On behalf of the Honorable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announcements were made last week in regard to investments for both the Kamloops Airport in British Columbia and Fort Smith Airport in the Northwest Territories.
An investment of $1.287 million was made to purchase an aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle (ARFF) for the Kamloops Airport, which includes an ARFF with a high capacity water tank and pumping output that can also use foam concentrate and dry chemical fire retardants. The state-of-the-art ARFF is critical in providing rapid and effective response to aircraft emergencies.
Kamloops Airport also recently received a replacement snowplow truck with blade, valued at $130,000, which is used for airside snow removal.
In order to replace a snow blower at the Fort Smith Airport, an investment of $418,000 will be made which will allow for the purchase of a medium-sized, self-propelled model with a 2,500 horsepower engine, capable of removing snow from airside surfaces.
“Our Government recognizes that local airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities,” said the Honorable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport.
“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.”
Michael McLeod, a Member of Parliament for Northwest Territories said the Fort Smith Airport is an important transportation center for residents and businesses in their Territory. “Well-maintained runways, taxiways and aprons that are clear of ice and snow are key to ensuring safe usage by aircraft, passengers, and crews and help protect costly airport safety assets during airport operations.”
