The City of Cold Lake is on the brink of propelling its regional airport towards certification and the potential introduction of scheduled air services, thanks to a substantial $144,000 grant from the Province of Alberta.
Administered by Alberta’s Ministry of Jobs, Economy and Trade, the Regional Airport Development Grant will provide crucial support for Cold Lake to finalize its draft Cold Lake Airport Expansion Implementation Strategy, initiated in August 2023. Now in its final phase, this strategy delineates essential steps required to comprehend and execute infrastructure upgrades, procedures, and manuals crucial for airport certification.
Mayor Craig Copeland expressed confidence in the project’s prospects. “Ultimately, our goal is to see screened, scheduled flights come to Cold Lake, but this is a complex project that comes with a significant price tag,” Copeland stated. “We are confident that the community will get there, but first, we need to make sure that we make the right investments in the airport.”
Initial estimates indicate that upgrades necessary for screened passenger service could cost approximately $19 million. While interim solutions might involve securing unscreened scheduled flights, airport certification remains a fundamental prerequisite.
The grant will enable Cold Lake to conduct a thorough gap analysis, pinpointing deficiencies in aerodrome standards and practices. It will also finance the development of updated manuals, including the Airport Operations Manual, Safety Management Manual, Wildlife Management Plan, Snow Removal and Ice Control Plan, and an Emergency Response Plan. Furthermore, a cost analysis will be undertaken to align the facility with federal aerodrome standards.
In recent years, significant enhancements have been seen at Cold Lake Regional Airport, including the introduction of GPS approaches, runway overlays, LED airfield lighting, precision approach path indicators, a new fuel facility, paved taxiways, and a new terminal building.
Mayor Copeland stressed the importance of preparedness for potential flight implementations. “When the time comes to introduce screened or unscreened flights in Cold Lake, we must have our plans and infrastructure in place,” he emphasized. “Opportunities in these cases can be fleeting, so it’s essential to take the necessary steps to be ready.”
The grant marks a significant step toward realizing Cold Lake’s vision of a certified airport capable of accommodating scheduled air services, bolstering connectivity, and fostering economic growth within the region.
