Rural Review - August 2024 by mdbonnyville

Moose Lake

KINOSOO RIDGE RESORT

Mid-summer update

As we reach the halfway point of summer, it’s the perfect time to experience everything Kinosoo Ridge Resort has to offer! If you haven’t tried the delectable brunch menu at The Ridge or explored the thrilling Adventure Park and Target Golf, now is the time!

Remember, Kinosoo Ridge Resort and The Ridge restaurant will be open until September 15. We are open every Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Our Saturday Brunch menu at The Ridge is available from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., followed by Wing Night from 2 to 6 p.m. On Sundays, we serve brunch all day long! Make sure to try all our delicious offerings before the summer season wraps up.

Stay tuned to our socials for updates, as our early bird season passes will be on sale soon!

@SkiKinosooRidge

Calling all young golf enthusiasts!

This season, we’re excited to offer golf lessons for kids aged five to 12! Whether your child is just starting or looking to improve their skills, our experienced instructors are here to help. Each lesson is packed with fun, learning, and a sweet treat to finish!

Lessons are available: Saturdays from 10 to 11:30 a.m. or 2 to 3:30 p.m.

Price: $25 per lesson (including an ice cream cone) This offer is valid until the end of August.

Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to get your kids into the swing of things!

Private bookings available

Did you know The Ridge restaurant lounge is available for private bookings? It’s the perfect spot for family celebrations, bridal or baby showers, and professional meetings. We offer a private space, audio and video equipment, personalized menus, and more!

Need a bigger space? No problem! We also offer private bookings for the entire restaurant area. Contact us today at 780-594-5564 to reserve your spot!

@TheRidgeAtKR

Oktoberfest at The Ridge!

Join us September 13 to 15 for a festive celebration filled with delicious Oktoberfest specials! Our chefs at The Ridge are cooking up something extraordinary just for you. Indulge in classic favourites like beer and brats, pretzels, and much more!

Date: September 13 to 15 Time: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Bring your friends and family to enjoy great food, beautiful views, and unforgettable memories.

CAMPGROUNDS

Let’s camp!

Visit letscamp.ca to book your summer getaway at the following M.D.-operated parks:

Chickenhill Lake – 30-amp power

Cold Lake – 30-amp power and non-power tent sites

Crane Lake East and West – 30-amp power

Ethel Lake – non-power

French Bay on Cold Lake – non-power

Minnie Lake East and West – 30-amp power

Muriel Lake – 30-amp power, non-power, seasonal, and group sites available

Pelican Point on Moose Lake – non-power, group sites, and OHVfriendly sites available

Vezeau Beach on Moose Lake – full-service, seasonal sites available Wolf Lake – non-power

@MDBonnyville

Minnie Lake M.D. Park

Register now!

The Municipal District of Bonnyville is hosting SiteLink Forum 2024 – a premier event focused on investment attraction for site selectors, economic development professionals, Realtors, developers, engineers, utilities, and other service providers.

This three-day event, which starts September 18, provides, training, networking, best practices, and information on emerging trends for investment attraction.

The forum will feature site selection professionals from across North America.

Want to get involved?

Extreme Mudfest

Cold Lake Agricultural Society

August 14 – 19

extrememudfest.com

Open Farm Days

various locations

August 17 and 18

facebook.com/BvilleColdLakeOFD

Summer Rush Festival

Cold Lake

August 23 – 25

facebook.com/SummerRushFestival

Cherry Grove 7th Annual Lawn Tractor Races

Cherry Grove Rodeo Grounds

August 24

cherrygroveag.com/lawn-tractor-racing

Treaty 1 – 11 Gathering

English Bay Treaty Grounds

August 26 – 30

eventbrite.com/e/treaty-1-11-gathering-carrying-the-fireforward-registration

Feast at the Beach

Kinosoo Beach

August 30 and 31

feastatthebeach.ca

Cherry Grove Show and Shine

Kinosoo Ridge Resort

September 1

facebook.com/p/Cherry-Grove-Car-ShowShine-100064354735608/

Bonnyville Ag Society Annual Fall Fair

Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds

September 14 and 15

facebook.com/BonnyvilleAgSociety

PUBLIC SAFETY

Not all dogs that wander are lost

The M.D.’s Public Safety Department and the Bonnyville SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) are asking people to not pick up dogs from the side of the road.

“We have people with a good heart trying to do the right thing,” said Judith Rodriguez, shelter manager for the BSPCA. “They see a dog outside and think they need to bring them to the shelter. We end up with a lot of dogs who have owners.”

Living in a rural area, there is a greater chance dogs on the side of the road are working animals. These dogs may be running fence lines making sure livestock is where it’s supposed to be or protecting the property.

Quarter sections are about 160 acres. There are property owners who own multiple quarter sections or full sections, meaning dogs are often not close to

houses or barns, but are still on their property. Public Safety points out this also means some dogs may cross roadways to get to where they belong.

The Public Safety Department urges people to not pick up animals, and to instead contact them by calling 780-812-3332. An officer will go check on the animal, see if it is licensed or microchipped, and will check to see if it is on its own property.

This is why it is important for M.D. residents to license and microchip their dogs. A dog license in the M.D. costs $20 and is good for the lifetime of the animal. If the tag is lost, a replacement can be purchased for $5. It should be noted, tags are nontransferable. If a dog passes away or goes to live with another family, please call the Public Safety Department to update the file. Fines for unlicensed dogs are $200. Fines for dogs running at large (meaning they are found off of their property) start

at $200 for the first offence and increase to $800 for the third offence. Public Safety officers have microchip readers to help them identify animals.

The Public Safety Department warns it’s unsafe to pick up animals unknown to you. They can become aggressive with people they don’t know and if they are protecting their property.

One of the issues with the public picking up animals is space. The BSPCA has five quarantine shelter spots for dogs, two of which are contracted to the M.D. to house animals picked up by Public Safety officers. There is one emergency spot. An example of when the emergency spot would be used is if there is a dog that was in a car when their owner has been in an accident and needs a place to stay until it can be picked up by a responsible party. The other two spaces are contracted to the Town of Bonnyville. This leaves no space for animals being dropped off by the

public. All animals being brought to the shelter must be quarantined in one of the five spots for 72 hours before they can go into the general population area, which is currently full.

“We want everyone to keep their pets and keep them safe,” said Dawn Weber, BSPCA Board President. “In heatwaves and cold snaps, ensure your pets have a safe place to stay and adequate access to food, water, and shelter.”

The BSPCA is currently working on a fostering initiative and fundraising for a larger shelter.

For more information on these initiatives, visit bonnyvillespca.ca

For more information on the M.D.’s dog licensing program, call 780-812-3332.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

Land Use Bylaw Review & Update Project

WHAT IS A LAND USE BYLAW?

The Land Use Bylaw (LUB) assigns land use districts (zoning) to every parcel of land within the municipality. The LUB guides the use and development of land and buildings in accordance with the policy direction outlined in Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDPs), the Municipal Development Plan(MDP), and Area Structure Plans (ASPs). It is the mechanism used to implement the policy of the higher order statutory planning documents. Find out more about the hierarchy of plans and how they interact with one another at bit.ly/MDBvilleLUB.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

The M.D. is reviewing and updating the current LUB, which was adopted in 2017. There have been several amendments and additions since the current bylaw was created. This review will:

• Align the LUB with regional and provincial legislation and policies that have come into effect since the last update such as the Municipal Government Act,

• Align the LUB with the M.D. of Bonnyville’s long-term development direction from the MDP,

• Align the LUB with recently approved ASPs; and Ensure the LUB addresses emerging trends and responds to demands in development.

WHERE ARE WE IN THE PROCESS

The

Phase 1: Project Initiation – Completed

• Stantec met with Council to introduce the project before it was launched, letting landowners, stakeholders, and community members know about the LUB Review & Update.

Phase 2: Baseline and Context – Completed

• A review of relevant documents, plans, bylaws, and mapping identified areas in the LUB where updates should be considered.

• The M.D. held open houses at the beginning of May 2024 to introduce the project to landowners, stakeholders, and community members and to get feedback on areas of the LUB that should be reviewed as part of this project. An online survey was also available from May 17 to June 21, 2024 for community members to provide their feedback. A What We Heard report of the feedback received has been prepared.

Phase 3: Drafting the Land Use Bylaw – Ongoing

• Informed by Phases 1 and 2, the M.D.’s project team and Stantec will prepare the draft LUB.

• In late October or early November, engagement will be undertaken on the draft LUB to get community members’ feedback. A What We Heard report of the feedback received will be prepared.

Phase 4: Finalizing the Land Use Bylaw – November 2024 – Early 2025

• The M.D. project team and Stantec will review engagement feedback and determine which modifications to the LUB should be made. The bylaw will then be revised and finalized.

In early 2025, a public hearing for the LUB will be held before Council.

For a full copy of the What We Heard report visit the M.D. website or visit the Main Administration Office (4905-50 Ave., Bonnyville) to pick up a copy.

You can find out more about the LUB Review & Update at bit.ly/MDBvilleLUB.

If you have any questions about the project or would like to provide feedback, please email: planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca or sylvia.summers@stantec.com

When to get a permit

Summer is upon us and many people living in the M.D. are planning summer projects. Often construction enthusiasts will ponder whether a permit is needed. The best answer is contact our Planning and Development Department!

The residential projects below require Development and Building Permits:

1. Temporary or movable structures over 150 square feet. This includes sheds purchased from the hardware store and some tarp shelters.

2. Structural changes in existing houses, including moving/removing walls or replacing windows.

3. Change of use, for example changing an old cabin to a storage facility.

4. Basement development.

5. Additions, including additional living space, decks, and screened porches.

Farm buildings may also need permits. Several factors play into whether a permit is required. With a quick phone call or email to the Planning Department, we can review your parcel size and zoning, check the proposed usage of your project, and determine if a permit is required.

When in doubt, give us a shout! Call 780-826-3171 and choose Option 3 or send us an email at planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

Seniors’ Transportation Grant

The Municipal District of Bonnyville has taken over the management of the Seniors’ Transportation Grant from Bonnyville and District Family and Community Support Services, as of August 1.

The grant program provides financial assistance to seniors living in the M.D. who must travel out of the region for medical appointments and procedures. The M.D. has allocated funds for this program for a number of years while FCSS administered the program. The transition of the program to M.D. Administration will cut back on red tape and increase efficiency in providing payments.

The program will be administered through the recently adopted Policy No. C-1.005 Seniors’ Transportation Grant Program Policy

Here are some key highlights of the program:

• The Seniors’ Transportation Grant is for M.D. of Bonnyville seniors, whose primary residence is within the municipality’s boundaries

• Senior means those who are 65 years old and older

• The maximum claim per year per person is $400, unless the senior receives the Canada Pension Guaranteed Income Supplement (GIS) and then the maximum is $1,000.

You can find the policy and download the application form at bit.ly/MDSeniorsTransportGrant

Property Tax Deadline Approaching

Please note the last day to pay your M.D. property taxes without any additional penalties is September 15, 2024.

After September 15, a 12 per cent penalty will be added to all outstanding 2024 tax bills.

If you have questions about your tax account, would like to make payment arrangements, or would like to sign up for our monthly tax payment program, please call our Tax Team at 780-826-3171.

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

4905 - 50 Avenue Bag 1010

Bonnyville, Alberta T9N 2J7

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

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.

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

MESSAGE FROM THE REEVE

bkalinski@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-573-6082

It’s summers like these that make me grateful to live in the heart of the Lakeland.

The last of the dog days of summer are upon us. I hope you have taken the opportunity to spend time at one of our beautiful lakes and visit some of our local parks, campgrounds, and trails. Speaking of, did you know the M.D. has an interactive Parks & Recreation map? If you go to bit.ly/ParksAndRecMap, you can find the M.D. trails, boat launches, baseball diamonds, playgrounds, and more. Check out the map and use it to plan a couple of days exploring our backyard.

While the summer may be winding down, there are a number of special events on the calendar over the next couple of months. From concerts and car shows to Open Farm Days, there’s a little bit of everything to experience. Be sure to check out the events section on Page 5 of this newsletter.

By the time you read this, the 2024 Summer Olympics in Paris will probably be over. I hope you took the opportunity to catch one of our local athletes competing. I’d like to say congratulations to Ryley Barnes for making the Canadian volleyball team and representing our region.

Since the next edition of the newsletter comes out in October, I wanted to remind everyone to be safe on our roads heading into a new school year and into harvest. Please be sure to watch out for kids in school zones and school buses with their red flashing lights. Remember to also travel safely around farm equipment using the roads to move from field to field. Tractors and combines often have large blind spots, meaning the drivers can’t always see what’s right beside them.

I pray everyone has a bountiful, safe, and fun rest of the summer. Be sure to soak up the sun and enjoy everything our area has to offer.

Barry Kalinski