Cold Lake
http://www.coldlake.com
Welcome
Hugging the shores of Alberta’s seventh largest lake, we’re the fastest growing centre in northeastern Alberta. And don’t let the name fool you, Cold Lake is a community filled with warm smiles, crystal clear water and an abundance of natural beauty.
It’s a place where people come for a visit and never want to leave. Surrounded by Provincial parks and beautiful Alberta landscape Cold Lake is a haven for outdoor recreation enthusiasts.
Take a trip down the Iron Horse Trail on your ATV or snowmobile, rip up the dirt on our newly commissioned motocross track or head out on the lake for a day of fishing. Enjoy the Millennium trail which runs from the Canadian Air Force Base 4Wing to the Marina. When you’re ready to relax, head to Kinosoo Beach, recently voted one of Canada’s top 25 beaches or out on the green at one of three local golf courses. Aside from our ice arenas, baseball fields, soccer pitches, and local ski hill, the new Energy Centre offers a host of things to see and do including a world-class fitness centre. Cold Lake really is a four season playground!
Our 250 berth marina, the largest inland marina in western Canada, provides access to almost 400 square kilometres of open water with lots of sandy beaches. Fishing is a favourite pastime here, which is not surprising since the lake supports a very diverse fish population. We’re famous for our six species of angling game fish and hold the angling record in Alberta for Lake Trout. A whopping 52 ½ pound was caught in 1929 with a line and hook.
With a population of just under 13,000, Cold Lake has three main economic industries – the Canadian Forces Base 4Wing, several thriving oil and gas developments as well as, a busy tourism sector. Construction on the Base began in 1952 and it is now the largest air force base in Canada. A number of major oil and gas companies have projects in the area, making this sector soon to be Cold Lake’s largest employer. Tourism was recognized in the 1920’s and continues to be a major focus.
The lake may be full of big fish but each spring our skies are filled with the sights and sounds of the biggest ‘birds’ you’ll ever see. Military aircraft from all over the world soar over the City as CFB 4Wing plays host to exercise Maple Flag. The exercise, which is tentatively scheduled from May 19 to June 26, 2009, provides Canadian and allied aircrew with realistic training in a modern simulated air combat environment. After Maple Flag wraps up, stick around as the Agricultural Society kicks off another season of rough stock events with the Cold Lake Buck Off, Rodeo & Chuckwagon races and a Bull-a-rama.
History buffs won’t want to miss the Cold Lake Museum with four large exhibits highlighting our military, natural resource development, pioneer and aboriginal history. The Cold Lake Fish Hatchery tour is a fun and educational experience that the whole family can enjoy.
In our vibrant business community you’ll find all the amenities of a bigger city without the crowds and traffic. We’re located three hours northeast of Edmonton and 20 minutes west of the Saskatchewan border on Highway 28. Bring your toys and enjoy Cold Lake in any season! For more information call 1-800-840-6140 or visit our website at www.coldlake.com.
Craig Copeland, Mayor
City of Cold Lake
Area Overview
Incorporated in 1996 through the amalgamation of the former Towns of Grand Centre, Cold Lake and Canadian Forces Base 4 Wing, Cold Lake became a city on October 1, 2000. The successful nature of the Cold Lake amalgamation is testament to the fact that local government officials are proactive in securing a strong and stable future for the region.
Stability, diversity, and potential characterize Cold Lake’s economic horizon. Since 1986, Cold Lake’s population has grown by 23%. The significant growth rate can be attributed to a strong and diversified economic base including such industries as heavy oil, national defense, tourism, and service based businesses.
The bustling city supports over 650 licensed businesses, which are anchored by an active Regional Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Business Revitalization Zone. Cold Lake has a local trading area of 30,000 people; with a greater regional trading area of approximately 50,000. The Tri-City Mall opened in April 1997, drawing shoppers from all over northeast Alberta, and opening many windows of opportunities for corporate investment. A $2,000,000.00 facelift to the downtown core rejuvenated life in the heart of the City. With Wal-Mart opening its doors in 2001 Cold Lake has become the commercial centre of northeast Alberta. Our service area extends into northwest Saskatchewan and as far west as Lac La Biche.
The City’s Planning and Development department is very active with several commercial developments and housing sub-divisions currently on the table, and several other development projects in negotiations. With over $60 million worth of development in 2007, Cold Lake’s growth potential is promising, creating many new industrial, retail and tourism business opportunities. The economic future for Cold Lake is prosperous.
Quality, affordable family living is available throughout Cold Lake. Finding a suitable house is never a problem with plenty of great homes on the real estate market. Residential subdivisions of all sizes are also underway with many serviced lots available for new construction should this be a more appropriate route for your style of living.
Whether you are new to Cold Lake, or looking to make the transition, the community of Cold Lake has plenty of amenities and services to offer you, your family, and your business.
Economic Base
Military
4Wing
In 2004, 4 Wing Cold Lake celebrated its 50th Anniversary in the area. 4Wing Cold Lake is the largest Air Force Fighter Base in Canada. As well, the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range, 75km north of Cold Lake, is a world class training ground for military aircraft, and is used by a number of allied countries.
Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment (AETE)
A lodger unit on 4 Wing employs 240 personnel including 80 aerospace engineers. This unit provides testing for both military and civilian aircraft components and modifications.
Maple Flag
The Cold Lake Air Weapons Range provides for one of the largest international military training exercises each year.
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Maple Flag exercise brings international military presence to the area every spring. Promoting leadership, initiative, and self-discipline in the air since 1978
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Maple Flag provides a rare opportunity for fighter crews to plan, coordinate, and execute the coalition air campaign, including the application of the entire weapons system against defended targets and capable adversaries, in a real-world scenario.
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As many as 8,000 personnel from as many as 17 nations participate in this six week exercise. The economic impact of this six week exercise on the region is around $18 million.
International Pilot Training Centre
4 Wing is home to the NATO International Pilot Training Centre. Air crews from numerous countries utilize Cold Lake as a training base.
Oil Industry
Imperial Oil Limited’s Cold Lake production project is Canada’s largest in-situ oil-sands operation producing approximately 5 per cent of all crude oil produced in Canada. Recently, Imperial Oil received approval to expand its Cold Lake operations. The proposed expansion, called Nabiye, would add 250 million barrels of recoverable reserves at Cold Lake. Assuming favorable market conditions, the Nabiye development could be complete and on-stream by 2008. Other players in the Cold Lake oil sands deposit are EnCana, Canadian Natural Resources Limited, Husky Oil, Ranger Oil, Blackrock Ventures, Mobil Oil Canada Ltd., Suncor Energy, Renaissance Energy Ltd., Murphy Oil Company, and Numac Energy Inc. In sum, the investment by these and other oil companies in the Cold Lake deposit continues to be in the billions of dollars.
Tourism
The lake provides residents and visitors with access to almost 400 square km of water sports. Secluded coves are ideal for swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, wind-surfing and picnicking. In the winter, the area is used for snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing. The Cold Lake Marina is the launching point onto what locals brag is the "best lake in Alberta". It is the largest inland Marina in Western Canada offering daily, weekly and monthly moorage for hundreds of boaters. Nestled on the shore of the 7th largest lake in Alberta, it has over 250 protected berths. The Marina was completed in 1989 at a cost of approximately $5 million. The Cold Lake Marina store offers boat rentals, fishing tackle, recreation equipment, water skis, weather reports, fishing licenses, and rules & regulations. Sit down in the Dockside Cafe for a bite to eat. The marina is the contact point for numerous locally owned fishing and power boat charters. So relax on the patio and dream of catching the "big one". Surrounding the marina is a large promenade, a great place to take a lesisurely stroll or to view the sailboats as they navigate their way to open water. The Lakeshore Business District surrounds the Marina. Country crafts, collectibles, unique souvenirs, and a huge selection of local artisan's work can be found in the surrounding shops
Aerospace (Growing)
Cold Lake has a solid foundation for the aerospace industry and is working to expand opportunities for companies to utilize the vvaluable investment we have in the people and infrastructure. The City of Cold Lake is actively pursuing the aerospace industry as an economic sector. Cold Lake is flying into the future on the wings of technology and aerospace.
Cold Lake Technology Development Association
Partnership between City of Cold Lake, 4 Wing, AETE, Western Diversification, and Alberta Economic Development. This group is looking at ways to promote and develop technology related industry in the Cold Lake region.
4Wing Military
The Cold Lake Air Weapons Range (CLAWR) along with the surrounding area, provides the world's largest low fly zone. This controlled airspace is ideal for the testing of Unmanned Air Vehicle systems which is one of the global aerospace industries growing sectors. This range has been utilized over the years for both military and civilian experimental flights.
Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment - AETE
Primrose Lake Evaluation Range - PLER
AETE operates the Primrose Lake Evaluation Range which is equipped with several high speed cameras that are permanently mounted. The camera systems are scheduled for a $40 million upgrade.
Aerospace Companies in area
§ Bombardier Aerospace
§ CAE
§ L3 Communications
§ Cold Lake is currently pursuing a Jet Engine Icing Test Facility that will have the world's largest wind generator. This site will be used to certify prototype aircraft engines for icing conditions for the civilian jet turbine manufacturers as well as helicopter manufacturers.
Skilled Workforce
The City of Cold Lake has retained numerous retired military engineers which provides a skilled, knowledgeable workforce in the area of aerospace research. There is also many retired military Aircraft Maintenance personnel currently living and working in the area.
Workforce Development
Research is underway to establish an Aerospace Research and Training Centre, Preliminary meetings have been held with Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, University of Alberta, DeVry University, and Portage College to look at the steps involved. Industry has expressed an interest to help develop curriculum and provide equipment in support of a training centre. Training and knowledge development is a key component of the Cold Lake aerospace development strategy.
Economic Facts
Major Businesses Products/Services
Financial Institutions
Utilities
Competitive Rates
Competitive Choice 310-4455
Regulated Rates
Gas
Direct Energy 1-866-420-3174
Electric
Direct Energy 1-888-420-3181
Water & Utility Rates
Water rates are varied according to residential users and commercial users.
Current water and sewer rates:
Metered Rate:
$5.58 per 1000 gallons water charge
$2.79 per 1000 gallons sewer charge
$12.00 minimum charge ($8.00 for water and 4.00 for sewer)
For more detailed information on water please e-mail utils@coldlake.com or call (780) 594-4494
Garbage collection rates
Cold Lake requires all commercial users to take responsibility for disposing of their own garbage. Garbage service charges are included in the water/sewer rates for residential users. There is a $2 recycling fee added to the monthly utility bill. There is a $10 monthly residential solid waste pick up fee.
Water Supply
Managed by the Cold Lake Regional Utilities Commission. For water connection please contact City Hall at (780) 594-4494. The City of Cold Lake gets its water from Cold Lake, a high quality virtually unlimited water supply.
Reservoir Capacity
Cold Lake has a total of three reservoirs with a 2.5 million gallons capacity to hold treated water. The system has a pumping capacity of 220 litres per second, and has an unlimited capacity to hold and move untreated water. The City of Cold Lake consumes on a daily average 1.5 million gallons(4-Wing Included).
Waste Disposal & Sanitary Landfill
Cold Lake contracts out their waste disposal. Garbage is picked up once per week. More frequent pick-ups can be arranged by contacting a local contractor. The onus of hauling and disposing of tires, batteries, metals, concrete, etc., in the special storage area in the landfill lies solely with the owner. Cold Lake maintains one sanitary landfill site. Batteries, tires, scrap metal, etc. can be disposed of in designated disposal areas. Recycling facilities are set up in one location in Cold Lake.
Taxation
City of Cold Lake 2005 Mill Rates
Residential 11.55
Commercial 20.45
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| Municipal Tax Rate |
7.55 |
13.45 |
| Education - Alberta School Foundation Fund Tax Rate |
3.92 |
6.92 |
| Seniors Lodge Accommodation Tax Rate |
.0800 |
.0800 |
Transportation
Scheduled Air Service
Peace Air offers a regularly scheduled commercial air service in Cold Lake out of the Medley Air Terminal. The service provides one return flight per day to Calgary via Lloydminster. There has been pressure to increase air service to Edmonton and Fort McMurray. The feasibility of these options is under review. Peace Air uses Medley Terminal, which utilizes the military runways on 4 Wing to accommodate scheduled daily air passenger service.Phone Peace Air at 1-800-563-3060, www.peaceair.com or your local travel agent for confirmation of flight times and reservations.
Cold Lake Regional Airport
The Cold Lake Regional Airport, located 4kms west of the city boundary, is currently being looked at for expansion. The influence of heavy oil exploration in the Cold Lake and Fort McMurray areas is creating a need for expanded air capabilities. The current runway is 3,000ft.
Airport Services
Cold Lake Aviation Services (780) 639-3049
Cold Lake Flying Club (Regional Airport) (780) 639-3964
Bus Lines
Highways
Connecting highways are Highway 28 to Edmonton, Highway 28 and 2 to Calgary, Highway 55 – known as the Northern Woods and Water Route – to Lac La Biche (west) and Saskatchewan (east), and Secondary Highway 897 to Lloydminster.
Trucking, Couriers, Taxi
- B & R Eckels Transport
- Byers Transport Limited
- All national van line companies
Courier service is provided by Greyhound Courier Express, Priority Post, Loomis and Purolator.Taxi service is also available.
Community Lifestyle
The focal point of Cold Lake’s outdoor recreational activities is the 250 berth marina on Cold Lake, the largest in-land marina in western Canada. 
The lake provides residents with access to almost 400square km of water sports. Secluded coves are ideal for swimming, diving, fishing, sailing, wind-surfing and picnicking. The popularity and elite nature of the Cold Lake Marina shone when the City of Edmonton selected Cold Lake as the venue to host the sailing competition for the 2008 Summer Olympic Games bid. In the winter, the area is used for snowmobiling, skiing, and ice fishing. 
The Cold Lake area also boasts many urban parks, a lakeshore campground and park (M.D. of Bonnyville Campground), a multitude of white sand beaches (Kinosoo Beach, M.D. of Bonnyville Campground) are just two, nature trails (Kinosoo and African Lake Trails), and an array of things to see and do. The Millennium Trail links the three suburbs of Cold Lake with a 12 km. paved pathway. Cold Lake Provincial Park also provides camping, hiking, birding, cross-country skiing and other activities. There are several smaller lakes surrounding Cold Lake that offer diverse camping experiences. For more information see the Wings and Water web site
JJ Parr Sports Centre
The JJ Parr Sports Centre houses an aquatic centre with a 25 metre competition pool, leisure pool, hot tub, sauna and an indoor water slide. The multi-use complex also includes two NHL-sized ice surfaces, gymnasiums, squash and racquetball courts, mini-gym, weight room, and change rooms. Our newest multi-use facility is the Northern Spirit Leisure Centre. It incorporates a six sheet curling rink, the 18-hole Palm Springs Golf Course and conference rooms. In winter there is an outlet to rent cross-country skis and other winter recreation equipment. Other facilities include two indoor arenas, a 5-pin bowling alley, baseball diamonds, soccer fields, the18-hole Grand Centre Golf and Country Club, and numerous tennis courts.
Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort
Skiers from all over northeastern Alberta and northwestern Saskatchewan enjoyKinosoo Ridge Snow Resort. Located just 15 km east of Cold Lake at French Bay, the facility offers a chairlift, 10 groomed runs and over 370 vertical feet for your skiing pleasure.
Imperial Park
What is most intriguing is not what recreational facilities the City currently supports, but rather what has been proposed for the future. Imperial Park is a breakthrough project that had its ribbon cutting ceremony in 1996. Imperial Oil Limited donated a 320 acre parcel of land to Cold Lake for the development of a massive scale recreation park. The twenty five year plan will see playing fields and recreation buildings of all types and sizes constructed for the enjoyment of local people. Currently there are four regulation softball fields, six regulation soccer fields, skateboard facility and washrooms.
The Energy Centre
The community of Cold Lake is in the process of developing a new multi-use facility that will be located in Imperial Park. The facility will house a 1500 seat arean, indoor field house with a running track. Portage College will be building a new campus to accommodate 250 full time students. The design also allows for the construction of a new high school with a gymnasium, theatre, and library that will all be shared resources for the community users. The Seniors are looking at space in the complex, so this new facility will be truly for the young and old.
Community Organizations
Cold Lake has over 150 community organizations. Download a PDF version of the Cold Lake Clubs and Contacts List. A random sample includes various sports clubs (minor hockey, figure skating, minor soccer, minor ball, water skiing, scuba diving, skiing, sailing), along with Knights of Columbus, Block Parents, Lakeland Radio Society, Adoption Support Group, Senior Citizens Club, Lions Clubs, Beta Sigma Phi, Kinsmen/Kinettes, Agricultural Society, Kinosoo Performing Arts Society, Lakeland United Way, Big Brothers/Big Sisters, Scouts, Fish & Game Association, Music Festival Association, Native Friendship Centre, and the Cold Lake Museum Society.
Religious Services
Religious services are offered by a multitude of organizations within and outside the city corporate limits. 
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Assumption
5107 – 48th Avenue 594-3178
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Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints
Cherry Grove 594-3225
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Cold Lake Community Church
5607 54Street 594-5542
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Bahai of Cold Lake
Box 1604
Cold Lake, AB T9M 1P4
639-3994
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Harvest House Ministries
6105 – 51st Avenue 594-2549
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Holy Name Chapel
4 Wing Cold Lake 840-8000 Loc 7969
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Islamic Society of Cold Lake
1102 – 15th Avenue 639-2212
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Lakeland Lutheran Church
Highway 28 639-4673
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Le Goff St. Raphael’s Parish
Cold Lake First Nations 594-2186
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Open Door Baptist Church
304 – 10th Street 639-4994
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St Johns the Evangelist Anglican Church
4810 – 50th Avenue 594-3871
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St. Marks Protestant Chapel
4 Wing Cold Lake 840-8000 Loc 7969
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Trinity United Church
5013 – 55th Street 594-4292
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Jehovah’s Witnesses
Cold Lake 639-2222
Special Annual Events/Attractions
Download 2005 Events Calender(PDF Version)
The City of Cold Lake plays host to Air Forces from around the world in an annual event called Maple Flag from mid-May to mid-June. This event is a must-see for aviation enthusiasts.
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Family Day – February
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Ling Fest – March
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Cold Lake Home and Leisure Trade Show – April
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Maple Flag – May/June
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Canada Day Celebrations – July 1
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Lakeland Championship Dog Show – July
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Aqua Days Summer Festival – August long weekend
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Car Show and Shine – August
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Prairie Endurance Challenge Sailing Race – August
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Taste of the Lakeland – August
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Community Fish Fry – August
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Agricultural Fair – August
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Silver Buckle Stampede – August
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Call of the Wild Horn Music Festival – September
Hospitality
Accommodation
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Airway Motel – 594-7171 (26 Rooms)
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BeeJay Motor Inn – 594-4466 (90 Rooms)
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Best Western Cold Lake Inn – 594-4888 (44 Rooms)
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Bloom n’ Breakfast Inn – 639-4730 (4 Rooms)
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El Lobo Motel – 594-7521 (63 Rooms)
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Frontier Motel – 639-3030 (48 Rooms)
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Grand Centre Motel – 594-3351 (20 Rooms)
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Harbour House Bed & Breakfast Inn – 639-2337 (11 Rooms)
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Imperial Motor Inn – 594-7133 (72 Rooms with full conference and banquet capabilities)
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Kings Court Motel – 594-4408 (40 Rooms)
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Lakeland Inn – 594-3311 (121 Rooms with full conference and banquet capabilities)
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Lakeshore Inn – 639-0000 (8 Rooms)
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Western Budget Motel – 594-2130 (53 Rooms)
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Villa on the Hill – 639-3039 (5 Rooms)
Restaurants/Caterers
Cold Lake has many restaurants that can cater to any culinary taste. In all there are approximately 35 restaurants in the community.
Communication
The Edmonton Journal and the Edmonton Sun are available on a daily basis. Cold Lake is served by four local weekly publications; the 4 Wing Cold Lake Courier, Cold Lake Sun, Bonnyville Nouvelle and the Cold Lake Regional.
Cold Lake is served by local radio stations K Rock, located at 95.3 on your FM dial, and The Goat, located at 99.7 on the FM dial. All Edmonton AM radio stations are also received very well in the Cold Lake area. Smaller market AM stations from St. Paul, Lloydminster, and Red Deer can also be easily tuned in on your radio.
Cable television services are provided by Northern Cablevision Ltd. High speed internet services are offered by Northern Cablevision Ltd. and Telus.
Education
Cold Lake is a part of the Northern Lights School Division #69, headquartered in Bonnyville (Telephone: 780-826-3145), and also the Lakeland Catholic School District #150, headquartered in Bonnyville (Telephone: 780-826-3764) and the Conseil Scolaire Regional Centre Est. No. 3 (Francophone) headquartered in St. Paul (780) 645-3888
Public School Division
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Cold Lake Elementary School (ECS-4) 639-3107
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Grand Centre Elementary School (ECS-4) 594-3232
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Grand Centre Middle School (5-8) 594-3832
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Grand Centre Senior High School (9-12) 594-3386
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Nelson Heights School (5-9) 639-3388
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R.A. Reynolds School (ECS-9) 594-8197
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Cold Lake Off Campus School (7-12) 594-6885
Separate School Division
Francophone School Division
Private
Average student/teacher ratio 18.6: 1
Post Secondary
Portage College
Portage College 639-2269
The College offers continuing education opportunities at the Cold Lake campus which include GED preparation, computer training courses and industry-based training, as requested by local industry and business. The College will make every effort possible to bring requested training opportunities to nearby communities and industry sites.
Portage College is currently planning construction of a new facility in Cold Lake, along with the new Energy Centre multipurpose facility, with an anticipated size of 27,000sq.ft. When completed, the new facility will have classrooms, lab space, and offices to accommodate 280 full load equivalent students, allowing the College to expland by a minimum of four additional program offerings on an ongoing basis.
During the 2005/2006 school year, the following programs of study are offered:
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Learning and Employment Foundations(academic upgrading)
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Office Administration Certificate
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Business Administration Certificate
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Accounting/Computer Applications
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Educational Assistant Certificate
- Power Engineering - Fourth Class
Health Care
The Cold Lake Health Centre (Hospital) is part of the Aspen Health Authority that serves the communities of Cold Lake and parts of northwest Saskatchewan and northeast Alberta. The total population of the service area is approximately 30,000 people. At present, there are 24 acute and 30 long-term care beds open in the hospital The Cold Lake Health Centre supports ten general practitioners and six visiting specialists in the areas of radiology, general surgery, gynecology, ophthalmology, pediatrics, orthopedics, psychiatry and internal medicine.
Community Clinics
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Cold Lake Health Centre 639-3322
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Cold Lake Centre For Health 826-6191
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Cold Lake Community Health Services (Formally the Health Unit) 594-4404
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Cold Lake Medical Clinic 639-3180
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Cold Lake Chiropractic & Wellness Centre 594-9355
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Dr. Botha 639-4757
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Dr. Campbell and Edwards Optometrist Clinic 594-5755
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Grand Centre Chiropractic and Massage 594-4547
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Lake Centre Dental Clinic 594-5150
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Lakeland Hearing Aid Centre 594-4877
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Lakeland Medical Clinic 639-3001
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Medley Dental Clinic 594-0424
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Norton Denture Care Clinic 594-3636
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Orthodontist Clinic 639-4000
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Tri-Town Dental Centre 594-5056
Community Services
City of Cold Lake
5513-48th Avenue
Cold Lake, Alberta
T9M 1A1
Telephone: 780-594-4494
Fax: 780-594-3480
Provincial
Federal
Climate
Averages and Extremes
§ Average Temperature (April-September) 12.1°C
§ Average Temperature (October-March) -8.6°C
§ Average Annual Precipitation 426mm
§ Highest Temperature (July 12, 1964) 36.1°C
§ Lowest Temperature (Jan. 20, 1954) -48.3°C
§ Extreme Humidex (July 19, 1958) 43.2°C
§ Extreme Wind Chill (February 27, 1962) -55.4°C
Environment Canada Daily Weather Forecast
Weather Radar (Jimmy Lake)
Google Map
Cold Lake, Alberta, Canada