High water levels have forced the MD of Bonnyville to close the Lessard Bridge, however, not all residents are heeding their warning.
During their regular council meeting on Wednesday, May 9, the MD discussed their options of keeping residents off of the bridge, while still allowing them access to the canoe and boat launch area below.
According to Darcy Zelisko, director of transportation and utilities for the MD, the estimated cost of the project, including engineering and repairs, is upwards of $1-million.
“Replacement is about $3.5-million,” he explained.
Zelisko said they're currently talking with the province about potential funding for the project, however the MD may have to "go at it on their own," in order to get the project done in a suitable time frame.
Regardless of their efforts to keep residents off of the bridge, the public continues to bypass their signs and warnings.
Check back for the full story.
Crime prevention program up and running
Garner said the MD's new crime prevention program has been going well, with residents signing up to have their properties evaluated by MD officers.
They're hoping public meetings on the program, which are occurring throughout the month of May, will spark further interest.
See our website or next week's Nouvelle for coverage of the May 9 meeting at Alexander Hall.
Bonnyville Regional Water Services Commission given the green light
The commission in charge of the regional waterline has been given the green light when it comes to putting out tenders for the project.
According to Zelisko, Alberta Transportation has set aside the issue of correspondence, and agreed to allow the project to move forward.
They will be putting the rerouted version to tender, until their discussions with Cold Lake First Nations have confirmed whether they approve the water line going through the reserve.
If that's the case, Zelisko said, they would amend the project tendered.
“The province is even telling us as the funding agency they want hard numbers, they want us to get it out to tender. They’re okay with where the consultation process is at,” he expressed.
The project will be put to tender over the course of May.
Rural cat spay and neuter program proving successful
The rural car spay and neuter program held their registration day, and according to the MD's director of public safety Chris Garner, it went well.
All of the spots for the May 17 clinic have been filled.
Council approves in-kind work for CPCA
The Canadian Pro Chuckwagon Association (CPCA) is coming to Bonnyville, and the MD has agreed to give them a bit of a helping hand.
“They’re asking for a couple of trailers of panels, picnic tables, and mowing of the grounds prior to the event,” Matt Janz, director of ag and waste services, confirmed. “My department doesn’t have any problems with this, we have done this in the past."
MD supports ANWSR
The Alberta Northwest Species at Risk (ANWSR) Committee is asking the MD for support as they lobby the province to take a few things into consideration when determining the future of the caribou range plan.
“They’re very concerned about this whole caribou situation and whether the government is going to be putting something in without think about about the economic impacts of it," expresssed Reeve Greg Sawchuk.
Council agreed to send a letter of support in their efforts.
More doctors coming to Bonnyville
Eight new doctors are scheduled to come to the area, and during their meeting, council approved $50,000 in funding to help with further recruitment.
