October 2023
TABLE OF CONTENTS KINOSOO EARLY BIRD SALE 2 2023 BY THE NUMBERS 6 VOYENT ALERT TEST 11 RAT CONTROL PROGRAM 12 REEVE’S MESSAGE 16
We’re Hiring Summer might seem like it just passed, but at The Ridge restaurant and Kinosoo Ridge Resort, we’re already gearing up for winter! We’re currently on the lookout for passionate individuals to fill the following positions: • Cooks • Kitchen Attendants • Bartender/Servers • Lift Operators • Ski Patrol • Instructors
• Snow Makers • Groomer Operator • Guest Relations Attendants • Cashiers • Rental Shop Technician
For a detailed description of each role and how to apply, please visit kinosoo.ca/jobs or scan the QR code below.
Early Bird gets the deals! Exciting News! Our commitment to serving our community never wavers, which is why we’re ecstatic to announce that The Ridge restaurant will remain open all year round. Join us to experience seasonal and local culinary delights.
Check out the menu at kinosoo.ca or by scanning the QR code.
Monday – Closed Tuesday – Closed Wednesday to Saturday, 11:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.
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Our Early Bird season pass sale is on until October 13. Buy online at store.kinosoo.ca, come to the chalet, or give us a call at 780-594-5564. Chalet Guest Services Hours (starting October 3) Monday to Friday – 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday – Closed Sunday – Closed
Early Bird pass rates for the 2023/24 snow season: Adult (18 to 64 years old): $350 Student (13 to 17 years old): $300 Child (five to 12 years old): $270 Senior (65 years old+): $270 Kritter (up to four years old): $120 Family of five: $785 (Each additional family member: $185)
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PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
If you live around a lake in the M.D., you may see some of these signs popping up. Starting with Crane Lake, the M.D.’s Planning and Development Department installed informational signs conveying how Municipal and Environmental Reserves can be used, as per the Municipal Land and Reserve Bylaw No. 1766.
What is an Environmental Reserve (ER)? Lands designated as ER are considered essential to the protection and enhancement of the environment. These lands are usually adjacent to lakes, streams, or other bodies of water and prevent pollution and provide access to the body of water.
What is a Municipal Reserve (MR)? MRs are lands that can be used for public parks, recreation areas, school board purposes, green space, or to separate lands that are used for different purposes (e.g., as a buffer). Brochures will be sent to residents before signs are installed. Inside of the brochure, you’ll find a map outline where the ER and MR lands are, where the signs have been placed, and more. R? IS AN E IPAL WHAT d as Environmental ial MUNIC INFOR ent ONLAL d ess ignate IS INFORMATIONAL WHAT AN ER? MA ATINA considere ement of Lands des S AND WH ORMTIO D (ER) are F anc N AT ves IS enh IN ser LA AN and Re ER Lands designated as Environmental SIGNA ? ares, or SIGNAGE protection These lands GE S to the Lands desig nt.are considered Reserves (ER) AGE amessential nated ced at ironme as The follow Enviro plaplaced es, stre env ESERVE nmen ing N SIG l be be The following signs will at signs will be the(ER) tal vent RMUNICIPAL to lak Reser to the protection and enhancement of ves place acentdered signs wil dend adj at ed useuse consi locations based ing and pre allyare essen intintended locations based on the usu follow on to the prote tial water the the the environment. These lands are The inten to the ded use ction ies of of the reserv MUNIC paign, LANDS AND bodand enhan based on access er elakes, nsreserve e the lands. oth vid lands IPA ntstreams, the enviro atio of . e lan usually adjacent toceme or locof L cation cam ds. nmen and pro edu t. These ion our erv lands lut of are pol usually adjac other bodies of the res As part placing ter. of water and prevent ent ipal walakes, of to y LAND RESERVES streams, or ff will be on Munic bod other bodie S. staAN pollution and provide access to the r M.D s of water signage nalD and prevent ves in you atio ? ser rm pollution and Re R body of water. al ent provide access A M ers ISto the RESEinfo Environm s brochure off body of water. RV and p ES n. Thi ds that WHAT ves (MR and a ma divisio As part of our education ervescampaign, ) are lan sub res erve se res the g onwill Reser ks, WHAT IS AparMR? M.D. staff be placing details n showin nicipal isio blic Mu pu div for sub d WHAT rd As part informational signage on Municipal your ofeduca be use te of our AReserves canIS MR as, sch Municipal (MR) are that ations. ?ool boa separa are campaign, tolands d loction and Environmental Reserves in your M.D. staff will lan recreation space, or be Munic re is icates the ind This sign indicates there t is This sign indicat This sign ess poin es there acc acon confirmed access point firmed is a confirmedaaccess t can be point nity tha thevici vicinity thatians can, be in the vicinity the ininthat estr can ped utilized bybe pedestrians, utilized by pedest ized by util se rians, tho , and cyclists, and those cyclists, and those . lists cyc y aids mobilit aids. requiring requiring mobili uiring mobility reqty aids.
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For more information, visit bit.ly/PreserveReserve, scan the QR code, or call the Planning and Development Department at 780-826-3171.
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2023 BY THE NUMBERS 52.8% 1.8% 45.4%
Average Tax Bill - General Residential Total Assessment $370,000
Average Tax Bill - Rural Subdivision Total Assessment $500,000
Municipal $1,061.44
Municipal $1,434.38
Lakeland Lodge $36.29
Lakeland Lodge $49.04
Provincial School Requisition $911.68
Provincial School Requisition $1,232
• Approx. 1350 sq. ft. • Built more than 10 years ago, but less than 20 years ago • Two-acre lot • Double car garage • Basement fully developed, same quality as the main level
• Approx. 1850 sq. ft. • Build in the last 10 years • Two-acre lot • Triple car garage • Basement fully developed, same quality as the main level • Located in a subdivision, but not on lakefront property
Total 2023 Tax & Assessment Notice Amount: $2,009.40 Total 2023 Tax & Assessment Notice Amount: $2,715.41
2023 Municipal Property Tax Revenues
Not Including Ward 6 North Revenues (Order in Council 121/2021) Revenues from 2023 Tax Rate Bylaw Breakdown by Assessment Class Residential 8.50% Farmland 0.50% Non-Residential – Vacant, Small Business, Other (At Market Value) 10.3% Non-Residential – Other (Linear) 41.90% Machinery & Equipment 38.75% Minimum Tax 0.05%
Operating Expenses 2023 Budget
General Municipal 47.95% Council 0.57% CAO Office 1.47% Asset Management 0.39% Corporate Services 6.06% Fire Protection Services 1.68% Disaster Services 0.27% *Ambulance Services 0.04% Public Safety 3.66% 911 Services 0.17% Infrastructure 19.88% Airport 0.11% Water Supply & Distribution 0.76%
Sanitary Sewage Services 0.60% Waste Management 2.31% Preventative Social Services 0.44% Planning & Development 1.20% Community Services 0.93% Agricultural Service Board 2.36% Economic Development 0.29% *Recreation Boards 0.09% Parks 2.36% Kinosoo Ridge Resort 6.03% *percentage too small to show in graph
Capital Expenses 2023 Budget
CAO Office 0.95% Corporate Services 1.73% Fire Protection Services 0.43% Disaster Services 0.37% Infrastructure 73.02% Airport 2.93% Sanitary Sewage Services 3.92% Waste Management 3.43% Planning & Development 0.25% Community Services 0.60% Agricultural Service Board 2.20% Parks 2.01% Kinosoo Ridge Resort 8.16%
Total Revenue 2023 Budget
$20,138,206
Operating Revenue 84.65% Capital Revenue 15.35%
$111,058, 409
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PUBLIC SAFETY
Slowdown for road crew safety. Did you know that as of September 1, drivers are required to slow down when passing all roadside workers? This includes paving crews, traffic sign installers, bridge crews, etc. These workers are now afforded the same protection extended to law enforcement, EMS, Fire Services, and tow truck operators. When passing roadside workers or emergency personnel on a two or more-lane highway, you must now move over to the furthest lane when possible. If you can’t move over, you must reduce your speed to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit – whichever is lower. Additionally, new rules for passing snowplows came into effect September 1, to address concerns around visibility.
Drivers must not pass a snowplow when the view along the side of the plow is obstructed, when passing would impede the operation of the snowplow, or when the act of passing cannot be done safely. According to the Alberta Workers’ Compensation Board, over a recent four-year period, there were 2,229 injuries due to collisions between roadside workers and automobiles. The report also detailed snowplow collisions. There were 37 recorded collisions in Alberta during the winter of 2022-23. As a reminder, some highway maintenance vehicles have had blue lights installed as a means of increasing safety. This pilot project has been extended until 2028, so we may start seeing more blue lights around the M.D. For all your traffic related questions, don’t hesitate to contact Public Safety at 780-812-3332.
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Testing! Testing! A test of the Municipal District of Bonnyville’s emergency alerting system, Voyent Alert!, will happen on Friday, October 27 at 2 p.m. During the test, anyone who has downloaded the Voyent Alert! app will receive the test alert and may be prompted to provide a response. Please select the most appropriate response. For more information on Voyent Alert!, including how to download the app and sign up for an account, visit bit.ly/MDVoyentAlert or scan the QR code. For more information on how you and your family can become more prepared for emergency situations, visit bit.ly/MDEmergencyManagement.
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AGRICULTURAL SERVICES
Rats! The Alberta Rat Control Program was first initiated in the early 1950s when Norway rats were first reported on our eastern borders. Norway rats were declared a pest under the Agricultural Pests Act in 1950. This means that every person and municipality in the province of Alberta must destroy and prevent the establishment of Norway rats. There’s a good chance you’ve never seen a Norway rat, so here are some handy identification markers for you: • Colour – grey, brown on top, white to light grey underneath • Size – average body length is 40 cm (15 in); tail is shorter than the body • Ears – when pulled forward, its smaller ears do not cover the eyes • Tail – cylindrical, ridged, and hairless; shorter than the body. Norway rats are very high maintenance. They cannot survive in our climate and establish a population unless they have access to food, water, and shelter. Signs of rat presence include burrows, runways, floor holes, gnawing, nests, smudges, and droppings. Burrow entrances will be approximately five to 7.5 cm in diameter and clean of debris. Rats will leave well-beaten trails about five cm wide from the nest to food and water sources. They must chew continuously to wear down their incisor teeth that grow five to 10 cm per year. Rats will chew on materials such as plywood, structural woodwork, plastic panelling, and even concrete. The oily hair of a rat leaves noticeable smudge marks on trails or at hole entrances. And finally, rat droppings are substantially larger than mouse droppings, are blunt at both ends, and are the shape and size of an olive pit. The M.D. of Bonnyville actively participates in the Alberta Rat Control program. Properties in Range 1 along the Saskatchewan border are inspected twice annually, and bait is distributed to landowners. Our pest inspector is extensively trained in the identification of Norway rats. An inspector will be easily identifiable. They will be driving a white M.D. truck (with logo), high visibility vest, and will carry an inspector’s identification card. If you are not home, the inspector will leave a door hanger at your front door. Please contact the number and schedule a time for an inspection to be completed. Landowners can help by taking basic preventive measures to help stop Norway rats from establishing in the province. Keep your property clean and tidy and remove easy-to-access food sources. Rat-proof farm structures by adding a protective covering to doorways, windows, utility connections, and any other openings. If you have any questions or concerns regarding Norway rats, please contact the Agriculture Services department at 780-826-3951 and ask to speak with the Pest Control Officer.
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LANDFILL UPDATE
Ardmore Waste Account As of October 3, M.D. ratepayers are required to have an M.D. waste utility account to access the Ardmore Landfill. October 3 also marks the beginning of the Ardmore Landfill’s new hours of operation – from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday through Saturday. We’re sure you’re asking yourself two questions – why do we need an account to access the Ardmore Landfill and how much is this going to cost me? We’ve got some answers for you! Why do you need an account? M.D. residents will be required to have an account to access the Ardmore Landfill for a few reasons, but most importantly, accountability. Accountability on the users to help ensure they understand their requirements, but also accountability on our part to help ensure we are handling waste and recycling generated in the M.D. of Bonnyville. It is important that the landfill and transfer station service that is provided to M.D. ratepayers remains low-cost. What is the cost of getting an account? There are no fees to register for an account. M.D. ratepayers can register for an M.D. waste utility account to provide access to the Ardmore Landfill and receive either a proximity card or a smartphone app access account. Either option will work at the access gates. Ratepayers can choose the option that best suits their needs. You can sign up for an account at the M.D.’s Main Administration Office (4905-50 Ave. Bonnyville), Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Fort Kent landfill has now transitioned to a bin site for household waste and recycling drop-off only. This change brings the Fort Kent site into alignment with the level of service offered at many of the M.D.’s 30 community bin sites offering 24/7 convenience to drop off these materials. Items such as Class 3 waste, appliances, metal, paint, electronics, and clean wood will now be directed to the Ardmore Landfill for disposal. Have questions about this project and/or any waste or recycling projects? Call our Waste Services Department at 780-826-3951.
Crane Lake West M.D. Park 13
DID YOU KNOW?
The next Regular Meeting of Council is October 10. The upcoming Committee of the Whole meeting is October 17. The 2023 Organizational Meeting is scheduled for October 24. Cancellations of meetings due to scheduling conflicts and/or holidays are posted on bit.ly/MDBvilleAgendas.
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. All meetings begin at 9 a.m., are held in Council Chambers, and are open to the public.
NOTE IT! Tax Payment Plan Did you know the Municipal District of Bonnyville offers a monthly payment plan for property taxes? If you sign up today, your monthly payment plan to pay your 2024 property taxes will start in January. How does it work? When you sign up for the Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP), your tax bill will be broken up into 12 monthly payments and automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the 15th day of each month, starting in January 2024.
In order to sign up for the program, your tax account must have a zero balance. While current ratepayers must sign up at the beginning of the year, new M.D. property owners have 30 days after their purchase date to sign up. TIPP is a great way to manage your tax payment and avoid penalties. Need more information? Want to sign up? Contact our Tax Department at 780-826-3171.
YOUR M.D. COUNCIL WARD 1
Josh Crick jcrick@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-545-5961
PRODUCED AND PRINTED BY THE MUNICIPAL DISTRICT OF BONNYVILLE NO. 87 4905 - 50 Avenue Bag 1010 Bonnyville, Alberta T9N 2J7
WARD 2
Darcy Skarsen dskarsen@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-201-3478
WARD 3 CONTACT US: Main Administration 780-826-3171
Mike Krywiak mkrywiak@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-573-6093
Public Safety/Bylaw Concerns 780-812-3332 24-Hour Concern Line 780-812-5000
WARD 4
FIND US ONLINE
dslipchuk@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-545-8443
web - md.bonnyville.ab.ca email - info@md.bonnyville.ab.ca
Don Slipchuk
WARD 5 Sign up for a digital copy of the Rural Review at md.bonnyville.ab.ca.
Dana Swigart dswigart@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-573-9095
WARD 6
Ben Fadeyiw 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.
bfadeyiw@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-826-1462
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MESSAGE FROM THE REEVE By the time you read this, harvest should be just about done. From Council and myself, please be careful around farm equipment – whether it be farmers in the field or drivers encountering equipment on our roads – we want everyone to get home safely.
Barry Kalinski bkalinski@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-573-6082
The last couple of years have been rough when it comes to the economy, and I can promise you Council and I are watching our budget carefully to ensure our residents continue to receive the excellent service the M.D. provides, while keeping an eye on the bottom line to make sure we are doing it in a financially Speaking of equipment and roads, there is a good sensible manner. reminder in the pages of this newsletter about new laws in Alberta regarding driving safely around Progress requires change, and you will see snowplows, road crews, tow trucks, and more. If you some changes coming to the M.D. that will see flashing lights, be sure to move over and slow help us build a future for our children and our down. children’s children. The changes can be as small as changing the operation of the Ardmore and Fall is a time of bounty, thanks, and reflection. As Fort Kent Landfills (see Page 13 for more) to Thanksgiving approaches, I hope you all take a minute as big as our evolving Economic Development to enjoy the fresh fall air and think about what you strategy. are thankful for. I know I am thankful for the beautiful place we call home. I’m thankful for another year of As always, you can keep up to date with what’s harvest. I am thankful for the employees of the M.D. happening in the M.D. through our social of Bonnyville and all of the hard work they do. And media channels – Facebook, Instagram, and X I am thankful for you, the residents of the Municipal (formerly known as Twitter), and our website District of Bonnyville, for allowing me the privilege at md.bonnyville.ab.ca. of being your Reeve.
NOTES FROM THE CAO
Al Hoggan ahoggan@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-826-3171
Summer is slowly receding, and our fall colours have begun to show. It has been a good summer, plenty of rain, plenty of heat, and our farmers’ crops look good. We are a blessed municipality. Many have not fared as well. Be thankful and grateful for all that has been provided.
in top notch shape so we can tackle successfully whatever Mother Nature throws at us. As well, our Kinosoo Ridge crews are beginning the work to put snow on the ground at the ski hill. The chair lifts are being made ready for what we hope is another record breaking ski season.
Harvest has continued at a frenzied pace, and we thank our local farmers and ranchers for feeding the region, the province, and the country. As a result of the increased traffic on our graveled roads, and due in part to the dry conditions we have experienced over the last few weeks, some of our roads are beginning to show some wear and tear.With damp fall weather likely around the corner, we should be able to get those roads back in shape before the snow flies.
As a reminder we are a community made up of many different cultures and beliefs. The common thread should be in the way we care for one another and in the way we treat one another. May we smile. May we be kind. May we be the best versions of ourselves that we can be.
Speaking of snow, and the upcoming winter season, our Transportation crews are hard at work getting the winter road equipment back 16
Have a wonderful autumn season.