COLD LAKE - During the City of Cold Lake's regular council meeting on July 9, council members deliberated on a request from Portage College for a letter of support concerning the Aircraft Maintenance Engineering School (AMES) project.
Significant strides were reported in the ongoing efforts to establish the AMES project in collaboration with Portage College. The initiative, which has been in development for approximately four years, aims to solidify Cold Lake's position in the aerospace and defence sectors through strategic partnerships and funding initiatives, according to the City’s meeting agenda.
"The City of Cold Lake and Portage College are continuing to partner to move the AMES school project forward. The partnership has made some significant progress recently," highlighted Andrew Serba, Strategic Initiatives Manager for the City of Cold Lake. "Both are continuing to work on lobbying the government for support, as well as working with the private sector on some potential partnerships and sponsorships there," Serba emphasized.
Portage College, in its quest to secure funding and partnerships independently, has requested a formal letter of support from Cold Lake. This letter is anticipated to bolster the college's efforts as they navigate various sponsorship opportunities.
The council's agenda outlined the City's proactive role in the project's development, which includes ongoing consultations with private sector entities in the aerospace and defence industries. Additionally, efforts are underway to engage with provincial ministries and secure necessary approvals for the AMES school to operate federally under Transport Canada's guidelines.
Portage College aims to establish the AMES school by fall 2025, but due to funding and start-up costs, the project might not be ready for students until 2026 or 2027, according to administration.
The council approved a motion to issue a letter of support and partnership.
