Government of Canada investing in safety at the La Ronge (Barber Field) Airport

February 14, 2019          La Ronge, Saskatchewan           Transport Canada

Canadians, tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained airports. From visiting friends and family, to travelling to medical appointments, or getting goods to market, we rely on our local airports to support and sustain vibrant communities. These airports also provide essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response.

The Honourable Seamus O’Regan, Minister of Indigenous Services and Member of Parliament for St. John's South — Mount Pearl, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today visited the La Ronge (Barber Field) Airport to highlight the recent completion of two safety improvement projects: the replacement of the airfield lighting control system and the construction of a sand storage shed.

The updated airfield lighting control system is key to ensuring reliable and effective lighting and safe visibility on the runway, taxiway and apron. A well maintained stock of sand and urea, kept safe from moisture and freezing temperatures, is essential for snow and ice control on airport movement areas such as runways, taxiways and the apron.

This investment will enhance safety for aircraft, passengers, and crews, as well as protect costly airport safety assets, such as the airport’s snow clearing equipment and aircraft rescue and firefighting vehicles provided by the Town of La Ronge, during airport operations.

Funding of $392,548 came from Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program for these two projects.