PUBLIC SAFETY
Happy Halloween!
Here are some tips from our Public Safety Officers:
• Trick or Treat in groups of three or more,
• Paint your face instead of wearing a mask that can obstruct your vision,
• Don’t eat your candy until your parents say it’s ok,
• Only cross roads at intersections where safe and legal to do so,
• Never go inside someone’s house or vehicle, no matter what they say to you,
• When possible, Trick or Treat with your parents who will enjoy the experience as much as you will,
• Wear appropriate footwear — Halloween typically falls on a slippery and cold fall evening,
• and wear reflective clothing, extra lights, glow sticks, etc. to increase your visibility during dusk.
If your blue sign looks like this, it’s time to replace it.
This is what your blue sign should look like.
Address signs
Every minute counts in an emergency. This is why you want your Rural Address Sign (blue sign) to be bright and visible. If yours is faded, the M.D. can help you with that!
Take a look at your blue address sign. Is it faded or damaged? Do you need a new one? Take a look at the picture below. Does it look like the one on the left? If so, you probably need a new one.
The M.D. has an online program which allows property owners to request a new or replacement sign online, at no additional charge.
Simply visit bit.ly/RuralAddressing to fill out the form, and your sign will be ordered. You can also scan the QR code to access the program from your mobile phone.
If you’ve ordered a replacement sign, have been notified it’s arrived, but haven’t picked it up yet, drop by the Planning and Development reception desk Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Once you have picked up your sign from our office, upload a photo of it to through the same form to let us know it has been installed.
If you have any questions, please call the Planning and Development Department at 780-826-3171 or send us an email at ruraladdress@md.bonnyville.ab.ca.
The Rural Addressing System was created for the protection, health, and welfare of Municipal District of Bonnyville residents and businesses. Signage that clearly identifies your rural location address is essential for emergency services and other core municipal services. It also serves as a basic location identifier for visitors, couriers, and service crews.
AGRICULTURE SERVICES
Himalayan balsam
Did you know certain prohibited noxious weeds in Alberta also thrive in water? Himalayan balsam is an annual semi-aquatic plant that can flourish in our lakes. Himalayan balsam was first identified in the M.D. in 2014. Since then, the Agricultural Services Department has been working hard to eradicate the weed. Educating landowners on the damaging effect on our environments and ecosystems is one of the preventative tools we use.
Himalayan balsam will create a dense stand which prevents native plants from growing. A monoculture of invasive vegetation destroys fish and other aquatic animals’ habitat. It is a prolific nectar producer, which draws pollinators away from native species. As an annual that aggressively replaces native perennial plants along riverbanks, Himalayan balsam can cause soil erosion and, over time, bank collapse.
Himalayan balsam is commonly spread from ornamental plantings in backyard gardens as it produces up to 4,000 seeds annually which can launch 10 metres in each direction. Seeds can be spread by water, animals, and OHVs. In addition, fragments of plants left behind after being removed can allow roots to grow.
Back in July, the Agricultural Services Department partnered with Alberta Environment and Lakeland Industry and Community Association (LICA) to do a shore pull at Birch Grove on Moose Lake that was infested with Himalayan balsam. Approximately 300 metres of shoreline was cleaned up. These collaborative projects are pivotal in protecting our lakes and ecosystems.
Himalayan balsam can be identified by its reddish colour stem, pink flowers, and opposite leaves that are sharply toothed. The flowers have a distinct hooded shape that looks similar to a policeman’s helmet.
We are encouraging all M.D. residents to become familiar with the prohibited noxious and noxious weeds found in Alberta and prevent their establishment. The M.D. has free Invasive Plants of Alberta identification books for residents.
If you have any questions regarding Himalayan balsam or would like a copy of the identification book, please contact our Ag Services Department at 780-826-3901.
WASTE SERVICES
Waste shredding
In Fall 2023, the M.D.’s Waste Services Department started changing landfill operations to stockpile Class 3 bulky inert waste and our clean wood waste at Ardmore, Hilda Lake, La Corey, and Therien Landfills. The plan was to shred both of those materials once the stockpiles were large enough. There are many reasons for changing to this process, including:
1. The shredding of Class 3 bulky material significantly reduces the volume of the waste when it is landfilled by reducing the amount of air space the material takes up in the landfill cell.
2. By shredding the bulky materials, they mix together and can be packed easier by the landfill servicing equipment. With fewer large bulky items, there is less risk of causing damage to landfill servicing equipment.
3. When the waste material can be spread and packed uniformly, there are fewer gaps. Since the waste requires soil for intermediate cover, this means there is less soil needed to meet provincial landfill requirements.
4. When visitors to M.D. sites are required to sort and stockpile their waste materials at a well-organized and tidy landfill site (instead of having the option of backing up to the “pit”), they are more likely to divert even more waste from the cells by disposing of materials in the designated locations.
5. The stockpiling and shredding of wood waste virtually eliminates the risk of a wildfire, as we no longer have to conduct open burning of our clean wood stockpiles.
By shredding our waste and saving valuable landfill airspace now, we are extending the lifespan of our existing cells (and landfill sites in general), without the need for engineering and constructing new cells, and in some cases, purchasing more land for expansion.
In mid-September, the M.D. brought in a machine to shred stockpiles at the Ardmore and La Corey Landfills, with positive results. Waste volumes were reduced by 50 per cent (at a minimum), and we were able to gain valuable knowledge for our processes leading into the future.
EMERGENCY PREPAREDNESS
Winter travelling tips
We know there’s no snow on the ground yet, but that’s what makes this the perfect time to get prepared for winter driving. Emergencies or disaster can happen quickly. During winter, we must be prepared for road closures, loss of utilities, vehicle accidents, and more.
You can stay ready and informed by following a few of these helpful tips from our Emergency Management Department:
• Keep your vehicle’s gas tank full
• Update your vehicle emergency kit
• Download the Alberta Emergency Alert app at emergencyalert.alberta.ca
ON THE ROAD
Drivers should have an emergency kit in their vehicle before travelling. Vehicle breakdowns, poor weather, and traffic accidents can create difficult situations.
Being prepared does not happen overnight. By taking small steps over time, you can be ready for almost anything. You can start by building your vehicle emergency kit.
BEFORE YOU GO
Planning your trip can help ensure smooth travel.
• Make sure your vehicle emergency kit is packed
• Check Alberta 511 for current road conditions
• Check the Government of Canada’s weather alerts to plan for changing weather
• Travel during daytime hours
• Use the buddy system — let someone know where you are going and check in with them when you arrive.
You can find more information about preparedness through alberta.ca/BePrepared
OF NOTE...
Highlights of the Snowplowing of Driveways
SNOWPLOW SERVICE/FLAGS
Flags are to be used for residential driveways only. The snow will be removed fr om the road approach to the residence using the most direct route. Residential driveways do not include farmyards, fields, pathways to homes or garages, or commercial and industrial sites.
Those residents who qualify for the Hardship Program can apply at the M.D. Public Works Shop located at 61330 Range Road 455 or the M.D. Main Administration Building located at 4905 - 50 Avenue in Bonnyville
Visit bit.ly/SnowFlags, scan the QR code, or call 780-826-3951 for more information on these programs
HARDSHIP PROGRAM
The M.D. shall provide driveway snowplowing service, at no charge, for residents lacking the means to remove snow themselves, and who are over the age of 75 and/or physically disabled.
In order to confirm their Hardship Program eligibility, a resident shall complete an application form on an annual basis and provide the following:
i) a copy of provincial or federal government identification confirming their age; and
ii) explanation of the lack of means to self-perform snow removal or, if physically disabled, a note or certificate fr om their physician confirming their physical disability. If the qualifying resident is not the owner of the property, the landowner will also need to sign the liability waiver before service is provided
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 2025 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 2025.
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.
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
Barry Kalinski
bkalinski@md.bonnyville.ab.ca
780-573-6082
From a busy summer road maintenance season to the many visitors we welcomed for adventures at our M.D. campgrounds and Kinosoo Ridge Resort, I can safely say we have had a great summer.
Since the last edition of Rural Review, the M.D. has hosted three significant and successful events. The Agricultural Services Board and Beautification Awards Tour was hosted in mid-August, with residents hopping on a bus to tour the M.D., learning about agriculture in our area, and celebrating residents who go the extra mile to make their homes standout. The Waste Services Department hosted the annual fall Alberta CARE (Coordinated Action for Recycling Enterprises) conference, with over 100 waste services professionals coming to the M.D. to learn about our waste and recycling programs. The M.D. also hosted the only Canadian edition of SiteLink 2024 — a unique opportunity for the municipality to show economic development professionals and site selectors to see what the M.D. has to offer businesses looking for relocation and/or expansion opportunities or as a new base of operations.
As we move into autumn, Council begins looking at the 2025 budget. Deliberations get underway during the October 30, 2024 Committee of the Whole Meeting and could last up to three days. As we go forward with making decisions for the coming year, we will keep the goals we set in the 2022-2027 Council Strategic Plan in mind. You can find a copy of the plan at md.bonnyville.ab.ca.
With the next edition of Rural Review not hitting mailboxes until December, I urge you to keep up on happenings in the M.D. by following our social platforms (found on the previous page) and subscribing to news through our website. Go to md.bonnyville.ab.ca and click on the “Website Sign In” button. There you can make an account and sign up to have news, employment opportunities, and more sent straight to your email inbox.
With Thanksgiving around the corner, Council and I would like to wish you and your families a Happy Thanksgiving.
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.
The upcoming Committee of the Whole meetings are October 15, 30, and November 19.
The 2024 Organizational Meeting is scheduled for October 22 and will be held before the Regular Meeting of Council.
The next Regular Meetings of Council will be held on November 12 and 26.
Cancellations of meetings due to scheduling conflicts and/ or holidays are posted on bit.ly/MDBvilleAgendas