Ottawa Enters 'Simpler' Second Phase of Expansion

Ottawa Macdonald-Cartier International Airport (YOW) is embarking on the $95 million (CAD) Phase 2 of its expansion program. The terminal extension will open in 2008, adding nine gates, seven passenger bridges and more than 7,000 square meters of hold room space. Ross Falconer spoke with Pierre Lanoix, YOW vice president, operations and construction.

"We decided in 2000 to split the expansion program into two phases," Lanoix said. "The industry was quite volatile then in Canada and it was the first time we'd done a project this big. It was a cautious approach."

Phase 1, a $300 million (CAD) investment in a brand new terminal, was completed in October 2003 on time and on budget while the tender for Phase 2 construction opened July 27, 2006. The design process has been underway for around a year and excavations began in early August. Phase 1 veterans McFarlane Green Architects and engineer JL Richards & Associates, in association with Genivar, worked jointly on the design. "Phase 2 is a much simpler process than Phase 1," said Lanoix. "Phase 2 involves extending the systems already in place. It is relatively simple, although nothing is really simple with this type of construction.

"The challenges are that it will be a live environment, with work being undertaken in operational areas. It is always the issue - how to minimize disruption to normal operations."

The extension involves nine domestic gates and hold rooms - seven of those served by loading bridges - and four aircraft stands, predominantly for Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s. There will be 27 gates in total when Phase 2 is complete.

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'Stunning architecture'

There is a huge recycling effort - the old terminal built in the 1960s is to be demolished and they intend to recycle 75 percent of the materials. "One very nice thing is that we are duplicating the finishes in the terminal," said Lanoix. "We are taking down timbers from an old hangar and using them to add warmth. The wood will live on as a nice architectural feature."

He explained that the new terminal has exceeded expectations, and that the airport is happy with the response from the public and its overall performance. "It is stunning architecture, which is aging very well," he said. "We think it is a terminal that will stay modern looking in 30 to 40 years. There is lots of glass and natural light and the orientation is intuitive - there is no need for much signage."

'Always staying ahead'

The airport handled a record 3.7 million passengers in 2005, representing a 3.5 percent increase year-over-year. This traffic level has reached the point where peak-time congestion could impede further growth. Figures from first quarter 2006 show a rise of 1.8 percent over last year's total of 973,462 passengers. This is attributed largely to an excellent charter season.

A breakdown of total traffic data reflects a 2 percent drop in domestic traffic from first quarter 2005, while transborder traffic increased 4.5 percent and international rose by an impressive 21.4 percent. Certainly, the airport is very pleased with the results and reports that March was its best-ever single month, with more than 350,000 passengers. The extension will increase capacity to 5 million. While explaining that the airport always tries to stay ahead, Lanoix doesn't believe another major project will be necessary for 15 years.