The City of Cold Lake has entered into a new regional partnership with Leduc County, Sturgeon County and Edmonton Airports aimed at strengthening Alberta’s aerospace, aviation and defence sectors through collaboration on workforce development, infrastructure, investment and economic growth.

The four organizations have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishing a framework to work together on shared priorities, including training skilled workers, attracting investment and supporting business development across the region.

The partnership comes as Alberta prepares for significant growth in aviation and defence, including increased demand for aircraft maintenance engineers specializing in maintenance, structures and avionics.

Each partner will work to support key regional aviation assets, including the Cold Lake Regional Airport, Edmonton International Airport (YEG) and Villeneuve Airport. The agreement also highlights continued support for modernization efforts at 4 Wing Cold Lake, the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range and CFB Edmonton, while exploring opportunities to expand commercial passenger air service.

Cold Lake Mayor Bob Mattice said the partnership will help maximize opportunities tied to major defence investments expected in the coming years.

“We are proud to enter into this partnership to ensure the coming opportunities in defence and civilian aviation are maximized for the benefit of our residents, and for all Albertans,” said Mattice. “With a once-in-a-lifetime defence modernization on the horizon, Cold Lake is poised to see significant activity and values partners who understand the full potential of a connected airport ecosystem.”

Mattice added that working together will strengthen regional capacity, align infrastructure and investment, and position the region for expanded aerospace, defence and future commercial air opportunities.

Edmonton Airports President and CEO Myron Keehn said each partner brings unique strengths to Alberta’s growing aviation sector.

“As Cold Lake continues to gain importance from an operational and workforce perspective, we’re committed to supporting that growth in the North through collaboration, shared learning, and aligned priorities,” said Keehn.

Leduc County Mayor Tanni Doblanko said the agreement is built on mutual respect and a shared vision for regional prosperity, while Sturgeon County Mayor Alanna Hnatiw said the coordinated approach will strengthen Northern Alberta’s position as a competitive destination for aerospace, aviation and defence investment.

The partners also agreed to jointly advocate to the Government of Alberta to recognize Highway 28 as a key economic corridor supporting future aerospace and defence development.