Leduc County, Sturgeon County, City of Cold Lake and Edmonton Airports establish a framework for strategic collaboration

Leduc County, Edmonton Airports, Sturgeon County, and the City of Cold Lake have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to officially partner on accelerating growth within the aerospace and defence sectors, focusing on training, investment and business development.

Significant economic opportunities are driving increased labour market demand for aviation-related skills and trades training, including aircraft maintenance engineers in categories AME-M (Maintenance), AME-S (Structures) and AME-E (Avionics).

Each partner is working to foster development for regional assets such as the Cold Lake Regional Airport, Edmonton International Airport (YEG), and Villeneuve Airport. Other priorities include the continued support of modernization efforts at 4 Wing Cold Lake, the Cold Lake Air Weapons Range, and CFB Edmonton. The partners will also work towards expanding commercial passenger air opportunities. All partners agreed that collaborating on these initiatives would be beneficial.

“Regional partnerships offer many advantages and benefits, including fostering stronger, more innovative communities by aligning shared interests. This MOU is guided by mutual respect, and a collaborative vision to advance an integrated economic and defence strategy – by leveraging aligned aerospace and defence assets, we aim to generate sustainable economic benefits across all jurisdictions.”

Tanni Doblanko, Mayor of Leduc County

“We see real value in working alongside partners like Leduc County, Sturgeon County, and Cold Lake as each has distinct strengths and growing roles in Alberta’s aviation landscape. 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. Together, we’re positioning our regions to better serve northern communities and future opportunities.”

Myron Keehn, President and CEO Edmonton Airports 

“This MOU reflects a shared commitment between Sturgeon County, Leduc County, the City of Cold Lake, and Edmonton Airports to work collaboratively and advance a coordinated regional approach to economic development. Together, we are positioning Northern Alberta as a connected, competitive hub for aerospace, aviation, and defence investment. By aligning our efforts, we are strengthening our value proposition and giving industry and investors greater confidence in our region’s ability to support long-term, sustainable growth.”

Alanna Hnatiw, Mayor of Sturgeon County

“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. 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. By working collaboratively, we are strengthening regional capacity, aligning infrastructure and investment, and positioning ourselves for expanded aerospace, defence, and future commercial air opportunities.

Bob Mattice, Mayor of the City of Cold Lake

As part of the agreement, the parties will jointly advocate to the provincial government to recognize Highway 28 as a vital economic corridor supporting aerospace and defence development.

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