No. P002/02For release - March 5, 2002
VICTORIA, B.C. — Transport Minister David Collenette, together with Natural Resources Minister and MP (Vancouver South - Burnaby) Herb Dhaliwal, today announced total federal funding of $8,361,016 for airport improvement projects at nine airports in B.C. under the Government of Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program.
"Safety and security are Transport Canada's top priorities," said Minister Collenette. "With today's contribution towards these nine B.C. Airports, the Government of Canada is helping to enhance not only safety, but also the economic potential of the nation's transportation infrastructure."
The airport improvement projects announced today include:
Electrical systems upgrades at Campbell River airport ($366,500);
Apron and taxiway pavement restoration at Castlegar airport ($662,400);
Hazard beacon replacement and purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment at Cranbrook airport ($529,800);
Airfield electrical system upgrades and the purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment at Dawson Creek airport ($2,457,316);
Purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment at Fort St. John airport ($333,800);
Electrical distribution upgrades at Nanaimo airport: ($371,300);
Airside lighting upgrades at Smithers airport ($640,000);
Apron pavement restoration and reconfiguration at Terrace-Kitimat airport ($1,925,000); and
Airside pavement restoration and lighting upgrades at Williams Lake Airport ($1,074,900).
The Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) is part of the National Airports Policy, which was announced in July, 1994. Under ACAP, which officially began April 1, 1995 and was renewed in June 2000, airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, they must receive regularly scheduled passenger service, meet airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.
Since 1995, the Government of Canada has announced a total of $35.6 million for safety improvement projects, under ACAP, at 20 airports in B.C.
"ACAP is an example of the Government of Canada directing infrastructure resources to where they are most needed and can best enhance safety," said Minister Dhaliwal. "This program is one way the government - through the National Airports Policy seeks to ensure a safe, efficient and affordable airports system to serve Canadians well into the future."
Funding for these projects was provided for in the December 2001 budget and is therefore built into the current fiscal framework.
A backgrounder on the nine airports receiving ACAP funding is attached.
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Contact:
Rod NelsonCommunications, Vancouver(604) 666-1675
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BACKGROUNDER
SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT NINE B.C. AIRPORTS
Campbell River Airport is owned and operated by the District of Campbell River. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided at the airport by Air Canada Regional and Pacific Coastal Airlines. More than 74,000 passengers a year fly in or out of the Campbell River Airport.
Castlegar Airport is owned and operated by the City of Castlegar. The operations and maintenance of the airport is provided under contract by ATCO Airports Ltd. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided by Air Canada Regional and Central Mountain Air. More than 76,000 passengers fly in or out of the Castlegar Airport each year.
Cranbrook Airport is owned by the City of Cranbrook and operated under contract by Cranbrook Airport Services Limited. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided by Air Canada Regional and Central Mountain Air. Cranbrook Airport serves Cranbrook, Kimberly, and the East Kootenay area. More than 72,000 passengers fly in or out of the Cranbrook Airport each year.
Dawson Creek Airport is owned and operated by the City of Dawson Creek. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided at the airport by Central Mountain Air. More than 18,000 passengers a year fly in or out of the Dawson Creek Airport.
Fort St. John Airport is owned by the North Peace Airport Society and is operated under contract by the North Peace Airport Services Ltd. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided by Air Canada Regional and by Peace Air. More than 85,000 passengers a year fly in or out of the Fort St. John Airport.
Nanaimo Airport is owned and operated by the Nanaimo Airport Commission. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided at the airport by Air Canada Regional and Canadian Western Airlines. More than 130,000 passengers a year fly in or out of the Nanaimo Airport, Vancouver Island's second busiest airport.
Smithers Airport is owned and operated by the Town of Smithers. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided at the airport by Air Canada Regional, Central Mountain Air, Northern Lights Air, and Hawkair Aviation. More than 48,000 passengers a year fly in or out of the Smithers Airport.
Terrace-Kitimat Airport is owned and operated by the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided by both Air Canada Regional and Hawkair Aviation. Over 81,000 passengers a year fly in or out of the Terrace-Kitimat Airport.
Williams Lake Airport is owned and operated by the City of Williams Lake. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided at the airport by Air Canada Regional and Central Mountain Air. More than 28,000 passengers a year fly in or out of the Williams Lake Airport.
