 —Over the weekend, the Government of Canada announced funding for 26 new infrastructure projects across BC, including the Air...)
Nanaimo, British Columbia (March 13, 2017) —Over the weekend, the Government of Canada announced funding for 26 new infrastructure projects across BC, including the Air Terminal Building Expansion for the Nanaimo Airport.
The eligible project costs are $7.46 million with the Federal and Provincial Government’s contributing 2/3 of the funding, $2.48 million each, and the Commission will contribute the final 1/3 of the project costs.
Record-setting growth of 108% in the past 6 years underscores why the expansion is needed. “We are 10 years ahead of passenger forecasts and this investment will help us expand to ensure we deliver a great service to the customers at YCD”, says Lucie Gosselin, Board Chair of the Nanaimo Airport. “The Nanaimo Airport Commission appreciates the support provided by the Government of Canada and the Provincial Government for public infrastructure projects, through Infrastructure Canada and the Small Community Fund.”
The investment will be used for the first phase of the terminal building expansion. This will include expansion of the departure lounge and passenger security area as well as increased services.
“This funding announcement allows us to begin to fulfill three critical priorities: regional economic development; economic stimulus through infrastructure construction; and meeting escalating demand for air service through the next decade”, shares Michael Hooper, President and CEO of the Nanaimo Airport. “With a 20-year master development plan for our terminal building finalized last year, we will use a phased approached as passenger volumes increase”. The plan was developed through the long-term vision of the community representatives on the NAC Board and calls for work to be completed in phases to ensure fiscal responsibility. Each Phase of the project will be completed when passenger volumes demand and when additional funding is available.
New projections estimate 450,000 passengers annually by 2020. Based on forecasts the Nanaimo Airport will remain a major economic catalyst for the central Island into the future and is estimated to contribute 2,000 jobs and $358 million in economic activity annually to the region by 2021.
About Nanaimo Airport (YCD):
Nanaimo Airport is a ten-minute drive south of downtown Nanaimo on 224 hectares (550 acres), which includes the nearby Cottonwood Golf Course. YCD is a not-for-profit authority owned by the Nanaimo Airport Commission. Vancouver Island’s third largest airport, Nanaimo Airport serves a primary central Vancouver Island area with a total population base of approximately 250,000. The YCD service area extends north from Nanaimo to Qualicum, west to the Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, and south to Duncan and the Cowichan Valley. YCD is ideally situated as the most convenient departure/arrival point for customers from the mid-Island area.
