Regular Council Meeting
November 25
BUDGET DRAFT II: Administration presented the second draft of the 2026 Operating and Capital Budgets. Draft II of the Operating Budget projected updated expenditures of $34,245,198 and a projected deficit of $1,840,238. Differences from Draft I to Draft II of the Operating Budget included an increase in salaries and wages ($76,100), telephone expenses ($49,750), insurance premiums ($5,205) and a decrease in the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre’s operating grant ($44,538). Draft II of the Capital Budget has a forecasted deficit of $17,396,197. Provincial Grant Funding is anticipated at $1,597,340, which represents a decrease of $37,073 from 2025 due to changes in the Local Government Fiscal Framework allocation. Changes from Draft I to Draft II include the Public Works Shop Design (costs to be determined), Hwy. 28 Project ($454,500), Water and Sewer Servicing to Bonnyville Rodeo Grounds ($650,000), increase in SE Lift Station Costs ($2,600,000), Jessie Lake Area 1 Project (costs to be determined), and an increase in the Centennial Centre’s Capital Asset Funding ($140,000). Administration recommended a number of options to balance both the Operating and Capital Budgets. Draft II of both budgets, including the recommendations from Administration, will be presented during the Town’s Budget Open House in Council Chambers at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, December 2.
DOWNTON REVIALIZATION STUDY: Council approved the 2025 Downtown and Main Street Streetscape and Urban Design Landscape Strategy. The study is a comprehensive review of engagement with the public, a public survey, and engagement with the Economic Development Committee on what changes should be made to improve visitor reaction to Bonnyville. A key deliverable of the study includes a recommended colour palate and design cues. Administration will move forward with the implementation of planning and develop incentive programs to assist businesses following the report.
DELEGATION: Community Peace Officer (CPO) Wanda Tomm provided an annual review of the Town’s Protective Services Department. Between November 2024 and November 2025, CPOs processed 85 complaints that fell under the Traffic Bylaw, 71 for the Animal Control Bylaw, 30 for Unsightly Property Bylaw, 25 under the Garbage Bylaw. The Department’s focus is on education for residents, providing educational awareness as situationally appropriate before handing out tickets. Some ways the Protective Services Department provides awareness is through social media posts and orange door knockers identifying infractions. The past year has seen Town CPOs dealing with unsightly property clean ups, unauthorized dumping, unhoused encampments, restricted dog issues, among others. A few of the Public Safety Department’s goals for 2026 include continued proactive patrols, school zone patrols, speeding and stunting issues, getting involved with the youth, continuing to educate residents through door knockers and social media posts.
NRED Grant Program: The Town will apply for the 2025 Northern and Regional Economic Development (NRED) Grant Program under the Marketing and Investment/Regional Promotion Stream for a total of $60,000. If approved, the Town will contribute $30,000 and the province will contribute $30,000 through to update marketing materials.
FUNDING REQUESTS: Council approved the following requests for funding:
- a $600 donation to the Premier Cheer Parents Association to attend the UCA All Star National Championship in Orlando, Florida.
- $10,000 sponsorship for the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) 2026 Winterland Invitational was approved by Council. The tournament, which is happening from Jan. 16 to 18, 2026 in the Bonnyville area, this event is included in the 2026 Operating Budget and must be approved by Council before funds can be released.
- $250 for the 2025 Filipino-Canadian Christmas. The event is taking place at the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre in the Genmec ACL Hall on Dec. 13.
A funding request from STARS Air Ambulance was discussed and defeated by Council, requiring further information be provided by the organization for future considerations.
LETTERS OF SUPPORT: The following Letters of Support were approved by Council during the meeting:
- The U18 Bonnyville House Team’s was ratified for their bid to host the upcoming U18 Provincial Hockey Championship in Bonnyville.
- The Alberta Bilingual Municipalities Association for their NRED Grant Program application.
- The MD of Bonnyville’s letter was ratified for their application to the NRED Grant Program.
- Bonnyville Minor Hockey’s bid to host the 2026 U13 Tier 2 Provincials was ratified by Council.
- Bonnyville and District FCSS to include in their application for funding from Healthy Aging Alberta to implement a transportation program in Town for older adults.
- Town of Bruderheim’s request for a Letter of Support from the Town was approved for their intermunicipal Alberta Community Partnership Application for their Land and Buildings Site Selection Project.
BRIEFLY: Development Permit 25-D0096 to change of use for a property from vacant to personal services for pet grooming was approved, with conditions, by the Municipal Planning Committee.
Bylaw No. 1598-25 was given first and second reading. The Bylaw was to Establish a Local Police Committee for the Town of Bonnyville. The Bylaw will come back to Council at a future meeting for third and final reading.
Council tabled a request from the Bonnyville Branch of the Royal Canadian Legion (Branch #183) for the installation of two commemorative crosswalks in 2026. This request will come back to Council once Administration has investigated a Commemorative Crosswalk Policy for review and consideration.
The Property Tax Exemption Application from the Lakeland Lodge and Housing Foundation for the property located at 4802-47 Avenue for the years 2026, 2027, and 2028 were approved.
The Lakeland Region 2026 Alberta Winter Games will receive support from Town Council at the Town’s Santa Claus Parade, Festival of Trees, ATCO Virtual Torch Relay, and Volunteer Rally.
Council approved the appointment of Coun. David Sharun as the Town’s representative on the Northeast Muni-Corr Board, replacing Coun. Kayla Blanchette.