The La Ronge Airport is the third busiest in Saskatchewan. (Derek Cornet/larongeNOW Staff)

By Derek Cornet

investment

Federal government funds $2.7M lighting project at La Ronge Airport

Oct 18, 2023 | 5:00 PM

The federal government is covering the costs for a $2.7 million airfield lighting rehabilitation project in La Ronge.

The funding was announced in a media release issued Wednesday, which states the project will help maintain safe airport operations for passengers, crews, and airport workers.

The funding will cover the cost of new edge and threshold lights on the runway, precision approach path indicators lights, simplified short approach lighting, omnidirectional approach lights, as well as edge lights on Taxiways A, B, C, and the apron. The work will also include floodlights on Apron 1, constant current regulators, signage de-icing area floodlights, and edge lights.

La Ronge Airport Manager Jim Burr explained preliminary work has already started with drawings, while the acquisition of all the materials needed is currently underway.

“It’s not likely we will have any of that on hand to begin the work before winter hits, so preliminary work is being done now with the intention of completing it all in the spring/early summer next year,” he said.

World Championships

Power, Cozens lead Canada to 5-3 win over Finland at hockey worlds

May 18, 2024

muskwa lake

Province invests in permanent addictions treatment funding in Pinehouse Lake

May 16, 2024

staff shortage

New incentive offers up to $10K signing bonus for northern teachers

May 14, 2024

“It’s very important. For starters, the lighting infrastructure we have now is very dated. It’s reached its end of serviceable life and, in fact, there are some components that we can’t even get any more for replacement, so it is definitely in need of an upgrade. It’s modern lighting technology that will be more efficient and, of course, that enhances the safety of our operation, too. Very timely and a very important upgrade.”

This funding is in addition to more than $1.2 million provided to the airport in 2022 for the purchase of a loader, runway sweeper, and a 4×4 snowplow used in the removal and control of snow and ice on airside surfaces such as runways, taxiways, and aprons.

“Canada’s airports are a critical link in our supply chains. They keep our communities connected from coast-to-coast-to-coast,” Minister of Transportation Pablo Rodriguez stated.

“This funding is great news for the communities these airports serve. Through investments like these, we’re making life more affordable for the residents of La Ronge, Northern Saskatchewan, and across the country.”

Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program provides federal funds to help eligible airports finance capital projects that will help them maintain safety. Under the program, eligible airports may apply for funding for capital projects related to safety.

–

derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com