Airport Developing 20 Year Plan

By 250 News

David Godfrey looks on as Airport Authority Board Chair Jim Blake points out runway changes 

The weather may have played a part in reducing public turnout to the Prince George Airport Authority’s open house.

Those who did attend the session, got to look at what’s on the 20 year horizon for the Airport.

The public seems happy with the Authority’s efforts “Over the last couple of days we’ve heard a lot of appreciation from the public for giving them the opportunity to have input in the process” says Airport General Manager Steig Hoeg. “People like to have input up front in the planning process rather than at the tail end.”

The Airport Authority is already making plans for major expansion. The latest project, the expansion of the parking area, will have lighting installed within the next couple of days, and then the focus will shift once again.

With an $11 million dollar loan from the Northern Development Initiatives Trust, the Airport Authority has one third of the funding it needs to expand the runways, build a refuelling station and then develop an air cargo facility.

That is not the end of the plan .

The Airport Authority is looking at all kinds of aviation related business, maintenance, refuelling ground handling for both fixed and rotary like Vancouver Island Helicopter which is the 2^nd largest helicopter operator in Canada .

The airport handles lots of commercial traffic, and will need to plan how to best handle it all within the existing terminal even if it doesn‘t go ahead with its plans to increase cargo traffic.

Also under consideration, if the airport increases cargo traffic, how will it be handled so it doesn’t interfere with the regular customers, how will the airport accommodate the growth if it becomes successful beyond its original expectation and what kind of access will the airport need? All questions that need to be addressed. “‘I would hate to invest in this , get successful and not know where to put them” says Hoeg.

He says this plan is similar to the City developing an official community plan, it defines where things should be, and as things progress, emphasis can be placed where it is needed.

The draft master plan is expected to be ready for presentation in February of the new year. Updates on the plan can be viewed at www.pgairport.ca

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