- Home to 4 Wing Cold Lake, Canada’s largest and busiest premier fighter base
- Access to the world’s largest low-fly zone and controlled airspace for aerospace and UAV testing
- $525 M, multi-year infrastructure investment tied to the F-35 fighter jet program
- Aerospace Industry Symposium and provincial funding for unmanned systems innovation in 2026
- Opportunities in defence electronics, geomatics and aerospace research and development
Invest
The City of Cold Lake – Where Innovation Lands & Opportunities Take Off
The City of Cold Lake offers investors unmatched access to Canada’s largest fighter air base, strategic northern logistics, and now, through the iART Alliance, an innovation corridor for drones, aerospace, and autonomous technologies that will shape the industries of tomorrow. Combine this with one of the province’s largest lakes, a dynamic and growing city with a population of 17,500, a trade area of more than 80,000, the largest inland marina in Western Canada, post-secondary education with Portage College and university transfer programs, then and toss in the most fabulous livability. The city is a regional hub for commerce, defence, aerospace, education, and tourism, offering a unique blend of natural beauty, infrastructure, and economic opportunity.
Why Invest in Cold Lake?
- Strategic Location: Near the Alberta-Saskatchewan border, with access to regional and national markets.
- Diversified Economy: Anchored by defence, oil & gas, education, tourism, and retail.
- Proactive Governance: Strong municipal leadership focused on growth, innovation, and partnerships.
- Quality of Life: Affordable housing, natural beauty, and a vibrant community.
Our Key Investment Drivers
- Partnership with Portage College to launch Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School
- Programs include AME-Structures (Fall 2026) with AME-Maintenance and pilot training in the future
- Art Smith Aviation Academy, a K-8, STEM-focused school) and Cold Lake Air Cadet Camp in addition to vibrant public, catholic and francophone pre-school to grade 12 programs
- Micro-credential programs for municipal staff and residents through Portage College, including university transfer programs in numerous disciplines
- Young population with median age of 30.5 and high labour force participation
- The retail hub of Northeast Alberta with over 570 licensed businesses
- Major anchors include Walmart, Canadian Tire, Sobeys, Winners and the Tri-City Mall
- City of Cold Lake median household income of $122,920, much higher than the Alberta median of $114,600
- $2 million in new retail construction and ongoing Retail Market & Gap Analysis
- Business Retention & Attraction Program with tax rebates for commercial improvements
- Participating in the Rural Entrepreneur Stream through the Government of Alberta Advantage Immigration Program
- A four-season tourism destination showcasing Cold Lake Provincial Park, Cold Lake Marina, Kinosoo Ridge Ski Resort, Cold Lake Air Show, Cold Lake Aviation Museum and the Janvier Gallery
- Largest inland marina in Western Canada and pristine beaches
- Vibrant community with affordable housing and abundant outdoor recreation
Infrastructure & Investment Incentives
- $525 million in major projects planned for the F-35 base upgrades, Pathways Carbon Capture infrastructure and medical clinic expansion
- Multiunit Rental Housing Grant, Starter Home Tax Rebate and Business Retention & Attraction Program, and a Child Care Space Incentive Program
- Cold Lake is the youngest city in Alberta with an average age of 33.9 compared to the Alberta average age of 39
- The city has seen steady population growth for well over the last decade
Contact Us
Heather Stromquist
Economic Development Advisor
City of Cold Lake
780-594-4494 Ext. 7983
Contact Us
City of Cold Lake
5513 - 48 Avenue, Cold Lake, Alberta, T9M 1A1
T. 780-594-4494
F. 780-594-3480
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