The City of Cold Lake has formally ended its Ukrainian Arrival Temporary Assistance Program after council voted to repeal the policy and return unused funds to general surplus.

The decision was made during the regular council meeting on Jan. 13, following a review that showed the program was no longer being accessed at meaningful levels.

Program launched in 2022

The Ukrainian Arrival Temporary Assistance Policy was introduced in late 2022 in response to the Ukraine–Russia conflict. It was designed to provide short-term support to displaced individuals and families settling in Cold Lake, helping with local transit costs and access to recreation at the Energy Centre.

While the program was extended several times through annual budget deliberations, referrals steadily declined over the past three years.

Usage dropped sharply

Council reviewed disbursement data that showed a significant decrease in demand since the program began.

According to General Manager of Community Services Paul McWilliams, the program was initially capped at $15,000 and included strict eligibility requirements. Applicants had to be residents of the City of Cold Lake, provide proof of displacement related to the conflict, and receive endorsement through Action for Healthy Communities. Assistance was limited to a three-month period, with applications originally required by Dec. 15, 2022.

Disbursements totalled $2,263 in the 2022–23 period, but dropped to just $102 in 2025, indicating the program was no longer being utilized.

Funds returned to general surplus

Based on the declining use, administration recommended repealing the policy and returning the remaining restricted funds to the City’s general surplus. Council supported that recommendation.

As a result, the remaining $96,820 will be reallocated back into general surplus, formally closing out the program.

The repeal marks the end of the City’s targeted Ukrainian arrival assistance, which was created as a temporary response to an international crisis and has now run its course locally.