Cold Lake, AB – In response to unique challenges presented to Ukrainian refugees arriving in Cold Lake, City Council has taken steps to provide additional support to the displaced Ukrainians who have fled the war in their home country.

Council passed the Ukrainian Arrival Temporary Assistance Policy at its October 25 council meeting. The policy aims to help offset some of the costs to Ukrainian families incurred during the process of relocating to Cold Lake.

“The Ukrainian families who have moved here have already gone through an enormous amount of strain, both physically and emotionally.” Mayor Craig Copeland said. “This new policy that has been presented will offer additional support and alleviate some of the stress they have endured, allowing them to get back to a somewhat normal routine.”

It is Council’s hope that the Ukrainian Arrival Assistance Policy will allow each applicant’s family to receive two taxi vouchers per week to help with transportation within the City. Each immediate family member will also receive an Energy Centre punch pass to utilize any of the resources and activities offered at the facility.

The program will be funded to a maximum of $15,000 and will offer the assistance to each family for a period of up to three months. Applicants must reside in the City of Cold Lake, must declare their displacement, provide a temporary work permit or obtain refugee status, and be endorsed by the Action for Healthy Communities – a not-for-profit organization that helps newcomers settle in their new communities.

“Assisting with transportation will help each refugee meet their basic needs by giving them direct access to grocery stores, pharmacies and our hospital,” Copeland said. “Our hope is that passes to the Energy Centre will help them integrate and will be a small, but significant welcoming gesture.”  

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