Rural Review - April 2023

RURAL REVIEW

md.bonnyville.ab.ca April 2023

RESERVATIONS FOR THE 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ROAD BANS - PG 2

FIRE GUARDIANS - PG 6

RIVERHURST BIN SITE - PG 8

BEAVER CONTROL - PG 9

COUNCIL CONTACTS - PG 15

CAMPING SEASON HAVE OPENED – HAVE YOU BOOKED YOUR SPOT YET?

This year, all M.D. campgrounds can be booked online at letscamp.ca. Opening day is May 12, 2023. There are some parks with extended camping seasons this year. Be sure to check out bit.ly/MDCamping for more information.

There are over 500 sites to choose from at one of our parks:

Chickenhill Lake M.D. Park (30-amp power)

Cold Lake M.D. Park (30-amp and non-power tent sites)

Crane Lake M.D. Parks (30-amp power)

Ethel Lake M.D. Park (non-power)

French Bay M.D. Park (non-power)

Minnie Lake M.D. Parks (30-amp power)

Muriel Lake M.D. Park (30-amp and nonpower)*

Pelican Point on Moose Lake M.D. Park (nonpower)

Vezeau Beach on Moose Lake M.D. Park (full-service and 30-amp power)*

Wolf Lake M.D. Park (non-power)

*Indicates seasonal sites available

Book online at letscamp.ca today!

ROAD BANS

At the Regular Meeting of Council on March 14, 2023, M.D. Council passed Bylaw No. 1840, which establishes rules, regulations, and fines for commercial vehicle weight restrictions on M.D. roads and the process for acquiring a Road Use Agreement.

This bylaw replaces Bylaw No. 1543 and mandates the use of Road Use Agreements for all commercial vehicles using M.D. roads while under restrictions (as defined in the Bylaw), including agricultural vehicles licensed and registered for highway use, transporting agricultural equipment and produce (including animals and crops). Previously, agricultural vehicles were exempt. Farm Equipment, as defined in the bylaw, (also known as implements of husbandry), which do NOT require a license plate to use public roadways, remain exempt.

These Road Use Agreements help protect the integrity of M.D. roads, especially during spring thaw when the roads are most vulnerable to damage.

The following M.D. roads have restrictions year-round:

• Township Road 610 (Range Road 460 to Highway 657) – 75%

• Rge. Rd. 474 (Hwy. 660 to Hwy. 28) – 50%

• Twp. Rd. 624 (between Hwy. 881 and Rge. Rd. 4100) –75%

• Twp. Rd. 644 (between Rge. Rd. 473 and Rge. Rd. 475) – 50%

• Rge. Rd. 470 (Hwy. 55 to Twp. Rd. 630) – 75%

• Twp. Rd. 622 (Dupre Road) (between Rge. Rd. 470 and Rge. Rd. 473) – 50%

• Rge. Rd. 455 (from town limits to M.D. Public Works Shop) – 75%

• Twp. Rd. 604 (Hwy. 657 to Rge. Rd. 445) – 75%

• Hamlet of La Corey – 50%

• Rge. Rd. 420 (from Rge. Rd. 423 intersection to 65321 RGE RD 420 intersection) – 75%

• Twp 630 from Rge Rd 411 to the Saskatchewan border – 75%

All commercial and agricultural haulers are encouraged to review Bylaw No. 1840 for full specifications on road use in

the M.D.

All commercial, industry, and agricultural partners that wish to utilize M.D. roads currently under restriction will be required to submit a request for a Road Use Agreement, which, if approved, will outline the terms of road use within the municipality. The M.D. reserves the right to specify routes of travel designated for operations based on the M.D.’s opinion of suitable roads. The Road Use Agreement will also bind the Agreement holder to be responsible for the repairs of any roadway(s) damaged in the process of carrying out the Agreement holder’s operations.

Please note — this does not constitute an open invitation to utilize any M.D. roadway. The M.D. will work closely with organizations to determine the optimum route(s), while protecting municipal infrastructure.

This bylaw does not extend to any roads under the jurisdiction of the Province of Alberta, within M.D. boundaries. Primary and secondary highways will still be subject to provincial road use regulations.

The Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87, being the road authority, may at its sole discretion alter haul routes assigned at any given time due to road deterioration.

For more information on Road Use Agreements, call 780826-3951, or visit bit.ly/MDRoadBans

“TO FLUSH, OR NOT TO FLUSH?”.

IT’S BEEN FIVE YEARS SINCE WE ASKED M.D. RESIDENTS

In an article by that name in the April 2018 edition of Rural Review, we talked about what people should and shouldn’t be flushing and the effects it can have on hamlet sewer systems and rural septic systems and fields.

In those five years, residents have taken the message to heart. Our M.D. Utilities Operators can see the difference, and now, so can you.

Above, you’ll see comparison photos from the Ardmore lift station, where residential sewage is treated. The original photo from 2018 is on the left, while the photo on the right was taken in March 2023.

To keep the message flowing, here are a few things you shouldn’t flush down your toilets, no matter if you’re on a municipal-run sewage system or a septic tank/field:

• Cooking fats

• Dairy products

• Dirt from washing produce

• Flushable wipes

• Pasta

• Rice

• Egg shells

• Coffee grounds

• Feminine hygiene products (including plastic applicators)

• Medications

Toilets are meant to handle human waste, not be a flushable trash can. All of the items listed above can create blockages in your plumbing, which are made up of bends and sweeps.

Another step is to use a product like SeptoBak, which can be found at local hardware stores. This flushable treatment can be flushed or poured down drains and helps keep things moving. It also helps create a healthy environment for the good bacteria that helps break down waste.

Have questions? Give the M.D.’s Utilities Department a call at 780-826-3951.

SPRING RUNOFF

BRING ON THE APRIL SHOWERS AND MAY FLOWERS!

It’s a familiar message in this newsletter — our region experienced above average snowfall this winter, which means above average water levels for this spring’s runoff.

The M.D.’s Transportation Department’s goal is to keep all M.D. infrastructure (including bridges and roads) usable and in the best shape possible for our ratepayers throughout the spring season.

Transportation staff were proactive throughout the winter by benching our snow on all our township and range roads to ensure the flow of water can reach the intended drainage

courses without the risk of washing out the road structure.

Keeping trouble areas from previous years in mind, staff have been doing snow and ice removal in some subdivisions and drainage ditches to mitigate flooding. Our crews are again at the ready this year for the usual maintenance activities required to help ensure our infrastructure is kept in good condition. Maintenance includes steaming culverts and pumping water out of potential problem areas.

The M.D. encourages residents to do their part to reduce the possibility

CALLING ALL HEAVY EQUIPMENT OWNERS!

The Municipal District of Bonnyville is creating a list of available trucks, heavy equipment, and other equipment to be used when selecting contract equipment for hire as and when needed for delivery of construction and maintenance services.

The Transportation and Utilities Department maintains a list of available equipment/trucks which is updated and renewed on an annual basis.

of flooding by refraining from piling snow near culvert inlets/outlets and keepings any swales or ditches on your property free from excessive snow.

If you see an issue, please call our concern line at 780-812-5000.

To be added to the list, please visit bit.ly/ MDTrucksEquipList and complete the form.

Submissions can be emailed to publicworks@ md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

For more information, please call 780-826-3951. To read the policy, visit bit.ly/MDHiringTrucksEquipmentPolicy.

EMERGENCY SERVICES

INSURANCE POLICIES AND FIREFIGHTING

Do you know what’s in your home insurance policy when it comes to firefighting?

Since the beginning of 2023, Municipal District of Bonnyville Council has approved updates to the Fire Suppression and Cost Recovery Policy, which included clearly identifying processes for billing including not billing M.D. residents more for firefighting costs than what their insurance policy will cover.

According to the policy, the M.D. may charge firefighting fees — on a cost recovery basis — to property owners, and only to the maximum that their policy covers. Property owners will have to show proof of insurance in order to reduce the original invoice. M.D. property owners who fail to insure their property against fire, will receive an invoice to recover the full cost. Residents may appeal to Council for exemption in this case.

So how do you know if your insurance policy covers firefighting costs?

M.D. ratepayers should talk to their insurance brokers about their fire coverage — property damage/loss may be insured but firefighting costs might not be included. Every policy is different. Review your policy and make sure you know what your coverage is whether it be for fire, flood, or anything else that could affect your life.

DID YOU KNOW YOU CAN RECEIVE A VOICEMAIL WITH EMERGENCY ALERTS FROM THE M.D.?

If you sign up for an account at bit.ly/ MDVoyentAlert you can choose how you receive information — by downloading an app, via email, through a text message, and even an automatic call to your phone number. You can even choose to get information from all four sources.

You can also find a map which shows where active alerts are currently in place, find out more information on the Voyent system, and submit information to be sent out via Voyent (for example if you have a lost pet) at bit.ly/MDVoyentAlert.

Have questions? Contact our Public Safety Department at 780-812-3332 or via email at voyent@md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

FIRE GUARDIANS

BONNYVILLE REGIONAL FIRE AUTHORITY

FIRE PERMITS

MARCH 1 - OCTOBER 31, 2023

If you live or work in the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87 and wish to conduct any burning, you must first obtain a permit from a Fire Guardian or should you live in the Alberta Forest Protection Area, from your Agriculture and Forestry Office. There is NO CHARGE for the permit.

FIRE GUARDIAN PHONE

Zone 1

Ed Watrich

- Portions of Ward 2 - West of Hoselaw

- Portions of Ward 3 - South of Twp 62

Zone 2

Vic Kolody(*)

- Portions of Ward 1, 2 and 4

- East side of Moose Lake

- West side of Muriel Lake

- Crown Land in the Moose Lake area.

Zone 3

Baz Churko

- Portions of Ward 5 and South of Highway 28 to Hwy 659 and Twp 63, Rge 2 in Ward 6

- Fort Kent and Ardmore

Zone 4

Diane Jenkinson

- Portions of Ward 6, Except for Twp 63, Rge 2

780-812-0766 Cell

780-826-9543 Cell

780-812-9173 Cell

780-573-6114 Cell

(*) Indicates Divisions with Alberta Forest Protection Management Areas also.

Contact Agriculture and Forestry-Lac La Biche: (780) 623-5388

Please notify the Dispatch Centre prior to your burn by calling:

780-826-7446

AG PLASTICS GO FULL CIRCLE

In the last edition of Rural Review, we talked about grain bag recycling.

We know the big question when it comes to recycling is — so where does it go? How does it get recycled? Well, we’re here this month to tell you!

The planters shown above and to the right are a result of the M.D.’s grain bag recycling program!

Last year, the M.D. recycled 120 bales of grain bags, which is about 24,000 kilograms (or just under 53,000 pounds). The bags were sent to DBS Environmental in Lethbridge, where they were made into pellets. Those pellets then took a 20-minute trip over to Full Circle Plastics in Nobleford. The pellets were made into boards, posts, and beams.

Waste Services staff brought some of the materials back to the M.D. and made these planters, which will be popping up at M.D. facilities this spring. Each of the large, raised planters weigh about 60 lbs (empty), and stand up to any weather.

Want to build your own planters out of recycled ag plastics? You can purchase materials at the Co-op in Lloydminster, or order straight from Full Circle Plastics at www. fullcircleplastics.com/where-to-buy.

If you have any questions about M.D. recycling programs, give Waste Services a call at 780-826-3951.

THE RIVERHURST BIN SITE CONSTRUCTION PROJECT IS UNDERWAY

Equipment for the project is on site for tree removal and brushing of the roadway into the site.

This bin site will be for M.D. residents, and will accept bagged household waste and recycling, including glass, paper, cardboard, tin cans, and plastics.

The bin site, located south of Highway 55 West on Range Road 433, has been approved by Alberta Environment and Parks, and will be built in compliance with their standards.

The project is estimated to be completed by June 30.

Keep an eye on our socials for updates. If you have questions about this bin site, please contact Waste Services at 780-826-3951.

SORT IT, BAG IT, KEEP IT CLEAN

The Municipal District of Bonnyville’s aim is to keep our bin sites neat and tidy while offering residents a convenient drop-off location for household waste and recycling.

Here are a few tips to keep in mind for when you head to an M.D. bin site:

1. Bag your household waste – waste is transferred a minimum of three times before it leaves the M.D. If waste is bagged properly, it will transfer effectively and not end up blowing out during a transfer causing an unnecessary mess.

2. Dropping off your unused furniture, appliances, or other items on the ground at a bin site is a form of illegal dumping and could be subject to a fine of up to $2,000. Items dropped off on the ground at bin sites do not get recycled or freecycled — they are landfilled. If you have an item that could of some use to someone else, please drop it off in the Freecycle Shed at your nearest M.D. Landfill or seek out other donation methods.

3. Waste containing personal information (mailing address, SIN, health numbers, etc.) should be shredded or alternatively disposed of. Bin sites are open to the public 24 hours per day, seven days per week and, therefore, are not secure from individuals seeking this type of information for dubious and/or illegal purposes.

4. If you notice someone rummaging through bins or illegally dumping something they shouldn’t, please call the M.D.’s Public Safety Department at 780812-3332.

Should you have any questions or concerns regarding the M.D. of Bonnyville bin sites, give the Waste Services Department a call at 780-826-3951. You can find a full list of bin sites at bit.ly/BinSiteMap.

BEAVER CONTROL

LIVING WITH BEAVERS

The temperature is rising, and the snow is melting, which means the perfect weather for ducks and beavers is on the horizon.

With above-average snowfall this past winter the potential for flooding this spring is high. Wherever water is flowing, beavers will be busy building dams.

Beavers are considered a keystone species, meaning they have a strong impact on the environment around them. Although they have many beneficial effects on the environment, human–beaver conflicts occur when beaver dams cause flooding, which in turn can impact land and infrastructure.

Landowners who are affected by beaver activity can apply and receive compensation for beaver control through the M.D.

All parcels of land will be inspected by the M.D. Pest Control Officer before applications will be approved. If the landowner does not wish to carry out the control themselves, the M.D. may employ a local licensed trapper to assist with beaver control measures.

When flooding occurs on private land that affects municipal infrastructure, the M.D. will provide beaver dam removal services.

Blasting is another option available to residents when certain conditions are met. With recent changes to Federal legislation, the Department of Fisheries and Oceans has restricted blasting activities to late summer if located on a fish-bearing stream. Blasting may occur if the water body is not a fish-bearing stream and is located one kilometre away in any direction from a fish-bearing stream.

For more information on beaver activity and M.D. programs relating to beaver control, visit bit.ly/ BeaverControl or contact the M.D.’s Agricultural Services Department at 780-826-3951.

ASSESSOR VISITS STARTING

Starting May 1, 2023, property assessors will be performing annual property inspections of all properties located in the Range 5 area, as shown on the map below.

This area includes all properties east of Highway 41 and Range Road 460 and west of Hwy. 657 and Rge. Rd. 450.

If you have a property in this area, please expect them to come by between May and October. You will also be receiving a letter with more details.

During this visit, residents and ratepayers can expect questions about the buildings on the property, (age, finishes, use, etc.), exterior inspection on all buildings, and photos of the buildings (which will be for your property’s records only).

M.D. Assessors will be driving a marked M.D. of Bonnyville vehicle. Assessors will also be wearing M.D. vests or shirts and will explain the reason for their visit. If you are not home when the assessors visit, they will leave a door hanger with more information.

If you have access issues to your property or would like more information, please call 780826-3171

WHAT ABOUT OTHER M.D. NEWS? GET IT AS SOON AS IT’S AVAILABLE! KEEP READING AND WE WILL LET YOU KNOW HOW!

By signing up for an account through our website, you can have events, employment opportunities, tenders, news, and more delivered to you by email or text message.

• Want to sign up for an account? Here’s how:

• Go to md.bonnyville.ab.ca

• In the top right corner, click on the Website Sign In button

• Click on Create an Account

• Enter the required information or choose one of the offered services

• Verify your email address

Once you’ve verified your email address, go back to md.bonnyville.ab.ca and click on the “Notify Me” button.

From here, you will be able to subscribe to the news you want, including an electronic copy of this newsletter

BUILDING A FOUNDATION

BUSINESS VISITATION PROGRAM

Both the apprentice and journeymen carpenter depend on the tools in their toolbox to build a good foundation.

A partnership between the M.D. and Town of Bonnyville saw the creation of a Regional Economic Development Plan and Technical Report. These documents contained several recommendations from the local business community, including the need to implement a business visitation program. Business visitations are the foundation of a sound economic development program.

These visits develop a core understanding of the businesses operating in the M.D., takes the pulse of the local economy, and fosters proactive relationships with existing businesses.

Through this initiative, the M.D.’s Economic Development Department will be able to better serve businesses in the region by monitoring and recommending improvements to M.D. services, connecting businesses to resources, and providing the opportunity to ‘match-make’ between existing businesses to further support the local economy.

During visits to businesses, Economic Development staff and company representatives will have the opportunity to meet and discuss:

• Business environment

• Business information and resources

• Future plans

• Challenges

• Opportunities for growth

Conversations with businesses will provide the M.D.’s Economic Development Department with details that will help connect business with opportunities, including attracting new businesses to the area and encouraging the growth, transformation, and evolution of

existing businesses.

Whether your business is large or small, we want to hear from you! Contact Economic Development Specialist Scott Kovatch at 780-8263171 or skovatch@md.bonnyville. ab.ca today to schedule a visit.

COMMEMORATIVE BENCH AND PICNIC TABLES

Do you want to leave a lasting memory of a loved one? Did you know the M.D. has a program which allows residents to purchase a commemorative bench and/or picnic table to honour the memory and/ or achievement of a friend, family, or loved one?

The Commemorative Bench Program sees a bench or picnic table with a plaque placed within M.D. parks, trails, and recreational spaces.

You can find examples of the bench designs in the official Commemorative Bench Application online at bit.ly/ BenchesProgram.

Here are a few highlights of the program:

• You can choose a picnic table or bench as your memory marker. Benches are typically six feet long and have a back rest, while picnic tables are the standard eight feet.

• The cost of the plaque is included in the price of each bench or picnic table.

• The benches will be placed in location in consultation with the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department.

• The M.D. will remain the exclusive owner of the benches and picnic tables, the land upon which they are situated, and all surrounding areas.

• Businesses are eligible to purchase a commemorative bench or picnic table, however the program cannot be used to further any commercial interests, and as such, no advertising or logos will be permitted on the benches or picnic tables.

For more information, contact the Parks, Recreation & Culture Department at 780826-3171.

guiding you to your next adventure

If you didn’t get a copy, and would like one, please call 780-826-3171 or email info@md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

Want a digital copy? You can find the guide online at bit.ly/ MDAdventureGuide or by clicking on the QR code below.

Do you own a tourism business in the M.D. and want to be involved in next year’s guide? Send us an email at info@ md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

UPDATES FROM THE RIDGE

THAT’S A WRAP!

Kinosoo Ridge Resort’s snow season wrapped up April 2.

The Ridge had an amazing season with the addition of our new Green quad chair, three-lane tube park, three terrain parks, and delicious winter menu.

While staff love a good snow season, they’re excited to heat it up and head into summer!

This spring the restaurant will have limited hours:

Starting April 12, the restaurant will be open for Wing Night (with limited, yummy sides). The hours are as follows:

• April 12, 19, and 26 from 4 to 8 p.m.

• May 3 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Starting April 16, find out why KR is THE Sunday brunch place. The hours will be:

• April 16, 23, and 30 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

• May 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Bring mom out to the Ridge on Mother’s Day (May 14) and give her the gift of skipping the dishes with a delicious brunch and great views!

Information on the Aerial Adventure Park, summer programming, and full restaurant hours and information will be coming soon!

Keep an eye on our socials and website for the latest updates!

Note it!

The April 25, 2023 Regular Meeting has been cancelled, while the April 11 meeting has been added back to the schedule. The changes were made due to changes in Administration and Council’s schedules.

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. Council meeting agenda packages can be found at bit.ly/MDBvilleAgendas.

The Roadside Cleanup Program gets under way this month. Non-profit groups will be helping clean up ditches along M.D. roads from the end of April until mid-June. All volunteers will be wearing high-visibility vests. Please drive slowly and carefully past these groups when you encounter them around the M.D.

This program is a fundraiser for local, non-profit organizations and also helps refresh the M.D. after a long winter. Contact Waste Services for more information on this program at 780-8263951.

All M.D. offices will be closed April 7 and 10 for Easter. Regular office hours resume April 11, 2023.

ARE YOU AWESOME (WE’RE HIRING)

The Municipal District of Bonnyville has a number of employment opportunities available. We invite applications for the following positions:

CORPORATE SERVICES

Property Assessor Assistant (Summer Student)

This position is responsible for assisting the Property Assessment team. The successful candidate will undertake a variety of duties inlcuding data entry, collecting data, and communicating with the residents.

Please go to md.bonnyville.ab.ca/jobs for a full job description.

KINOSOO RIDGE RESORT

Adventure Park Attendant - Seasonal

Bartender/Server - Seasonal

Cashier - Seasonal

Cook - Seasonal

Kitchen Attendant - Seasonal

Programming & Camp Attendant - Seasonal

Service Lead

Please go to md.bonnyville.ab.ca/jobs for full job descriptions.

All interested applicants are invited to submit their resume, in confidence to: Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87

Attn: Human Resources

Postal Bag 1010

Bonnyville, Alberta T9N 2J7

Fax: 780-826-4524

Email: hr@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

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

YOUR M.D. COUNCIL

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

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.

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

As the days get longer and the snow starts to melt, we’re looking forward to spring showers —but not too many. With warmer weather and those spring showers, comes the possibility of flooding. Our Transportation crews have already been working on snow removal and steaming culverts. Getting a jump on these activities will help lessen the chances of flooding impacting M.D. roads and ratepayers’ property.

I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Kinosoo Ridge Resort. We saw another good winter in the books with the replacement of the Green Chair and renovations in the chalet. We’re blessed to have a facility like this in the M.D. to offer family-friendly fun. Keep an eye on the Kinosoo Ridge website for updates on the summer season, including opening day for the Aerial Adventure Park.

In my position as Reeve, I have the

opportunity to meet so many people. It is my hope I am not only representing the residents of the M.D. well but am also inspiring future leaders. That is why I was blown away when I heard a young man dressed up as me for his Career Day at school.

I am thankful that I have been given the opportunity to help guide the future of the M.D. and that it is being recognized by the younger generation.

NOTES FROM THE CAO

As it appears that winter is slowly being forced out by spring, the new season does bring with it the annual challenges of water, drainage, flooding, and road bans.

M.D. staff have begun moving snow out of collection areas in an effort to not create more drainage issues in areas that have seen flooding in the past. We have a robust program to deal with frozen culverts and, because staff cannot be everywhere at once, we welcome calls to our concern line to let us know of frozen culverts and, water backing up in locations that we have not spotted.

So far, the spring thaw has been slow and we hope that this springs annual melt will be aided by Mother Nature’s cooperation. As much as we are all hoping for warm weather quickly, a fast thaw does present certain challenges to our Transportation and Infrastructure departments.

Pumps are being readied and Transportation/Infrastructure crews are preparing for there placement in known areas of flooding, should flooding occur.

Road Bans are another uniquely spring event. As our roads thaw they can become soft, and heavy vehicles and equipment driving on these soft roads can cost us thousands of dollars in repairs. There have been changes this year to the M.D.’s Road Ban policy and Transportation staff would be happy to discuss the policy with anyone who has questions.

We all look forward to green grass, robins, and all the God given blessings this area enjoys as the winter melts away to spring. Enjoy the change of seasons and feel free to contact myself at any time.

BARRY KALINSKI

Rhett Thomson is in Grade 3 at Notre Dame Elementary and dressed up as Reeve Barry Kalinski for Career Day.