At the city of Cold Lake’s regular council meeting on September 10, discussions centered around the future of the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) School project, a collaboration between Portage College and the city of Cold Lake. The council is now focused on securing funding to move the project forward, with the aim of establishing the school by 2026.
Kirsty Isert, General Manager of Corporate Services, provided an update on the project, noting that Portage College is eager to proceed. The college has expressed a strong desire to launch the program as early as fall 2025, but Isert suggested that a fall 2026 start is a more realistic target. The college is excited about the potential of the project and has already begun working on necessary federal approvals to get the school operational.
To facilitate the project, Isert proposed reallocating $1.4 million from the city’s 2018 capital budget, which had been previously set aside for the Canadian Forces Base (YOD) terminal development. These funds would be used for renovations to the hanger and terminal building to accommodate the new school. In addition, Portage College has committed $442,000 to the project.
Mayor Craig Copeland expressed optimism about the collaboration, emphasizing the importance of building partnerships with the aerospace industry. “The idea is that we’re going to continue to try to work with the aerospace industry and other partners to come on board,” Copeland said. He also mentioned the possibility of securing further funding, with hopes of involving the province. “Maybe we can lessen the blow of that amount and put it towards the furnishing or building expansion in the future and get the province involved,” he added.
The council approved the motion to reallocate $1,412,000, adjusting the 2024 Capital Budget from $16,186,000 to $17,598,000. These funds will cover building renovations, and the purchase of essential tools and equipment needed to establish the AME School by fall 2026.
With Portage College’s contributions and ongoing discussions with stakeholders, the city is hopeful that additional funding will be secured to support the project. The AME School is expected to provide significant opportunities for Cold Lake’s growing connection with the aerospace industry, bringing economic benefits and educational advancements to the region.
