Long Beach Airport will receive $1.27 million in funding from the new B.C. Air Access Program, part of B.C. on the Move, the Government of B.C.’s 10-year transportation plan.

“Providing funding to the Long Beach Airport is a perfect example of how the B.C. Air Access Program will help smaller and regional airports make crucial improvements to their infrastructure,” said MLA for West Vancouver-Sea to Sky Jordan Sturdy, on behalf of Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone. “Safety is a key component for these projects and the Long Beach Airport runway lighting project provides a good example of the type of safety improvements we are seeing through the program.”

Tofino, Ucuelet, Long Beach and the surrounding areas are known for their world-class tourism attractions and experiences. Adding new runway lighting will allow the airport to expand its services, especially with the expected increase in tourists visiting the area, and ultimately encouraging further economic growth in the region.

The improvements will also allow for enhanced emergency health care services to the area. Without runway lighting, access was limited, especially during the winter months. The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District, which owns and operates the airport, will contribute just over $424,000 toward the project.

“The Alberni-Clayoquot Regional District welcomes the provincial funding support for the Long Beach Airport (CYAZ) airfield lighting project,” said ACRD chair Josie Osborne. “The airport continues to grow and prosper as a critical transportation link for the west coast of Vancouver Island. This funding will help us provide a more reliable and accessible transportation link to the rest of the province, and a foundation for ongoing safety enhancements at the airport.”

Through the B.C. Air Access Program, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure cost shares with public airports on projects such as lighting and navigational systems, terminal building expansion or upgrades, and runway improvements.

These types of projects allow airports to improve safety and accommodate larger aircraft and more frequent flights, supporting the continued growth of local and provincial economies. The program also encourages funding partnerships with the federal government, local and regional governments and agencies, and the private sector.

The ministry is investing $24 million over the next three years for the B.C. Air Access Program.

Over the next three years, the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure will invest almost $2.5 billion to improve British Columbia’s transportation network.

Learn more:

B.C. on the Move is available online at: http://engage.gov.bc.ca/transportationplan/

For information on BC Air Access Program, go to: http://www.gov.bc.ca/BCAirAccessProgram