Residents of Cold Lake are one step closer to seeing a new Urgent Care Centre become a reality after the Alberta government confirmed planning funding for the project in Budget 2026.

During the most recent session of the Alberta Legislature, Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr used Question Period to ask for an update on the proposed facility, which has been a long-standing priority for the growing Lakeland region.

According to Cyr, the Minister confirmed that Budget 2026 includes funding for planning and land acquisition for eight new urgent care centres across Alberta, including one in Cold Lake.

“This is an important milestone and a positive step forward for a project that will help strengthen health care services in the Lakeland,” Cyr said.

Helping fill the gap in local healthcare

Urgent care centres are designed to treat illnesses and injuries that require prompt medical attention but are not considered life-threatening.

They provide an alternative to emergency departments for patients who need same-day care, helping reduce wait times and relieve pressure on hospital emergency rooms.

For Cold Lake and surrounding communities, Cyr said the proposed centre would improve access to healthcare closer to home while supporting a region experiencing steady population growth.

“A Cold Lake Urgent Care Centre would provide residents with another option for care closer to home, helping reduce pressure on emergency departments while improving access to services for communities throughout the Lakeland,” he said.

Planning stage marks important milestone

While construction has not yet begun, funding for planning and land acquisition represents one of the first major steps toward bringing the project to fruition.

Planning work typically includes identifying a suitable location, site preparation, design work and other early-stage requirements before construction can begin.

Cyr said the investment demonstrates recognition of the region’s growing healthcare needs.

“For residents who have been advocating for improved access to care, this funding represents meaningful progress toward making the facility a reality,” he said.

Meeting the needs of a growing region

The Lakeland has seen increasing demands placed on healthcare services in recent years, driven by population growth and major regional projects, including the Future Fighter Capability Project at 4 Wing Cold Lake.

Supporters say expanding healthcare infrastructure will be critical as the region continues to grow.

“This investment will help expand local capacity and improve access to timely care when Albertans need it most,” Cyr said.

“It will also help ensure that healthcare infrastructure keeps pace with population growth and the increasing demands being placed on local services.”

More work ahead

Although planning funding has now been confirmed, Cyr acknowledged there is still work to do before the project reaches the construction stage.

He said he intends to continue advocating for the facility and other healthcare investments across the region.

“I look forward to working with Minister of Primary and Preventative Health Services Justin Wright to advance this project and keep residents informed as progress is made,” Cyr said.

If ultimately built, the Cold Lake Urgent Care Centre would become another key piece of healthcare infrastructure serving residents across northeastern Alberta, complementing existing hospitals and primary care services while providing another option for patients needing urgent, non-emergency treatment.