Monday, March 2, 2026
The Government of Canada announced a federal investment of $10 million to support the Winnipeg Airports Authority’s (WAA) development of 127 acres of direct-access runway lands in Winnipeg.
The Government of Manitoba is contributing $5 million to the project, along with a $17 million investment from WAA.
“Strong supply chains depend on strong infrastructure. By expanding airside lands at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport, we are building on Manitoba’s strengths in aviation, aerospace, and advanced manufacturing — attracting new investment, creating good jobs, and helping ensure Canada remains competitive in a rapidly changing global economy.” said Eleanor Olszewksi, Minister responsible for Prairies Economic Development Canada.
The investment will prepare shovel-ready, direct-access runway lands at Winnipeg Richardson International Airport (YWG), creating space for new and expanding businesses that rely on immediate runway access. This will support growth in key sectors, such as aerospace, defence, and advanced manufacturing, and enable to the development of new facilities, including aircraft maintenance and repair operations.
“We thank the Government of Canada and the Province of Manitoba for their partnership and investment in this critical infrastructure. These lands represent one of the most strategically significant airside development opportunities in Canada. This investment enables the servicing required to make them development-ready, positioning Winnipeg and Manitoba to attract new business, create high-value jobs, and strengthen Canada’s trade capacity and global competitiveness,” said Nick Hays, president and CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority.
In January 2026, the Winnipeg Airports Authority, CentrePort Canada and Arctic Gateway Group announced a new trade alliance supported by PrairiesCan and the Province of Manitoba to strengthen Manitoba’s trade network, further diversify Canadian trade routes, and provide better access for businesses to global markets.
“Investors look for ready-to-build sites and reliable infrastructure. By building that foundation with our government and private sector partners now, we are unlocking new opportunities for aviation and industrial investment, creating good jobs and strengthening Manitoba’s competitiveness in a fast-moving global economy,” said Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, trade and Job Creation, Province of Manitoba.
Featured image: Scott Marohn, vice president, Commercial, Winnipeg Airports Authority; Carly Edmundson, president & CEO CentrePort Canada Inc.; Nick Hays, president & CEO, Winnipeg Airports Authority; Doug Eyolfson, MP for Winnipeg West; Mayor Scott Gillingham, City of Winnipeg; Jamie Moses, Minister of Business, Mining, Trade and Job Creation, Government of Manitoba. (David Lipnowski)
