The City of Cold Lake council discussed the implementation and funding of a Safe Baby Haven Box during their June 18 Corporate Priorities Meeting. The conversation centered on collaboration with Covenant Health and Bonnyville Health Centre, as well as the project’s estimated costs and potential funding sources.
Mary Sara Robichaud, an Ardmore resident, first brought attention to the Safe Baby Haven Box program at the January 23 council meeting, expressing her desire to see such a program established in Cold Lake. Following this, the proposal was discussed further at the April 16th Corporate Priorities meeting and the May 21 meeting, where council directed administration to meet with Covenant Health and Bonnyville Health Centre for more information.
CAO Kevin Nagoya initiated the June 18 discussion, stating, “The City of Cold Lake had the opportunity to meet with Covenant Health and the Bonnyville Health Centre. His worship [Mayor Craig Copeland] and I met with them, and there is a lot of interest in implementing a program like this.”
The Safe Baby Haven Box is planned to be installed at the Bonnyville Health Centre as part of Covenant Health’s initiative, similar to Alberta Health Services’ “Angel Cradle Program.” The council decided to remain affiliated with Covenant Health for this project during their April 14 meeting.
Nagoya highlighted the financial challenges involved, mentioning, “They have engaged their design consultant and estimated the cost at $100,000,” which raised questions among the council members.
Councilor Chris Vinning questioned the project’s cost, noting, “They’re approximating this at $100,000. How would it work in terms of seed funding? It feels like a lot of money for Bonnyville.” He also expressed concerns about ongoing costs, asking whether Covenant Health had committed to covering these operation expenses.
Nagoya responded, clarifying that no discussions had taken place regarding operational costs and suggested that the city could provide initial seed funding without taking on the ongoing financial burden.
Councilor Ryan Bailey emphasized the importance of regional cooperation, proposing that several municipalities, including Cold Lake First Nations, MD of Bonnyville, Town of Bonnyville, and Elizabeth Metis Settlement, could join forces to support the project.
Councilor Vicki Lefebvre echoed Bailey’s sentiments, stressing the need for clarity on financial commitments and potential regional partnerships. Deputy Mayor Bob Mattice concluded the discussion by recommending that more information be gathered before making a final decision.
The council decided to postpone the decision, opting to collect additional information on operational costs and potential regional partnerships. The motion will be revisited at the September 17th meeting.
