Funding aims to improve freight connections to Canada’s north

The Canadian government is investing up to $46.3 million for three projects in the Prairies to help improve freight connections to Canada’s northern region.

Included in the funding is up to $9.5 million to Perimeter Aviation to renovate and expand the existing Perimeter Aviation terminal building at the Winnipeg Richardson International Airport. This project will address current capacity issues at the terminal, allowing for more flights and improving connections between traditional freight networks and northern and remote Indigenous communities. The government says it will also make Canada’s transportation system more resilient to severe weather caused by climate change, ensuring that northern airports are accessible and reliable and help lower operating costs for businesses by reducing transportation expenses.

“The National Trade Corridors Fund has helped make the Perimeter Aviation Terminal Development Program a reality,” said Joey Petrisor, president and CEO of Perimeter Aviation. “Our terminal expansion enhances connectivity and improves the passenger experience for northern and First Nations communities, facilitating travel and enabling economic growth. With more departure gates and our fleet of combination cargo/passenger aircraft, Perimeter Aviation is now better equipped to strengthen supply chains and support additional passenger and cargo traffic. We’re excited to see the positive impact of this development for the communities and travellers we serve both today and in the years to come.”

Another $25 million is also being allocated to upgrade three highways in Northern Saskatchewan. The project, which will work in conjunction with provincial infrastructure improvements, aims to support regional growth driven by recent forestry investments and the re-opening of the McArthur River Uranium Mine. Additionally, by raising road levels and replacing culverts, these upgrades will help the transportation system better adapt to changing weather conditions and protect local communities from flooding.

Lastly, $11.8 million will go to the Town of Oyen, Alta., to expand the Oyen Rail Yard. This project will add over 38,200 feet of new rail track next to the existing yard, enabling the creation of agricultural and industrial park and short line railway. The government says this expansion will benefit 400 local producers and 15 businesses by improving their connection to larger freight rail networks, helping them to get their products to market more reliably.

These projects are funded through the National Trade Corridors Fund in Canada’s Prairie provinces.