COLD LAKE - City of Cold Lake council discussed proposed amendments to its Arena and Athletic Field Use and Allocation Policy to ensure that bookings prioritize events that bring economic benefits to the community.
At the March 18 Corporate Priorities meeting, Andrew Serba, the city's manager of economic development, communications and strategy, explained the rationale behind the proposed changes.
"Administration has prepared a number of draft amendments to the Arena and Athletic Field Use and Allocation Policy," said Serba. "Many of the amendments in the draft attached to this report are meant to bring the policy in line with current operational practices, to alleviate a number of operational issues that staff have identified, and to prioritize bookings that bring significant economic benefit to the community."
One of the key changes includes defining a "large event" as any event booking an amenity for a half day or more. The cancellation policy would remain at 30 days for large events, while the notice period for smaller bookings would be reduced to seven days.
The first priority for arena bookings goes to City of Cold Lake Programs, meaning that events and activities organized or operated by the City take precedence over all other bookings. This ensures that the city's own initiatives, such as recreational programs or city-hosted events, have guaranteed access to the facilities.
The primetime ice booking schedule has been adjusted to match current demand, added Serba. A key change also includes defining "sport tournaments" and prioritizing them second for arena bookings.
Offering an example, he explained how the Lakeland Lightning team has been organizing weekend showcase events with multiple games being held. These showcases have used multiple sheets of ice and have led to friction with Cold Lake Minor Hockey, which traditionally held priority over blocks of ice time.
With the local Provincial Hockey League (PHL) team planning six monthly showcases next season, competition for ice time is expected to continue. Since these events boost the local economy and maximize ice use, administration has prioritized sports tournaments second, for ice bookings.
Coun. Chris Vining inquired about whether Cold Lake Minor Hockey has actually been displaced by the bookings.
"Is there any evidence that Cold Lake Minor Hockey has been bumped where they've had a tournament scheduled that they couldn't [host]? . . . is this really what we're hearing?” asked Vining.
Serba said staff have managed to allocate ice time for everyone, though not always at preferred times, but overall, most groups are satisfied.
Vining also questioned whether Cold Lake Minor Hockey viewed the North Arena as an inferior facility to arena at the Energy Centre.
CAO Kevin Nagoya addressed this concern, stating, "I can confirm based on my meetings there were allegations that were being made as such, however after a meeting with Cold Lake Minor Hockey to explain where the facility is inferior, no examples were able to be provided."
Vining argued that all ratepayers should be treated equally, and questioned why minor hockey should have priority. He saw no issue with large-scale bookings like tournaments being allowed.
Nagoya acknowledged the friction between various hockey organizations and the evolving landscape of ice usage in Cold Lake.
The CAO stated there was significant friction in the 2024-25 season. Despite the challenges, Nagoya emphasized the importance of maximizing facility usage for the benefit of the city's economy.
Vining also pointed out the broader implications of allowing external organizations to dictate booking priorities.
"I think at any point in time, you're really starting to dance a dangerous line when you start letting organizations dictate who we can or cannot [rent to], or when we can or cannot rent, unless you've got contracts with non-compete clauses and those kinds of things that are already built in," Vining said.
After the meeting, Mayor Craig Copeland praised City staff for accommodating requests and emphasized that cooperation is key to making the most of available resources.
Council will consider whether to accept the draft amendments to the Arena and Athletic Field Use and Allocation Policy at its next regular council meeting.
