Iqaluit (Dec 06/04) - Renovations to bring the Iqaluit Airport in line with federally mandated security measures should be completed this year, but it is unclear how long the expansion will meet the facility's needs.

Three scenarios costing around $2 million each are being considered.

The most likely option would see new luggage and passenger screening equipment set up in front of the airline ticket counters, said Iqaluit Airport manager John Graham.

Seats displaced by the equipment would be moved into an extension at the front of the building.

Moving either half or all of the ticket counters from their current location has also been suggested.

The Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA) will pay for the expansion, along with the expensive security devices, Graham said.

Explosives detection equipment scheduled to be installed in Yellowknife as part of the same initiative is expected to cost $4.6 million.

The federal government created CATSA in April 2002 as a response to the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks on New York's World Trade Center.

A planned $1.9 billion over five years will be spent to improve security at 89 airports across Canada.

"We're trying to do as much as we can with the limited space in the building," Graham said of the 18-year-old facility.

"There are times when it is quite congested there already."

According to Iqaluit Airport statistics, in 2003, 80,000 people passed through the gates.

That number is increasing by five per cent per year and a total of 120,000 passengers is expected 10 years from now.

With the increased traffic flow, Graham said nobody knows how long the planned set of renovations will remain adequate.

"There's going to come a day when you need a new one (airport)," said Graham, noting that space for additional expansion is limited.

CATSA spokesperson Renee Fairweather would not say what type of security equipment will be installed or how much it might cost.

"Discussing anything publicly only helps the people who have ill intentions," Fairweather said from Ottawa.

But Graham said the equipment will be similar to that planned for Yellowknife.

Despite the new security measures, wait times are not expected to increase, Graham said.

Airport management plans to test airport traffic flows in the coming weeks to help determine an implementation plan.

A final design decision is expected to be made by CATSA within the next few weeks.

The renovations should be complete by December 31 of next year.