No. P12/01 
For release August 03, 2001

IMPROVING SAFETY AT SANDSPIT AIRPORT

SANDSPIT, B.C. –– Environment Minister David Anderson and MP (Victoria), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced federal funding of $361,220 to upgrade Sandspit airport’s airfield lighting. The work is scheduled to be completed by October and the lighting project is expected to create up to six jobs over the three–month construction period.

The project includes replacing the airport’s 30–year old airfield lighting system with new edge lights, approach lights and electronic equipment. A contract for the project was awarded to Tipp–Off Inc., of Stony Plain, Alberta.

Sandspit airport is owned and operated by Transport Canada. As the Queen Charlotte Islands’ principal reliable year round means of transportation, the airport was designated under the National Airports Policy as British Columbia’s only remote airport.

"Today’s federal contribution is part of Transport Canada’s commitment to maintain Canada’s remote airports in order to keep the communities they serve accessible year–round." said Mr. Anderson . "These improvements will also help ensure that the airport remains a safe and efficient facility."

The Sandspit Airport is the major transportation gateway to the Queen Charlotte Islands offering charter and regularly scheduled passenger services, air ambulance, air terminal services, aircraft parking, aircraft handling and refueling services. Every year over 40,000 passengers travel through Sandspit Airport and close to 14,000 aircraft take off or land at the airport.

"The Sandspit airfield lighting project is an example of the federal government directing infrastructure resources to where they are most needed and can best enhance economic growth and aviation safety," said Mr. Collenette. "This type of project is just one way the government seeks to ensure a safe, efficient and affordable airports system to serve Canadians well into the future."

Funding for this project was provided for in the February 2000 budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

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Contact: Rod Nelson, Communications, Vancouver, (604) 666–1675

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