Annexation Proposal

The City of Cold Lake has issued a Notice of Intent (NOI) to annex the following lands from the M.D. of Bonnyville:

NE-34-63-2-W4M
SE-34-63-2-W4M
Lot 1, Plan 922 2600
Lot 1, Block 1, Plan 092 5400
Lot 2, block 1, Plan 112 2731

The total amount of land proposed to be annexed is two (2) quarter sections, comprising of 130.02 hectares of land.

This annexation was initiated at the request of a landowner to facilitate the future development of Residential Estate dwellings within the proposed annexation area. The proposed annexation is supported by City of Cold Lake and the MD of Bonnyville.

Update: The City of Cold Lake and the M.D. of Bonnyville have reached an agreement on the proposed annexation, and have both executed the agreement as of June 28, 2023. The City of Cold Lake is currently circulating the agreement for comment for local authorities, and anticipates submitting an application to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal by the end of August, 2023.

*This page will be updated continuously as the annexation process moves forward.

Annexation FAQs

What is annexation?

Annexation is the process used by a municipality to redefine its boundaries in order to comprehensively plan for the orderly, efficient, and cost-effective development of lands within its jurisdiction. Once the annexation is complete, properties within an annexation area will experience a change in jurisdiction from one municipality to another. Annexation does not however change land ownership rights and is not necessarily undertaken to facilitate immediate development, but rather to secure lands for future growth.

Why is the City of Cold Lake proposing annexation?

The City has been approached by the primary landowners of NE-34-63-2-W4M and SE-34-63-2-W4M with the intent to utilize the annexed lands for the development of Residential Estate dwellings. These landowners have an interest in connecting to City water and sewer services, which the City and the MD of Bonnyville both support. This also provides greater housing variety in the City and compliments the existing Residential Estate dwellings located east of 28 Street (Horseshoe Bay Estates).

How much land is the City annexing?

The City is proposing to annex two (2) quarter sections of land described as NE 34-63-2-4 and SE 34-63-2-4. Please see the enclosed map for the location of the proposed lands.

How long will the annexation process take?

Upon submission of the final annexation application to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal, we anticipate the province will make a decision on the application within a year.

The City of Cold Lake have reached an agreement on the proposed annexation, and have both executed the agreement as of June 28, 2023. The City of Cold Lake is currently circulating the agreement for comment for local authorities, and anticipates submitting an application to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal by the end of August, 2023.

What are the next steps and who makes the final decision?

The annexation application will be finalized for submission to the Land and Property Rights Tribunal following the completion of the public open house in fall 2022. The Tribunal will consider the annexation application and, if necessary, may conduct a public hearing before preparing a written report with its recommendations to the Minister of Municipal Affairs. Ultimately, the final decision on whether to approve the City’s proposed annexation will be made by the Provincial Cabinet.

What role do landowners play in the annexation process?

The City is committed to ensuring that all affected landowners and mineral rights owners have an opportunity to be fully informed and engaged in the annexation process. Owners with property located within the proposed annexation area will be encouraged to get engaged in the process to discuss their questions, feedback and potential impacts of the proposed annexation.

What role do Cold Lake residents play in the annexation process?

The City is committed to ensuring that Cold Lake residents have an opportunity to be fully informed and engaged in the annexation process. Residents will be encouraged to attend public open houses through newspaper advertisements, radio announcements and the City’s website, and are encouraged to contact the City's Annexation Project Manager throughout the process to provide comments or ask questions.

What are the impacts on landowners?

Annexation is not the expropriation of land. Land ownership is not impacted by annexation. In an annexation, only the municipal jurisdiction changes. If the annexation is approved:

lands in the annexation area will receive services from the City of Cold Lake instead of MD of Bonnyville No. 87;
land use and development approvals will be transferred to the City; and
landowners will pay municipal property taxes to the City of Cold Lake instead of the MD of Bonnyville No. 87

Will I be able to continue using my land in the same manner as prior to annexation? Will I be forced to develop my land?

Owners within the annexation area will be able to continue to use their land in the same manner as prior to annexation. It will be up to owners when and whether to develop their land.

Will services that the MD of Bonnyville, No. 87 is currently providing to the annexation area be affected?

The City will review the services being provided by the MD to impacted landowners and assess whether these services are consistent with those provided to existing City residents. Once assessed, a decision will be made whether existing MD services will be maintained or amended. The City of Cold Lake currently provides an equitable level of service to all residents.

Will my taxes increase if I am annexed into the City?

To assist landowners with the transition from MD to City tax rates, the City is proposing that the lands in the annexation area will be taxed at the lower tax rates established by the MD and City for 50 years unless the landowner subdivides or rezones their land, or their land is connected to City water and sewer services. This is the same arrangement that was used in the City’s previous annexation in 2019.

Who do I contact if I have any questions about the annexation process?

Any questions relating to the proposed annexation can be directed to the City’s Planning and Development Department at 780-594-4494 or via email at planning@coldlake.com