Initial design revealed for Waterloo airport runway project
The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada is calling for public input into a project to expand the runway at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.
The agency announced on March 19 that it has accepted an initial project description for the proposed project. The airport, which is located in Breslau, northwest of Kitchener, is proposing to extend runway 14-32 from the current length of 1,250 metres to a final length of 2,134 metres. The project also calls for the construction of new access roads and a parallel taxiway, modifications to the runway approach lighting, and either the expansion or relocation of the terminal building.
The work will improve the overall use of the airport by allowing it to serve class AGN IIIB aircraft. Currently these planes, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus 320 series, can operate only on runway 08-26. Extending runway 14-32 will provide these aircraft with an alternate runway to use during poor weather and high crosswind conditions. This will increase safety and reduce delays, cancellations and the need to divert aircraft to alternate airports during inclement weather.
Comments from the public and from Indigenous groups will be accepted until April 18.
The project is seen to be a significant component in the regional economy. The construction work is expected to generate more than $52 million worth of benefits, while the expansion is also expected to create upwards of $67 million worth of time and cost savings through reduced flight diversions and cancellations. Consultants also anticipate benefits for businesses and individuals travelling to the region via Toronto Pearson, as well as increased capacity to attract new talent to the local workforce.
Design of the project, which will include any issues identified in the public consultations, is scheduled for late 2021, and the project could be tendered before the end of this year. Construction is tentatively scheduled to finish at the end of 2024.