Kelowna International Airport (YLW) is receiving over 18 million CAD in federal funding for key infrastructure projects and operational support.
The federal government is providing 15.2 million CAD in funding from Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program to support several infrastructure projects, including a combined operations building, a runway end safety area, airport biosecurity infrastructure, airfield lighting and support infrastructure, and a roof replacement for the airport terminal building.
The government of Canada is also providing more than 3 million CAD from Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to fund the maintenance of continued airport operations and essential air services for residents and workers in Kelowna, BC.
Sam Samaddar, Airport Director, said:We are very appreciative to receive this funding from the federal government as it will be critical in the recovery and future growth of YLW. Investing in this airport infrastructure now is essential for our long-term growth plan. As a regional economic hub, the capacity of YLW is vital to support flights to move people and goods throughout the Okanagan region and beyond.
The airport industry and aviation sector is essential for Canada’s post-pandemic recovery to generate revenue for local businesses and maintain and create jobs for residents, as well as encouraging investment in the local community. Okanagan is a land-locked region, so air access is vital to aid the movement of goods and services.
Kelowna Mayor Basran said:For 75 years, YLW has played a critical role in supporting the economic development of our region and airport investments like this will help ensure future growth. City partnership with other levels of government is necessary to stimulate the economic recovery from COVID-19.
