The city of Cold Lake is exploring a grant program to assist residents and developers cover the high costs of demolishing rundown properties, including hazardous material removal fees.
At a recent Corporate Priorities meeting, the council directed administration to draft a policy framework for the initiative, aimed at addressing long-standing concerns with neglected properties that are beyond repair.
General Manager of Corporate Services Kristi Isert introduced the proposal, emphasizing that while Cold Lake has several incentives for development, there is no program specific to rundown residential structures. “We have heard from a number of builders as well as residents… indicating interest in demolishing some properties that are past the point of being able to be remodelled or reused,” Isert said, highlighting the challenges and community concerns these properties pose.
Mayor Craig Copeland voiced support for a straightforward model, citing a similar initiative in Prince Albert as a potential blueprint.
Council recommended focusing the grant program on properties in neighbourhoods within Cold Lake South and North, with more details to be refined in the coming months.
