Katrina Nokleby: Airport Improvements
Mr. Speaker, making strategic investments in our transportation system is one of the priorities of the 19th Legislative Assembly. Investing in airport improvements will keep our communities connected while reducing the cost of living and supporting economic opportunities.
Given our vast territory and dispersed communities, air travel is essential for Northern residents, businesses, and tourists.
The Government of the Northwest Territories manages 27 public airports that support vital services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue, forest fire response, and much more. Investing in our airports not only improves the delivery of safe and efficient transportation, but also provides jobs, skills, training, and beneficial economic opportunities for communities and residents. In fact, a total of 158 Northerners are directly employed through our airports. This does not include jobs created through special projects, such as capital construction projects.
Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to provide an update on airport improvement projects throughout the Northwest Territories.
Beginning in Inuvik, there are three major projects planned for the Mike Zubko Airport. These include:
- A new air terminal building;
- Improvements to help protect permafrost and improve runway drainage; and
- The design of an extension to the existing runway.
When the new air terminal building is completed, travellers will notice an improved passenger experience and an airport that better fits their needs. This includes upgraded public spaces, baggage systems, food concessions, airline operations, and improved accessibility. The Government of the Northwest Territories is working to keep the public informed and to provide opportunities for dialogue with residents and businesses. This month the Department of Infrastructure held two public meetings and one contractor meeting in Inuvik to discuss the new Air Terminal Building. The project is already providing a boost to local employment, as a local business was contracted to demolish the pre-existing hangar on the build site. Construction of the new Air Terminal Building is expected to be complete as soon as 2023.
The second project at the Inuvik Airport will result in airfield upgrades to protect permafrost and improve drainage. A total of $22 million in federal and territorial funding was announced last year for this project under the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. This project will make the airport more resilient to the effects of climate change, one of the priorities of this Legislative Assembly. The runway and taxiway embankments will be reconstructed, to better protect the permafrost under the airport. Surface drainage improvements will also help direct water away from vulnerable areas. Design work for the airfield improvement projects is currently underway and is expected to be completed this fall. Once the design has been finalized, construction is expected to take approximately two years.
Mr. Speaker, design work begins this summer on the Inuvik Airport runway extension project. Last year the federal government announced funding of up to $150 million for the project. This funding will be spread out over five years and will deliver major upgrades, including extending the length of the runway from 6,000 to 9,000 feet long. The project includes modernizing the lighting, navigational, and military aircraft landing arrestor systems. This investment will support a greater variety of military aircraft, while reducing the strain on aircraft that already serve the airport. The runway extension will help increase Canadian sovereignty in the Arctic, and benefit local travelers and businesses that rely on this airport.
Mr. Speaker, for many communities across the North, air travel is an essential service. For this reason, airport maintenance and improvement activities are particularly important to ensure safe and efficient travel. With this in mind, the Department of Infrastructure is also completing work at some of our smaller airports. For example, we are undertaking drainage improvements at Sachs Harbour, Aklavik, Hay River, and Sambaa K’e airports. This work will increase the resiliency of these airports to the effects of climate change.
Mr. Speaker, improvements are also ongoing at the Yellowknife Airport. As the largest and busiest aviation gateway to the North, Yellowknife Airport continues to focus on improvements for travellers as well as new economic opportunities.
The airport recently transitioned to common-use terminals, which will allow airlines to share counter space based on flight schedules, creating increased flexibility and better use of the check-in area. Upgrades were also recently completed to the baggage system and security screening areas of the airport, underscoring our commitment to a safe and secure facility.
Mr. Speaker, in addition to improvements to the passenger experience, the airport has been busy making operational improvements. While not always visible to the public, these investments are crucial to the safe and efficient operation of airports.
To help define long-term goals at the Yellowknife Airport, a 20-Year Master Plan will be finalized in the coming months.
In addition to these improvements at the Yellowknife Airport, our government is also pursuing economic opportunities related to cold-weather testing. Most recently, Airbus chose the Yellowknife Airport to test their newest aircraft: the Airbus A220. Our frigid temperatures make us the perfect destination for this type of testing. The A220 is already certified to minus 35 Celsius, but Airbus wants to certify the jet for minus 40 Celsius, which is why they brought it to Yellowknife. Airbus officials indicated the weather was ideal during their visit, and I thank the many Northern businesses and support groups who worked to make this opportunity possible.
Going forward, the airport is focused on attracting more cold-weather testing opportunities. To support this, a dedicated working group has been established at the airport to provide resources and assist aeronautical decision-makers. Through this group’s work, the NWT can provide a wealth of knowledge for companies looking to test their equipment in the North.
Mr. Speaker, the Government of the Northwest Territories will continue to invest in all of our airports. By working closely with communities and the federal government to secure funding, we will keep our communities connected while supporting opportunities for Northerners.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.