The Thunder Bay International Airports Authority (TBIAA) announced a significant
expansion of its passenger security screening facilities, delivered in collaboration with the
Canadian Air Transport Security Authority (CATSA). The airport hopes the investment will significantly enhance the passenger experience while supporting the airport’s long-term continued growth and
operational resilience.
The project will modernize and expand the existing pre-board screening checkpoint, improving
passenger flow, and efficiency, while ensuring the highest standards of aviation security are
maintained. The expanded checkpoint will add a third screening line, to further increase overall
screening capacity, and meaningfully improve the passenger experience during peak travel
periods.
The project is being delivered using a Progressive Design-Build delivery model, an approach that
enables early collaboration, risk management and schedule certainty, ensuring the project
remains responsive to operational requirements. Construction will be led by Tom Jones
Corporation, with Form Studio Architects providing design services, Keewatin Aski Ltd. serving as
the owner’s representative, and overall project oversight for TBIAA led by TJ Ahvenniemi,
director of facilities, environment and sustainability.
“This has been a long, collaborative process since the contract was awarded in June, and we’re
proud of the project we’ve brought forward,” said Ahvenniemi. “It directly improves the passenger experience while addressing capacity pressures as flight and passenger volumes continue to grow.”
“We value our ongoing collaboration with TBIAA as we work together to enhance security
screening services for the traveling public,” said Rhoda Boyd, director, passenger experience for
CATSA. “This project will increase screening capacity during peak travel periods, supporting a
smoother flow through security for passengers travelling through Thunder Bay.”
Construction is scheduled to begin in mid January with completion targeted for June 2026. During
the project, TBIAA and CATSA will work closely to minimize impacts on passengers and airport
operations.