The federal government has continued its efforts to keep Windsor International Airport (YQG) safe in all kinds of weather.
Federal Transport Minister Omar Alghabra announced Friday that the government will invest $180,000, which will allow YQG to purchase a new 4-by-2 plow truck, which will come in handy when winter comes as it will control and remove snow and ice.
"Local and regional airports like the Windsor International Airport are critical to the communities they serve, whether it be for staying connected with loved ones, or for accessing critical services," said Alghabra in a media release. "This investment will make a real difference for Windsor International Airport and ensure the communities that rely on it continue to be able to access safe and reliable air transportation options."
The plow truck is the latest new equipment made possible by Ottawa. A loader was purchased in the spring of 2021 thanks to a previous $200,000 investment.
Windsor-Tecumseh MP Irek Kusmierczyk said such improvements for the airport are needed as the region continues to rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic.
"The time is now to keep investing in YQG airport," said Kusmierczyk. "Our region is primed for growth in tourism and business thanks to our Government's efforts to lift border measures and bring significant dollars for airport modernization to the region."
The airport upgrades have been provided by the Airports Capital Assistance Program, which received a one-time funding top-up of $186 million over two years in the federal government's Fall 2020 Economic Statement. YQG is also benefitting from a temporary expansion of the program to allow airports serving less than a million passengers a year to apply for federal funding.
