COLD LAKE – City of Cold Lake council discussed the installation and operation of a marine radio at the Cold Lake Marina during the March 18 Corporate Priorities Committee meeting.
The initiative, stemming from public and marina user requests, has prompted questions about the level of service, staff training, and potential liability.
Andrew Serba, manager of economic development, communications, and strategy, explained, “In this case, administration is looking for some input into the level of service or the extent of the program that the committee would like to see developed for the marine radio, which is purchased and installed and ready to go at the Cold Lake Marina office.”
The City installed the equipment last season with help from a local radio expert, but staff still need training. Serba explained that Cold Lake fire rescue staff will be trained since their existing skills make it easier for them to complete the required course.
One challenge is ensuring appropriate certification.
“Training a person from step one, however, would require a three-day course with an exam that must be challenged,” Serba added.
Additionally, staffing limitations at the marina could impact radio monitoring.
“At peak season, current staffing levels at the marina would likely not allow for the radio to be monitored 24/7 . . . or throughout the day, even throughout the course of the office's operation.”
Council discussed different service levels, ranging from 24/7 monitoring to casual inquiries, like boat launch status, or simply having the radio on to catch potential distress calls.
Alternatively, the radio could remain off unless needed.
“It can simply be kept at the marina and be off but ready, so that it's kind of another tool in the toolbox that could be used in the event of the need for an emergency response,” Serba added.
Coun. Vicky Lefebvre raised liability concerns, questioning the risks if the radio isn’t monitored, especially during long summer days when people are out late.
CAO Kevin Nagoya acknowledged uncertainty about liability, stating insurers will likely weigh in based on council’s expectations. He added the need for simplicity due to staff turnover and certification requirements for radio use.
Mayor Craig Copeland questioned whether the fire department's radios would receive distress signals.
Nagoya noted that the fire service doesn’t use marine radios and suggested an alternative - linking the radio to dispatch for 24/7 monitoring, though it would require additional funding.
Coun. Chris Vining questioned the necessity of the program, noting that while Cold Lake is large and can be dangerous, it isn’t comparable to Vancouver Island and may not require such extensive measures.
Nagoya suggested setting clear policies.
Administration will draft a Marine Band Radio Policy and establish marina staffing schedules and training plans based on the discussion's feedback from council and will be brought back to a future council meeting.
