Yarmouth Airport to Expand

Yarmouth Airport is about to boost its capabilities as a full-service facility, allowing the region's economic development potential to take off as a result.

New freight-handling equipment, improved weather reporting services, a new 10,000 square-foot hangar and a new aggressive marketing plan are all part of this enhanced infrastructure project.

The $440,363 project is funded by the Department of Economic Development and Tourism and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency under the Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification.

The enhancements are also seen as a valuable step in building a positive business climate in the region.

Economic Development and Tourism Minister Manning MacDonald said the project itself will create up to 18 new positions at the airport, but that the overall benefits extend even further.

"The Yarmouth area is already home to some very successful Nova Scotia exporters, selling everything from lobsters to ambulances internationally. A strong air link is a major incentive for other companies looking to locate in the region," said Mr. MacDonald.

"These are essential upgrades for Yarmouth Airport," said Senator Al Graham, Leader of the Government in the Senate and Minister responsible for Nova Scotia, on behalf of Fred Mifflin, Secretary of State for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency. "The many improvements will reinforce the airport's position as a vital trade link for southwest Nova Scotia, and ensure it is equipped to handle increased freight traffic."

The Yarmouth Airport Commission is a not-for-profit body which assumed ownership and operational responsibility for the airport in October 1997.

"This project will improve transportation and freight services to southwest Nova Scotia that our board considers essential to future development in the region. We view the airport as a vital component in the economic engine of the area," said Keith Condon, chairman of the Yarmouth Airport Commission.

The Canada/Nova Scotia COOPERATION Agreement on Economic Diversification is managed by the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and the Nova Scotia Department of Economic Development and Tourism.