COLD LAKE - The City of Cold Lake is embracing a fresh new look along Highway 28, with the installation of decorative sails, designed to reflect the spirit of the community.
The sails, which have been a distinctive feature for years to both residents and visitors, have undergone what was described as a much-needed update to showcase the city's unique character and identity.
Megan Beaudoin, communications coordinator for the City of Cold Lake, explained the reason behind the upgrade.
“The previous sails were up for six years, and in that time, the print work was weathered and faded. The weather had done enough damage that they were starting to tear. We wanted to replace them before they started to shred apart completely.”
The new sails feature various themes representing the different aspects of Cold Lake.
“We wanted to touch on all different aspects that make up Cold Lake and our community. Our staff designer worked diligently to bring together industry, recreation, and culture to the design,” Beaudoin said.
The installation of the second sail is expected to happen soon, though the weather has caused some delays.
"It should be installed very soon. Unfortunately, the weather has put things a bit behind schedule. The opposing sail is a coordinating but unique design,” she explained. “There are four large sails and four small sails, so people travelling the highway will have a different view entering and leaving Cold Lake.”
Andrew Serba, manager of strategic initiatives for the City of Cold Lake, further explained how the sails were made.
“Each sail is two-sided – so two separate sails are made and then stitched together back-to-back. So, from a production standpoint, four large sails are made, then sewn together to make two double-sided sails, and four small sails are made, then stitched together as well. The production company cannot print on both sides of the same piece of material, and doubling up in this way also provides a more robust product that will stand up for much longer.”
Serba further explains “These are decorative, and we don't want them to act like real sails and catch too much wind – that will reduce their lifespan. Stitching the two ‘sails’ together also allows the outer edge where they are attached to the poles to be reinforced with the same material that seatbelts are made of.”
Beaudoin said the production and installation costs for the new sails ranged from $20,000 to $25,000.
