Government Partnership to expand Fort McMurray International Airport

News Release

Project possible thanks to New Building Canada Plan

Infrastructure Canada - March 27, 2015 – Fort McMurray, Alberta

The Honourable Rona Ambrose, Minister of Health, Regional Minister for Northern Alberta and Member of Parliament for Edmonton–Spruce Grove, and David Yurdiga, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray– Athabasca, were joined today by Scott Clements, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Fort McMurray Airport Authority and Jane Stroud, Deputy Mayor of the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, to announce that the Government of Canada has identified the Fort McMurray International Airport Expansion project for funding consideration of up to $25 million under the National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund.

The project will include an expansion of the main terminal building and North terminal apron, and an extension of the main runway. Two new general aviation taxiways will also be built, as well as an emergency crosswind runway.

Collectively, these enhancements will help Fort McMurray International Airport to increase capacity and efficiency, by improving the flow of passengers and goods.

Through the $4-billion National Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund, the Government of Canada is providing financial support for projects with far-reaching benefits. The Fund supports infrastructure of national significance that has a strong impact on Canada's competitiveness, productivity and economic well-being.

Quick facts

The Government of Canada has identified this project for funding consideration of up to $25 million under the New Building Canada Fund's National Infrastructure Component. This funding is conditional on the signing of a contribution agreement.
The Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo previously committed, in 2011, one-third of eligible costs up to $25 million.
The Fort McMurray Airport Authority (FMAA) will be responsible for all remaining costs of the project, which is estimated at $75.5 million.
The $53-billion New Building Canada Plan provides stable funding for a 10-year period, and includes:

The Community Improvement Fund, consisting of the Gas Tax Fund and the incremental Goods and Services Tax Rebate for Municipalities, which will provide over $32 billion to municipalities for projects such as roads, public transit and recreational facilities, and other community infrastructure.
The $14-billion New Building Canada Fund, which consists of:

The $4-billion National Infrastructure Component that will support projects of national significance; and
The $10-billion Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component for projects of national, regional and local significance. Of this amount, $1 billion is for projects in communities with fewer than 100,000 residents through the Small Communities Fund.

An additional $1.25 billion in funding for the Public-Private Partnerships (P3) Canada Fund administered by PPP Canada.

Quotes

"Our Government's support for public infrastructure has never been stronger. Economic growth, job creation and stronger communities are key priorities for our Government. Fort McMurray is Alberta's industrial and economic heart and its International Airport is one of Canada's busiest airports. We are pleased to invest in this expansion project, which will increase the Airport's capacity and efficiency and have a lasting effect on the region's economic growth and development."

-The Honourable Rona Ambrose
Minister of Health, Regional Minister for Northern Alberta and Member of Parliament for Edmonton–Spruce Grove

"The Government of Canada remains focused on what matters most to Canadians: job creation, economic growth and long-term prosperity. Projects like the expansion of the Fort McMurray International Airport lead to economic gains for both the local and Canadian economy. Right here in the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo, we will see major benefits from this project and continue to notice the positive effects of these investments in the upcoming months and years."

-David Yurdiga
Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray–Athabasca

"The federal government's investment in Fort McMurray International Airport will ensure that the airport is able to keep pace with the incredible growth in the region which is expected to continue for many years to come. The Airport acts as the strategic air transportation hub for Northern Alberta and as the primary access point to Canada's critically-important oil sands. We thank the Government of Canada and Minister Ambrose for realizing the strategic importance of our facility and for contributing to its long-term growth in this exceptional way."

-Scott Clements
President and Chief Executive Officer
Fort McMurray Airport Authority

"This is a great day for residents and industry across Wood Buffalo. This expansion gives the community a boost by improving local capacity and increasing our future competitiveness by enhancing the flow of people and goods to the region."

- Jane Stroud
Deputy Mayor
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo

Associated links

To learn more about the New Building Canada Fund-National Infrastructure Component.
For additional information on the New Building Canada Plan.
To learn more about Fort McMurray International Airport.
For additional information on the Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
To learn more about the Government of Canada's focus on jobs and the economy consult Canada's Economic Action Plan.

Contacts

Vincent Rabault
Press Secretary
Office of the Minister of Infrastructure, Communities and Intergovernmental Affairs and
Minister of the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec
613-943-1838

Joanne Barnes
Communications Coordinator
Fort McMurray Airport Authority
joanne.barnes@flyymm.com
780-714-0899

Nicole Power
Press Secretary
Regional Municipality of Wood Buffalo
nicole.power@woodbuffalo.ab.ca
780-743-7943

Infrastructure Canada
613-960-9251
Toll-free 1-877-250-7154
Email: media@infc.gc.ca
Twitter: @INFC_eng
Website: Infrastructure Canada

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Date modified:: 2016-12-14

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Government Partnership to expand Fort McMurray International Airport

News Release

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