Cold Lake, Alberta

Last updated
Cold Lake
City
City of Cold Lake
Cold Lake featuring Kinosoo Beach.jpg
Kinosoo Beach
Cold Lake, AB Logo.svg
Logo
Alberta County Point Locator.svg
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Cold Lake
Canada location map 2.svg
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Cold Lake
0036 Municipal District Of Bonnyville No 87, Alberta, Detailed.svg
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Cold Lake
Coordinates: 54°27′N110°10′W / 54.450°N 110.167°W / 54.450; -110.167
CountryCanada
Province Alberta
Region Northern Alberta
Planning region Lower Athabasca
Municipal district Municipal District of Bonnyville No. 87
Incorporated [1]  
 •  Village December 31, 1953
 •  Town July 2, 1955
 •  City October 1, 2000
Amalgamated [1] October 1, 1996
Government
[2]
 • MayorCraig Copeland
 • Governing body
Cold Lake City Council
  • Bob Buckle
  • Jurgen Grau
  • Duane Lay
  • Victoria Lefebvre
  • Kirk Soroka
  • Chris Vining
 • CAOKevin Nagoya
 •  MP Laila Goodridge
 •  MLA Scott Cyr
Area
 (2021) [3]
 • Land66.61 km2 (25.72 sq mi)
Elevation
[4]
540 m (1,770 ft)
Population
 (2021) [3]
 • Total
15,661
 • Density235.1/km2 (609/sq mi)
 •  Municipal census (2022)
16,302 [5]
Time zone UTC−07:00 (MST)
 • Summer (DST) UTC−06:00 (MDT)
Postal code span
T9M
Area code(s) 780, 587, 825, 368
Highways Highway 28
Highway 55
Waterways Beaver River
Cold Lake
Website coldlake.com

Cold Lake is a city in east-northern Alberta, Canada and is named after the lake nearby. Canadian Forces Base Cold Lake (CFB Cold Lake) is situated within the city's outer limits.

Contents

History

Cold Lake was first recorded on a 1790 map, by the name of Coldwater Lake. [6] Originally three communities, Cold Lake was formed by merging the Town of Grand Centre, the Town of Cold Lake, and Medley (CFB Cold Lake) on October 1, 1996. Grand Centre was renamed Cold Lake South, and the original Cold Lake is known as Cold Lake North. Because of its origins, the area is also known as the Tri-Town.

Fossil record

Cold Lake preserves an extensive fossil and subfossil record from the Pleistocene after the Last Glacial Maximum to the Late Holocene. By the Middle Holocene, the mammalian biota in the region was essentially modern. [7]

Geography

The city is situated in Alberta's "Lakeland" district, 300 km (190 mi) northeast of Edmonton, near the Alberta-Saskatchewan provincial border. The area surrounding the city is sparsely populated, and consists mostly of farmland.

Climate

Cold Lake's climate is humid continental (Köppen climate classification Dfb). Summers are generally warm with cool nights, and winters are very cold with moderate snowfall.

Climate data for Cold Lake Regional Airport, Alberta (1991–2020 normals, extremes 1952–present)
MonthJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecYear
Record high humidex 10.612.117.128.733.838.043.239.032.827.718.310.043.2
Record high °C (°F)10.6
(51.1)		14.1
(57.4)		17.9
(64.2)		29.4
(84.9)		32.5
(90.5)		36.3
(97.3)		36.1
(97.0)		36.1
(97.0)		32.8
(91.0)		27.4
(81.3)		18.9
(66.0)		10.1
(50.2)		36.3
(97.3)
Mean daily maximum °C (°F)−9.9
(14.2)		−6.3
(20.7)		0.5
(32.9)		9.4
(48.9)		17.1
(62.8)		21.0
(69.8)		23.6
(74.5)		22.5
(72.5)		16.9
(62.4)		8.4
(47.1)		−1.9
(28.6)		−8.7
(16.3)		7.7
(45.9)
Daily mean °C (°F)−14.8
(5.4)		−11.8
(10.8)		−5.1
(22.8)		3.6
(38.5)		10.6
(51.1)		15.1
(59.2)		17.7
(63.9)		16.4
(61.5)		10.9
(51.6)		3.6
(38.5)		−5.9
(21.4)		−13.1
(8.4)		2.3
(36.1)
Mean daily minimum °C (°F)−19.6
(−3.3)		−17.3
(0.9)		−10.7
(12.7)		−2.2
(28.0)		4.1
(39.4)		9.2
(48.6)		11.8
(53.2)		10.3
(50.5)		4.9
(40.8)		−1.3
(29.7)		−9.8
(14.4)		−17.4
(0.7)		−3.2
(26.2)
Record low °C (°F)−48.3
(−54.9)		−42.8
(−45.0)		−41.1
(−42.0)		−34.4
(−29.9)		−9.9
(14.2)		−3.3
(26.1)		0.0
(32.0)		−1.5
(29.3)		−9.4
(15.1)		−23.5
(−10.3)		−36.7
(−34.1)		−44.4
(−47.9)		−48.3
(−54.9)
Record low wind chill −53.3−55.4−49.3−37.2−14.7−6.70.0−6.0−14.9−29.0−48.5−52.6−55.4
Average precipitation mm (inches)17.4
(0.69)		12.6
(0.50)		17.8
(0.70)		33.9
(1.33)		39.9
(1.57)		85.5
(3.37)		79.4
(3.13)		52.3
(2.06)		38.8
(1.53)		23.7
(0.93)		19.2
(0.76)		16.0
(0.63)		436.5
(17.2)
Average rainfall mm (inches)0.7
(0.03)		0.2
(0.01)		2.6
(0.10)		20.1
(0.79)		38.1
(1.50)		85.4
(3.36)		79.4
(3.13)		52.1
(2.05)		38.6
(1.52)		15.1
(0.59)		1.6
(0.06)		0.4
(0.02)		334.3
(13.16)
Average snowfall cm (inches)23.4
(9.2)		16.5
(6.5)		18.0
(7.1)		14.3
(5.6)		2.0
(0.8)		0.1
(0.0)		0.0
(0.0)		0.1
(0.0)		0.3
(0.1)		7.8
(3.1)		22.6
(8.9)		21.9
(8.6)		127
(49.9)
Average precipitation days (≥ 0.2 mm)10.57.67.68.19.413.214.011.910.19.09.19.7120.2
Average rainy days (≥ 0.2 mm)0.90.231.45.29.013.214.011.910.06.21.30.4773.8
Average snowy days (≥ 0.2 cm)10.78.56.94.40.80.030.00.030.234.28.910.555.19
Average relative humidity (%)69.862.053.845.740.449.551.650.751.155.969.873.456.1
Mean monthly sunshine hours 87.1118.2172.3221.6260.0265.2283.0279.9176.9140.982.268.32,155.5
Percent possible sunshine 35.443.147.052.652.351.654.960.646.243.132.129.745.7
Source: Environment Canada [8] [9]

Demographics

Federal census
population history
(post-amalgamation)
YearPop.±%
1996 11,791—    
2001 11,520−2.3%
2006 11,991+4.1%
2011 13,839+15.4%
2016 14,961+8.1%
Source: Statistics Canada
[10] [11] [12] [13]
Note: The 1996 population is the adjusted population of the amalgamated City of Cold Lake formed on October 1, 1996.
Federal census
population history
(pre-amalgamation)
YearPop.±%
1941 302—    
1951 414+37.1%
1956 1,097+165.0%
1961 1,307+19.1%
1966 1,289−1.4%
1971 1,309+1.6%
1976 1,317+0.6%
1981 2,110+60.2%
1986 3,195+51.4%
1991 3,878+21.4%
1996 4,089+5.4%
2001 4,676+14.4%
2006 5,560+18.9%
2011 6,455+16.1%
2016 7,121+10.3%
Source: Statistics Canada
[14] [15] [16] [17] [18] [19] [20] [21] [22] [23] [24] [25]
Note: The 2001 population is of the former Town of Cold Lake that amalgamated with the Town of Grand Centre and Medley (CFB 4 Wing) on October 1, 1996.

The population of the City of Cold Lake according to its 2022 municipal census is 16,302, [5] a change of

In the 2021 Census of Population conducted by Statistics Canada, the City of Cold Lake had a population of 15,661 living in 6,114 of its 6,767 total private dwellings, a change of

In the Canada 2016 census conducted by Statistics Canada, the City of Cold Lake had a population of 14,961 living in 5,597 of its 6,657 total private dwellings, a change of

About 8.7% of residents identified themselves as aboriginal at the time of the 2006 census. [27]

Almost 89% of residents identified English and more than 7% identified French as their first language. Almost 1% identified German, 0.5% identified Chinese, 0.4% each identified Dutch and Ukrainian, and 0.3% each identified Cree and Arabic as their first language learned. [28]

About 82 percent of residents identified as Christian at the time of the 2001 census, while more than 17 percent indicated they had no religious affiliation. For specific denominations Statistics Canada found that 40% of residents identified as Roman Catholic, 14% identified with the United Church of Canada, 5.5% identified as Anglican, 3% as Baptist, 2.5% as Lutheran, and 2% as Pentecostal. [29]

Economy

The city's economy is inextricably linked to military spending at CFB Cold Lake. The region also supports oil and gas exploration and production. The Athabasca Oil Sands project in Fort McMurray is having a growing influence in the region as well. The Cold Lake oil sands may become a significant contributor to the local economy.

A job market analysis from December 2024 to January 2025 showed that the Oil & Gas sector accounted for 33% of job postings in the region, with administrative roles and skilled trades also in high demand. [30]

Every year Cold Lake hosts military forces from around the world for Exercise Maple Flag, a training exercise where pilots and support staff of NATO allies can take advantage of the Air Weapons Range and relatively open rural air space. Running from 4 to 6 weeks and starting in May of each year, commercial accommodations in the entire region are left with little to no vacancy. This annual exercise contributes a substantial amount of capital into these industries and other hospitality-related businesses.

Cold Lake is the home of Marvel comic book character Wolverine. [31]

Sports

Cold Lake Curling Club School, 1955 Cold Lake Curling Club School, Alberta.jpg
Cold Lake Curling Club School, 1955

Cold Lake has a variety of sports, including:

Government

Mayors:

The last local election was held in October 2021. As of 2021, the councillors of Cold Lake are Bob Mattice, Chris Vining, Vicky Lefebvre, Adele Richardson, Ryan Bailey, and Bill Parker.

At the provincial level, the city is in the district of Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul. Its current representative is Scott Cyr, from the United Conservative Party.

At the federal level, the city is in the district of Fort McMurray—Cold Lake. Its current representative is Laila Goodridge, from the Conservative Party of Canada.

Education

Portage College operates a campus at Cold Lake. Program offerings include academic upgrading, accounting, community social works, nursing, power engineering and university studies among others. [38]

Lakeland Catholic School District No. 150 and Northern Lights School Division No. 69 operate public schools within Cold Lake. [39] [40] Cold Lake also hosts a Francophone school named École Voyageur that offers French programming for kindergarten through grade 12,[ citation needed ] as well as the Cold Lake Cadet Summer Training Centre.

Lakeland Catholic School District No. 150
Northern Lights School Division No. 69

Recreation

Cold Lake is situated near many campgrounds due to its proximity to the lake. The M.D. campground has powered sites, shower facilities with flush toilets, and a covered camp picnic area. The Cold Lake Provincial Park has many sites, and is more secluded than the M.D. site (which is surrounded by development). The Provincial campground boasts a wilderness trail system, a beach, boat launch and a powered section. Nearby Meadow Lake Provincial Park to the east, across the border in Saskatchewan, has facilities similar to Cold Lake Provincial Park.

Kinosoo Beach in Cold Lake, Alberta Cold Lake featuring Kinosoo Beach.jpg
Kinosoo Beach in Cold Lake, Alberta

Kinosoo Beach is a favorite destination during the hot summer months between June and August.

The Iron Horse Trail, a recreational trail situated on a former railway line (see rail trail) has its easternmost terminus in Cold Lake.

Recreational pastimes include, among others:

Museums

Air Force Museum

Height Finder Radar on Display in the 42 Radar Squadron exhibit CLAFM HFR.JPG
Height Finder Radar on Display in the 42 Radar Squadron exhibit

The Air Force Museum preserves and exhibits the history of CFB Cold Lake and of 42 Radar Squadron. 42 Radar was on this site from 1954 to 1992, so Cold War era technology is mostly on display in their exhibit. An example of this is the General Electric Height Finder Radar on display.

The Museum has much 4 Wing history on display. The current 4 Wing standing squadrons such as 409 Squadron, 410 Squadron, 419 Squadron, 1 Air Maintenance Squadron, Aerospace Engineering Test Establishment and others are displayed in the Museum. There are a few exhibits of purely historic nature, such as displays on 441 and 416, Squadrons which stood down in 2006 to be amalgamated into 409 Squadron.

The Museum also has four aircraft on display outside, including the CF-5 Freedom Fighter, CT-133 Silver Star, the CT-114 Tutor and the CT-134 Musketeer. The newest addition to the air park is a CF-188 Decoy. [55]

Oil and Gas Museum

This exhibit was designed, researched and constructed by Grand Centre High School students. This museum explains the history of Oil and gas in the Cold Lake area from Paleolithic times to the present.

Heritage Museum

The Heritage Museum exhibits a time line of life in Cold Lake, both domestic and commercial. The museum also boasts some impressive murals.

Aboriginal Museum

The Aboriginal Museum displays the history of the Dene, Cree and Metis peoples in time lines, maps, crafts and cultural displays. There are also bears on display.

Notable people

See also

References

  1. 1 2 "Location and History Profile: City of Cold Lake" (PDF). Alberta Municipal Affairs. June 17, 2016. p. 36. Retrieved June 18, 2016.
  2. ↑ "Municipal Officials Search". Alberta Municipal Affairs. May 9, 2019. Retrieved October 1, 2021.
  3. 1 2 3 "Population and dwelling counts: Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities)". Statistics Canada. February 9, 2022. Retrieved February 9, 2022.
  4. ↑ "Alberta Private Sewage Systems 2009 Standard of Practice Handbook: Appendix A.3 Alberta Design Data (A.3.A. Alberta Climate Design Data by Town)" (PDF) (PDF). Safety Codes Council. January 2012. pp. 212–215 (PDF pages 226–229). Archived from the original (PDF) on October 16, 2013. Retrieved October 8, 2013.
  5. 1 2 "City of Cold Lake Municipal Census 2022 Report" (PDF). City of Cold Lake. Archived from the original (PDF) on September 15, 2022. Retrieved September 15, 2022.
  6. ↑ Sanders, Harry (2003). The Story Behind Alberta Names How Cities, Towns, Villages and Hamlets Got their Names. Red Deer Press. p. 92. ISBN   978-0-88995-256-0.
  7. ↑ Jass, Christopher N.; Caldwell, Devyn; Barrón-Ortiz, Christina I.; Beaudoin, Alwynne B.; Brink, Jack; Sawchuk, Matthew (29 November 2017). "Underwater faunal assemblages: radiocarbon dates and late Quaternary vertebrates from Cold Lake, Alberta and Saskatchewan, Canada". Canadian Journal of Earth Sciences. 55 (3): 283–294. doi:10.1139/cjes-2017-0131. hdl: 1807/82470 . ISSN   0008-4077 . Retrieved 13 August 2024– via Canadian Science Publishing.
  8. ↑ "Canadian Climate Normals 1991–2020". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  9. ↑ "Canadian Climate Normals 1981–2010". Environment and Climate Change Canada. Retrieved November 20, 2023.
  10. ↑ "Population and Dwelling Counts, for Canada, Provinces and Territories, and Census Divisions, 2001 and 1996 Censuses - 100% Data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada . Retrieved 2012-04-02.
  11. ↑ "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2006 and 2001 censuses - 100% data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. 2010-01-06. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
  12. ↑ "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2011 and 2006 censuses". Statistics Canada. 2012-02-08. Retrieved 2012-02-08.
  13. 1 2 "Population and dwelling counts, for Canada, provinces and territories, and census subdivisions (municipalities), 2016 and 2011 censuses – 100% data (Alberta)". Statistics Canada. February 8, 2017. Retrieved February 8, 2017.
  14. ↑ Ninth Census of Canada, 1951. Vol. SP-7, Population: Unincorporated villages and hamlets. Dominion Bureau of Statistics. pp. 55–57.
  15. ↑ "Table 6: Population by sex, for census subdivisions, 1956 and 1951". Census of Canada, 1956. Vol. Population, Counties and Subdivisions. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1957. p. 6.50–6.53.
  16. ↑ "Table 6: Population by census subdivisions, 1901–1961". 1961 Census of Canada. Series 1.1: Historical, 1901–1961. Vol. I: Population. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1963. p. 6.77-6.83.
  17. ↑ "Population by specified age groups and sex, for census subdivisions, 1966". Census of Canada, 1966. Vol. Population, Specified Age Groups and Sex for Counties and Census Subdivisions, 1966. Ottawa: Dominion Bureau of Statistics. 1968. p. 6.50–6.53.
  18. ↑ "Table 2: Population of Census Subdivisions, 1921–1971". 1971 Census of Canada. Vol. I: Population, Census Subdivisions (Historical). Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1973. p. 2.102-2.111.
  19. ↑ "Table 3: Population for census divisions and subdivisions, 1971 and 1976". 1976 Census of Canada. Census Divisions and Subdivisions, Western Provinces and the Territories. Vol. I: Population, Geographic Distributions. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1977. p. 3.40–3.43.
  20. ↑ "Table 4: Population and Total Occupied Dwellings, for Census Divisions and Subdivisions, 1976 and 1981". 1981 Census of Canada. Vol. II: Provincial series, Population, Geographic distributions (Alberta). Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1982. p. 4.1–4.10. ISBN   0-660-51095-2.
  21. ↑ "Table 2: Census Divisions and Subdivisions – Population and Occupied Private Dwellings, 1981 and 1986". Census Canada 1986. Vol. Population and Dwelling Counts – Provinces and Territories (Alberta). Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1987. p. 2.1–2.10. ISBN   0-660-53463-0.
  22. ↑ "Table 2: Population and Dwelling Counts, for Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions, 1986 and 1991 – 100% Data". 91 Census. Vol. Population and Dwelling Counts – Census Divisions and Census Subdivisions. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1992. pp. 100–108. ISBN   0-660-57115-3.
  23. ↑ "Table 10: Population and Dwelling Counts, for Census Divisions, Census Subdivisions (Municipalities) and Designated Places, 1991 and 1996 Censuses – 100% Data". 96 Census. Vol. A National Overview – Population and Dwelling Counts. Ottawa: Statistics Canada. 1997. pp. 136–146. ISBN   0-660-59283-5.
  24. ↑ "2001 Community Profiles – Cold Lake, Alberta (Town / Dissolved)". Statistics Canada. 2007-02-01. Retrieved 2012-04-02.
  25. ↑ "2017 Growth Study Addendum". City of Cold Lake. February 2018. p. 368. Retrieved October 21, 2018.[ permanent dead link ]
  26. ↑ "Census shows more than 9 per cent growth over two years". City of Cold Lake. July 9, 2014. Archived from the original on July 11, 2014. Retrieved July 9, 2014.
  27. ↑ "Cold Lake". Aboriginal Identity (8), Sex (3) and Age Groups (12) for the Population of Canada, Provinces, Territories, Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 2006 Census - 20% Sample Data. Statistics Canada. 2008-01-15. Archived from the original on 2008-06-12. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  28. ↑ "Cold Lake". Detailed Mother Tongue (186), Knowledge of Official Languages (5), Age Groups (17A) and Sex (3) for the Population of Canada, Provinces, Territories, Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 2001 and 2006 Censuses - 20% Sample Data. Statistics Canada. 2007-11-20. Archived from the original on 2008-06-12. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  29. ↑ "Cold Lake". Religion (95A), Age Groups (7A) and Sex (3) for Population, for Canada, Provinces, Territories, Census Metropolitan Areas and Census Agglomerations, 1991 and 2001 Censuses - 20% Sample Data. Statistics Canada. 2007-03-01. Archived from the original on 2008-06-12. Retrieved 2008-02-06.
  30. ↑ Cold Lake & Bonnyville Jobs: Job Market Trends & Opportunities in 2024-2025
  31. ↑ Brisebois, Dan (July 27, 2020). "Celebrating a super hero's roots". Cold Lake Sun. Postmedia Network. Archived from the original on July 31, 2020. Retrieved June 2, 2024.
  32. ↑ Lakeland Lacrosse Lakeland Lacrosse
  33. ↑ Jesse Nesvold (2017-02-25). "CLMSA". CLMSA. Retrieved 2017-04-30.
  34. ↑ "Cold Lake Figure Skating Club (CLFSC)". Cold Lake Figure Skating Club.
  35. 1 2 Kinosoo Ridge Snow Resort Archived 2007-09-29 at the Wayback Machine
  36. ↑ "Pirouette School of Dance". Pirouette School of Dance. Archived from the original on 2011-07-06. Retrieved 2010-10-06.
  37. ↑ "502 Bad Gateway". www.marlinsswim.com.
  38. ↑ "Cold Lake Campus". Portage College. Archived from the original on June 22, 2013. Retrieved July 2, 2014.
  39. ↑ "Lakeland Catholic Schools". Lakeland Catholic School District. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  40. ↑ "Welcome". Northern Lights School Division No. 69. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  41. ↑ "Holy Cross Elementary". Lakeland Catholic School District. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  42. ↑ "St. Dominic Elementary School". Lakeland Catholic School District. Archived from the original on 2012-09-15. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  43. ↑ "Assumption Jr/Sr High School". Lakeland Catholic School District. Archived from the original on 2012-09-15. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  44. ↑ "Cold Lake Elementary: Staff Directory". Northern Lights School Division No. 69. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  45. ↑ "Ecole North Star Elementary School: Programs". Northern Lights School Division No. 69. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  46. ↑ "Nelson Heights School: Programs". Northern Lights School Division No. 69. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  47. ↑ "Cold Lake Middle School: Programs". Northern Lights School Division No. 69. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  48. ↑ "Cold Lake High School: Programs". Northern Lights School Division No. 69. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  49. ↑ "Bridges Outreach School: Programs". Northern Lights School Division No. 69. Archived from the original on 2015-06-04. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  50. ↑ "Cold Lake Outreach School: Programs". Northern Lights School Division No. 69. Archived from the original on 2013-01-15. Retrieved 2012-08-29.
  51. ↑ "Home". Cold Lake Minor Hockey Association. Archived from the original on 2019-04-02. Retrieved 2019-04-01.
  52. ↑ "Lakeland Lacrosse Association : Website by RAMP InterActive". www.lakelandlacrosse.ca.
  53. ↑ "Cold Lake Sailing Club". Archived from the original on 2009-03-02. Retrieved 2010-01-20.
  54. ↑ "Lakeland Ladykillers Roller Derby League". Lakeland Ladykillers Roller Derby League.
  55. ↑ James Knaus Curator Cold Lake Air force Museum
  56. ↑ "René Richard: Cold Laker, Québécois, and the Tom Thomson of the North – Respect" . Retrieved 2023-03-22.
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