Fee adjustments approved, most impacts delayed until lease renewals

Cold Lake City Council has approved revisions to the Cold Lake Regional Aerodrome Lease Policy, formally updating lease rates to reflect decisions made during the City’s 2026 Operating Budget process.

The aerodrome currently includes 32 lease lots, with 19 occupied and 13 available, along with 12 grass tie-down areas used for both short- and long-term aircraft parking. The lease policy, originally adopted in 2012, sets out how aerodrome land is leased and establishes the associated fees and charges. It has been updated periodically to align with service changes and council-approved budget adjustments, including a 10 per cent increase implemented in 2023.

Policy update tied to budget decision

During budget deliberations, council approved a five per cent increase to aerodrome lease fees, which required an update to the policy’s fee schedule. City of Cold Lake CAO Kevin Nagoya explained during the council meeting that the change was administrative in nature rather than a regulatory amendment.

“This is a policy, not a bylaw, so a motion of council is sufficient to ratify the change,” Nagoya told council.

Although the amended policy takes effect immediately, the new rates will only be applied as individual leases come up for renewal later this year.

When users will see changes

Most current aerodrome leaseholders are not expected to see higher fees until 2027. Any increases will be implemented in accordance with existing lease terms and required notice periods. Aerodrome users will receive advance notice before updated rates take effect.

Revised fee schedule

The updated Schedule A includes a five per cent increase across most lease categories. Some fees were rounded to simplify administration and accounting. Application fees and meeting room rental rates remain unchanged.

Key rate changes include:

• Land lease (annual): increasing from $1.28 to $1.35 per square metre

• Office space lease (monthly): increasing from $5.30 to $5.60 per square foot

• Grass tie-down fees:

  • Annual: $330 to $347

  • Monthly: $33 to $35

  • Weekly: $11 to $12

  • Daily: $5.50 to $6.00

• Apron tie-down (daily): $11 to $12

Fuel flowage fees remain unchanged at the City’s purchase price plus $0.20 per litre. Application fees for leases and tie-downs, as well as meeting room rental rates, also remain the same.

Fuel fee clarification

During council discussion, Mayor Bob Mattice asked for clarification on how fuel flowage fees are calculated. Nagoya explained that the fee is a fixed markup applied to the City’s fuel purchase cost.

Council decision

Council approved the amended aerodrome lease policy as presented, aligning airport lease rates with the City’s financial planning while providing predictability and notice for aerodrome users.