At a press conference Thursday morning, it was announced that a grant for $120,000 will go to the Red Deer Regional Airport for a land development strategy. This will inform the airport about how it can leverage infrastructure and facility improvements, such as terminal expansion and airside land development. It will better position the airport as a hub for economic activity. 

This announcement came as part of a $1.13 million investment to support the development of regional airports across the province. 

The grant funding will support 10 regional airports in developing business cases and feasibility studies for improved airport infrastructure and air transportation. The projects will allow the airports to identify, explore and prioritize improvements and opportunities to increase their economic competitiveness, such as increasing the number of air carriers or the efficiency of aircraft movement to bolster the economic output of regional airports.

Jim Wood, the Mayor of Red Deer County says it will be good for our area.

“The continued support from the province positions the Red Deer Regional Airport as a compelling and competitive location to do business. Now more than ever, we are primed to attract new investment opportunities, create jobs and strengthen central Alberta’s economic landscape.”

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors talks about the importance of regional airports.

“Alberta’s aviation industry plays an important role in strengthening and diversifying our economy by expanding access to markets and creating jobs in the province. Regional airports are key assets in supporting the air sector and the movement of people. This investment will support the growth of Alberta’s regional airports and help restore and develop connections between our regional and international airports.”

Here is how the money is being divided by region.

Quick facts

A total of $1,129,424 is being provided to support 10 regional airports:

  • Cold Lake Regional Airport
  • Feasibility Study for Airport Certification to Support Scheduled Air Services – $144,000
  • Whitecourt Airport
  • Commercial Development Feasibility Study – $78,684
  • Lloydminster Municipal Airport
  • Commercial Air Services Feasibility Study – $113,988
  • Peace River Regional Airport
  • Peace River Airport Master Plan – $57,552
  • Lethbridge Airport 
  • Hangar Development Feasibility Study and Business Case – $150,000
  • High Level Airport
  • High Level Airport Master Plan – $56,000
  • Red Deer Regional Airport
  • Land Development Strategy and Implementation Plan – $120,000
  • Medicine Hat Regional Airport
  • Feasibility and Business Case for Airport Growth and Development – $150,000
  • Grande Prairie Airport
  • Canadian Border Services Agency Facilities Study – $140,000
  • Fort McMurray International Airport
  • Business Case to Recapture Lost Passenger Traffic – $119,200