What does Fort Simpson’s airport need for the next 20 years?

A public meeting in Fort Simpson next week will examine how the village’s airport should evolve over the next two decades.

The NWT government says the March 13 meeting, beginning at 6pm at the community hall, will walk residents through a proposed development plan stretching for 20 years.

The last development plan expired in 2021.

When that plan was published, in 2002, it envisaged investments in the airport worth millions of dollars – if “major economic growth” was achieved. At the time, the report anticipated growth could come from expansion of the natural resources sector in the Dehcho.

Next week’s meeting will allow residents to “share insights and ask questions with a goal to ensuring the airport meets the needs of the region,” the GNWT stated in a press release. You can also leave feedback online.

There is no published timeline for the new development plan to be released.