The Bonnyville town council reviewed the first draft of its 2025 Capital Budget, which currently presents a deficit of $14.8 million, primarily driven by major projects like a proposed new aquatic facility.
The budget draft includes plans for this, and other initiatives identified in 2024, with some additional projects recommended by the administration.
The new aquatic facility has become a top priority as the current pool nears the end of its functional life. Bonnyville has applied for a grant to partially fund the pool’s construction, which is planned over the next two years, but funding remains a challenge. The administration told council that it will present a funding plan in future budget discussions, outlining potential sources such as additional grants, debenture funding, fundraising initiatives and reserve allocations.
Councillor Neil Langridge requested a timeline for the aquatic facility, to which the administration responded that the project would span multiple years. The upcoming funding plan will include several financing options, allowing council to weigh the project’s affordability and feasibility.
In efforts to address the budget deficit, administration recommended scaling back or deferring several projects. Among these, deferring traffic light installation would save $600,000, while delaying the 46 Street left-turn markings would reduce the budget by $80,000. Further deferrals, such as the Southeast Sanitary Force Main upgrade and the library expansion, could have $1.4 million and $1.5 million, respectively.
Mayor Elisa Brosseau expressed concern over delaying the traffic light installations due to Bonnyville’s increasing traffic. “I would like to see us go ahead and do something about the installation of the traffic lights,” said Brosseau, emphasizing the need for a proactive approach as the town grows busier. The location of the traffic lights remains a topic for further council discussion.
New additions to the capital budget include projects like a Long-Term Facilities Master Plan, which aims to assess all town facilities at an annual cost of $50,000 until completed. The town’s rebranding effort, a $1 million investment, was also included in the draft, along with equipment purchases such as a 72-inch PTO-driven rotavator, a grapple bucket, and a brush cut mower attachment. Other projects with undetermined costs, like downtown revitalization, Jesse Lake Trail repairs, and sports tourism strategy projects, were also proposed.
Additionally, council raised questions about emerging priorities. Councillor Phil Kushnir reminded the administration to budget for a vehicle should a new Community Peace Officer be hired. Langridge also inquired about a proposed soccer field parking lot, which administration confirmed as a placeholder for future discussion.
Future revisions of the Capital Budget will reflect ongoing deliberations as council works to balance essential investments with financial responsibility. Further information on potential funding solutions, especially for the aquatic facility, is anticipated in the coming months.
