house or fly-in event, potentially as soon as next year, to draw local families and aviation enthusiasts to the airport. “The airport board wants to make this happen, and I’ve seen these events have a big impact at other airports,” he says. Such gatherings showcase aircraft and help residents understand the role of the airport and its value to the region, serving as a bridge connecting the public with the often-overlooked world of aviation. STRATEGIC INFRASTRUCTURE AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Waterloo Regional Airport’s capital improvement plans are guided by a long-term strategy to ensure robust infrastructure, operational efficiency, and seamless alignment with regional economic development goals. With significant and minor runway projects on the horizon, Kjergaard is preparing the airport for decades of growth and sustainability. “Next year, we’re planning a pavement assessment to understand our current strengths and needs,” he explains. This assessment will set the stage for a series of upgrades, including a complete rehabilitation of the airport’s primary runway. In preparation, Kjergaard is focusing on optimizing the smaller crosswind runway.“We want to get 18/36 in the best condition possible before starting the major work on 12/30, so it can handle increased traffic during the main runway’s phased renovation,” he notes. 239 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 11, ISSUE 12 WATERLOO REGIONAL AIRPORT
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