COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake has affirmed its participation in the First Nation-Municipal Community Economic Development Initiative (CEDI) after approving a motion at a council meeting held on Nov. 12.
The decision follows the completion of the first workshop in the CEDI program with Cold Lake First Nations, marking the start of a three-year commitment to strengthen intergovernmental relationships and promote economic development between the two communities.
“After having completed the first workshop of the CEDI program with Cold Lake First Nations, council is being requested to pass a motion of participation to affirm its commitment to the three-year program,” said Andrew Serba, Manager of Economic Development for the City.
He added, “This request is part of the CEDI process and is being asked both of the Nation and of the City of Cold Lake.”
The CEDI program is a joint effort between the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) and the Council for the Advancement of Native Development Officers (Cando), with support from Prairies Can. The initiative aims to establish a community-to-community relationship between municipalities and First Nations, identifying and working toward shared economic development goals, according to information from the City.
Mayor Craig Copeland spoke of the importance of the long-term commitment to the partnership. He emphasized that passing the motion was a standard procedural step for council to formally support the initiative.
With council passing the motion, the City of Cold Lake has now officially committed to participating in the CEDI program through to March 15, 2027.
This participation will include joint workshops, community engagement efforts, and the provision of resources to ensure successful collaboration between the City and Cold Lake First Nations. Additionally, both communities will work together to access a $45,000 Capacity Development Grant to support economic development projects.
The resolution also appoints key individuals from the City of Cold Lake to serve as working group champions. Copeland will serve as the elected official working group champion, with Coun. Bill Parker acting as the alternate.
Andrew Serba, the Manager of Economic Development, and Daru Pretorius the City's Economic Development Advisor, will represent City staff on the working group.
The City of Cold Lake and Cold Lake First Nations previously applied to the CEDI program three times, being successful on their third attempt in mid-2024. The approval marked the beginning of a series of collaborative meetings, with more workshops and engagement sessions scheduled to ensure continued progress on the shared goals of both communities, according to information from the City.
