N o ON 02/06
For Immediate Release
March 27, 2006

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT PELEE ISLAND AIRPORT IN ONTARIO

TORONTO — Pelee Island Airport in Ontario will receive funding for safety improvement projects through the Government of Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program.

Jeff Watson, Member of Parliament for Essex, announced this funding today on behalf of Lawrence Cannon, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.

“Today’s announcement of safety improvement projects at the Pelee Island Airport reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to regional and rural communities and the safety of their air services,” said Mr. Watson.

The Government of Canada is contributing $46,000 towards replacing Pelee Island Airport’s runway identification signs and the rotating beacon, and purchasing a decelerometer and necessary wildlife control equipment. These projects will continue to ensure a safe operating environment. One hundred percent of the total cost of these safety improvement projects will be funded by the Government of Canada.

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 on April 1, 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.

The Pelee Island Airport is owned and operated by the Corporation of the Township of Pelee. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Air Georgian Express and Sontair. Including today’s announcement, this airport has been awarded over $2 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding. Pelee Island Airport has been awarded past funding for projects including runway extension and rehabilitation, modifications to the taxiway and apron, electrical upgrades, and the purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment.

“The safety and security of Canadians are Transport Canada’s top priorities,” added Mr. Cannon. “The funds being provided to make the safety improvements at this airport will help them enhance both their safety and economic potential.”

Federal funding for these projects is provided for in the existing financial framework.

A backgrounder on the Airports Capital Assistance Program is attached.

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BACKGROUND

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 airside mobile equipment, such as runway snowblowers, 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 Airports Capital Assistance Program is part of the National Airports Policy, which was introduced July1994 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.

March 2006