No. H149/13
For release - November 12, 2013
VAL-D’OR, QUEBEC — The Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec, and Member of Parliament for Roberval—Lac-Saint-Jean, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, today announced an investment of $498,964 for important safety improvements at the Rouyn-Noranda Airport and the Val-d’Or Regional Airport through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).
“These are vital airports and important aviation hubs for local residents, businesses, trade and tourism,” said Minister Lebel. “This funding will enhance the safety of all those who use these airports, especially the communities and businesses in these regions.”
The Rouyn-Noranda Airport is receiving $464,550 through ACAP for the purchase a self-propelled snowblower which will ensure the safe operation of runways and taxiways by the timely removal of snow and ice. The Val-d’Or Regional Airport is receiving $34,414 for the purchase of a runway condition reporting system which will provide timely, accurate and precise wireless reporting of runway conditions.
“The Government of Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program is an indispensable tool for the development of airports such as the one in Rouyn-Noranda,” said Mr. Mario Provencher, Mayor of Rouyn-Noranda. “It’s important to maintain this program since it supports the quality of service, safety and the maintenance of the highest standards. The City of Rouyn-Noranda thanks the Harper government for being a partner in the development of its regional airport.”
“This system will help us to make sure that the transmission of information related to runway conditions remains very efficient,” said Mr. Fernand Trahan, President of the Val-d’Or Regional Airport. “We thank the Government of Canada for its contribution to the safety of the Val-d’Or Regional Airport. We are confident that the Airports Capital Assistance Program will remain a priority for the Government of Canada in order to help eligible airports.”
To date, through ACAP, the Rouyn-Noranda Airport has received more than $9 million for 17 projects and the Val-d’Or Regional Airport has received more than $5.5 million for 14 projects, including today’s announcement. Since the program started, the Government of Canada has invested more than $608 million for 758 projects at 174 airports. Improvements include purchasing/replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.
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