Cold Lake city council made several decisions supporting local events and organizations during its April 28 meeting, including granting a policy exception for a local football club and backing upcoming community events.

Fighter Jets granted exception despite outstanding balance

Council approved an exception allowing the Cold Lake Fighter Jets Football Club to book City facilities despite carrying an outstanding balance of approximately $5,200.

Under normal policy, the debt would prevent future bookings.

Administration told council the organization plans to use upcoming programming, including home games and youth flag football, to generate revenue and repay the balance.

“Their intent… is that they want to be able to use that revenue… to be able to pay and offset the outstanding arrears,” administration said.

The decision prompted discussion among councillors about fairness and precedent.

“I just feel uncomfortable on setting a precedent for all our other groups out there,” one councillor said.

Mayor Bob Mattice supported the exception, noting the organization’s role in the community.

“The Fighter Jets do provide a good product for our city. They attend our parades. They do stuff in the community,” he said.

Council approved the request, though the vote was not unanimous.

Support for Indigenous Peoples Day celebration

Earlier in the meeting, representatives from Cold Lake First Nations appeared before council to share plans for their Indigenous Peoples Day celebration on June 19.

The event will take place at the Primco Dene/Casino Dene site and is expected to include food, cultural activities and performances.

Organizers asked the City to assist with event setup.

“We’re just asking the city to do the setup and the takedown for the chairs,” a representative told council.

The event is free and open to the public and aims to bring together Indigenous and non-Indigenous community members.

“It’s not only a day for Indigenous people but it’s a day for our surrounding community members… to come and learn a little bit more about our culture,” organizers said.

While no formal vote occurred during the delegation, the City has supported the event in previous years and the request is expected to return for consideration.

City backs Feast at the Beach event

Council also approved a letter of support for the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Feast at the Beach event.

The letter will be used to support grant applications for the event, with no direct financial contribution from the City required.

“The Chamber is requesting a letter of support that can go with their grants for their program this year,” administration said.