Dear Editor,
The Municipal District of Bonnyville Council would like to clearly state it has not entered into any discussions regarding establishing a regional government.
MD Council is a strong supporter of the region. Council has always supported the funding of services provided by our neighbouring urban centres to our rural residents. And in turn, the MD provides services to its urban neighbours.
The MD was the first in the region to partner in, and fund, a Regional Fire Service. We are part of a regional waste management commission. We are a partner in a regional ambulance service. Council is working with the province, and neighbouring municipalities, for the creation of a regional water system to serve the entire area.
In terms of regional recreation, the MD is an equal partner in the Bonnyville and District Centennial Centre. In addition, we have supported the Energy Centre in Cold Lake with a donation of approximately $3 million. Council is looking at negotiating a recreational agreement with the City of Cold Lake. Council is providing funding to the Glendon Agricultural Society to do renovations to the arena at an approximate cost of $320,000. The MD is unique as a rural municipality by providing recreational amenities to the area through Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort and our 10 campgrounds.
In terms of social services, the MD provides funding to Family and Community Support Services in both Bonnyville and Cold Lake. Council recently provided a $1 million donation for the construction of a new FCSS building in Cold Lake. Council also provides annual funding to the two libraries in Bonnyville and Cold Lake.
Council has signed an annual Regional Community Development Agreement providing the Town of Bonnyville with $862,000, and the Village of Glendon with $126,000 in 2013. Cold Lake was a partner in the original three-year agreement, but declined to participate in the new nine-year agreement, in which it would have received over $1 million annually. These funds are to compensate the urban municipality for providing services to rural residents.
The MD council believes in being a strong regional supporter. We fund many regional organizations on an annual basis.
Without the support of MD residents, this Council shall not enter into regional government negotiations.
Reeve Ed Rondeau and Council
