No. P005/97 
For release March 13, 1997

CRANBROOK AIRPORT OFFICIALLY TRANSFERRED TO LOCAL INTERESTS

CRANBROOK, B.C. Transport Minister David Anderson today announced the official transfer of ownership of Cranbrook Airport from the federal government to the City of Cranbrook.

"The City of Cranbrook is to be congratulated for joining the move towards a new era in airport management," said Mr. Anderson. "The local community will be able to respond quickly to the needs of people in the area and tailor levels of service to local demands."

Cranbrook Airport is one of 70 Regional/Local airports, defined as having a scheduled passenger service of fewer than 200,000 a year for three consecutive years, and operated with federal involvement. Under the National Airports Policy, announced in July 1994, local interests have the opportunity to assume ownership of Regional/Local airports during a five-year period ending March 31, 2000.

Negotiations to transfer Cranbrook Airport began December 1, 1995 following the signing of a Letter of Intent by the City of Cranbrook and Transport Canada. There are no Transport Canada Airports Group employees at this airport.

"British Columbia is leading the way in transferring airports to local community interests," added Mr. Anderson. "Since 1995, 13 airports in B.C. have been transferred and 12 letters of intent have been signed to transfer B.C. airports into local hands."

With today's hand-over of operations, the airport becomes eligible to apply for capital contributions under the new Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP). ACAP will assist eligible airports in financing capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction.

A $1.9 million contribution was provided to the City of Cranbrook for the operation of the airport. This funding was provided for in the March 1996 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing fiscal framework. This initiative is an example of how the federal government is prioritizing its spending so that it can better serve Canadians by making efficient use of their tax dollars.

Transport Canada will continue to regulate the safe provision of air navigation facilities and services across the country. The department will also continue to ensure safety and security at Canadian airports through aviation regulation and airport certification processes.

"The National Airports Policy enables communities to take greater advantage of their airports, reduce costs, and attract new and different types of business," said Mr. Anderson. "Making better use of transportation infrastructure will ultimately provide a boost to trade, tourism and job creation."

-30-

Contact:

Rod Nelson,
Transport Canada, Communications
(604) 666-1675

Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca.
Subscribe to news releases and speeches at  apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.

This news release may be made available in alternative formats for persons with visual disabilities.