News release

A photo of a small plane on an airport runway; an airport employee directing a plane; a photo of a runway with a number of small planes and a Canada flag; a photo of a helicoper at sunset.

Government of Canada investment will help regional airport reap economic opportunities

July 16, 2024 · Port Hastings, Nova Scotia · Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA)

Transitioning to a low-carbon economy is a necessary step to protect the climate and create a more sustainable economy in Atlantic Canada and across the country. As Cape Breton moves toward a greener future, the Government of Canada is investing to help the Town of Port Hawkesbury prepare for the growth of promising new industries and sectors with a valuable economic impact.

Strengthening supply chain infrastructure

Today, Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso, announced a non- repayable contribution of $2.2 million to the Town of Port Hawkesbury for upgrades to the Allan J. MacEachen Airport runway. The announcement was made on behalf of the Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA.

The project will support the removal and replacement of the middle section of the runway to meet Transport Canada’s new standards and to accommodate increased air traffic. This will help the community strengthen its infrastructure as the region advances green hydrogen, onshore and offshore wind industries, as well as the continued growth of niche, high value tourism opportunities.

This announcement demonstrates the Government of Canada’s commitment to drive regional prosperity, and grow a resilient, sustainable economy for all Canadians.

Quotes

“The Allan J. MacEachen Airport needs reliable, modern facilities to support the people and businesses who rely on it every day. Today’s investment is helping secure jobs in Cape Breton and will help the island welcome the world.”
– The Honourable Gudie Hutchings, Minister of Rural Economic Development and Minister responsible for ACOA

“The Allan J. MacEachen Airport is an important asset in the region. These upgrades, along with several other significant industry developments underway in the Strait Region, will support current and burgeoning commercial and industry activity, transforming the region and increasing airport usage. I am proud that our government is supporting the Town of Port Hawkesbury in making these necessary enhancements.”
– Mike Kelloway, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard and Member of Parliament for Cape Breton – Canso

“This little airport has seen more planes in recent years than it has since it was built.  The investment to maintain the airstrip will ensure that the economic activity it brings will continue to pay dividends for our region.”
– The Honourable Allan MacMaster, Deputy Premier of Nova Scotia and Member of the Legislative Assembly for Inverness

“The Allan J. MacEachen Regional Airport provides a vital transportation link for the Strait Region. This investment is essential for the long-term sustainability of this asset. It is vital to the support of tourism, the many aspects of green energy industry development, emergency services (life flight, ground search and rescue), community development and recreation. The Town of Port Hawkesbury, in cooperation with the Airport Advisory Committee, members from the Municipality of the County of Richmond and the Municipality of the County of Inverness are very grateful for the support demonstrated today by the federal government.”
– Brenda Chisholm-Beaton, Mayor of Port Hawkesbury

Quick facts

  • The Allan J. MacEachen Airport, which has been in operation since 1974, is owned by the Town of Port Hawkesbury and operated by Celtic Air Services.
  • The airport serves as a vital transportation link for western Cape Breton in Inverness, Richmond, Antigonish and Guysborough Counties, with elected representatives from the Town of Port Hawkesbury, The Municipality of the County of Inverness and the Municipality of the County of Richmond making up the Airport Advisory Committee, which provides oversight for the airport’s operations.
  • The investment announced today is provided through the Canada Coal Transition Initiative (CCTI) – Infrastructure Fund. This fund was launched on August 20, 2020 and provides $150 million over five years, delivered by Canada’s regional development agencies (RDAs), to help communities move away from coal by investing in infrastructure. ACOA is delivering $55 million under CCTI initiatives. The initiative is set to end on March 31, 2025.