ORGANIZATIONAL MEETING: After the completion of the 2026 Town of Bonnyville By-Election, the vacancy on Council was officially filled during the April 28 Organizational Meeting. Yvonne Szydlik was sworn in as the newest Councillor for the Town of Bonnyville. Photos of the swearing in can be found below. Updates were made to the Council Committee appointments during the meeting. The next annual Organizational Meeting of Council will be held in October 2026.
FINAL BUDGETS: Council approved both the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets, both were presented as balanced for final review and consideration. The 2026 final Operating Budget totals $35,943,084 and includes an operating reserve transfer of $408,956 to balance the budget. The Operating Budget includes a two per cent residential tax dollar increase and tax rate of 1.7 times the residential tax rate for non-residential properties for a total of estimated tax revenue of $9,604,496. The 2026 Capital Budget has a total cost of $23,617,763. The Capital Budget includes the long-range capital priority plan that was developed over the past few years as part of Provincial Grant Funding requirements. Future Grant Revenue is anticipated to be $1,597,310 per year, which includes Local Government Fiscal Framework and Canada Community Building Fund. Total revenue for Capital Projects for 2026 is anticipated to be $23,617,763. This includes $5,107,095 in Grant Funding, $12,825,227 in Transfers from Reserve, $5,601,441 for Debenture Funding, $84,000 and from Local Improvement Tax Revenue.
Rates of Taxation: Council provided all three readings for Bylaw No. 1615-26 – 2026 Rates of Taxation for the purpose of setting the tax rates for 2026. The bylaw is calculated based on the final 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets that were approved. The School Tax Requisition has increased by $151,718, which results in an actual increase in school tax for residential of 3.77 per cent and an increase for non-residential properties of 7.19 per cent.
CAMHC Closure: A notice was received from the Bonnyville Primary Care Network informing the Town that they have determined that there is not adequate funding, even with $75,000 from the Town that was approved through the Community Development Grant, to keep the Bonnyville Child & Adolescent Mental Health Collaborative (CAMHC) operating in a sustainable way. The Bonnyville Primary Care Network requested that Council consider the redirection of the $75,000 that was allocated for the CAMHC to the Hive Youth Hub by Kickstand to support youth mental health. Council has requested the Hive Youth Hub by Kickstand make a delegation at a later meeting to formally request the redirection of municipal funding prior to any decision being made.
Municipal Planning Commission: Development Permit 26-D0015 was approved with conditions. The application was for front and side yard variances on the dwelling and front deck. The dwelling was constructed in 1975 and did not fit compliance with the setback requirements at the time. Due to this, the dwelling was considered illegal non-conforming. The approved development permit recognizes the dwelling as legal non-conforming. In addition to the dwelling setback, the applicant constructed a front deck that extends 2.57 metres from the front of the dwelling into the front yard setback and 0.22 metres from the south-west property line. The deck was installed without consultation with the municipality and without required development permits. The Municipal Planning Commission denied the variance as built on the front deck, which results in the landowners modifying the deck into compliance.
LETTERS OF SUPPORT: A letter of support was ratified for the Alberta’s Iron Horse Trail, on behalf of the Riverland Recreational Trail Society, for an application to extend the Trans Canada Trail designation. The proposed extension would extend the Trans Canada Trail designation to west of the Village of Village of Waskatenau and from Abilene Junction to the City of Cold Lake, add approximately 98 kilometres to the Trans Canada Trail network, and include regionally significant attractions, such as the Beaver River, Moose Lake, and historical trestles.
The Lakeland Society for Truth and Reconciliation’s request for a letter of support to move forward with the Truth and Reconciliation Healing Garden in the Town of Bonnyville was approved. The proposed community-led initiative aims to create a dedicated gathering and reflection place for residents and visitors to engage with the histories, cultures, and contributions of First Nations and Métis peoples.
PROCLOMATION: Mayor Brosseau proclaimed May 2026 as Sexual Violence Awareness Month in the Town of Bonnyville. Sexual violence is a serious issue affecting nearly one in two Albertans, with added barriers to support in rural, remote, northern, and Indigenous communities. Organizations like Dragonfly Counselling & Support Centre provide essential services, but continued awareness and prevention are needed. Sexual Violence Awareness Month highlights the importance of supporting survivors, promoting healthy relationships, and working together to build safe, respectful communities.
MEETING CANCELLATION: The Governance and Priorities Meeting originally scheduled for May 19 has been cancelled. The next Governance and Priorities Meeting will be at 12 p.m. in Council Chambers on Tuesday, June 16, 2026.
BRIEFLY: The Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce’s “Your Region, Your Voice” event will receive a $1,500 table sponsorship from the Town. Mayor Elisa Brosseau will be speaking at the event as part of the panel of local elected officials.
Members of Council will be attending the Family and Community Support Services Association of Alberta (FCSSAA) and the Bonnyville & District FCSS Impact Invitational 9-hole Golf Scramble at the Bonnyville Golf and Country Club on May 28.
