their outdoor decorations showing off their Christmas cheer with us via the M D Facebook page (facebook com/MDBonnyville) Anyone who submits a photo will have their name entered into a random draw for a $250 gift card of their choice from a local business. There will be four prizes awarded.

For contest rules, visit md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

FLASHING LIGHTS = DRIVE WITH CAUTION

EMERGENCY LIGHTS

Have you ever wondered what to do when you see emergency (fire, ambulance, police) vehicles, tow trucks, or highway maintenance vehicles (including snowplows) with their lights flashing ahead?

Flashing lights are designed to warn you of a problem and let you know that you should reduce your speed, carefully change lanes if necessary, and be prepared to stop

Under these circumstances, motorists must reduce speed to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit whichever is lower This law applies to the lane(s) immediately next to the stopped vehicles However, if you are not in the lane next to the stopped vehicles, you still need to be watchful and cautious Be aware that vehicles ahead of you may stop or reduce speed unexpectedly to view the scene.

If you see the flashing lights of an emergency vehicle moving toward you (red and blue flashing, red and white flashing), slow down, put on your turn signal, pull over, and stop to allow the emergency vehicles to pass. This allows first responders to get to where their help is needed in a quick and safe manner

Recently, the Alberta government introduced a pilot project permitting tow trucks and highway maintenance vehicles to use blue lights in addition to the traditional amber lights This is so that motorists will slow down, assuming that law enforcement vehicles are ahead. It creates a safer environment not only for the workers, but for all the drivers sharing the road.

Please keep an eye out for flashing lights, slow down, and drive safely.

Have you ever wanted to know how the M.D. would respond to an emergency/disaster situation? Need to know the rates for landing at the Bonnyville Regional Airport? Maybe you want to do some research on what the mill rate has been over the last five years? All that information is now available at your fingertips!

Visit bit.ly/MDBylaws online and you will find all current bylaws that directly impact the public in some way (relevant to the day to day).

The publishing of the bylaws on our website enhances transparency and improve accessibility for our residents, which was identified as a priority in Council’s 2022 2027 Strategic Plan.

It is important to note that these are not certified copies If you would like a certified copy or to view the original, please contact our Legislative and Information Services Department at 780 826 3171.

WHAT'S NEW AT KINOSOO

LET THERE BE SNOW

We’re living in a winter wonderland, which means there’s fun to be had at Kinosoo Ridge Resort!

While at the writing of this article, Kinosoo Ridge hadn’t announced their tentative opening date, it will be announced on their social platforms facebook.com/skikinosooridge and on Instagram @skikinosooridge.

Staff have been giving Mother Nature a hand and have been making snow to turn the rolling hills into a skier and snowboarder’s paradise And don’t forget that Tube Park there are thrills for a lifetime to be found there!

There are a few new things at the Ridge this winter to make things a little better:

Book your lift ticket online, and you can save $3 per ticket Spend less time on the chairlift with our new, fast, quad Green Chair

Fill up on scrumptious snacks at the newly renovated Kinosoo Kitchen

If you didn’t try out our Sunday Brunch this summer, don’t worry it’s making a comeback for the winter season! And remember we have a variety of vegetarian and gluten free options. Check out kinosoo.ca and click on the Restaurant tab to see up to date menu options

Need more information on the upcoming season? Give the Ridge a call at 780 594 5564 or email info@kinosoo.ca.

LITTLE BEAR LAKE DANGEROUS ICE

Earlier this fall, the Agriculture Services Department partnered with the Alberta Conservation Association and the Cold Lake Fish Hatchery to install six aerators at Little Bear Lake. Located north of the City of Cold Lake, the lake is stocked by the fish hatchery

The aerators are meant to promote the year round survival of trout species in stocked waterbodies In turn, this offers more angling opportunities, with better quality fish.

Typically, the lakes involved in the program are prone to winter kill due to low dissolved oxygen levels. Aeration helps keep dissolved oxygen levels steady to ensure fish survival.

The ACA collaborates with various organizations across the province to initiate these projects, and is a not for profit organization conserving fish, wildlife, and habitat

It is important to note, that due to the aeration of Little Bear Lake, there will be dangerous ice conditions thin ice, open water on the lake this winter.

Please make sure to observe the warning signs at the lake.

For inquiries or to report a problem, please call 780 410 1999. Find more information regarding aerated lakes online at bit.ly/ACAAeratedLakes.

The aeration project at Little Bear Lake will continue until 2027

CHEMICAL JUG RECYCLING

DROP-OFF LOCATION UPDATE

CleanFarms is changing the way it runs its <23L recycling program. The program is transitioning from municipal sites back to retailers.

This transition harmonizes the collection system across Canada. Alberta and Manitoba are currently the only provinces where municipalities accept empty agriculture containers

The M.D. of Bonnyville has two recycling locations one at the Goodridge Transfer Station and another in Bonnyville at the Seed Cleaning Plant The Goodridge recycling location has officially closed and will no longer be accepting empty containers. The Bonnyville location will remain open until 2023

Producers must have all empty containers bagged before they can be returned to the retailer.

Free plastic bags are available at both locations to make collecting, storing, and transporting <23L jugs more efficient At the Goodridge Transfer Station, bags can be picked up from the attendant.

If you have any questions, please contact Agriculture Services at 780 826 3951

Use a chemical handler or a pressure nozzle to triple rinse the containers to ensure no product is wasted Remove & Bag

Remove paper booklets and discard

Place rinsed containers in a CleanFarms collection bag and tie closed Return for recycling

Return rinsed and bagged jugs to your participating ag retailer

Seed treatment containers

Caps are to remain securely ON Place in a separate collection bag (seed treatment containers are processed separately from chemical containers and need to be kept in their own bags)

IDENTIFYING NORWAY RATS

NORWAY RAT

The Alberta Rat Control Program was initiated in the early 1950s when Norway rats were first reported on the province’s eastern borders. Norway rats were declared a pest under the Agricultural Pests Act in 1950. This meant that every person and municipality in Alberta must destroy and prevent the establishment of Norway rats.

How to identify a Norway Rat:

Colour: grey, brown on top, white to light

Size: average body length is 40 cm (15 in)

Ears: when pulled forward, its smaller ea Tail: cylindrical, ridged, and hairless, shor

The roof rat is also a regulated pest in Albert smaller and darker Its tail is also longer than way to Alberta via vehicles travelling from Br

Norway rats are very high maintenance th they have access to food, water, and shelter. gnawing, nests, smudges, and droppings

Burrow entrances will be approximately five leave well beaten trails about five cm wide f continuously to wear down their incisor teet such as plywood, structural woodwork, plast

The oily hair of a rat leaves noticeable smudg

Finally, rat droppings are substantially larger than mouse droppings They are blunt at both ends and the shape and size of an olive pit.

The M D of Bonnyville actively participates in the Alberta Rat Control program Properties in Range One along the Saskatchewan border are inspected twice annually, and bait is distributed to landowners.

Landowners can help by taking basic preventive measures to help stop Norway rats from moving into the province. These measures include keeping your property clean and tidy, removing easy to access food sources, and rat proofing farm structures by adding a protective covering to doorways, windows, utility connections, and any other openings

If you have any questions or concerns regarding Norway rats, please contact the Agriculture Services Department at 780 826 3951 and ask to speak with the Pest Control Officer

WE'RE GOING PAPERLESS!

At its 2022 Organizational Meeting, Council passed the 2023 meeting schedule

As of January 1, 2023, Regular Meetings of Council will be held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, while the Committee of the Whole meeting will be held the third Tuesday of each month. All meetings begin at 9 a.m., are held in Council Chambers, and are open to the public.

The following 2023 meetings were cancelled due to scheduling conflicts and/or holidays:

Regular Meetings of Council

April 11, 2023

May 23, 2023

July 25, 2023

August 8, 2023 December 26, 2023

Committee of the Whole Meetings

January 17, 2023 March 21, 2023

June 20, 2023 July 18, 2023 August 15, 2023

IN THE WORLD OF WASTE

MURIEL LAKE BIN SITE CLOSURE

As of October 31, the Muriel West bin site located on Township Road 600 was permanently closed

Residents may use the Moose Meadows, Model Developments, or the Muriel Lake South bin sites. Bagged household waste can be dropped off at the Town of Bonnyville Landfill (at no charge) from 9 a m to 5 p m , Monday to Saturday.

You can find more information about M.D. bin sites at bit.ly/BinSiteMap.

For more information on Waste Services in the M.D., call 780 826 3951

ARE YOU A M.D. PROPERTY OWNER THAT USES THE COLD LAKE LANDFILL?

Great news! Starting November 1, all M.D. property owners can register for a Cold Lake Landfill Access Card, which will give them the ability to dispose of their household waste at the landfill at no charge. This is a convenient alternative to using a M D bin site

How do you get a card?

Come to the M D office at 4905 50 Ave in Bonnyville, Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a m to 4:30 p.m. to sign up for you access card. When you go to the landfill, make sure you have your card with you so it can be scanned.

For more information, contact the M D ’s Waste Services Department at 780 826 3951.

To kick off this month’s column, I want to extend Council and my wishes for all of you to have a happy, healthy, and fun Christmas. I also wish for your 2023 to be one of harmony and prosperity

When you are out and about this holiday season, please drive carefully and keep an eye out for the flashing lights of emergency vehicles. If you see fire trucks, ambulances, or police vehicles heading your way, please pull over and stop to let them pass In an emergency situation, seconds count, and we need to make sure our First Responders are getting to where they are needed in a fast and safe manner

Council and I are excited for the first ever Light Up the Hamlet nights in Fort Kent (December 6), Ardmore (December 7), and Cherry Grove (December 8). We’re looking forward to meeting with you, sharing a cup of hot chocolate, and turning the Christmas spirit up. You can find out more about the events on Page 3.

We are blessed to live in an area that can offer as much fun in the winter as it does in the summer The free cross country ski trails at Muriel Lake are ready, Kinosoo Ridge is getting ready to kick off their snow season with the new Green Chair, and flooding has begun at the Fort Kent, Ardmore, and Cherry Grove outdoor rinks Play safe and have fun!

From my family to yours, Merry Christmas and Happy 2023

The economic situation in Canada, with inflation setting both provincial and national records this fall, created many challenges as the M.D. put together the 2023 Operating and Capital Budgets

Staff worked hard at finding more efficiencies and areas of the budget that could be reduced and, as a result, Council approved a balanced Operating budget significantly reduced from last year’s Operating budget Reducing operating costs while maintaining levels of service is a win win for the municipality and our residents. On the capital side, the M D will be very busy in 2023 with the most visible project being the paving of three miles of Township Road 610 east of Highway 28 This is a busy road and is used by many as a bypass route

As we are now in the grips of the winter months, our snow clearing programs are in full force I would like to take this opportunity to remind all residents to drive carefully during winter road conditions and be particularly cautious while manoeuvring around heavy snow removal equipment Blowing snow around our plow trucks can reduce visibility and create hazardous conditions.

Reflecting on the past Thanksgiving holiday and looking forward to the Christmas season, I am reminded of the many things we are blessed with, both as an M D and as a province.

As we approach the holidays, all the staff at the M.D. would like to wish each of you a blessed Christmas season and all the best for the new year