COLD LAKE - In a decision aimed at supporting local seniors' services, Cold Lake council approved an extension for the Age-Friendly Cold Lake Society (AFCL) to fully utilize its Social Inclusion and Infrastructure Grant (SIIG) funding.
The decision was made during the regular council meeting on Feb. 11, following a recommendation from the Cold Lake and District FCSS Advisory Committee.
The grant, initially approved in 2023 for $15,800, was intended to support training, volunteer recognition, program supplies, and the marketing of AFCL’s services.
However, due to administrative challenges stemming from a change in staff and restricted access to the society’s accounting software, AFCL was unable to expend the entire amount by the original Dec. 31, 2024, deadline.
“The administration is recommending that council ultimately pass a motion to extend the deadline for a Social Inclusion and Infrastructure Grant that was awarded to Age-Friendly Cold Lake,” said Andrew Serba, Manager of Economic Development, Communications, and Strategy with the City of Cold Lake.
After reviewing the situation, the FCSS Advisory Committee supported the request for an extension.
Serba also assured council that City staff had worked closely with AFCL throughout the process.
“FCSS staff have been working with Age Friendly on the issue and are confident that the group has been acting in good faith throughout the grant process and that the matter should be back on track with a small extension should it be granted,” he said.
Council approved a motion to extend the Age Friendly Cold Lake Society’s 2024 grant deadline to Feb. 28, 2025, allowing the organization to fully utilize the remaining funds.
