Town of Bonnyville
Council Highlights
Regular Meeting
November 26, 2024
DELEGATIONS: Representatives from the Bonnyville Health Centre Community Board (BHCCB) made a delegation to Council. They outlined the advocating they do for the Bonnyville Health Centre and asked Council to assist by advocating to make the facility better. Some issues the BHCCB touched on were lack of staff, size restraints of the building, parking, and upgrading the Bonnyville Health Centre. Council accepted the presentation as information.
Bonnyville Detachment S/Sgt. Sarah Parke gave her annual report during the meeting. In an average week, the Bonnyville Detachment is responsible for 150 to over 200 investigations. Parke noted the theft of motor vehicles continues to occur in the Bonnyville area and their files are currently sitting at 151 vehicles that have been stolen. Theft under or over $5,000, not including motor vehicles, is 300 and possession of stolen property under or over $5,000 is currently at 129 files for Bonnyville members. Businesses being broken into are at 60, which is a slight decrease compared to 2023 at 86 and 2022 at 117. Mental Health calls continue to remain prevalent for day-to-day policing, however, a mental health app called Health IM and a specialized unit called the Regional Police and Crisis Team (RPACT) has been assisting local members with these files. Drug files for Bonnyville RCMP are currently at 60 and assault cases are at 304. Community engagement continues to be a focus for Alberta RCMP and the local members have attended many events in the Bonnyville area. Bonnyville RCMP members are going for body-worn camera training in January 2025. This is part of a nationwide initiative to improve transparency and accountability.
BUDGETS: Council discussed draft two of the 2025 Operating and Capital Budgets. Both budgets still have deficits. The next drafts of the budgets will be presented during the Budget Open House in Council Chambers at 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 3.
DONATIONS: Council approved a $250 donation to the St. Elias Ukrainian Orthodox Church to assist with renovation costs to make the church more accessible.
The Bonnyville Centralized High School (BCHS) will receive a $250 donation from the Town for Santa’s Elves.
PROPERTY TAX EXEMPTIONS: The properties owned by the Bonnyville Canadian Native Friendship Centre located at 4711-50 Avenue, 4801-66 Street and 4805-66 Street were approved from all property tax exemptions, excluding Local Improvement Tax for the years 2025, 2026 and 2027.
The property owned by Ashlin Gymnastics Club, located at 3904-50 Ave., was exempted from all property tax, excluding Local Improvement Tax, for the years 2025, 2026, and 2027.
The Beaver River Fish and Game Association’s property at 4402-54 Ave. was exempted from 50 per cent of municipal tax only for 2025, 2026, and 2027.
BRIEFLY: The Municipal Planning Commission approved a second free standing sign development permit from the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs with conditions.
Bylaw No. 1580-24 Elections Bylaw was provided first reading.
Council provided Bylaw No. 1582-24 Residential Tax Incentive Bylaw with a first reading.
A letter of support for the City of Cold Lake for their Green and Inclusive Community Buildings Grant Application was ratified.