Winnipeg Airports Authority (WAA) Takes Off with Two Million Construction
Hours On Airport Site Redevelopment

WINNIPEG , Oct. 15 /CNW/ - The redevelopment of Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport has passed two million construction hours, with approximately 500 workers now employed throughout the site on a daily basis.

Airport Redevelopment is forecast to contribute 6,370 person-years of employment to the local market, including $273 million in wages. GDP is projected at $343 million with total economic output for Manitoba at more than $1 billion .

Major construction initiatives over the past five years have included a new four-level covered parkade, new air terminal building, additional aircraft apron, roadways and improvements to existing infrastructure. The entire program is more than two-thirds complete, with construction of the new terminal on target to be finalized in 2010.

"Progress on this project reflects the cooperation and commitment of many people, including those working on site as well as customers, business leaders and many more behind the scenes." said Barry Rempel , President and CEO of Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. "We take pride in contributing towards real jobs during the global recession and adding to the positive experience of Manitoba."

Major construction participants include Parsons, Wardrop and EllisDon Construction as well as Advance Pro, CIMC, IBM, Inter-Roller Engineering, Man-Shield Construction, McCain Electric, Mulder Construction, Nelson River Construction, Otis Elevators and Simplex Grennell.

Winnipeg Airports Authority is a non-share capital corporation responsible for the management and operation of Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport and affiliate businesses. All surplus revenue over expenses is reinvested by WAA back into the community, primarily through airport development projects. WAA is self sufficient with taxpayers not directly involved in financing airport site redevelopment which is being paid through Airport Improvement Fees (AIF).

Winnipeg Airports Authority serves our region by providing value to our customers and community. A source of pride for our community, we strive to be a leader in its growth and development.

    
    AIRPORT SITE REDEVELOPMENT BACKGROUNDER
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The program's construction commitment is $585 million and funded exclusively through airport improvement fees. The program is generating approximately 6,500 person-years of employment, with economic output of over $1 billion .

Components

    
    Air Terminal Building: Construction Schedule 2006-10
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The centerpiece of airport redevelopment is the new air terminal building of 51,000 square meters, requiring 4,500 metric tons of steel and over 12,000 cubic meters of concrete. Approximately 10,000 square meters of glass will help create transparency throughout the facility, making movement around the terminal direct and intuitive. The experience will be complemented by an innovative retail and concession program that combines leading international brands with local favorites and is mindful of the evolving nature of airport security and passenger movement.

From an energy efficiency perspective, the facility is intended to meet the LEED(R) Rating Level of "Certified". This identifies that key resources will be used more efficiently when compared to conventional buildings which are simply built to code, based on intents and performance requirements set out by the Canadian Green Building Council. These include application of natural light sources to reduce electricity consumption in the terminal, waste heat recuperation in the Central Utilities Building and waste management during construction. In addition, the new terminal is being built using Universal Design principles so that people of all abilities will be able to participate fully.

    
    Groundside Site Services: Construction Schedule 2005-09
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Construction included building a storm water force main system plus improvements to surface parking and roadways. Nearly 10,000 cubic meters of concrete are required for the new two-level roadway.

    
    Airside Improvements: Construction Schedule 2006-10
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Improvements include a new airside land drainage system, completed in 2008, as well as a new concrete apron plus taxiways. Areas of the apron will provide bridged parking positions for eleven aircraft and seven ground load parking positions.

    
    Central Utilities Building & Tunnel: Construction Schedule 2007-10
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Rehabilitation of the central utilities building will result in the facility reaching 97% efficiency. Energy for the new terminal will be delivered by an underground concrete tunnel measuring 320 meters in length.

    
    Parkade: Construction Schedule 2005-06
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The 1,560 stall parkade provides covered parking on three of its four levels. A pedestrian link between the parkade and the new terminal building will be added in 2009.

For further information: Christine Alongi, Director, Communications & Public Affairs, Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc, 24 Hour Media Line: [phone]