The city of Cold Lake has officially annexed two quarter sections of land from the Municipal District of Bonnyville, a move approved through an Order in Council and effective as of October 1.
The annexation was pursued to facilitate the development of a residential estate and the extension of municipal services such as water and sewer to the area.
The decision to annex the land was driven by the majority landowner’s desire to connect their proposed development to Cold Lake’s municipal infrastructure. Both the M.D. and the city agreed that the most efficient way to provide these services was to bring the land within the city’s corporate limits.
“This annexation allows for a new development to come online and for city services to be extended to the development efficiently and effectively,” stated Mayor Craig Copeland. “The M.D. of Bonnyville and the city of Cold Lake had a hard look at the situation and what the future is going to bring, and together we made a decision that’s best for the entire region.”
The annexed lands are located on the northern edge of the city, bordered by Cold Lake First Nations to the west and Horseshoe Bay Estates to the east. Affected landowners in the annexation area will benefit from being taxed at the lower of the tax rates between the city of Cold Lake and the M.D. of Bonnyville for the next 50 years, unless the land is subdivided, redesignated, or connected to city services, in which case it will be taxes at Cold Lake’s rates.
M.D. of Bonnyville Reeve Barry Kalinski supported the decision, stating, “The M.D. always appreciates the opportunity to collaborate with our neighbours. As the area continues to grow, residential areas with city services will be desirable for people looking to move here. This annexation supports the future growth and economic diversity for the region identified in the M.D.’s Strategic Plan.”
For the 2024 tax year, the M.D. will assess the subject lands and collect taxes, with 25 percent of those taxes transferred to the city of Cold Lake. Starting in 2025, the city will fully assume tax collection responsibilities for the annexed lands.
In the coming weeks, the city of Cold Lake will reach out to landowners in the annexed area to provide information regarding the transition. More details on the annexation can be found on the city’s website.
