Cold Lake is moving ahead with a five-year plan to increase recreation and facility rental fees, choosing a balanced approach aimed at improving cost recovery while maintaining affordability.

Administration presented three options, with council selecting the middle-ground option.

The plan will gradually increase fees between 2026 and 2031, improving cost recovery from approximately 30–35 per cent to the mid-40 per cent range.

Balancing cost and access

Councillor Ryan Bailey said the approach strikes the right balance.

“I believe that our facility is top-notch… and in a lot of cases it’s cheaper than it should be… we need to start moving prices up a bit,” Bailey said.

Administration noted the goal is to balance:

  • Financial sustainability
  • Regional competitiveness
  • Affordability for residents

Council voted to move forward with the recommended option.

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Cold Lake Selects Mid-Range Option for Recreation Fee Increases

Published On: March 25, 2026By

Cold Lake is moving ahead with a five-year plan to increase recreation and facility rental fees, choosing a balanced approach aimed at improving cost recovery while maintaining affordability.

Administration presented three options, with council selecting the middle-ground option.

The plan will gradually increase fees between 2026 and 2031, improving cost recovery from approximately 30–35 per cent to the mid-40 per cent range.

Balancing cost and access

Councillor Ryan Bailey said the approach strikes the right balance.

“I believe that our facility is top-notch… and in a lot of cases it’s cheaper than it should be… we need to start moving prices up a bit,” Bailey said.

Administration noted the goal is to balance:

  • Financial sustainability
  • Regional competitiveness
  • Affordability for residents

Council voted to move forward with the recommended option.

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