Harper Government Invests in Safety at the JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport

Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) Funding Announcement
JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport
June 17, 2012

$363,000 – Runway Condition Reporting Equipment & Emergency Backup System

Scott Armstrong, Member of Parliament for Cumberland-Colchester-Musquodoboit Valley, on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, today announced funding that will allow the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport to make important safety improvements.

“Infrastructure investments at regional airports are a key part of our government’s plan to create jobs and generate economic growth,” said MP Armstrong.  “I am pleased that this funding will directly and indirectly create jobs for both the airport and local suppliers.”

This year, the J.A. Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport is receiving $363,000 through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) to purchase a runway condition reporting system and replace an emergency power system.

“Our Government is committed to the safety and security of all Canadians,” said Minister Lebel. “We are funding safety-related capital projects at regional airports across the country because these airports are vital gateways for local residents, businesses, trade and tourism. These upgrades will improve safety for air travelers and support the efficient movement of goods – helping to ensure the right conditions for economic growth and long-term prosperity.”

In 2012-2013, the Government of Canada will invest more than $25.9 million for 35 projects for safety-related improvements at 26 airports across Canada. Improvements include purchasing/replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.

To date, through ACAP, the Government of Canada has invested more than $585.6 million for
715 projects at 173 airports. Over 99 per cent of these projects were airside safety-related projects such as runways, taxiways and visual aids, as well as heavy airside mobile equipment such as fire trucks and snowplows.

A local group of community leaders formed the first Board of Directors for the Sydney Airport Authority in 1997 when Transport Canada divested the Sydney airport. Since 1998, The Government of Canada has contributed almost $11 million dollars in funding for capital projects related to airport safety through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).

The $363,000 in funding will be used to purchase a new runway condition reporting system which provides information to pilots on the condition of the runways as well as a new diesel engine and transfer switch for the Field Electrical Centre which forms part of the emergency backup system for the airport.

The existing facility was constructed in 1965 and numerous upgrades are being made to an aging infrastructure. In the current fiscal year, some projects include a boiler replacement project, upgrades to some of the hangars including new siding, roof and overhead doors for the Provincial Hangar, new overhead doors for the MacLean Hangar, and repairs and replacement of sections of the perimeter fence.  Plans are currently underway for the expansion of the security area to allow for additional seating and washroom facilities in the secure area as well as renovations to the entrances of the airport. Construction is expected to get underway this summer.

The JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport is pleased to recognize that Air Canada has been offering air service to the Cape Breton community for 70 years when Trans-Canada Air Lines started operating at the Sydney Airport in 1942.

Currently, Air Canada and WestJet are offering direct flights to/from Toronto from May to October and Air Jazz offers 5-6 flights per day to/from Halifax. Charter services are available and Air Saint Pierre has flights to St. Pierre & Miquelon in July and August. The JA Douglas McCurdy Sydney Airport was pleased to be part of a group of airports, who worked with Air Canada to develop a Halifax Commuter Flight Pass for travel to/from Halifax which was launched in April, 2012 – visit www.aircanada.ca Click Flight Passes – Halifax Commuter for more information and to purchase your flight pass.