Northern and central B.C. communities are set to benefit from more than $6.2 million in funding through the B.C. Air Access Program, which is targeting key upgrades at regional airports this year.
Seven communities—Burns Lake, Dawson Creek, Fort St. James, Masset, Smithers, Williams Lake, and Vanderhoof—are among those receiving support.
Burns Lake will see one of the largest investments, with over $800,000 going toward a full fuel system upgrade. Vanderhoof’s airport is receiving more than $360,000 to widen runway ends, a move expected to enhance both safety and aircraft access.
Fort St. James will install wildlife-exclusion fencing, addressing safety concerns on the runway. In Dawson Creek, over $90,000 has been allocated to repair airfield lighting systems.
Masset is getting nearly $400,000 to replace an aging refuelling truck, while Williams Lake is receiving over $230,000 for new fuel-dispensing cabinets. Smithers has been granted $35,000 for a facility master plan that will guide future improvements.
Officials say these upgrades are vital for maintaining emergency services, boosting regional economies, and ensuring reliable transportation links for rural communities across British Columbia.
Since 2017, the program has provided over $70 million to support small airports provincewide.
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