Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is providing more than $169,000 through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund Corporation (NOHFC) for facility upgrades in Iroquois Falls, including improvements at the municipal airport.
“Encouraging growth in the aviation and tourism sectors in Northern Ontario is a key priority for our government,” said Greg Rickford, minister of Northern development, mines, natural resources and forestry. “These investments will strengthen the local economy by supporting the local snowmobile club and helping the Iroquois Falls Municipal Airport reach its full potential so it can provide services to more clients, including local hospitals.”
Projects include:
- $122,750 to restore the runway, taxiway and apron and provide improved weather and refueling services to pilots, and $28,873 to develop an Airport Master Plan at the Iroquois Falls airport
- $17,491 to Jackpine Snowmobile Club to upgrade and modernize the club’s garage to reduce energy costs and provide a safer and cleaner environment for employees and members.
“Iroquois Falls Municipal Airport urgently needed an Airport Master Plan to help identify and prioritize the key strategic improvements required to increase airport usage and improve pilot and aircraft safety,” said Tory Delaurier, Mayor of Iroquois Falls. “Without the provincial government’s assistance, the Town of Iroquois Fall’s mayor, council and staff would not have been able to move this crucial transportation infrastructure project forward.”
The Iroquois Falls Municipal Airport is used for glider training by air cadet squadrons and healthcare transportation by two hospitals in the region and provides aviation services for private and recreational users. These investments will allow the airport to accommodate more emergency medical air transportation flights, attract new clients and prepare the airport to meet future demands.
“Iroquois Falls is a small Northern Ontario community where the Jackpine Snowmobile Club strives to attract winter tourism. The support received from the Ontario government to update our club garage will certainly help our volunteers to maintain our grooming equipment for years to come,” said Bev Forget, Jackpine Snowmobile Club president.
