Government of Canada investing in safety at the Yellowknife Airport

YELLOWKNIFE, Feb. 10, 2019 /CNW/ - Canadians, tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained airports. From visiting friends and family, to travelling to medical appointments, or getting goods to market, we rely on our local airports to support and sustain vibrant communities. These airports also provide essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response.

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of National Revenue and Member of Parliament for Gaspésie — Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, joined Northwest Territories Member of Parliament Michael McLeod and the Honourable Wally Schumann, Minister of Infrastructure and Industry, Tourism and Investment, to announce a Government of Canada investment to rehabilitate the airfield lighting at the Yellowknife Airport.

The investment of $2,550,887 includes installing elevated high-intensity LED edge and threshold lights and wind direction indicators on Runway 16-34, and installing high-intensity lights on the approach of Runway 34.

Well maintained airfield lighting systems ensure safe usage by aircraft, passengers, and crews, and help protect costly airport safety assets, such as snow clearing equipment and aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles, during airport operations.

Quotes

"The Yellowknife Airport is an important hub for residents and businesses in this region. This investment will help the airport ensure continued safe operations for passengers, flight crews and employees, who rely on this airport as it supports the regional economy and its social development."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier
Minister of National Revenue
Member of Parliament for Gaspésie — Les Îles-de-la-Madeleine

"As the Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories, I know first-hand how much of a lifeline local airports are for remote communities, not only for business purpose, but also for access to services like specialized and emergency medical care in larger centres. This project at the Yellowknife Airport will ensure safer and more reliable connectivity for Northerners."

Michael McLeod
Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories

"The Government of the Northwest Territories remains committed to improving airport infrastructure, operations and safety by working and strengthening connections with public and private sector partners in transportation infrastructure. Today's funding announcement will result in lower energy costs, improved visibility and reduce costs related to maintenance and repair. These important improvements will build on the safety of N.W.T. visitors and residents but also support economic opportunities through the central hub of the N.W.T. airport system and increase traveller confidence."

The Honourable Wally Schumann
Minister of Infrastructure and Industry, Tourism and Investment

"Our Government recognizes that local airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities. In addition to supporting personal travel and tourism, local airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. This investment will improve access to safe, efficient and accessible air transportation options, and will help us deliver on our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada."

The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

Quick Facts

• This funding comes from Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).
• Since the Program started in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested more than $882.7 million for 948 projects at 186 airports across the country.
• To date, the Yellowknife Airport has received more than $9.6 million in ACAP funding for six safety projects, including the rehabilitation of the airfield lighting on Runway 16-34 and the purchase of new snow-clearing equipment and an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle.

Associated Links

• Airports Capital Assistance Program
• Yellowknife Airport

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SOURCE Transport Canada