Safety and security concerns brought forward by a slip holder at the marina prompted Council’s Corporate Priorities Committee to explore possible measures that could mitigate the issues identified.

The marina user complained about theft, vandalism, and unauthorized use of boats located along the breakwater, which kicked off a conversation to see whether council would be interested in establishing any security measures beyond those already in place. Measures discussed included adding security gates to the breakwater and parking lot, increasing enforcement and closing the marina to use by the general public. Also discussed were means to limit access to the parking lot late at night to curb the use of it as a hangout and to ensure parking for marina slip holders during the day.

“The marina is about balancing the public’s ability to enjoy the facility with the need to restrict access to certain areas and provide for security,” Mayor Bob Mattice said. “In this case, Council felt that the proper balance has been achieved. While we will continue monitor the situation to ensure that security patrols are conducted properly, the marina is partly publicly funded and functions partly as a public park. This use needs to be respected.”

During its off hours, the Cold Lake Marina is regularly patrolled with security personnel for the boating season. These security personnel make active foot patrols of the entire marina premises, including the docks, boardwalks, breakwater, and parking areas. To help with their monitoring, the breakwater is equipped with laser sensors, which alert security personnel and the marina office when people are passing certain points along the breakwater.

There have been three complaints made about the Marina parking lot in the past 12 months, with concerns about loud vehicles, noise, and suspected theft or drug use being called in to Municipal Enforcement. However, upon arrival during each complaint, Municipal Enforcement found no notable offenses that warranted fines or other enforcement actions. According to the Public Spaces and Facilities bylaw, a public space such as the marina parking lot is closed between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m. to the public, and each of the complaints was made outside of these hours.

Council decided to continue with the existing security measures, with no addition of gates or further restricting access to the general public and asked administration to consider further enforcement options including municipal fines and criminal charges with the RCMP.