Cold Lake city council has approved updates to the City’s marina policy, introducing clearer rules around berth use, waitlists and seasonal operations.

Council approved amendments to Policy 141-RC-12, the Cold Lake Marina Operations and Allocation Policy, during its recent meeting.

The changes are aimed at improving fairness, reducing confusion and helping staff manage ongoing challenges with marina operations.

Changes to waitlist management

One of the most notable updates addresses long-standing issues with the marina waitlist.

Under the new rules, individuals who cannot be reached for a period of two years will be removed from the waitlist.

Administration said this change is necessary to keep the system moving efficiently.

“We have some at the top of the list that we have been trying to get a hold of for many years and have no updated contact information,” administration told council.

Those removed from the list will receive a $50 credit if they choose to rejoin at a later date.

New rules for shared berths

Council also approved new guidelines for situations where marina slips are shared between multiple users and those partnerships break down.

The updated policy outlines several options, including:

• One partner being released from the agreement
• Continuing to share the berth under a new agreement
• Forfeiting the slip if no agreement can be reached
• Returning to the waitlist for an individual space

The goal is to provide clarity and avoid disputes when shared arrangements change.

Clarifying seasonal operations

The policy amendments also include a small but important clarification around marina closure dates.

The marina will now officially close on the Monday of the Thanksgiving weekend, rather than after the holiday, following confusion in previous seasons.

Administration noted the change helps align policy language with actual operations and avoid disputes with berth holders.

Keeping the system fair and efficient

Council heard that the policy updates are part of an ongoing effort to ensure the marina operates smoothly and fairly for all users.

Administration said the changes are intended to provide clearer expectations and reduce delays in assigning available slips.

“These updates help make sure the process is fair and transparent for everyone using the marina,” administration said.

The amendments were approved as presented and will guide marina operations moving forward.