NEWS RELEASE
September 12, 2019
For immediate release

Cold Lake, AB – The Cold Lake Bicycle Park is pushing forward, despite potential hurdles ahead.

On Tuesday, Council voted in favour to proceed as quickly as possible with the Cold Lake Bicycle Skills Park & Trails – Ride / Training Centre Master Plan, pending any environmental screening and historical resources approvals.

“This park has a huge volunteer base from the community looking to support the project,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “It’s great to see so many people keen on seeing this park come to life.”

Council heard that the contractor specializing in bike park construction became available on short notice and that several kilometres of trails could be completed this year, pending provincial approvals and weather.

Work would begin on the "intermediate" and "basic" trails to ensure that the new infrastructure would see the maximum amount of use. Advanced trails and other amenities would be subject to further funding.

Provincial approvals are required for the work to begin, and may impact the start of construction on the project.

“The city views the trails as a low-impact to the historical features of the radar station,” said Copeland. “But to do the historical designations, the level of impact will need to be determined by the Provincial Government before we can proceed, and we need to be mindful that this ask has come in quickly before detailed plans and approvals could be finalized. Staff will work through the approval process so that work can start as soon as possible.”

The city is hopeful for a swift turn-around with the approvals, so that construction can begin as soon as possible.

“Everyone is eager to get moving on this project, including the designer,” said Copeland.

The historical approvals are currently underway, with an expected date of late September to get things started.

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