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Cold Lake, AB – Local businesses will see another year of the Business Retention and Attraction Incentive Program (BRAIP).

“We had nine businesses take part in the program in 2019, which was more than any previous year,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “That showed us there was still a lot of interest in the program, and we would like to continue offering a tax break to the businesses spending time and funds to enhance their businesses.”

Businesses approved for BRAIP receive a financial incentive in the form of a municipal tax rebate, after they enhance existing buildings, construct new buildings or additions, or demolish existing buildings.

“The quality of renovations that have come through over the years is outstanding,” said Copeland. “It’s an investment in our community, and we’re happy to continue providing help through this program.”

Since the policy was developed in 2010, the BRAIP policy has undergone a few revisions, including increasing the amount of the received tax rebate from 50 per cent to 100 per cent of the difference in the pre-and-post construction tax levy.

Cold Lake, AB – The City of Cold Lake’s Infrastructure Services Department took home the top prize for its Public Works Celebrations in 2019, earning provincial recognition for its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of public works.  

It is the fourth year in a row that Cold Lake has earned the top honours in Alberta for its efforts.

“This is a strong showing, and great evidence that the community supports the effort that the men and women in our Public Works Department put into making this city run,” Mayor Craig Copeland said. “It is not often recognized, or even realized, that these staff members are getting calls at all hours to help with sewer line breaks, waterline breaks, and snow clearing – in addition to the work they do to help build and maintain our infrastructure.”

The award for the top National Public Works Week Celebrations – Large Community was presented to Transportation Services Manager George Urlacher and General Manager of Infrastructure Services, Azam Khan, at the Alberta Chapter of the American Public Works Association’s annual conference and trade show on October 9. Mayor Craig Copeland was also surprised with an award for Exemplary Service to Public Works at the same event. This was followed up by a visit from the President of APWA’s Alberta Chapter, Garry Webster, on November 13, who congratulated public works staff and council for their achievements in raising awareness of what public works staff do and the importance of their work in the community.