No. H065/05
For release April 7, 2005

FUNDING ANNOUNCED FOR SAFETY 
IMPROVEMENTS AT 11 AIRPORTS IN BRITISH COLUMBIA

VANCOUVER — The Government of Canada is working to improve safety at 11 airports in British Columbia through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, David L. Emerson, Minister of Industry and co-Senior Minister responsible for British Columbia, announced today on behalf of Transport Minister Jean-C. Lapierre.

“Today’s announcement of 17 airport safety improvement projects at 11 British Columbia airports reflects the Government of Canada’s commitment to rural communities and the safety of their air services,” said Mr. Emerson. “These safety enhancements will also help these 11 airports meet the growing cargo, tourism and travel needs in British Columbia.”

The Airports Capital Assistance Program is an integral part of the National Airports Policy, which provides Canadians with a comprehensive framework that clearly defines the Government of Canada’s role regarding airports.

Under the program, which was established in 1995 and renewed for five years in January 2005, airports may apply for funding towards capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, airports must have year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.

The Government of Canada is contributing $5.7 million towards these safety improvement projects at 11 British Columbia airports. The projects include:

• repaving Abbotsford Airport’s runway and related projects to maintain a safe landing environment and purchasing a runway dry/liquid chemical spreader to help keep the airport’s runways and taxiways free of ice. The government is contributing $1,870,567 and the airport is contributing the remaining $1,530,464;
• upgrading Cranbrook Airport’s electrical system. The government is contributing $35,600 and the airport is contributing the remaining $1,928;
• purchasing a runway sweeper, a sand spreader, and a runway dry/liquid chemical spreader to help keep Fort Nelson Airport’s runways and taxiways free from debris and ice. The government is contributing $301,201, which is 100 per cent of the total cost of the project;
• repaving Kamloops Airport’s apron and taxiways to maintain a safe operating environment and replacing the airport’s runway decelerometer (winter friction testing device) to provide for more reliable and accurate Canadian Runway Friction Index reports. Pilots rely on the index to calculate landing distances on runways in a variety of winter conditions. The government is contributing $822,484 and the airport is contributing the remaining $145,144;
• upgrading Mackenzie Airport’s airfield lighting electrical systems to meet current electrical and aerodrome standards and recommended practices. The government is contributing $462,000, which is 100 per cent of the total cost of the project;
• purchasing a runway plow for snow removal at Nanaimo Airport. The government is contributing $30,770 and the airport is contributing the remaining $5,430;
• purchasing a front-end loader, loader-mounted snowblower and urea spreader for snow removal at Powell River Airport. The government is contributing $377,281, which is 100 per cent of the total cost of the project;
• purchasing a front-end loader and a loader-mounted snowblower for snow removal at Prince Rupert Airport. The government is contributing $297,400 and the airport is contributing the remaining $15,657;
• purchasing a front-end loader and loader-mounted snowblower to help keep Quesnel Airport’s runways and taxiways free of debris and snow. The government is contributing $383,800, which is 100 per cent of the total cost of the project;
• upgrading Terrace-Kitimat Airport’s airfield electrical distribution system to meet industry standards and purchasing a snowplow and a runway dry/liquid chemical spreader to help keep the airport’s runways and taxiways free of snow and ice. The government is contributing $908,069 and the airport is contributing the remaining $47,794; and
• purchasing a hydrostatic runway sweeper for snow cleaning operations at the Williams Lake Airport and installing electric security gates to maintain security at the airport. The government is contributing $231,046, which is 100 per cent of the total cost of the project.

“Safety and security are Transport Canada’s top priorities,” said Mr. Lapierre. “The funds being provided to make the safety improvements at these 11 important regional airports in British Columbia will help enhance both their safety and economic potential.”

Funding for these projects was provided for in the March 2004 federal budget and is therefore built into the existing financial framework.

Backgrounders on the Airports Capital Assistance Program and the selected airports are attached.

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BACKGROUNDER

AIRPORTS CAPITAL ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

The Airports Capital Assistance Program provides funding to eligible airports to finance capital projects related to safety, asset protection and operating cost reduction. To be eligible, an airport must receive year-round, regularly scheduled passenger service, meet Transport Canada airport certification requirements and not be owned by the Government of Canada.

Funding available under the program is set at $190 million, to be allocated from April 2005 to March 2010 at an average of $38 million per year. Contributions are considered for the following types of projects:

First priority projects include safety-related airside projects, such as rehabilitation of runways, taxiways, aprons, lighting and other utilities, visual aids and sand storage sheds. This category also includes related site preparation and environmental costs, aircraft firefighting vehicles and ancillary equipment and equipment shelters that are necessary to maintain the required level of protection.

Second priority projects include safety-related heavy airside mobile equipment, such as runway snow blowers, runway snowplows, runway sweepers, spreaders and decelerometers (winter friction testing devices), and heavy airside mobile equipment shelters.

Third priority projects include safety-related air terminal building and groundside projects, such as sprinkler systems, asbestos removal and barrier-free access.

Fourth priority projects include asset protection and refurbishing, operating cost reduction related to air terminal building or groundside access.

Priority for funding will also be established by Transport Canada on the basis of a detailed technical analysis of a facility’s condition and maintenance history, airport traffic and certification requirements.

To be eligible, projects must maintain or improve safety levels, protect airport assets or significantly reduce operating costs. Projects must also meet accepted engineering practices and be justified on the basis of current demand. Airport facility expansion projects will only be considered if the current facilities have a potentially negative impact on safety at the airport.

Transport Canada’s first priority is safety. Through the Airports Capital Assistance Program, the Government of Canada is helping to enhance not only airport safety, but also the economic viability of this important aspect of Canada’s transportation infrastructure.

The program is part of the National Airports Policy, which was introduced in July 1994 and calls for the commercialization of designated Canadian airports, through divestiture to community interests. The policy enables communities to take greater advantage of their airports, reduce costs, tailor levels of service to local demand and attract new and different types of business.

April 2005 

BACKGROUNDER

SAFETY IMPROVEMENTS AT 
11 BRITISH COLUMBIA AIRPORTS

Abbotsford Airport is owned and operated by the City of Abbotsford. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Airspeed Aviation, WestJet Airlines and Northern Hawk Aviation. Seasonal operators at the airport are Signature Vacations and Transat Holidays. The airport facilities are also used for charter, flight training, aerial firefighting, aircraft maintenance and helicopter operations. The Abbotsford Airport is also home to the Abbotsford International Airshow, which attracts up to 150,000 visitors every year. The airport was transferred to the City of Abbotsford from Transport Canada on January 1, 1997, under the National Airports Policy. Including today’s announcement, the airport has been awarded over $5.6 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Previously funded projects include runway and apron repaving, lighting upgrades, storm drainage improvements and the purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment.

Cranbrook Airport is owned by the City of Cranbrook and operated by Cranbrook Airport Services Ltd. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Air Canada Jazz and by Pacific Coastal Airlines. The airport facilities are also used for charter, flight training, aerial firefighting, aircraft maintenance and helicopter operations. The airport was transferred to the City of Cranbrook from Transport Canada on March 1, 1997, under the National Airports Policy. Including today’s announcement, the airport has been awarded over $2 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Previously funded projects include installation of new runway lighting, electrical upgrades, runway and apron repaving, installation of gates and hazard beacons, as well as the purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment.

Fort Nelson Airport is owned and operated by the Northern Rockies Regional District. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Air Canada Jazz, Central Mountain Air, Hawkair and Peace Air. The airport facilities are also used for charter, flight training, aerial firefighting, aircraft maintenance and helicopter operations. The airport was transferred to the Northern Rockies Regional District from Transport Canada on March 30, 1999, under the National Airports Policy. Including today’s announcement, the airport has been awarded over $3.9 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Previously funded projects include runway and apron repaving, the purchase of a runway decelerometer (winter friction testing device) and heavy airside mobile equipment.

Kamloops Airport is owned by the Kamloops Airport Authority Society and leased and operated by Kamloops Airport Ltd. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Air Canada Jazz, Central Mountain Air, and Horizon Air. The airport facilities are also used for charter, flight training, aerial firefighting, aircraft maintenance and helicopter operations. The airport was transferred to the Kamloops Airport Authority Society from Transport Canada on August 2, 1997, under the National Airports Policy. Including today’s announcement, the airport has been awarded over $1.5 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Previously funded projects include runway and apron repaving, the purchase of a runway decelerometer (winter friction testing device) and electrical upgrades.

Mackenzie Airport is owned and operated by the District of Mackenzie. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Northern Thunderbird Air. The airport facilities are also used for charter and aerial firefighting operations. The federal government, through its Local/Local Commercial Airports Program, has contributed over $2 million towards the development of the airport. Today’s announcement of $462,000 for restoration of the airfield lighting electrical systems is Mackenzie Airport’s first Airports Capital Assistance Program funding award.

Nanaimo Airport is owned and operated by the Nanaimo Airport Commission. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Air Canada Jazz. The airport facilities are also used for charter, flight training, aircraft maintenance and cargo operations. The airport was transferred to the Nanaimo Airport Commission from Transport Canada on December 2, 1996, under the National Airports Policy. Including today’s announcement, the airport has been awarded over $2.8 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Previously funded projects include runway and apron repaving, the installation of wildlife control fencing, signage and security gates, as well as electrical upgrades.

Powell River Airport is owned and operated by the District of Powell River. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Pacific Coastal Airlines. Including today’s announcement, the airport has been awarded over $576,000 in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding for the installation of new airfield lighting and the purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment.

Prince Rupert Airport is owned and operated by the Prince Rupert Airport Authority. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Air Canada Jazz and Hawkair. The airport was transferred to the Prince Rupert Airport Authority from Transport Canada on April 1, 1997, under the National Airports Policy. Including today’s announcement, the airport has been awarded $686,000 in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer for the installation of new airfield lighting and the purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment.

Quesnel Airport is owned and operated by the City of Quesnel. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Central Mountain Air. The airport facilities are also used for charter, flight training and air ambulance operations. The airport was transferred to the City of Quesnel from Transport Canada on April 1, 1997, under the National Airports Policy. Including today’s announcement, the airport has been awarded over $2.6 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Previously funded projects include runway and apron repaving, the installation of new airfield lighting and the purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment.

Terrace-Kitimat Airport is owned and operated by the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Air Canada Jazz and Hawkair. The airport facilities are also used for charter and aerial firefighting operations. The airport was transferred to the Terrace-Kitimat Airport Society from Transport Canada on March 30, 1999, under the National Airports Policy. Including today’s announcement, the airport has been awarded over $6.8 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Previously funded projects include runway and apron repaving, electrical upgrades and the purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment.

Williams Lake Airport is owned and operated by the City of Williams Lake. Regularly scheduled passenger service is provided year-round by Central Mountain Air and Pacific Coastal Airlines. The airport facilities are also used for charter, flight training, aerial firefighting, aircraft maintenance and helicopter operations. The airport was transferred to the City of Williams Lake from Transport Canada on January 1, 1997, under the National Airports Policy. Including today’s announcement, the airport has been awarded over $1.3 million in Airports Capital Assistance Program funding since its transfer. Previously funded projects include runway and apron repaving, the installation of security gates, new airfield lighting and the purchase of heavy airside mobile equipment.

April 2005