Government of Canada investing $660,000 in the Sault Ste. Marie airport 

Terry Sheehan, member of parliament for Sault Ste. Marie and parliamentary secretary to the ministers of labour and seniors, has announced $660,000 in FedNor funding for the Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC).

The announcement was made on behalf of Patty Hajdu, minister of indigenous services and minister responsible for FedNor.

FedNor’s support will enable SSMADC to construct a new 11,250 square foot building at the Sault Ste. Marie airport. The new facility will accommodate new growth for a large tenant who specializes in maintenance, repair, and overhaul. The project will provide a dedicated space for equipment, parts, and materials, which will open hangar floor area and introduce service for larger jets while continuing service for existing aircraft.

In addition to supporting regional aviation operations and supply chains, this project will increase revenue opportunities, expand both the airport and tenant business, and create approximately 15 construction jobs throughout development phases.

“Sault Ste. Marie area and Algoma region represent a very special piece of Northern Ontario, and supporting the local aviation industry will help make it more accessible to visitors. This Government of Canada investment will foster real opportunities for continued growth, and will support input from all over into our economy,” said Sheehan.

“This investment will help better connect Sault Ste. Marie and Northern Ontario and reinforce our supply chains. An expanded airport in our region will help grow the small businesses that rely on it. It is good news for all middle-class families in the region,” said Hajdu.

“Partnering with the Government of Canada will help connect Sault Ste. Marie and Algoma region with the rest of the country, and so this FedNor investment represents real growth opportunities. We are excited to continue providing excellent service through the Sault Ste. Marie airport, and to see those services expanding to meet the growing demands of the region,” said Terry Bos, president and CEO of Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation.

Quick facts

• The funding announced today is provided through the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative (ARRI), which is delivered by regional development agencies like FedNor.
  • With a national budget of $250 million over three years, ARRI is part of a global Government of Canada strategy that includes measures being implemented to boost the aerospace industry.
  • A total of $11.88 million has been allocated to FedNor to administer the Aerospace Regional Recovery Initiative in Northern Ontario over three years, ending March 31, 2024.
  • The ARRI is now closed and FedNor is no longer accepting applications for this program
• The Sault Ste. Marie Airport Development Corporation (SSMADC) is an independent, not-for-profit, community-based organization incorporated on April 26, 1996.
  • SSMADC took over ownership and operation of the Sault Ste. Marie Airport on March 28, 1998.
  • A board of eight directors makes all strategic decisions relating to the long-term relevance and sustainability of the airport.
  • The Sault Ste. Marie airport has seen over 108,000 passengers and over 18,000 airplane movements so far in 2023.

This press release was prepared and distributed by Federal Economic Development Agency for Northern Ontario (FedNor).