David Wilks, Kootenay-Columbia MP, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced that the Government of Canada will provide funding for important safety improvements at Canadian Rockies International Airport.

This investment through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) is for the purchase of a towed runway sweeper. A towed runway sweeper is used during the winter to clear snow, slush and ice off airside maneuvering surfaces. A new towed runway sweeper will increase safety by ensuring a higher level of dependability and timely removal of snow/slush/ice. It is an essential component of a snow removal operation which ensures a safe operating environment for air carriers.

“I am pleased to announce funding that will allow the Canadian Rockies International Airport to make important safety improvements,” said Wilks. “Safe and efficient airports are vital to the local economies of smaller communities, and our Government is taking action to support safe air service for passengers and businesses in this region.”

“Our Government’s top priority remains completing the economic recovery: creating jobs and growth,” said Minister Lebel. “We are continuing to invest in safety-related capital projects at regional and local airports across the country, and this funding will directly and indirectly create jobs in each community, for both the airport and suppliers.”

This year, the Canadian Rockies International Airport is receiving $187,043 through ACAP. In 2012-2013, the Government of Canada will invest more than $23 million for 29 projects for safety-related improvements at 23 airports across Canada. Improvements include purchasing/replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; the installation of wildlife fencing; rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.

To date, through ACAP, the Government of Canada has invested more than $582 million for 709 projects at 173 airports. Over 99 per cent of these projects were airside safety-related projects such as runway upgrades, taxiways and visual aids, as well as heavy airside mobile equipment such as fire trucks and snowplows.

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