As part of my role on Cold Lake City Council, I’ve been working closely with my fellow councillors to tackle our strategic priority list—the roadmap for the projects and issues that matter most to our community. This list provides clear direction to administration, helps us focus our efforts, and ensures responsible use of resources. Council reviews and updates it regularly so we remain responsive to emerging needs and opportunities.
Below is an update on how we’ve advanced our top five priorities from 2021–2025, with evidence from City press releases and Council decisions.
In July 2025, the City of Cold Lake won a landmark appeal in its long-running PILT dispute with the federal government over 4 Wing Cold Lake.
The Federal Court of Appeal ruled that the Minister’s valuation of 4 Wing was unreasonable and ordered it to be reconsidered, affirming Council’s longstanding position.
Between 2013 and 2021, underpayments had accumulated to nearly $14 million, and Council has fought to ensure taxpayers are treated fairly.
(Source: City of Cold Lake press release, July 2025)
Council identified homelessness and vulnerable populations as a pressing issue. In 2025, updated statistics confirmed that homelessness in Cold Lake is on the rise.
Council has been working with community partners and administration to define a Terms of Reference for a formal forum that will coordinate resources and guide responses to this challenge.
(Source: Lakeland Today, May 2025)
Council has taken a layered approach to improving safety in Cold Lake:
Hiring Additional RCMP Officers
In 2022, Council funded an additional municipal RCMP officer.
In 2023, another officer position was approved, bringing the total to three additional members in two years.
The City now funds 20 municipal RCMP officers and 7 support staff, helping address crime trends and community concerns.
Extending Peace Officer Coverage
Council expanded Municipal Enforcement to 24-hour coverage, ensuring constant presence.
A curfew from midnight to 6 a.m. in downtown alleys and commercial areas was also introduced to reduce vandalism and late-night crime.
Commercial Security Program
In 2021, Council launched the Commercial Security Pilot Program in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce.
This provides 60 hours per week of private security patrols in commercial areas, with random schedules to deter crime.
Funding has been extended multiple times to ensure continuity and to support local businesses.
Together, these initiatives have strengthened safety for residents, supported businesses, and created visible deterrents to crime.
(Sources: City of Cold Lake press releases, 2021–2023; Lakeland Today, 2023)
In 2023, the City created a Municipally Controlled Corporation (MCC) to manage and grow local healthcare service delivery.
In September 2025, Council unveiled the design for the Cold Lake Medical Clinic expansion, adding 15,000 sq ft of space to help attract physicians and improve services.
These steps ensure long-term solutions to physician shortages and sustainable access to healthcare.
(Source: City of Cold Lake press release, Sept 2025)
In October 2022, Council released the Aquatic Centre Concept Design Report, outlining the vision for a new aquatic facility at the Energy Centre.
In November 2024, the City applied for nearly $47.4 million in federal funding, representing half of the estimated $93 million project cost.
This study and funding application move us closer to a much-needed recreation facility for residents of all ages.
(Sources: City of Cold Lake concept design report, Oct 2022; Boom 95.3, Nov 2024)