Alberta Premier Jason Kenney was in Red Deer to make an announcement at the Red Deer Regional Airport today. The provincial government will be providing a $7.5 million grant to expand the infrastructure at the Red Deer Regional Airport. 

“Central Albertans need a modern, expanded airport that will serve businesses, create jobs and give travellers more choice in airline options. Alberta’s government will make this project happen through this $7.5-million Budget 2022 investment,” said Kenney. 

The money will be going towards widening the runway from 30 to 45 meters, strengthening existing taxiway and aprons, and constructing a terminal to support low-cost passenger services. 

The Red Deer Regional Airport is looking forward towards offering a greater number of services in the future with the infrastructure expansion. 

“Now more than ever, aviation and aviation-related businesses are actively looking for alternatives to the ever-increasing costs associated with operating out of large airports. With low lease rates, free parking and no airport improvement fees, the Red Deer Regional Airport is well-positioned for future growth,” said Garett Cupples, Board Chair for Red Deer Regional Airport. 

Construction is slated to begin this spring and conclude in fall of 2022. The construction of the project is anticipated to create more than 100 jobs. 

"The vision is this that by expanding the terminal services, expanding the runway and other additional facilities on site that Red Deer will become a natural hub for low cost carriers to provide daily a service across Canada. I see a day when when families from Calgary and Edmonton and elsewhere in the province might drive down here to Red Deer to benefit from competitive low cost passenger service and that will bring people to hotel rooms in Red Deer and central Alberta, to restaurants, to the service industry, and I just think will be a huge boost," said Kenney.