The province is pouring more than $1.7 million into upgrading the water system at Greater Sudbury Airport.
The new infrastructure will ensure adequate supplies of water to meet fire suppression standards and clean and safe drinking water are available at all current and future airport facilities. The increased capacity will allow the airport to expand and grow for existing and prospective airport clients and services.
The investment is part of more than $1.8 million from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund corporation announced Friday at Greater Sudbury Airport.
In addition, $50,000 is being made available for a new maintenance facility at Greater Sudbury Airport with Porter Airlines, creating eight new full-time jobs in the process. The project includes improvements that will allow Porter to service its three new aircraft and upgrades to software and other information and communications technology.
As well, the Greater Sudbury Chamber of Commerce received $69,000 to study and explore the feasibility of establishing a multi-modal freight facility to act as a hub for various modes of freight transportation in Greater Sudbury
“It's critical for us to continue to grow our Northern economy,” said Sudbury MPP and Minister of Energy Glenn Thibeault. “Roads, bridges and airports allow us to get our goods and people where they need to be.”
Todd Tripp, Chief Executive Officer, Greater Sudbury Airport, said Friday's announcement wasn't only about infrastructure. It's about jobs, it's about the economy, and it's about keeping people here.
“Our airport is all about sustainable growth,” Tripp said. “We have an excellent team that's keeping us vibrant and working well with the community.
“This financial support will directly impact our capacity to expand and grow now and into the future. Not only are we able to increase our water supply and infrastructure capacity, several jobs are being created right in our own community. Economic contributions of Airport’s are impactful; given their importance in supporting and enhancing communities and business across our region and across Canada."
Paul Moreira, senior vice-president and Chief Operating Officer, Porter Airlines, said hundreds of thousands of dollars have been invested into its airplane maintenance base at Greater Sudbury Airport. The partnership with the City of Greater Sudbury and its airport has been a tremendous success, he said.
“We are extremely grateful for the support from the NOHNF,” Moreira said. “It was instrumental in getting this facility up and running. Startup of these types of facilities are costly, and these type of ventures can be substantial to an airline. It made a real difference in our business model, and we're seeing some real results in our operations as a result.”
The NOHFC is investing more than $5.5 million in transportation infrastructure that will facilitate the movement of people and freight into and across the North.
These investments support 11 projects that will create 46 full time jobs and dozens of indirect jobs.
