Transport Minister, Omar Alghabra (right), with YKA Managing Director, Ed Ratuski, and Mayor Ken Christian at Kamloops Airport on July 18, 2022. (Photo via Brett Mineer)
The Federal Minister of Transport was at Kamloops Airport today to announce $1.8 million in government funding for safety upgrades.
Omar Alghabra, says the transition to LED lights on both the runway and taxiways as well as wind direction indicators will ensure that flights can take off and land safely.
“The airport will use the funds to replace critical airfield lights and wind direction indicators as well as guidance signs for one of its runways to keep passengers and crew safe and ensure that flights can take off and land safely,” he said.
“These upgrades will help Kamloops Airport maintain safe airport operations and essential air services for everyone.”
Mayor Ken Christian says the $3.6-million project will mean a greener, and a brighter future for Kamloops Airport.
“And I say that quite literally because the LED lightning project that we have will use less energy and provide better light, and as you point out, it will be safer for people travelling in and out of this airport,” Christian added.
Kamloops Airport Managing Director, Ed Ratuski, says electricity is currently one of the airport’s biggest overhead costs.
This work will start in two weeks and be completed by November, with Ratuski noting the work will be done at night and so it shouldn’t have any impact on passengers.
“Investments like this one will help improve the lives of residents, travellers, and workers, here in Kamloops and across the entire country,” Alghabra added.
– With files from Brett Mineer
The safety of our airports is our top priority and new investments at @KamloopsAirport will keep Canadians safe, help communities stay connected and keep our supply chains moving. More info👇 https://t.co/T87dhWlp4i pic.twitter.com/am4MpPHQ26
— Omar Alghabra (@OmarAlghabra) July 18, 2022
