March 04, 2005

Transportation and Government Services Minister Ron Lemieux today announced the official opening of two new $400,000 airport terminals to improve air service for the residents of the northern communities of Thicket Portage and Pikwitonei.

"Transportation infrastructure renewal is a major component of our Northern Development Strategy," said Lemieux. "New economic opportunities are essential to the future of our northern communities and Manitoba has almost doubled the level of investment in infrastructure to expand the range of opportunities available."

The new terminals are 1,600 square feet (149 square metres) each and replace smaller facilities no longer able to serve the communities. Thicket Portage’s old 431-square-foot (40-square-metre) trailer had been in use since 1981 and the 25-year-old Pikwitonei terminal was only 700 square feet (65 square metres). Increasing volumes of passengers and freight into the communities in recent years had exceeded the capacities of the old terminals. Airport traffic at Pikwitonei has nearly tripled since 1994. Freight shipments into Thicket Portage have also tripled and passenger traffic has increased by approximately 25 per cent.

Both terminals include air carrier offices, a larger passenger lounge and washrooms, which the old facilities did not have. The terminals were constructed by the province using locally hired workers.

"Our provincial airports play an important role in the life of northern Manitoba communities," said Water Stewardship Minister Steve Ashton, speaking in each of the communities today on behalf of Lemieux. "With these investments, we are providing an opportunity for that role to grow and ensure a strong transportation link to meet the needs of the people of Pikwitonei and Thicket Portage in the future."

Thicket Portage, a community of approximately 200 residents, is located along the CNR Hudson Bay railway route, 603 km (377 miles) north of Winnipeg and 70 km (44 miles) south of Thompson via winter road. Pikwitonei, a community of approximately 150 people, is located where the CNR Hudson Bay route crosses the Pikwitonei River, 634 km (394 miles) north of Winnipeg and 67 km (42 miles) east of Thompson via winter road.

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