COLD LAKE NEWS

Canadian fighter jets still have not been armed with the type of missiles used by the American military to bring down four airborne objects in recent weeks, more than two years after such missiles were ordered. The U.S. government first approved the sale of AIM-9X Sidewinder missiles and advanced radars to Canada in June 2020, […]

Cold Lakers are invited to join a number of virtual group sessions and information series designed to help participants strengthen resiliency, overcome challenges, and promote positive mental health.   These online resources, developed by the Addiction and Mental Health team in the North Zone of Alberta Health Services, are geared toward adults interested in learning skills to cope with change, and deal […]

The Canadian government plans to spend more than $6 billion on new weapons for the stealth fighters it has ordered from the U.S. The purchases are separate from the $19 billion the Liberal government has committed for buying 88 F-35 fighter jets from Lockheed Martin. The $6.3 billion will be for new advanced air-to-air missiles […]

After days of shooting down unidentified “objects,” fighter jets from Canada and the United States were scrambled the night of Feb. 13 to intercept four Russian military aircraft as they buzzed North American airspace. The North American Aerospace Defence Command, which detected the group comprised of Russian long-range bombers and fighter escorts as it approached Alaska, painted […]

Women ages 50-74, the group most at risk of developing breast cancer, will have local access to mammography services when the Alberta Health Services Screen Test program arrives in the community at the end of the month.  A mobile mammography trailer will be stationed at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre on Feb. 24, 27 and 28, and […]

Two men stabbed in Cold Lake had to be air lifted for medical care in Edmonton on Jan. 23. In relation to the incident, RCMP arrested Daidien Jewel Desjarlais, 22, a resident of Cold Lake First Nation.  He is charged with aggravated assault, break and enter with intent, and possession of a weapon for a […]

The city is applying to the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program’s Rural Renewal Stream. This new provincial pilot project allows foreign nationals to begin the immigration process with a community nomination rather than a labour market impact assessment, provided they have a job offer from an employer who has been accepted into the program. “We have […]

A northern Alberta teacher has been charged after allegedly physically assaulting a student. On Oct. 19, Lac La Biche RCMP received a report that a youth had been assaulted by their teacher at a local school, police said in a news release Wednesday. The child received minor injuries. RCMP could not confirm the age of […]

When Mayor Craig Copeland says his community supports new physicians, he seriously means it. Recently, he told an incoming doctor to “call if you need anything”. What the doctor needed was a ride from Brooks, in southern Alberta, to Cold Lake — so Copeland drove down to pick him up. “I could not imagine that […]

The City of Cold Lake is looking for input about where to put a rainbow crosswalk, after receiving a request from Lakeland Safe Space Community for the crosswalk. “Something like this has to be given a lot of consideration at planning to ensure its success,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “Giving the public an opportunity to […]

As far as Roger and Anthony Bilodeau are concerned, what they did that night at the crossroads had nothing to do with race. How could it? When Roger and his youngest son Joseph set out in the family pickup that night, barrelling after a truck that briefly stopped on the road near Roger’s farmhouse, they […]

A man is dead following what police described as a confrontation with Mounties in Cold Lake First Nation early Saturday. RCMP say officers were called to home following a firearms complaint just after 7:45 a.m. Upon arrival, officers attempted to make contact with the suspect, but the situation escalated and at least one officer opened […]

A grant is now available to help City of Cold Lake residents travel to medical appointments outside of Cold Lake. “Our Cold Lake FCSS office is seeing a definite increase with requests from residents looking for help when it comes to travelling outside of the city for medical appointments,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “Many of […]

Cold Lake city council approved almost $15,000 in grants as part of the Community Recreation, Art, Culture and Heritage Investment Program. “We are a young, busy community with many recreational opportunities and many cultural and social groups who all have a lot on the go,” Mayor Craig Copeland said. “These grants have proven to help […]

The parliamentary budget officer will examine the Liberal government’s decision to buy the U.S.-built F-35 stealth fighter and has now requested information about the deal from National Defence. PBO Yves Giroux sent a letter to Defence Minister Anita Anand on Jan. 16 outlining the data he is requesting from her department. “In order to provide […]

The City of Cold Lake completed its Certificate of Recognition audit, which means the city’s health and safety management system has been evaluated by a certified auditor and meets provincial standards. The standards are established by Occupational Health and Safety (OHS). The review included in-person interviews with members of each city department to ensure that […]

The Cold Lake Sun is continuing its evolution with a move to digital only, effective the week of Feb. 27. After this week there we be only six more print editions as we move with our readers into the digital future of news.   In the coming weeks, we look forward to sharing an innovative new […]

The Cold Lake Energy Centre now offers free Wi-Fi for the public. Previously, Wi-Fi at the Energy Centre required special passwords and was generally only offered at special events. Now after the city installed a new open network system, Energy Centre visitors can access the Wi-Fi anytime. Connecting is simply a matter of selecting COCL-Public […]

The government of Canada has finalized the purchase of 88 F-35A fighter jets to replace its fleet of outdated CF-18 Hornets. Defence Minister Anita Anand announced the deal on Jan. 9, calling the F-35 “the right aircraft” for Canada. “As our world grows darker, with Russia’s illegal and unjustifiable invasion of Ukraine, and China’s increasingly […]

Pierceland RCMP are looking for a silver 2010 GMC pick-up truck with a crew cab involved in a shooting on Big Island Cree Territory on Jan. 11. At approximately 12:30 a.m. that day, RCMP received a report of a shot fired from a vehicle travelling south on an access road on Big Island Cree Territory. […]

Multiple stolen vehicles were recovered by RCMP at a residence in the Cold Lake area just before Christmas on Dec. 21. Police recovered $85,000 in stolen property from the residence. Laine Solway-Martial, 24, a resident of Cold Lake,  was charged with possession of property obtained by crime over $5,000, flight from police; dangerous operation of a motor […]

Renovations at the Col J.J. Parr Sports Centre continue as the facility enters the second phase of replacing its heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems throughout the building. This month, the gymnasium and part of the weight room will be closed for a minimum of 3 months. The next phase involving the Aquatics Centre will […]

A Glendon-area farmer who shot and killed two Métis hunters after his father chased them down a public road has been sentenced to life in prison with no chance of parole for 13 years. Court of King’s Bench Justice Eric Macklin imposed the sentence on Anthony Bilodeau in front of a packed courtroom Friday, saying […]

St.. Dominic’s Elementary School teacher Alexandra Shapka was recognized for her passion for shaping the minds of future generations, after being named the 2022 Alberta School Board Association’s (ASBA) Edwin Parr Award winner for Zone 2/3. “I am incredibly honoured to be recognized as a recipient of the Edwin Parr Award for Zone 2/3,” Shapka […]

Cold Lake and area residents are invited to attend a virtual meeting of the Lakeland Communities Health Advisory Council (HAC) on Jan. 11 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.   This is an opportunity for people to provide input on local and regional healthcare services and learn more about the Lakeland Communities HAC.   Public feedback […]

The Alberta Serious Incident Response Team (ASIRT) is investigating an RCMP officer-involved shooting in Elizabeth Metis Settlement that occurred Nov.8. That morning, an Elizabeth Metis Settlement resident had a gun pointed at him after he told an unwanted man on a stolen ATV that he was not welcome. Cold Lake RCMP located the suspect an hour later after the […]

Students were the focus in December as the Northern Lights Public School Board of Trustees met with its new student advisory council for the first time. “Students are most impacted by the decisions we make as a board, so it’s important that we provide them with opportunities to share their thoughts on what is important […]

Twenty-one students enjoyed an Edmonton Oilers game at Rogers Place on Dec. 16  in recognition of the positive contributions they make to the school community at Cold Lake Junior High. “Our students have shown tremendous growth and positivity in making new friends and adjusting to their new environment and teachers. They are working hard in […]

A baby’s development and learning in the first year and beyond can be significantly impacted by a vision or eye health issue. Recent province-wide research conducted by the Alberta Association of Optometrists reveals that although this is a key component of an infant health checkup, only 39 per cent of parents are taking this step […]

Cold Lake won the Canadian Public Works Association (CPWA) Award for the fourth time, competing against other Canadian municipalities with a population under 25,000. “This award further enforces the hard work our staff do, year in and year out.” Mayor Craig Copeland said. “We strive to enhance all areas of our city’s infrastructure to create […]

The City of Cold Lake are now issuing 2023 pet licences at City Hall and online. “Animal licensing is an important part of ensuring stray pets are returned safely to their home as quickly as possible.” Mayor Craig Copeland said. There will be no charge for 2023 Cold Lake pet licences as the city transitions […]

Portage College, along with two other Canadian colleges, joined forces to build tailored supports for members of the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF), veterans, and their family members seeking a post-secondary education. Loyalist College, Nova Scotia Community College and Portage College formalized a new partnership on Nov. 10 through a memorandum of understanding (MOU). The agreement recognizes the unique […]

The rehabilitation department at the Cold Lake Healthcare Centre has a new treadmill thanks to community donations. TD Canada Trust and Hearts for Healthcare teamed up make the donation possible through corporate sponsorship and this year’s Hearts for Healthcare Wellness Raffle. The new equipment is being used daily to help with a variety of clients […]

Alberta Health Services (AHS) has expanded options to access addiction and mental health supports in the community with new weekly walk-in clinics, in addition to existing weekday services available through appointment.  “Improving access to addiction and mental health treatment services is key to a recovery-oriented system of care,” said Health Minister Jason Copping in a […]

In response to unique challenges presented to Ukrainian refugees arriving in Cold Lake, city council has taken steps to provide additional support to the new residents. “The Ukrainian families who have moved here have already gone through an enormous amount of strain, both physically and emotionally.” Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland said. “This new policy […]

A utilities project completed nearly two years ago is paying dividends for Cold Lake residents, helping catch water leaks and reducing the need for estimated bills. Over the course of a five-year period, from 2016 to early 2021, the city worked to install wireless communication meters on all existing residential and commercial properties in Cold […]

Cold Lake City council voted to extend the reach of its Community Event Incentive Grants to include events located in Ward 5 and Ward 6 of the Municipal District of Bonnyville. The Community Event Incentive Grant is one of nine grant streams established by the City of Cold Lake’s Community Recreation, Art, Culture and Heritage Investment […]

Squadrons from 4 Wing Cold Lake are conducting night flying training over the City of Cold Lake from Oct. 17 to 21, and Oct. 24 to 28. “4 Wing is always mindful of the Lakeland community and this type of training is not intended to disrupt your valuable peace and quiet,” said an Oct. 1 […]

In early November, 4 Wing Cold Lake will be starting phase one of a multi-phase project to replace the existing heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) systems throughout the Col. J.J. Parr Sports Centre. This project, inclusive of all phases, is expected to take up to 12 months to complete and will result in an […]

Cold Lake Council is considering potential updates to a policy that would govern parades, parade floats and set boundaries on messaging and the content that can be displayed during these public events. Parades are currently governed under several policies requiring that a permit be obtained, a road closure be applied for, fire and police services […]

This September, it’s important we raise awareness about chronic pain, a critical health issue that can be physically and emotionally debilitating. Estimates show one quarter of Canadians 15 years of age or older live with chronic pain. Given its prevalence, it is important to raise awareness about chronic pain and also increase access to treatments […]

Cold Lake City Council decided not to proceed with lowering the speed limit on residential roadways from 50 km/h. The decision came about after council was presented a report from the community engagement process that saw feedback from 900 residents living in and around the municipality. About 94 per cent of respondents were City of […]

Roger Bilodeau, a man convicted of two counts of manslaughter in relation to the deaths of two Métis-Cree hunters, is appealing his 10-year sentencing. Bilodeau was sentenced in late August. The appeal states the judge made errors in instructing the jury on the rules of law. He was convicted of two counts of manslaughter while his son, […]

Tragically, on March 14th, 2020, Kokum’s House Men’s home was burned down. The staff of the Cold Lake Native Friendship Centre were shocked and grieved by the loss of one of the residents and the house and all its contents. ​Kokum’s House was opened July 1, 2015 and was meant for the temporary stay for […]

The City of Cold Lake was able to modernize its backup transit fleet after two buses similar to Cold Lake Transit’s newest models came up for auction. After city staff determined that the buses were in working condition and could be integrated in the fleet, a budget was allocated for the auction. The city was […]

The City of Cold Lake’s 2022 Santa Claus Parade will be the first to take place under a new policy aimed at governing the content of parades to ensure that messaging is family-friendly and consistent with the event being celebrated. “We had bylaws that required the parade route to be well-established in advance, and that […]

RCMP are looking for information about a residential fire that occurred in Bonnyville on Nov. 10 on 51 Street. There were no injuries as a result of this fire. However, the investigation continues, because, it is believed the fire was intentionally set.   Bonnyville RCMP are looking for witnesses or anyone who may have information […]

Cold Lake RCMP received a report of a catalytic converter theft from a local business located south on Highway 28, which occurred on Oct. 31, 2022. Upon further investigation, the CCTV footage showed two suspects walk to the back of the building and target a business vehicle, where they cut and removed the catalytic converter. The male who cuts and removes […]

Cold Lake RCMP are looking for a male suspect who used a rock to smash an ATM at the Royal Bank back on May 9. The 6’2 suspect entered the bank and became aggressive with employees after they asked for identification to assist with his transaction request. The suspect, who was wearing a blue Under […]

Unemployment in the census region covering Cold Lake dropped by to 5.7 per cent from 6.2 per cent last month, according to data from Statistics Canada released Friday. The local unemployment rate is only slightly above Alberta’s rate, which dropped to 5.2 per cent from 5.5 per cent. The same data showed local job losses […]