COLD LAKE – Sixteen new rental units could soon be added to Cold Lake’s housing market after City Council approved four development incentive applications worth a combined 0,000 during its October 27 regular meeting.

The applications, submitted by 2572025 Alberta Inc., involve constructing four separate fourplexes along 16th Street, with each development eligible to receive $60,000 through the City’s Multiunit Rental Housing Incentive Program.

The proposed developments are located at:

• 1504 16 Street: Four rental units, eligible for $60,000.
• 1506 16 Street: Four rental units, eligible for $60,000.
• 1508 16 Street: Four rental units, eligible for $60,000.
• 1510 16 Street: Four rental units, eligible for $60,000.

Each property required a separate council motion because the developments are located on individual parcels of land.

Council approved all four applications during the meeting.

Applications Previously Delayed by Council Quorum

The developments were originally scheduled for consideration at council’s October 13 meeting but were deferred because a conflict of interest left too few members available to vote.

Mayor Bob Mattice explained the circumstances when the applications returned to council on October 27.

“These were on our agenda, but we had a conflict when we only had four people, so we couldn’t move forward on it,” Mattice said.

He noted that although all four applications came from the same developer, each required an individual decision.

Council subsequently approved the applications through separate motions.

How the Rental Housing Incentive Works

Cold Lake’s Multiunit Rental Housing Incentive Program offers developers $15,000 for each eligible new rental unit, provided the development contains at least four units and the properties remain available as rental housing for at least five years.

The funding is not provided upfront.

Developers must complete construction, provide satisfactory proof of occupancy and meet the program’s requirements before receiving the incentive payments.

For the four approved applications, the developer could receive a combined $240,000 once all 16 units are completed and occupied in accordance with the program.

The applications represent the first 16 units approved under the current version of the program, which council reintroduced in March 2024.

With these approvals, funding remains available for another 84 rental units on a first-come, first-served basis.

Councillors Question Whether Fourplexes Meet Zoning Requirements

Before approving the applications, Councillor Vining asked whether the properties were appropriately zoned for fourplex development.

He recalled that the lots had previously been designated for lower-density residential development and wanted clarification about whether the proposed buildings would comply with the City’s Land Use Bylaw.

“My question was just around my recollection from those lots,” Vining said, explaining that he believed the properties had been zoned for duplexes.

Administration responded that the City’s planning and economic development departments had reviewed the applications and identified no zoning concerns.

“I believe that they meet the requirements of the Land Use Bylaw,” administration advised council.

Councillor Bailey also raised a similar concern, saying she wanted to ensure the proposed developments would not require additional zoning approvals.

Following the discussion, council proceeded with all four applications.

Preparing for Growth at 4 Wing Cold Lake

The incentive program is part of Cold Lake’s broader strategy to increase housing availability as the community prepares for anticipated growth associated with 4 Wing Cold Lake.

The City reinstated the program in March 2024, recognizing potential housing demand tied to investments at the military base, including preparations for Canada’s future fighter aircraft fleet and additional personnel.

Administration identified purpose-built rental housing as an important component of accommodating future residents and providing a wider range of housing options.

Cold Lake previously operated a similar incentive program during a period of significant economic and population growth.

Between 2013 and 2014, that program supported 10 successful applications, resulting in 318 new rental units and approximately $2.4 million in incentive funding.

The City considers that earlier program a successful example of how municipal incentives can encourage private rental development.

What Happens Next?

With council’s approval secured, the developer must enter into the required incentive agreements and complete the proposed fourplexes.

The $240,000 represents the maximum combined incentive available for the four approved projects, rather than an immediate payment.

If completed, the developments will add 16 purpose-built rental units to Cold Lake’s housing inventory.

The approvals mark the first commitments under the City’s renewed rental incentive program as Cold Lake continues preparing for future residential growth.