Cold Lake residents who need to leave the community for medical appointments will continue to have access to financial help after city council approved updates to the Medical Transportation Grant Policy.

Council confirmed the program will carry on through 2026, with up to $40,000 allocated to support residents facing the added costs of long-distance medical travel. The decision was made during the regular council meeting on Jan. 13 as part of the City’s 2026 budget process.

Ongoing demand drives extension

According to information presented to council, Cold Lake and District FCSS continues to receive regular requests from residents seeking assistance with travel costs for medical care outside city limits. Administration said that steady demand was a key factor behind the policy amendments.

The Medical Transportation Grant was first introduced in 2022 to help residents who must travel more than 150 kilometres one way to access specialized medical services not available locally. The program is intended to ease financial pressure on individuals and families dealing with frequent or unavoidable medical travel.

Program usage remains consistent

Council was provided with an overview of past program use, showing the grant has been accessed each year since its launch.

In 2023, the program supported 24 clients, with just over $6,300 reimbursed. In 2024, 15 residents received assistance totalling $4,500. Usage continued into 2025, with 14 clients reimbursed approximately $4,050 to date.

Administration noted that while overall dollar amounts have remained modest, the program continues to meet a real need for residents who rely on it.

Funding level questioned by council

During discussion, some councillors raised concerns about the size of the $40,000 allocation, pointing out that past spending has been well below that amount.

Administration clarified that the figure was not based on projected demand, but rather reflected direction provided by council during budget deliberations. The funding level was described as a maximum amount available, not a guaranteed spend.

Awareness may increase participation

Council also discussed the possibility that program use could rise as awareness grows. Recent efforts by the City to promote the grant may result in more residents applying, particularly those who were previously unaware the support existed.

The policy extension ensures the Medical Transportation Grant remains available for another year, giving residents peace of mind that help is in place when medical care requires travel beyond the community.