The City of Quesnel will receive a $30,000 grant to improve the facade of the airport, from the B.C. Air Access Program (BCAAP).
The BCAAP is a funding program through the B.C. Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure which helps communities to improve the infrastructure and safety of their airports.
Quesnel Mayor Bob Simpson says the condition of the sidewalks in front of the airport are deteriorating while some cladding is coming off the wall in the high wind — both things posing potential safety risks.
The grant will allow the City to remove the sidewalk and put in an improved drainage system, as well as a window treatment.
“Basically, it’s a new face to the terminal,” says Simpson.
“What people will experience is a nice refreshment of the front end of the terminal building. And then inside we’re doing our own treatment, with our branding and new mural.”
He says now that the grant has been approved, he expects the construction will be completed sometime this summer.
Now in it’s fifth year, the BCAAP has given more than $40 million to 57 airports around B.C. since it was started in 2015.
So far this year, the program has given out nearly $8 million in grants.
Grants provided to other communities will go toward efforts to improve medevac services, wildfire suppression, airport safety, improving economic benefits for the communities that surround them, and reducing environmental risks and greenhouse gas emissions.
“Our local community airports rely on funding to complete crucial safety and infrastructure upgrades,” said Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, in a press release. “We’re committed to these regional grants to make travel better for people throughout our province.”
READ MORE: Council briefs: City of Quesnel will apply for funds for airport upgrades
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