Rural Review - May 2024

CAMPGROUNDS

M.D. Parks open May 10!

Online reservations for all M.D.-owned campgrounds are open and camping begins May 10, 2024!

Visit letscamp.ca to book your summer at the following M.D. 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 ATV-friendly sites available

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

Wolf Lake – non-power

You can find out more about our campgrounds at bit.ly/MDCamping

Follow us on social media for weekly campsite availabilities throughout the camping season.

@MDBonnyville

AGRICULTURAL SERVICES

Weed Inspectors – keeping our agriculture and industrial lands weed free

Spring is upon us, and the Agricultural Services Department is gearing up for another busy summer.

Inspecting over 2,000 properties annually, our weed inspectors are a vital part of our team. Weed inspections are the most important tool the Ag Department uses to prevent and control noxious weeds.

Noxious weeds quickly and aggressively adapt to our landscape and cause economic and environmental harm. The Weed Control Act protects our farmers and ratepayers from economic and invasive losses caused by weeds. By completing a weed inspection on your property, you have a greater chance of detecting a noxious weed growing before it becomes a large infestation. Noxious weed infestations that cover large areas are labourintensive and costly to control or eradicate.

Our weed inspectors are extensively trained in the identification of noxious weeds and control options. The inspectors are easily identifiable. They will be driving a white M.D. truck (with logo), will be wearing

a high visibility vest, and they will be carrying identification which you may ask to see. They will not enter houses or outlying buildings, will respect biosecurity protocols you may have in place, and will not approach livestock.

We want to foster a positive relationship between weed inspectors, farmers, and ratepayers in the M.D. If a noxious weed is found on your property, the inspector will be able to provide you with a list of options to control the noxious weed in a timely matter before it grows out of control.

Two of the M.D.’s most wanted noxious weeds are oxeye daisy and scentless chamomile, which are both favourites of the home gardener. Other noxious weeds of concern include white cockle, burdock, tansy, and Canada thistle. The M.D. has quick identification guides for ratepayers, which can be picked up at the Public Works Shop, located at 61330 Range Road 455.

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

Scentless chamomile infestation

EM E R G E N C Y P R E P AR E D N ES S W E E K O P E N H O U S E

ARE YOU PREPARED?

Sa t u r d a y , M a y 1 1 , 2 0 2 4

A r d m o r e O u t d o or R i n k , 5 1 0 7 - 4 8 S t r e e t

1 0 a. m . t o 2 p . m .

R a i n o r S h i n e P L E A S E J

F R O M 1 1 A .M . T O 1 P . M .

P h o t o s w i t h F i r s t R e s p o n d e r s & E q u i p m e n t

G i v e a w a y s

I n t e r a c t i v e D i s p l a y s

A g r i c u l t u r a l E m e r g e n c y P l a n s

F e a t u r i n g g u e s t s p e a k e r

Ye l l o w h e a d C o u n t y C A O L u c M e r c i e r

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS BINGO

B I N G O

Name three risks you need to be prepared for in the M.D.

What should you do if you receive an evacuation alert?

You know what the My Alberta Emergency Registration System (MAERS) is.

You and your family know how to shut off the main electrical circuit box in your home.

Your family owns a battery powered or crank radio.

You have some non-perishable food items in your home.

There are extra batteries in your home.

What is the number to call in an emergency?

At least one member of your family has the Voyent Alert! App.

You and your family know how to Shelter-inPlace.

Do you know the names of two of your neighbours?

At least one member of your family has the Alberta Wildfire App.

You have a first aid kit in your home.

FREE SPACE

At least one member of your family has the Alberta Emergency Alert App.

Each of your family members have a to-go bag.

You have visited the M.D.’s Emergency Management Webpage.

What is the number to call if you see a wildfire in the M.D.?

Name two trusted sources of emergency information in the M.D.

Create a Family Emergency Plan using the template found HERE

You have a plan for your pets and/ or livestock in the event of a disaster.

Your family owns a flashlight or has candles.

You and your family know where your main water shut-off valve for your home is.

At least one member of your family has the Alberta 511 App.

What should you do if you receive an evacuation order?

Complete the Bingo Card above by crossing off the square once you complete the task. Winning patterns are one line or a full card. Once complete, submit a picture of your Bingo Card to em2024@md.bonnyville.ab.ca for a chance to win one of two Emergency Preparedness prizes. Limited to one entry per family.

The M.D. of Bonnyville will contact winners via email by May 13, 2024.

EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS

Preparing for wildfire season

Wildfire season in Alberta is typically March 1 to October 31. With Emergency Preparedness Week happening May 5 to 11, we’re talking about FireSmart – the provincial and national wildfire prevention program. It is designed to help you protect your property from wildfires.

Here’s how:

Reduce the chance of wind-blown embers – The Immediate Zone is the area within 1.5 metres of your home. In this zone, use non-combustible construction materials, clean your gutters, remove dead brush and vegetation, and avoid woody plants to reduce ignition sources.

Prevent fires from reaching your home – The Intermediate Zone is the space between the Immediate Zone and up to 10 metres away. In this area, use fire-resistant plants, relocate any combustibles, and create defensible space around items you can’t move – i.e. around sheds, fences, trailers, etc.

Limit the intensity of fire – In the area that lies 10 to 30 metres from your home, create three metres of space between trees, remove branches two metres from the base of trees and regularly clean up any dead or fallen debris, vegetation, branches, grasses, and needles.

To do your own assessment on your property, visit FireSmart.ca to download the free app. If you see a wildfire or suspicious smoke in a forested area, call 310-FIRE (3473), 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Did you know?

In 2023, 61% of the 1,088 wildfires in Alberta were human caused?

TOP WILDFIRE CAUSES

* A wildfire that has been intentionally lit, which includes (but is not limited) to arson.

Emergency alerts

In the event of an emergency in the M.D., you may receive advisory and critical alerts through Voyent Alert!, the Alberta Emergency Alert system (AEA), or both. You can find out more about our Voyent Alert! app at bit.ly/MDVoyentAlert

It is important to understand the difference between advisory alerts and critical alerts.

An advisory alert signals potential danger, meaning you need to prepare to take action. Grab your emergency to-go bag, alert your loved ones, and prepare your pets. Stay alert and wait for further instructions.

A critical alert indicates imminent danger. These types of alerts will contain important instructions to keep you and your family safe. Follow official guidance to navigate these situations effectively.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

The hierarchy of planning documents

The Municipal District of Bonnyville is undertaking a standard review and update of our Land Use Bylaw (LUB).

Why does the M.D. need a LUB?

The Province of Alberta requires all municipalities to have a Land Use Bylaw. The LUB regulates the use and development of lands within the boundaries of the M.D.

The M.D.’s current LUB was created in 2017. Since then, there have been a number of amendments made. There have also been updates to the Municipal Government Act (MGA), and several related M.D. planning documents — including the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Area Structure Plans (ASPs).

Below, we’ll show you how all of these documents come together to help form the LUB and assist the M.D. in planning for the next 20 years of growth and development.

PROVINCIAL LAND USE PLANNING DOCUMENTS

MGA - The MGA sets out the requirements and authority of the hierarchy of planning documents that guide municipal planning and development in Alberta. It provides the framework for land use and development decisions for all municipalities within the province. The M.D. must comply with the hierarchy.

Lower Athabasca Regional Plan (LARP) – This framework provides high level provincial land use policies. All municipal planning must be consistent with the policies outlined in LARP.

MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT DOCUMENTS

Intermunicipal Development Plans (IDP) - An IDP is a collaborative document prepared in collaboration with neighbouring municipalities to plan land along their shared boundary.

MDP - A MDP provides the policy framework for planning and development decisions at the Council level.

ASPs – These plans provide land use policies and development criteria for specific lands, including hamlets, and assess the impacts of future development. This plan details required servicing infrastructure — including roadways and upgrades.

The above noted plans are statutory documents and the policies within them must be consistent.

Finally, we get to the LUB.

LAND USE BYLAW

The LUB assigns land use districts (zoning) to every parcel of land within the municipality. Land use districts are used to regulate residential, recreational, commercial, industrial, and agricultural land development and buildings. The M.D. of Bonnyville LUB controls the use and development of land and buildings following the direction outlined in IDPs, the MDP, and ASPs.

Have questions? Want to give your input? Join us at our open houses happening at the beginning of May.

May 8, 6 to 8 p.m. at Eastbourne Hall May 9, 6 to 8 p.m. at Riverhurst Hall

There will be a formal presentation at 7 p.m.

PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT

#PreserveTheReserve

In the coming months you may notice M.D. employees out in your neighbourhood identifying Municipal Reserves (MRs) and Environmental Reserves (ERs) for everyone in our communities. We will be installing informative signage as part of the 2024 Municipal Lands and Reserves education initiative in an effort to collaborate with communities regarding land stewardship.

The M.D. has already installed these informative signs in the multi-lot subdivisions on the southwest side of Crane Lake. It is the intention of the M.D. to install signs in as many neighbourhoods with MRs and ERs as possible.

Additionally, landowners in other higher density, lakefront multi-lot subdivisions will receive information via mail identifying these MRs and ERs in their communities.

WHAT IS AN ER?

Environmental Reserves are valuable for helping safeguard and improve the environment. Typically dedicated alongside lakes, streams, or other water bodies, these lands play a crucial role in limiting pollution and facilitating access to the waterways.

WHAT IS A MR?

Municipal Reserves are designated lands usable for various public purposes, including parks, recreation areas, school board facilities, green spaces, or as buffers to separate lands used for different purposes.

You can learn more about MRs and ERs at bit.ly/PreserveReserve.

Summer road construction

As we welcome the spring weather and the inevitable sunny summer ahead, the Transportation Department has been preparing for our upcoming road maintenance season.

The M.D. plans to complete about 15 kilometres of Rip & Re-Lay projects and roughly 24 kilometres of shoulder pulls to ensure our road infrastructure continues to serve the ratepayers for years to come.

M.D. patch trucks have already been out to repair the potholes that have developed throughout winter and the spring freeze/thaw cycles. The municipality’s gravel roads are being assessed. Transportation staff plan to start the annual gravelling and dust control program following the May long weekend.

The Transportation Department will see an influx of seasonal staff soon, and we are looking forward to a safe and productive year.

We remind drivers to obey all traffic signs and please follow the speed limits when travelling through any construction zones. We want to make sure everyone gets home safely to enjoy time with their family and friends.

As always, if you see any safety issues or have a concern, please call our 24-hour concern line at 780-812-5000.

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.Here is the schedule for May:

Regular Meeting of Council – May 14, 2024

Committee of the Whole – May 21, 2024

Regular Meeting of Council – May 28, 2024

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, May 20 in recognition of Victoria Day. Regular office hours will resume Tuesday, May 21.

NOTE IT!

Learn more about what rural living looks like in the M.D. of Bonnyville. Check out our new Guide to Rural Living by scanning the QR code or visit bit.ly/MDGuideToRuralLiving.

Tax and assessment notices

M.D. of Bonnyville property owners will be receiving their 2024 Tax and Assessment Notices at the beginning of June. The Tax Department is currently forecasting a May 31 mailout.

If you have purchased property in the M.D. in the last 30 days, you can sign up for our Tax Installment Payment Program (TIPP). This program sees your annual property tax broken into 12 payments, which are automatically

withdrawn from your bank account on the 15th of each month. All other property owners wishing to sign up for the program can do so in January and February, as long as their tax account carries a zero balance.

You can reach our assessors with questions about your assessment and our Tax Department with any other taxrelated questions at 780-826-3171.

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.

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

May 5 to 11 is Emergency Preparedness Week.

At the end of April, we had an example of why we need to be prepared for an emergency. With a wildfire on M.D. borders, a State of Local Emergency was put in place, as was a location-specific Evacuation Alert. While the State of Local Emergency and alert were cancelled the next day, it was a reminder that it’s a good thing to be prepared.

To that end, the M.D.’s Emergency Management Department will be hosting an open house at the Ardmore outdoor rink on May 11. There will be staff and volunteers on hand to discuss how to make an emergency plan — not only for your home but for farms as well. They will have resources available to help you and your family be prepared in an

NOTES FROM THE CAO

Al Hoggan

ahoggan@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-826-3171

You know it is spring in Alberta when fire advisories are put in place, and we talk of Emergency Management. It is certainly that time of year here in the M.D. of Bonnyville.

The M.D. has already declared one State of Local Emergency and, although that ended as well as it could, the current dry conditions will keep our fire advisories active for some time to come.

Camping season will soon be here (likely many of you have already been camping). Just a quick reminder for when you’re booking your next trip, the M.D. has some of the finest camping in the province. This year we initiated a pilot project to allow ATVs at our Pelican Point on Moose Lake campground. ATVs in Pelican Point will be required to be licensed, registered, and insured. Details of ATV use in the park can be found in the M.D. of Bonnyville’s new parks and campground bylaw. If this project is

emergency situation. Find out more about the open house on Page 4.

One of the other tools to help you during emergency situations is the M.D.’s Voyent Alert! app. When you sign up for an account, you can choose to download the app and receive alerts from the M.D. through it, receive a text message, email, or even a voice call. Voyent Alert! will let you know about everything from fires and floods to lost pets and rural crime.

You can find out more about how to download the app and sign up for a Voyent Alert! account at bit.ly/MDVoyentAlert. To all of our farmers, I hope you have a great seeding season. I am also hoping that we see some rain soon so we can have a good growing season and maybe lessen the risk of fires in the M.D.

successful, the M.D. may consider expanding the use of ATVs to our other camping facilities.

The farmers are back in the field, and we wish them a safe and productive seeding season. As a reminder, there is occasionally a slow-moving farm vehicle on our roads and on the provincial highways. Please be patient and drive safely when passing these vehicles.

With the warm weather many of our kids are out and about riding their bikes and playing. Children being children, they may not often be as attentive as they should be, so please bear that in mind when you are driving in our hamlets and in our subdivisions.

Enjoy the good weather and may you have a blessed spring and early summer.

Barry Kalinski