July 18, 2007
Kamloops, British Columbia - The Honourable Gary
Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources today announced up to $6 million earmarked
to expand the Kamloops Airport. The expanded airport facility will provide
greater access to a growing regional tourism industry anchored by Sun
Peaks Resort, the second largest ski area in B.C.
"Our Government is delivering on our commitment to the city of
Kamloops," said Minister Lunn. "This funding will diversify
and strengthen the local economy, which is a central piece of our comprehensive
response to the mountain pine beetle infestation in affected communities"
The City of Kamloops in the Thompson-Nicola region is situated within
the area affected by the beetle infestation. The proposed airport expansion
includes a new 2,000-foot runway extension, taxiway and aprons, an air
terminal building expansion, and improved navigational aids.
"An upgraded airport combined with aggressive marketing will encourage
more people to visit and do business in the Thompson-Nicola Regional District,
and assist communities within the airport area to develop strategies to
diversify their economies," said Betty Hinton, Member of Parliament
for Kamloops-Thompson-Cariboo. "The region's tourism sector
is an important source of jobs and economic diversification in this beetle-affected
area.
British Columbia is experiencing the worst Mountain Pine Beetle outbreak
recorded in Canada. Forecasts indicate at the current rate of spread,
50 per cent of mature pine in B.C. will be dead by 2008 and 80 per cent
by 2013.
The federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program is led by Natural Resources
Canada. The objectives of the Program are to: control the spread of the
beetle; recover economic value from infested timber; protect the forest
resouces and communities; and support economic diversification and infrastructure
in affected communities.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is actively working with the
Airport Authority to finalize all steps in the due diligence process,
allowing the Government of Canada's investment to flow to the Kamloops
Airport project.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government
of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations
and communities to stimulate and encourage diversification of the western
economy, as well as to represent the interests of the West in national
decision-making.
For more information on the Mountain Pine Beetle Program, please visit:
http://mpb.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/publications_e.html.
Media may contact:
Jillian Glover
Communication Advisor
Western Economic Diversification Canada
Tel.: (604) 666-7543
C : (604) 306-1386
The general public may contact:
Mon–Fri, 8:30–4:30 EDT
Telephone: 613-995-0947
TTY: 613-996-4397
(teletype for the hearing-impaired)
E-mail: questions@nrcan.gc.ca
Kathleen Olson
Director of Communications
Office of the Minister
Natural Resources Canada
Ottawa
Tel.: (613) 996-2007
WD Toll-Free Number: 1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
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