British Columbia airports pursue infrastructure upgrades

Two airports in British Columbia are pursuing or receiving funding for critical infrastructure upgrades.

The Town of Creston has voted to apply for the Canadian government’s Build Communities Strong Fund to finance a runway expansion at Creston Valley Regional Airport. The project, estimated to cost approximately $2,168,950, follows an unsuccessful attempt to secure funding through the British Columbia Air Access Program. Officials noted that the current 3,944-foot runway imposes operational restrictions during high temperatures and may not accommodate future, larger air ambulance aircraft used by BC Emergency Health Services.

Meanwhile, Kamloops Airport has been awarded $1.35 million through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program. This funding, covering 50 per cent of the eligible project cost, will be used to modernize airfield electrical infrastructure. The project includes constructing a new field electrical centre, a standalone electrical system, and standby power infrastructure to replace aging equipment. Construction is expected to begin in 2026 and conclude in 2027, aimed at supporting commercial aviation, wildfire suppression, and medevac operations.