COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake council addressed a proposal to close the Gateway RV Park, located at the Information Centre, permanently. The Corporate Priorities Committee recommended suspending the park's use and direct administration to explore options for a new location in the future.
In a regular council meeting held on Feb 27, CAO Kevin Nagoya highlighted the transformation of the Gateway RV Park over the years and the challenges faced, particularly in terms of revenue. He indicated that a master plan for an alternative location had been developed, aligning with the committee's recommendations.
“I think it's come a long way since how it was originally being utilized,” said Nagoya.
A master plan for an alternative location for the RV park was presented to council, based on the conversation and recommendation by the Corporate Priorities Committee.
The committee's recommendation was clear, as Nagoya outlined, "It was to recommend the suspending and the use of the Gateway RV Park and direct administration to bring forth some options for the future RV park.”
Coun. Chris Vining raised questions about the timing of the closure, asking if it could be kept open until after the air show being held in July.
“I don't think it - in terms of the air show - would make any difference in that regard. There are a lot of campgrounds within the region that are a lot nicer than there. We're only really seeing one or two users that are utilizing that location in the summer," Nagoya said.
The CAO added that other locations within the city, such as Imperial Park, were more in demand for various events in past summers. He emphasized the lack of revenue at Gateway RV Park and the shifting preferences of users, with more significant pressure now being relieved by the expansion of the Cold Lake MD Park.
“There is a lot of asks for other locations within the city, including Imperial Park, because you do have a lot of tournaments in the summer, including baseball, softball, and a lot of times on parking, and lacrosse tournaments and stuff like that, they're utilizing the Energy Centre parking lot under the approval of the bylaw,” Nagoya explained.
Mayor Craig Copeland inquired about the infrastructure at the current location, specifically regarding water and sewer services.
“There will be a contract to take out the water and sewer, are you just going to let it sit for now?” asked Copeland, to which Nagoya replied, “We'll probably just let it sit for right now.”
The decision to close the Gateway RV Park was approved, but the topic will be brought back to a future Corporate Priorities Committee meeting for discussion.
