# Canadian federal investment in British Columbia

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-federal-investment-in-british-columbia-businesses
> Updated: 2026-08-30T23:10:54.000Z. Sources: 14. Developments: 3.

The Canadian government has expanded its financial support for British Columbia through new infrastructure and economic development initiatives. 

Through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program, over $23.5 million is being allocated to upgrade infrastructure at six airports to improve safety and connectivity for rural and remote areas. Masset Airport is slated to receive the largest share, $10.85 million, for airfield pavement and drainage improvements. Other recipients include Prince Rupert Airport ($3.76 million for airfield lighting), Smithers Airport ($3.62 million for electrical equipment), Bella Coola Airport ($3.40 million for runway, taxiway, and apron rehabilitation), Kamloops Airport ($1.35 million), and the Northern Rockies Regional Airport in Fort Nelson ($552,600 for runway approach lighting).

Kamloops Airport will use its $1.35 million award to modernize airfield electrical infrastructure, including a new field electrical centre and standby power systems. Construction is expected to run from 2026 through 2027 to support commercial aviation, medevac, and wildfire suppression. Additionally, the Town of Creston has voted to apply for the federal Build Communities Strong Fund to finance a $2,168,950 runway expansion at Creston Valley Regional Airport, aiming to resolve operational restrictions and accommodate larger air ambulance aircraft.

In addition to aviation upgrades, a separate $2.7 million investment will be provided to support northern British Columbia businesses and First Nations development corporations. Delivered via the Canada-British Columbia Labour Market Development Agreement, this funding is intended to assist with job creation, market diversification, and economic development projects beginning September 2, 2026.

## Timeline

### 2026-08-30: British Columbia airports pursue infrastructure upgrades

British Columbia airports are advancing infrastructure projects, with Creston seeking runway expansion funds and Kamloops receiving $1.35M for electrical system modernization.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/british-columbia-airports-pursue-infrastructure-upgrades

### 2026-08-27: Canada invests $23.5 million in British Columbia airport upgrades

The Canadian government is investing $23.5 million to upgrade six British Columbia airports and an additional $2.7 million to support economic development for northern B.C. businesses and First Nations.

12 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/canada-invests-235-million-in-british-columbia-airport-upgrades

### 2026-08-13: Canada invests $30.5M in B.C. businesses to counter trade disruptions

The Canadian government is investing $30.5 million via the Regional Tariff Response Initiative to support 24 B.C. businesses, including Harmac Pacific and COTA Aviation, to combat trade disruptions.

15 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cota-aviation-receives-1m-for-aerospace-manufacturing

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Cite as: Canadian federal investment in British Columbia. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/canadian-federal-investment-in-british-columbia-businesses