Canadian Government Investing in Local Airport Safety

Marc Garneau, Canadian Minister of Transport, announced that the Government of Canada is making important safety investments at local airports across the country.

Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) will provide over $48.6 million for new safety-related improvement projects, including $354,851 to install wildlife fencing at the Brandon Municipal Airport and $168,270 to rehabilitate the electrical systems on Apron IV at the St. Andrews Airport in Manitoba.

“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 personal 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, and efficient and accessible air transportation options, and will help us deliver on our promise to build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada.”

The recent announcement represents the largest investment in ACAP projects since the program started in 1995.

Further projects will be announced in the coming weeks and will include rehabilitating runways, taxiways and aprons; improving airfield lighting and airside electrical systems; purchasing snow-clearing equipment; upgrading airfield guidance signs; and installing wildlife control fencing.