LILLOOET – Funds approved through Northern Development’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program will transform the Lillooet Municipal Airport into a long-term asset that will generate benefits for the local economy.
The Trust’s Board of directors approved $122,786 in funding for the airport, which will be used for repairs, a revamping of the fueling system and an updated pilot lounge. The upgrades mean Lillooet can promote the airport to a wider range of users, contributing to increased air traffic in the area and supporting investment attraction, business expansion and a boost in tourism.
An enhanced airport will also provide access to Canada’s national air transportation network. Residents will soon have a viable transportation link and access to emergency health care services beyond those currently available in the community.
The enhancements will expand revenues to the District of Lillooet through increased aviation activity and non-aviation activity, diversifying economic activity in the region, which includes the northern Squamish-Lillooet Regional District and St’át’imc First Nation. Northern Development’s funding makes up 50% of the total project budget, which is $245,573.
Northern Development’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program has previously been used to fund airport upgrades in Masset, Terrace, Prince Rupert, Burns Lake, Fort St. John, Prince George, Dawson Creek, Quesnel, Anahim Lake and elsewhere.
Quotes:
Evan Saugstad, Board Chair, Northern Development
“When you upgrade an airport the benefits impact the entire region. These improvements to the Lillooet Municipal Airport, not only increase access to services and amenities for residents of Lillooet, but also create an opportunity for the Lillooet area to showcase itself and attract new visitors and investment. The Trust is excited to be a part of projects that enable communities like Lillooet to strengthen their local economy.”
Marg Lampman, Mayor, District of Lillooet
“Our airport is vital to Lillooet’s long-term success, and we are very pleased to have received support from Northern Development. Modernizing our fueling stations and repairing our runway is crucial to the area’s emergency services network and in supporting economic diversification in our tourism and agriculture sectors.”
About Northern Development
Northern Development Initiative Trust combines funding with smart thinking to help Northern British Columbia thrive. The Trust was created for the north and is led by the north. In only a decade, Northern Development has found 2,000 ways to say “yes” to economic diversification in our region, attracting more than $1.2 billion in new investment to the region.
Contacts:
Joel McKay
Director, Communications
Northern Development Initiative Trust
250-561-2525
joel@northerndevelopment.bc.ca
