The Government of Canada has announced funding to support key infrastructure works at Kelowna International Airport (YLW) located in the province of British Columbia.
According to a statement, the government will provide more than $14.1m (C$18m) in funding to the airport.
The move is also expected to help the airport recover from the impacts of the Covid-19 pandemic.
Canada Minister of Transport Omar Alghabra said: “As we move forward with the safe and gradual return of activity in the aviation sector in a way that continues to support the health, safety and security of all Canadians, it will be imperative that we continue to ensure a vibrant and competitive Canadian air sector.
“These critical investments will allow the Kelowna International Airport to invest in the infrastructure and tools needed to help re-invigorate the aviation industry and allow Canadians to feel safe and secure when they travel.”
The airport will receive $11.9m (C$15.2m) funding from Transport Canada’s Airport Critical Infrastructure Program.
The amount will be used for the expansion of the airport’s combined operations building, airfield lighting infrastructure upgrade and to build runway end safety areas (RESA).
It will also help in setting up Covid-19 testing and screening infrastructure and facilities for better flow and management of air travellers, as well as airport employees.
A portion of the funding will also be used to replace sections of the terminal building roof at the Kelowna International Airport.
The airport will receive more than $2.3m (C$3m) from Transport Canada’s Airport Relief Fund to ensure the continuity of the airport operations and essential air services.
Minister of International Development and Minister for Pacific Economic Development Canada Harjit Sajjan said: “This continued support will fund important upgrades while creating jobs, bolstering the regional economy as we recover from the effects of the pandemic and look to grow economically after a year of extreme weather in British Columbia.”
In January last year, Kelowna International Airport launched a contactless payment option for parking at the airport through PayByPhone mobile app.
