This is what $18 million in federal funding will buy at YLW

• Terminal building, runway and lighting getting upgrades
• Funds look to help surrounding area

The federal government has announced funding for the Kelowna International Airport to help recover from COVID-19, and for critical infrastructure projects.

A total of $15.2 million will go towards the expansion of the airport’s combined operations building and replacing sections of the terminal building roof.

In addition, upgrades to the airfield lighting infrastructure will be made, along with the construction of runway end safety areas, and creating additional safety areas in relation to COVID-19 testing and screening, to improve the flow and management of air travelers.

Minister of Transport, Omar Alghabra, said in an online news conference, despite the challenges brought on by the pandemic, the government is looking to build a better and more competitive aviation sector.

“The funding will allow the Kelowna International Airport to continue providing Canadians with safe, reliable, and efficient travel options. It will also help ensure the financial health of Canada’s airports and help Canada work towards economic recovery and safe travel restart as the pandemic eases,” he said.

Alghabra described YLW as B.C.’s second gateway airport.

An additional $3 million dollars from the federal government’s Airport Relief Fund will go to YLW for operational costs and essential air services for residents and workers in Kelowna and the surrounding communities.

Alghabra said the funds will help improve the flow of airport foot traffic in regard to current COVID-19 testing and vaccine verification procedures.

“This will help them build infrastructure whether that’s kiosks, touchless screens, or barriers. But it’s meant to facilitate an optimization of the flow of passengers and getting tested as well,” he said. “For now we’ll still need to have facilities for testing, so this funds will help them build that infrastructure.”

Mayor Colin Basran said this money will not only help the tourism sector, which has taken a hit due to the pandemic, but also other air service businesses like KF Aerospace.

“I’m really proud of the fact that YLW has seen our passenger traffic numbers increase percentage wise probably quicker than any other airport in the country,” he said. “I think this will help speed up the recovery and we’re certainly looking forward to using these funds to enhance the security and connectivity of the Okanagan region and it will be welcome news to not only our tourism operators, but our local businesses.”