Release date: 
Monday, August 30, 2004

Ottawa International Airport Authority today announced that it will launch a project to expand the existing parking facilities at the airport.

The move to expand is being driven entirely by volume. The parkade, which was opened on October 12, 2003, has 1,700 spaces and is already reaching capacity. During peak periods, regular term parking (P1) is over 80% full, short term parking (P2) has seen more demand than it can meet.

The first half of 2004 recorded passenger traffic increases in excess of 10% over 2003.

Together, the parkade and passenger volume statistics point to the potential for demand to exceed capacity in the next two years. This problem would be resolved by expanding the facility, with an anticipated 1.5-year project schedule.

The expansion, which would be constructed on what is currently the P3, surface and overheight lot, would add 900 spaces where there are currently 350, for a net gain of 550 parking spaces.

A RFP for the design of the parking expansion will be issued in the next month. The expansion is slated to be completed and open for business during the spring of 2006. Expansion of the passenger terminal building is not being planned at this time.

OMCIAA operates Ottawa International Airport without government subsidies under a 60-year lease transfer agreement with Transport Canada. The OMCIAA’s mandate is to manage, operate and develop airport facilities and lands in support of the economic growth of the National Capital Region. Its new state-of-the-art passenger terminal building opened for business on October 12, 2003.

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Contact:
Krista Kealey
Ottawa Airport Authority
(613) 248-2050
[email protected]