Sarnia's Chris Hadfield Airport will soon be getting a makeover, as the push continues to secure permanent regional service.
The airport is getting $1.9-million in senior government funding.
The money, from FedDev Ontario, will be used for some much-needed upgrades, including construction of a new hangar, plexiglass barriers, sanitization stations, signage and equipment.
Sarnia's Chris Hadfield Airport. April 18, 2018. (Video by Colin Gowdy, BlackburnNews)
Airport Terminal Operations Supervisor Mike Roberts said the hangar will be a key piece to enhance service.
"We are targeting the size of a Dash-8 300 which is a 50 seat aircraft," said Roberts. "That seems to be what a lot of the scheduled carriers for regional air transportation are using. So, that was the target we went for, approximately 110 by 100 feet."
Roberts believes the community will be supportive.
"We, of course, are quite confident," he said. "We think that if we have a good, reliable, cost effective and competitive airline to support Sarnia we think the community will get behind it. It's a great opportunity to further serve the transportation needs of Sarnia-Lambton."
Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley is pleased with the announcement.
"Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport is vitally important to the community and region," said Bradley. "The federal government has sent a strong endorsement of its importance as a key part of this region’s transportation infrastructure through the RATI [Regional Air Transportation Initiative] funding. This financial support will help position the airport for a safe and sustainable future."
City council in December approved a one-year contract with Scottsdale Aviation, for $360,000 to maintain operations at the airport, after Air Canada pulled out in July 2020.
In 2019, the federal government provided around $580,000 for safety upgrades at the facility, including asphalt resurfacing, and new signage.