Brent's Bucks fall at Elliot Lake Airport

NEWS RELEASE

BRENT ST. DENIS, MP

********************** FedNor invests in Elliot Lake Airport initiative

ELLIOT LAKE, Ontario, September 20, 2005 — Brent St. Denis, Member of Parliament for Algoma–Manitoulin–Kapuskasing, today announced FedNor support of $200,000 to the City of Elliot Lake for additions to the community’s airport industrial park.

The project includes construction of a 10,000-square-foot hangar and installation of a high-pressure fuel pump and fuel tanks.

Once complete, the hangar will be leased to the Air Bravo Corp., which recently acquired a new aircraft.

The firm plans to expand its current operations in Elliot Lake as soon as space is available.

The 20-year lease will be subject to review at five-year intervals.

"This new infrastructure, along with the commitment from Air Bravo, creates a fantastic opportunity for the community to expand its tourism potential," said Mr. St. Denis. "The Government of Canada is dedicated to investing in projects that foster economic development, employment creation and self-reliant communities."

There are many developments in Elliot Lake that can achieve greater success because of improved passenger flight and charter service.

Air traffic in Elliot Lake is expected to increase as a direct result of this undertaking, creating the possibility of charter flights being augmented by a regular flight schedule.

Blue Fox Camp often flies in supplies and guests to its remote location.

The community is also a hub for mining industry travel.

Promotion resulting from the project is expected to enhance demand for service.

Elliot Lake's location as a quick one-hour flight distance from the Greater Toronto Area and service improvement will be selling points for the community.

These factors will also help market an increased number of cottages, establishing Elliot Lake as a major contender in the cottage market, along with locations such as Manitoulin and St. Joseph islands.

The development also provides the opportunity for Air Bravo to diversify into new business ventures.

The company plans to introduce a flight school at the airport.

This is a natural fit since many currently employed pilots are already certified flight instructors.

As a further extension of the flight school, Air Bravo also plans to rent aircraft for personal or commercial use.

"This project allows for retention of all existing positions at Air Bravo and can provide many more jobs in the construction of the hangar and with the operation of the new building and flight school," said George Farkouh, Mayor of Elliot Lake. "We are excited how these improvements increase the marketability of our community."

By supporting the City of Elliot Lake through its programs and services, FedNor is opening doors and building futures for a prosperous Northern Ontario.

Funding for this initiative was provided for in the February 2005 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework.

To find out more about FedNor, visit us at: http://fednor.ic.gc.ca

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