Kristy Isert

The meeting commenced with the acknowledgment of the Indigenous land use, followed by the adoption of the agenda. Key discussions focused on Bylaw Number 653-BD-119, the procedure bylaw, specifically concerning the implementation of a dress code for elected officials. Council provided varied feedback regarding whether to establish formal requirements, referencing comparison data from other municipalities and concerns about staff standards. Subsequently, the committee reviewed amendments to Policy 207-A-19, the cemetery management policy. This review was necessitated by a public appeal regarding the administration's refusal to permit a monument that did not comply with the policy restricting inscriptions on the back or sides of upright monuments. The presentation detailed the rationale behind the restriction, which included cemetery configuration (headstones back-to-back) and avoiding encroachment on adjacent plots, noting that other cemeteries share similar restrictions. The committee ultimately accepted the report regarding the cemetery policy as information.

The Corporate Priorities Committee Meeting involved several substantive discussions and decisions. Key agenda items included the presentation and feedback solicitation on a proposed Artificial Intelligence Policy, directing Administration to present this policy to a future regular Council meeting. The committee also reviewed an update on the Aquatic Centre Concept Design Report, last presented in October 2022. Furthermore, Administration presented a proposed Five-Year Recreation & Facility Rental Fee Structure (2026-2031) with progressive increases, directing Administration to return with adjusted fee structures and alternative scenarios for the next meeting. Updates were also provided regarding the Pavement and Sidewalk Condition and Management System, utilizing the Road Matrix software. Questions addressed snow berm removal policy, the status of damaged wayfinding signs, transit bus GPS monitoring for speed compliance, and positive feedback regarding snow removal efforts. The meeting included an executive session to discuss a Land Acquisition Opportunity and a separate in-camera session regarding Personnel matters.

The meeting commenced with the recitation of the City of Cold Lake Indigenous Land Acknowledgement. The agenda was adopted after removing several public hearing and old business items related to Land Use Bylaw amendments. Key discussions involved a request for additional operational funding for the John Howard Society to extend shelter hours for the unhoused population, which Council agreed to discuss further with the Society and other stakeholders. Delegations presented a proposal for the 2026 Cold Lake Air Show, requesting Premier Sponsorship of $150,000 and logistical support for traffic control, and provided an update on the Lakeland Region 2026 Alberta Winter Games. New Business included giving first readings to multiple bylaws related to administrative fees, waste management, drainage, utility fees, and planning and development fees, with one bylaw (Planning and Development Fee Schedule) progressing through all three readings. Council also approved amendments to several policies, including the Cold Lake Regional Aerodrome Lease Policy, the Cold Lake Golf and Winter Club Policy, and the Social Inclusion and Infrastructure Grant Policy (extending it for 2026 with up to $100,000 funding), while repealing the Ukrainian Arrival Temporary Assistance Policy. Funding recommendations from the Community Grant Advisory Committee were accepted, and Council renewed the Business Retention and Attraction Incentive Program (BRAIP) for 2026. Several topics, including tender submissions, commercial air service agreements, and land sale opportunities, were discussed in-camera. Finally, two dates were proclaimed: Kawasaki Disease Awareness Day and Wear Red Canada Day.

The agenda for the Regular Meeting of the City Council includes the adoption of the agenda and disclosure of interest, followed by approval of the minutes from the Regular Meeting on January 13, 2026, and the Corporate Priorities Committee Meeting on January 20, 2026. Key discussion items involve two public hearings concerning Bylaw No. 884-LU-25 and Bylaw No. 885-LU-25, both related to land use bylaw amendments for rezoning purposes to enable clinic expansion and support a food bank operation, respectively. A delegation from the Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre is scheduled to discuss funding or operational support. Old Business includes further consideration of several bylaws related to fees, animal control, solid waste, drainage, and short-term borrowing. New Business covers the 2026 Supplementary Tax Imposition Bylaw, road disposal, more bylaw amendments, the Artificial Intelligence Policy, Economic Development Advisory Committee resignations, and funding requests related to the Lakeland Alberta Winter Games 2026 and the 4 Wing Cold Lake Air Show proposal. Committee Reports include minutes from various commissions and committees.

The meeting began with the adoption of the agenda and disclosures of interest, followed by the approval of minutes from previous meetings. A public question period allowed attendees to address the council. The Klake Library Board presented the 2026 budget, highlighting the library's services, community impact, and financial needs. Councilors asked questions regarding library usage numbers, sponsorship opportunities, and the potential consolidation of library locations.