Funding granted to two non-profits

Cold Lake, AB – Council will be putting $41,000 in grant funding toward two local non-profit organizations.

“These organizations do so much for our community,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “Through the grant program, we’re able to help and distribute funding as much as we can.”

Following newly outlined grant criteria, organizations are only eligible for one grant per calendar year from the City.

Hearts for Healthcare will be given $40,000, with the stipulation that $14,500 is to be put toward...

Read more

Rental housing incentive returns

Cold Lake, AB – The Multiunit Rental Housing Incentive Program is returning to Cold Lake after a seven-year pause.

“We are anticipating a lot of pressure on the local housing supply over the next three to five years,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “This program will ideally encourage people to create more qualified rental units in our city. The last time we introduced this program, it was quite popular.”

A recent presentation to council projected a high increase in price and demand for rental units...

Read more

Cold Lake dismayed at federal appeal of judgment on ‘appalling crisis’ in court vacancies

Cold Lake, AB – The City of Cold Lake is discouraged by the federal government’s decision to appeal a court ruling that called on the Government of Canada to catch up on a backlog of judicial appointments to the federal court system.

“Our court system is bogged down by an increase in crime and large numbers of repeat offenders who take up a significant amount of the courts’ time,” Mayor Craig Copeland said. “Add a shortage of judges to the scenario and the situation becomes critical. The public...

Read more

Water shortage response plan created out of precaution

Cold Lake, AB – A lack of snow this winter has left much of the province facing potential water shortages this summer, however, City of Cold Lake council doesn’t want local residents to panic.

“We are coming up with a ‘just in case’ plan for water shortages,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “We are not putting restrictions on water usage, but if residents want to start voluntarily cutting back, there are several ways in which they can do so.”

A recent letter from the Minister of Alberta Environment...

Read more

Council considers changes to smoking bylaw to allow smudging

Cold Lake, AB – Council will be considering changes to the Smoking Bylaw to allow an exception to permit Indigenous ceremonial use for smudging and/or pipe ceremonies within city facilities.

Under the current bylaws, any type of smoke is not allowed in city buildings or facilities, as well as all public spaces unless a permit is given.

“We’ve asked administration to draft some changes to the bylaw, so these ceremonies can be included at private or public meetings within city buildings,” said...

Read more