Alberta's second oilsands city is urging the provincial government to consider all the options in its desire to ensure a stable water supply for the growing Lakeland region.
Specifically, the City of Cold Lake is concerned the province is too focused on the lake of the same name on its doorstep as a solution to water woes further west.
"We don't understand why Cold Lake water is the only option being considered," Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland said.
"The residents of Bonnyville and other communities in the Lakeland deserve quality drinking water, but our position is that there are other options that make more sense and these alternatives have not been adequately researched."
City officials - who have had a testy relationship with the province at times - are wary of Cold Lake water being viewed as the ultimate solution in the bustling oilsands region three hours northeast of Edmonton.
Cold Lake officials say they are also concerned other alternatives such as the Beaver River and the North Saskatchewan River are not being discussed or researched as viable sources of water for the region.
"The City of Cold Lake is strongly recommending [Alberta Environment and Sustainable Resource Development] look at this option," the mayor stated.u
– Compiled by Dave Husdal
From Western Investor January 2013
