Congratulations to our client, the Yukon Government, and their project team on being recognized by the Premier of Yukon for exceptional accomplishments and teamwork leading major improvements at community airports. Their achievements include $26 million of design, construction, and commission over the last three years, and the first runway to be converted from gravel to pavement in the North in 25 years.
Project Manager, Steven Bartsch, says, "Associated Engineering was first brought on board by the Yukon Government for the Dawson City Airport to assist in the development of a functional plan for both long-term planning and operational improvements at the airport located just outside Dawson City." The functional plan identified economic trigger points and prioritized potential capital plan investments for a 30-year planning horizon and was based on socio-economic, regulatory, environmental, operational, facilities, infrastructure, and engineering factors associated with the existing and anticipated future conditions. The study also included an updated aircraft traffic forecast for a 30-year planning horizon, options analysis, concept designs, and an implementation plan.
With the completion of the functional plan, the Yukon Government engaged Associated Engineering to undertake the design of the selected option (asphalt surfacing) for the runway and Apron II development. We also were part of a team as Owner’s Advisor for a new airport maintenance facility and relocation of the Canadian Border Services Agency Buildings to Apron II. We continue to provide engineering services for the Yukon Government through additional improvements to Apron II, airfield electrical upgrades and working with them on operation improvement approvals with Transport Canada.
Associated Engineering also provided design services to upgrade the runway and airfield lighting at the Mayo Airport in central Yukon. With increased mining activity in the local area, the Mayo Airport required upgrades to allow for increased flights to service the community and local businesses. We completed the design to regrade the main runway and adjacent infield areas along with a completely new airfield lighting system to meet the requirements of Transport Canada. The new airfield lighting system includes new approach lights, edge lights for the runways, taxiways and aprons, apron flood lighting, and a new Field Electric Centre. Work is expected in 2021 with the completion of the airfield electrical system upgrades. Once completed, the Yukon Government will be seeking Certification of the airport through Transport Canada.
Beyond Dawson City and Mayo, our airports team continues to work with the Yukon Government on airport projects throughout the Yukon including Whitehorse, Old Crow, Carcross, Carmacks, Burwash Landing, Beaver Creek and Watson Lake.
Our staff on these project include Steven Bartsch, Dave Anderson, Sang-Hyun Chung, Patrick Stancombe, Doug Falkins, Derek Desaulniers, Amr Mohamed, Helen Yin, Dean Reidt, and Ben San Wong.