The Government of Canada is investing $11.6 million to improve infrastructure at a northern Saskatchewan airport. The federal government announced the investment Tuesday, stating it sought to rehabilitate critical infrastructure at Wollaston Lake Airport The community of Wollaston Lake is primarily accessible by air for most of the year. “In northern Saskatchewan, reliable transportation is essential infrastructure,” Buckley Belanger, secretary of state for rural development, said in a news release. “For Wollaston Lake and Hatchet Lake Denesuline First Nation, this airport means access to health care, essential supplies, family, and opportunity. This $11.6 million investment from our government will make those vital connections safer and more reliable.” The funding will go toward rehabilitating the airport’s sole runway, Runway 17-35, Taxiway A as well as its only apron. Additionally, the funds will upgrade the airport’s wind direction indicator, aerodrome beacon, runway lighting and associated electrical systems. The money will be paid through the federal Airports Capital Assistance Program. The federal government says the upgrades will also enhance operations during extended periods of winter darkness and bolster the airport’s resilience to unique weather conditions faced in northern Saskatchewan. “These upgrades will help ensure residents and visitors can continue to depend on safe, reliable air transportation for years to come,” said Saskatchewan Highways Minister Kim Gartner.
