Cold Lake officials say expansion work for the Cold Lake Medical Clinic is ongoing as healthcare demand grows alongside the region’s population and economic activity.

During the May 12 regular council meeting, the administration outlined the growing demand at the clinic and the need for additional space to accommodate future healthcare services.

“The Cold Lake medical clinic now is up to seven doctors within that small facility. It is doing very well and with further expression of interest. So therefore expansion is necessary,” administration told council.

The project includes both clinical expansion and additional leasable space, designed to support the facility’s long-term sustainability.

Administration explained that the intention is to create space that could support other medical-related services or professional tenants.

“The intention was to include space that could be leased out at market rent for additional revenue to either the private sector or retail of some sort… maybe expertise retail in the medical field,” administration said.

Council also discussed the technical complexity of the project, particularly surrounding the installation and operation of MRI equipment.

Chief Administrative Officer Kevin Nagoya said the construction involves specialized engineering requirements.

“It involves sophisticated construction in order to protect the magnets that have to be involved in these types of facilities,” Nagoya said.

To help keep the project moving, council approved amendments to both the 2026 and 2027 capital budgets.

Administration emphasized the importance of avoiding delays that could affect external funding opportunities associated with the project.

The City previously approved borrowing related to MRI equipment and clinic expansion as part of its broader healthcare strategy.

In a recent exclusive interview with Lakeland Connect, Mayor Bob Mattice said healthcare access remains one of council’s ongoing priorities as Cold Lake prepares for future growth tied to industrial development and expansion at 4 Wing Cold Lake.

The clinic expansion is expected to improve local healthcare capacity while helping attract and retain additional medical professionals in the region.