Recently, Premier Alison Redford reached out to rural media outlets, including the Bonnyville Nouvelle, in an attempt to assess the issues, challenges and opportunities in Alberta's rural regions, while also projecting her plans for the province over the next few years.
Redford spoke of “building Alberta” and the need to improve health care, services for seniors, and infrastructure, while also tackling issues like housing shortages and protecting the environment.
Certainly, speaking about these is a good step. However, now is the time, especially in the Lakeland region, for much-needed action.
Alberta, is bringing in by far the most revenues from resources among Canadian provinces, yet the provincial government is running a deficit and cutting back on services paid for by its tax base.
Cutbacks, the elimination of services and a lack of funding from the province to municipalities has been a point of contention of both Cold Lake's current mayor Craig Copeland and Bonnyville's former mayor Ernie Isley.
Bonnyville's new mayor Gene Sobolewski has said the Bonnyville and Cold Lake area could be a “powerhouse region” and he will not only work together with other municipalities in the area to gain collective benefits, but he will also be working hard to lobby the provincial government to follow through on its promises to “build Alberta” and improve services and infrastructure.
The Bonnyville and Cold Lake region is known as an industry heavy area, and while companies and individuals are benefiting greatly from the increased oil and gas activity, people are increasingly feeling the negative effects associated with a booming resource sector.
Housing, if there is any available, is often unaffordable in comparison to the wages made by some individuals and families in the area. Highways 28, 41 and 55, among other area roads are in drastic need of upgrades. For years, drinking water quality and access has been an issue for many communities in a region known for its fresh water. Services are being cut from Bonnyville's health centre. There is a shortage of nurses at the Cold Lake hospital. The environment, particularly the region's fresh water, is being degraded by rapid industrial growth and the ongoing release of bitumen on CNRL's Primrose site.
These are just a few of the issues in the area which councils are promising to act upon in the next term. However, each will require support and funding from the provincial government for action to be taken.
The time for talk has ended. Municipal politicians appear poised to take action over the next four years. The question is: will the province follow through on its promises, and support municipalities in the building of Alberta?
