BONNYVILLE – MD of Bonnyville council has agreed to apply for a $50,000 provincial grant to help pay for a water and sanitary feasibility study.
Bryan Bespalko, general manager of infrastructure services, presented the request at the Dec. 10 meeting.
Bespalko explained the feasibility study pertains to supply for the airport and Aurora Borealis subdivision.
“Administration is pursuing a Northern and Regional Economic Development Program (NRED) grant to partially cover the cost of the feasibility study. If the grant application is successful, less of the capital budget money budgeted would be used,” said Bespalko.
Without the grant, Bespalko said the study could proceed with the funds allocated for the study during 2024 budget deliberations.
Bespalko explained the NRED program aims “to enhance economic conditions and leverage regional resources to build capacity for sustainable economic development and diversification.”
Coun. Ben Fadeyiw asked about the scope of the project, and if it will expand to consider the surrounding industrial subdivisions, and future surrounding development.
“That would all be encompassed in this study to see what the best and most feasible option is to get water out to Aurora Borealis and the airport - as well as what it can service going to the end location and potentially further on . . . We're looking at a feasibility study for this location and future expansion as well,” said Bespalko.
Coun. Don Slipchuk spoke about the importance of being prepared and planning for the future.
“I believe this is something we have to go forward with for the future development of our community. Like [Bespalko] said, it's a broad scope - they'll look at all options,” said Slipchuk.
