Acknowledging the role that regional airports play in providing essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response, the Government of Canada have announced a $9,973,717 investment to rehabilitate Hall Beach Airport in Nunavut.

The funding has been made available by the Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Programme (ACAP). Since starting in 1995, the Government of Canada has invested more than $882.7 million for 948 projects at 186 airports across the country.

the rehabilitation project will include the removal of surfaces, grading and compacting new crushed aggregate on the runway, taxiway and apron; installing new edge lighting for the runway, taxiway and apron; runway identification lighting, illuminated windcones and guidance signs for the taxiway; precision approach slope indicators; a new field electrical centre complete with all airfield lighting power and control equipment; and apron floodlighting.

Commenting on the investment, Deb Schulte, parliamentary secretary to the minister of national revenue and member of parliament for King – Vaughan said: “The Hall Beach Airport is an important hub for residents and businesses in this region. This investment will help ensure continued safe and reliable airport operations for Hall Beach residents, many of whom depend on their local airports not only for personal travel and community resupply, but also for access to routine and emergency medical care in larger centres.”

Meanwhile, the honourable Marc Garneau, minister of transport stated: “Our Government recognises that local airports are major contributors to the economic growth and social well-being of smaller communities. 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.”

Image: Government of Nunavut.