COLD LAKE - Ray Cowell, owner of Wicked Watersport Rentals, made two major announcements during the public question period at the City of Cold Lake's Jan. 13 regular council meeting.
He revealed plans to transition his business to a new owner, Rob Ealey, and also declared his candidacy for the 2025 municipal election.
“I’m thrilled to share some exciting news with you this evening. After nearly 11 years of successful operation, I’m pleased to announce that Wicked Watersport Rentals is in the process of transitioning to a new owner here in the Lakeland,” said Cowell during his address to the council.
Cowell took the opportunity to reflect on his company's work in the community.
“Wicked Watersport Rentals is proud to provide safe, fun, and memorable watersport experiences for both the Lakeland community and visitors - from paddleboards, paddleboats, kayaks to our flyboard jetpack experience at Kinosoo Beach, along with boat rentals at the Cold Lake Marina,” he said.
Highlighting the company's role in promoting local tourism, Cowell added, “Our company has become a trusted ambassador of tourism here in Cold Lake. Throughout the challenges of the pandemic, we were fortunate to introduce many Albertans to the waters of Cold Lake for the first time, and since then we’ve seen many return to enjoy its waters again.”
Cowell expressed gratitude to the partnerships that have helped his business.
“Our collaborations with the City of Cold Lake, Community Futures Lakeland, the past Rural Alberta Business Centre, the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce, Travel Alberta, and numerous local businesses and non-profits have played a crucial role in enhancing tourism in our region,” he said.
He expressed his thanks to Mayor Craig Copeland, council, and the community for their support over the years.
He introduced Ealey as the new owner, praising his credentials and vision.
“It is with great enthusiasm that I introduce Rob Ealey as the new owner of Wicked Watersport Rentals as well as Kinosoo Ice Shack Rentals. Rob is the owner of Clark’s General Store Eatery and manager of the Pour House, Marina Bowling, and Hacks at the Cold Lake Golf and Winter Club,” said Cowell.
Cowell concluded his address with the announcement of his candidacy for the 2025 municipal election.
“Lastly, I’m also here to announce, alongside the sale of Wicked Watersport Rentals . . . that I’m officially declaring my candidacy for the 2025 municipal election this October,” he said. “I believe that my military service, business experience, and entrepreneurial spirit will be beneficial to continue to serve this community I love in a very new and exciting, worthwhile way.”
Copeland commended Cowell’s contributions, saying, “Thanks for all your commitment to the business down there at the beach and at the marina. I mean, it’s great. You’ve done a great job in bringing tourists to the Lakeland. . . It’s a tough business to get into, and you really made it grow.”
