Ontario Construction News staff writer
Construction continues at the Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) after the official opening of the newly built departures lounge. The lounge is one piece of the airport’s $30.2 million airport terminal expansion project currently underway.
Later this month, phase two of construction will begin to reconfigure the existing terminal building and enhance the passenger experience. Self-service kiosks and common use airline counters will improve check-in. A third security line will speed passenger screening. A new baggage system, with a self-service bag drop and expanded sort area will streamline baggage handling. The anticipated completion date of phase two is spring 2023.
The expanded 20,000 sq. ft. lounge unveiled recently provides seating for 500 people with more space for guests to relax before departure. Six new boarding gates allows passengers to get on board their aircraft and on their way faster.
“I am thrilled to be celebrating another milestone in this important project,” said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. “Since this expansion plan was put in place in 2017, our airport has undergone impressive growth – not just in size and number of passengers – but in overall jobs and economic impact as well.
“We are very thankful for the support of our federal partners and the Canada Community-Building Fund to help make our vision a reality. We look forward to the next phase of development at the Region of Waterloo International Airport.”
The Canada Community-Building Fund (CCBF) provides permanent, stable funding for municipal infrastructure across the country, supporting local projects that have a direct community benefit. The fund is delivered in Ontario annually through the Association of Municipalities of Ontario (AMO) to all municipalities excluding the City of Toronto.
“Investments in transportation infrastructure is vital to ensuring residents and businesses are well connected. The work being done here is critical to the future of our region – our economy, and the way we travel,” said Tim Louis, Member of Parliament for Kitchener–Conestoga. “The new departures lounge will ensure the Region of Waterloo International Airport has the capacity to accommodate the increasing number of travelers to our region in a modern and welcoming space.”
Flair Airlines has three aircraft based at the Region of Waterloo International Airport and provides non-stop service to 12 destinations. This summer Flair expanded service to the east coast including Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island and Deer Lake, Newfoundland with service to Montreal, Quebec launching July 7.