Smithers Regional Airport will receive $750,000 in funding from the B.C. Air Access Program for airport infrastructure improvements, announced Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.

“The Smithers Regional Airport not only provides services to residents and tourists visiting this part of B.C., it makes a significant contribution to the local and regional economy,” said Stone. “This funding through our B.C. Air Access program will help the airport make improvements that will increase safety and accessibility for travellers.”

The funding will be used for safety upgrades and improvements to the terminal building which improve the layout, passenger flow, security-screening and baggage handling. The holding area will be expanded, more than doubling its seating capacity, and accessible washrooms will be added.

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 $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