COLD LAKE - A surge of interest in the multi-billion-dollar Future Fighter Capability Project brought over 220 contractors, tradespeople, and service providers to the Cold Lake Energy Centre’s Reid Field House on May 27 for a recruitment and information event hosted by the Cold Lake Regional Chamber of Commerce.
The event, aimed at connecting local and regional businesses with upcoming work tied to the F-35 fighter jet program at 4 Wing Cold Lake, exceeded expectations, according to Cold Lake Chamber Executive Director Sherri Buckle.
“We were expecting about 150 people, and I just actually did the count this morning and we had 224 attendees,” said Buckle.
Held in collaboration with project partners and industry experts, the event offered presentations that covered vital details on security clearances, approval processes, and the types of work required to support the major construction and retrofitting activities underway at the base.
“Cold Lake was chosen because of the military base, and that is primarily what we were gearing towards,” Buckle explained. “The event yesterday was about educating contractors on the processes, what actually needs to be done in order to be approved to do work on 4 Wing.”
The afternoon was dedicated to networking, with lineups forming at booths as attendees sought one-on-one conversations with project representatives.
“There is something for everyone whether you sell paper or you're an earth mover,” Buckle said. “Anything that 4 Wing would contract out or buy, that’s who should be in the room.”
Buckle also underlined the importance of keeping the work regional to bolster local employment and stimulate the economy.
“If we can keep the work local, that ultimately allows for greater employment opportunities for our locals,” she said. “This event was a true regional event.”
Contractors who missed the session are encouraged to reach out to either the Cold Lake or Bonnyville Chamber of Commerce for follow-up information and resources.
The Future Fighter Capability Project is a long-term federal initiative to replace Canada’s aging fleet of CF-18s with 88 advanced F-35 fighter jets, requiring significant infrastructure upgrades and support services at bases like 4 Wing Cold Lake, according to the Defence Construction of Canada website.
