As Canada works towards recovery, investments in its airport infrastructure continues to be crucial to maintain safety, security, and connectivity for travelers, workers and communities. Government of Canada investments also help ensure Canada’s aviation industry is well positioned to recover from the impacts of the pandemic.
Last week, the Minister of Transport, the Honorable Omar Alghabra and the Minister of International Development and the Minister for Pacific Economic Development Canada, the Honorable Harjit S. Sajjan, announced more than $18 million in funding to help the Kelowna International Airport in British Columbia recover from the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, and to support continued air services and important transportation infrastructure projects at the airport.
“As we move forward with the safe and gradual return of activity in the aviation sector in a way that continues to support the health, safety, and security of all Canadians, it will be imperative that we continue to ensure a vibrant and competitive Canadian air sector,” said Minister Alghabra. “These critical investments will allow the Kelowna International Airport to invest in the infrastructure and tools needed to help re-invigorate the aviation industry and allow Canadians to feel safe and secure when they travel.”
To help ensure safe airport operations for aircraft, passengers and crew, the airport will receive over $15.2 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program to support:
- the expansion of the airport’s combined operations building.
- the replacement of sections of the terminal building roof.
- upgrades to airfield lighting infrastructure.
- the construction of runway end safety areas (RESA); and
- the establishment of facilities and modified airport infrastructure to facilitate improved flow and management of air travelers and airport employees related to COVID-19 testing and screening.
“The Kelowna International Airport keeps British Columbia connected,” said Minister Sajjan. “By investing in critical transportation infrastructure projects, we are enhancing airport safety for travelers, air crews, and airport workers. This continued support will fund important upgrades while creating jobs, bolstering the regional economy as we recover from the effects of the pandemic and look to grow economically after a year of extreme weather in British Columbia.”
In addition to the funding for the critical infrastructure projects, the Government of Canada also provided the Kelowna International Airport with just over $3 million from Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to help it maintain continued airport operations and essential air services for residents and workers in Kelowna and surrounding communities.
