Cold Lake, AB – Lakeshore Drive improvements are on the horizon, after city administration provided an update to City Council during the Aug. 8 regular meeting regarding the progress of the Lakeshore Drive Infrastructure Improvement Project.

The City of Cold Lake received five submissions in response to Request for Tender for the “Lakeshore Drive Infrastructure Improvements – Sheet Pile Wall”. 

Prior to this project going out to tender a second time, the City decided to split this project into two phases. Phase 1A would be the sheet pile wall portion and phase 1B would be the landscaping of Lakeshore Drive from 2Avenue to 7 Street. By completing the project in two phases, the City was able to reduce the overall cost and decrease the potential for project change orders and the need to extend the timeline for completion.

The Lakeshore Drive Infrastructure Improvement Project was initiated in 2019 to improve the deteriorating underground utilities, road surface conditions, and slope stability issues along the lakeside. Another key component of the project is to establish and extend the Lakeshore Drive corridor as a continuation between the existing architectural and landscape themes at Kinosoo Beach to the Cold Lake Marina. The understanding is that all three areas (Beach, Marina, and Lakeshore Drive) together would not only provide an attraction to the local community but also be developed into a tourism destination attracting people from outside the region.

The main purpose of providing this update to council was to seek permission to award the winning bid and thus committing the City to completing both phases of the project. Council was made aware that while the budget for the overall project was $30 million, funds had yet to be dedicated for the completion of phase 1B and would need to be considered during the upcoming 2024 budget deliberations.

“The City has been patiently awaiting the start of this project, so it’s exciting to know that we are moving even closer to making it a reality. Lakeshore Drive not only links the Marina with Kinosoo Beach, but offers access to many businesses such as restaurants and B&B’s with a very popular walking trail.” Mayor Craig Copeland said. “The improvements being made will make it a lot easier for residents and visitors to drive, park, and walk this picturesque route along the lakeshore”.

Administration will be notifying the contractor of the winning bid, with work expected to commence later this fall. An estimated timeline for completion is approximately one year, with work continuing through the winter months.

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