Northern Alberta aerospace hub signs MOU to attract defence investment
Leduc County, Sturgeon County, Cold Lake and Edmonton Airports partner to advocate for Highway 28 as a vital economic corridor.
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Four jurisdictions signed a Memorandum of Understanding this week to position Northern Alberta as a connected, competitive hub for aerospace, aviation and defence investment.
Leduc County, Sturgeon County, the City of Cold Lake and Edmonton Airports will jointly advocate to the provincial government to recognize Highway 28 as a vital economic corridor supporting aerospace and defence development. The partners aim to foster economic diversification through a strategy focused on aviation, aerospace and defence sectors, training, and investment and business development.
The collaboration targets an increased labour market demand for aviation-related skills and trades training, including aircraft maintenance engineers in maintenance, structures and avionics. The partners will support development of regional assets like the Cold Lake Regional Airport, Edmonton International Airport and Villeneuve Airport.
Priorities also include continued support of modernization efforts at 4 Wing Cold Lake, the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range, and CFB Edmonton, as well as expanding commercial passenger air opportunities.
Myron Keehn, president and CEO of Edmonton Airports, said the region's distinct strengths in aviation roles position it to serve northern communities and future opportunities through collaboration and aligned priorities. Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw said the alignment strengthens the region's value proposition for industry and investors. Cold Lake Mayor Bob Mattice called it a once-in-a-lifetime defence modernization on the horizon.
The facts
How many jurisdictions signed the MOU?
Four jurisdictions signed the Memorandum of Understanding: Leduc County, Sturgeon County, the City of Cold Lake, and Edmonton Airports.
What highway are these partners advocating for?
The partners are jointly advocating to the provincial government to recognize Highway 28 as a vital economic corridor supporting aerospace and defence development in Northern Alberta.
What three main sectors are targeted in this collaboration?
The partners aim to foster economic diversification through aviation, aerospace, and defence sectors, along with associated training and investment development.
