Town of Bonnyville council received an in-depth review of law enforcement in the municipality.
Bonnyville RCMP S/Sgt. Sarah Parke and peace officer Shaz Khan provided an update of the number of tickets and warnings issued, along with the programs they're doing in town, during council's regular meeting on Tuesday, May 14.
Parke noted the detachment dealt with a total of 6,129 files in 2018, which was comparable to 6,166 in 2017. They processed 789 prisoners last year, just under 100 more than the year prior.
The Bonnyville General Investigation Section (GIS) unit has seen success in the less than two years they have been operating.
"The total number of people charged by the GIS was 50 (in 2018), and the total number of charges laid, or pending, was 153," noted Parke, adding the street value of the drugs seized came in just over $104,000.
The local detachment responded to 1,454 traffic-related calls last year, of which 537 were collisions and 437 charges were laid. Bonnyville officers also issued 816 violation tickets and warnings in the 2018/19 fiscal year, conducted 102 break and enter investigations in town limits, and recorded 80 stolen vehicles.
Since starting in March, Khan has issued a total of 41 violations and warnings for traffic safety. Not having or displaying vehicle registration saw the most warnings with 10, which Khan noted as a "very big thing" in the area.
"A lot of people either don't have vehicle registration or fail to put their sticker on their plate," he explained. "It's usually just letting them know, 'hey, put that sticker on.'"
For the number of citations, distracted driving came in at seven while operating a motor vehicle without registration was at six.
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Downtown parking limits discussed
The town decided to keep the current two-hour parking limit zones downtown.
The topic of whether or not the time restriction is necessary came in front of council after administration received a complaint from a business owner regarding vehicles parked for long periods of time on the street.
After the community policing committee discussed it, they passed a motion recommending council remove the two-hour parking zones on 50 Ave. deeming it unnecessary. However, council wasn't in agreement.
"When it gets busy again, we'll have the same issue all over again with people wanting downtown parking," expressed Coun. Rene Van Brabant.
Mayor Gene Sobolewski was against the suggestion, and instead proposed focusing on the issue as complaints are received.
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Dog park forging ahead
Council instructed administration to move ahead with plans for a dog park in town with a specific location in mind.
The area is south east of the Paul Bougie ball diamonds on 47 Ave. It was the location of a temporary work camp, which has since been removed.
Concerns were raised by council regarding its proximity to town, though Coun. Brian McEvoy believes it wouldn't be an issue for residents.
"I started asking people about locations for a dog park. One of the questions I asked was, 'does it have to be within walking distance of their homes?' They (said), 'no, we just need a place that's designated.' They don't mind driving, biking, or walking that far with their animals. They're just looking forward to having some place to take their animals and letting them run."
More to come.
Urban beekeeping application approved
A resident's request to install one beehive on their property was approved.
Under the town's animal control bylaw, the keeping of bees can be approved if the applicant follows the guidelines set out, including setback requirements, advising neighbours within three dwelling units, and providing verification to the town of the notifications.
When asked why she wanted to move ahead with a hive, Donna Busque told council she wants to observe the bees.
"They're amazing little creatures. The way they collaborate and how they form their colony and their behaviour in general. If I can get a little bit of honey, that would also be nice."
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Councillors appointed to regional recreation committee
Municipalities are coming together to discuss possible recreation opportunities in the area.
Mayor Gene Sobolewski and Coun. Chad Colbourne will be sitting on the regional recreation committee, with Coun. Brian McEvoy as an alternate.
Representatives from the MD of Bonnyville, the Village of Glendon, and the City of Cold Lake will also be a part of the group.
Bingo bylaw passes second and third reading
After the town received no objections to proceeding as a guarantor for the $140,000 loan for the Bonnyville Bingo Association, the bylaw was passed.
The group approached the municipality back in March requesting assistance for their move to a new home, as their lease with the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre is coming to an end.
In order to move into the new building, extensive renovations were required and a guarantor was needed for them to proceed with securing funds from the bank.
Council gives back
The town will be showing their support for the Bonnyville Jr. A Pontiacs and the Ronald McDonald House Charities Northern Alberta (RMHCNA) golf events.
Council voted to sponsor $1,000 for each event.
