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Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. John’s South–Mount Pearl, on behalf of Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced a Government of Canada investment to rehabilitate Runway 10-28, Taxiway A, Apron 1, and the airfield lighting system at the Fond du Lac Airport in Sask.
The investment comes 14 months after a West Wind Aviation flight crashed almost immediately after takeoff, killing one and seriously injuring nine passengers.
“The community of Fond du Lac was profoundly touched by tragic events in 2017,” said O’Regan. “Today, our government is announcing new funding which will help ensure the continued safety and reliability of operations at the Fond du Lac Airport. We are proud to support these important renovations to the airport and the residents of Fond du Lac that rely on it.”
The investment of $12.14 million comes from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). The funding will go towards rehabilitating the asphalt on the runway, Taxiway A and Apron I; installing a precision approach path indicator system for the runway; replacing the runway and Taxiway A edge lights; and replacing Apron I floodlights.
A well-maintained runway, taxiway and apron is key to ensuring safe usage by aircraft, passengers, and crews, and helps protect costly airport safety assets, such as snow clearing equipment, during airport operations.
“Our government recognizes that local airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities,” said Garneau. “In addition to supporting travel and tourism, local airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. These investments will improve access to safe, efficient and accessible air transportation options, and will help us deliver on our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada.”
To date, Fond du Lac Airport has received more than $15.3 million from the ACAP for multiple safety projects.
