Debates of August 15, 2007 (day 10)

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I thought the Minister was going to run the clock out. My question is for the Minister of Transportation. Mr. Speaker, I have written to the Minister and the deputy minister. I do thank the Minister that he took the time to attend in Hay River to look at some of the transportation infrastructure. As everyone knows, Hay River is the transportation hub of the North, and so our transportation infrastructure is very important to us, as it is to any community. Mr. Speaker, I would like to ask the Minister what the plans are with respect to the deficiencies that have been identified at the Hay River Airport runway. We have, over the years, had our air services take on various schedules and various aircraft. At this point, we don’t have regular service from a 737. However, we do need our runway to be maintained and kept in good order to ensure air transportation in and out of our community. I would like to ask the Minister what are his department’s plans with respect to the deficiencies on the Hay River runway? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. The honourable Minister of Transportation, Mr. Menicoche.

Return To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. In April of this year, the departmental staff and air carriers were aware of a portion of the Hay River runway. Approximately 650 feet of runway had some serious depressions in there that were deep enough to impact jet planes. So we did look at that. We did initiate some remediation of that section, Mr. Speaker. As well, we just closed a contract to completely resurface and reconstruct that section that has that depression, Mr. Speaker. Thank you.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Supplementary, Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. A contract has already been awarded. I am understanding that’s what the Minister is saying. A contract has already been awarded for the resurfacing of that 650 feet of runway surface. I would like to ask the Minister if he could, for the benefit of people who live in Hay River, let us know when that work…What would be the scope and what would be the intended timelines for that particular work? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Menicoche.

Further Return To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. The contract to repair the Hay River runway has been awarded and the construction schedule is for the first week of September to complete the work. There has been notification to air carriers and anybody using the airport that this work will be taking place and hopefully it won’t interfere with the regular scheduled aircraft that run into Hay River. Mahsi.

Thank you, Mr. Menicoche. Time for question period has expired; however, we will allow a supplementary question. Mrs. Groenewegen.

Supplementary To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport

Thank you, Mr. Speaker. That was going to be one of my next questions, whether or not the work that would be done, which I understand is much needed, would interrupt any of the air traffic that is currently scheduled in and out of Hay River. The Minister has indicated that the work on the runway will not interfere with that schedule. I would like to know from the Minister, Mr. Speaker, if Hay River would still be designated today, Mr. Speaker, as an alternate site for planes, 737s and larger aircraft that could not land in Yellowknife because of weather. Is Hay River still the alternate destination? Thank you.

Thank you, Mrs. Groenewegen. Mr. Menicoche.

Further Return To Question 128-15(6): Transportation Infrastructure At Hay River Airport

As far as I am aware, it’s still an alternate destination for Yellowknife, but, once again, the notice has been given to all air carriers that the depression on the runway will be remediated soon. However, it is still a secondary location for emergency purposes. Thank you.