Why is a new airport terminal required?

The building is 45 years old and deteriorating rapidly. An independent audit has established that it is no longer sustainable for the mid- to long-term. Renovating the current terminal would be more expensive than constructing a new one and would also entail an extended period of disruption for passengers and airlines.

Is the facility safe at this time?

Yes. WAA constantly monitors the facility’s safety and security standards and makes improvements where necessary, regardless of any other development planning.

Is the project going to be undertaken in phases?

Yes. While the largest proportion of construction is planned for completion in 2010, a phased approach allows efficient responses to future conditions and areas of need. In addition, financing will be managed prudently over time, providing the most affordable approach.

How was the location determined?

The new terminal will be located to the northeast of the existing building. This location was selected based on ease of access for customers and to ensure a smooth transition from the old building, avoiding any major disruptions in customer service. In addition, the location maximizes the use of current infrastructure in a cost efficient fashion.

How was the right size calculated?

WAA has adopted a realistic traffic forecast model, with input from the carrier community and based on projections from Transport Canada, to ensure that the terminal will support present and long term community requirements.

How much will it cost?

It is anticipated that total Phase I [2004-10] costs will be in the $585 million range, including new parking and terminal structures, two level roadways and additional apron.

How will the project be paid for?

Through Airport Improvement Fees. WAA is 100% self-reliant.

How is WAA managing costs given the boom in local construction?

With $10-$15 billion of new Manitoba building projects announced or being implemented, we are operating in a business environment that is seeing significant escalation of construction expenses, including wages as well as materials. Holding the line on costs has been a major effort for us since 2003/04.  At that time, we initiated a top-to-bottom value engineering process with the goal of mitigating expenses without compromising customer service benefits and quality. This long term management initiative has much improved redevelopment costs—as an example, the terminal building footprint has been redesigned to improve cost efficiency while maintaining customer service capabilities.

Will there be opportunities for local businesses?

The Airport Site Redevelopment represents significant potential for local business, including the construction industry. In addition, the airport offers exciting opportunities covering a range of other business segments, including commercial development and transportation integration services.  With approximately four million people visiting the terminal every year, including passenger traffic of approximately three million, there are also viable business opportunities for retail, financial and other service industries, as well as those who wish to advertise or merchandise their own products.

Is the work being tendered?

Yes. WAA has a contracting/procurement policy in place to ensure best value based on quality, qualifications and cost. Tenders have already occurred and will continue in the future.

Is current construction on schedule?

Yes.  It has been an extremely productive process to date, with progress established on the terminal facility, airside improvements, CUB and road works. The new 1,559 stall 4-level parkade was completed on time near the end of 2006. Skilled construction partners, good weather and the cooperation and support of customers have been major factors in our success so far.

How will the project be paid for?

Through Airport Improvement Fees. WAA is 100% self-reliant.

How have customers and the public been involved?

Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc. is a corporation without share capital under part II of the Canada Corporations Act and reports to a Board of Directors who represent the community. Airport Redevelopment has been implemented using a consultative approach throughout. Providing up-to-date reports and projections to carrier customers has been a significant initiative, including regular meetings with the Airline Consultative Committee (ACC).  Approximately 20 technical meetings and workshops occurred with airline customers during 2005-06.

Presentation and feedback sessions involving the business community have been conducted at an average of more than once per week over the past two years.  A special Community Consultative Committee was organized early in the Redevelopment process and continues to meet with WAA officials on a regular basis. In addition, all original design concepts were presented in 2005 using a focus group approach to invite suggestions and feedback from business and civic leaders, the architectural and design community as well as the travel industry.  A large public meeting to invite comment from the general public was held in February 2005 and attracted a standing-room only crowd of approximately 500 people at the Winnipeg Convention Centre.

Is it possible to view new terminal designs?

A public display has been created on the second level of the current terminal to provide customers with a visual representation of Winnipeg’s new airport campus.  The wall display portion consists of a full colour mural, including architectural renderings of the parkade and terminal exteriors as well as particular areas within the terminal building. An architectural model is included alongside, portraying a total area of 300,000 square meters to exact scale.  In addition, architectural renderings and current construction photos are available by visiting www.waa.ca.

What is the status of the new terminal building?

Building of the terminal began in 2007 and is scheduled for completion in 2010. This important facility will provide a number of important customer service benefits:

• Capacity to Meet Growing Customer Demand.  We are experiencing a period of exceptional growth, both in passenger and cargo traffic.  The new terminal is being designed to meet the needs of this community, while providing levels of service and technology that enable us to serve the growing needs of all stakeholders.
• Common Use Passenger Processing (CUPP).  The new terminal’s common use approach provides flexibility for customers by allowing check-in locations and gates to be utilized by any carrier. This method will improve customer convenience and lower carrier operational costs. Passengers will enjoy the freedom of checking in electronically if they choose, either via kiosk or the internet.
• Transparency and Natural Light.  The ATB will be built emphasizing light, transparency and open space providing connectivity to the landscape and visual activity of the airport.  The openess provides visual clues for intuitive wayfinding and significantly improves the customer’s ability to move from one location to another in a convenient fashion.
• Space Management. Wider passenger circulation corridors, larger boarding lounges and lobby spaces provides more seating and queuing space, improving passenger comfort and reducing peak time congestion.
• Exciting Concessions.  Plans are underway to add an exciting range of concession services, including restaurants and retail shopping.
• Common Use Baggage Handling (CUBH).  A common use baggage handling system improves efficiency for carriers, accuracy and convenience for passengers and complies with security requirements for the safety of all.
• Expanded Customs Processing Facilities.  Customs facilities will be expanded in order to improve passenger convenience and reduce processing waiting time.
• Expanded Security Processing Facilities. The evolution of security demands expanded processing capabilities to accommodate new regulations and procedures, at the same time minimizing impact of processing time on airlines and passengers.
• Universal Design.  Customers of all abilities will be able to use future airport services with a high level of accessibility.