Mayor launches task force to drive growth in Sky Economy Employment Zone

Released: May 28, 2026 at 11:05 a.m.
Panel will identify infrastructure needs surrounding Winnipeg Richardson International Airport to boost economic development and defence expansion

Mayor Scott Gillingham is launching a new task force to help position Winnipeg’s airport area for the next generation of defence, aerospace, aviation, and advanced manufacturing growth.

The Sky Economy Employment Zone Task Force will gather 10-to-25-year infrastructure needs from the Royal Canadian Air Force, City of Winnipeg, Winnipeg Airports Authority, CentrePort Canada, the training sector, and civilian partners into a single document to support advocacy for new investments as part of the Mayor's Sky Economy initiative.

“Winnipeg’s airport area is already one of the strongest employment zones in our city, but its next stage of growth will depend on having the right infrastructure in place,” said Gillingham. “This task force will help Winnipeg make a clear, coordinated case for future investment in Winnipeg’s Sky Economy.”

The Task Force members are:

  • Catherine Kloepfer, Chair — Kloepfer most recently served the City of Winnipeg as Chief Financial Officer before retiring from that role in 2024. She previously served as Chief Financial Officer for the Winnipeg Airports Authority. 
  • Matthew Dryburgh — Dryburgh is Acting Deputy Chief Administrative Officer for the City of Winnipeg. He previously served in senior roles in the Winnipeg Mayor’s Office and with the Government of Manitoba. 
  • Brian F. Kelcey — Kelcey currently serves in the Mayor’s Office and as a mayoral representative on the City’s budget team. He has previously served on two other City task forces. 

The Task Force is scheduled to report back to the Mayor by July 15, 2026, with a short public summary and a more detailed report to support intergovernmental advocacy. While the panel may make recommendations, its report will be advisory only, and it will operate within existing Mayor’s Office budget resources.

“The Prime Minister has made it clear that new investments through the Defence Industrial Strategy should also support civilian economic growth,” said Gillingham. “This is an opportunity to work collaboratively, identify practical infrastructure needs, and push for investments that create jobs for Winnipeg.”

Mayor's Office

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