The city of Cold Lake, in collaboration with Portage College, has secured funding for the creation of an Aircraft Maintenance Engineering (AME) School, with plans to welcome students by fall of 2026.
This initiative marks a significant step forward in advancing Cold Lake’s position as a regional hub for aviation and aerospace education.
“This last step takes our plans and makes them a reality,” said Cold Lake Mayor Craig Copeland. “There is still a lot of work to do, but the bottom line is that we have the funding needed to complete it. Portage College’s Aerospace Campus will begin to take shape at the Cold Lake Regional Airport.”
In early September, the Cold Lake city council approved reallocating more than $1.4 million from a 2018 Capital Budget item initially intended for a new terminal building at 4 Wing to the AME project. Additionally, Portage College has committed $442,000 in capital funding.
Portage College President Nancy Broadbent expressed enthusiasm about the city’s continued commitment, noting that this collaboration provides the momentum necessary for a 2026 launch. “We are proud to contribute funding for the equipment and have already submitted the curriculum for approval to Transport Canada,” Broadbent stated, thanking Cold Lake’s leadership for their dedication to bringing the program to the region.
The city and college have already purchased curriculum materials, and, in July, Cold Lake acquired a hangar at the Cold Lake Regional Airport. The funding will allow renovations to convert the hangar into instructional space and help purchase essential tools and equipment.
Mayor Copeland highlighted the region’s strong aviation and defence presence, stating, “This school will help the aviation industry establish itself to a greater degree, while also providing an excellent option for post-secondary education right here at home.”
With an expected initial class size of approximately 16 students, the AME School is set to begin in fall 2026, furthering Cold Lake’s role in economic diversification and growth.
