Graham Ingham, CEO, Red Deer Regional Airport. (Red Deer Regional Airport)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

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$30 million for Red Deer Regional Airport means increased access and safety

Mar 3, 2023 | 3:32 PM

The 2023 provincial budget’s $30 million for expansion of Red Deer Regional Airport is being lauded by local leaders.

Expansion is expected to take two years to complete, and is representative of the airport’s third phase of its three-phase expansion plan.

Work will begin this summer, expanding Airport Drive and providing direct access to the airport from Highway 2A and Township Road 374.

This will also create additional emergency access to the airport and the Hamlet of Springbrook, increasing safety for the surrounding community and airport users, airport officials say in a release.

“This is really, really important for us because we have over 200 acres of prime airport real estate available that we’re trying to market and develop. That’s probably some of the best airport real estate in Canada,” says Graham Ingham, Red Deer Regional Airport CEO.

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“Up until now, it’s been landlocked, so to speak. This road is just amazing with what it’s going to do for the airport and the community. It’s all about attracting businesses, whether it’s cargo type operations, aircraft maintenance, or repair jobs. It’s about tax revenue. It’s a really, really great opportunity for us.”

Ingham says phase one — mainly widening of the main runway — is about 80 per cent complete with work ongoing. Phase two, which is the terminal expansion, and for which they also have funding, the timeline for completion as of now is June 2024.

“These improvements will also open new travel options and increase tourism in central Alberta,” says Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors.

Ingham says there remains interest to bring passenger service to Red Deer, but that will be a byproduct of finishing phase two.

Adds Jim Wood, Mayor of Red Deer County: “The $30 million in funding for further infrastructure upgrades to the Red Deer Regional Airport will provide huge economic benefits to central Alberta. The expansion will allow for additional services, support job creation, and encourage future investment in the region. We’re happy to see the Government of Alberta remains committed to our shared goal of building economic prosperity in Red Deer County.”

The County as well as the City of Red Deer are key stakeholders in the airport.

Red Deer Mayor Ken Johnston says the airport is an economic catalyst.

“The City, as a joint appointer for the airport with the County, is working together to be a key logistics hub based on our prime location,” he says. “Thank you to the Province of Alberta for their investments in central Alberta.”