Cold Lake, AB – The City of Cold Lake has purchased a hangar at the Cold Lake regional airport, with the intention of turning it into an instructional space for the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School.

The project is a partnership between Portage College and the City of Cold Lake. Aircraft Maintenance Engineers are in demand not only throughout Canada, but across the globe. The City of Cold Lake began the project in 2020 as a means to help diversify the local economy with a focus on both post-secondary education, as well as the aerospace and defence industry.

“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,” Mayor Craig Copeland said. “With the aerospace and defence 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. Of course, Portage has a long track record of meeting both the community’s and industry’s training needs, so they are the perfect partner to have at the table.”

The hangar was purchased for $165,000, shortly after the City provided a $88,000 grant to Portage for the purchase of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering Structures curriculum.

“At Portage College, we are thrilled to partner with the City of Cold Lake on expanding into the aerospace sector,” President and CEO of Portage College Nancy Broadbent said. “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.”

The City has also set aside land and developed plans for a larger facility that will eventually house the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering - Structures, Aircraft maintenance engineering - Maintenance programs, as well as a pilot school. The City is also considering options for training and maintenance in the unmanned aerial vehicle space as well.

Once the new facility is built, the purchased hangar can be repurposed if it is no longer needed for instructional space.  

“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,” Copeland said. “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.”

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