COLD LAKE - City of Cold Lake council has authorized a renewed letter of support for Lakeland Catholic School Division’s proposed new high school to be located at Imperial Park/Cold Lake Energy Centre, during its regular meeting on Dec. 10.
The decision aligns with ongoing efforts to bring the long-awaited project closer to fruition, ensuring readiness for potential provincial funding.
CAO Kevin Nagoya highlighted the urgency of the proposal, noting its high-priority status within provincial considerations. “A couple [letters of support] have been provided in the submissions to the ministry. Of course, the Ministry of Education and the Premier have made several announcements that projects that are shovel-ready could receive funding imminently,” he explained.
During discussions, Nagoya also outlined the preparatory work already completed for the site. “We want to make sure we're at the table for any of those conversations. This is for a letter of support that we're ready to go,” he said. “Guest services are near the site, they're all right there as you can see. Everything is pretty much ready to go. There's a gas line that sits right by that star as well. So, the site is ready,” he said, referring to a map of the area.
The proposed location east of the existing Cold Lake High School has been evaluated for compatibility, including a conceptual design for a 700-student capacity building. Nagoya added, “Whether it looks like that, it's probably up to a whole bunch of change and design work and stuff like that. We just wanted to be able to see how it would fit within the context of the site. And that's what we produced in that regard.”
Infrastructure considerations discussed
Coun. Bill Parker raised concerns about potential infrastructure upgrades required to support a new high school, particularly wastewater management.
“I do recall a conversation we had some time ago that we have to take under consideration some sort of a lift station at the back or near the Energy Centre or if we start adding any more sewage or wastewater,” he said.
Nagoya assured council that these considerations are part of the City’s future planning.
“That is part of the 2025 capital budget discussions. It's not necessary as of today for, I will call it downstream infrastructure,” he stated.
Nagoya clarified that additional planning would be undertaken as the project progresses. Plans for a new aquatic centre are also in progress for the area.
Nagoya also addressed plans for a potential pedway connecting the Energy Centre and the proposed high school.
“You can see here is that there's also the conversation of the pedway that connects to the Energy Centre and the aquatic centre that is proposed,” he said. “Those details have not been finalized at this point. Those are just basically some shades and some lines on the drawings and will still have to be worked out on what those look like.”
Council unanimously passed a motion to renew its letter of support for the new high school project.
