COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake reviewed plans to expand the Cold Lake Medical Clinic, which has seen substantial growth in physicians and patient care since its transition to a Municipal Controlled Corporation (MCC) in April 2023.
The discussion took place at a Corporate Priorities Meeting on Nov.19 and was meant to elicit feedback from the council on proposed designs and funding strategies.
“When the City of Cold Lake established the Municipal Controlled Corporation, it did so by taking over a clinic that did not necessarily have a lot of financial background at that point,” CAO Kevin Nagoya explained.
Initially operating with only one or two physicians, the clinic has since grown to include five doctors, with another expected soon.
This growth has created the need for physical expansion.
“Expansion is going to be necessary because we are now busting at the seams," said Nagoya.
Expansion Plans
Council reviewed several options for the clinic’s expansion, including a two-story design. The upper floor would initially serve as shell space, providing room for future development or leasing opportunities for medical specialists.
Nagoya spoke about the facility's potential to continue to expand, accommodating up to 12 to 15 doctors in the future.
Council members expressed interest in the logistics of the new proposed design.
Coun. Bill Parker asked about accessibility, specifically regarding an elevator going to the second floor. Nagoya assured him, “An elevator is already in consideration."
Coun. Bob Mattice raised concerns about the existing clinic’s infrastructure. Nagoya responded, explaining that renovations to the old side of the clinic would occur after the new section is operational.
“The thin walls and stuff like that in the old side have not been rectified . . . the best way . . . is to build the new side . . . then renovate the old side,” said Nagoya.
Financial considerations
The estimated cost for the expansion is $4 million, with additional costs for design and engineering, according to information from the City of Cold Lake.
Nagoya noted that while funding would primarily come from the MCC and potential grants, council might need to contribute.
“Right now . . . they have signaled . . . supporting the expansion financially . . . But we wanted to bring forth the design to City council so that way we can solicit feedback prior to the execution.”
Deputy Mayor Chris Vining commended the MCC’s efforts in improving healthcare access in Cold Lake.
“We are achieving what we set out to do, which is bring more doctors to our community . . . It’s been an uphill battle, but we are making progress,” Vining said.
