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MACKLIN — Along with warmer weather, construction season kicks into gear for many Saskatchewan highways, and this year, a few airports and runways will also be getting a facelift. One of those airports is the RM of Eye Hill Municipal Airport, located near Macklin.
Jason Pilat, administrator for the rural municipality, spoke to SaskToday about the condition of the runway and taxiway.
“Numerous cracks are running across both the runway and taxiway that will be milled out and refilled with new asphalt and then upon the completion of the process, the entire surface will be covered in an oil-based slurry to seat and protect the surface for years to come.”
These repairs are estimated to cost more than $125,000, with the bill being divided between the airport and the Community Airport Partnership (CAP) program through the Ministry of Highways.
“The benefits of having this type of work completed will make for a smoother and much safer landing and takeoff with a significantly lower chance of damage to the users of the airport,” added Pilat.
The RM of Eye Hill Municipal Airport has used the CAP program in the past to help fund other repairs, and Pilat said the application process is quite simple. Currently, two members of council sit on the airport committee with Pilat — Reeve Lorne Kohlman and Councillor Gary Johnston.
The repairs are slated to be done throughout May, with line painting possibly taking place in August by Raider Asphalt Services. During this time, the airport will be closed to all aircraft.
Pilat said the airport, originally the Macklin–Eye Hill Municipal Airport, officially opened on June 2, 1996. The name changed to the Eye Hill Municipal Airport on Jan. 1, 2024, and it is used frequently throughout the year by recreational aircraft, aerial agricultural spraying companies, the Macklin Remote Control Flyers Club, as well as air ambulances and STARS.
