The Greater Sudbury Airport will be making some safety upgrades, thanks to funding from the federal government.
On May 24, the government announced $261,901 for the facility through the Airports Capital Assistance Program.
The funds will be used to replace apron flood lighting and upgrade constant current regulators at the airport. The constant current regulator panels supply power and control all airfield signs, navigation aids and airfield lighting.
“The Greater Sudbury Airport is a vital link for residents and businesses in this region,” said Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré in a release.
“This project will help ensure continued safe airport operation for passengers, flight crews, employees, and medical evacuation and forest fire fighting activities, while contributing to the community’s economic and social well-being.”
Todd Tripp, the airport’s CEO, said the funding “will enable the airport to meet safety requirements and ensure we can provide a safe airport experience for all passengers, travellers, staff and airport community.”
The safety upgrades are a continuation of terminal renovations made to the facility over the last year, including added counter space, office renovations, a renovated passenger staging area, and new, energy-efficient LED lighting.
Airport activity is bustling — passenger activity increased in 2016 over numbers in 2015.
Starting on May 23, the airport’s newest carrier, WestJet, began offering three daily return flights to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport.
The airport is also considering new hospitality offerings for the site, such as a coffee shop, a gas station, hotel, and car wash.
