Pearson International Airport will get more than $142 million in funds from the federal government for important infrastructure development, including money to begin design work for a proposed connection with the Eglinton Crosstown line.
The money will assist Pearson invest in infrastructure to help “reinvigorate” the aviation industry following the devastation inflicted by COVID-19, according to Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra, who made the statement on Monday morning.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has had a devastating effect on Canada’s air sector and Canada’s world leading network of airports, including Pearson, have been hit really hard. But despite the challenges, airports have continued to provide the essential air services that have been so important throughout the pandemic,” he said. “The funding I’ve announced today will help Toronto Pearson International Airport invest in the infrastructure needed to help reinvigorate the aviation industry. It will also help maintain safe airport operations for residents and workers in the Greater Toronto region and surrounding communities.
The money being awarded to Pearson is coming from the Liberal government’s $571 million Airport Critical Infrastructure Program, which was launched in 2021.
It will go towards a number of initiatives at Canada’s busiest airport, including the rehabilitation of airfield pavement, the installation of new check-in, boarding and border clearance systems and the ongoing operation of a COVID-19 testing and screening system for passengers and employees.
It will also help the airport “carry out technical studies and concept design work” for a proposed connection with the planned extension of the Eglinton Crosstown line to Renforth Drive which is expected to be completed by 2031.
During Monday’s news conference, Greater Toronto Airports Authority President and CEO Deborah Flint said, “This is a critical day for steps forward, steps forward into recovery, and also ensuring that not just Toronto Pearson’s, but Canada’s aviation sector is one that becomes strong once again, out of a time that’s been incredibly challenging.” “As one of the fastest-growing countries in the G7 in terms of population, we know that a lot more is required of our airports, whether it’s to address capacity or to meet aspirations for a greener airport experience.”
Source_ cp24.com
