The MD of Bonnyville's coyote and wolf reduction program is continuing to make an impact in the predators' population.
Council heard the results of the annual program during their Wednesday, April 24 meeting.
This season saw 1,103 coyotes brought in, a jump from 803 the year prior, and 25 wolves.
Matt Janz, director of ag and waste services, said the increase was due to a longer timeframe. Previously, the program started on Jan. 1 and went until the end of March.
This season, it kicked off in October 2018 and ran until March 31. Qualified residents received $15 per coyote and $75 per wolf through the program.
"When we have a full season of the program, typically, we are in that 1,100 range," he explained.
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Beaver control continuing throughout the MD
Beaver control is ongoing noted Janz.
"Obviously, with all of the moisture and the water we're dealing with, there is a lot of beaver problems. We're going to continue working with our local trappers and contractors that we have put in place."
When the MD sees a concentration of beavers in one area, they bring in help to resolve the issue.
"Typically, those trackers are out there anyway, so we can just direct them to the hot spot locations that we have problems with," Janz explained.
Residents taking advantage of recycling program
Statistics show residents are taking advantage of recycling options offered by the municipality.
In 2018, 684 mattresses, 26.6 tonnes of tires, 16,000 litres of oil, and around 116,800 kilograms of cardboard were collected.
"Our volumes in previous years increased a little bit, so it's good. We're seeing the public still participating in our recycling programs, and we do see a lot less waste in our landfills because of it," Janz said.
Road closure due to filming
A road within the MD will be closed for a few hours due to a film being shot in the area.
Baywood Road will be closed for roughly six hours from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on May 10, except to local traffic.
Residents in the area will be notified of the closure through the mail.
MD votes on funding requests
Council approved three community action grants and denied one during their meeting.
The Bonnyville Ag Society will receive $5,000 for hosting the pro rodeo, chuckwagon races, and the fall fair. The Beaver River Fish and Game Association were granted $500 for their annual Father's Day event, and council decided to give $1,000 to the the Aurora Visual Arts Association for their Bonnyville ArtVenture program.
A request of $500 from the Cherry Grove Recreation and Ag Society for their Mother's Day fundraiser was denied.
"They receive $2,500 annually in funding already," noted Chris McCord, director of parks, recreation, and culture.
Council also agreed to provide $30,000 in funding to the Bonnyville Shooting Sports Association (BSSA) to assist with their gravel project to reconstruct their roads and parking lots.
Roadside clean-ups set to start
The roadside clean-up program on rural roads and hamlets is underway and will continue until the first week of June.
"We had one last week started, so now with the nice weather, the youth groups and community organizations will start to do them," noted Janz.
Around 25 groups will participate to clean over 250-kilometres of roads within the MD. Non-profits and youth programs are able to use the clean-up to raise funds for their initiatives.
MD to invoice City of Cold Lake
After purchasing fencing required for the Alberta 55-plus Winter Games, the MD is requesting the City of Cold Lake cover half of the cost.
Special racing fencing was needed at Kinosoo Ridge, with a price tag of just over $9,900.
Following discussions with the city, CAO Luc Mercier said the MD went ahead and purchased what was mentioned.
"We ended up buying the fencing because it needed to happen right away, knowing we would have to come back to council for the final ratification. Council didn't approve the actual funds, you directed me to come back with options and this is the final option," he explained.
The MD will send an invoice for 50 per cent of the bill to the city.
