A northern aviator is in support of the recent efforts by the Fond du Lac First Nation to expand and widen that community’s runway.

“We believe it’s important for the community to have effective air transportation. And if these improvements were made, it would be an enhancement in the region. We would be able to fly larger aircraft into the community,” West Wind Aviation President and CEO Michael Rodyniuk said.

Fond du Lac is asking for runway upgrades, lengthening the runway to 5,000 feet from 3,800 feet and widening to 150 feet from 75 feet.

The airport has received federal assistance to upgrade lighting and other safety aspects of the runway. A design on the expansion is almost complete.

A dispute arose last week between the First Nation and the provincial government over responsibility for a funding application. The province which owns and operates the airport blames the First Nation for an incomplete funding application for the reason why the project being delayed.

Both Chief Louis Mercredi and Rodynick say the current state of the runway is preventing larger aircraft from landing, forcing passengers to shuttle from Stony Rapids.

“The problem is, is it looks like and feels like asphalt in Fond du Lac. But the reality is Transport Canada doesn’t recognize it as a hard surface,” Rodynick explained.

“So, we have to use gravel charts going in and out of Fond du Lac. That makes it very difficult to fly large aircraft in and get a full load coming out. We can only get a few people, four or five people at the same time.”

The expansion project is estimated to cost approximately $35 million.

Deputy Premier Gordon Wyant said the First Nation would be eligible for funding their project, in another intake later this year.

But Mercredi doesn’t want to wait that long. “The province can reverse their decision and help us finish our application, fill it in properly. And proceed in making us move forward with the airport extension and widening.”

(Photo: Plane landing in Fond du Lac. MBC file.)