WAWA—Mayor Pat Tait, recently shared with Wawa residents that their Wawa Regional Airport will be purchasing and installing new airport runway lighting.
The federal government is investing $332,264 into the project. The funding is possible under the Government of Canada’s Regional Air Transportation Initiative (RATI) and will support the installation of energy-efficient LED runway lights, upgraded electrical connections, illuminated signs and directional markers at the Wawa Municipal Airport.
The Honourable Patty Hadju, Minister of Indigenous Services and Minister responsible for FedNor, made this official funding announcement last week.
Mayor Tait, spoke about these aging airport lights, which she described as having been in service since 1998, approximately 24 years ago. As a result of the age of the existing lighting, it was becoming more difficult to access replacement parts for needed repairs.
“COVID-19 had a negative impact on the Wawa Airport and revenues dropped more than $80,000 in 2020. The funding from the federal government was needed to ensure that our airport could remain sustainable,” said Mayor Pat Tait. “On behalf of municipal council, I wish to thank and acknowledge the excellent support Wawa received from FedNor and Minister Hajdu. Without the financial support provided by the Federal Government, the Municipality may have had to reduce the Airport’s runway operational hours.”
The Wawa Regional Airport provides critical services to several important users, from Air Ambulance, firefighters, to Propair who uses the airport to transport mine employees and needed supplies to Alamos Gold regularly.
“Wawa and area industries and residents depend on an operational and safe airport and with new LED runway lighting, municipal staff will be able to reduce annual maintenance costs keeping the airport open to serve our valued customers. The airports is an important economic asset in our community and the FedNor funding will help us sustain this important piece of infrastructure,” said Maury O”Neill, CAO Wawa.
Tristar Electric was awarded the airport lighting upgrade contract and will be completed the project by the end of May 2022.
More information can be attained by contacting Maury O”Neill, CAO, at 705-856-2244 ext. 223.
