COLD LAKE — The City of Cold Lake is taking steps to bring a urologist to the community after learning that a specialist currently living in Nigeria is interested in relocating to the area to practise medicine.

During its October 13 regular meeting, Cold Lake City Council considered a request to formally approach Alberta Health Services (AHS) about establishing a urologist position at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre.

The request comes after City administration connected with Dr. Takure, a physician specializing in urology who hopes to move to Cold Lake to be closer to family members already living in the community.

According to administration, Dr. Takure has been investigating the requirements to immigrate to Canada and become licensed to practise medicine in Alberta.

However, before that process can move forward, the City needs to determine whether Alberta Health Services would consider establishing a specialist position in Cold Lake.

Administration explained that physicians with specialized medical training may qualify for streamlined immigration pathways through the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program. The College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta also has processes for assessing internationally trained specialists.

A valid job offer would be required to begin the proposed immigration pathway, making an AHS-approved urologist position an important first step.

City administration believes Dr. Takure’s professional background and existing family connections in Cold Lake make the opportunity worth pursuing.

The City is also pointing to growing demand for healthcare services throughout the region.

Cold Lake serves not only its own residents but also neighbouring communities and military families associated with 4 Wing Cold Lake.

That demand is expected to increase as major industrial projects bring additional workers to the area.

In its proposed letter to AHS, the City references plans by EllisDon for a 1,500-person work camp in Cold Lake, along with Bird Construction’s plans for a 250-person work camp to support the mobilization of another 500 or more workers.

The City argues that attracting medical specialists is becoming increasingly important as the population and regional workforce grow.

For residents who currently travel outside the Lakeland for specialized medical appointments, having a urologist practising locally could reduce travel time, expenses and disruptions to work and family life.

The request also builds on Cold Lake’s ongoing efforts to improve healthcare access.

The municipality has invested in acquiring and expanding a local medical clinic to support physician recruitment and primary care services. It has also been working to improve access to diagnostic imaging, including MRI services.

In the proposed letter, Mayor Bob Mattice asks AHS to consider the community’s need for a urologist and offers to continue discussions about bringing the specialty to Cold Lake.

The letter is addressed to Annette Weger, Site Manager at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre, with copies to local MLA Scott Cyr and healthcare representatives.

While Dr. Takure has expressed interest in relocating, a specialist position has not yet been established, and his ability to practise in Alberta would remain subject to immigration, licensing and employment requirements.

For now, the City is looking to open the door to a specialist who is already interested in making Cold Lake home.