No. PNR 002/06
For release - March 27, 2006
WINNIPEG — The Government of Canada is enhancing safety at airports in Gillam, Thompson, Bloodvein, Little Grand Rapids, and St. Andrews by investing $1,908,105 in safety improvement projects, under Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program.
"Today's announcement of safety improvement projects at these five airports reflects the Government of Canada's commitment to regional and rural communities and the safety of their air services," said Vic Toews, Minister of Justice and Regional Minister for Manitoba, today on behalf of Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities. "These safety enhancements will also help these airports meet the growing cargo, tourism and travel needs in Manitoba."
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 Government of Canada is contributing toward the following safety improvement projects:
$1,150,105 toward the production and stockpiling of base material for annual resurfacing and future rehabilitation of runway, taxiway and apron at Gillam Airport.
$84,600 toward upgrading a Visual Approach Slope Indicator system to a Precision Approach Path Indicator system at Thompson Airport.
$366,500 toward the replacement of heavy equipment at Bloodvein Airport.
$287,500 toward the replacement of heavy equipment at Little Grand Rapids Airport.
$19,400 toward the replacement of heavy equipment components at St. Andrews Airport.
"The safety and security of Canadians are Transport Canada's top priorities," added Mr. Cannon. "The funds being provided to make the safety improvements at these airports will help them enhance both their safety and economic potential."
Federal funding for these projects is provided for in the existing financial framework.
Backgrounders on the Airports Capital Assistance Program and the safety improvements at the selected airports are 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
BACKGROUNDERSAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT FIVE MANITOBA AIRPORTS
Gillam Airport is owned and operated by the Town of Gillam. The airport provides a vital air link between the relatively remote town of Gillam, surrounding communities and major centres. Gillam Airport was transferred from Transport Canada on March 6, 1999, under the National Airports Policy. Including today's announcement, the airport has been awarded over $1.5 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Previous funding has been used for the purchase of heavy equipment.
Thompson Airport is owned by the Thompson Regional Airport Authority and operated by the Local Government District of Mystery Lake. Perimeter Aviation, Dene Cree and Calm Air all provide year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service. The airport was transferred from Transport Canada in March 2000, under the National Airports Policy. Including today's announcement, the airport has been awarded over $2.4 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Funded projects have included the replacement of heavy equipment and the rehabilitation of an apron and taxiways.
Bloodvein Airport is owned and operated by the Province of Manitoba. Northway Aviation and Skynorth Air both provide year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service. Including today's announcement, the airport has been awarded approximately $380,000 in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding. Previous funding has been used for the installation of new beacons.
Little Grand Rapids Airport is owned and operated by the Province of Manitoba. Northway Aviation and Skynorth Air both provide year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service. Including today's announcement, the airport has been awarded approximately $858,500 in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding. Funded projects have included the installation of a Precision Approach Path Indicator system and new beacons.
St. Andrews Airport is owned by the Rural Municipality of St. Andrews and operated by St. Andrews Airport Incorporated. Skynorth Air, Northway Aviation and Missionair Inc. provide year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service. The airport was transferred from Transport Canada on March 30, 1999, under the National Airports Policy. Including today's announcement, the airport has been awarded approximately $695,576 in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Previous funding has been used for the purchase of heavy equipment.
March 2006
