COLD LAKE – Bonnyville–Cold Lake–St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr fielded a wide range of questions during a July 16 townhall held at the Cold Lake Seniors Society. The event drew residents, health professionals, and city councillors who were eager to discuss urgent concerns, from highway upgrades to the state of rural health care.
“This kind of meeting is my way of being able to connect with people,” Cyr told attendees at the start, setting the tone for a two-hour conversation.
Among the key highlights was the announcement of a new Urgent Care Centre coming to Cold Lake, something Cyr called “a huge win” that will help “to take pressure off our emergency room” by shifting non-emergency cases elsewhere.
He explained that local physicians played a vital role in identifying systemic barriers like childcare and housing, which are impacting rural doctor retention.
He also pointed to the upcoming opening of the Stepping Stone Women’s Shelter, saying, “We’ve got some traumas in the region, and I really want to make sure women have a place to go.”
Councillors and residents raised concerns over Highway 28, and Cyr acknowledged the pressure, saying, “Bonnyville’s Main Street is being done . . . We're looking at actual construction by the fall.”
He added that passing lanes between Bonnyville and Smoky Lake are also moving forward.
The meeting turned toward health care, where several attendees expressed frustration with long wait times, lack of walk-in options, and the centralized control of Alberta Health Services (AHS). Cyr said the province is now working to return more decision-making power to local hospitals, stating, “When we lost the ability to make decisions here locally, that is a real impact.”
Other topics
A major point of discussion was Bill 22, a policy affecting Crown grazing leases. Cyr admitted it wasn’t handled properly.
“We don’t always get it right, and we need to do a better job of consulting.” He said the bill has since been paused after significant pushback from ranchers.
Accessibility issues were also top of mind for local residents. A resident asked for better access to dental care for adults with disabilities. Cyr acknowledged the concerns, saying, “The billings aren’t high enough for those AISH recipients . . . which is very problematic.”
Former pharmacist and current City councillor Bob Mattice raised concerns about COVID-19 vaccines no longer being available at local pharmacies, which Cyr said he would take back to the legislature.
“Anything that takes pressure off of our front lines is a win for Albertans.”
Questions were also asked about the province’s decentralization plan, which could move government services out of Edmonton. Cyr tempered expectations, saying, “I’m not sure we’re ever going to get a full ministry here . . . But there are a lot of services that can be offered outside of Edmonton.”
Safety, housing and utilities
Community safety was a key topic, with one resident expressing frustration.
“I live 10 minutes out of town. Constant break-ins, people driving up our driveway. The RCMP is not working fine,” stated the resident. In response, Cyr shifted blame from the police to the justice system, saying, “Our RCMP are arresting people. Our courts are letting them go. It’s likely six people doing 80 per cent of the crime. If we put those six people behind bars, we solve most of our problems.”
Housing affordability for seniors also sparked strong concerns. One resident pointed out the rising rent at Points West Living, saying, “That letter from AHS saying rent could go to $2,900 contradicts legislation. The consumer Price Index (CPI) this year is only 2.8 per cent. One senior is paying $2,660, she only receives $2,600 a month. How do seniors manage?”
Cyr responded, stating, “Send something to my office, and I’ll have our administrator look into it.” He emphasized that local input is essential to improving health care and housing decisions.
Utility costs raised concerns about rural fairness. City of Cold Lake councillour Vicky Lefebvre asked, “We pay way more out here. What can the government do to make this fair?”
Cyr acknowledged the issue, saying, “We’re getting twice the utility bills of Edmonton. Transmission fees are pooled, but distribution fees are regional. I want to see distribution fees pooled province-wide.”
Concerns about a rising homeless population were also raised by several residents. Cyr noted that Cold Lake and St. Paul are “hot spots,” regarding homelessness.
He highlighted mobile navigation centers and recovery models from Edmonton and Calgary as potential solutions. Cyr also mentioned a new facility coming to the region.
“Métis Crossing (Healing Waters Recovery Community near Métis Crossing) is the closest recovery center coming up. What we need to do is put people through recovery, not ignore them.”
The town hall ended with Cyr urging residents to stay engaged, send concerns to his office, and participate in Alberta’s evolving future.
