MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY - New lighting set to be installed at the Sundre Airport will have both economic and safety benefits, say Mountain View County Reeve Angela Aalbers and Sundre-area MLA Jason Nixon.
Nixon and Aalbers took part in a June 30 press conference at the county-owned airport to announce a joint funding arrangement of the new $275,000 lighting project.
The provincial government will be providing $205,073 through the Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP), with the county coming up with the remainder of the funds.
The project will see runway and other lighting at the site replaced over the next several months, with modern LED lighting units being installed to improve safety, reduce energy consumption and restore night-use capabilities at the site.
The existing lighting system at the airport – some of which dates back to 1947 – was taken off-line some time ago, meaning the facility cannot currently accommodate night or low-visibility operations, say officials.
During the press conference, reeve Aalbers said upgrading the lighting system will have several long-term benefits.
“These lights aren’t just for safety, which we know is extremely important in the aviation industry, but it also for economic development,” she said. “This airport services tourism, the aviation industry, wildfire and emergency services. It encompasses a lot more than just aviation. So we are thrilled to have this (grant funding).”
In a press release, she added, “These upgrades ensure the airport remains operational, safe, and attractive to users from Alberta and beyond.”
MLA Nixon also called the upgrades an important improvement.
“At the end of the day, this (the upgrades) will make our community better,” he said. “Projects like this continue to put Sundre and Mountain View County on the map, making it a place people want to live in. We are looking forward to seeking the light-up.”
In a follow-up Albertan interview, Nixon said, “We want to make sure the Sundre Airport continues to play its role in both Sundre and Mountain View County and to do that we have to continue to make sure the airport is safe. Not having lights for almost two years is not safe, so this will go a long way to making the airport safer.
“Continuing to upgrade the Sundre Airport gives different tourism and industry opportunities that I think are good for the county and town long term.”
Others attending the June 23 press conference included Town of Sundre Mayor Richard Warnock, hangar owners and aviation advisory committee members.
Chris Atchison, director of legislative, community and agricultural services with Mountain View County, said the lights should be installed by year-end.
Located southwest of the town of Sundre, the Sundre Airport provides facilities for a wide range of users, including flight schools, private aviators, emergency services, and aviation businesses, said Aalbers.
