Sturgeon County resubmitted its plans for the land around the Villeneuve Airport to the Edmonton Metropolitan Region Board (EMRB). Development in this area could support more than $1.8 billion in economic benefit and more than 1,750 jobs over the next two decades.
“The Villeneuve Airport area has the potential to be a significant economic driver in our region,” says Mayor Alanna Hnatiw. “We look forward to the EMRB decision to recognize the lands surrounding the airport as part of a major employment area, as is the approach with other regional airports. The Regional Growth Plan must be adaptive and supportive of diversified growth, critical to supporting our economy now and into the future.”
Municipalities must refer new development plans to the EMRB – a requirement under the Municipal Government Act – so plans can be evaluated for consistency with the EMRB’s Regional Growth Plan. A decision from the EMRB is expected in spring 2023.
The County withdrew its earlier application in December 2022 to allow additional consultation with regional partners after EMRB administration recommended refusal of the County’s application.The County did not make significant changes or additions to its application; it addressed most items EMRB administration considered to be inconsistent with the Regional Growth Plan.
The County’s plan is a development framework, and its approval means the County can continue planning infrastructure and supporting new investors to confidently consider investing in the region. The plan also creates future-ready development strategies and demonstrates a strong focus on local and regional economic growth and diversification.
The lands surrounding the Villeneuve Airport are prime for investment in many sectors, including aviation and aerospace, defence, research and testing, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy research, agri-innovation and logistics.
Additional resources:
- Sturgeon County to continue engaging regional partners on Villeneuve Airport area before presenting to EMRB (Dec. 7, 2022)
- Sturgeon County to present plans for Villeneuve Airport area to EMRB (Nov. 28, 2022)
- Villeneuve Airport Area Area Structure Plan (VAA-ASP)
- Villeneuve Airport Area Master Plan (VAAMP)
