Residents will be able to find out for themselves the particulars of the 2017 City of Cold Lake budget during an open house on Thursday, Jan. 12.
This year, there are two information sessions being hosted on one day, allowing for residents to choose the most suitable time to attend the open house.
Doors open at 11:30 for the lunch session, anyone interested was encouraged to RSVP by Jan. 2 by emailing or calling city hall.
A second presentation will be hosted in the evening; the doors open at 6 p.m. with the presentation starting at 6:30 p.m., followed by a question and answer period.
“The idea is to give highlights of next year's budget, and also talk about some of the projects we have done in the past over the last few years throughout the city, and talk about our vision as a council going forward,” explained Mayor Craig Copeland.
He continued, “We will bring everyone up to speed on the conversations we have had with the province in terms of ID 349… talk about the deal that was brokered with the province back in 2011, and what it has meant to our community.”
CAO Kevin Nagoya said council's intent is “to get out into the public.” It not only gives them a chance to talk about the budget with the community and about residents' priorities, but also to “connect with them what the budget impacts are and what the potential impacts are into the future.”
Nagoya added, “It just gives us an opportunity to get that feedback from the public as we tailor our business plans and move into the future.”
Council is also hoping to share a brief look into their 10-year plan.
“There are a lot of things on the books that the city needs to accomplish. We want to bring everything forward and have a conversation and have residents more engaged and more informed,” Copeland said.
Hoping residents will take advantage of the opportunity to discuss their concerns with elected officials, Nagoya said there is a chance for both sides of the table to learn a thing or two.
“Sometimes when a budget comes out, there is a lot of information in there. Different folks come from different perspectives, and it allows them ask the questions from their neck of the woods or their perspective or their priorities and this allows us to see what that is and provide the best response to those issues,” Nagoya added.
For more information visit coldlake.com or call 780-594-4494.
