The Elk Point airport will soon be operational 24 hours a day with the installation of LED lights. Mayor of Elk Point, Lorne Young, says he’s excited for the possibilities.

The Town awarded the contract of the lights installation at Monday’s Council meeting. “It went to the lowest bidder,” confirmed Mayor Young. Tipp Off Inc. came in with the lowest bid of $160,000 to complete the project. The Town and County will pay a portion of the amount, with a STIP (Strategic Transportation Initiative Program) Grant, from the Alberta Government, paying for 75 percent of the work. There has also been support from Embridge, Canadian Natural, the Elk Point Elks Lodge and the Elk Point Lions Club.

Tipp Off Inc. has informed the Town that they hope to begin work near the end of July to early August. There is a slight wait on starting because the engineer is waiting on some specialized equipment to come in, explains the mayor. “The anticipated time of competition is fall, for sure,” stated Mayor Young.

Once the lighting is done, there’s some tree removal that needs to be done. The tree removal can’t be done until after nesting season at the end of August. “Our understanding is once the lighting is done and the trees are removed the plan is to get it operational 24 hours.

“We want to keep the airport functioning. We want it there for medical use, for private use and for industry. And who knows what else is out there.” Mayor Young anticipates that with the competition of the lights the airport will become busier, landing more possibilities for the community.