No. Q006/05
For release - August 18, 2005
VAL D'OR, QUEBEC — Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre today announced federal funding of $121,000 to replace the runway lighting system control panel and to improve safety at Val-d'Or Airport. This funding is allocated under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).
"Regional airport safety is important for the Government of Canada," said Mr. Lapierre. "Today's contribution is an example of infrastructure resources being directed to where they are most needed to enhance the safety and economic potential of Val-d'Or Airport."
The Airports Capital Assistance Program is an integral part of the National Airports Policy, which provides Canadians with a comprehensive framework that clearly defines the Government of Canada's role regarding airports.
Under the program, which was established in 1995 and extended for another five years in January 2005, airports may submit funding applications for capital expenditure projects pertaining to safety, protection of property and of operating cost reduction. To be eligible, an airport must provide regular, year-round scheduled service, meet Transport Canada requirements with respect to airport certification and not belong to the Government of Canada.
"The Airports Capital Assistance Program is one of the ways in which the Government of Canada intends to ensure a safe and effective airport system to citizens of the region," said Mr. Lapierre. "The program illustrates our commitment to ensuring secure social foundations while investing in Quebec's resource regions."
The Val-d'Or Airport, which was previously owned and operated by Transport Canada, was transferred to the Aéroport régional de Val-d'Or on January 12, 1999. The airport has subsequently received more than $4 million, including the funding announced today, from the Airports Capital Assistance Program.
Projects funded under the program have to date included the restoration and replacement of taxiways and aprons, improvements to electrical systems, repairs to the runway drainage system, repairs to the terminal roof and purchases of a decelerometer, a bird scaring system, a runway sweeper and a snowplow truck.
Air Canada Jazz, Air Creebec and Pascan Aviation provide year-round scheduled service at Val-d'Or Airport. Airport facilities are also used for general aviation activities, for freight shipments and for medical evacuations.
Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.
Backgrounder on Airports Capital Assistance Program is attached.
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Contacts:
Irène MarcheterreDirector of CommunicationsOffice of the Minister, Ottawa(613) 991-0700
Marie-Anyk CôtéCommunicationsTransport Canada, Montreal(514) 633-2742
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BACKGROUNDER
AIRPORTS CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM
The Airports Capital Assistance Program provides funding to eligible airports to finance capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, an airport must receive year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.
Funding available under the program is set at $190 million, to be allocated from April 2005 to March 2010 at an average of $38 million per year. Contributions are considered for the following types of projects:
First priority projects include safety-related airside projects, such as rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting and other utilities, visual aids and sand storage sheds. This category also includes related site preparation and environmental costs, aircraft firefighting vehicles and ancillary equipment and equipment shelters that are necessary to maintain the required level of protection.
Second priority projects include safety-related heavy airside mobile equipment, such as runway snow blowers, runway snowplows, runway sweepers, spreaders and decelerometers (winter friction testing devices), and heavy airside mobile equipment shelters.
Third priority projects include safety-related air terminal building and groundside projects, such as sprinkler systems, asbestos removal and barrier-free access.
Fourth priority projects include asset protection and refurbishing, operating cost reduction related to air terminal building or groundside access.
Priority for funding will also be established by Transport Canada on the basis of a detailed technical analysis of a facility's condition and maintenance history, airport traffic and certification requirements.
To be eligible, projects must maintain or improve safety levels, protect airport assets or significantly reduce operating costs. Projects must also meet accepted engineering practices and be justified on the basis of current demand. Airport facility expansion projects will only be considered if the current facilities have a potentially negative impact on safety at the airport.
Transport Canada's first priority is safety. Through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, the Government of Canada is helping to enhance not only airport safety, but also the economic viability of this important aspect of Canada's transportation infrastructure.
The program is part of the National Airports Policy, which was introduced in July 1994 and calls for the commercialization of designated Canadian airports through divestiture to community interests. The National Airports Policy enables communities to take greater advantage of their airports, reduce costs, tailor levels of service to local demand and attract new and different types of business.
August 2005
