COLD LAKE - City of Cold Lake council reviewed and discussed proposed amendments to the City of Cold Lake Meals on Wheels Service Policy during the Aug. 27 council meeting.
The discussion highlighted changes aimed at aligning the policy with current operations and addressing challenges faced by the program.
The City of Cold Lake's Meals on Wheels Service (CCLMoWS) is a meal delivery program that brings pre-ordered meals directly to the clients' doors. The service has been a staple in the community since 2017, according to the council’s agenda.
During meeting, CAO Kevin Nagoya opened the discussion by explaining the rationale behind the proposed amendments, stating, "It's just basically trying to clean up some of the operations that we've grown to, and the service has evolved a little bit, and new requirements within the system."
These adjustments are intended to ensure that the policy reflects the current realities of service delivery, which has changed since the city took responsibility for the program in 2017.
The amendments include expanding the service to additional areas if resources allow, clarifying service cancellations, and discontinuing service after 90 days of non-payment. Volunteer drivers must undergo criminal record checks, and any associated fees for grandfathered drivers will end once they stop volunteering, according to the City of Cold Lake agenda.
A key amendment to the policy includes an adjustment to the meal fees, increasing the cost of one fresh meal to $12 per day. The change is meant to reflect the rising cost of providing the service.
The CAO explained the operational challenges associated with delivering the services, particularly in the MD of Bonnyville area, noting, "You'll see here the operational costs in order to deliver the services both within the M.D of Bonnyville and within the City of Cold Lake... restricting to the two eastern wards that are within the M.D of Bonnyville that is out east here by Cold Lake.”
Nagoya also addressed a notable decline in the usage of the Meals on Wheels service over the past few years. There are also concerns about a few outstanding accounts where clients have not paid for their meals, with one case requiring further review due to specific circumstances.
The discussion also touched on the quality of the meals being provided.
Coun. Chris Vining highlighted dissatisfaction with the current meal provider and suggested exploring a partnership with the Lakeland Lodge and Housing Foundation (LAHF).
“I was just seeing that there was some unhappiness with the provider... so through my position as chair with Lakeland Lodge and Housing Foundation, the Lodge Foundation now has an agreement with the FCSS and Bonnyville to provide the Meals on Wheels from the Bonny Lodge through their kitchens.”
Vining proposed that the City of Cold Lake consider a similar arrangement, stating, “It's all scratch cooking... made fresh every day for those meals. Maybe that might be a direction... if they're looking for others."
CAO Nagoya responded to the suggestion, indicating that it could be considered. He noted the city had previously explored similar options.
Council unanimously approved the amendments to the policy.
