COLD LAKE - Cold Shot Buses, a private transportation provider, has requested financial contributions from municipalities across northern Alberta to sustain its operations. City council members debated the merits of supporting the request and spoke about the potential for broader provincial involvement.
The issue has come before council in the past, and council directed administration to meet with Cold Shot buses in regard to their funding request, explained CAO Kevin Nagoya.
Cold Shot Buses has proposed a funding model based on ridership and population, requesting municipal contributions to sustain its rural bus service. In a letter dated December 2023, Cold Shot outlined a funding formula, aimed at ensuring the long-term viability of the service.
Nagoya said sustaining the service would require financial support, estimating a cost of approximately $4.4 million per year.
Council had previously sought more information on the topic and reached out to the provincial government.
“Council at that time wanted some further information. Also attached is a letter that was sent to the minister at the time and a response from the minister regarding some options for the company to pursue,” Nagoya said. However, Cold Shot has yet to secure additional provincial support.
“It doesn't look like the company has been able to ascertain or capture any additional funding for their rural service,” said the CAO.
Mayor Craig Copeland spoke about the importance of collaborating with other communities on the initiative. He also suggested reaching out to the provincial government.
“One thing we might want to consider is reach out to Minister [of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devon] Dreeshen right away and try to understand if the province would consider funding somebody like Cold Shot Buses to maintain their robust service. We’re talking about rail lines and that in Alberta when the cost is going to be enormous.”
Copeland suggested increasing awareness of the service by promoting it through City facilities, such as on Cold Lake Transit buses or within the City's recreation facilities. He wondered how many people are aware of the service.
Coun. Chris Vining sought clarification on the City's role in the initiative, questioning the vision behind their potential involvement. He asked if the goal was to bring together other municipalities to collectively fund the service.
Copeland emphasized that provincial funding would be the key to sustaining rural transit services.
“I think it's really about provincial funding. I'm not expecting municipalities to kick in some of the numbers that his letter states, but I think there has to be some recognition that rural Alberta deserves to be looked at.”
Coun. Bill Parker suggested exploring alternative funding sources, including federal grants aimed at Indigenous communities. He proposed leveraging funding opportunities to involve Cold Lake First Nations, Saddle Lake, and Kehewin in a broader transportation initiative.
Coun. Vicky Lefebvre supported moving forward but acknowledged the potential for delays.
“I certainly understand the need for this. I think it may take quite a bit of time because we know what's happening even with Highway 28 when we have everyone on board from here to the city.” Highway 28 has long been a topic of discussion, with municipalities asking for upgrades to improve safety.
Council made a motion to recommend that administration draft a letter to solicit input from other municipalities regarding the request from Cold Shot Buses.
