The federal government is providing nearly a million dollars over two years to rehabilitate the airside electrical system at the Lac Brochet airport, one of the northernmost in the province.
Federal Minister of Transport Lisa Raitt announced Aug. 7 that the airport will receive $971,912 through Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) that previously provided funding for the installation of a lighted beacon at the Lac Brochet airport, which has now received more than $988,000 through the program that has invested more than $631 million for 776 projects at 174 airports across Canada.
"The Lac Brochet airport is an essential lifeline for residents, businesses, trade and tourism in Northern Manitoba," said Raitt in a press release. "This investment will enhance the safety and efficiency of the air service, while contributing to the economic and social well-being of the local communities in the region."
Provincial Minister of Infrastructure and Transportation Steve Ashton, the MLA for Thompson, said the funding would enhance the airport's infrastructure and improve safety.
"This is an important transportation link for northwest Manitoba and we appreciate the government of Canada's investment as we continue to improve our services and facilities."
ACAP provides funding to airports that are not owned or operated by the federal government that meet certification requirements and offer year-round regularly scheduled commercial passenger service to at least 1,000 passengers yearly as measured by Statistics Canada. Designated remote airports under the National Airports Policy are also eligible, even if they don't meet the regularly scheduled passenger service requirement.
First priority is given to safety-related airside projects such as rehabilitating runways, lighting, visual aids, sand storage sheds, utilities to service eligible items, site preparation costs, aircraft firefighting equipment required by regulations and shelters for such equipment. The purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment such as runway snowblowers, snowplows and sweepers, as well as winter friction testing devices and heavy airside mobile equipment shelters is second priority, while funding can also be provided for third-priority projects for air terminal buildings such as sprinkler systems, asbestos removal and provision of barrier-free access.
To be approved for ACAP funding, airports must show that they cannot finance the projects themselves and provide audited financial statements for the past three years.
