FINANCIAL AUDIT 2025: Representatives from Wilde and Company made a delegation during the meeting outlining their Auditor’s Report of the consolidated financial statements from the Town of Bonnyville. They found the statements presented fairly and were in accordance with the Canadian Public Sector Accounting Standards (PSAS). Council approved the 2025 Audited Financials as presented. A copy of the 2025 Financial Audit will be posted on the Town’s website.
ASSESSMENTS: Bob Daudelin with Accurate Assessment Group outlined the 2025 Assessment for properties in the Town of Bonnyville. Overall, there was a six per cent increase in assessment in 2025 for Town properties compared to 2024. Residential properties saw a four per cent increase. Non-residential properties saw a six per cent increase, linear saw a nine per cent increase, farmland increased by one per cent, and exempt properties saw the highest jump at 11 per cent. Roughly 93 per cent of properties in Town will see a minor change in their assessment and value, which impacts the dollar value of taxes levied.
BUDGETS: Council reviewed the final drafts of the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets. The Operating Budget totaled $35,889,445 and reflected updated costs since the passage of the Interim Budget in December 2025. Without adjustments to municipal property taxes, the budget reflects an additional $121,358 deficit since the Interim Budget was approved. Administration presented three taxation options for consideration to balance the budget. Council directed administration to present the final Operating Budget for approval with a two per cent municipal tax dollar increase for residential properties with the non-residential tax rate to be charged at 1.7 times the residential tax rate. The second draft of the 2026 Capital Budget totaled $23,617,763. This includes future Grant Revenue which is anticipating to be $1,597,340 per year from Local Government Fiscal Framework (LGFF) and Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF). Some changes to the Capital Budget since the Interim was approved in December 2025 include an increase to the amount for branding initiatives, decrease in the costs for the Public Works Shop Design, deferral of Hwy. 28 tree planting for one year, cancelled aquatics facility as currently designed and included the cost for a swimming pool with construction anticipated to begin in 2028, among others. Both budgets will be presented to Council during their April 28 meeting for final approvals.
AMENDING BYLAW 1613-26: A Public Hearing was held for Amending Bylaw 1613-26, where residents spoke on the amendment to rezone a portion of the property located at 3702 50 Ave from Urban Reserve to R3 Medium Density Residential District. Council provided second and third reading to Amending Land Use Bylaw 1613-26.
PROCLOMATION: Mayor Elisa Brosseau proclaimed April 28, 2026, as the National Day of Mourning in the Town of Bonnyville. This day is observed across Canada to honour and remember workers who have been killed, injured, or made ill due to workplace-related incidents. It serves as a reminder of the critical importance of workplace health and safety and reinforces our collective responsibility to promote safe working conditions for all. By recognizing the Day of Mourning, we honour the memory of those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job.