WOLLASTON LAKE, SK, Sept. 1, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canadians, businesses, and communities rely on air transportation to stay connected and access opportunities across the country. In northern and remote regions, airport infrastructure plays a particularly important role in supporting mobility and supply chains.

Today, the Honourable Buckley Belanger, Secretary of State (Rural Development), on behalf of the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced that the Government of Canada is strengthening accessibility, reliability, and air safety at Wollaston Lake Airport.

Through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), the Government of Canada is providing over $11.6 million to rehabilitate Runway 17-35, Taxiway A, and the apron. The project will also include upgrades to critical airport infrastructure, including the wind direction indicator, aerodrome beacon, runway lighting, and associated electrical systems.

Since the community is accessible primarily by air for most of the year, Runway 17-35, the airport's only runway, plays a critical role in maintaining access to Wollaston Lake and the surrounding region. This investment will support reliable air connections for residents, businesses, community resupply, and access to essential services, including medical care in larger centres.

The project will modernize key airport infrastructure and strengthen the airport's ability to support safe and reliable aircraft operations year-round. These upgrades will enhance operations during extended periods of winter darkness and improve resilience to the unique weather conditions experienced in northern Saskatchewan.

Quotes

"Airports are essential infrastructure, no matter where you live in Canada. They connect people to health care, business opportunities, and loved ones. The investment announced today strengthens connectivity in northern Saskatchewan and supports safe and reliable air transportation for the communities that depend on Wollaston Lake Airport."

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"In northern Saskatchewan, reliable transportation is essential infrastructure. 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."

Buckley Belanger
Secretary of State for Rural Development

"This investment demonstrates the strong partnership in supporting northern communities. By rehabilitating critical airport infrastructure at Wollaston Lake, we are improving transportation safety and reliability while strengthening year-round access to essential services, economic opportunities, and community connections. These upgrades will help ensure residents and visitors can continue to depend on safe, reliable air transportation for years to come."

The Honourable Kim Gartner
Saskatchewan's Minister of Highways

Quick Facts

• Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program provides federal funding to help eligible airports finance capital projects and equipment that will help them maintain safety.
• Eligible projects include the purchase/replacement of heavy airside mobile equipment (snow blowers, snowplows, runway sweepers, loaders and material spreaders) and aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles; associated equipment and shelters; the rehabilitation of runway, taxiway and apron pavements; airfield lighting and electrical systems; and the installation of wildlife fencing.  
• Since its launch in 1995, the Airports Capital Assistance Program has committed over $1.3 billion for 1,288 projects at 201 local and regional airports across the country.
• Since the launch of the program, the Wollaston Lake Airport has received more than $13.5 million in funding for three safety projects, including today's announcement.

Associated Link

• Airports Capital Assistance Program

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SOURCE Transport Canada - Ottawa