NORTH — The Ministry of Highways is investing in $67.8 million in support for northern airports and highways which includes work on the airports for Cumberland House, Meadow Lake, Pelican Narrows and Fond-du-Lac.
Work on the Cumberland House airport includes apron and taxiway grading as well as base strengthening.
Meadow Lake work includes the rehabilitation of the airfield electrical system, including replacing underground wiring, pull pits, transformers and installing or replacing LED runway lights; and work on the Pelican Narrows Airport includes fencing and permanent light installation.
The largest project is the rehabilitation of the Fond-du-Lac airport, at $14 million. It will include upgrades to the runway, taxiway and apron, as well as the installation of a new airfield lighting system. It’s expected to be completed this fall.
Work on the highways include spot improvements between the junction of Highway 135 and Creighton; gravel road upgrade approximately 14 km south of Pelican Narrows; spot improvements at approximately five locations on Highway 155 north of Buffalo Narrows and three locations on Highway 908; and gravel road upgrade from Cigar Lake to McClean Lake Access Road.
Fred Bradshaw, MLA for Carrot River Valley and Minister of Highways, visited community leaders and representatives in La Ronge, Île-à-la-Crosse and La Loche alongside the announcement.
"Airports represent an important lifeline for our northern residents to the rest of Saskatchewan and Canada," Bradshaw said. "Our government understands the vital importance of supporting these facilities and ensuring ongoing access to the necessities of life so northern communities can thrive and prosper."
The ministry operates 16 airports in northern Saskatchewan.
