COLD LAKE – After two decades on city council, Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland has announced he will not be seeking re-election this fall.
Copeland was first elected as a councillor in 2004 and became mayor in 2007.
The mayor made the decision official with a statement released to the public on Monday afternoon.
“It has been an honour serving the residents of the City of Cold Lake as the mayor since the fall of 2007. As I enter year 18, I would just like to let everyone know that I will not be running in the fall municipal election this year,” says Copeland.
When asked what his plans are once his time as mayor is over, he says he will continue working in his other job, which is managing fish hatcheries for the province.
"Other than that, [I'm] going to see what other options are available in the future," Copeland told Lakeland This Week.
Looking back
“Looking back at what our community was when I was on council in 2004 to where we are now 20 years later, we all should be proud. The infrastructure investments in water, sewer, storm water management, road and recreational facilities during this time have shaped our community . . . Business investment has grown even though our economy experienced fluctuated oil markets over this period,” says Copeland.
For those who may be considering running for municipal council in the fall election, Copeland offers some advice.
“I believe when you are on council you need to move your community forward,” he says, adding, elected officials do this by setting policy, having a vision, making decisions, setting a budget plan, and then allowing the City staff to execute it.
“I think we on council have done that over the years. I look forward to watching the future councils continue to make Cold Lake great,” says Copeland.
The mayor says he is thankful for the other elected officials he has worked alongside.
“The people that have been on council with me over the years have been tremendous to work with. The community trusted us to move the community forward as we saw fit. I want to thank all of them as they were people in most cases I did not know prior to elected but have become friends and people that respected one another on council so very much.”
Copeland also speaks highly of the staff working for the City of Cold Lake.
“The CAO Kevin Nagoya and I have been together an exceptionally long time which is unique in municipal government - he is a talented person,” says the mayor.
Copeland also thanked his wife and three daughters for their support over the years.
Looking ahead
Looking to the future, Copeland says, “The City at the moment is in a period of time that feels like treading water - not that I can swim - but we are about to boom with the F35 project, carbon capture and what should be a growth phase of our local oil sands operations . . . We Canadians realize we are a superpower when it comes to resources and need to take advantage of that and create jobs and wealth for our people, business community and our country.”
Municipal and school board elections are scheduled to take place across Alberta on Oct. 20.
