Government of Saskatchewan Has Record Investment in Community Airports

Released on January 28, 2021

More than a dozen community airports have benefited from the Community Airport Partnership in the last year.

The Government of Saskatchewan contributed a record $1.5 million to improvements at 15 community airports in the 2020-21 Budget.  The additional funds came from government’s two-year $7.5 billion stimulus program which is ensuring a fast recovery from the economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Saskatchewan’s community airports play an important role in economic growth,” Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said.  “They also ensure the safety of our communities by supporting vital services like Air Ambulance and firefighting.”

“The City of Weyburn completed a full rehabilitation of its main runway,” Weyburn Mayor Marcel Roy said.  “We were pleased to work in partnership with the province on this critical infrastructure, which is vital to our safety and our economy.”

Some of the other communities that benefited from the program include Humboldt, Leader, Melfort, North Battleford, Unity and Wynyard.

With the added stimulus amount for 2020-21, more than $9 million has been invested in community airports since 2007 and coupled with 50-50 matching community contributions the program has generated more than $18 million in airport improvements.

Under the program, communities can apply for up to $275,000 in grants for rehabilitation and improvements.  The program is cost-shared with the communities that benefit.

Applications are now open for Community Airport Partnership grants available in 2021-22.  Interested communities can apply at https://www.saskatchewan.ca/residents/transportation/airports/community-airport-partnership-cap-program.

The deadline for applications is 5 pm on February 24, 2021.

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