The M.D. of Bonnyville is sponsoring the 2025 Bonnyville Oil and Gas Show, approving a $15,000 contribution.
The event, hosted by the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce (BDCC), is set to take place June 18 and 19 at the C2 Centre.
Planning and Development manager Lisa Folliott described the show as a key gathering that “brings technology, innovation and the transfer of knowledge to a single event, drawing industry experts from across the region.”
BDCC has originally requested $12,500 from the M.D., but also presented a range of sponsorship levels, with $15,000 being the highest tier. Deputy Reeve Darcy Skarsen said BDCC Executive Director Serena Lyons had informed him that the top-tier sponsorship was still available. “I got thinking that might be the best opportunity for us. What better way to say that we are open for business than by sponsoring the opening ceremony?” Skarsen said, making a motion to fund the full amount from the Community Action Grant Reserve.
While Councillor Ben Fadeyiw acknowledged the M.D. has always supported the show, he said he would have preferred sticking with the $12,500 request. “It’s $2,500 we’re arguing about,” added Councillor Josh Crick. “But i think i’d rather just go with the requested amount myself.” Both councillors voted against the motion.
Skarsen defended the higher sponsorship by pointing out that earlier council supported a $10,000 sponsorship of the Lakeland Xtreme Bronc and Bulls event. “Oil and gas is our lifeline here and we should be the premier sponsor of this event, every year,” he said.
The motion was passed in a 4-2 vote.
