Major redevelopment of YEG's North Tower now underway

LEDUC COUNTY -- The Edmonton International Airport is moving ahead with the redevelopment of its North Tower.

The 63,000-square-foot North Tower redevelopment project will include safety upgrades, improvements to the building envelope, modernization of elevators, refreshed interior spaces, and new infrastructure to support future tenant fit-outs. YEG Enterprise Program Office Director Raelyn Kruitbosch says this marks a significant investment in modernizing terminal infrastructure.

"We're removing all the interior fixtures and abating all the asbestos and materials inside the building. We'll then be taking down the exterior envelope and rebuilding it with a bit of a larger footprint on the north and southside of the tower," said Kruitbosch. "We're growing and modernizing at the airport with a lot of exciting investments, and the North Tower is one of those key investments."

She notes that the major redevelopment represents an important step in preparing the airport for future passenger and business growth. The North Tower first opened in 1963 and was originally home to the airport's air traffic control tower and corporate offices until the Central Office Tower was built as part of YEG's capital expansion in 2012.

"Once the airport offices were moved out of there, we used it as interim office space for a couple of partners and different tenants over the last number of years," said Kruitbosch. "It has been vacant for the last 18 months as we've commenced some of the interior demolition."

Travelers should expect additional construction activity starting this week, including alternating lane closures on the Departures level. Visitors are encouraged to use the South Pedway or ground level to connect to/from the terminal, and follow the posted pedestrian, traffic and construction signage. Kruitbosch says that while they expect minimal delays, travelers are encouraged to give themselves a little extra time.

"This will be a 24-month project," said Kruitbosch. "However, once the exterior is completed, the interior components of the building will be happening in the envelope and will have no impact to any of the traffic outside. The impacts will be happening over the next 12 months, then everything will go back to normal on the Departures level."

For the latest information on parking and construction updates, travelers are encouraged to visit flyyeg.com.