COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake deliberated on whether to purchase tickets for the upcoming "Your Region, Your Voice" event hosted by the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce and the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The event, scheduled for Sept. 5, at the Cold Lake Energy Centre’s Reid Fieldhouse, aims to foster open dialogue between community members and government representatives.
CAO Kevin Nagoya outlined the request to purchase tickets during the July 9 regular council meeting.
"It's just a request for a decision on whether council would like to attend the function. It does have an entry fee.”
Coun. Chris Vining expressed concern about the ticket price.
"I am a little curious, $150 a seat seems a lot for a dinner and a panel discussion, especially with elected representatives. Is there any information on where those dollars are going? I'm curious because these are all elected officials. So, I'm assuming they're not all appearing. They're coming as part of their duties.”
Mayor Craig Copeland noted that the event serves as a fundraiser and provides a unique opportunity, but he was unaware that it included a dinner.
Nagoya clarified the purpose of the event, stating, "This is a fundraiser to help with the Chamber in terms of operations. They do host a number of events such as the Feast on the Beach. They used to host a trade show as well... But it would just be one of those activities and initiatives that would help generate funds as a Chamber fundraiser.”
While Vining did not oppose the event, he was still cautious about the cost. "I don't have a concern with the event and having some council members attend and stuff like that. I was just flagging the price - that's a little high.”
Coun. Bob Mattice echoed Vining’s sentiments. "I have similar feelings to Coun. Vining's statement. I'm having trouble seeing who's going to attend this at $150 a person if they're members of the Chamber.”
Nagoya reassured council members that the event has received positive feedback and many tickets have already been sold. He noted that the Chamber understands the need for City council's approval to attend.
Mayor Copeland recommended buying at least one ticket for Nagoya and possibly a few more for other staff. He emphasized the opportunity to engage with the MLA and MP and hear their plans for the upcoming year.
Coun. Vicki Lefebvre said she saw value in the event, but wondered if those attending could ask questions on behalf of the municipality.
"Would we be able to ask questions on behalf of the City of Cold Lake? Because we do have some interest with our Member of Parliament, also in regard to our local MLA, in regards to having to be signed off with local grants and things like that.”
Nagoya noted that while they often meet with officials like MP Laila Goodrich and MLA Scott Cyr, the event also offers a chance to hear Chamber members' concerns, which likely align with issues the City of Cold Lake faces, such as crime and taxes.
Lefebvre made a motion to purchase three tickets, while Coun. Adele Richardson suggested flexibility in the motion.
"I wonder if we can keep it up to however many tickets, depending on who can go. That makes sense, right? Once people look at their schedules.”
Coun. Ryan Bailey supported the idea. "I think if there's members of council who want to attend, then we can definitely do that. But I liked what you had said about sending our CAO and our general manager of economic development. It might be two good people that go there.”
Mattice proposed a friendly amendment of purchasing five tickets, which Lefebvre agreed to. The motion was carried.
