A new multi-use hangar is officially being built at the Kapuskasing airport.
Talks of adding the facility were recently finalized with North Star Air to create the 14,000 foot facility for an estimated cost of just under $3,245,000.
The hangar will be a hub for air transportation to First nation communities located on the James Bay Coast.
North Star Air has been operating the Kapuskasing airport since April, and this new facility will allow them to operate more efficiently during the winter months.
The Kapuskasing Economic Development Corporation has spent three years working to find a long-term tenant for the airport.
Mayor Alan Spacek says the project is a result of many years of hard work.
“It goes to show that you can never give up on economic opportunities for the region. The Town of Kapuskasing is very pleased in becoming once again a distribution hub for the north, as it was years ago when Jessel’s, a local distributor, was supplying and delivering goods to our coastal communities. We are confident that it will stimulate the economy and create some local employment for the region.”
The construction of the new facility will be done by Lachance Construction and is expected to begin in early 2019, which will force the Kapuskasing Flying Club to relocate to another hangar.
Club President Roger Isabelle says he supports the project and doesn’t mind the move.
“Even though the club is directly impacted by this project with the relocation of our equipment, office space and the plane, the primary objective of the club is to promote aviation. This new operation at the Kapuskasing airport will create some air traffic and will ensure the airport stays viable and operational for aviation enthusiasts.”
There is no timeline as of now for when the project will be completed.
The town is expecting to pay just under $1,245,000 thanks to 1,000,000 funding each from the NOHFC and FedNor towards the project.
