COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake has officially annexed two quarter sections of land from the MD of Bonnyville, a move approved by an Order in Council, effective as of Oct. 1.
This annexation will enable the development of new residential estates that can be connected to the City's water and sewer systems, offering municipal services for future residents.
The City of Cold Lake and the MD of Bonnyville worked closely to ensure the transition was smooth, as both municipalities recognized the growing demand for residential areas equipped with City services. This collaboration is seen as a step forward for the region’s growth and economic development, according to information from the City of Cold Lake.
“This annexation allows for a new development to come online and for City services to be extended to the development efficiently and effectively,” Mayor Craig Copeland said.
He added, “The MD of Bonnyville and the City of Cold Lake had a hard look at the situation and what the future is going to bring, and together we made a decision that’s best for the entire region.”
The land annexed is located at the north end of the City, bordered by Cold Lake First Nations’ land to the west and Horseshoe Bay Estates to the east. Affected landowners will benefit from lower tax rates for the next 50 years, being taxed at whichever rate is lower between the City and the MD of Bonnyville.
However, if the land is subdivided, redesignated, or connected to City services, the tax rate will then switch to the City of Cold Lake’s rate, according to information from the City.
In a public statement released following the Order in Council, MD of Bonnyville Reeve Barry Kalinski praised the collaboration between the City and the MD, pointing out how the annexation aligns with the MD’s strategic goals.
“The MD always appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with our neighbours,” Kalinski said. “As the area continues to grow, residential areas with City services will be desirable for people looking to move here. This annexation supports the future growth and economic diversity for the region identified in the MD’s Strategic Plan.”
Taxation on the newly annexed lands will transition gradually. For the 2024 tax year, the MD will continue to assess and collect taxes, with 25 per cent of those taxes provided to the City of Cold Lake. By 2025, the City will assume full responsibility for both tax assessment and collection on the properties.
The City plans to engage with the annexed landowners directly in the coming weeks to provide information about the transition.
City of Cold Lake CAO Kevin Nagoya explained that landowners approached the City about annexation to simplify the development process.
“The landowners of the two main parcels of land approached the City of Cold Lake with interest to be annexed into the City. It is understood that the landowner wanted their proposed development to be fully serviced but preferred to work with one municipality rather than both municipalities to access the services. Either way was possible, however working with both would likely have more red tape.”
Nagoya added that the necessary planning processes have already begun for the development, including the preparation of an Area Structure Plan (ASP), which will guide the long-term development of the area.
“The City understands that the developer has commenced the necessary planning processes. Firstly, they will need to submit and have approved an Area Structure Plan (ASP). ASP are long-term planning documents that set general land use concepts and guide the development of undeveloped lands. This process also includes a statutory public hearing,” Nagoya said.
The developer is aiming to begin physical work as soon as next summer, with soil movement expected around that time.
