Lake Simcoe airport wraps up phase one of expansion
Lake Simcoe Regional Airport (LSRA) moves forward with its expansion to attract more business to the region.
The first phase of the expansion has been completed, according to the County of Simcoe. This step included widening the runway from 100 to 150 feet, installing LED high-intensity lighting, machinery and enhanced infrastructure.
The project, which has been in the works for nearly a year and a half, is part of a $60 million plan to enhance the LSRA and allow area businesses to utilize the airport to receive shipments worldwide, said the County.
"We're pleased that the runway widening project was completed ahead of schedule and in time for CBSA's most recent announcement, which supports businesses and corporate partners at the LSRA," wrote County of Simcoe Warden George Cornell.
In Aug. 2020, the province announced that the County of Simcoe would receive $1.5 million toward the expansion.
On Feb. 5, the County's initial estimated cost for upgrades to enhance safety measures for adverse weather was around $6.1 million, with the County's overall investment estimated at $3.5 million.
An additional $345,000 came from the City of Barrie, according to the County.
On Monday, the County said the project is approximately four months ahead of schedule. This comes as LSRA was chosen by Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to have its clearance status reinstated, allowing international flights to resume in and out of the LSRA following all COVID safety protocols, according to the County.
"Given our proximity to the GTA and Simcoe County's world-class manufacturing business, the LSRA is a huge economic asset for our region and will become even more critical as our economy and manufacturing sectors continue to grow," said Richard Norcross, a County Councillor and LSRA Board Chair.
Phase two of the runway project is now undergoing approvals, which includes extending the runway from 6,001 to 7,000 feet.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Quebec nurse had to clean up after husband's death in Montreal hospital
On a night she should have been mourning, a nurse from Quebec's Laurentians region says she was forced to clean up her husband after he died at a hospital in Montreal.
Cuban government apologizes to Montreal-area family after delivering wrong body
Cuba's foreign affairs minister has apologized to a Montreal-area family after they were sent the wrong body following the death of a loved one.
What is changing about Canada's capital gains tax and how does it impact me?
The federal government's proposed change to capital gains taxation is expected to increase taxes on investments and mainly affect wealthy Canadians and businesses. Here's what you need to know about the move.
'Anything to win': Trudeau says as Poilievre defends meeting protesters
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is accusing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre of welcoming 'the support of conspiracy theorists and extremists,' after the Conservative leader was photographed meeting with protesters, which his office has defended.
Northern Ont. lawyer who abandoned clients in child protection cases disbarred
A North Bay, Ont., lawyer who abandoned 15 clients – many of them child protection cases – has lost his licence to practise law.
'One of the single most terrifying things ever': Ontario couple among passengers on sinking tour boat in Dominican Republic
A Toronto couple are speaking out about their 'extremely dangerous' experience on board a sinking tour boat in the Dominican Republic last week.
Boeing's financial woes continue, while families of crash victims urge U.S. to prosecute the company
Boeing said Wednesday that it lost US$355 million on falling revenue in the first quarter, another sign of the crisis gripping the aircraft manufacturer as it faces increasing scrutiny over the safety of its planes and accusations of shoddy work from a growing number of whistleblowers.
Bank of Canada officials split on when to start cutting interest rates
Members of the Bank of Canada's governing council were split on how long the central bank should wait before it starts cutting interest rates when they met earlier this month.
Fair in Ontario, flurries in Labrador: Weather systems make for an erratic spring
It's no secret that spring can be a tumultuous time for Canadian weather, and as an unseasonably mild El Nino winter gives way to summer, there's bound to be a few swings in temperature that seem out of the ordinary. From Ontario to the Atlantic, though, this week is about to feel a little erratic.