No. P07/99
For release March 31, 1999

SMITHERS AIRPORT OFFICIALLY
TRANSFERRED TO LOCAL INTERESTS

SMITHERS, B.C. — David Anderson, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans and MP (Victoria), on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette, today announced the official transfer of Smithers Airport from the federal government to the Town of Smithers.

"Today’s announcement is good news for the residents of Smithers," said Mr. Anderson. "The Town is to be congratulated for joining the move towards a new era of airport management. An era where local communities will be able to respond quickly to the needs of people in their area and tailor levels of service to local demands."

Smithers 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 — during a five-year period ending March 31, 2000 — to assume ownership of Regional/Local Airports.

"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. Collenette. "The better use of transportation infrastructure in this manner will ultimately provide a boost to trade, tourism and job creation."

Transport Canada employees at Smithers Airport have been offered positions with the Town of Smithers. It is anticipated that two employees will transfer to the Town of Smithers.

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

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

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Contact:

Rod Nelson
Communications, Vancouver
(604) 666-1675.

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