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