“`html
Cold Lake Council Delays Vote on Veterans Memorial Signage Project Amid Cost Concerns
Table of Contents
- Cold Lake Council Delays Vote on Veterans Memorial Signage Project Amid Cost Concerns
Cold Lake City council has postponed a decision on a proposed Veterans Memorial signage project, initiated by students from Assumption Junior/Senior High School, until September, citing concerns over cost, sustainability, and long-term maintenance commitments. The decision was made during the June 24 regular meeting, as council members sought more information and clarity on the project’s financial implications and upkeep [[3]].
Student-Led Initiative Faces Hurdles
The project, initially presented to the council on January 28 by students Maya Asnong and Sydney Jorgensen, envisions installing a hardwood sign with stainless steel QR code plaques at Cenotaph Park. These QR codes would provide access to biographies of Canadian veterans, researched and written by the students, hosted on a city webpage [[3]].
CAO Kevin Nagoya reminded the council that the request originated from Assumption School and Senior High School, seeking a memorial wall with QR codes providing historical information on community veterans [[3]].
Did You know? Cenotaph Park, the proposed location for the memorial, is a place of remembrance, often hosting ceremonies on Remembrance Day and other meaningful occasions.
Financial Implications and Sustainability Concerns
While acknowledging the project’s symbolic value, Nagoya pointed out that the school division lacks the budget for the project, requesting the City of Cold Lake to fund the improvements [[3]]. The city has already completed a conceptual design for Veterans Memorial Park, and the addition of this project raises concerns about cost, design continuity, and long-term upkeep.
The estimated cost could reach approximately $250,000, according to Nagoya, with even a simple sign stand costing around $40,000 [[3]]. councillor Ryan Bailey voiced concerns about the project’s sustainability, emphasizing the need for a long-term commitment to maintain it.
Pro Tip: When planning public projects, consider establishing a dedicated maintenance fund or endowment to ensure long-term upkeep and sustainability.
Councillor Chris Vining questioned the long-term commitment from the school or division, given that the project was initiated by a specific group of students [[3]]. Councillor Vicky lefebvre praised the students’ initiative but suggested that the presentation needed more consideration regarding costs.
Next Steps and Future Deliberations
The council has agreed to further review the project and consult with the school division and the Cold Lake Legion before making a final decision [[3]]. Mayor Craig Copeland suggested revisiting the matter in September,with discussions planned with the school and the Legion to gauge their involvement.
The council voted to postpone the student-led veterans memorial project to the Sept. 16 Corporate priorities Committee meeting. A license agreement with the school division will be explored to clarify roles for maintaining the project. Though students hoped for completion by graduation, the project will now be considered during the 2026 budget deliberations [[3]].
Projected Timeline
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| January 28 | project presented to council by students. |
| June 24 | Council votes to postpone decision. |
| September 16 | Project to be reconsidered at Corporate priorities Committee meeting. |
| 2026 | project to be considered during budget deliberations. |
Honoring Veterans: A Community’s Commitment
Memorials serve as enduring symbols of remembrance,offering communities a tangible way to honor the service and sacrifice of veterans. The Cold Lake Veterans Memorial project reflects a growing trend of incorporating technology, such as QR codes, to provide accessible and engaging historical information. As communities evolve, so too do the methods of commemorating those who have served, balancing traditional reverence with modern innovation.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Cold Lake Veterans Memorial Project
Why did Cold lake city Council postpone the decision on the veterans memorial signage project?
The council postponed the decision due to reservations about the project’s cost, sustainability, and the long-term commitment required for maintenance.
Who proposed the veterans memorial signage project in Cold Lake?
students Maya Asnong and Sydney Jorgensen from Assumption Junior/Senior High School initially presented the project to the Cold Lake City council.
What is the estimated cost for the veterans memorial signage project?
The estimated cost for the project is around $250,000, according to CAO Kevin Nagoya. Even a simple sign stand would cost approximately $
