Several local arts, culture and community organizations will receive funding through the City of Cold Lake’s Community Recreation, Arts, Culture and Heritage (CRACH) Grant Program following council approval of the Community Grant Advisory Committee’s June recommendations.

Council approved grants totalling $8,250, including:

• Clayton Bellamy Foundation for the Arts – $5,000 plus GST
• Cold Lake Library Board – $1,000
• Flowing Hearts Indigenous Art Collective – $1,000
• Ryan Dehid – $1,000

According to the committee’s report, the approvals bring the City’s 2026 CRACH grant funding to $122,500 of the $250,000 budget allocated for the year.

Council also accepted three final grant reports from previously funded projects for information.

In a separate funding decision, council approved a request from Hearts for Healthcare to redirect $14,500 from a previously approved equipment grant after the original purchase was cancelled.

The funding had initially been approved for obstetrics and surgical equipment that is no longer required. Instead, the funds will now be used to purchase three examination beds and examination lights to support patient care at the Cold Lake Health Centre, the Primary Care Network, and the Métis Settlement outreach clinic.

During the meeting, administration explained the request represented a change in how previously approved grant funding would be used rather than a request for additional funding. Representatives from Hearts for Healthcare said the updated equipment better reflects current healthcare needs in the community.

Council approved both the Community Grant Advisory Committee recommendations and the Hearts for Healthcare funding redirection without opposition.