Region's international airport gets $3 million from feds for safety equipment

Federal Transport Minister Omar , was at the Region of Waterloo International Airport on Thursday to announce a $3 million safety investment to purchase two aircraft rescue and fire fighting vehicles and associated equipment.

The vehicles and equipment, provided through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, will help keep passengers and airport workers and crew safe by ensuring a rapid and effective response to aircraft emergencies, said a press release.

“Our country’s airports help keep our supply chains moving and our communities connected from coast to coast to coast," Alghabra said. 

"This funding for the Region of Waterloo International Airport is good news for the communities the airport serves and will ensure that residents in and around Waterloo Region are able to travel safely and efficiently, whether it be for personal or business reasons. Through investments like these in our air sector, we are building healthier, stronger communities for the residents of Waterloo Region and across the country.”

Last fall, the federal program provided the airport with $342,000 for the purchase of a 4x2 plow truck used to remove and control snow and ice.  

In 2021, the program provided more than $3.9 million to the airport for the partial rehabilitation of Taxiways A and C, Apron IIIA, and aircraft stands.