Rural Review is published eight times a year and is distributed to residents via unaddressed ad mail. Opt in for flyers at your local post office to ensure you receive your copy. If you wish to pick up an additional copy of the latest newsletter, please visit an M.D. office or sign up for a digital copy at md.bonnyville.ab.ca
Disclaimer: Generative AI has been used in portions of this publication.
Municipal District of Bonnyville 4905 - 50 Avenue, Bag 1010, Bonnyville, Alberta T9N 2J7
87. Unauthorized use or duplication of articles, logos, graphics, and photos in the publication is strictly prohibited.
FROM THE REEVE
Happy New Year!
While this newsletter will come out after the 86Cancer Charity Hockey Tournament, I want to thank everyone for their support during the Shootout Showdown with the Mayor of Cold Lake, Craig Copeland. I’d like to thank Mayor Copeland for playing along and for Town of Bonnyville Mayor Elisa Brosseau for joining us to do the official puck drop. One of my favourite parts of being the Reeve of the M.D. is cooperating with other community leaders to raise money and awareness for the amazing community groups and events throughout our region.
I’d like to take this opportunity to welcome Ben Berlinguette to the M.D. Mr. Berlinguette was recently appointed by Council as the new Chief Administrative Officer. He brings a unique blend of experience and local knowledge, as Mr. Berlinguette grew up just outside of St. Paul.
The end of winter is in sight, but before it melts away, we have another amazing event coming up — Snow Fever. The M.D. with Kinosoo Ridge has teamed up once again with the City of Cold Lake and 4 Wing to host a weekend of fun over Family Day weekend. Check out the details on the back of this newsletter for more information.
Once again, on behalf of Council and myself, I’d like to wish you all a happy, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
bkalinski@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-573-6082
COME WORK WITH US!
We are currently accepting applications for our 2025 summer season. There are a variety of positions available, and we would love to have you join our team.
To learn more about all available positions, visit bit.ly/MDBvilleHR or scan the QR Code.
WASTE KINOSOO
SHARE YOUR TALENTS
Let us help you promote your skills!
Connect with others as you share your passion for a skill that is useful to the residents in our community. Instruct out of the Shaw House, or use Municipal Lands such as green spaces, trails, or campgrounds. Share what you know!
For more information on booking space, email visitorinfo@md.bonnyville.ab.ca or call 780-826-3972. Visit bit.ly/ShawHouseVIC or scan the QR Code above for upcoming courses.
Ideas such as:
Foraging/Bushcraft
Share your passion for nature with your expertise in outdoor living skills.
Fishing
Teaching a person to fish, means you can feed them for a lifetime. Help them “get hooked”.
Yoga
Assist others in cultivating their inner zen while staying active.
Geocaching
Guide participants through the world’s largest treasure hunt while they engage in outdoor activities.
Running/Walking
Pole walking and running clinics are valuable skills that can be shared with others.
Gardening
Sharing your passion and expertise for gardening can “cultivate” others to do the same.
Knitting/Crocheting
Share your “pearls” of advice while creating something beautiful.
Painting
Your guidance can help others discover the joy of creating art!
PARKS & REC
Camping reservations
Want to take a break from the snow? Now is the time to start planning your summer in the M.D. of Bonnyville!
Online reservations for all M.D.-owned campgrounds open April 1! Go to letscamp.ca at 8:30 a.m. and book your summer at the following M.D. parks:
Cold Lake – power and non-power tenting sites available
Crane Lake East and West – power sites available
Ethel Lake – non-power sites
French Bay on Cold Lake – non-power sites
Minnie Lake East and West – power sites
Muriel Lake – power, non-power, group, seasonal, and year-round sites available
Pelican Point on Moose Lake – non-power, group sites, and OHV-friendly sites available
Vezeau Beach on Moose Lake – full-service, seasonal sites available
Wolf Lake – non-power sites
You can find out more about our campgrounds at bit.ly/MDCamping
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES
Growing shelterbelts
Shelterbelts are commonly used to reduce soil erosion by diminishing the impact of prevailing winds. Mature shelterbelts can significantly reduce blowing snow along roadways, preventing it from blocking access to your property. In addition to the environmental benefits, planting trees also enhances the aesthetic value of your property for years to come.
Once you have determined where your property would benefit most from a shelterbelt, it’s time to start planning. As a general guideline, choose an evergreen species, such as Colorado spruce or white spruce, for the first row, which should be planted on the property boundary. The second row should consist of a fast-growing deciduous species, such as willow or poplar. The third row is typically reserved for shrubs. One of the most popular choices is lilac, although there are many options to consider.
Many landowners opt to plant a fourth and fifth row, which may include another deciduous row followed by an additional shrub row. A good rule of thumb for spacing is to plant trees (both evergreen and deciduous) 10 feet apart and shrubs three feet apart.
Combining flowering species with shelterbelt trees will enhance the numerous benefits. Native bees and butterflies are attracted to flowering plants for pollination. If you want to draw these beneficial insects to your property, consider planting fragrant, colourful species that have a long flowering season. These flowering plants can diversify your shrub row. Some excellent options include lilacs, cherries, raspberries, chokecherries, and saskatoons. All of these varieties will be available through the M.D.’s annual shelterbelt sale.
Predatory insects like ladybugs, lacewings, damsel bugs, and ground beetles provide excellent protection against pests, including aphids, mites, caterpillars, and mealybugs. For instance, planting raspberries can attract ladybugs to your garden. Additionally, diversifying the types of plants in your shelterbelt can help minimize the impact of diseases and pests.
The M.D.’s annual shelterbelt tree sale will go live on March 11, 2025. This popular program has been running for over a decade and provides M.D. residents the opportunity to purchase seedlings at a discounted price. Due to the increasing demand for shelterbelt trees, the program often sells out quickly. Trees and shrubs are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please note that this program is exclusively for M.D. residents. You must provide your blue sign address when placing an order. Orders can only be placed through the M.D. website.
Visit bit.ly/MDShelterbelt for information on available items, best management practices, and resources for planting and maintaining your shelterbelt.
Need more information? Call Agricultural Services at 780-826-3901.
MUNICIPAL ELECTION
With the October 20, 2025 Municipal Election quickly approaching, it is important voters are aware of changes made under the Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act, 2024 (Bill 20).
Voter eligibility
You are eligible to vote if you meet the following criteria:
• You are a Canadian citizen and at least 18 years of age on the day of the election,
• You have resided in Alberta for at least six consecutive months, and
• You are a resident of Alberta with your primary residence located within the M.D. on Election Day.
If you are eligible to vote, but will not be in the M.D. on election day, there are two options:
• Advance Vote (dates and locations to be determined); or
• Special Ballots, available upon application (contact the M.D. Returning Officer directly).
Permanent Electors’ Registry
In accordance with Bill 20, any individual who wishes to vote on Election Day must be added to the Permanent Electors’ Register. To be added to the registry, go to voterlink.ab.ca or contact the M.D.’s Returning Officer.
VoterLink is an online platform provided by Elections Alberta for voters to register, update information, or verify their registration on the Provincial Electors’ Register. Information required for registry will be shared between Elections Alberta and the M.D. as per the Local Authorities Election Act (LAEA) Section 49. The information collected may only be used to verify the identification of an elector when compiling or revising the Permanent Electors’ Register.
Identification requirements
Voters must prove their identity and current address by providing one piece of authorized identification as directed by Alberta Municipal Affairs through the LAEA. See the M.D.’s special election website at bit.ly/2025MDElection for more details on voter identification requirements.
Vouching
There have been changes to vouching for the 2025 Municipal Election. Another voter is no longer permitted to vouch for your identity. A voter is only permitted to vouch for another voter’s address.
A voter who has been vouched for cannot vouch for another voter, as the process requires the vouching voter to fulfill the Identification Requirements noted above.
Voting stations
The M.D. has established six wards which are represented by one Councillor elected within the ward where they live, and a Reeve elected at large.
Voting stations will be set up in the following locations on Monday, October 20, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m.:
1
WARD 2
Beaverdam Community Hall
Fort Kent Senior Citizens Hall
Bonnyville Seniors’ Drop-In Centre – McGregor (Main) Hall
Eastbourne Community Hall
Shaw House (Vezeau Beach)
Bonnyville Seniors’ Drop-In Centre – McGregor (Main) Hall
WARD 3 Flat Lake Community Hall
Glendon RCMP Hall
Goodridge Social & Ag Society Hall
Other information
WARD 6
Lessard Community Centre
Alexander Recreation Society Hall
Ardmore Senior Citizens Hall
Riverhurst Community Hall
Cherry Grove Rec & Ag Society Hall
Riverhurst Community Hall
• Candidates will be listed on the M.D. website on the 2025 Municipal Election web page, under 2025 Candidate Profiles.
• The M.D. does not coordinate or sponsor election forums or debates. If any forums or debates are organized, the information will be shared by the hosting organization.
• The 2025 Municipal Election will be conducted using paper ballots and will be hand counted. Unofficial Election Results may be published following the ballot count. Official Election Results will be declared and published in accordance with the LAEA.
2025 Municipal Election timeline and key dates
Third Location - TBD DATE
Returning Officer
October 31, 2024
January 1, 2025
March 1, 2025
May 1, 2025
May 30, 2025
September 22, 2025
October 20, 2025
October 22, 2025
October 24, 2025
November 10, 2025
December 31, 2025
Municipal Affairs Statutes Amendment Act in effect
Campaign period for the 2025 Election begins Candidates may submit a Notice of Intent to Run
Nomination period begins DESCRIPTION
2024 campaign disclosure statements due, if applicable
Candidate late filing fees due
Election advertising period begins April 2, 2025
Amended candidate campaign disclosure statements due
Nomination Day - Close of nominations at 12:01 p.m.
Election Day - Election advertising period ends
Deadline for applications for a recount under Section 98 of the LAEA
Statement of Results posted
Elector deadline to apply for a judicial recount
Campaign period ends
Stephanie Severin
780-826-3171 ext. 2062
Substitute Returning Officer
Charity Croker
780-826-3171 ext. 2055
WARD
WARD 4
Willow Prairie Ag Society Hall
Bonnyville Seniors’ Drop-In Centre – McGregor (Main) Hall
WARD 5
EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT
The new year is an excellent time to reflect on preparedness habits. What small changes can you make to Be Prepared in 2025? Here are a few things to consider.
Create or update your home emergency plan
Keep in mind:
• Safe exit routes from your home and community.
• Where will you reunite with family or friends.
• How your children will be picked up if you are unable to.
• Contacts outside the community where you could stay.
• Health and insurance information.
• Location of electrical panels, water valve, gas valve, and other essential safety equipment. How your pets will be cared for. Making a pet emergency plan beforehand can keep your pet safe and comfortable.
• Consider elements such as livestock.
Know what hazards are in the M.D. of Bonnyville
Some hazards identified by the M.D. are:
• Wildfires
• Extreme cold and heat
• Blizzards
Create or update your 72-Hour Kit
• Maintain an emergency kit and update it with seasonal supplies such as extra warm layers, heat packs, blankets, etc.
• Check for expired non-perishable items and medications and replace as needed.
• Update important documents.
• Maintain a pet emergency kit with items like extra food, water, blankets, and instant heat packs.
Creating financial resiliency
Being financially prepared is about more than just having money in the bank. Here are a few ideas to help you build financial resilience:
• Ensure you have adequate insurance and keep a detailed list of all property including photographs.
• Keep cash on hand as ATM/debit machines may be unavailable.
• If possible, create an emergency savings account to cover expenses during an emergency. Even $5 a month will add up over time.
• Keep receipts for all expenses incurred during an emergency or disaster.
Community connections
Making community connections can be a great way to build resiliency. Neighbours are often the first to lend a hand and provide support during an emergency. Getting to know people within your community is not always easy, so here are a few suggestions to grow your network:
• Volunteer for an activity you like or service you care about.
• Create a community contact list, identify who may need help, who can potentially offer help, and how to stay connected if an emergency were to occur. Discuss who has first-aid training or access to a vehicle.
• Join or create a neighbourhood social media page or group. If you create one, consider letting your neighbours know about it.
Stay informed
Knowledge helps us better prepare for emergencies and disasters. When we know what is happening, we can make more informed and timely decisions during times of uncertainty.
• Download the Alberta Emergency Alert App. Alberta issues alerts to provide critical information and what action(s) you need to take to stay safe.
• Download apps like Alberta Wildfire and WeatherCAN to keep you up to date.
• Download Voyent Alert! to receive local alerts on emergencies within the M.D. of Bonnyville.
• Stay tuned to the M.D.’s website and social media pages.
Resolutions are nice reminders, but there is no start or end to preparedness. It’s something we continually build over time. Be Prepared programming and resources can help you build self-reliance and keep you and your loved ones safe. Keep an eye on future editions of Rural Review for more in-depth information on these topics throughout the year.
Scan the QR Code above to visit bit.ly/MDEmergencyManagement, the M.D. of Bonnyville’s Emergency Management website.
The Government of Canada’s Emergency Preparedness website, getprepared.gc.ca, is another great resource.
WASTE SERVICES
Recycle your batteries!
Did you know that lithium-ion and lithium metal batteries are a leading cause of fires in landfills, garbage trucks, and recycling facilities?
When these batteries are disposed of improperly, they can be dropped or scraped on hard surfaces or crushed by heavy equipment in landfills, in the back of garbage trucks, and in recycling facilities which can lead to fires. These fires can spread rapidly and are difficult to extinguish because the source of the ignition is still live, unlike a fire from a match or a lighter. Batteries can re-ignite unexpectedly after the visible fire has been put out, causing an increased risk. The reason these batteries can cause fires in the first place is because they never fully lose all charge and pose an increased risk when compared to disposable single-use batteries.
Luckily, a new program has launched in Alberta to assist residents and municipalities to recycle their household batteries. The program called “Recycle Your Batteries, Canada” helps municipalities cover the costs of collecting, shipping, and recycling batteries through an Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Program.
Do
• Protect the terminals of lithium, coin (button) cell, small-sealed lead acid, and alkaline batteries 9V or higher with packing, electrical, or duct tape.
• Store your batteries in a cool, dry place out of reach of young children.
• Drop off your batteries every three months at an M.D. landfill to avoid corrosion.
Don’t
• Store new and used batteries together.
• Dispose of your batteries in the trash or recycling bins.
Did you know recycled batteries can be made into many different products? Items like stainless pots and pans, golf clubs, silverware, and asphalt for roads just to name a few. While this is a great feature of recycled batteries, the most important thing is that they are kept out of landfills, garbage trucks, and material sorting facilities!
Household batteries can be dropped off at each of the M.D. of Bonnyville Landfill Transfer Stations where we have trays with separate areas for rechargeable and single-use batteries. Residents can safely store and transport their used batteries to get these batteries recycled by taping the terminals of lithium ion, smallsealed lead acid, coin (button) cell, and lithium batteries with clear packing tape, electrical tape, or duct tape. Be sure to drop off your batteries every three months to avoid corrosion.
Keep an eye on the M.D. website and social media platforms for updates and more information on other EPR and recycling programs.
DUST CONTROL
Residents requesting dust control in front of their homes can now submit an application. The deadline for applications is March 31, 2025.
Dust control measures will be applied in sections, up to a maximum of 200 metres in length, per residence. Please note — priority will be given to roads with high traffic and truck volumes, where high levels of dust have been observed by M.D. staff, and roads where residents have been diagnosed with dust sensitive medical issues.
More information and applications are available online at bit.ly/MDBvilleDustControl and at the Main Administration Office (4905 - 50 Ave. in Bonnyville).
Requests will be addressed as per budgetary allowances and Council approval.
For more information, please contact the Infrastructure Services Department at 780-826-3951.
NOTE IT!
Tax autopay
Did you know the M.D. has a tax installment payment plan (TIPP)? This program sees your annual M.D. of Bonnyville property tax bill divided into 12 equal payments, which are automatically withdrawn from your bank account on the 15th of each month, without penalty.
Please note — to qualify for TIPP this year, your tax account must be up to date, and the first two payments of 2025 will be due at time of sign up.
Looking for more information on what to see and do in our area? Check out our 2025 Adventure Guide at bit.ly/MDAdventureGuide or by scanning the QR Code.
If you would like to set up the monthly payment plan or if you have any questions about the penalty or the balance of your property tax account, please contact the Tax Team at 780-826-3171
The last date to set up TIPP is February 28, 2025.
WINTER CAMPS
2024/25
Call 780-594-5564 or visit store.kinosoo.ca to book lessons and camps today!
