From a sold-out fishing derby to the return of the Silver Buckle Stampede, Cold Lake Mayor Bob Mattice says the community is entering the summer season with plenty of momentum.

Speaking during an exclusive interview with Lakeland Connect, Mattice reflected on a busy start to the season, highlighting strong participation in community events, improved lake conditions and the importance of preserving the traditions that helped shape the city.

One of the biggest signs of that momentum is the continued popularity of the Cold Lake Fishing Derby.

“It is sold out again, and they have close to $40,000 in prizes,” Mattice said.

The annual derby draws anglers from across Alberta and beyond and remains one of the region’s largest tourism events each summer.

The mayor also pointed to positive news for the lake itself.

“The water has brought Cold Lake up to a good level,” he said.

Following several years of concerns about lower water levels, recent precipitation has helped replenish the lake and improve overall conditions heading into the summer boating and fishing season.

Mattice noted that additional runoff is still expected to enter the watershed from northern areas as spring melt continues.

At the same time, residents should continue to monitor their properties and ensure sump pumps are functioning properly, as moisture levels remain high.

The healthier lake conditions come alongside encouraging news for local anglers.

“The Cold Lake is deemed a healthy fishery again,” Mattice said.

Honouring community traditions

Mattice also reflected on the recent return of the Silver Buckle Stampede, an event with deep roots in the Cold Lake region.

“That used to be a big thing in Cold Lake and Grand Centre back in the day,” he said. “I remember there was pancake breakfasts along Main Street. Everybody got cowboyed up and it was a huge thing.”

The mayor even has a personal connection to the event.

“I competed in the Silver Buckle Stampede as a junior barrel racer,” he said.

For Mattice, the return of community traditions is about more than nostalgia.

“Oh, we’re big on tradition,” he said.

The mayor spoke about the importance of remembering the communities that eventually came together to form today’s City of Cold Lake.

“I’m very sentimental about the fact that we used to be three regions,” Mattice said, referring to the histories of Cold Lake, Grand Centre and Medley.

As the city prepares for significant military, economic and population growth in the coming years, Mattice believes maintaining those community roots remains important.

“When we see things coming up again for Grand Centre, something on Medley, Cold Lake North, what’s going on there, a lot of people are interested,” he said.

With summer events underway, strong participation in community activities and improving conditions on the lake, Mattice said the community is well positioned for another busy season.

“It’s good to see these traditions coming back,” he said.