The MD of Bonnyville anticipates giving their cannabis consumption bylaw third reading at their April 10 meeting.
After discussing the topic during their latest council meeting on March 27, the MD has decided to hold off on passing third reading of their cannabis consumption legislation.
Currently, the bylaw treats cannabis similarly to alcohol. Users can't consume the drug in public places, including roads, highways, parks, or campgrounds.
However, there's an exception when it comes to the municipally-run campsites.
Director of public safety Chris Garner said in the bylaw, people are allowed to smoke cannabis inside of their RV, even if they're parked in an MD campground.
“It’s a fairly standard bylaw that most municipalities are adopting… We’re all pretty much doing the same thing,” he added. “I think this is something that’s new. We’re bringing in a bylaw and if we do need to make adjustments and amendments, we can certainly do that once we start using it and seeing how it’s going."
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An update on Lessard Bridge
"It's getting close," said acting transportation and utilities director Matt Janz. "We haven't had any hiccups yet."
The reconstruction of Lessard Bridge has a firm deadline of April 15, however, Janz is predicting it will be open to the public before then.
"It's only been a year. I think it was April 7 (2018) that the bridge went down," he continued.
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MD looking into All-Net program
During a meeting about reducing rural crime, Coun. Dana Swigart learned of a program that is being utilized in the County of Barrhead.
"There's a company called All-Net Municipal Solutions. They've produced a system that they're using where anyone can call into the county hotline if there's crime happening... but they all get alerts on their phones," Swigart explained. "It's helping them get people involved."
The municipality is already showing interest in implementing the system.
Garner noted, "It was brought forward to council during our budget discussions as it's one of our 2019 projects that we want to accomplish this year, is that system."
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Adventure Park waiting in the wings
The Kinosoo Ridge Adventure Park is waiting for the federal government to respond to the MD's expression of interest for $800,000 in grant funding.
According to director of parks, recreation, and culture Chris McCord once they receive confirmation from the government, they will submit their grant application.
"It's a large amount... and contingency of the grant is that we can't sign any contracts or begin any work prior to that, otherwise it could be exempt and we could miss out," she detailed, adding the timing works in the municipality's favour when it comes to completing their required rare plant study.
The total cost for the Kinosoo Ridge Adventure Park is $1.6-million.
"We're giving council an update that based on the federal government grant application now, we don't believe this project can proceed until next year, because of their timelines that we didn't appreciate were so long," explained CAO Luc Mercier.
If they aren't granted the funding, McCord said it would be brought back to council to see if the municipality could fully fund the project.
"There's a good chance we should get the grant, and $800,000 is worth the wait. If we don't get it this fall, our recommendation would be to proceed with this on our own," Mercier added.
Click here to learn more about the adventure park.
Another open house scheduled for outdoor recreation park
RC Strategies + PERC will be presenting to council before taking what they've learned to the public.
McCord explained, "Once council has had a chance to take a look at the report and perhaps give comments and feedback, there will be an open house held for the public."
This event will be "a little bit of a different format" than what the MD has done in the past.
The company hired to create the outdoor recreation park concept will give an overview of the project during a presentation on May 6 at 6:30 p.m.
"They're going to present their findings from the first open house as well as the survey, and based on the information they've gathered, they will present some concept drawings," McCord outlined.
The event will be held at the Shaw House, and there will be an opportunity for residents to ask questions at 7 p.m.
Another open house added to the calendar
Locals are invited to an open house on April 9 at the Shaw House regarding the Northshore Heights Trail.
The $95,000 project will see the construction of a roughly 4.5-kilometres of walking trail from the Bonnyville water treatment plant to Hwy. 660.
During their meeting, council agreed to add $15,000 to the project in order to get started on planning phase two, which would have the trail connect to Vezeau Beach, in addition to approving a date for an open house.
"It's an opportunity for residents, as well as adjacent landowners, to see the location of the trail... ask questions, and give any feedback they may have," stated McCord.
The open house starts at 6:30 p.m. and wraps up around 8:30 p.m.
Mock collision scheduled, MD to support
The Bonnyville Victim Services Unit has scheduled their annual mock collision, and the MD of Bonnyville has agreed to support the program once again.
"This is a Grade 10 event, and anywhere from 150 and 200 students are expected to attend," McCord said.
The event is a joint initiative that raises awareness about common issues including impaired and distracted driving.
This year's mock collision will take place at the C2 on April 23.
Council agreed to support the event to a tune of $500.
MD supports local projects
Council agreed to partner with the Cherry Grove Recreation and Agricultural Society in their efforts to apply for the Farm Credit Canada AgriSpirit Fund.
Every year, Farm Credit Canada provides $5,000 to $25,000 to charities, municipalities, and non-profit organizations that partner with municipalities for projects that will enhance lives or contribute to sustainability in a rural community.
For their pitch, the ag society is applying for $25,000 for the repair and maintenance of their building and grounds facilities.
Although it's a matching grant, there would be no financial requirement from the MD, explained Esther Quiambo, administrative officer for the MD.
The Cold Lake Public Library was also seeking the MD's support through a letter.
They're planning to include it in their provincial grant application to host the Alberta Culture Days event in the fall.
