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Disclaimer: Generative AI has been used in portions of this publication.
Municipal District of Bonnyville 4905 - 50 Avenue, Bag 1010, Bonnyville, Alberta T9N 2J7
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BEN FADEYIW
Deputy Reeve, Ward 6 Councillor
bfadeyiw@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 780-826-1462
JOSH CRICK
Ward 1 Councillor
jcrick@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-2916
CAROLINE PALMER
Ward 2 Councillor
cpalmer@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-3075
DAN AMALIA
Ward 3 Councillor
damalia@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-2716
ED DUCHESNE
Ward 4 Councillor
educhesne@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-3004
BRIAN KOLUK
Ward 5 Councillor
bkoluk@md.bonnyville.ab.ca 587-398-2992
MESSAGE FROM THE REEVE
As winter slips into spring, I want to reflect on a few things I’m grateful for.
Over the past month, I have seen the generosity and dedication of our community on display for the entire province to see. I am so proud of the volunteers and all of those who showed up for the Alberta Winter Games. The event is massive, with thousands of people coming into our region to compete at a high level. Through our sponsorship, volunteerism, and top-notch facilities, we offered the athletes, families, coaches, and training staff and experience they’ll never forget. New friendships were forged, new appreciation for our area was grown, and I’m sure up and coming athletes not yet competing in the games were inspired.
Barry Kalinski
I’m also thankful for our Parks & Recreation staff and Transportation staff who dug in and did their best to keep up with a record snowfall. These crews work long hours to ensure our facilities and roads are accessible. We thank residents for their patience as we dug out from under the reported 30 to 40 centimetres of snow received over a short two-day period.
Finally, I’d like to thank all who supported my endeavours at this year’s 86Cancer Hockey Game. From raffling off a fishing trip to the on-ice shootout, I had another year of fun fundraising. This is the non-profit’s fifth annual game to raise money for cancer charities. This year, the event raised over $24,000.
Thank you again for your support and dedication. Our community wouldn’t be as great as it is without you.
NOTES FROM THE CAO Ben Berlinguette
Spring is coming, and Kinosoo Ridge is ready to celebrate! March is packed with special events for every kind of adventurer — whether you love hitting the hill, trying out wintery fun one last time, or simply enjoying a hot chocolate with a view. Check out the Kinosoo Ridge events listing at the back for more information!
M.D. campground reservations open at the end of March, so gather your tents, marshmallows, and sense of adventure before the best spots vanish faster than snow in the sun! Whether you’re planning a weekend getaway or just a quick day trip, there’s no better time to get outside, breathe in the fresh air, and soak up the beauty of our trails.
We love seeing our community enjoying these spaces, laughing together, and making memories that last longer than a campfire’s smoke. So come on out, connect with nature, meet some new friends (human or squirrel), and make this season unforgettable.
Here’s to a spring full of fun, fresh air, and just the right amount of mud to keep things interesting!
IMPORTANT UPDATE
Property tax deadline shifting
At its February 10, 2026 Regular Meeting, Council passed Amending Bylaw No. 1927 that will see the M.D.’s annual property tax deadline change from September 15 to June 30.
The new bylaw amends Bylaw No. 1846 Unpaid Tax Penalty Bylaw to update the tax deadline, allowing the M.D. to collect tax revenue within the first six months of the year.
“Over 40 per cent of M.D. expenses are experienced between May and September — construction season,” said Calvin Bespalko, Manager of Assessment Services.
“By collecting property taxes early, the M.D. won’t have to dip into investment accounts to pay the bills, allowing the M.D. to collect more interest from those investments.”
That means the interest can then be used to fund future projects, lessening the burden on M.D. taxpayers. The idea to shift the deadline came as part of the financial framework adopted in 2024, which established standard business practices and guidelines through policy, while demonstrating the M.D.’s commitment to being good financial stewards.
Most municipalities in Alberta allow for a 30-day payment time frame from the date the Tax and Assessment Notices are issued and are due by June 30 of each year.
Property owners who are currently on the M.D.’s Tax Installment Payment Plan (TIPP) will not see any change.
From January to June, the monthly payment will be based on the 2025 tax levy. The payments will be adjusted from July to December to reflect any changes in the levy in 2026 and the payments made in the first half of the year. Those enrolled in TIPP will see their payments for the last half of the year defined on their Assessment and Tax Notice, which will be delivered at the end of May.
At the request of Council, Assessment Services will be presenting an option for new TIPP accounts to help ratepayers adjust to the new deadline without penalty.
More information will be provided on the M.D.’s website and social media channels at the beginning of April.
If you have any questions about the TIPP program or your tax account, contact the Property Tax Department at taxsupport@md.bonnyville.ab.ca or by phone at 780-826-3171.
COMMUNITY SERVICES
We are now accepting applications for the M.D.’s Municipal Scholarship Program!
Now in its second year, Council has dedicated $31,500 to the program, which was designed to help with medical service sustainability for our community today and into the future.
The scholarships help encourage local students to consider a career as a Medical Doctor, Registered Nurse or Nurse Practitioner, or a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, and to return to the region to practice in one of these service areas upon successful completion of their program.
There are three scholarships that are awarded annually: $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 application process includes filling out an online application, the submission of an essay detailing your involvement in the community and your educational path, a reference letter, and proof of enrollment.
You can find more information in the scholarship policy, including how to apply, by visiting bit.ly/MDScholarshipProgram or scan the QR Code.
Please note – the annual application deadline is June 30.
AGRICULTURAL SERVICES
The M.D.’s Agricultural Services Department is offering two educational sessions over the coming weeks.
Farmers’ Pesticide Certification Workshop
The first will be a Farmers’ Pesticide Certification Workshop on March 26, hosted in cooperation with the County of St. Paul. This workshop will provide education in pesticide use, which is required in order to access restricted pesticide products, including Compound 1080 and Phostoxin. In addition to the Farmer Pesticide Certification, Compound 1080 will require additional product-specific training through Lakeland College. This can be obtained online or through the mail. This year is the final year the workshop will be offered locally — all future certification opportunities will be hosted by Lakeland College for a fee.
The certification includes a required, written exam at the end of the learning day. The certificate is valid for five years.
This course is a tool to help farmers reduce risks associated with pesticide use and is recommended as part of the Alberta Environmental Farm Plan.
The all-day workshop will be held at Eastbourne Hall. There are only 25 tickets available. Each ticket is $20 and includes lunch. Registration opens March 2. Secure your spot online at bit.ly/MDBvilleAgWorkshops, by scanning the QR Code, or calling 780-826-3901.
Talking Trees with Toso
Just in time for shelterbelt planning and planting, the M.D. presents Talking Trees with Toso at the Willow Prairie Hall in La Corey on April 14.
Toso Bozic is a tree expert. He will be discussing planting, diseases, pests, pruning, and more — all the tree talk you need!
Registration opens March 17. Tickets are $20 each and include lunch. There are only 30 spots available for this
incredible learning opportunity. Reserve your spot online at bit.ly/MDBvilleAgWorkshops or by scanning the QR Code.
Shelterbelt Program
The M.D.’s annual shelterbelt tree sale goes live on March 11, 2026, at 10 a.m.
This popular program provides M.D. residents with the opportunity to purchase seedlings at a discounted price. Trees and shrubs are available on a first-come, first-served basis and often sell out quickly.
This year the M.D. is excited to offer a wide range of deciduous, coniferous, ornamental, and fruit-bearing shrubs and trees, grown right here in Bonnyville and neighbouring Smoky Lake.
Purchasing seedlings grown from seed in our zone means they are acclimated to our region and — given proper planting and care — have a great chance of survival.
A catalogue detailing the available varieties is available at bit.ly/MDTreeSale. It includes planting information, best practices, and more.
Please note that this sale is exclusively for M.D. residents. You must provide your blue sign address when placing your order.
2026 FIRE GUARDIANS
Fire permits are required during wildfire season, which is March 1 to October 31, 2026.
If you live or work in the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87 and wish to conduct any burning, you must first obtain a permit from a Fire Guardian or, should you live in the Alberta Forest Protection Area, from your Forestry Office. There is NO CHARGE for the permit.
The 2026 Fire Guardians are:
Zone 1
Zone 2
Zone 3 Zone 4
Ed Watrich 780-812-0766 cell Portions of Ward 2 - West of Hoselaw
• Portions of Ward 3 - South of Twp 62
Michael Topylki* 780-812-5819 cell
• Portions of Ward 1, 2 and 4 East side of Moose Lake West side of Muriel Lake
• Crown Land in the Moose Lake area
Baz Churko 780-812-9173 cell
• Portions of Ward 5 and South of Highway 28 to Hwy 659 and Twp 63, Rge 2 in Ward 6 Fort Kent and Ardmore
Diane Jenkinson 780-573-6114 cell
• Portions of Ward 6, except for Twp 63, Rge 2
*Indicates Divisions with Alberta Forest Protection Management Areas.
PARKS & REC
Camping season is right around the corner!
Reservations for one week or more at all M.D. campgrounds open March 30, with all reservations opening April 1.
The following campgrounds are open from May 8 to September 6, 2026:
• Chickenhill Lake M.D. Park
• Cold Lake M.D. Park
• Crane Lake M.D. Parks
• Ethel Lake M.D. Park
• French Bay M.D. Park (Cold Lake)
• Minnie Lake M.D. Parks
• Pelican Point M.D. Park (Moose Lake)
• Wolf Lake M.D. Park
Set up once and stay all summer! Seasonal camping at Muriel Lake M.D. Park and Vezeau Beach M.D. Park (Moose Lake) is open from May 1 to September 30, 2026
There is a monthly cabin rental available at Vezeau Beach M.D. Park for $1,200 per month. Call 780-826-3972 for more information and to book.
Book your sites online at letscamp.ca. Find out more about what our parks have to offer through our annual Adventure Guide at bit.ly/MDAdventureGuide or scan the QR Code above.
More of a last-minute camper? Keep an eye on our social platforms for weekly updates about site availability.
Muriel Lake M.D. Park
PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT
MRs and ERs in your neighbourhood
As part of our ongoing Municipal Lands and Reserves education initiative, M.D. employees are in the process of identifying Municipal Reserves (MRs) and Environmental Reserves (ERs) and installing informative signage. It is the intention of the M.D. to install these signs in all neighbourhoods with MRs and ERs within the next few years. To date, the M.D. has installed signs in multi-lot subdivisions around Cold Lake, Crane Lake, and some subdivisions around Moose Lake.
In the coming months, M.D. employees will be onsite to determine appropriate signage locations in the following neighbourhoods:
Landowners in the neighbourhoods mentioned above will receive information via mail identifying the MRs and ERs within their communities.
What is a MR? Municipal Reserves (MR) are designated lands useable for various public purposes, including parks, recreation areas, school board facilities, green spaces, or to act as a buffer zone separating lands used for different purposes.
What is an ER? Environmental Reserves (ER) are valuable for helping safeguard and improve the environment. Typically dedicated alongside lakes, streams, or other water bodies, these lands play a crucial role in limiting pollution and facilitating access to the waterways
Visit bit.ly/PreserveReserve or scan the QR code above to learn more.
The M.D. thanks all landowners and communities for their continued collaboration in this initiative and promoting responsible land and environmental stewardship!
KINOSOO RIDGE RESORT
What’s new at Kinosoo!
With lots of snow and only a few weeks left in the ski season, Kinosoo Ridge Resort has a calendar jam packed full of fun in March!
KRR wants to make sure you get the most out of your winter — that’s why we’re opening the hill on March 17 and 24 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. *Please note – the Tube Park will not be open to the public on these days.
We kick things off with Rail Jam on March 14. Come to KRR and show off your terrain park skills. Want a different kind of winter experience? We’ve rescheduled the dogsledding event to happen the same day, making sure you have a day to remember!
Join us from 10:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. as Conner Family Racing & Tours takes to the hill and gives you a whole new winter experience! All season pass and day lift ticket holders get to ride for free. Want to come enjoy the dogsleds without a pass? Great news! You can buy a ticket online (or in person) for $10. Visit the Special Events section at store.kinosoo.ca to get your tickets today!
Drop in March 28 and 29 as we see some great athletes from across the province compete in the annual Blizzard Blast race.
And last but not least, help us celebrate the 2025/26 season in style with Slush Cup on March 29! Spring skiing is at its finest on the last weekend of the year. Come get in some runs and challenge yourself (and your friends!) to see if you can make it across the pond!
Keep an eye on KRR socials for updates and details. Special event tickets can be purchased online at store.kinosoo.ca
