COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake is moving forward with plans to host a community update luncheon for local realtors and other industry organizations.
At the request of Joanne Roche from Royal Lepage, the event, scheduled for March 13, will provide an opportunity for local realtors and industry groups to receive updates on the community’s priorities, future economic outlook, and ask questions directly to the municipality.
At the Feb. 11 regular council meeting, City of Cold Lake CAO Kevin Nagoya explained that the City hosted a similar luncheon in March of 2022, that Roche was also involved with.
While the luncheon was initially requested by the real estate sector, there are discussions to expand the event to include other industry groups, such as construction contractors and social services organizations.
Nagoya noted, “There’s lots of interesting conversation about the City's budgets and as it moves forward because we’re doing a lot of big projects right now. People are wanting to know what the future vision is regarding paving, gravel, roads, and social programs.”
In response to questions from council members about the format, Nagoya confirmed the luncheon could be scheduled during the day or evening, depending on council's preferences.
Coun. Vicky Lefebvre suggested adopting a more open format for the luncheon, drawing inspiration from the "Your Region, Your Voice" event held on Sep. 5, 2024, at the Cold Lake Energy Centre's Reid Fieldhouse.
Hosted by the Bonnyville and District Chamber of Commerce and the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, the event provided a platform for open dialogue between community members and government representatives, attracting strong participation.
Coun. Bob Mattice said he felt it was important to make the event accessible to various community groups, including military personnel and leadership from 4 Wing Cold Lake, and ensuring the information reaches anyone interested, regardless of the sector they work in.
Deputy Mayor Chris Vining pointed out that such luncheons could begin to add up in terms of costs.
“It feels more like a Chamber [of Commerce] activity or something like that . . . You start booking out facilities and then you’ve got staff time and getting things ready to go,” Vining said. “It starts to add up . . . That’s my concern.”
Nagoya clarified that the City typically charges a nominal fee to ensure accountability and recover some costs, while also acknowledging that Roche had offered to assist in organizing the event.
“If we want to take that approach, I’m sure there’s more than a willingness to look at that,” said Nagoya.
A motion was made directing City administration to work with the real estate group to coordinate a community update.
