Exciting developments are taking off at Red Deer Regional Airport, positioning it as a critical hub for Central Alberta. With an ambitious expansion project underway, the airport is set to enhance its capabilities, further fueling the region’s economic growth.
The expansion, a multi-phase endeavor, began several years ago and is already transforming the airport. Phase 1 was completed in July 2023, marking a pivotal milestone with the widening of the main runway to 150 feet. This significant improvement allows the airport to accommodate larger aircraft, such as Boeing 737s and wide-body jets, paving the way for increased air traffic. Strengthening the main apron and taxiway also boosts operational capacity, while the installation of LED landing lights offers energy-efficient solutions.
The successful completion of Phase 1 has enabled the airport to operate more efficiently and handle a greater volume of air traffic.
“As we complete each phase of this expansion, we’re not only improving our infrastructure but also enhancing our ability to serve the growing needs of Central Alberta.” says Nancy Paish, CEO of the Red Deer Regional Airport. “The completion of Phase 1, with the widening of the runway and strengthening of key areas, has positioned Red Deer Regional Airport to accommodate larger aircraft and increased traffic. This milestone represents a critical step in our vision to become central Alberta’s aviation hub, driving economic growth and providing sustainable solutions through innovations like our new energy-efficient landing lights.”
The financial outlay for Phase 1 was substantial, amounting to $15 million. The funding was provided through a combination of sources: $7.5 million from the Province of Alberta, and $3.5 million each from Red Deer County and the City of Red Deer. This collaborative funding model underscores the regional commitment to enhancing the airport’s infrastructure and ensuring its long-term viability.
“The $15 million in funding for further infrastructure upgrades to the Red Deer Regional Airport will provide huge economic benefits to central Alberta,” says Jim Wood, Mayor of Red Deer County. “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.”
Currently underway is Phase 2, with the airport’s focus being on improving the passenger experience. By expanding the terminal by 10,000 square feet, the airport will be able to accommodate 189 passengers for both departures and arrivals, ensuring that the airport meets CASA (Civil Aviation Safety Authority) and TPSA (Transport Canada’s Public Safety Authority) compliance standards. New facilities include a food counter, all-gender washrooms, a dedicated children’s area, and a quiet zone, all designed to ensure a comfortable and modern travel experience.
“We are focused on elevating the overall passenger experience, ensuring that our airport is ready to meet the growing needs of our community and visitors.” says Paish. “This investment is fully funded by the airport and is key to attracting scheduled passenger services, which will greatly boost tourism and business travel, driving economic growth in Central Alberta.”
Phase 2, which will cost $3.5 million, is fully funded by the airport and is expected to be completed by September 2024. A key objective is to not only attract scheduled passenger services but also stimulate regional economic growth by boosting tourism and business travel.
Phase 3, which began in May 2024, focuses on the development of Airport Drive and the extension of the taxiway, a crucial infrastructure project that will improve access to the airport, the surrounding Springbrook community and airside access. The project started on May 1, 2024, will be executed in two phases. The first phase focuses on extending Airport Drive to connect with Township Road 374 (McKenzie Trail) and will be completed by fall 2025. This phase will create a fully graveled main entrance to the terminal.
The second phase, running from July 2025 to spring 2026, will finalize the road with asphalt and complete landscaping efforts. The development of Airport Drive is essential for opening up 800,000 square meters of airside land and the main runway through the extended taxiway, which will be fully serviced and available for future economic development, particularly for aviation-related businesses such as maintenance, manufacturing, cargo, and drone operations.
“We’re looking to attract aviation businesses that will support job creation and generate revenue,” says Paish. “This will not only provide sustainability for the airport but also benefit the region as a whole.”
The road development, funded by the Province of Alberta at an estimated $30 million, will enhance accessibility for both the community and prospective businesses.
The Red Deer Regional Airport has been a cornerstone of Central Alberta since 1934, contributing to the region’s economy and supporting a variety of essential services. The current expansion is a strategic initiative to sustain and grow its impact, making it a key player in the region’s future.
The Red Deer Regional Airport expansion is not just about improving physical infrastructure; it’s a strategic move aimed at sustaining and growing the airport’s economic impact on the region. The airport, established in 1934, has been a crucial economic driver for Central Alberta, providing essential services and supporting local businesses.
The expansion project aims to create a sustainable operational model for the airport, which is vital for maintaining and attracting tenants, including those involved in medevac services, firefighting, and cargo operations.
Additionally, the expansion is expected to stimulate regional growth by improving transportation links and attracting more tourism and corporate clients. By offering enhanced passenger services and better facilities, the airport hopes to re-establish regular scheduled passenger flights, which will bolster connectivity and regional commerce.
“At present, we primarily handle charter traffic at our airport. Although we had passenger service until 2018, we are now focused on bringing it back to the area,” says Paish. “Our goal is to identify a unique opportunity that doesn’t compete with Calgary and Edmonton but instead offers a service that can thrive in our region.”
The expansion project has not been without its challenges. Given the airport’s historical significance as a Second World War training base, the construction has required careful handling of environmental and Indigenous studies to ensure compliance with all regulations. These studies have caused some delays, pushing the start of Phase 2 of the Airport Drive project by a few months.
Contractors, such as Pidherney’s and Carbon Earthworks, have faced logistical challenges, including the need to haul significant amounts of aggregate while dealing with road bans and weather conditions.
“One of the biggest challenges with this project is that the Red Deer Regional Airport is within Red Deer County and you have a lot of secondary roads and highways that get you to the airport. One of the biggest challenges was 80,000 tons of aggregates that are required to build this apron and taxiway extension,” says Dave McLaughlin, construction manager at Pidherney’s, the general contractor for the taxiway expansion of the project. “And so in spring, you have road bans and are limited to how much you can haul in with the weight restrictions on all your trucks.”
As a result, the crew had to start in February when the roads were frozen and stockpile them on site to beat the road bans. McLaughlin adds that it took them until the beginning of May to haul in all the aggregates for the project and then start the work on the taxiway during that month.
As the project progresses toward completion, it is poised to reinvigorate scheduled passenger services, stimulate tourism, and support a range of aviation-related industries. This expansion underscores the airport’s role as a vital economic engine, driving growth and connectivity for Central Alberta.
“With over $40 million being invested into the Red Deer Regional Airport in the past couple years through the tremendous support from the Province, Red Deer County, and the City of Red Deer, central Alberta will be one of the only airports in western Canada to offer available and affordable air-side, ground-side access for aeronautical/aviation and other relatable businesses to locate,” says Simoi Cruikshank, corporate communications manager for Red Deer County.
“The airport will function as a key anchor for an approach to growth and development with direct access to multi-modal access and inter-modal transportation mechanisms for a variety of products, uses, and supply chain solutions.”
For more information, please visit www.flyreddeer.com
