Rural Review - May 2023

RURAL REVIEW

md.bonnyville.ab.ca

May 2023

TABLE OF CONTENTS

GET PREPARED OPEN HOUSE - PG 4

KEEPING THE M.D. WEED-FREE - PG 6

COMPOSTING IN THE M.D. - PG 10

SUMMERTIME PLANNING - PG 12

COUNCIL CONTACTS - PG 15

GOODBYE SNOWPLOWS, HELLO GRAVEL TRUCKS!

The M.D.’s Transportation Department has been busy changing over our equipment to ensure we are ready for our summer maintenance and construction season.

With the equipment changeover comes a change in operations as well.

Crews will soon be gravelling several of our roads based on springtime assessments.

We are finalizing the list of roads for the rip and re-lay program, which will see about 14 miles completed this summer construction season. The M.D.’s shoulder pull and dust control programs will also be getting underway as soon as weather allows.

Potholes are another sign of the season switchover. Patch trucks have been out for the past few weeks trying to get a head start on some of the damage created over the winter months.

With the snow out of the way, staff can now prioritize the operational drainage list for 2023.

The department has several seasonal staff joining the team as projects ramp up. Please remember to obey all traffic control signs when travelling through construction zones — for your safety and ours.

If you see any issues including flooding, downed trees on M.D. roads, or any other dangerous conditions, please call the 24-hour concern line at 780-812-5000.

PUBLIC SAFETY

Getting your canine companions licensed

Did you know there are over 800 dogs currently licensed in the Municipal District of Bonnyville?

While some may think they don’t have to get a license because they live in a rural setting, all residents must license their dogs after it is three months old. This includes all rural and agricultural residents, regardless of how many dogs they have.

While certain residents may have more than one dog, all dogs still require a license.

Public Safety deals with dog calls on a routine basis and would like to remind residents of some of the rules of responsible ownership.

For example:

• allowing your dog to bark excessively can affect the wellbeing of others

• allowing your dog to roam at large and without a proper leash attached, can also affect your neighbours

• dogs at large can knock over and get into garbage cans, bother or scare pedestrians and traffic, or in the worst-case scenario, attack people or pets, livestock, and/or wild animals.

Dog licenses can be obtained from the M.D.’s Main Office at 4905-50 Ave. in Bonnyville. The one-time licenses fee is $20. You will receive a tag for your dog’s collar. The replacement tag fee is $5

A R E Y O U

P R E P A R E D ?

S a t u r d a y , M a y 1 3 , 2 0 2 3

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

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R a i n o r S h i n e

P L E A S E J O I N U S F O R A F R E E B B Q

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P h o t o s w i t h P e a c e O f f i c e r s a n d C r u i s e r

H o u r l y 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

L i v e s t o c k E m e r g e n c y P l a n

R u r a l A d d r e s s i n g I n f o r m a t i o n

RICHARDSON GROUND SQUIRRELS

Over the past three years, the federal government phased out the use of 2% Liquid Strychnine for the control of Richardson Ground Squirrels. As of March 4, 2023, strychnine possession and use is prohibited.

This has left many agriculture producers wondering how they are going to control Richardson Ground Squirrel populations. There are options available that can be used as part of an Integrated Pest Management approach.

Cultural control — leave vegetation long and don’t overgraze pastures. Build nesting boxes, raptor platforms, and perches to encourage natural predation.

Direct/physical control — deep tillage can destroy old burrow systems. Trapping and shooting are other effective methods but can be labour intensive.

Chemical control — there are two product options that can be purchased through your local agriculture retailer:

• Zinc Phosphide is an acute rodenticide, meaning it is fast acting and the target pest only needs to consume a small amount for a lethal dose.

• Rozol or Ground Force is a multi-feed bait that must be baited every couple of days to ensure the target pest consumes enough product for a lethal dose.

Monitoring the site is important to prevent other animals when determining the best control methods for your operation.

Timing is key to efficient control. Control should be initiated when the

males first emerge above ground and before the females go underground to have their litter.

Contact the Agricultural Services Department at 780-826-3951 if you have any questions.

KEEPING THE M.D. 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 our department uses to prevent the establishment of 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 an infestation. Noxious weed infestations that cover large areas are labour-intensive and costly to control or eradicate.

Scentless Chamomile Infestation

Oxeye Daisy Common Tansy

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 wear a high visibility vest, and 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.

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, contact the Ag Services Department at 780-826-3951.

White Cockle

campgrounds

OPEN campgrounds OPEN

Grab the marshmallows corner! All M.D. campgrounds campgrounds have

Be sure to check out bit.ly/MDCamping for more information.

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

Open May 12 to September 10, 2023

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

Open May 12 to September 24, 2023

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

Open May 12 to September 10, 2023

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

Open May 12 to September 10, 2023

French Bay on Cold Lake M.D. Park (non-power)

Open May 12 to September 24, 2023

Minnie Lake M.D. Parks (30-amp power) East – Open May 12 to September 24, 2023 West – Open May 12 to September 10, 2023

Pelican Point on Moose Lake M.D. Park (non-power)

Open May 12 to September 10, 2023

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

Open May 1 to September 30, 2023

Vezeau Beach on Moose Lake M.D. Park (full-service and Open May 1 to September 30, 2023

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

Open May 12 to September 24, 2023

*Indicates seasonal sites available

Follow us on Facebook or Instagram for weekly campsite season.

campgrounds OPEN campgrounds OPEN

marshmallows — camping season is right around the campgrounds will be open by May 12. Some have an extended season. See below for details. information. Book online at letscamp.ca. sites) power) and 30-amp power)*

campsite availabilities throughout the camping

Clean compost collected in the M.D. of Bonnyville is delivered to the Ardmore Landfill where it is stockpiled, turned once or twice per year, and then left for nature to do its work. This is what is known as a passive composting process. It is very different from an anaerobic digestion model, which is used by the City of Edmonton.

An anaerobic digestion compost program can accept all types of organics for composting because the material is heated, aerated, watered, and turned on a regular basis to promote the active composting process.

With the M.D.’s passive composting process, it is imperative that we only collect items like grass clippings, leaves, and paper bags, as these materials easily compost and will eventually be used for landfill reclamation.

Unfortunately, we do not encourage the disposal of food scraps and tree branches in our compost bins. Food scraps attract wildlife such as birds, skunks, and coyotes while tree branches simply take many years to decay.

When tree branches and other items such as construction and demolition waste or household waste are disposed of in compost bins, these bins are sent to the landfill for disposal. As a result, the M.D. incurs increased expenses from waste hauling and disposal fees.

If you are caught disposing of

unacceptable waste material into one of the compost bins you may incur a non-compliance penalty of up to $2,000.

If you see someone abusing the compost bins or dumping unacceptable material at any of our sites, please call the Public Safety Department at 780-812-3332.

CLEAN UP TIME!

Spring is here, which means the M.D. of Bonnyville’s annual Roadside Cleanup Program is in full swing. If you see one of the groups out on the M.D. roadways, please slow down. The Roadside Cleanup Program is open to non-profit groups anywhere within the M.D. boundaries and runs for six weeks/seven weekends from April 29 to June 11.

How does the program work?

Groups are assigned roadways throughout the M.D. based upon their volunteer numbers, location, and the need for roadway cleaning. Waste Services staff will set out “Roadside Cleanup Ahead” signs and meet the group at a safe location to hand out vests, garbage bags, and to

conduct a pre-cleanup safety meeting.

Throughout the course of the cleanup, staff will be around to pick up the bags and other items that are collected along the roadways.

Annually, the M.D. supports 20 to 25 non-profit groups through this program. As a result, over 300 kilometres of busy M.D. roadways are cleaned up and litter free.

For more information on this program, or if you have any other waste and recycling questions, call Waste Services Department at 780-826-3171 or email waste@ md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

SUMMERTIME PLANNING

The weather is getting warmer, and thoughts are drifting toward property improvements and recreation. Here are some notes to help your summer projects run smoothly.

Sheds and Accessory Buildings

You may not need a permit for structures under 150 square feet. If you are constructing a structure over that size, whether if it is temporary or on skids, you need a permit. If life safety is a concern (for example a bunkhouse), you need a permit regardless of size.

Pools

Swimming pools over two feet deep require a minimum of a six-foot-tall fence around them. Development and building permits with a site plan are required.

Fences

If your proposed fence is under three feet high in the front yard, and under six feet high on the side and rear yards, you do not need a permit. It must be on or in from your property lines. If you want a taller fence, you will need a development permit.

Decks

Decks over two feet from the grade require development and building permits.

Recreational Vehicles (RVs)

You can have a maximum of three RVs on your lot at one time, or one if you live in a hamlet. If you want to have more than three RVs on your lot, you may consider applying for a campground permit (which is not allowed in multi-lot subdivisions). You could also consider applying for a permit for a storage facility.

The friendly staff at Planning and Development are here to help and will guide you through all your permitting needs. If you have any questions, call 780-826-3171 or email planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca.

The M.D. of Bonnyville’s Visitor Information and Interpretive Centre is located in the Shaw House at Vezeau Beach on the shores of Moose Lake. The VIIC is adjacent to the Vezeau Beach M.D. Park and the newly constructed dual-vehicle boat launch.

The new centre is scheduled to open May long weekend.

The Visitor Information centre includes:

• the Trading Post, a place to buy souvenirs of your visit to the region

• information on local attractions

• guides for regional tourism and recreation

• maps

When you visit the Interpretive centre, you will find:

• historical timeline and cultural influences of the M.D.

• information on the natural landscape of the M.D.

• information on the oil & gas industry

Other VIIC amenities include:

• jumping pillow for kids

• seasonal refreshments

• restrooms

• electronics recharging station

• and more!

Hours of Operation:

Starting May 19, 2023

Monday to Friday8:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Address: #2 46300 TWP RD 611

M.D. OF BONNYVILLE VISITOR INFORMATION AND INTERPRETIVE CENTRE

F

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C R E A T I V

N a t u r e a c t i v i t i e s

H e a l t h y l u n c h a n d s n a c k s p r o v i d e d

O u t d o o r g a m e s

P h y s i c a l a c t i v i t i e s

A d v e n t u r e P a r k c l i m b i n g

S c a v e n g e r h u n t s

C r a f t s

E d u c a t i o n a l e x p e r i e n c e

A G E C A T E G O R I E S

A g e s 5 - 6 K i n o s o o G r a s s h o p p e r s : $ 2 5 0 / w e e k

A g e s 7 - 8 K i n o s o o B e a r P a w s : $ 2 7 5 / w e e k

A g e s 9 - 1 0 K i n o s o o F o r e s t R a n g e r s : $ 3 0 0 / w e e k

A g e s 1 1 - 1 2 K i n o s o o L u m b e r j a c k s : $ 3 2 5 / w e e k

N a t u r e C a m p J u l y 3 - 7

S u r v i v a l C a m p J u l y 1 0 - 1 4

C r a f t s C a m p J u l y 1 7 - 2 1

S u r v i v a l C a m p J u l y 2 4 - 2 8

N a t u r e C a m p A u g u s t 1 4 - 1 8

S p o r t s C a m p A u g u s t 2 1 - 2 5

Address - 63231 RR 411

INSURANCE POLICIES & FIREFIGHTING

Are you covered if you experience a fire at your home or on your property in the M.D.?

Earlier this year, Municipal District of Bonnyville Council approved updates to the Fire Suppression and Cost Recovery Policy, which included clearly identifying processes for invoicing property owners for firefighting services in the event of a fire.

The M.D. may charge firefighting fees, but only to the maximum that the property owner’s home insurance policy covers and on a cost recovery

Note it!

• Starting this fall, the Fort Kent Landfill will transition to a bin site, offering M.D. residents the ability to drop off their household waste and recycling 24/7.

In addition, the Ardmore Landfill will be open five days a week (Tuesday to Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.), and an automated gate will be installed.

M.D. residents may register for an access card (at no additional charge) to operate the gate. This will ensure access is limited to M.D. residents.

basis. Property owners will have to show proof of insurance in order to reduce the original invoice amount. M.D. property owners who do not have insurance against fire will receive an invoice to recover the full cost of firefighting efforts. In this case, the landowner may appeal to Council for a reduction or cancellation of the invoice.

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.

It’s important to be informed now, so in case the worst does happen, you’ll be prepared and will know what to expect.

To read the entire fire suppression policy, visit bit.ly/MDBvillePolicies.

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.

Keep an eye on this newsletter and our website for updates.

Have questions? Contact our Public Safety Department at 780812-3332 or via email at voyent@ 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

NOTES FROM THE REEVE

When minutes can make the difference in a life or death situation, it’s important these signs can be read quickly and easily.

BARRY KALINSKI

bkalinski@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

780-573-6082

This month, I want to talk about safety.

Your rural address sign (aka Blue Sign) helps First Responders find you quickly in an emergency. Driving around the M.D., I have noticed there are a number of faded signs out there.

The M.D. replaces faded and damaged signs at no cost. All you need to do is fill out the online form and our Planning & Development Department will order you a new one. They’ll give you a call when it’s ready to be picked up. Find out more about this program bit.ly/MapsAddressing

It’s spring roadside cleanup time. Please keep an eye out for our volunteer groups who are currently picking up garbage along roadways and in ditches throughout the M.D. These non-profit organization members are helping clean up the M.D. after a long winter

while raising money for their programs.

This is also a good chance for me to remind you to be careful around rivers, lakes, creeks, ponds, and any other water bodies. There is still some ice out there, but it’s most likely not safe to be on. Be careful walking along banks and shores — the wet weather means these areas are slippery and can be unsafe.

The second week in May is Emergency Preparedness Week. I hope you’ll join me on May 13 at the Ardmore outdoor rink for an open house and barbecue. You will get the chance to learn about emergency management, our Voyent Alert! notification system, and learn about our Livestock Emergency

NOTES FROM THE CAO

Response Guide. Find out more on Page 4.

Want to learn more about our Infrastructure Services Department? We’ll also be hosting an Open House at the Public Works Shop on May 27 to celebrate Public Works Week. Keep an eye on our social media for more information and updates or see the poster on Page 2.

Moving onto a more fun topic, it’s time to dust off the tent and head to the lake! May marks the opening of the M.D. campgrounds, and we’re hoping for a fantastic and fun summer while enjoying the outdoors. Need a campsite? Check out letscamp.ca to reserve your summer getaway today.

AL

ahoggan@md.bonnyville.ab.ca

780-826-3171

Well, it looks like spring has arrived with the Easter Bunny. Although warmer temperatures would have been much appreciated, the slow melt has mitigated much

of the spring runoff and the accompanying localized flooding that often occurs in April. Infrastructure and Transportation crews have been active in steaming culverts and keeping the water flowing appropriately through all our drainage structures. Should you see something not flowing or an area of local flooding that may negatively impact a road or other M.D. infrastructure, please call the concern line at 780-812-5000.

The other signs of spring are the closure of our outdoor rinks, cross-country ski trails, and the ski hill.

We had a fantastic winter season, and all of these facilities were widely used by our residents and visitors. These recreation facilities are moving into their summer uses. Please stay tuned for opening dates at all of our summer recreation locations.

With the approach of summer please also watch for posted information on our annual road construction and rip and re-lay locations. The construction season is short, and the weather will play a part in where and how long these construction projects take place.

Springtime also brings the

M.D.’s annual audited financial statement. We remain in a strong financial position and continue to work toward watching expenses and managing our operations appropriately. The increase in costs associated with the provision of services continues to be a challenge but with good planning and operational expertise, we have been able to manage the sometimes volatile postpandemic economy.

I hope everyone had a great spring break and was able to spend time with family and friends. I wish you all the best as we work toward a muchdeserved summer.

HOGGAN