Ontario Construction News staff writer
More than $94 million has been awarded by the National Trade Corridors Fund for a cargo development project at Toronto Pearson International Airport.
The project includes two new facilities: the South Cargo Transfer Development Facility (YYZ South) and the North Cargo Apron Development (YYZ North). YYZ South will increase capacity for incoming cargo, and YYZ North will build additional infrastructure for more cargo aircraft parking spaces, which will also increase cargo capacity.
“The substantial funding from National Trade Corridors Fund for our cargo development project will enhance our position as a vital gateway for global and domestic cargo operators,” said Deborah Flint, president and CEO, Greater Toronto Airports Authority. “With improved capacity and infrastructure, we will facilitate faster and more efficient goods transfer, benefiting Canadian businesses and consumers.
“Toronto Pearson Airport is a competitive cargo hub, that is critical to the serving the population and the growing manufacturing sector in the country.”
Two new facilities will help handle more essential cargo coming through Pearson Airport and contribute to building a stronger supply chain in the Greater Toronto Area.
The National Trade Corridors Fund’s Increasing the Fluidity of Canada’s Supply Chains call for proposals supports fluid and reliable trade flows between Canada and global markets, as well as internal trade corridors.
The funding announced Tuesday is on top of $39 million announced by the federal government in 2018.
The project was initially expected to cost $145 million. A City of Edmonton report last year found inflation had jacked up the cost by over $34 million. The Alberta government and CP have also contributed funding.
In spring 2022, Edmonton city council approved adjusting the capital budget to account for the revised estimate. City staff had hoped a request to the federal government would be approved.
Plans to create a grade separation at the crossing have been in the works for years.
Traffic delays caused by trains rolling across 50th Street have long frustrated motorists, and the intersection has been marked as one of the top three priorities for grade separation in the city.
This year, construction is focused on building the northbound overpass and working on stormwater drainage, according to a news release from Transport Canada. Next will come work on the southbound overpass.
Project construction is expected to go until 2027.