Airport Improvements On The Way

The Province is investing $6.2 million to support more than a dozen airport upgrades throughout BC, including Comox and Courtenay.

Funding is coming through the Province’s Air Access Program.

“Through the B.C. Air Access Program, we’re supporting upgrades to airports that will improve access for vital communities across our province,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit.

“These improvements to our rural and regional airports will help keep British Columbians connected and our economy on the move.”

Comox Valley Airport is getting $2 million to help expand the runway apron, while Courtenay will receive $66,300 to rehabilitate its taxiway and runway.

Work is already underway at Comox Valley Airport and will allow for more and larger aircraft, but it comes with short-term challenges.

As YQQ announced earlier this month, during construction, portions of the northwest gravel parking lot will be closed.

That includes most spots being removed temporarily, but some will be removed permanently.

As a result, overall parking capacity will be reduced through October.

The Airport is encouraging travellers to plan for extra time to park or consider getting dropped off.

B.C. is home to more than 300 public airports, heliports and water aerodromes. While they are under federal jurisdiction, the Province says it recognizes the importance of smaller airports to their communities.

Since 2017, the program has committed more than $70 million in grants to infrastructure projects at 80 air facilities.

It’s open to facilities that serve fewer than one million passengers per year.

For more information, visit Government of British Columbia.