At the city of Cold Lake Corporate Priorities meeting on June 18, council members addressed the potential delays in the Canada Community Building Fund (CCBF) due to unresolved issued between the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada. This fund, previously known as the Federal Tax Grant, is vital for providing municipalities with a permanent and stable source of infrastructure funding.
CAO Kevin Nagoya elaborated on the situation, explaining, “The Canada Community Building Fund, which used to be known as the Federal Tax Grant, has evolved over time. Alberta is signaling that the agreement is expiring this year, and it doesn’t seem like the Government of Alberta and Government of Canada have come to terms on that agreement yet.”
The potential delay in funding has raised concerns about local projects, particularly the Lakeshore Drive Phase 1B project. Nagoya emphasized that cash flow is essential and expressed hope that the Government of Alberta and the Government of Canada can come to an agreement on whatever the outstanding issues are.
Counc. Chris Vining underscored the urgency of the situation, stating that his biggest issue is that the money is already budgeted. He noted that it’s not just Cold Lake but communities across the province that are affected. The funds were supposed to be coming this year to support this year’s project, and now they are being told they might not get that money this year.
In response to the potential funding delays, Vining suggested reaching out to other communities and government officials, proposing a letter to Minister Ric McIver and the Premier to express their concerns. He noted that projects already approved and monetized based on these funds are now at risk.
Coun. Vicky Lefebvre added to the discussion, proposing to carbon copy their MLA and Alberta Municipalities in their correspondence to highlight their concerns about potential cash flow problems.
The council decided to act by passing a motion to send a letter to the Minister of Municipal Affairs and the Premier, urging a swift resolution to the funding delays to ensure critical local projects can proceed as planned.
