COLD LAKE – Regional leaders welcomed a senior provincial official to Cold Lake Tuesday for a closer look at the community’s growing aviation and aerospace sector.

Lisa Ross-Rodriguez, assistant deputy minister of Economic Development and Business Supports with Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Economy, Trade and Immigration, visited the Lakeland for a tour and discussion on regional economic development opportunities.

The visit included stops at 4 Wing Cold Lake and the Portage College Cold Lake Aerospace Campus.

New hangars and new training opportunities

After viewing new hangars under construction at 4 Wing, the group toured Portage College’s new aerospace hangar and discussed how local aircraft maintenance training could help meet growing workforce needs.

The new programming is intended to build local talent, give students access to specialized training closer to home, and support continued growth in northeastern Alberta’s aviation and aerospace industries.

Representatives discussed the economic impact of training workers locally, particularly as major investments and construction continue at 4 Wing.

Regional partners discuss economic growth

The meeting brought together representatives from the Government of Alberta, City of Cold Lake, Cold Lake First Nations and Portage College.

Discussions focused on opportunities for collaboration, workforce development and sustainable economic growth across the region.

The visit highlighted the role partnerships between government, post-secondary institutions, Indigenous communities and municipalities can play in preparing local workers for emerging career opportunities.