Safety will be improved at the Sault Ste. Marie Airport, thanks to funds that will allow the facility to upgrade its radio communications technology.
Transport Canada is providing the Sault facility with $16,250 to install an integrated radio alarm system (IRAS), which is expected to improve emergency response by allowing radio communication between the control tower and the fire hall, security station and individual wireless radios.
Announced on April 18, the government said the improvement would enhance safety for leisure and commercial fliers, as well as back up essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response.
The airport recently completed two additional projects, valued at more than $1.1 million: the rehabilitation of airside essential power systems and the purchase of an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle and associated equipment.
"People in Sault Ste. Marie and the surrounding region depend on their airport not only for personal and business travel, but also for access to specialized and emergency medical care,” Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a news release. “The investment announced today will ensure continued safe and reliable service for this important hub.”
Funding for the system comes from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).
To date, the Sault Ste. Marie Airport has received more than $10.3 million in ACAP funding for 22 safety projects, including the installation of an integrated radio alarm system, replacement of an aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicle, rehabilitation of airside essential power systems and the purchase of new snow-clearing equipment.
