The Moose Jaw Municipal Airport got an extension and renovation on their runway that will hopefully lead to an extension of the kinds of business they can do there.
Construction had begun in fall 2020, and work included rehabilitation of the existing runway and taxiway, as well as a new runway., taxiway and approach lights. The expanded runway is a necessity.
“Modern day aircraft require more runway length because they’re bigger and more powerful,” said Greg Simpson, chair of the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport Authority as the runway was officially opened Friday. “There’s an economic benefit and social benefits, so you think about air ambulance and saving lives first and foremost.”
He said the main thing is that they provide a safer environment for their pilots to operate from.
There are aerial application businesses for the agricultural community to access markets quicker.
“If you’ve ever heard the term, time is money, when businesses use aircraft, it’s an investment in getting their products to market quicker and more efficiently,” he said.
The smaller business planes need 4,000 foot runway, and they’re also better able to accommodate planes from Moose Jaw’s 15 Wing military base.
“They’re now able to do touch and goes here and use it as a relief airport in case they have issues with winds or emergency landings,” he said. “There’s a large number of benefits to having the airport expansion.”
The federal, provincial and Moose Jaw governments each contributed to the extension. The feds contributed $1.2 million, the province contributed $990,000 and the city of Moose Jaw’s contribution was $500,100.
“The City of Moose Jaw is extremely thankful for the governments of Canada and Saskatchewan and other business partners for contributing to the runway extension project at the Moose Jaw Municipal Airport,” said Moose Jaw mayor Clive Tolley. “These upgrades will definitely assist Moose Jaw to support the needs of our growing community and add to the quality of life in Moose Jaw.”
There were four skydivers that came down as well to help celebrate the event.
