Photo: A rendering of the new gathering space on Cold Lake First Nation. Photo: Cold Lake First Nations
By: Chantel Downes
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Lakeland This Week
The nation officially broke ground on the new Community Gathering Space on June 19. The facility will be located between Hotel Dene and Casino Dene along Highway 28 and is expected to accommodate up to 750 guests.
Once complete, the space will be used for community celebrations, cultural gatherings, conferences, trade shows, markets, meetings, weddings, and other special events. It will also directly connect Hotel Dene and Casino Dene, strengthening the nation’s hospitality and tourism offerings.
Shawna Janvier, CEO of Hotel Dene & Conference Centre and Casino Dene, said the Community Gathering Space has been years in the making.
“It’s been in the planning stages for about five years or so, most of that being in the last three years. We mean to see construction officially begin this summer,” said Janvier.
Janvier said leadership and management saw a clear need for a larger venue that could support both community and business events.
“We must develop a facility to showcase our rich cultural heritage that will host larger gatherings and attract guests from surrounding communities while increasing usage of the existing Casino and Hotel properties,” said Janvier.
The design of the building will also reflect the nation’s identity, history, and connection to the land.
“The design reflects CLFN’s relationship with the land and the history that got us to be a leading First Nations business in this region and province,” said Janvier.
The project is expected to create employment opportunities during construction and once the facility is open.
“Our construction management team knows that the mandate is to hire CLFN band members where possible, and once the facility is operational, there will be several hospitality roles available full-time (FT), part-time (PT), and casual,” said Janvier.
Construction is expected to take between 18 and 24 months, putting completion around early to mid-2028.
“This will be a space for our nation to gather and be proud of their gathering space,” said Janvier.
Janvier said the project will help build a resort-style destination in northeastern Alberta.