Cold Lake Gears Up: City Approves Temporary Camping for National Motocross Event
By Jenna Carver | Cold Lake Tribune | June 5, 2025
In a move that revs up Cold Lake’s role on the national motorsport stage, City Council has approved a motion to allow temporary camping on select City-owned lands for the duration of the Canadian Triple Crown Series Motocross Event, set to take place from June 6 to 9.
This decision marks a significant shift in how the City approaches major events and tourism, with officials heralding it as a bold step forward in boosting the local economy, while providing much-needed accommodations for the thousands of motocross fans expected to descend on the region.
Tents, Trailers, and Two-Stroke Engines
The heart of the event will be the Cold Lake Motocross Track, where Canada’s top riders will compete in a thrilling weekend of high-speed, high-flying action. But with hotels and motels fully booked within a 50-kilometre radius, City officials were faced with a dilemma: how to accommodate the surge of fans, teams, and support crews without turning them away.
“We had to get creative,” said Deputy Mayor Lisa Morin, who introduced the motion at last week’s council meeting. “We knew we couldn’t just say, ‘Sorry, no room at the inn.’ Cold Lake has a rare opportunity to be in the national spotlight, and we want to show we’re ready to rise to the occasion.”
The approved motion allows for temporary camping—both tent and RV—on designated City-owned parcels of land near the event grounds, with sanitation services, security, and 24-hour event staff to ensure safety and cleanliness. The lots, typically used for overflow parking or seasonal recreation, have been quickly adapted with gravel pads, porta-potties, and temporary fencing.
Community Response: Cautious Optimism
The community response has been largely positive, albeit mixed with a touch of rural pragmatism.
“I think it’s great,” said Ron Delaney, owner of a local ATV repair shop. “Events like this bring people into town. If a little camping in a field gets them here, then let’s go for it. We’ve hosted worse things than a bunch of dirt bikers.”
Others were more reserved.
“I just hope they clean up after themselves,” said Lillian Brazeau, a longtime Cold Lake resident who lives near one of the temporary sites. “I remember the Ice Fishing Derby in 2019—we had beer cans in our ditches until May.”
In response to concerns, the City has coordinated with local waste management services and community volunteers to provide post-event cleanup support. They’ve also set strict regulations: no open fires, quiet hours between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., and a zero-tolerance policy on disruptive behavior.
“This is about showcasing Cold Lake as a world-class event host,” said City Manager Darren Lavoie. “That means holding ourselves—and our visitors—to a high standard.”
Economic Engine Roars to Life
For local businesses, the influx of motocross fans couldn’t come at a better time. With summer still ramping up and tourism recovering from the lingering effects of past years’ economic uncertainty, the event is seen as a potential game-changer.
“We’ve already doubled our food orders,” said Maya Singh, owner of The Hungry Fox Diner. “We’re opening early, closing late, and I’ve hired three extra servers just for the weekend.”
The Cold Lake Chamber of Commerce estimates the event could bring in over $750,000 in direct local spending. Gas stations, restaurants, and even local Airbnb hosts have all reported bookings and traffic well above normal.
“We’re expecting upwards of 10,000 people over the weekend,” said motocross event coordinator Tyler Brennan of Jetwerx, the company organizing the national series. “Cold Lake is one of the most beautiful stops on the tour. Fans want to come here, not just for the racing, but for the lakes, the scenery, and the community vibe.”
A Family Affair with National Impact
The Canadian Triple Crown Series is the pinnacle of motocross racing in Canada, drawing athletes from across the country and as far afield as the U.S. and Europe. The Cold Lake stop is one of eight in the national tour, and one of only two in Alberta.
But beyond the professional stakes, the weekend also offers a family-friendly festival atmosphere, with food trucks, vendor booths, demo rides, and even a freestyle motocross stunt show on Saturday night.
“We’re not just trying to be a racetrack,” said Brennan. “We’re trying to build an experience.”
Among the fans already rolling into town is the Johnson family from Kamloops, British Columbia. Traveling in a 30-foot RV adorned with motocross decals, they’ve been following the series for three summers now.
“Our kids love it,” said Stephanie Johnson, mother of two boys who both race amateur circuits. “Cold Lake is one of our favorite stops—clean air, great people, and a wicked track. The camping approval just made everything way easier for us.”
Planning Beyond the Finish Line
Looking ahead, City Council says this year’s success could lay the groundwork for future events—and potentially even permanent camping infrastructure.
“We want Cold Lake to be known as a destination city, not just for motocross, but for all kinds of events,” said Deputy Mayor Morin. “We’re exploring long-term options for event-friendly camping zones and better utility hook-ups. This weekend is just the start.”
For now, all eyes are on the track—and the temporary campers who have turned grassy lots into miniature motocross villages.
As engines start, grills fire up, and thousands of fans cheer on their favorite riders, Cold Lake is ready to embrace the dust, the noise, and the national spotlight.
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