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COLD LAKE - In a move that revs up Cold Lake’s role on the national motorsport stage, City council approved a motion that will allow temporary camping on City-owned land for the Canadian Triple Crown Series Motocross Event, taking place from June 6 to 9.
“This is going to be a huge, national-sized and televised event,” said Mayor Craig Copeland. “We’re expecting to see racers, teams, and spectators from across North America coming to our community.”
During the May 13 regular council meeting, administration presented the Cold Lake Motocross Association’s request to use land at 6901-16 Street (Motocross Grounds) and 3900-69 Avenue (Public Works Operations Centre area) to support overflow parking, RV and tent camping, and race truck staging.
“Administration is bringing forward a request from the Cold Lake Motocross Association for temporary use of City-owned land adjacent to the Mason Watt Memorial Raceway to support the Canadian Triple Crown Series,” said Paul McWilliams, General Manager of Community Services.
“This is a national level televised event and is first for Cold Lake and is expected to draw approximately 2,000 attendees,” he explained.
McWilliams said the association requested use of additional land to help accommodate the crowd.
“To accommodate the additional demand, the association is seeking the use of the land west of the track near the future public works site for overflow parking of approximately 100 vehicles, RV parking or camping for 50 units, and staging for race transport trucks.”
The association has pledged to protect the site and work closely with city administration to prevent disruptions. They’ve also submitted a detailed plan addressing safety, traffic, crowd control, and insurance, highlighting the event’s strong tourism and economic benefits.
Council unanimously approved the request, under a list of conditions. No power, water, or sewer services will be provided on site. Camping is only permitted outside construction zones, and dumping of grey water or sewage is restricted to licensed facilities. A $1,000 damage deposit will also be collected and returned following inspection.
Coun. Bill Parker asked if dust control could be implemented ahead of the event to minimize impact on nearby residents.
CAO Kevin Nagoya said contracts for dust control were already signed, but added, “We’ll do our best to be able to try to coordinate, or it might rain, which will help everything.”
Copeland spoke in favour of the event being held in Cold Lake, saying, “This helps solidify Cold Lake as a great place to host these large-scale events. It’s a huge boon to our economy and tourism exposure. I hope our community will take advantage of having this calibre of event right here in our back yard and come out in support.”
