b'66 YOO RUNWAYSStructures from Blast Deflectors Inc. protect new acoustic fencing from engine exhaust and the debris it stirs up. have a nominal height of 12 feet. One measures about 156 linearThe expanded runway has improved safety, he adds. We feet; the other, 168 linear feet.are only five miles from Lake Ontario, so we are affected by bad Blast Deflectors Inc. supplied the structures with rush deliveryweather. In winter, pilots of all aircraft will have more room to land to accommodate the projects short construction schedule. Theand take off in bad conditions.company also sent a field representative to support BrennanThe recent improvements are especially crucial for pilots on Paving and Construction during installation. medical missions. Aircraft specializing in organ transport use We worked closely with the contractor,our airport frequently, Wilcox continues. We have socialized and the deflectors were installed on one sidemedicine here in Canada, and the government likes to move of a taxiway and at the end of the runwaypatients around, if necessary. So in bad weather, our lengthened within a week, reports Blanca Rocharunway will give such planes more of a safety net.Becerra, international business developmentThe longer runway will also benefit transient traffic and many coordinator for Blast Deflectors Inc. We alsoYOO tenants. General Motors, for example, has a plant here in provided a stamped foundation design thatOshawa, and they use Runway 12-30 often to transport just-specified the required concrete thickness andBLANCA ROCHA BECERRA in-time parts and engineering expertise, Wilcox explains. The reinforcing. This ensured the contractor wouldexpanded runway should give them more flexibility in the types of pour a foundation that met local code requirements and properlycorporate aircraft they can use. And in 2026, we hope our longer supported the deflector under jet blast loads. runway may attract some new clients as well.A watershed moment for YOO occurred this past October, Positive Impactshortly after the improved runway reopened, when Prime Minister The extended and improved runway only has been open for a fewMark Carney flew in for a meeting on a Challenger 600. That months, but Wilcox has already received encouraging feedbackwould not been possible before this project was completed, from airport tenants and the general public.Wilcox reflects. January | February 2026AirportImprovement.com'