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October 23, 2009 Kamloops Airport Expansion Project is Complete Kamloops, B.C. - Today's opening ceremony of the Kamloops Airport marks the conclusion of a $25 million multi-stakeholder effort by the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Kamloops, and the Kamloops Airport Authority Society. "The Kamloops airport is an important part of the business and travel community," said Cathy McLeod, Member of Parliament for Kamloops - Thompson - Cariboo on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification. "Today's grand opening of the expanded runway and enhanced terminal building at the Kamloops airport will help our region emerge from this challenging time prosperous, and stronger than ever." The project expanded in scope for the airport terminal due to changes required for seismic upgrades, an expanded Canada Border Services Agency program, additional check-in area and upgrades needed to the security and electrical systems. Additionally, dyke construction was necessary to the airfield portion of the project to balance revised river level forecasts. The Airport Expansion Project was funded through Government contributions and airport improvement fees. Of the $25 million, the Federal Government contributed $6 million through the federal Mountain Pine Beetle initiative delivered by Western Economic Diversification Canada and the Province of British Columbia contributed an additional $6 million. The remaining funds will be generated through an airport improvement fee. "Our investment in the Kamloops Airport has contributed to a robust local economy in the face of a worldwide recession. Flight numbers are up dramatically, and benefits show throughout the region, positioning the Thompson Valleys for a very bright future," said Kamloops-South Thompson MLA Kevin Krueger. "This tremendous achievement is the product of great co-operation between three governments, including three mayors: Mel Rothenburger, Terry Lake and Peter Milobar, our Federal government partner and the Province of BC." "The official opening of the Kamloops Airport expansion at Fulton Field caps many years of hard work by all levels of government and the community," said Kamloops-North Thompson MLA Terry Lake. "This expansion is critical to the economic and social health of the entire region and I want to particularly congratulate Airport Society President John O'Fee for his vision and commitment to the project." According to Mayor Peter Milobar, Kamloops and neighbouring communities have been looking forward to the completion of the airport expansion. "The airport is an important contributor to our local economy and these improvements will continue to support tourism and business development within Kamloops and the surrounding region." City Councillor John O'Fee, who also serves as President of the Kamloops Airport Authority Society, states that it's been an extremely busy year for the airport; not only with the renovations to the terminal but steady increases to the number of travelers using the airport in their travel plans. "This is a testament that our investment in the airport expansion will ensure economic success of our local community." The terminal has been expanded to provide service for simultaneous flight operations and simultaneous domestic/international flights, a service the terminal was not capable of providing prior to the expansion. Additionally, the terminal can accommodate up to 200 people comfortably in the current configuration with the capability to add more as demand increases. The following are additional improvements that have been made increasing the size of the terminal by 50%:
Inclusion of historical pieces was an important element in the airport renovations. Displays and materials were included to tell the history and future of the Secwempec peoples of Tk'emlúps Indian Band. Elements such as the Coyote Rock Cairn, the Secwempec prayer, two Petroglyphs which is symbolic of "this is a good place", two Woven walls which is symbolic of the basket weaving tradition of the Secwempec people and a dugout canoe and fish trap that is to be displayed in the baggage claim area. "We are pleased that the history and future of the Secwempec peoples of Tk'emlúps has been integrated into the building. It demonstrates our journey toward excellence in maintaining our culture and fostering partnerships for future economic growth," said Shane Gottfriedson, Chief of the Tk'emlúps Indian Band. The 2,000-foot runway expansion was completed and opened on March 12, 2009. The improved runway and state-of-the-art navigational aids expands the realm of safe options for aircraft operations and provides more opportunities to the Kamloops air service market. To read more or view photos of the airport expansion project, please visit www.kamloopsairport.com. - 30 - Media Contact:
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