Runway Extensions Assessment Update

Runway Extensions Assessment

The Airport Master Plan identified the need to extend the existing runways. Runway 14-32 is planned to be extended from 4,100ft to 7,000ft, and Runway 08-26 is to be extended from 7,000ft to 8,500ft. Extending the runways will:

• Enhance safety and reliability for aircraft;
• Improve the customer experience; and,
• Improve overall use and flexibility for airlines.

View drawing of proposed Region of Waterloo International Airport runway extensions.

Purpose

Currently, Runway 14-32 can accommodate light general aviation aircraft and flight training activity. Runway 08-26 can accommodate larger narrow-body aircraft (i.e. Boeing 737 aircraft with one aisle). Wide-body aircraft (i.e. Boeing 767 aircraft with two aisles) cannot use the airport at this time, and there is no secondary option for narrow-body aircraft. This restricts larger aircraft from operating in poor weather conditions, such as rain, ice or high winds.

Extending Runway 14-32 to a length of 2,134 metres (7,000 feet) will improve the safety and reliability of the airport. When Runway 08-26 has strong crosswinds combined with wet or icy conditions, larger narrow-body aircraft would be able to land on Runway 14-32. Additionally, scheduled air service could use Runway 14-32 when Runway 08-26 is closed for repairs. The project is expected to reduce diversions by 80%, giving YKF a competitive advantage.

Extending Runway 08-26 to a length of 2,591 metres (8,500 feet) will provide additional safety and reduce the payload restrictions on narrow-body aircraft operating, especially in poor weather.

Environmental Assessment

The environmental assessment for the Runway 14-32 extension is now complete. The project is subject to the Impact Assessment Act (IAA), which is the federal consultation process that focuses on health, social and economic impacts. The Impact Assessment Agency of Canada (Agency) hosted two virtual information sharing sessions in September 2020 and collected feedback. On November 2, 2021, the Agency determined that a full impact assessment under the IAA is not required for the Runway 14-32 extension project.

View a summary of the Detailed Project Description (DPD Summary)

All information related to the IAA documentation, consultation and feedback can be found here.

Natural Environment

The Runway 14-32 extensions will impact the east branch of the Randall Drain, some wetlands, and potential wildlife, fish and species at risk habitat. The Runway 26 extension will impact the east branch of the Randall Drain and some species at risk habitat.

View a drawing of the significant wildlife and fish habitat areas.

A Natural Heritage Management Plan has been developed to mitigate natural environment impacts. Mitigation measures include:

• Scheduling construction work to avoid critical breeding or migration periods;
• Erosion and sediment control;
• Removal of invasive species;
• Habitat compensation on a 1:1 basis; and,
• Enhance fencing to improve wildlife exclusion from the airfield.

Archaeological and Heritage

Consultants have completed a Stage 1, 2 and 3 archaeological investigation. Stage 1 is a desktop study of known and potential areas of archaeological interest. A Stage 2 assessment was completed for several additional areas, which consists of a walking survey and/or hand test pits to determine if any buried archaeological resources exist. A Stage 3 assessment was then completed, which includes a more thorough investigation in areas where a significant number of artifacts were found. It was determined that a Stage 4 investigation was not required.

Consultants have also completed a Built Heritage and Cultural Heritage Landscape Assessment. No heritage resources are directly impacted. The Airport may fence or screen the runways from potential heritage resources.

View a drawing of the built and cultural heritage consideration findings.

Cost

The Region has budgeted:

• $68,000,000 to construct the Runway 14-32 extensions; and,
• $38,000,000 to construct the Runway 08-26 extension

Next Steps

Pending approval by Regional Council:

• Construction of the Runway 14-32 extensions would begin once funding is established (as early as 2026);
• Detailed design of the Runway 26 extension is anticipated in 2029; and,
• Construction of the Runway 26 extension would begin following completion of the design (anticipated 2030).