The Summer Village of Bonnyville Beach has updated its Local Assessment Review Board (LARB) Bylaw to reflect changes in how LARB members are appointed and to ensure compliance with the Municipal Government Act (MGA).

Below is a simplified summary of the bylaw’s purpose and its key provisions.

Purpose:

The Local Assessment Review Board (LARB) Bylaw establishes a local board responsible for hearing assessment complaints related to:

  • Residential properties with three or fewer dwelling units
  • Farmland
  • Business assessments (if applicable under provincial legislation)

This bylaw ensures the municipality meets its responsibilities under the Municipal Government Act and the Matters Relating to Assessment Complaints Regulation (MRAC).

The recent amendment updates who appoints LARB members, delegating this authority to the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87.

Key Provisions

Establishment of the Board

  • The LARB is officially established under this bylaw.
  • The Board hears and decides local property assessment complaints in accordance with the MGA and MRAC.

Board Composition

  • The LARB consists of three members.
  • Members must be eligible electors in Alberta and cannot be municipal employees.

Appointment of Members (Amended Section 4.1)

Updated Section 4.1:

  • Council delegates the authority to appoint LARB members to the Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87.

Additional requirements:

  • All members must complete provincially prescribed training.
  • Council may revoke a member appointment for cause.

Powers & Duties of the LARB

The Board must:

  • Conduct hearings fairly and impartially
  • Follow natural justice and legislative requirements
  • Issue written decisions with reasons within provincial timelines
  • Hear matters assigned under the MGA, including residential and farmland assessments

Clerk of the Board

A Clerk position is established and appointed by the CAO.

Responsibilities include receiving complaints, scheduling hearings, notifying parties, maintaining records, and issuing decisions.

Severability & Effective Date

Invalid portions do not affect the rest of the bylaw.

The bylaw took effect upon third and final reading on August 30, 2025.