The Government of Canada has pledged to make important safety investments at Thunder Bay International Airport in Ontario.
In recognition of the essential air services and economic role that local airports in Canada play in supporting vibrant communities, the Government of Canada through its Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Programme (ACAP) will provide almost $12.5 million to Thunder Bay Airport for four safety-related projects. These include: the purchasing of two aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles ($2,255,729); the rehabilitation of airside surfaces and lighting and electrical systems ($8,518,040); the construction of runway end safety areas for Runways 07-25 and 12-30 ($1,662,055); and the installation of airside LED guidance signs ($33,750).
“The Thunder Bay International Airport is a critical hub for people in Thunder Bay and the region, connecting us to the rest of the country and the world,” said The Honourable Patty Hajdu, the Minister of Health and Member of Parliament for Thunder Bay. “This investment will ensure our airport can keep on serving our region, helping Northwester Ontarians get to work, medical services and more.”
For 2021-2022, Transport Canada has allocated ACAP funding to 63 airports for 86 safety-related projects, including runway and taxiway repairs/ rehabilitation, lighting enhancements, purchasing snow clearing equipment and firefighting vehicles and installing wildlife fencing.
Since ACAP started in 1995, the Canadian Government has invested more than $1.1 billion for 1,088 projects at 199 airports across the country. The programme received a one-time funding top-up in 2020 of $186 million over two years in response to the global pandemic. The programme’s eligibility has been temporarily expanded to allow National Airport System (NAS) airports with less than one million annual passengers to apply for funding. The eligible airports include: Gander; Charlottetown; Saint John; Fredericton; Moncton; Thunder Bay; London; and Prince George.
