Advancements and plans for the Cold Lake Regional Airport, aimed at addressing the city’s lack of air services, were a primary topic at the recent Corporate Priorities meeting on June 18. The discussion focused on the ongoing feasibility studies and the subsequent steps required to enable scheduled passenger flights.
Azam Khan, the City of Cold Lake’s general manager of infrastructure, presented the progress of the peer-to-peer expansion feasibility studies initiated in 2022. These studies, now ready for committee feedback, have been supported by a grant from the Government of Alberta extended in February, which the council approved to facilitate Phase 2 of the project.
In 2022, the municipality allocated $50,000 for an Airport Expansion Feasibility Study and concept design. This study reviewed current assets and operations, conducted a gap analysis, and provided recommendations to enable scheduled flights at Cold Lake Regional Airport. In May 2024, the council approved a capital budget amendment of $180,000 for Phase 2 of the project. With the Government of Alberta’s Regional Airport Development Grant Team approving the city’s application, a grant of $144,000 was secured, with the city committing $36,000-20 percent of the project.
This additional funding will allow the city to complete several critical tasks which include, TP312 Certification Gap Analysis. Preparation of essential manuals, including, airport operations manual, safety management manual, wildlife management manual, snow removal and ice control plan, and an emergency response plan.
Adam Martin, president and senior project director at HM Aero Aviation Consulting (HMRO), shared insight into the ongoing feasibility and concept design study for the airport expansion. Initiated in late 2022, the study aims to enable scheduled passenger services at Cold Lake Regional Airport by examining regulatory requirements, necessary infrastructure, and supporting operations.
Martin highlighted the airport’s current state, noting its original construction in 1979 and the last pavement rehabilitation in 2013. The study’s recommendations include initiating services with a 19-passenger aircraft, with flexible schedule extending up to 2029, depending on demand.
Coun. Bob Mattice inquired about the potential usage of the airport for oil field workers, particularly the possibility of flights from Cold Lake to Fort McMurray. Martin responded, indicating future possibilities and suggesting that this could be part of the air service marketing strategy.
The council thanked Martin for his presentation and accepted the information provided, signalling continued support for the airport’s expansion efforts.
