The Thompson Airport is receiving nearly $700,000 from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) to rehabilitate its primary apron, the federal government announced Aug. 10.
Minister of Transport Marc Garneau announced in a press release that the airport is getting $662,710 to remove the old concrete and asphalt pavement and replace it with new asphalt.
“The Thompson Airport is a vital link for residents and businesses in this region as many of the surrounding communities are accessible only by air during a major portion of the year,” said Garneau. “This project will help ensure continued safe airport operation for passengers, flight crews, and medical evacuation activities, while contributing to these communities’ economic and social well-being. The government of Canada recognizes that safe and efficient airports are vital to the economic and social well-being of smaller communities. In addition to supporting personal travel and tourism, local and regional airports are key connectors for business, health care, social services, and emerging resource development sectors. Our investments improve access to safe and efficient air transportation options, and deliver on our promise to help build safer, healthier and stronger communities across Canada.”
Thompson Regional Airport Authority CEO Curtis Ross says the rehabilitation of the apron - the area on the airside of the terminal where aircraft park before departing and after arriving - is scheduled to be completed by the second week of October.
Earlier this year, the Thompson Airport received $94,745 for the purchase of a material spreader, a combination sanding and de-icing unit.
“That will assist us in the fall and spring when icing or less than ideal conditions occur on our paved runway,” said Ross. “In the case of the apron, we receive up to 90 per cent to a maximum approved dollar amount for the scope of that project. In the case of the material spreader, we did also receive approval for up to 90 per cent capped at a dollar amount.”
The ACAP has funded 848 projects at 176 airports with a total value of more than $736 million since it was established in 1995. It focuses on funding projects that improve regional airport safety, protect airport assets like equipment and runways, and reduce operating costs. Airports not owned by the federal government that offer year-round, regularly scheduled passenger flights to a minimum of 1,000 passengers a year are eligible for funding. There are about 200 such airports across Canada.
“This is an extremely important funding program to all small and regional airports throughout Canada, especially those operated independently from provincial governments and municipal governments such as ours,” Ross says. “The Thompson Regional Airport Authority is a standalone non-for-profit entity responsible for the safety management, operation and infrastructure of our airport. We are very appreciative of our federal government’s continued support and recognition of the importance of our airport in this region.”
