COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake addressed a request from the Cold Lake Black Community Association for financial support at a special council meeting held on Dec. 20.
The organization was seeking funds to purchase essential winter items, including warm clothing, blankets, heaters, and household necessities, for members of the Black community who are adjusting to Canada’s harsh winter climate.
Council made a motion to donate $1,000, stipulating that all purchases must be made locally, but that motion was defeated.
“They are requesting for donations in order to assist with . . . people that are coming and immigrating to Canada are struggling . . . They are looking for financial supports in order to purchase clothes, jackets, gloves, hats, scarves, blankets, bedding, space heaters, and other warm household essentials and necessities for their home,” said City of Cold Lake CAO Kevin Nagoya.
The association also emphasized inclusivity in their efforts, with Coun. Bob Mattice stating, “One of the things when they were talking about this incentive, they did mention that they wanted to gather stuff for people new to Canada, and then if there was any excess, they would seek a social group to donate the excess to.”
While there was a positive acknowledgement of the association’s initiative, opinions among council members varied regarding the donation.
Mayor Craig Copeland expressed his support for the proposed donation, stating, “Sandra the president there, she’s out there hustling . . . You got a group that’s willing to work on this file, give them some financial help and move on.”
Conversely, Coun. Chris Vining voiced reservations, saying, “My concern with this one is I’m just a little bit concerned that we’re kicking open a Pandora’s Box.”
Ultimately, council was split on the motion, with Copeland and Mattice voting in favour of the $1,000 donation, while Councillors Vining, Adele Richardson, Ryan Bailey, and Bill Parker opposed it.
