President's Message
That wasn’t a bad winter, was it? Minimal snowfall and mild temperatures made for a pleasant season. In spite of that, the airport was exceptionally busy.
After experiencing a small decline in passenger volumes in 2009, 2.5% to be exact, things are definitely picking up; volumes in the first quarter of 2010 were up by 7% over the same period last year. More than 400,000 people flew in March alone – that’s a new record for the Ottawa International Airport. These figures are important for a number of reasons, not the least of which, they signify that Ottawa/Gatineau weathered the economic storm better than many other areas of the country.
The figures are also important because as they grow, so too do the demands on our facilities. If you recall, back in 2005, the Authority was required to expand the Parkade facility to meet customer need. Well, we find ourselves in the same position again this year. During the peak March Break period, the Parkade was at more than 85% capacity, which for all intents and purposes, is full. Because all indicators were pointing to the facility reaching capacity on a regular basis as early as the beginning of 2009, we undertook to seek out a design that would add extra spaces. As such, we are now ready to embark on our second Parkade Expansion Project.
The $35 million project, which will add 850 new spots to the north end of the facility, begins early May and will be completed by late fall 2011. Other features of the project include a new wayfinding system, enhanced signage, an alternate ramp system, a new entrance plaza and a roof over the entire Parkade. The overall design includes a future expansion option that will add approximately 750 more spaces at the south end when demand calls for it. Tasked with keeping the project on track are PCL Constructors, the Construction Manager and ZW Group, the Project Manager.
I feel that this is the best and only option if we are to continue offering the best possible facilities and services to our customers. Every effort will be made not only minimize disruption, but also to keep you informed of changes before they happen. And, we will be as careful with this project as we have been with past projects. In other words, we will finish the project on time and on budget. I encourage you to visit this site to see the renderings and construction photos, and to know what to expect before you travel to the airport. Ultimately, we believe that more spaces will create happy faces.
As the weather gets nicer, and thoughts turn to golf, boating, music festivals and strolling along the Rideau Canal, we hope that you will still find an opportunity to travel, and that when you do, you fly Ottawa first. Bon voyage.