NEWS RELEASE
November 13, 2019
For immediate release

Cold Lake, AB – The City of Cold Lake’s Infrastructure Services Department took home the top prize for its Public Works Celebrations in 2019, earning provincial recognition for its efforts to raise awareness about the importance of public works.  

It is the fourth year in a row that Cold Lake has earned the top honours in Alberta for its efforts.

“This is a strong showing, and great evidence that the community supports the effort that the men and women in our Public Works Department put into making this city run,” Mayor Craig Copeland said. “It is not often recognized, or even realized, that these staff members are getting calls at all hours to help with sewer line breaks, waterline breaks, and snow clearing – in addition to the work they do to help build and maintain our infrastructure.”

The award for the top National Public Works Week Celebrations – Large Community was presented to Transportation Services Manager George Urlacher and General Manager of Infrastructure Services, Azam Khan, at the Alberta Chapter of the American Public Works Association’s annual conference and trade show on October 9. Mayor Craig Copeland was also surprised with an award for Exemplary Service to Public Works at the same event. This was followed up by a visit from the President of APWA’s Alberta Chapter, Garry Webster, on November 13, who congratulated public works staff and council for their achievements in raising awareness of what public works staff do and the importance of their work in the community.

“I accepted that award on behalf of our council and the community,” Copeland said. “It was a great surprise, and a tremendous feeling to see that our support for our public works department was also recognized. I can say that the dedication of our Public Works staff is second to none. It is a pleasure to celebrate National Public Works Week with them each year, and to share their hard work and dedication with the public.”

National Public Works Week took place from May 19 to 25 in 2019. The City of Cold Lake celebrated with a number of events, including a flag raising at City Hall, a food drive, snow plows painted by local students and organizations, facility tours, a toxic waste roundup, a community clean up, and an open house at the Energy Centre.  

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