HORNEPAYNE — The Township of Hornepayne is nearing completion of a $4.8-million refurbishment of its municipal airport.
The project, which was substantially finished in early September, included the resurfacing of the runway and the installation of a new LED lighting system.
Hornepayne Mayor Cheryl Fort made a statement on the project’s completion in a Sept. 6 news release.
The facility enables the community to access important services like medical transfers, charter planes, and business and investment opportunities that will enhance Hornepayne's economy, the release noted.
These amenities are "vital" to the community, given its isolated location in the North, the release said. Hornepayne is located about two hours north of Wawa in northwestern Ontario.
“Safety is paramount to ensure we can have successful and meaningful lives where we live,” Fort said.
“The upgrades to our airport ensure that now and into the far future we can safely be transported when required to medical facilities, plus it allows our community to explore further investment opportunities for our region.
“Today is a happy day for our community! Thank you to our partners at the federal and provincial governments for the significant investment into our lives.”
Of the funding provided for the airport runway and terminal refurbishment project, the federal government provided $2,907,908.40, the provincial government provided $1,615,343.12, and Hornepayne contributed $323,262.48.
The federal portion of the funding came from the Rural and Northern Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program.
Other components of this project still to be completed include the replacement of the airport fuel tank and pumping system, as well as upgrades to the terminal building including electrical, technological, doors and windows.
The township is planning to host a ribbon-cutting ceremony in the coming weeks to celebrate the project’s completion.
— SNNewsWatch
