Description:

This project supports the cultural assets of the City and will be constructed on the highest point in Cold Lake, providing 360 degree unobstructed view of City and its surrounding environment. 

Location:

Cold Lake Museums, 3699 69 Avenue aka “Radar Hill”.

Updates:

Modern Office of Design + Architecture (MODA) has been retained by the City for project design. Currently, the project is in design stage.

Schedule:

The design will be completed in 2022.

Background:

The Cold Lake Museum Society presented an opportunity to develop a Lookout Tower at the Museum located on Radar Hill. The Lookout Tower site was originally occupied by 42 Radar Squadron from 1954 to 1992. The Cold War facility on the site was then transformed into a museum facility that first opened on July 1, 1998. The Cold Lake Museum site has been designated an Alberta Provincial Historic Resource. The Lookout Tower location was chosen based on the principle that it is the highest “hill feature” in the area (within City limit) with an unobstructed radar view.

Budget:

Approved budget: $75,000

Funding source: 2021 Restricted Surplus

How will this benefit the community?

The Museum Observation Lookout Tower is intended to upgrade the site and area and create a multi-purpose recreational/educational destination. This approach will attract more visitors from outside of the region, increasing economic benefits to local businesses. The present attendance at the museum is approximately 4,000 visitors annually. 

Strategic alignment:

This project supports the cultural assets of the City. In addition, tourism can be a major economic driver for the City of Cold Lake so this projects supports the City’s Economic Development Strategy and its vision to offer visitors more reasons to stop and spend time and money in the city.