February 22, 2008
Kelowna, British Columbia
At a groundbreaking ceremony today for the Kelowna International Airport Ron Cannan, Member of Parliament for Kelowna-Lake Country, confirmed a $1.35 million federal investment to expand the Kelowna International Airport.
"The Government of Canada is delivering on its commitment to Kelowna," said MP Cannan on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen's Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification. "Our investment of $1.35 million for the airport expansion will generate business opportunities and enhance the thriving tourism industry in the Central Okanagan region.""I would like to congratulate and extend my thanks to all airport personnel and staff for helping to make the Kelowna International Airport one of the most efficient and welcoming airports in Canada," said the Honourable Stockwell Day, Minister of Public Safety and Member of Parliament for Okanagan - Coquihalla.Funding for the Kelowna airport expansion project is being delivered by Western Economic Diversification Canada through the federal Mountain Pine Beetle initiative. A federal commitment in principle was made in October 2007. The required due diligence on the project is now complete and the contribution agreement has been finalized.
"This project reflects Kelowna as a world destination," said Kelowna-Lake Country MLA Al Horning. "With the Olympics and Paralympics soon arriving, we must be ready to showcase our beautiful city to the visitors traveling our province."
"This project will be an economic benefit not only for Kelowna but for the Thompson Okanagan as a whole," said Kelowna Mayor Sharon Shepherd. "We are pleased construction is starting and will be completed over the next nine months. It is an exciting time for us all benefiting our Valley citizens as well as being very important for the business and tourism community."
The project will extend the north end of the main runway by 1,200 feet and the south end by 400 feet. The project includes installation of blast fences at both ends of the runway, and minor upgrades to airside aprons to accommodate international long-haul passenger aircrafts. The total project costs are $8 million. In addition to the federal contribution, the Province of British Columbia is contributing $1.35 million, and the City of Kelowna is commiting $5.3 million.
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 City of Kelowna in the Central Okanagan region is situated within the area affected by the beetle infestation.
In January 2007, the Government of Canada launched a $200 million comprehensive response to mitigate the damage to B.C.'s forestry sector. The federal Mountain Pine Beetle initiative is led by Natural Resources Canada in collaboration with Western Economic Diversification Canada and Transport Canada. The objectives of the initiative are to: control the spread of the beetle; recover economic value from infested timber; protect the forest resources and communities; and support economic diversification and infrastructure in affected communities.
Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the economy of Western Canada. Media may contact:
Donna HowesCommunications ManagerWestern Economic Diversification CanadaTel: (604) 666-1318Cel: (604)-505-6616
Jenelle TurpinAirport Communications CoordinatorKelowna International Airportph: 250-765-5125 ext. 207cell: 250-317-0579fax: 250-765-0213email: jturpin@kelowna.ca
Louise GirouardDirector of Communications Minister of Natural ResourcesT: (613) 996-2007
WD Toll-Free Number:1 888 338-WEST (9378)
Web Site: WD is online at www.wd-deo.gc.ca.
