COLD LAKE - City of Cold Lake council approved a venue change for the Lakeland Kennel and Obedience Club’s annual dog show which is set for June 26 to 30.
The event, typically held in the North Arena, will instead take place in the Cenovus Energy Arena.
“This event is normally held in the North Arena, but due to ice being put back into the North Arena while construction is completed at the Energy Centre, the show had to be moved,” reads information presented to council.
The topic was discussed at the March 25 regular council meeting.
“The leading issue is that the replacement of the ice plant [at the Energy Centre] has been scheduled for the spring,” said CAO Kevin Nagoya. “Therefore, that project has been awarded, but we do have to shut all the ice down and the plants down in order to change the cooling towers to the new technology that is available out there and provide a higher level of performance for the ice itself.”
Despite the work that is being done, Nagoya reassured council that the city is committed to maintaining summer ice availability.
He added, "We're going to try to hold open the North [Arena]," as the community has become accustomed to having summer ice.
Nagoya explained that recent upgrades at the North Arena, such as the addition of a new dehumidifier, will help manage moisture levels and accommodate the spring load.
Council also approved the Lakeland Kennel and Obedience Club’s request for overnight camping in the Energy Centre’s northeast parking lot.
Nagoya explained that the designated parking area would be near the artificial turf field and blue bins.
With the Cold Lake High School graduation also taking place at the Energy Centre during the same weekend, Coun. Chris Vining raised concerns about potential traffic congestion.
“We're fairly confident, with the load that'll be happening with grad going on that weekend that this we're going to be able to accommodate everybody with the traffic?” he asked.
Nagoya reassured council that the parking lot would have enough capacity, and that staff would ensure accessibility and minimize any issues.
Council approved the motion with specific conditions, including designated camping locations, a $1,000 damage deposit, liability insurance requirements, and a contingency allowing the CAO to revoke camping permissions if issues arise.
