Government of Canada support is helping the municipality to expand the role of its regional airport
January 22, 2019 – Sioux Lookout, ON — Federal Economic Development Initiative for Northern Ontario — FedNor
Businesses and residents in the Municipality of Sioux Lookout and neighbouring First Nation communities will benefit from infrastructure upgrades at the Sioux Lookout Regional Airport thanks to Government of Canada investment of nearly $287,000. The now completed upgrades are helping to enhance passenger services, increase business and commercial activity, create new job opportunities, and assisting the airport further expand its role as a regional asset. The Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora, joined with municipal and airport officials today to help celebrate the official opening of the upgraded and expanded facilities which also received $4.2 million in 2015 through the Government of Canada's Small Communities Fund.
Mr. Nault made the announcement on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor.
Specifically, the FedNor funding has enabled the municipality to expand the airport's commercial and essential services areas, enhancing its capacity to meet passenger travel needs, and providing new commercial spaces for potential business tenants. The enhanced areas feature a quiet lounge and triage area for elders and medical passengers of the Sioux Lookout First Nations Health Authority (SLFNA), two car rental service spaces, three concession areas, a restaurant, and an 11-metre marketing wall to advertise and promote the community and local businesses.
"The Government of Canada is proud to work with communities large and small across the country to help them create opportunities for growth and middle-class jobs for Canadians. Today's investment is in line with our Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario which assists communities, like the Municipality of Sioux Lookout, to develop their capacity, strengthen their economic foundation, and encourage businesses development."
The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and Minister responsible for FedNor
"Our government's investment in the Sioux Lookout Regional Airport will enable the community to attract businesses and enhance the quality of life of its residents and those of neighbouring communities that rely on the facility. I was pleased to join with community residents and municipal and airport officials to help celebrate the official opening of the Airport which will certainly help attract more visitors and businesses to Sioux Lookout."
The Honourable Bob Nault, Member of Parliament for Kenora
"The Sioux Lookout Regional Airport provides critical transportation services for many Far North communities. Thanks to FedNor's support, we will continue to work closely with our northern neighbours in an effort to continue to provide these communities with the services they require, while also seeking opportunities to enhance commercial activity at the airport as a means to grow our economy and further cement our position as the hub of the North."
Doug Lawrance, Mayor of the Municipality of Sioux Lookout
Quick facts
This project helps to deliver on key priorities of the Prosperity and Growth Strategy for Northern Ontario, which outlines the Government of Canada's approach to ensure the region can fully benefit from the national Innovation and Skills Plan.
The funding announced today is provided through FedNor's Northern Ontario Development Program, which supports projects that promote sustainable community economic development, enhance business development and growth, and facilitate innovation.
In 2015, the Government of Canada also invested $4.2 million through the Small Communities Fund to expand and upgrade the airport to help carriers, air ambulance operators, charters and aircraft maintenance businesses operate with more efficiency.
- The Province of Ontario provided a matched contribution of $4.2 million
- Sioux Lookout contributed the remainder of the costs
