Feds, Canadian North announce plans for $22M cargo facility at Ottawa airport
The federal government says it will commit $11 million toward the construction of a new cargo facility for Canadian North at the Ottawa International Airport.
Transport Minister Pablo Rodriguez announced the funding, half of the total project cost, on August 9. Canadian North will foot the reminder of the bill.
The warehouse will reduce delays in cargo handling capacity and increase connectivity between different modes of transportation at the airport. For example, the project would expand the truck loading area, where queues have created congestion in the past. In total, this project will also double the capacity for Canadian North in Ottawa.
In addition, the new facility will adopt environmentally friendly technologies and expand energy-efficient refrigeration and freezing areas to reduce waste and preserve essential goods destined for the Canadian Arctic. The facility will also have a backup power system to ensure service continuity during severe weather events.
"Growing demand from Canada's remote and northern communities highlights the essential role of cargo in supporting the Inuit communities and ensuring food security,” said Michael Rodyniuk, President and CEO of Canadian North. “Canadian North's new cargo facility will double its capacity in Ottawa by 2026, strengthening the vital connections between the North and the rest of Canada."
Government funding for the project is being provided through the National Trade Corridors Fund. The $4.6-billion program is designed to help infrastructure owners and users invest in the critical transportation assets that support economic activity in Canada.