Mayor Craig Copeland Celebrates Major Milestone in Cold Lake’s Waterfront Redevelopment
From Vision to Reality: A Project Years in the Making
What began as an idea in 2019 has now become one of Cold Lake’s most scenic and transformative projects. Mayor Craig Copeland joined council members, contractors, and residents to mark the completion of major upgrades connecting Kinosoo Beach to the Cold Lake Marina — improving underground utilities, stabilizing slopes, and creating a stronger, safer, and more beautiful waterfront corridor.
Copeland shared that the vision was always to extend the same charm and character of Lakeshore Drive down to the marina, creating a seamless connection between two of Cold Lake’s most popular destinations. “When you’re on council and working with administration, you realize how important it is to keep projects moving forward,” he said. “This is one of those projects that carried across councils and years. We picked it up, dug it out of the drawer, and got it done — because everyone believed in it.”
A Strong Foundation Beneath the Beauty
Phase One, completed by Chandos Construction, focused on stabilizing the embankment along the lake — a long-standing concern for residents familiar with slope movement around Kinosoo Beach, English Bay, and Moose Point. Crews installed a sheet pile seawall, a major investment that now protects the shoreline and provides a solid foundation for future improvements.
Phase Two: Building the Experience
Led by Knelson Sand & Gravel, Phase Two built on that foundation with new underground infrastructure, landscaped green spaces overlooking the lake, improved traffic flow and parking, and enhanced walking paths. Altogether, the redevelopment represents a $27.5 million investment in one of Cold Lake’s most scenic corridors.
Teamwork and Local Partnerships
Mayor Copeland praised the City of Cold Lake’s Engineering Department for its leadership in managing the complex project from planning to construction. “They were the driving force behind this from day one,” he said, giving special thanks to City Engineer Roger Fodness for his dedication.
He also acknowledged the contributions of project partners: Stantec for engineering and design, George Harris Collaborative for landscape design, and Solid Earth for geotechnical expertise, ensuring site stability and safety.
Copeland further highlighted the local companies that helped bring the vision to life, including Chandos Construction, Knelson Sand & Gravel, Urlacher Construction, Starburst Reindeer Piling, Noform Concrete Services, Superior Concrete Pumping, TFB Maintenance, Smart Electrical Contractors, SE Design, SMP Engineering, and DND Natural Electric.
Gratitude for the Community
The mayor extended heartfelt thanks to nearby residents and business owners for their patience throughout the construction process. “We know it came with some challenges, but your understanding and cooperation meant the world to us,” said Copeland. “Next year, it’ll just be people walking, relaxing, and enjoying this space — not hearing construction noise.”
With council and project partners gathered behind him, Mayor Craig Copeland cut the ribbon to officially open the newly completed section — a project years in the making that will redefine Cold Lake’s waterfront for generations to come.
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