Cold Lake council allocated funding for cemeteries amid varying viewpoints

A recent discussion at a city of Cold Lake council meeting delved into allocating funds to St. Dominic’s and Our Lady of Assumption cemeteries, revealing a spectrum of viewpoints and considerations among council members. The discourse shed light on the intricacies of budget allocation and the broader implications of funding private entities. 

During the April 9 meeting, CAO Kevin Nagoya addressed the pressing need for concrete work for headstones and curbs in the cemeteries, estimating the cost at approximately $70,000. Nagoya emphasized the situation’s urgency and proposed the council’s consideration of providing seed funding to facilitate progress. 

Coun. Chris Vining expressed reservations about deviating from earlier budgetary decisions, advocating for establishing clear structures regarding funding private cemeteries. He raised concerns about setting precedence and managing ratepayer expectations. 

Responding to Vining’s concerns, Coun. Vicky Lefebvre stressed the precedence set by previous decisions and underscored the importance of maintaining aesthetically pleasing cemeteries. She supported Nagoya’s recommendation, stating the council’s prerogative is to act in the community’s best interest.  

However, not all council members agreed. Coun. Ryan Bailey and Vining opposed a motion to allocate $70,000 to the cemeteries, indicating a divergence in opinion among the council.  

Despite the dissenting voices, Lefebvre introduced the motion, prompting the final round of voting. The motion garnered approval from most council members, signaling a decision to provide financial assistance to the cemeteries.  

The council’s decision reflects a balancing act between fiscal responsibility and community welfare, highlighting the complexities of interest in municipal governance and resource allocation.