February 2024
INSIDE SNOW FEVER 2 2024 ADVENTURE GUIDE 5 SHELTERBELT SALE 6 CHERRY GROVE FIRE HALL 7 TIPS FROM PUBLIC SAFETY 8
Snow Fever is coming to Kinosoo Ridge Resort! Get ready for an exhilarating day of winter fun February 17 as Kinosoo Ridge Resort co-hosts the annual Snow Fever winter festival. This Family Day long weekend event will showcase an array of exciting activities and unique experiences. LIVE MUSIC AND FREE PHOTO BOOTH
A DJ and live music will set the tone for a day filled with laughter and joy. Check out the free photo booth, available from 12 to 4 p.m. Capture your family’s memorable moments against a winter-themed backdrop, creating keepsakes to cherish for years to come. FREE LESSONS AND FAMILY TUBING PASS SPECIAL
For those eager to hit the slopes, Snow Fever at Kinosoo will feature free teaser lessons with our dedicated ski and snowboard instructors. It’s the perfect opportunity for beginners to learn and for seasoned enthusiasts to brush up on their skills. Want more snow fun? Families can take advantage of our special Family Tubing Pass, priced at just $70 for up to five people. It’s an unbeatable offer for an exhilarating afternoon! Join us at Kinosoo Ridge February 17 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. for an unforgettable Family Day long weekend. Let’s make the most of the winter season together!
For more information on the rest of the Snow Fever weekend, visit facebook.com/SnowFeverLakeland. 2
THE RIDGE Après Ski Classics on the menu As you take a break from the activities, The Ridge restaurant invites you to indulge in our special Snow Fever Menu, inspired by the après ski classics from France, Switzerland, and Germany. Savour the flavours of these winter wonderlands as you enjoy a culinary journey right here at Kinosoo. SHARABLES Charcuteski – All your favourite charcuterie items on a ski delivered right to your table! Tartiflette – Duck fat confit new potatoes baked with cheese and lardons. Fondue Style Dip – Served with potatoes and chunks of bread. MAINS Käsespätzle – Spaztle sautéed in garlic butter and drizzled with cheese sauce. Topped with crispy onions and sauerkraut. Bavarian Schnitzel – Breaded pork cutlet, served with braised red cabbage, potatoes, and gravy. Diot Sausages – Two sausages made specially for us by Hamels. This sausage is flavoured with nutmeg. Served in a white wine and onion sauce with potatoes. DESSERT Gâteau de Savoie – Often been called a biscuit its so light! Tarte aux Myrtilles – Blueberry tart inspired by the French Alps. S’mores Platter – Caution HOT! This platter comes with fire to roast your own marshmallows at your table. Served with all the fixings.
Savour the love As the season of love approaches, it’s time to elevate your Valentine’s celebration with something truly special — the return of our beloved Wine Tasting event! Join us February 10, from 6 to 9 p.m. for an unforgettable and enchanting Valentine’s Day Wine Pairing Night guided by Amy Pilat from Wine Knows. Our meticulously crafted menu promises a sensory journey through four exquisite courses, each paired perfectly with hand-selected wines.
FIRST COURSE Two raspberry point oysters served with mignonette, tabasco, and lemon. SECOND COURSE Grilled asparagus topped with our own hollandaise. THIRD COURSE Braised short rib served with handmade gnocchi. FOURTH COURSE Avocado chocolate mousse, Chantilly cream, fresh fruit, and meringue two ways.
ALCOHOLIC BEVERAGES Peppermint Hot Cocoa Aurora Spritz Polar Paradise Shot The Après Ski Classics Menu is only available in the lounge at The Ridge on February 17, 2024.
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Priced at $115 per person (including gratuity), this event is a feast for your senses, an evening of warm company, and a celebration of love and fine wine. Visit store.kinosoo.ca to book your tickets or call 780-594-5564. 3
CAMPGROUNDS
#TakeItToTheLake Want to take a break from the snow? Now is the time to start planning your #TakeItToTheLake adventure in the M.D. of Bonnyville! Online reservations for all M.D.-owned campgrounds open April 1! Go to letscamp.ca at 8:30 a.m. and book your summer at the following M.D. parks: Cold Lake — power and non-tenting sites available Crane Lake East and West – power sites available Ethel Lake – non-power sites French Bay on Cold Lake – non-power sites Minnie Lake East and West – power sites available Muriel Lake – power, non-power, seasonal, and group sites available Pelican Point on Moose Lake – non-power, group sites, and ATV-friendly sites available Vezeau Beach on Moose Lake – full-service, seasonal sites available Wolf Lake – non-power sites 4
You can find out more about our campgrounds at bit.ly/MDCamping.
NEWSLETTER SIGNUP
Attention, M.D. residents! Do you have your post office mailbox set to filter out flyers? If so, you may be missing out on news and updates important to you! Don’t miss out on information from the M.D. – stay connected and informed with our Rural Review newsletter! A DIGITAL SOLUTION! Head to our website today
and sign up for our newsletter to have all the latest content delivered straight to your email inbox. HOW TO SUBSCRIBE: Visit md.bonnyville.ca or
scan the QR code. Click on the newsletter button to sign up and start receiving our newsletter electronically. It’s quick, easy, and ensures you never miss a beat.
Looking for more information on what to see and do in our area? Check out our 2024 Adventure Guide at bit.ly/MDAdventureGuide or by scanning the QR code.
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SHELTERBELT Scan the QR code here for more information on our Shelterbelt Program.
Get ready to grow! The M.D.’s annual online shelterbelt tree sale is set to go live March 12, 2024. The shelterbelt sale, which has been running for over a decade, offers M.D. residents the chance to buy seedlings, at a discount.
Please note — this program is only available to M.D. residents. You must provide your blue sign address when ordering. Residents will only be able to place orders online through our website.
Building shelterbelts have many benefits in addition to being good for the environment. These benefits include wind protection, reduced soil erosion, increased pollinator and wildlife habitats, increased land values, and more.
New varieties this year include Cherry Go Round, Reblooming Hydrangea, Chester Thornless Blackberry, Golden Willow, Hedge Rose, Amur Maple, and Balsam Poplar.
With the increasing popularity and demand for shelterbelt seedlings, this program sells out fast. Trees and shrubs are sold on a first-come, firstserved basis.
Check out bit.ly/MDShelterbelt for more information on what will be on sale, best management practices, and resources for planting and caring for your shelterbelt. Need more information? Call Agricultural Services at 780-826-3951.
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COMMUNITY UPDATE
Cherry Grove Fire Hall work under way The health and safety of M.D. residents is Council’s top priority. That’s why, after a devastating fire destroyed Cherry Grove’s landmark church, a cornerstone of the community, talks immediately began in Council Chambers about the need to establish a fire hall in the hamlet. Now, just over a year later, work on the new Cherry Grove Fire Hall and Grader Shop has begun. “It was sad to see the community suffer such a loss,” said Reeve Barry Kalinski. “We want to make sure our residents have the services they need, when they need them.” Council showed their dedication to the project by working with Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority (BRFA) to host an open house last October to gauge interest in the fire hall — after all, a fire hall is just an empty building without the dedication and commitment of the brave men and women who make up the volunteer fire department. With the overwhelming positive response of passionate community members, discussions began immediately to see how quickly and cost effectively a fire hall could be established in Cherry Grove. The fire hall project was identified as a priority during 2024 Budget Deliberations held at the beginning of November. When the 2024 Capital Budget passed in December 2023, the Cherry Grove Fire Hall and Grader Shop was at the top of the list. Not even a month later, Council officially chose the location of the new building. To be located at the corner of Highway 55 and Range Road 412, the M.D.-owned land proved to be the most logical and economical choice for the location. Other possible sites were rejected after complications with utility and transportation rights of way were identified. These complications would have interfered with the ability to complete the project in a timely and cost-effective manner. The new fire hall is based on the design of the Ardmore Fire Hall and Grader Shop, which was completed in 2022. By using the existing design, Council has reduced the project costs and how long it will take to build. The fire hall and grader shop should be ready by early 2025. “We want to keep the natural beauty of that piece of land,” said Kalinski. “So, we’ll be replanting some trees and doing landscaping to make sure it fits in with the rest of the hamlet.” Keep an eye on md.bonnyville.ab.ca or follow us at facebook.com/MDBonnyville for updates. 7
VEHICLE THEFT
Lock it up If you use the M.D.’s Voyent Alert! app, you may have noticed the high volume of vehicle thefts taking place in the M.D. and surrounding communities. There are many reasons why vehicles are stolen in our area — and some may surprise you. For a while, the M.D. saw large pickup trucks favoured as criminals would use large utility-style vehicles to commit other crimes. There have been ATMs chained and dragged away, fences driven through to steal items on the other side, stolen trucks used to haul away stolen trailers, and in some cases, trucks used to push through barricades in front of liquor stores or other commercial properties.
The M.D.’s Voyent Alert! system can help you keep up to date on emergencies (including natural disasters, road closures, etc.) and other events happening around our region. Scan the QR code below to find out more including how to sign up for an account.
Lately, we have been seeing vehicle types of all kinds being stolen. The M.D.’s Public Safety Department would like to share some advice with you to help reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen.
LOCK YOUR VEHICLE
USE ANTI-THEFT DEVICES
PARK SMART
KEEP VALUABLES OUT OF SIGHT
Always lock your car and close windows when leaving it unattended.
Steering wheel locks, car alarms, or immobilizers can be used to help deter thieves.
Park in well-lit areas or secure parking lots and avoid leaving your vehicle in isolated or high-crime areas.
Hide valuable items or remove them from the car to avoid attracting potential thieves.
INSTALL A TRACKING SYSTEM
KEY MANAGEMENT
VALET KEY CAUTION
USE COMMON SENSE
Consider installing a GPS tracking device that can help locate your vehicle if it gets stolen.
Avoid leaving spare keys inside the car, and never leave keys in the ignition or in an easily accessible area.
If you use a valet service, give them only the valet key to prevent access to your trunk or glove compartment.
Be vigilant and report suspicious activity or attempted theft to the RCMP.
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of your vehicle being stolen. As always, Public Safety is here to help. Call us at 780-812-3332 if you need more information.
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Snowbird safety Winter has finally arrived, and with it often comes the escape to warmer climates. If you’re one of the many going on vacation to escape the cold, don’t forget to ensure the safety of your home while you’re away. According to data provided by the RCMP, there were 106 break-and-enters to residences, businesses, and other buildings within the M.D. in 2023. This is trending downward slightly from our numbers in 2021 when we saw 118 break-and-enters. Here are some tips to consider when leaving your property for an extended period: • Have someone shovel your driveway and check on your residence while you are gone. • Use a mail holding service, or ask a trusted neighbour, family member, or friend to collect any deliveries to your home. • Ensure all windows and doors are locked. • Disconnect the power supply to your garage door. • Install timers on lights to give the appearance someone is home. • Consider installing exterior motion sensor lights and cameras. • Consider installing a home security system. Vacations are exciting, but be mindful about sharing your whereabouts on social media. Wait until you are back home before sharing pictures and other details of your adventures, so criminals don’t know your house is empty. Finally, consider what thieves may be looking for. Vehicles often turn up missing following a break-in as the criminals may need a vehicle to depart the scene. So, as a final tip, keep your car keys in a safe place with your jewelry or other personal belongings while away. Check in with the Public Safety Department at 780-812-3332 for more information.
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DID YOU KNOW?
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 on the third Tuesday of each month. All meetings begin at 9 a.m. in Council Chambers, located at the M.D. of Bonnyville’s Main Administration Building (4905-50 Ave. Bonnyville), and are open to the public. Due to a scheduling conflict, the March 19, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting has been cancelled. Agenda packages and minutes from meetings can be found at bit.ly/MDBvilleAgendas.
Upcoming office closure Please note – all M.D. offices will be closed Monday, February 19 in celebration of Family Day. Regular office hours will resume Tuesday, February 20.
NOTE IT!
Tax deadlines approaching If you have any outstanding taxes due on property within the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87 on March 1, 2024, you will be subject to a 10 per cent penalty as per Bylaw 1846.
If you would like to set up the monthly payment plan or if you have any questions about the penalty or the balance of your property tax account, please contact the Tax Team at 780-826-3171.
Did you know the M.D. has a tax installment payment plan (TIPP)? This program sees your annual M.D. of Bonnyville property tax bill divided into 12 equal payments, which are automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the 15th of each month, without penalty. Please note — to qualify for TIPP this year, your tax account must be up to date, and the first two payments of 2024 will be due at time of sign up.
The last date to set up TIPP is February 29, 2024.
YOUR M.D. COUNCIL WARD 1
Josh Crick jcrick@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-545-5961
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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
Darcy Skarsen dskarsen@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-201-3478
WARD 3
Mike Krywiak mkrywiak@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-573-6093
WARD 4
24-Hour Concern Line 780-812-5000
Don Slipchuk
FIND US ONLINE
dslipchuk@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-545-8443
web - md.bonnyville.ab.ca email - info@md.bonnyville.ab.ca WARD 5
Dana Swigart Sign up for a digital copy of the Rural Review at md.bonnyville.ab.ca.
dswigart@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-573-9095
WARD 6
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.
Ben Fadeyiw bfadeyiw@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-826-1462
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MESSAGE FROM THE REEVE With this being the f irst Rural Review of 2024, I would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year. There are some exciting projects underway at the M.D., including the Cherry Grove Fire Hall and Grader Shop. Groundwork has begun and the tender has been issued for the design/build for the project. We are pushing forward with this project for the good of the community, and Council and I are excited for this service to be established in the hamlet.
Barry Kalinski bkalinski@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-573-6082
We are trying to disturb the natural landscape as little as possible for the site located at the intersection of Range Road 412 and Highway 55. While some trees have had to be cleared to allow for construction, we will be planting trees to enhance the natural landscape and to act as a noise barrier between the f ire hall and the hamlet. While we’re on the topic of trees, be sure to check out this year’s shelterbelt program. M.D. residents can purchase trees f rom the M.D., at a discount, to help build a shelterbelt on their property. This program encourages tree planting for a number of reasons — as a benef it to the environment, to beautify your property, and to act as a natural snow fence in the winter months. You can f ind out more on Page 6 of this newsletter.
NOTES FROM THE CAO Welcome to 2024! The M.D. of Bonnyville experienced unusual weather over the Christmas holidays. I hope each of you took the advantage of the fantastic weather window of opportunity to visit with family and f riends. However, on the other side of the coin, the warmer and drier weather is causing concerns throughout the province regarding a potentially dry spring and summer season. While spring rains may alleviate these concerns, we are watching closely, particularly with an eye on the fire potential.
Al Hoggan ahoggan@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-826-3171
The M.D. is taking extra care this year to ensure all of our full-time, permanent staff are trained in basic emergency response and our Public Safety Department is reviewing and improving our Emergency Management Plans. We hope for the best, but we prepare for less than the best. Project planning for all of Council approved initiatives is well under way. In particular, we have started work on the site of the future Cherry Grove Fire Hall and Grader Shop. This project will be a welcome addition to the Hamlet of Cherry Grove and the surrounding area. From myself and the staff at the M.D. of Bonnyville, we wish you all the best for 2024!
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