Alberta’s government is building up its ability to protect communities from wildfires – and it is doing it right here in this province.
Minister of Forestry and Parks Todd Loewen highlights the fact that they have contracted a $400 million investment for the construction of five new waterbombers. He says “our new airtankers will be built right here in Alberta by De Havilland Canada. A notable Canadian aerospace company. Supporting good jobs, strengthening our aerospace industry, and helping keep Albertans safe for years to come.”
Brian Chafe – CEO De Havilland Canada – says their company is 100 per cent Canadian owned and its headquarters moved to Alberta in 2022. He adds, their goal is to have the distribution centre, parts manufacturing, aerostructures, and final assembly in place by 2030 at their state-of-the-art manufacturing facility in Wheatland County.
It is anticipated by the province that the first of the DHC-515 waterbombers from this contract will arrive by spring of 2031.
Wildfire season in Alberta stretches from March 1st to October 31st but this winter’s warm, dry weather has already resulted in fire advisories being put in place this month for places including the Calgary Forest Area.
