Cold Lake council is moving ahead with plans to regulate the size of temporary tents and large items at Kinosoo Beach — before the summer rush begins.

At a recent meeting chaired by Mayor Bob Mattice, the council unanimously directed the administration to draft a bylaw establishing rules for temporary shelters and oversized items at the popular beach.

The discussion was prompted by concerns raised about the growing size of tents and sun shelters being set up along the shoreline.

“It’s not necessarily the temporary tents themselves, it’s just the size of them,” administration explained.

Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Nagoya told council that while formal complaints have been limited, the issue does surface periodically.

“There’s only been a few from time to time per year. It’s not a common occurrence,” he said.

However, with Lakeshore Drive redevelopment nearing completion and increased activity expected around the Aqua Rush water park, council members said it makes sense to get ahead of the issue.

“Spring is coming… we’ve got a couple months before summer hits,” one councillor said. “It’s going to get nothing but busier moving forward.”

Administration noted that at least one other Alberta community has already implemented bylaws limiting tent sizes at public beaches.

Council’s motion does not immediately impose restrictions. Instead, it directs administration to develop a proposed bylaw for council’s consideration.

“We’re asking city council if it would like to consider passing a motion to direct administration to develop a bylaw that provides rules for temporary tents and items at Kinosoo Beach,” Nagoya said.

The motion carried unanimously.

Any future rules would return to council in draft form before being formally adopted.