Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
The Government of Manitoba has announced more than $420 million for vital transportation and infrastructure projects over the next five years.
“We are making strategic investments that strengthen northern Manitoba to create opportunities not only to compete today but to build on for generations to come,’’ said Doyle Piwniuk transportation and infrastructure minister. “We believe a stronger, more vibrant northern economy can help propel the provincial economy forward.”
The 2023 multi-year infrastructure strategy will:
- improve seven northern airports with more than $75 million for two new airport terminal buildings, approximately 150,000 sq.-m. of runway repairs, and $15 million to the Thompson Regional Airport Authority;
- provide $74 million for the development of a sustainable northern corridor through the Port of Churchill, enabling the potential for the export of key resources such as liquefied natural gas; and
- spend nearly $250 million to improve five existing roadways to improve safety and improve year-round connectivity between northern communities.
“We understand the importance of improving transportation linkages today to transport goods and services, promote tourism, mining exploration and spur economic development,” Piwniuk said. “We are also committing to a bright future by making the Port of Churchill an inter-continental trade gateway.”
The Northern Airport Runway Infrastructure Program is currently investing $60 million to modernize northern remote airstrips, including $32 million over the next five years in addition to $21.9 million that has been invested through the federal Airports Capital Assistance Program.
The Thompson Regional Airport Authority will receive $15 million to construct a new terminal building and the redevelopment of both airside and landside infrastructure. The new terminal will offer a culturally sensitive air travel experience for Indigenous peoples including a dedicated area for elders.
Also, $6 million is being invested in upgrading various airport facilities such as new terminal buildings. These investments will significantly improve airport operations, enhance safety and enable future increased traffic volumes.
Projects that have been recently completed or underway and being actively planned include:
- $18 million for runway rehabilitation, relocating the apron and taxiway, installing new lighting system, and constructing a new terminal building at the Gods Lake Narrows airport;
- $8.8 million invested to complete runway rehabilitation, installing new lighting system, and apply dust suppressant at the Red Sucker Lake airport;
- $7.9 million for runway rehabilitation including the application of dust suppressant at the Shamattawa airport;
- $7.2 million invested to complete apron improvements, constructing a new taxiway and installing new lighting system at the St. Theresa Point airport; and
- $6.1 million to support three large-scale fencing projects to control wildlife around the Tadoule Lake, Lac Brochet and Bloodvein airports, along with $5.9 million previously invested to complete the large-scale fencing projects at Red Sucker Lake, Shamattawa and York Landing airports.
