No. H057/05
For release April 7, 2005

FUNDING ANNOUNCED 
FOR SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS 
AT TWO AIRPORTS IN EASTERN QUEBEC

QUEBEC — The Government of Canada is working to improve safety at Gaspé and Rimouski airports through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, Jean-C. Lapierre, Minister of Transport and Regional Minister for Eastern Quebec, announced today.

The Government of Canada is contributing $564,326 towards safety improvement projects at these two airports in Eastern Quebec. At Gaspé Airport, the government is contributing $360,726 for the purchase of a front-end loader with a removable snow blower. At Rimouski Airport, the government is contributing $203,600 for the purchase of a runway sweeper and a decelerometer.

"Today’s announcement reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to regional and rural communities and the safety of their air services," said Mr. Lapierre. "These safety enhancements will also help Gaspé and Rimouski airports meet the growing cargo, tourism and travel needs in Eastern Quebec."

The Airports Capital Assistance Program is an integral part of the National Airports Policy, which provides Canadians with a comprehensive framework that clearly defines the Government of Canada’s role regarding airports.

Under the program, which was established in 1995 and renewed for five years in January 2005, airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, airports must have year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.

"Safety and security are Transport Canada’s top priorities," said Mr. Lapierre. "The funds being provided to make the safety improvements at Gaspé and Rimouski airports will help them enhance both their safety and economic potential."

Gaspé Airport, previously owned and operated by Transport Canada, was transferred to the Municipality of Gaspé on January 1, 1998. Including today’s contribution, the Government of Canada has contributed almost $5.7 million to the airport through the Airports Capital Assistance Program. Previously funded projects include the reconstruction of the runway and taxiway, repairs to the apron, the replacement of the visual approach slope indicator system, the installation of airside traffic signalling system, the relocation of some equipment, as well as the purchase of a bird scaring device, a snowplow and runway sweeper and a front-end loader with removable snow blower.

Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round at Gaspé Airport by Air Canada Jazz. The airport is also used for general aviation activities and medevac flights.

The Rimouski Airport, previously owned and operated by Transport Canada, was transferred to the City of Rimouski on April 20, 2002. Including today’s contribution, the Government of Canada has contributed almost $4.3 million from the Airports Capital Assistance Program. Previously funded projects include major renovations to the airplane manoeuvring areas, the purchase of a runway sweeper and a decelerometer.

Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round at Rimouski Airport by Air Satellite. The airport facilities are also used for general aviation activities.

Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

A backgrounder on the Airports Capital Assistance Program is attached.

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BACKGROUNDER

AIRPORTS CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Airports Capital Assistance Program provides funding to eligible airports to finance capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, an airport must receive year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.

Funding available under the program is set at $190 million, to be allocated from April 2005 to March 2010 at an average of $38 million per year. Contributions are considered for the following types of projects:

First priority projects include safety-related airside projects, such as rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting and other utilities, visual aids and sand storage sheds. This category also includes related site preparation and environmental costs, aircraft firefighting vehicles and ancillary equipment and equipment shelters that are necessary to maintain the required level of protection.

Second priority projects include safety-related heavy airside mobile equipment, such as runway snow blowers, runway snowplows, runway sweepers, spreaders and decelerometers (winter friction testing devices), and heavy airside mobile equipment shelters.

Third priority projects include safety-related air terminal building and groundside projects, such as sprinkler systems, asbestos removal and barrier-free access.

Fourth priority projects include asset protection and refurbishing, operating cost reduction related to air terminal building or groundside access.

Priority for funding will also be established by Transport Canada on the basis of a detailed technical analysis of a facility’s condition and maintenance history, airport traffic and certification requirements.

To be eligible, projects must maintain or improve safety levels, protect airport assets or significantly reduce operating costs. Projects must also meet accepted engineering practices and be justified on the basis of current demand. Airport facility expansion projects will only be considered if the current facilities have a potentially negative impact on safety at the airport.

Transport Canada’s first priority is safety. Through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, the Government of Canada is helping to enhance not only airport safety, but also the economic viability of this important aspect of Canada’s transportation infrastructure.

The program is part of the National Airports Policy, which was introduced in July 1994 and calls for the commercialization of designated Canadian airports, through divestiture to community interests. The policy enables communities to take greater advantage of their airports, reduce costs, tailor levels of service to local demand and attract new and different types of business.

April 2005