In a significant development for the aviation industry in Northern Ontario, the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC) is set to receive a generous funding injection of $660,000 from FedNor.
Terry Sheehan, the member of parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and parliamentary secretary to the ministers of labour and seniors, recently unveiled the development initiative.
This injection by the Canadian government, which is made under the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), is poised to breathe new life into the regional aviation scene and boost the local economy.
FedNor Support
This funding, granted on behalf of Patty Hajdu, the minister of indigenous services and minister responsible for FedNor, is set to catalyze growth and expansion at the Sault Ste. Marie airport.
The cornerstone of this project is the construction of a state-of-the-art, 11,250 square foot building, set to become a vital hub for aviation maintenance, repair, and overhaul.
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The new facility is a game-changer, allowing a large tenant to spread its wings and expand its operations. This tenant specializes in aircraft maintenance, repair, and overhaul services.
With the added space, they can now efficiently store equipment, parts, and materials, ultimately optimizing the hangar floor area.
Simultaneously, this development allows for the introduction of services for larger jets while continuing to cater to the needs of existing aircraft.
Regional Benefits
The advantages of this project extend beyond the airport and into the region’s economic landscape. The project will unlock new revenue opportunities, foster expansion for both the airport and its tenants, and notably, create around 15 construction jobs during the development phases.
This project is a testament to the collaborative effort between the Government of Canada and the local aviation industry in the Sault Ste. Marie area.
Terry Sheehan, member of parliament for Sault Ste. Marie expressed his optimism, highlighting the unique position of Sault Ste. Marie and the Algoma region in Northern Ontario.
He underscored how supporting the local aviation industry would make this breathtaking region more accessible to visitors.
He emphasized, “This Government of Canada investment will foster real opportunities for continued growth, and will support input from all over into our economy.”
Northern Ontario Supply Chains
Minister Patty Hajdu also emphasized the significance of this investment, stating, “This investment will help better connect Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario and reinforce our supply chains.
An expanded airport in our region will help grow the small businesses that rely on it. It is good news for all middle-class families in the region.”
Terry Bos, the president and CEO of Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation, welcomed the collaboration with the Government of Canada, highlighting the boundless growth opportunities this FedNor investment represents.
He shared his excitement about continuing to provide excellent service through the Sault Ste. Marie airport, recognizing the growing demands of the region.
Quick Facts
The funding announced today is provided through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), which is delivered by regional development agencies like FedNor.
With a national budget of $250 million over three years, ARRI is part of a global Government of Canada strategy that includes measures being implemented to boost the aerospace industry.
A total of $11.88 million has been allocated to FedNor to administer the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative in Northern Ontario over three years, ending March 31, 2024. The ARRI is now closed, and FedNor is no longer accepting applications for this program.
The Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC) is an independent, not-for-profit, community-based organization incorporated on April 26, 1996. SSMADC took over ownership and operation of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport on March 28, 1998.
A board of eight directors makes all strategic decisions relating to the long-term relevance and sustainability of the airport.
The Sault Ste. Marie airport has seen over 108,000 passengers and over 18,000 airplane movements so far in 2023.
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