Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen at Red Deer Regional Airport April 4, 2024. (rdnewsNOW/Alessia Proietti)

By Alessia Proietti and Josh Hall | Twitter: @Vancan19

business cases for improved infrastructure

Alberta’s regional airports get $1.13 million investment

Apr 4, 2024 | 11:08 AM

Regional airports around Alberta will benefit from a $1.13 million investment by the provincial government, it was announced Thursday morning in Red Deer County.

Devin Dreeshen, Minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors, speaking from Red Deer Regional Airport, explained that 10 airports will receive financial support to develop business cases and feasibility studies for improved infrastructure and air transportation.

They are as follows:

• 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

“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,” Minister Dreeshen said. “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.”

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Red Deer Regional’s $120,000 share for a land development strategy will inform the airport on how it can leverage infrastructure and facility improvements, such as terminal expansion and airside land development.

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

Central Alberta Economic Partnership (CAEP) said it’s important that Red Deer Regional can act as a true hub.

“Transportation is critical to a thriving region that leads to sophisticated manufacturing, technological innovation and investment attraction to enhance and support our economic corridors,” says Tracy Gardner. “Continued growth at the RDRA is proof that the region is thriving and a ’destination of choice‘ for investment.”

Red Deer Regional recently began the final phase of expansion which includes extending Airport Drive. Phase two, which is ongoing, started in September and focuses on building a new passenger service terminal.

Thursday’s press conference can be viewed below:

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