In a news release from the Government of Alberta on May 15, construction has officially begun on De Havilland Field in Wheatland County, a project being described as the largest private aviation investment in Alberta’s history and one that is expected to create up to 3,000 permanent jobs.

A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 15 for the 1,500-acre aircraft manufacturing hub, located about 11 kilometres west of Strathmore. The development is part of Alberta’s growing aviation and aerospace sector, which has seen several major investments in recent years.

De Havilland Canada stated the new facility will include an aircraft assembly plant, runway, parts manufacturing and distribution centre and a maintenance, repair and overhaul centre.

The company moved its headquarters to Alberta in 2023, and provincial officials stated the investment reflects confidence in Alberta’s business environment and long-term economic prospects.

Once completed, De Havilland Field is expected to support about 3,000 permanent jobs in areas including skilled trades, engineering, manufacturing and aviation services. Construction of the facility is also expected to generate economic activity in the surrounding region.

The manufacturing hub will be used for final assembly of the Canadair DHC-515 Firefighter aircraft, the DHC-6 Twin Otter and the Dash 8-400 aircraft.

The Alberta government recently announced plans to purchase five DHC-515 water bombers from De Havilland Canada in a deal valued at about $400 million. The aircraft are expected to be built at the new facility and will be used to strengthen Alberta’s wildfire response capacity.

Provincial officials stated the project could also position Alberta to play a larger role in Canada’s aerospace and defence manufacturing sectors.

De Havilland Canada CEO Brian Chafe stated the project is intended to strengthen Canadian aerospace manufacturing, service support and training capacity while expanding domestic aircraft production.

Officials with Wheatland County and the Chestermere-Strathmore constituency said the project is expected to bring long-term economic growth and employment opportunities to the region.

Alberta’s government stated the province remains well-positioned to attract additional aerospace investment because of its workforce, available land and business-friendly regulatory environment.