BONNYVILLE – More than $1.034 million was given to support community groups and events through various MD of Bonnyville grant and sponsorship programs in 2022.
In the fourth quarterly report for the municipality's Parks, Recreation and Culture Department, administration presented some of the highlights of 2022 during a regular meeting of council on Feb. 14.
Some of the department’s highlights included projects completed and nearly completed during the year, as well as money that found its way back into the community through municipal programs.
NHL sized outdoor rinks and warm up shacks with lights and coverings were completed in both Ardmore and Cherry Grove this fall. The collaborative project between MD and GenMec ACL crews started in the summer of 2020 and wrapped up with a total price tag of $2.47 million.
By the end of 2022, the municipality had nearly completed the Cold Lake MD Campground Expansion Phase II. The $2.73 million project that broke ground in 2020 should be done this spring.
The expansion project included gravelling roadways and stalls, grading, landscaping and bringing power connections to each stall. Garbage bins and outhouses were also installed at the site.
This year, the green chairlift at Kinosoo Ridge also saw a complete replacement after 41 years. The municipality made the decision to replace the chairlift to avoid growing concerns around safety codes and standards. Replacing the chairlift came with a final price tag of $4.216 million.
The green chairlift was one of the oldest operational chairlifts in North America, before it was replaced.
A recreational park with a pathway and playground for the Hamlet of La Corey is also nearly complete. The La Corey Rec Park GH Collaborative Development project started in the spring of 2021 and will be completed this spring following the installation of a picnic shelter. The project is estimated to cost $340,000.
Community support
In 2022, the municipality and council supported numerous community organizations and events through sponsorships, donations and grants reaching well above $1 million.
The municipality’s Community Action Grant received 20 applications. Over $143,000 was requested, while over $123,000 was awarded throughout the year.
Community Association Operating Grants were given to 23 organizations. In total $560,000 worth of operating grants were awarded. The municipality received $610,000 worth of requests.
Council also approved more than $278,000 worth of funding to 12 applicants for projects and events over the last year.
When it came to the MD of Bonnyville’s Donations, Sponsorship and Recognition Policy, over $73,000 was given out to 94 applicants.
Additionally, MD vouchers totalling $7,200 to places like Kinosoo Ridge and other MD facilities were provided to community members and groups, as well as $13,000 worth of promotional MD items.
