Pitt Meadows Regional Airport will receive $280,000 in funding from the B.C. Air Access Program this year for construction of the main terminal helipad, announced MLA for Maple Ridge-Pitt Meadows Doug Bing on behalf of Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

“With the completion of the main terminal helipad in Pitt Meadows, YPK airport will be able to expand its services,” said Bing. “Additionally, local touring businesses and emergency crews will also share in the benefits from the upgraded facilities.”

The project involves constructing a new helipad across from the main passenger terminal, increasing safety by creating a greater separation between the different types of aircraft using the airport.  

Through the B.C. Air Access Program, the ministry 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 will allow airports to improve safety, accommodate larger aircraft and more frequent flights, and further support the continuing growth of local and provincial economies.

The ministry has committed $24 million over the past three years for the B.C. Air Access Program. This year’s program is providing over $10 million for airport infrastructure improvement projects throughout the province. The program also encourages funding partnerships with the federal government, local and regional governments and agencies, and the private sector. Last year, the program provided $8 million toward improvements at 23 regional airports.

The B.C. Air Access Program is part of B.C. on the Move, the Province’s 10-year transportation plan. Over the next three years, the ministry and its partners are investing over $4.6 billion in priority transportation investments as part of this plan.

Learn More:

For information on the B.C. Air Access program, go to: http://www.gov.bc.ca/BCAirAccessProgram