COLD LAKE - In a move to diversify the local economy and bolster the aerospace and defense industry, the City of Cold Lake has purchased a hangar at the Cold Lake Regional Airport.
This hangar will serve as the initial site for the new Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School, a collaborative project between Portage College and the City, according to information from the City of Cold Lake.
The hangar was acquired for $165,000. The City had also previously granted $88,000 to Portage College to secure the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Structures curriculum. The initiative began in 2020, aiming to enhance post-secondary education and cater to the demand for Aircraft Maintenance Engineers, both in Canada and globally, according to information from the City of Cold Lake.
“This hangar will house the first iteration of the Cold Lake Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School, which would be a big win for our community and our partner, Portage College,” says Mayor Craig Copeland. “With the aerospace and defense industry operating in our community, a strong relationship with 4 Wing over the past 70 years, there are many potential partnerships we can leverage as this project takes shape.”
Portage College says it is happy to be “expanding into the aerospace sector,” according to Nancy Broadbent, president and CEO of Portage College.
“The establishment of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering program marks a significant milestone for both our institution and the community. This collaboration addresses the provincial and national demand for skilled aircraft maintenance engineers, and by leveraging our combined strengths and resources, we can benefit industry, community, and the broader economy,” adds Broadbent.
In addition to the initial hangar purchase, the City has allocated land and is planning to create a larger facility to eventually house the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering – Structures and Maintenance programs, as well as a pilot school.
There are also plans to explore training and maintenance for unmanned aerial vehicles.
“We have a strong, multi-year business plan at the airport, and we know that the space can be used for a variety of projects and business opportunities,” says Copeland. “We are taking a phased approach to the AME school to ensure that no opportunities are missed, and we are developing strong partnerships along the way that will ensure this project is a success.”
Once the new facility is fully operational, the recently purchased hangar may be repurposed if it is no longer needed for instructional purposes.
The terminal building at the regional airport will be used for classroom space, with the program expected to start by fall 2025, explains Copeland.
“The City is showing that we're really interested in getting into this avenue," he continues. "What we're hoping to do is expand the program, the building footprint, and try to find investors from various companies, primarily from the aerospace industry, to see if they want to get involved in enhancing our sights and our vision further. We feel that we provide an opportunity for aerospace companies to get involved and basically train their future workers.”
The program will provide opportunities for young adults and those seeking retraining to enter the hands-on field of aircraft maintenance, which is currently in high demand across Canada due to numerous job vacancies, adds Copeland.
Cold Lake's nearby large fighter base provides military personnel an opportunity to upgrade their skills locally, with potential for some of them to become teachers at the new school.
The Air Cadet Program and high schools are also involved and enthusiastic.
While the initial project is small, there are plans to expand with additional private and government investors to avoid relying solely on taxpayers, says Copeland. Design drawings for a future school are already prepared, pending further investment.
