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
It’s been a busy start to the wildfire season in the M.D. I’d like to take the opportunity to thank all of those who were involved in fighting the fire located just off Highway 660 at the beginning of May. Without the dedication of Bonnyville Regional Fire Authority, members of our Emergency Management Team, all the volunteers, and air support assistance from the province, that fire could have quickly gotten out of hand. I’m thankful every day for our First Responders and I’m grateful for the amazing people we have in our community.
I know I said it in my last column, but I really would like to emphasize fire safety again. Please pay attention to fire advisories, restrictions, and bans. You’ll find them on our social media platforms, md.bonnyville.ab.ca, and Voyent Alert! — the M.D.’s emergency alert app. You can also keep up to date with the status of fires in the province by visiting alberta.ca/wildfire-status. If you’re out camping and have a fire (if allowed under the current fire status)
NOTES FROM THE CAO
Summer is back, Bonnyville-style! That means it’s time to dust off the RV, load up on bug spray, and head to the great outdoors (AKA our beautiful backyards, campgrounds, lakes, and forests). Whether you’re a hardcore tent camper or a glamper with a satellite dish and a portable blender, the M.D. of Bonnyville has something for us. But before you go full wilderness warrior, let’s talk summer fun — and a little fire safety (because nothing ruins a camping trip faster than actual fire trucks showing up and, as you know, we have already had our first fire north of Moose Lake).
Camping: nature’s way of saying “you forgot something”
From Moose Lake to Wolf Lake to the peaceful corners of Cold Lake, we’ve got a whole lot of “wow” waiting for us. Hook up your trailer or pitch a tent — just don’t forget your marshmallows, matches, and oh, those darn tent poles.
Pro tip: Book early! Our campgrounds are popular, especially with folks escaping the big city for some good old-fashioned fresh air, late-night guitar sing-alongs, and star gazing. Book online at letscamp.ca
Campfires: toast the marshmallows, not our forest
Campfires are the heart of camping. They’re cozy, they’re nostalgic, and they make hot dogs taste like fine dining. However, they also come with some responsibility.
be sure to soak, stir, and soak your fire again until there are no hot spots. If you’re out quadding, be sure to check your exhaust often to make sure there isn’t any debris caught up that could potentially start a fire. And if you see a fire, report it at 310-FIRE.
Council and I have enjoyed seeing you at our first warmweather community events including the Emergency Preparedness Week Open House and the National Public Works Week Open House. If you missed them, keep an eye out for information on the 2026 open houses that will happen next May.
Speaking of events, be sure to check out the event listing on Page 16 of this newsletter. We have the La Corey Farm Fair coming up on June 14, the Bonnyville Oil & Gas Show, and more!
Have a safe, fun, and happy June! See you in the next edition of Rural Review.
Here’s how to keep it safe and not smoky: Check our fire bans or advisories. Trust us — your fire doesn’t need to be the star of a local news story.
• Use designated firepits. And no, digging your own “super pit” with a shovel and ambition doesn’t count.
• Never leave your fire unattended. Fires are like toddlers — they can go rogue real fast. Put it out with water, not good intentions. Soak it, stir it, soak it again. If it’s still warm, you’re not done.
• High winds? No fire. If your campfire needs a weather report, it’s probably not a good idea.
And if you see something smoking that shouldn’t be? Call 310-FIRE. The quicker we know, the quicker we can keep it small and uneventful.
Let’s make summer 2025 legendary (in a good way)
Summer in the M.D. of Bonnyville region is what memories are made of — lazy beach days, loud belly laughs, and the smell of campfire smoke in your sweater for weeks on end. Let’s keep it safe, fun, and forest fire-free.
For all your summer updates, campground bookings, and fire safety info, check out md.bonnyville.ab.ca
Now get out there and enjoy it — we’ve earned it!
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
What happens if there is a disruption in postal service?
As the Canada Post strike was impending at the time of print, we want to make sure our services to M.D. residents are interrupted as little as possible. Below you will find some information on how specific documents will be handled and contact information for the respective departments.
Property
assessment appeals
Tax Notices were mailed on May 21, 2025. The last day to appeal a property’s assessment is July 28, 2025. If you have any questions regarding your assessment, please contact our offices and ask to speak to a Property Assessor. Your appeal must be received by the Clerk of the Assessment Review Board by this date. Should the postal disruption continue, please ensure that your choice of delivery method ensures your appeal is in the possession of the Clerk of the Assessment Review Board by the date shown on your notice.
Property tax payments
The last day to pay your property taxes is September 15 or 30 days after your Property Tax and Assessment Notice was sent to you, whichever date is later. For most property owners, it is September 15. For a few it will be a later date due to receiving an adjustment on your property assessment after June 30, of which you will receive a new Tax and Assessment Notice. Please check the upper right portion of your Property Tax and Assessment Notice for the last day to pay.
On September 16, or 31 days after your Property Tax and Assessment Notice was sent you, whichever date is later, will receive a 12% penalty on any amount of the current year’s levy that remains unpaid.
For payment options, please visit bit.ly/MDTaxPayments or scan the QR Code on the next page.
If you have any further questions, please call our Property Tax Department at 780-826-3171.
Supplier invoices and payments
Drop off or Courier to Main Office (4905-50 Avenue, Bonnyville, T9N 2J7)
Monday – Friday
8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Email: ap@md.bonnyville.ab.ca
Fax: 780-826-3775
To receive a digital invoice, please email ap@md.bonnyville.ab.ca. Vendors can register for Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) by completing the form at bit.ly/MDBvilleEFT. Complete forms can be sent to ap@md.bonnyville.ab.ca or dropped off at the Main Office located at 4905-50 Avenue in Bonnyville.
If a vendor wishes to receive their payment via cheque while the strike is in effect, they will be notified when the cheque is available for pick up at the Main Office. The vendor will be required to provide the name of who will be picking up the cheque and that individual must present valid photo identification at the time of pick up. Note –vendors who register for EFT during the postal strike will have the option to return to payment via cheque after the strike has concluded.
Water/sewer utilities, waste collection, and other billings
For utility bills
Pick up at Main Office (4905-50 Avenue, Bonnyville)
There will be website and social media posts to notify customers when bills are ready.
Phone: 780-826-3171 ext. 2061 for water/sewer queries ext. 2045 for waste collection queries Information will be provided after verification questions are answered
• Fax/email upon request of customer
• Courier at customer cost
To receive a digital copy or for more information about your utility bill please email utilities@md.bonnyville.ab.ca.
To make utility bill payments to the M.D.
• Cash/cheque/Interac at the Main Office (4905-50 Avenue Bonnyville)
Pay at Financial Institutions, where accepted
• Direct Debit (utility bills only) – authorization form on M.D. website, under Help Centre
• Online banking payment
• Courier at customer cost
Planning & Development
Due to the ongoing postal strike, we will be advertising all discretionary use development permits, adjacent landowner notifications, and public hearings on our website – md.bonnyville.ab.ca until the postal issue has been resolved.
For more information, please email planning@md.bonnyville.ab.ca or call Planning Reception at 780-826-3171 ext 2001.
2025 BY THE NUMBERS
Average tax bill –general residential Total assessment $500,000
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
Total 2025 Tax & Assessment Notice amount: $2,823
M.D. Property Tax & Assessment Notices were mailed at the end of May. If you did not receive yours or have questions, please call 780-826-3171.
Municipal property tax revenues, 2025
Not including Ward 6 North revenues (Order in Council 121/2021)
Revenues from 2025 Tax Rate
Bylaw, breakdown by assessment:
Capital expenses
Not represented on the chart (less than 1%):
ASSESSMENT
Assessors will be knocking on doors
Property assessors are now performing annual property inspections of all the properties located in Range 6. This area includes all properties west of Highway 41 and east of Range Road 470.
If you have a property in this area, please expect a property assessor to come by between now and October. Property owners in this area should have already received a letter with more details.
What to expect from a visit:
Assessors will be confirming information and asking questions about the buildings on the property (age, finishes and use, etc.). Exterior inspections on all buildings and photos of the buildings for your property’s records.
If you have access-limiting equipment on your property, please phone an assessor for an appointment or for a telephone inspection at 780-826-3171.
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
Land
Use
Bylaw Review
&
Update
– here’s what you need to know
The M.D. is in the process of reviewing and updating its Land Use Bylaw (LUB), a key tool that helps guide how land can be used and developed within the M.D.
Why does the M.D. need a Land Use Bylaw?
The Province of Alberta requires all municipalities to have a Land Use Bylaw. The LUB regulates the use and development of land within the boundaries of the M.D. The LUB assigns land use districts (zoning) to every parcel of land within the municipality.
The LUB guides the use and development of land and buildings in accordance with the policy direction outlined in Intermunicipal Development Plans, the Municipal Development Plan, and Area Structure Plans. It is the mechanism used to implement the policy of the higher order statutory planning documents.
Where are we now?
The review and update of the LUB is being completed in four phases. Currently, the project has reached Phase 3, which involves drafting the updated LUB. The draft has been completed and is now ready for public engagement.
PHASE 1
Project Initiation
What’s new in the draft?
PHASE 2
Baseline and Context
PHASE 3
Drafting the Land Use Bylaw
PHASE 4
Finalizing the Land Use Bylaw
Here are some of the key changes that have been made to better reflect current trends and community needs: More Housing Flexibility: Secondary suites are now listed as permitted in all districts except hamlets (which are limited by water and sewer capacity). The number of dwellings allowed on lots has also increased.
• Updated Rules for Livestock: For parcels less than 4.05 hectares (10.1 acres), a formula was created to determine how many livestock are allowed based on the size of the lot.
• Solar Energy: Regulations for solar energy collection systems have been included, with “minor” systems for residential use and “major” systems for commercial developments.
Setback Adjustments: The setback (the distance buildings need to be from property lines) has been adjusted for properties with lots up to 2,787 square metres (30,000 square feet), now set at 1.5 metres (4.9 feet) for new development.
• New Airport Overlay: A new section has been created for properties located near regional airports to address aviation-related development considerations.
• Easier Approvals: Several land uses that were previously discretionary are now permitted, such as recreational vehicle storage in the Rural Commercial and Rural Industrial districts and general commercial uses in the Rural Commercial District.
Streamlined format for easier use
The updated LUB also features a cleaner, more organized format, making it easier to understand and navigate. Some of the updates include:
• Streamlined Information: Specific regulations, such as accessory building heights, are now located within the relevant district sections, instead of in the general regulations section.
• Consistency Updates: The bylaw has been updated to be consistent with the Municipal Development Plan (MDP) and Municipal Government Act (MGA).
Updated Definitions: Outdated or irrelevant definitions have been removed, and new ones have been added for clarity.
What’s next? Your chance to get involved!
The M.D. of Bonnyville wants to hear from you! In June, the draft Land Use Bylaw will be available for review on the M.D.’s website, and a survey will be launched to gather your feedback. This is your opportunity to help shape how land is used and developed in the M.D. of Bonnyville for years to come.
For more details and to take part, scan the QR Code above or visit the M.D. of Bonnyville’s website at bit.ly/MDBvilleLUB or to provide your feedback go to surveymonkey.com/r/3RYD2RD. The survey deadline is July 15, 2025. Stay tuned for more information on how to get involved!
Spring is upon us, and the Agriculture Service Department is gearing up for another busy summer season. 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. The Weed Control Act protects our farmers and rural residents from economic and environmental losses caused by weed infestations. By completing a weed inspection on your property, you are at a higher chance of detecting a noxious weed growing on your property before it becomes a large infestation. Noxious weed infestations that cover large areas are laborious and costly to control or eradicate.
Our weed inspectors are extensively trained in the identification of noxious weeds and their control options. They are easily identifiable driving a white M.D. truck (with logo), high visibility vest, and they always carry identification which you may ask them to present. They will not enter houses or outlying buildings, respect biosecurity protocols you may have in place, and will not approach livestock.
If a positive identification is made on your property, the inspectors will be able to provide you with a list of options to control the noxious weed in a timely matter before they become out of control.
Two of the M.D.’s most wanted noxious weeds are oxeye daisy and scentless chamomile; they are both favourites of the home gardener. Other noxious weeds of concern include burdock, tansy, and Canada thistle. The M.D. has available quick identification guides for ratepayers to pick up at the Environmental Services Shop, free of charge.
If you have any questions or concerns, contact the Ag Services Department at 780-826-3901.
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Where’s the beef?
Intermunicipal collaboration has identified the need for a Meat Processing Facility Feasibility Study to foster economic growth and sustainability in the region. The M.D. has secured funding through the Alberta Community Partnership (ACP) program to conduct the study.
Agriculture is an economic driver for the M.D. of Bonnyville and the County of St. Paul, who are positioned second and third — respectively — in poultry and livestock for market value across Northeast Alberta, according to the 2021 Federal Census data.
At present, the region lacks the capacity to process animals within existing facilities/businesses. While many animals are shipped for processing, marketing, and consumption elsewhere within the province, country, and across the globe, there is a demand and need for processing at a local level to encourage and facilitate a local food ecosystem, including production, processing, marketing, and consumption. With a facility in the region, local producers could reduce hauling time and costs.
This need has grown with population increasing in the region, which also comes with the desire to source specialty foods or food prepared for cultural needs.
Understanding the existing capacity, demand and growth opportunities is imperative to building a business case, accessing further funding, and achieving the desired outcome. It is understood that the potential project value and outcomes will support the entire Northeastern region’s agricultural growth, including increased capacity within the local food economy and food security.
The Request for Proposal (RFP) is currently open and active with the closing date set for Friday, June 27, 2025, visit bit.ly/MD_BidOpportunities or scan the QR Code above to view the RFP.
TRANSPORTATION & UTILITIES
Ardmore lift station
It’s the smell that surprises you first. And it’s not the one you’re thinking when we’re talking about the sewage lift station in Ardmore. No. It’s lemon scented — almost like a fresh lemon merengue pie — not some overpowering chemical that’s had lemon sprinkled over it to disguise it.
The second thing that surprises you? How clean the lift station is. The enzymes, bacteria, and chemicals Darren Turner, one of the M.D.’s Water & Sewer Operators, uses to keep things flowing (literally), are stacked neatly around the gate covering the pit where the lift station pumps are busy working away.
“We use about 10 different products,” Turner says pointing to each one. “One breaks down surface grease, one breaks down sludge, one breaks down solids, and one looks after the fog at the lagoon system.”
If you flush a toilet or run water down the drain, it all ends up here.
Once the level in the pit hits one metre, a pump kicks on and runs until it goes down to .6 of a metre. If it goes above a certain mark, that’s when the alarms go off, because it usually means the pumps aren’t working or there is a power failure.
“It doesn’t happen that often, but when it does, it’s at 3 a.m.,” he laughs. And it’s usually because of things that shouldn’t be flushed or washed down the drain (see side bar). The last time a pump got clogged, it was because of a dirty, cloth rag.
“This is a bacteria that breaks down sludge,” he explains. “The whole process starts here and finishes at the lagoons.”
He grabs a bag from one of the boxes, pulls open the doors covering the pit, and it’s bombs away.
And that’s where we’re off to next. Just down the road sits the M.D.’s Ardmore Lagoon. On this day, it’s still snowing a little bit, and ice is still thick on most lakes. Turner pulls right up to the side and points out the open water in the lagoon system. “It’s opening up because that pond is always working. It’s warm.”
This is where everything from the lift station comes. It goes through five ponds – the first two are anaerobic ponds. Each pond it goes through, the water gets cleaner and cleaner until it gets to the fifth and final pond.
“The water is so clean by then, it can be discharged into Muriel Creek,” Turner explains. “It gets tested and approved before it’s discharged. It’s so clean, it’s become a natural nesting area for Canadian geese. Here too, there’s no whiff of where the water in the lagoon ponds came from.
“We’re not allowed to go into the ponds at certain times of the year, when the birds are nesting and eggs are hatching,” he says driving slowly past the birds, trying not to disturb them.
Besides not flushing certain things down through the system, Turner says there are steps you can take at home to help not only a public utility like the ones in Ardmore, Fort Kent, and Therien, but also private septic systems.
“If you use a product like SeptoBac, it’s going to help the whole system, not just yours,” he explains.
SeptoBac is a widely used treatment made of bacteria and enzymes, just like the ones Turner uses at the lift station. It’s easily found at local hardware stores, is premeasured, and helps accelerate the breakdown of waste.
“If you use that and target a different toilet or sink each time, it will help keep your system clean. On an acreage, it will help keep the solids down and can extend the time between pump outs.”
Turner has worked for the M.D. since 2009 and takes a lot of pride in his work. “I want it to be clean, I want it to work, and I want it to be good for the environment. I want to see those geese coming back every year.”
In order to prevent blockages, here’s a brief list of what not to put in your toilet, sink, drainpipe, or garbage disposal:
Pasta – Semolina content continues to swell once flushed down kitchen sink and will block drains, causing future plumbing problems.
Rice – Swells when dry or cooked grains allowed to run down kitchen drains.
Egg shells – Shells contribute greatly towards increasing granular waste. Shells also stick to other waste, creating more opportunities for blockages to form.
Coffee grounds – One of the worst offenders for causing drain blockages. So, before rinsing and washing cups/mugs, dispose of grounds in the garbage or compost.
Grease – This includes cooked/melted fat from meat, poultry, sausage, bacon, skin as well as gravy.
All paper towels – While they may be biodegradable, they still absorb moisture and will clog drainage pipes.
Flushable wipes – Wet wipes, for instance, contain congealed grease and will not disintegrate like toilet paper does.
You can find a full list at bit.ly/MDBvilleSewerInfo or by scanning the QR Code above.
Bonnyville & District Chamber of Commerce
Chili Cook-Off
Downtown Bonnyville
June 6
bonnyvillechamber.com
Triple Crown Series
Mason Watt Memorial Raceway
June 7 & 8
triplecrownseries.ca/events/cold-lake
La Corey Farm Fair (featuring Corb Lund)
Willow Prairie Agricultural Society
June 14
willowprairieag.com
Ardmore Truck & Tractor Pull
Highway 28, just east of Ardmore
June 14
Facebook: Ardmore Truck & Tractor Pull
Cold Lake Fishing Derby
Cold Lake
June 14 & 15
coldlake.com/fishingderby
Backyard Grill & Farmers’ Market
Glendon RCMP Hall
June 15
Facebook: Glendon Farmers’ Market
Bonnyville Oil & Gas Show
Bonnyville & District Centennial Centre
June 18 & 19
bonnyvilleoilandgasshow.com
Lakeland Ride for Dad
Starts from 5319-48 Ave., Cold Lake
June 21
ridefordad.ca/chapter/lakeland
Gear Grabbers Drag Races
M.D. of Bonnyville Regional Airport
July 5 & 6
geargrabbers.ca/drag-racing
Check out our online event calendar at bit.ly/MDBvilleEventCalendar for updates.
FEEDBACK
Complete the Kinosoo Ridge Resort end of season survey for your chance to win!
Scan the QR Code below to complete a short survey about your experience at the hill during the 2024/2025 season and help us shape next season.
You can be entered to win an Aerial Adventure Park family pass or merch for completing the survey!
The deadline for the M.D.’s Scholarship is approaching fast!
Scan the QR Code below or visit bit.ly/MDScholarshipProgram to apply or learn more about the three scholarships that will be awarded for M.D. students pursuing a career as a Medical Doctor, Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner, or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine:
• $7,000 for a student in a Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner Program;
• $10,500 for a student in a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine Program; and
• $14,000 for a student in a Medical Doctor Program.
The deadline to apply is June 30.
Bonnyville & District FCSS survey
Bonnyville & District FCSS is conducting a Family and Community Social Needs Assessment to gain a better understanding of the social needs of its residents. The data collected will inform the Town’s decisions regarding Family and Community Support Services (FCSS) programming, which aims to enhance the well-being for everyone in the community.
Both residents and youth are invited to share their insights. To provide your input, please complete the survey by scanning the relevant QR Code below.
PACKAGE
CLIMB TO THE CLOUDS
AERIAL ADVENTURE PARK
Head over to Kinosoo Ridge Resort this summer and climb the 60-foot tall outdoor obstacle course on the shores of Cold Lake!
