LAC LA BICHE - Airfields at the CYLB Lac La Biche Airport will receive pavement rehabilitation soon thanks to a $2.5 million grant provided through the provincial Strategic Transportation Infrastructure Program (STIP).
The Alberta government has announced that it is providing $114.6 million in grant funding for rural communities across the province to improve roads, bridges and community airports, along with funding for modern water and wastewater facilities.
These grants are being distributed through STIP as well as the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership (AMWWP), and the Water for Life program.
According to information from the provincial government, the CYLB airport in Lac La Biche is one of 51 projects receiving funding this year under STIP.
According to Manny Deol, the chief administrative officer (CAO) for Lac La Biche County, this funding for airfield pavement rehabilitation is crucial for economic development in the area.
“The economic growth of the Lac La Biche Airport is a key component of our overall Economic Development Strategy,” Deol said.
Gaining support from the government of Alberta is a continuous lobbying effort by Lac La Biche County council, said the CAO.
The municipality’s grant team, he explained, is always looking for funding through various programs at all levels of government. This is how Lac La Biche County officials were able to secure this grant for the airfield pavement rehabilitation.
“This grant feels like a success for all our efforts, and of course, we feel very grateful.”
As for when work on airfields at the local airport could get underway, Deol said the work is proposed for 2026.
Airfield pavement rehabilitation includes restoring and improving structural integrity and surface characteristics of airport runways taxiways, and aprons. Aprons are designated areas of airports where aircraft are parked, loaded, unloaded, refueled, and undergo maintenance.
The work involves addressing issues such as cracking, rutting, and loss of friction on airfields. It is done to extend the lifespans of pavement and improve its efficiency.
“At this time, we are working on the design features,” Deol explained.
According to information from the provincial government, dated July 25, Premier Danielle Smith stated that rural Alberta is the backbone of the province, driving provincial growth, feeding the world, and strengthening communities.
“Our government is investing in the infrastructure rural communities need to grow and thrive, whether it’s reliable roads, modern bridges, safe community airports or water facilities. These are the essentials that support families, attract investment, and keep our rural economy moving,” said Smith.
