A bigger and better airport terminal is on the way in Castlegar, thanks in part to a major grant.
The city says the West Kootenay Regional Airport will receive $6 million from the Union of BC Municipalities’ strategic priorities fund through the federal government’s Canada community-building fund.
The renovation and expansion will allow the terminal to accommodate larger aircraft and more passengers, improve parking, airport access, and the overall passenger experience.
“This $6 million investment is great news for the West Kootenay Regional Airport and our region,” Mayor Maria McFaddin said in a news release.
“In 2021, the City invested $1 million to improve airport reliability and this grant creates an opportunity to continue making improvements which will connect people with the places they want to go and come from, position the airport as a comprehensive service centre, and stimulate regional economic growth.”
The total project is estimated at $13.4 million. The city says the $6 million grant allows it to speed up its plan for the airport, which outlines growth for the next 20 years and sets out how the city will manage and operate the airport safely, securely, and efficiently, while maximizing revenue.
The same grant fund will also see the City of Rossland receive $284,000 for its utility master plan and the Village of Nakusp $527,000 for a raw water irrigation project.