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The Preston Auditorium development progresses the strategic In 2023, phase two of the expansion reconfigured the
action to create and activate spaces that oer things for air terminal building to provide an enhanced passenger
people to do. On November 28, 2023, City Council awarded experience.
the contract to expand and renovate the auditorium to Ball The project included self-service kiosks and common-use
Construction Ltd of Kitchener. The facility is anticipated to be airline counters to improve check-in. A third security line that
complete in fall 2025. speeds passenger screening and, a new baggage system, with
Passenger numbers soaring at self-service bag drop and expanded sort area to streamline
baggage handling. In addition, the airport constructed a
Waterloo International Airport domestic arrivals building and expanded the departure lounge
in 2022. Phase three of the expansion is currently underway
The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) had with Airport Administration relocated to the Airport Operations
another record-breaking year in 2023. In total, 445,312 Centre.
passengers travelled through YKF, an 18.39% increase over The second-floor terminal o ces will soon house the Canada
2022. Border Services Agency (CBSA) while the existing main floor
YKF continues to be the fastest growing airport in Canada and CBSA space becomes a Primary Inspection Line for passengers
consistently ranks as one of the top 20 busiest airports in returning to Canada. Flair Airlines, Sunwing and WestJet provide
the country. The success of commercial service has increased scheduled air service to Calgary, Cancun, Fort Lauderdale, Las
passengers and that growth is directly funding the expansion Vegas, Orlando Sanford, Puerto Vallarta, Punta Cana, Vancouver
of the airport’s facilities. and Varadero. Summer 2025 schedule includes the return of
“It is wonderful to see more residents using our airport to Abbotsford, Charlottetown, Deer Lake, Halifax, Edmonton, St.
explore destinations and connect with family and friends,” Johns and Winnipeg.
said Karen Redman, Chair of the Region of Waterloo. The Region of Waterloo International Airport (YKF) is a full-
“This increased growth reinforces our work on the 20 Year service facility that supports commercial, corporate and
Airport Master Plan which guides development at YKF. general aviation. YKF is owned and operated by the Regional
Municipality of Waterloo, Ontario (Canada). For more
The airport is a key piece of infrastructure and an economic information visit www.waterlooairport.ca or contact your
driver for Waterloo Region.” The current airport expansion travel agent.
project will enable YKF to support up to one million passengers
per year – with no additional operating costs to get there.
www.cambridgechamber.com Spring 2024 13
