Pictorial Layout of the Weyburn Airport. (Image: Weyburn Airport Development Plan)

The Government of Saskatchewan on January 28 released a statement that it has contributed a record $1.5 million for improvements at 15 community airports in its 2020/2021 Budget. The additional funds came from the provincial government’s two-year, $7.5 billion stimulus program focusing on economic recovery from the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Saskatchewan’s community airports play an important role in economic growth,” Saskatchewan Highways Minister Fred Bradshaw said. “They also ensure the safety of our communities by supporting vital services like Air Ambulance and firefighting.”

Some the communities that benefited from the program include Weyburn, Humboldt, Leader, Melfort, North Battleford, Unity and Wynyard. “The City of Weyburn completed a full rehabilitation of its main runway,” Weyburn Mayor Marcel Roy said. “We were pleased to work in partnership with the province on this critical infrastructure, which is vital to our safety and our economy.”

With the added stimulus amount for 2020/21, the Government of Saskatchewan states more than $9 million has been invested in community airports since 2007 and, coupled with 50-50 matching community contributions, the overall program has generated more than $18 million in airport improvements.

Under the program, communities can apply for up to $275,000 in grants for rehabilitation and improvements. The program is cost-shared with the communities that benefit.

Applications are now open for Community Airport Partnership grants available in 2021/22. The deadline for applications is 5 pm on February 24, 2021.