Winnipeg Airport Authority Trials
Originally Published for Wake Up Winnipeg Episode 97, October 14, 2011.
On Saturday, October 8th, 2011 The Winnipeg Airports Authority Inc (WAA) welcomed community members to participate in test driving Canada's newest and greenest airport - The Winnipeg James Armstrong Richardson International Airport.
Over 4,300 volunteer applications were submitted in July for the 1,300 required for testing. The Purpose of the trials was to involve the community in a process that will ensure the new terminal functions well and meets customers’ expectations.
Volunteers provided feedback forms in response to a series of real-time, real-life tests which will be used to make any adjustments prior to opening on October 30th, 2011.
The new terminal facilities were designed to be open and transparent, reflective of the community. The architect team of Canada's newest terminal consisted of Master Architects, Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, and Prime Architect - Stantec.
The terminal is one of the 'greenest' in North America and is LEED registered, incorporating systems that minimize the use of energy and reduce greenhouse gasses while maintaining a comfortable environment for passengers.
ED Note: It’s not often that one gets to experience the opening of a brand new international airport, let alone participate in it’s testing prior to it relieving itself to the world.
I was fortunate to explore the airport prior to opening on two occasions - The first being when the late HRM Queen Elizabeth II became the first passenger to ever arrive at the new airport during her 2010 Royal Canadian Tour (while the airport was still under construction), and the second in 2011 as a volunteer tasked with trying the airport prior to opening.
As I age and reflect back on the highlights of my younger years, I don’t think I truly appreciated the magnitude of this experience. At the time, I saw it as ‘just another assignment’ and an opportunity to create content.
Looking back now with age behind me, I can’t help but feel like I was a very small piece of Canadian history and am truly grateful to have been invited to participate.
-AV (May 31, 2023)
