The Government of Canada has announced a C$30m ($21.3m) investment to enhance safety and connectivity at the Thompson Regional Airport in Manitoba.
The funding is allocated through the Airports Capital Assistance Programme (ACAP) to address the destabilisation of permafrost at the airport due to warming temperatures.
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The destabilisation has compromised the existing apron and taxiway, which lack the required strength to support essential aircraft.
The funding will be used to build new apron and taxiway structures on stable bedrock by incorporating an advanced technique to strengthen the underlying permafrost.
These enhancements are expected to improve safety for passengers, crews, and airport workers.
Moreover, they will bolster year-round connectivity and supply chain resilience for the 37 northern communities that depend on the Thompson Regional Airport, which serves as a crucial link to 15 remote Indigenous communities.
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By GlobalDataCanada Transport Minister and Treasury Board president Anita Anand said: “The Thompson Regional Airport is an important hub for essential passenger and cargo services to remote and Indigenous communities in northern Manitoba and western Nunavut.
“This investment will help ensure that these communities have year-round access to safe and reliable air services for delivery of essential goods and services, for business and trade, and for travel between Northern communities, and throughout Canada.”
This funding is further supplemented by a $52m ($37.08m) investment from the Canada Infrastructure Bank, announced in November 2023, which supports the Thompson Regional Airport’s redevelopment, including a new terminal building and related infrastructure.
Thompson Regional Airport Authority CEO Curtis Ross said: “We are incredibly grateful for the funding provided by the ACAP.
“This significant investment in the new Thompson Airport will greatly enhance our safety, security, and operational efficiency.”
The ACP aims to support eligible airports with capital projects and equipment purchases that maintain safety standards.
These projects can range from airside mobile equipment acquisition to airfield lighting and electrical systems upgrades, as well as wildlife fencing installation.
Since its inception, the programme has committed nearly $1.3bn ($927m) for various projects at over 200 airports across Canada.
