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The Honourable John Duncan, Minister of State and Chief Government Whip and Member of Parliament for Vancouver Island North, on behalf of the Honourable Lisa Raitt, Minister of Transport, on Aug. 22 announced more than $630,000 in funding for three safety improvement projects at the West Kootenay Regional Airport.
The West Kootenay Regional Airport is receiving through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), $365,612 for the replacement of a self-propelled snowblower, $230,756 for a runway sweeper and $37,041 to purchase a runway condition reporting system.
“The West Kootenay Regional Airport is a vital gateway for local residents, businesses, trade and tourism,” said Minister Duncan. “This funding will enhance the safety of all those who use this airport, especially the communities and businesses in southeast British Columbia.”
The new snowblower and runway sweeper will ensure the timely and effective removal of snow, slush and ice from runways and taxiways, while the runway condition reporting system will provide timely, accurate and precise wireless reporting and recording of runway conditions.
“The West Kootenay Regional Airport handles over 70,000 passenger movements per year and is one of the main economic drivers for the region’s economic growth and prosperity,” said Lawrence Chernoff, Mayor of the City of Castlegar. “The City of Castlegar is very appreciative to receive this ACAP funding for the acquisition of the new snowblower, runway sweeper and runway condition reporting system. The new equipment and reporting system will ensure that the West Kootenay Regional Airport continues to provide great service to the airlines that use our facility and to the travelling public.”
To date, through ACAP, the West Kootenay Regional Airport has received more than $4 million for seven projects, including the Aug. 22 announcement. Since the program started, the Government of Canada has invested more than $608 million for 757 projects at 174 airports. Improvements include purchasing/replacing heavy airside mobile equipment; installing wildlife fencing; and rehabilitating runway pavements, airfield lighting and electrical systems.
