COLD LAKE - A reimagined vision for Veterans Memorial Park took centre stage at the City of Cold Lake’s May 20 Corporate Priorities Committee meeting, with a refined redevelopment concept designed to honour veterans, while also transforming the space into a welcoming and functional hub for public events.
The idea to revitalize the park was first introduced at the Jan. 28 council meeting, when two students from Assumption Junior/Senior High School (AJSH) presented a proposal to enhance the site in recognition of the community’s strong military heritage. Their initiative laid the foundation for what is now evolving into a City-led project focused on remembrance, reflection, and public engagement.
The park redesign, now approaching its final stages, was outlined by Engineering Manager of Infrastructure Services Rezaur Bhuiyan, who affirmed the park’s core purpose is to recognize and honour veterans.
Bhuiyan added that the concept also aims to encourage community engagement, promote environmental and visual harmony, and reinforce a sense of regional identity.
“So now we'll see how those objectives are served through different architectural concepts.”
The design, created by George Harris Collaborative and developed with input from the Legion, includes dynamic LED lighting, granite pavers, shaded tree areas, granite and concrete benches, a symbolic circular walkway surrounding the cenotaph, and a mix of Kentucky Bluegrass and fescue grasses.
Bhuiyan guided council through the conceptual landscape plan, noting that while the renderings provide a complete visual overview, the final result may differ slightly.
Deputy Mayor Vicky Lefebvre praised the concept’s visual appeal and functionality.
”The design looks really good and it would be nice if there's room for people to sit around there when they do have their different events that happen . . . I think it's good and it will be able to have a lot of people there.”
However, she questioned the cost-effectiveness of using granite.
Coun. Ryan Bailey also suggested an idea, asking if the cenotaph could function as a sundial.
General Manager of Infrastructure Services Azam Khan acknowledged the idea's creativity but noted that while the sundial concept could be explored, the current design did not account for sun angles.
Coun. Bill Parker questioned whether the park could accommodate the crowds that typical of events like the Battle of Britain ceremony attract.
Bhuiyan reassured council that the Legion had been consulted multiple times, but added, “We can go back and discuss with them. But it's our understanding the main street got blocked off to do that.”
The crosswalk design component, still in development, remains under review and is expected to be presented to council soon.
The preliminary cost estimate for the project stands at $473,454.
The presentation was accepted for information, with final input from the Legion and potential design adjustments still to come. The City aims to finalize a plan that both honours veterans and enhances the public space.
