COLD LAKE – Cold Lake Museums welcomed approximately 4,100 visitors in 2026 and is asking the City of Cold Lake for increased operating funding and continued capital support to maintain its facilities, preserve local history and complete ongoing restoration projects.

During its annual presentation to City Council, the organization outlined a busy tourism season, expanded children’s programming, and plans to improve its museum grounds and historic buildings.

The museums are requesting a four percent increase in their municipal operating grant for 2027, bringing the proposed contribution to $163,800, along with $50,000 in capital funding.

The requests were presented for consideration as part of the City’s upcoming budget discussions. The presentation did not approve the funding.

More Than 4,000 Visitors in 2026

Cold Lake Museums reported welcoming approximately 4,100 visitors throughout its 2026 season, with an average of 45 visitors per day during the summer.

On some days, attendance climbed above 100 visitors.

The organization also reported:

• 95 visitors during opening weekend.
• 112 visitors on Canada Day.
• More than 330 families visiting the museums.
• More than 60 participants in children’s programming over six weeks and 12 sessions.
• Approximately 400 visitors identified as veterans, seniors or Canadian Armed Forces members.

The museums continued offering group tours during warmer months outside their regular operating season, along with special events and holiday shopping opportunities.

Children’s Programming Expands

One addition highlighted during the presentation was an interactive children’s area designed to make museum visits more engaging for younger visitors.

The new display features hopscotch, wall Scrabble, tic-tac-toe and Hot Wheels activities.

The Oil and Gas Museum also incorporated dinosaurs into its children’s programming, using the exhibits to explore prehistoric history alongside the region’s energy industry.

Meanwhile, the Heritage Museum continued reorganizing displays to accommodate additional artifacts from local pioneer families.

The Indigenous Museum maintained its relationship with the Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre, working to strengthen cultural understanding and public education.

The facility also opened for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, offering visitors an opportunity to learn more about Indigenous history and reconciliation.

The Air Force Museum continued to showcase its CF-18 Hornet, with additional aircraft and outdoor displays under consideration.

Museums Seek Higher Operating Grant

The organization presented a proposed 2027 operating budget of approximately $218,400 in revenue and $218,533 in expenses.

The budget requests increasing the City’s operating contribution from $159,000 to $163,800.

Other anticipated revenue includes $25,000 from the Municipal District of Bonnyville, $20,000 in federal employment grants and $9,500 from donations and admission fees.

The museums identified salaries, employee-related costs, building maintenance, and utilities as major expenses.

The organization projects a small operating shortfall of about $133 in 2027, with larger shortfalls forecast for 2028 and 2029 if revenue and expenses follow the proposed estimates.

Power Plant Restoration Among Capital Priorities

Cold Lake Museums also outlined several capital projects planned for 2026 and 2027.

Initial clearing work has begun on the museum grounds, while the historic power plant building has undergone asbestos and lead assessments.

The organization reported that it is developing a remediation plan as part of its efforts to restore the structure.

Other proposed work includes continued grounds improvements, plumbing repairs, roof repairs and general maintenance across museum facilities.

The museums are asking the City to maintain its $50,000 capital contribution to support these projects.

The organization thanked the City for its ongoing financial support, emphasizing the importance of both operating and capital funding in maintaining the museum complex.

The proposed funding increases and capital projects remain subject to future municipal budget decisions.