NORMAN WELLS, NT , Oct. 15, 2026 /CNW/ -- Canadians, travellers, tourists and businesses count every day on local and regional airports. These vital hubs help move people and goods, strengthen supply chains, and link communities across our vast country from coast to coast to coast.

Today, the Honourable Steven MacKinnon, Minister of Transport and the Leader of the Government in the House of Commons, announced that the Government of Canada is strengthening air safety and connectivity in the Northwest Territories.

Through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, the Government of Canada is providing $1.4 million in funding to support critical snow and ice control operations at two Northwest Territories airports. This includes $810,000 for the purchase of a snow blower at the Norman Wells Airport and $595,000 for the purchase of a grader at the Fort Simpson Airport.

These specialized vehicles will be used in the removal and control of snow and ice on airside surfaces such as runways, taxiways and aprons. The funding will enhance airport safety and reliability, helping ensure these airports can continue providing safe and efficient air transportation services for passengers, air operators and the communities they serve.

Strengthening the resilience of air transportation in the Northwest Territories helps keep northern communities connected year-round and supports the movement of people, goods and essential services.

Quotes 

"A strong Canada depends on strong northern transportation networks. This investment will help ensure the Norman Wells and Fort Simpson airports can continue operating through challenging winter conditions, keeping communities connected, supporting local economies and strengthening Canada's North for years to come."

The Honourable Steven MacKinnon
Minister of Transport and Leader of the Government in the House of Commons

"Reliable air service is a lifeline for families and businesses across the Northwest Territories, bringing in essential supplies and connecting people to the services they need. This funding builds on previous investments in Norman Wells and Fort Simpson airports, providing specialized equipment to manage snow and ice and maintain safe operations. It's about making sure northern communities can count on the transportation links they need to grow and thrive."

The Honourable Rebecca Alty
Minister of Crown-Indigenous Relations

Quick facts

• This funding is in addition to more than $8.8 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding previously provided to the Norman Wells Airport for three projects, including airside pavement rehabilitation, runway lighting rehabilitation and the purchase of a runway sweeper. It is also in addition to more than $3.3 million provided to the Fort Simpson Airport for two projects, including airfield electrical upgrades and the purchase of a plow truck.
• Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program provides federal funding to help eligible airports finance capital projects and equipment that will help them maintain safety.
• Eligible projects include the purchase/replacement of heavy airside mobile equipment (snow blowers, snowplows, runway sweepers, loaders and material spreaders) and aircraft rescue firefighting vehicles, associated equipment and shelters, the rehabilitation of runway, taxiway and apron pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems, and the installation of wildlife fencing.
• Since its launch in 1995, the Airports Capital Assistance Program has committed over $1.3 billion for 1,288 projects at 201 local, regional and National Airports System airports across the country.
• The Government of the Northwest Territories has received approximately $56.1 million in funding for 32 projects through this program, not including today's announcement.

Associated Link

• Airports Capital Assistance Program

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SOURCE Transport Canada - Ottawa