Derrick Stanford, president and CEO of the Saint John Airport, speaks during an announcement at the airport on August 19, 2019. (Photo: Brad Perry/Wave News)
The Saint John Airport is getting federal funding to help study the current and future risks of climate change.
Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long was at the airport Monday to announce more than $205,000 for the study.
Derrick Stanford, president and CEO of the airport, said the money will allow them to prepare for the future effects of extreme weather.
“Weather has become so unpredictable, especially for the Saint John Airport, which often hovers right around 0°C,” said Stanford. “What used to be snowstorms has turned into freezing rain storms or rain or big thaws and then freezes and then it melts again.”
The results of the study will be part of a broader strategy and capital program addressing climate change.
Saint John-Rothesay MP Wayne Long has announced more than $205,000 for the #SaintJohn Airport so they can research and analyze current and future risks and vulnerabilities to climate hazards. pic.twitter.com/mJ063Ncvu9
— Brad Perry (@BradMPerry) August 19, 2019
Bad weather can mean travel-related setbacks, Stanford said, but extreme weather can halt operations for extended periods.
“One of the worst enemies of flying is freezing rain,” he said. “When you think about Saint John and what has become our climate now, that plays a large role. It’s very dangerous.”
Stanford said a lot of work goes into battling freezing rain, which means more costs for airport operations to keep everyone safe.
Long said his government is committed to lessening the impact of climate change on the lives of Canadians.
“We can make our airports, our bridges, our ports, and other essential transportation infrastructure in Canada safer by making it more resilient,” he said. “That means being prepared.”
The study is expected to be completed by the end of March, said Stanford.
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