(Facebook/Saskatchewan Highway Hotline)

By Ben Tompkins

ICIP Projects

Sandy Bay Airport improvements nearly complete

Oct 13, 2023 | 6:00 AM

The Sandy Bay Airport has been getting significant enhancements done to its runways, taxiways, and airfield lighting this year.

Construction began back in June and is set to conclude prior to this winter, courtesy of Warman Construction and Associated Engineering.

“Construction is expected to wrap up shortly,” said Steve Shaheen, manager of stakeholder relations for the Saskatchewan Ministry of Highways. “The contractor on the job is also doing a project at Pelican Narrows airport, which was funded entirely by the province, so they’ve been working on two projects almost simultaneously for the north.”

This particular project is being funded by both the provincial and federal in a 50-50 cost-sharing agreement, with $4.6 million worth of grants coming in.

The federal funding comes from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).

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“We hear at the Ministry of Highways do support transportation, including shortline rail and the community airports around the province. These airports provide vital services for Northern residents, including transportation of important goods,” explained Shaheen.

Many sectors make extensive use of commercial aviation including energy, mining and tourism.

Aviation plays a critical role in law enforcement and health care (air ambulance), with many northern communities relying on aviation as the only reliable, year-round mode of transportation.

“Aviation is critical to the provincial economy and it supports many services for northern Saskatchewan. The improvement of Sandy Bay airport demonstrates the government’s commitment to aviation in the province. In many northern communities, aviation provides the only reliable year-round mode of access,” Shaheen added.

“It provides support for the air ambulance services for the north, which is a critical piece of infrastructure to ensure that we have proper levels for those types of vital services for northern residents. The improvements ensure that air ambulance can continue in the area.”

The Government of Saskatchewan owns and operates 16 airports located in or serving the north. These airports vary from full-service facilities to gravel strips.

In total, $89.4 million was invested this year to build, operate and maintain highways and airports in Northern Saskatchewan.

“It really comes down to just ensuring that we have the proper aviation in Saskatchewan, particularly to support many of the services for northern Saskatchewan,” Shaheen added.

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