Canadian government to help fund Moose Jaw Municipal Airport upgrade

Saskatchewan’s Moose Jaw Municipal Airport is to receive a CUSD 2.1 million cash injection from the Canadian province and federal government to enhance its airfield and help its recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The money will pay for the rehabilitation and expansion of the existing runway and taxiway, ultimately allowing the gateway to accommodate larger planes, including business class, turbo props, and light jets.

While the construction of a new apron space will increase the parking area and allow for heavier aircraft to be parked at the airport.

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In addition a new hangar access road will reduce the use of taxiways by vehicle traffic and other improvements include the installation of additional runway, taxiway and approach lights.

The Canadian government is investing CUSD 1.2 million in the project through the Rural and Northern Communities Infrastructure Stream (RNIS) of the Investing in Canada plan while the Government of Saskatchewan is contributing CUSD 999,900.

The grants will be topped up by the City of Moose Jaw, which is contributing CUSD 500,100 and is responsible for any additional costs.

“The Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority team is very excited to see this runway expansion and rehabilitation of the airside facilities project begin to come to fruition,” enthuses chair, Greg Simpson.

“When construction is finished, these upgrades will improve safety and benefit current airport users in the health and agricultural sectors, along with potential new business that rely on general aviation.

“This will improve access to critical health care services and help support economic development in our community, thanks to improved transportation infrastructure. We are grateful for both the confidence demonstrated, and the financial support provided.”

Saskatchewan’s Minister of Government Relations, Lori Carr, notes: “The Government of Saskatchewan’s investment of more than CUSD 900,000 toward this Moose Jaw area infrastructure project will ensure it becomes a reality.

“Work from this local initiative, along with job creation from other projects under our government’s CUSD 7.5 billion, two-year provincial capital plan will also kick-start economic recovery from the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic – investments that will strengthen local infrastructure and build a stronger Saskatchewan.”