Government of Canada investing in safety at British Columbia airports

NANAIMO, BC, Oct. 22, 2018 /CNW/ - Canadians, tourists and businesses benefit from safe and well-maintained airports. From visiting friends and family, to travelling to medical appointments, or getting goods to market, we rely on our local airports to support and sustain vibrant communities. These airports also provide essential air services including community resupply, air ambulance, search and rescue and forest fire response.

Terry Beech, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North-Seymour, on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, today visited the Nanaimo Airport to tour the recently completed shelter for an aircraft rescue and firefighting (ARFF) vehicle. The shelter protects the ARFF vehicle and associated equipment, such as personal protective devices and fire resistant clothing, firefighting chemicals, from outdoor weather conditions.

Parliamentary Secretary Beech also took the opportunity to announce Government of Canada investments for safety improvements at four other British Columbia airports.

• The Masset Municipal Airport is receiving $157,241 to purchase a friction tester, upgrade airside lighting and install wildlife fencing. A friction tester is a piece of equipment that reads runway conditions and automatically advises pilots of what they can expect.
• The Northwest Regional Airport in Terrace-Kitimat is receiving $3,651,200 for the rehabilitation of the pavement on Runway 15-33.
• The Tofino-Long Beach Airport is receiving a $5,429,640 for the rehabilitation of the taxiways and apron.
• The West Kootenay Regional Airport in Castlegar is receiving $271,803 for the purchase of a loader and attachments. The loader is used in conjunction with other equipment such as a snow blower and sweeper to remove snow and ice from the runways, taxiways and apron, in order to maintain safe airport operations.

Funding comes from Transport Canada's Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP).

Quotes

"These airports are important hubs for residents and businesses in this region. This ARFF shelter and new investments announced today will help ensure continued safe operation for passengers, flight crews, and employees, who rely on these airports to support the regional economy and its social development."
Terry Beech
Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Transport and Member of Parliament for Burnaby North-Seymour

"The Government of Canada recognizes the important role played by Canada's local airports in supporting jobs and tourism, enabling investment and facilitating trade. Our investments are helping airports increase safety and accessibility for residents and travellers, while supporting the continued growth of local and regional economies."
The Honourable Marc Garneau
Minister of Transport

Associated Links

• Airports Capital Assistance Program
• Masset Municipal Airport
• Northwest Regional Airport
• Tofino-Long Beach Airport
• West Kootenay Regional Airport
• Nanaimo Airport

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SOURCE Transport Canada