No. ON016/02For release - April 19, 2002
TORONTO, Ont. — Transport Minister David Collenette today announced federal funding of $165,600 for a safety improvement project at Toronto City Centre Airport under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program. This announcement is part of federal funding of $10.2 million announced today for airport improvement projects at eight airports in Ontario.
"Safety and security are Transport Canada's top priorities," said Mr. Collenette. "With today's contribution towards Toronto City Centre Airport, the Government of Canada is helping to enhance not only safety, but also the efficiency of the nation's transportation infrastructure."
The project involves the purchase of one runway sweeper. Runway sweepers are necessary to keep an airport's airfield clear of snow, ice and foreign substances that could interfere with the safe operation of aircraft.
The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) is part of the National Airports Policy, which was announced in July 1994. Under ACAP, which officially began April 1, 1995 and was renewed in June 2000, airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, they must receive regularly scheduled passenger service, meet airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.
Since 1995, the Government of Canada has announced a total of $59.3 million for safety improvement projects, under ACAP, at 30 airports in Ontario.
"ACAP is an example of the Government of Canada directing infrastructure resources to where they are most needed and can best enhance safety," said Mr. Collenette. "This program is one way the government - through the National Airports Policy - seeks to ensure a safe, efficient and affordable airports system to serve Canadians well into the future."
Toronto City Centre Airport is owned and operated by the Toronto Port Authority. The airport handles an average of 108,263 passengers annually, with regularly scheduled passenger service provided by Air Ontario.
Funding for this project was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
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Contact:
Gail CrossmanCommunications, Toronto(416) 952-0156
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