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B.C. Air Access funds for Fairmont Airport
The British Columbia government is giving more than $5.3 million in grants to 23 regional airports through the B.C. Air Access Program (BCAAP) to make safety and capacity upgrades, and create a better experience for people travelling by air.
The Fairmont Hot Springs Airport is among those receiving the funds – to replace emergency vehicle gate and radios.
“Airports are a vital transportation link across the province and a lifeline for the many smaller communities they serve,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure. “These grants make sure airports have the support they need to make important upgrades that would otherwise be too costly.”
Projects can range from minor upgrades, like Bob Quinn Lake Airport’s runway vegetation management, to major advancements, like Qualicum Beach Airport’s terminal expansion. All B.C. aviation facilities can apply for funding each winter, to be awarded the following fiscal year.
“Our airports are critical for B.C. – they are the socio-economic drivers for the communities they serve, and the B.C. Air Access Program offers vital support to these heavily used facilities,” said Heather Bell, chair of the British Columbia Aviation Council. “We’re thrilled that, once again, the Province is providing this welcome funding relief that makes it possible for B.C. airports to upgrade their facilities with important improvements that will benefit the communities, staff and travellers who use them.”
BCAAP is a cost-share program that provides funding to assist communities with improvements to their aviation infrastructure.
The program, now in its fourth year, has committed almost $30 million to 50 airports around the province since 2015.
BCAAP funding can cover up to 75% of the costs for airport infrastructure rehabilitation projects, 50% of the costs for new infrastructure or 60% for blended projects (rehabilitation projects that include new infrastructure).
B.C. has more than 300 public airports, heliports and water aerodromes, which play a significant role in connecting communities and in supporting the B.C. economy.
While B.C. is home to 13% of Canada’s population, B.C.’s airports handle 20% of Canada’s airport traffic and nearly a quarter of all aircraft movements (takeoffs and landings).
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