The airport recently upgraded its aging navigational equipment with GPS. However, it was not accepted for public use by NavCanada due to obstacles identified within the airspace next to the airport. Last September NavCanada also issued a warning about the obstacles to airport-bound traffic.

The South Cariboo Regional Airport is a vital regional service centre for aircraft activity and emergency medical traffic - obstacles that present a hazard for aircraft must be indentified and not restrict flights in and out of the airport.

Along with the 16 hydro poles identified, numerous trees were also hindering airspace. The Cariboo Regional District is in the process of removing these trees.

Quote:

Donna Barnett, MLA for Cariboo-Chilcotin -

"When this was brought to Hydro's attention by the regional district, Hydro realized this was a major safety concern. BC Hydro is following up with the airport as well as the regional district to start the relocation of the poles and ensure the job meets the needs of airport authorities as well as NavCanada."

Quick Facts:

* The 108 Mile Ranch is home to the South Cariboo Regional Airport.

* The airport meets a wide range of aviation needs. It serves corporate, government, and recreational users, as well as medical emergencies.

* In 2010, the airport had a total of 1,350 plane arrivals and departures. Seventy of these were medical emergencies.

* The runway can accommodate single-engine aircraft to a Lear jet. Total length of the runway is 1,463 metres (4,800 feet) and elevation is over 945 metres (3,100 feet) above sea level.

Learn More:

http://www.cariboord.bc.ca/Services/Airports/SouthCaribooRegionalAirport.aspx

http://www.bchydro.com/safety/vegetation_and_powerlines.html

Contact:

Jake Jacobs

Ministry of Energy and Mines

250 952-0628

250 213-6934 (cell)

Connect with the Province of B.C. at: www.gov.bc.ca/connect