How this Council has supported businesses in Cold Lake (2021–2025)
As a member of this council I have supported our local business community! Please read below!
Summary
From 2021 to 2025 our Council prioritised local jobs and business resilience by keeping municipal finances stable, delivering targeted grants and incentives, reducing red tape, and partnering with economic development and community groups to grow the local economy.
1) Financial stability & predictable budgeting
We kept the City on a financially responsible path with balanced operating and capital budgets that protect core services while funding infrastructure and business-facing programs. Predictable municipal finances make it easier for local businesses to plan and invest.
2) Grants and community funding that benefit local organizations and businesses
We maintained and promoted municipal grant programs (Community Capital, CRACH, Social Inclusion & Infrastructure, Special Project grants) that help local organizations, startups and event organizers — supporting activities that bring customers and visitors to Cold Lake businesses.
3) Childcare & workforce supports that help employers
Recognizing workforce barriers, we created the City’s Child Care Space Incentive Policy (2025) to encourage new licensed childcare spaces — removing a major obstacle for parents who work locally and helping employers fill shifts. This policy provides a clear application and funding framework so developers and operators can create sustainable childcare capacity in our city.
4) Business attraction, retention and investment readiness
Through our Invest/ Economic Development pages and programs we expanded tools like building and business retention/attraction incentive programs and clean-energy improvement options — giving concrete pathways for new investment, renovations, and business expansion in Cold Lake. We also worked with regional partners to advance large-scale economic opportunities.
5) Infrastructure & permitting improvements that support growth
Council invested in capital projects and improved permitting processes to support development and make it easier for businesses to build and expand. Our annual reports and budget documents show continued focus on infrastructure that supports commercial growth and development activity.
6) Partnership with the Chamber, non-profits and regional partners
We worked with the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, Cold Lake First Nations economic development and community groups like Community Futures Cold Lake to amplify local business promotion, events and capacity-building and helping local entrepreneurs access advice, networks and customers.
In short: between 2021 and 2025 our Council kept the finances steady, delivered direct relief when it was needed, funded grants and incentives that bring customers and services to town, and enacted policies (like the Child Care Space Incentive) that remove workforce barriers so local businesses can hire and grow.
On October 20th please vote to Re-elect RYAN BAILEY for City Council!