Cold Lake city council held a special meeting on April 29 to quickly approve a letter of support for the Cold Lake John Howard Society, a key requirement to secure funding under Alberta’s Homeless Supports and Housing Program – Wildfire Grant.
“They weren’t given much time to provide supporting documents, but we were fortunately able to get a deadline extension for us to call a meeting,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “Grant funding for organizations like the John Howard Society is extremely important in maintaining the function of the society and services they offer.”
The provincial funding supports operations at the city’s only homeless shelter, located at 4716-40 Avenue in Cold Lake south. The shelter operates under a license agreement with the city that was renewed earlier this year.
The city secured a same-day extension from the province so council could meet approve the letter of support, and submit it before the deadline.
The Wildfire Grant provides operation support for seven-day-a-week programming at the shelter, including overnight and morning coverage, and is set to continue through October 31, 2025. The city says the grant responds to the increased demand for shelter services during the summer, particular in communities impacted by past wildfire emergencies.
The society received the same funding last year, with the wildfire grant supporting summer operations and a separate winter funding request submitted in the fall.
Council approved the letter, making sure the Cold Lake John Howard Society remains eligible for provincial funding throughout the summer months.
