Foremost, Alberta may earn its name as a drone-testing centre

An Albertan community is close to becoming a world centre for testing unmanned drones.

Transport Canada has given permission for the Canadian Center for Unmanned Vehicle Systems permission to apply for the use of airspace around the town of Foremost. “This will ultimately lead to the commercialization of unmanned vehicles in Canada,” said Bill Werny, a retired Canadian Air Force colonel who heads the Canadian non-profit.

Drones are infamously known for their use in American military operations in Pakistan and Afghanistan. They are also commonly used for surveillance. Canada is considering the use of drones to monitor the Arctic.

Proponents of the project in Foremost believe the area provides the perfect testing ground, with little air traffic, few residents and clear weather for most of the year. Commercial operations may begin as early as next year.