No. PNR 004/06
For release - March 27, 2006
WHITEHORSE — The Government of Canada is improving safety at the Whitehorse International Airport by investing $291,550 in the installation of airside signs, a project funded through Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program.
"Today's announcement supports the commitments made by the Government of Canada toward the well-being of regional and rural communities and contributes to the safety of air services," said Jim Prentice, Minister of Indian Affairs and Northern Development on behalf of Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "These safety enhancements will also help the Whitehorse International Airport meet the growing travel and tourism needs in the Yukon."
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 renewed for five years on April 1, 2005, airports may apply for funding toward capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, airports must have year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.
"The safety and security of Canadians are Transport Canada's top priorities," added Mr. Cannon. "The funds being provided to make the safety improvement at this airport will help enhance both safety and economic potential."
The Whitehorse International Airport is owned and operated by the Government of the Yukon. Air Canada Jazz, Air North, and First Air all provide regularly scheduled year-round passenger service. The airport facilities are also used for charter company operations and aircraft maintenance. Transport Canada transferred the Whitehorse International Airport to local interests in October 1996, under the National Airports Policy. The Whitehorse International Airport has received $165,150 in previous funding under the Airports Capital Assistance Program for the purchase of heavy equipment.
Federal funding for this project is provided for in the existing financial framework.
A backgrounder on the Airports Capital Assistance Program is attached.
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Contact:
Gabriela KlimesCommunicationsTransport Canada, Winnipeg(204) 983-3671
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BACKGROUNDERAIRPORTS 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 airside mobile equipment, such as runway snowblowers, 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 Airports Capital Assistance Program is part of the National Airports Policy, which was introduced July 1994 and calls for the commercialization of designated Canadian airports, through divestiture to community interests. The 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.
March 2006
