Brandon airport grand opening cause for celebration
Advertisement
Read this article for free:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
We need your support!
Local journalism needs your support!
As we navigate through unprecedented times, our journalists are working harder than ever to bring you the latest local updates to keep you safe and informed.
Now, more than ever, we need your support.
Starting at $15.99 plus taxes every four weeks you can access your Brandon Sun online and full access to all content as it appears on our website.
Subscribe Nowor call circulation directly at (204) 727-0527.
Your pledge helps to ensure we provide the news that matters most to your community!
To continue reading, please subscribe:
Add Brandon Sun access to your Free Press subscription for only an additional
$1 for the first 4 weeks*
*Your next subscription payment will increase by $1.00 and you will be charged $20.00 plus GST for four weeks. After four weeks, your payment will increase to $24.00 plus GST every four weeks.
Read unlimited articles for free today:
or
Already have an account? Log in here »
Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 15/07/2017 (3100 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
Brandon’s new and improved airport was a place of celebration on Friday as community members joined local dignitaries for the official ribbon cutting and grand opening.
The $10.4-million redevelopment project was a joint effort of the city, province and federal government.
“This project is … a testimony to what happens when a bunch of people get together and co-operate,” said Mayor Rick Chrest. “It’s very difficult for one level of government or another to do things on its own, and this is a product of all three levels of government working together.”
The project began in the fall of 2015, and opened mid-May. The airport terminal is now three times its former size. The new facility features a new arrival hall and departure lounge. The old terminal building is completely renovated, and includes a seamless corridor that connects it to the new structure.
New tri-level funding of up to $2.5 million was also announced for the replacement of the airport maintenance building.
WestJet Encore president Charles Duncan said he was “blown away” by the community presence.
“I have been in the industry for more than 20 years. I’ve been involved in a lot of projects like this. I’ve never seen community participation like I’m seeing today,” he said.
Since WestJet Encore launched its Brandon service in September, Duncan notes there have been 3,000 flights through McGill Field — and some 250,000 seats in and out of the airport during that time.
Premier Brian Pallister said the improved airport will provide additional travel opportunities for both leisure and business in the region.
“It’s an excellent development, and all of us who are a little older can remember the debate about whether we would even have an airport,” he said. “To look at the change now, and to see this development, it just gives me tremendous optimism for the growth of our province and for the growth of Westman.”
» jaustin@brandonsun.com
» Twitter: @jillianaustin