COLD LAKE FIRST NATIONS – It was a day of milestones for Cold Lake First Nations on Monday, Aug. 10, with the grand opening of a new women’s shelter and the groundbreaking for a new gas station at English Bay.

Chief and Council, Elders and invited dignitaries gathered at English Bay for a private groundbreaking ceremony marking the beginning of another economic development project for the Nation.

The new gas station is being built as an additional service for English Bay and the surrounding area, but Cold Lake First Nations says the project is also about creating jobs and new economic opportunities for its members.

“This project represents more than a new gas station. It is an investment in our community and in our future,” CLFN said in announcing the groundbreaking.

Construction is already underway and the property remains an active construction site. For safety reasons, Monday’s ceremony was limited to Chief and Council and invited guests.

The wider community will get its opportunity to celebrate when the station officially opens, with a grand opening planned for the coming months.

“We are proud to see our community continuing to grow and build for the future,” CLFN said. “We look forward to celebrating this milestone with the entire community when the doors officially open.”

Women’s shelter officially opens

Cold Lake First Nations Chief Kelsey Jacko enthusiastically cuts the ribbon, officially opening the women’s shelter. Photo Credit: Raymond Cowell

The groundbreaking wasn’t the only major event taking place Monday.

Cold Lake First Nations also celebrated the grand opening of the CLFN 149 Women’s Shelter, a dedicated space intended to support women and families in the community.

The day began with a Pipe Ceremony at the Women’s Shelter, followed by a community barbecue at the Band Office.

Community members then walked together to the new shelter for the afternoon grand opening ceremony, which included remarks from guests, a ribbon-cutting, refreshments and guided tours of the new facility.

The opening was also recognized by neighbouring municipal leaders, including the City of Cold Lake, as an important investment in the region and in the well-being of women and families.

Together, the two projects highlight different sides of the Nation’s continued development — one focused on providing support and a safe space for women and families and the other on creating employment, services and economic opportunities at English Bay.

Cold Lake First Nations says more information about the English Bay gas station, including details surrounding its grand opening, will be released as construction progresses.