Rural Review - August 2023

Cherry Grove Show & Shine at Kinosoo Ridge Resort

Sunday, September 3 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Scavenger Hunt Day

Every Thursday in August, get your explorer hats on and join us for a thrilling Scavenger Hunt! Discover hidden clues and embark on a treasure-seeking adventure. Play along to find out who will emerge as the ultimate treasure hunter.

Fearful Fridays

Conquer your fears every Friday in August at the Adventure Park!

Join us for an exhilarating climbing experience guided by expert instructors.

Book your spot now for the 12 or 12:30 p.m. time slots at store.kinosoo.ca

Unleash your precision and skill at Kinosoo Ridge target golf!

Get ready for an exciting golfing experience unlike any other! Test your aim and accuracy at our Target Golf course at Kinosoo Ridge. Aim for the bullseye, challenge your friends, and take your swing to the next level. Whether you’re a seasoned golfer or just starting out, Kinosoo Ridge Target Golf offers fun for all skill levels. Don’t miss out on this unique opportunity to enhance your golf game!

Target Golf at Kinosoo Ridge Resort is a walk-in activity – no reservation required.

Pricing:

• Bucket of balls - $12 (including GST)

• One-hour unlimited balls with one tee box and maximum of two people (including GST) - $25

• Five bucket punch pass (fully transferrable) - $48

Seeking an Operations Coordinator to join our team!

Are you a highly organized and detail-oriented individual with a passion for ensuring smooth operations? We are currently hiring for the position of Operations Coordinator at Kinosoo Ridge Resort. As an integral part of our team, you will play a vital role in coordinating and overseeing various operational activities to ensure efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Find out more at bit.ly/WorkAtKR

Employment Opportunities

Are you passionate about providing exceptional service and creating memorable experiences for guests? We have exciting opportunities for you at The Ridge. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and have excellent interpersonal skills, join us at The Ridge.

Savour the flavours of summer at The Ridge!

Indulge in the tantalizing tastes of summer at The Ridge. Our summer menu is here, featuring a delightful array of seasonal dishes bursting with fresh, local ingredients and vibrant flavours. From refreshing salads to homemade pasta, we have something to please every palate. Treat yourself to our handcrafted cocktails or cool off with a selection of chilled beverages. Join us at The Ridge and experience the true essence of summer through our delectable culinary offerings.

Monday and Tuesday – Closed Wednesday to Saturday – Open 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday – Open 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Check out the menu at kinosoo.ca or by scanning the QR code.

Rejuvenate your mind and body with Wellness Sundays

at Kinosoo Ridge!

Join us for invigorating Pilates sessions led by a certified instructor August 13, 20, and 27 at 9:30 a.m. Strengthen your core, improve flexibility, and find inner balance amidst the breathtaking scenery of Kinosoo Ridge. Don’t miss this opportunity to prioritize your well-being and discover the benefits of Wellness Sundays. Book your tickets now at store.kinosoo.ca.

September 9 marks our last Climb and Dine Date Night.

Challenge yourself on our climbing park, conquer new heights, and unwind with your special someone over a selection of fine wines and delectable charcuterie. Reserve your spot by calling 780-594-5564

Alberta on the Plate

From August 11 to 20, experience the flavours that make our province unique during Alberta on the Plate at The Ridge. Don’t miss this limited-time event.

Alberta on the Plate is a 10-day, province-wide dine around festival. Participating restaurants, including The Ridge, will be offering multi-course, fixed-price menus highlighting local producers, growers, distillers, and brewers.

#TakeItToTheLake

For most M.D. campgrounds, there is a little over a month left in the camping season. But did you know we have a few parks that stay open a little longer?

See below for a list of M.D.-operated campgrounds and their closing dates.

Book your site online at letscamp.ca. Find out more about camping in the M.D. at bit.ly/MDCamping or by scanning the QR code above.

Chickenhill Lake M.D. Park – Closes September 10

Cold Lake M.D. Park – Closes September 24

Crane Lake M.D. Parks – Closes September 24

Ethel Lake M.D. Park – Closes September 10

French Bay on Cold Lake M.D. Park – Closes September 24

Minnie Lake East M.D. Park – Closes September 24

Minnie Lake West M.D. Park – Closes September 10

Muriel Lake M.D. Park – Closes September 30

Pelican Point on Moose Lake M.D. Park – Closes September 10

Vezeau Beach on Moose Lake M.D. Park – Closes September 30

Wolf Lake M.D. Park – Closes September 24

As a part of the Municipal Land and Reserve Bylaw education, the M.D.’s Planning and Development Department is installing some new signs. Keep an eye out for new signs being installed to mark municipal lands, trails, and lake accesses at local lakes.

To find out more about the M.D.’s Municipal Land and Reserve Bylaw, visit bit.ly/PreserveReserve

Crane Lake West M.D. Park

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Investment attraction is a top priority for the Municipal District of Bonnyville.

The purpose of an investment attraction action plan is to provide the analysis, strategy, and tools required to attract suitable, desired, and complementary investment to the M.D.

Based on factors identified in the Regional Economic Development Plan: Technical Report and supported by the Business and Industry Growth Strategy, the energy sector, proteins and agriculture technology sector, tourism and quality of place sector, renewable technologies sector, and Canadian Armed Forces procurement sector will be the focus of the M.D.’s investment attraction action plan.

Targeted and increased investment attraction will result in a stronger M.D. revenue base, increased employment, and economic opportunities for the M.D. as well as support the development of clusters and value chains that will diversify and strengthen the local economy.

In designing the action plan, the following questions will be asked:

The following are eight steps to creating an investment attraction strategy:

1. Identify your community’s competitive advantage

2. Undertake a gap analysis

3. Analyze and develop target industry list

4. Identify future investment-ready sites

5. Identify investment attraction objectives

6. Identify potential policies and procedures that support investment attraction

7. Determine investment attraction tactics

8. Implement, monitor, evaluate, and adjust

The M.D. of Bonnyville is committed to investment attraction.

“Building a viable and diversified regional economy” is the first goal established in the M.D. Council’s 2022-2027 Strategic Plan. Objective 1 of Goal 1 is “develop an economic development strategy inclusive of business/industry attraction, retention, and expansion while maintaining our rural influences”.

For more information on investment attraction or any of our other Economic Development programs, please contact Economic Development Specialist Scott Kovatch at skovatch@md.bonnyville.ab.ca or call 780-826-3171

Preparing your trees for winter

Winter is just around the corner, and you should start thinking about preparing your trees for the cooler weather.

Watering, adding mulch, pruning, and wrapping the bark will aid your trees through the long winter months. Young seedlings and newly planted trees are more prone to winter kill injuries than mature trees, therefore, they may require extra attention and preparation.

Watering is very important for the survivability and longevity of your trees. Water acts as an insulator around the roots of the tree. Cold air around the root systems can damage the roots causing dieback or eventually killing the tree. Water trees throughout the fall before the ground freezes. Trees should be watered at the drip line, not the base of the tree. The drip line extends from the outermost branch to the ground.

Now, how much water should you give? A rule of thumb is for every inch in diameter the trunk is at chest height equals 10 gallons of water.

Adding mulch not only protects the tree’s roots from freezing and reduces root damage, but also helps retain moisture during the dryer, colder winter months.

Depending on the species of tree or shrub, it may benefit from pruning before winter. Research the species of trees you have to determine when the right time is for pruning. At the very least, remove dead or dying branches to maintain the tree’s strength. The weight of the snow may cause branches to break off which can damage your tree or your property.

Young trees can be wrapped as an extra layer of protection against sunscald and other bark-damaging conditions. Sunscald is a term used to describe injury caused by fluctuating winter temperatures. Warm winter sun can cause trunk cells to come out of dormancy and become active. But when temperatures drop below freezing again, active cells and conductive tissues are killed, causing an injury that may result in scarring.

Remember to water, mulch, prune, and wrap young trees before the ground freezes.

If you have any questions, contact the Agricultural Services Department at 780-826-3951

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Here are some common projects that do require Development and Building Permits:

1. Temporary or moveable structures over 150 sq. ft. This includes sheds purchased from your favourite hardware or garden supply store.

2. Basement development – from bedrooms to bathrooms and everything in between, contact Planning & Development for details.

3. Structural changes in existing houses, including (but not limited to) moving walls or replacing windows.

4. Change of use – for example converting an old cabin into storage.

Do I need a permit?

Summer is upon us and many residents in the M.D. are planning their summer projects.

Often, construction enthusiasts will ponder whether a permit is needed. The best answer to that is to contact our Planning and Development Department!

Public Notice

Please be informed that the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87 (M.D.) is preparing Bylaw No. 1853 Municipal Development Plan (MDP) for Council consideration. A public hearing has been scheduled for September 26, 2023, at 10 a.m. in Council Chambers located at 4905-50 Avenue in Bonnyville. The public hearing will provide the opportunity for anyone affected by the changes to provide comments or feedback prior to the final adoption of the plan. The public hearing will consist of a presentation by Administration providing a detailed overview of the MDP followed by comments from the public either for or against the plan. Speakers will be limited to five-minute presentations.

The MDP is an important guiding tool for community development and to help deal with the constant change, evolution, and growth of the M.D. over the next 10 or more years. The MDP applies to the entire M.D. Please note that Bylaw No. 1853 will repeal and replace the current MDP under Bylaw No. 1367.

5. Additions, which include additional living space, decks, and screened porches.

When in doubt, give us a shout!

Call 780-826-3171 or email planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

A full copy of the proposed MDP can be found online at bit.ly/MDBvilleMDP. A physical copy is available for viewing at the M.D. of Bonnyville Main Administration Office at 4905-50 Ave. Please review the proposed document and ensure that any comments you may have regarding the proposed MDP are received in writing by our office no later than noon, Thursday, August 31, 2023.

If you have objections to the foregoing, please indicate any concerns or objections to our office via the email provided below or by fax at 780-826-4524. If no response is received by the specified date, the meeting will proceed as though there are no concerns or objections to the matter that is the subject of the referral.

For additional information, please contact Scott Purich, Planner at 780-826-3171 or email planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

Back to school

We know it’s only August, but back to school time is just around the corner, and the Municipal District of Bonnyville’s Public Safety Department wants to make sure this coming school year is a safe one.

Kids at elementary levels tend to make friends easier and tend to enjoy their time at school a great deal. It is important to remind younger children about things like Stranger Danger, proper bike use (assuming they are riding their bike to school), and safe at home routines for when mom and dad are still at work. Now is also a good time to review pick-up and drop-off routines.

While we’re on that topic, please take caution when dropping and picking kids off at the school. Signs posted in front of schools directing parents not to park in a certain area should be considered traffic control devices and should always be adhered to. The beginning and end of the school day are chaotic and unpredictable as there are big buses sharing spaces with parent vehicles, bicycles, children young and old, pedestrians, and so on. We want to make sure everyone gets to school and home again safely.

And finally, keep an eye out for those school buses and their flashing lights. Amber flashing lights on a school bus lets drivers know they need to be cautious, as the bus is getting ready to stop. Red flashing lights mean STOP immediately. Children are either getting on or off the bus and may be crossing the road. Motorists who fail to stop for flashing lights can be fined $567 and six driving demerits.

Don’t forget – we also have a School Resource Officer (SRO) that visits our local schools, providing informative programs, mentorship, and guidance.

If you have questions about the M.D.’s SRO program, please contact the Public Safety Department at 780-812-3332

Ardmore and Fort Kent Landfill Operational Changes

Ardmore

• Operational hours will change to Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

• Automated barrier gates will be installed to limit access to M.D. ratepayers only.

• M.D. ratepayers will be required to register for a waste utility account (at no charge) in order to receive a scan card or smartphone app to access the site during regular operational hours.

• Ratepayers can register for their waste utility account at the M.D. Administration Office Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

• Construction is scheduled to begin in late August.

Fort Kent

• The transfer station will be transitioned to a community bin site available to ratepayers 24 hours per day, seven days per week starting October 3, 2023.

• Household waste and recycling will be the only items accepted at this site.

• All other items will need to be taken to one of our other Landfill Transfer Stations.

Why we are making these changes?

These changes are necessary for a few reasons, but simply put, it is about accountability, consistency, and efficiency.

• Accountability on the M.D. to help ensure we are handling waste and recycling generated in the M.D. of Bonnyville and also accountability on the ratepayers to help ensure they understand their requirements when using the site. It is important that the landfill and transfer station services provided to M.D. ratepayers remain low-cost and accessible.

• Administration has surveyed other nearby and rural municipalities for their hours of operation including Cold Lake, Bonnyville, St. Paul County, Lac La Biche County, Leduc County, County of Vermilion River, Two Hills County, Westlock County, and County of Grande Prairie. Of these, only the Cold Lake Landfill offers some Sunday hours. These hours are April 1 to October 31 from 2 to 6 p.m.

• The new system will free up the landfill operator to work on the site, allowing them to monitor what is happening and ensuring residents are disposing of materials in the correct areas.

For more information on M.D. waste and recycling programs, call Waste Services at 780-826-3951

DID YOU KNOW?

All meetings begin at 9 a.m., are held in Council Chambers, and are open to the public.

The next Regular Meetings of Council are August 22, September 12, September 26, and October 10.

The upcoming Committee of the Whole meetings are September 19 and October 17.

The 2023 Organizational Meeting is scheduled for October 24.

Upcoming Council Meetings

Regular Meetings of Council are typically held the second and fourth Tuesday of each month, while Committee of the Whole meetings are held the third Tuesday of each month.

NOTE IT!

Meals on Wheels

Did you know Cold Lake Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) offers Meals on Wheels to seniors in Wards 5 and 6 of the Municipal District of Bonnyville?

FCSS relies on volunteer drivers to help get these meals delivered to those who are home-bound, which may include seniors, individuals recovering from illness or accidents, or those undergoing medical treatment. If you like to drive and would like an opportunity to serve your community, here’s your chance!

Meals are picked up at 11:15 a.m. daily, Monday to Friday (excluding statutory holidays and/or severe weather) from a local restaurant and delivered. Drivers will be compensated 51 cents per kilometre for deliveries outside of City of Cold Lake limits. The delivery route takes up to one and a half hours to complete but can fluctuate depending on the number of clients.

For more information on the Meals on Wheels program, whether to sign up for the service or to become a volunteer, please contact Cold Lake FCSS at 780-594-4495.

All Regular Meetings of Council are recorded and uploaded to the M.D.’s YouTube channel.

Cancellations of meetings due to scheduling conflicts and/or holidays are posted on bit.ly/MDBvilleAgendas

PRODUCED AND PRINTED BY THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BONNYVILLE NO. 87

4905-50 Avenue Bag 1010

Bonnyville, Alberta

T9N 2J7

CONTACT US:

Main Administration

780-826-3171

Public Safety/Bylaw Concerns

780-812-3332

24-Hour Concern Line

780-812-5000

FIND US ONLINE

web - md.bonnyville.ab.ca email - info@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

Sign up for a digital copy of the Rural Review at md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

COPYRIGHT - The articles, logos, and photos in this publication are the copyright of the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87 and may not be reproduced without consent.

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

NOTES FROM THE DEPUTY REEVE

It’s hard to believe we’re already halfway through the summer! Summer is for sure one of the busiest times for M.D. staff. From weed inspections and mowing to road construction and assessor visits, there is a lot going on.

Both weed inspections and assessor visits see M.D. staff visiting properties and residents. Please keep in mind, when these staff members come to visit your property, they will be clearly identified through driving a vehicle with an M.D. logo as well as showing documents that confirm them as being M.D. employees.

The assessors will be finishing up in the Muriel Lake area this month, and then will be inspecting properties where building and development permits have been issued, along with properties that were purchased over the last year.

DEPUTY REEVE

WARD 6 COUNCILLOR

bfadeyiw@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

780-826-1462

Summer is also a busy time with a variety of community and charity events happening almost every weekend. The next few weeks will see our area host car shows and music festivals, fundraising golf tournaments and galas, and as always – events featuring food. This includes Feast on the Beach in Cold Lake, the Pyrogy Festival in Glendon, and of course Alberta on the Plate happening at The Ridge restaurant out at Kinosoo Ridge. Check out the event listings on Page 13 and more information about The Ridge on Page 4 for details.

We live in a truly awesome place, and I hope you all get out and enjoy everything it has to offer.

Please note – the next edition of Rural Review will be published in October. In the meantime, check out our website for up-to-date information on what’s going on around the M.D., including highlights from our Council meetings.

Ben Fadeyiw