More improvements are on the way for Kamloops Airport with a $555,900 investment from the Federal Government.

Airport Managing Director Ed Ratuski says the money will be used to expand the current shelter that houses the airport’s fire fighting equipment.

“So back in 2013 when we built the original shelter, we knew at some point in the future that we would require an additional capacity for firefighting,” he said. “So the building was originally designed to support an addition of another bay. That’s what it is. It’s an addition to the existing facility for another fire response vehicle.”

The shelter will protect the fire trucks from ice and snow, which Transport Minister Marc Garneau says is key to ensuring safe airport operations for aircraft, passengers, and crews.

Construction is set to start next week and take three months to complete. And Ed Ratuski notes it will be ready in time for the new fire truck’s delivery next year.

“We have a regulatory requirement to have these new services stood up next year, so we wanted to make sure that all of the elements were in place in order that we met those requirements,” Ratuski added.

“And it’s all a sign of the continued growth at Kamloops Airport and Transport Canada’s commitment to safety.”

He says the background work and project approval had taken place earlier this year but the project was formally announced today.