Canada’s main airports that need infrastructure improvements including runway upgrades and paving will have access to the new Airport Critical Infrastructure Programme.
Around CAN$490 million (US$403 million) will be given to the country’s main provincial and international airports through the programme over the next five years, according to Omar Alghabra, Canada’s minister of transport. Projects can include airfield lighting improvements, transit stations and runway repairs.
The infrastructure programme will ensure “uninterrupted work on infrastructure projects to ensure continued safety and security, including compliance with safety standards and related regulatory requirements”.
Alghabra said the move comes as the country wants to make sure that local and international airports continue to be viable as Canada rebounds from the COVID-19 pandemic.
In addition, the federal government will give the Airports Capital Assistance Programme a top-up of CAN$186 million (US$153 million) over two years. The programme offers financial assistance to Canada’s local and regional airports to improve safety-related infrastructure projects and for equipment purchases.
