April 15, 2013 – Vancouver Island’s Campbell River Airport (YBL) is receiving $1,331,000 in funding through the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) for an airfield electrical rehabilitation project to provide for continued airfield visibility, and safe runways and taxiways for travellers.

YBL says the total estimated cost of the project is $1,401,044, and Transport Canada will fund 95%, with the city funding the remainder from its Airport Improvement Fee.

The improvement work will ensure the airfield lighting system meets current regulatory requirements. Upgrades will focus on: apron and taxiway lighting, as well as runway edge lighting circuits and re-spacing these lights. Aging airfield lighting components will also be replaced, and new airfield electrical regulators and lighting control system—as well as new runway guard lights—will be installed… all to Canadian Aviation Regulations standards.

Companies interested in bidding on this project should stay tuned for an RFP, tentatively scheduled for late spring/early summer. Project completion is anticipated in spring 2014.

“The City of Campbell River has been working with Transport Canada to secure a funding grant to upgrade the airport’s lighting system for reduced visibility departures,” said Walter Jakeway, mayor of Campbell River. “These welcome improvements will increase safety and the number of aircraft takeoffs from the YBL runway in foggy weather, or other low-visibility situations, which strengthens the role of our Campbell River Airport in our local and regional economy.”

According to the feds, the Campbell River Airport has received more than $3.2 million for eight projects through ACAP, including this announcement. Since the program started, the Government of Canada says it has invested more than $603 million for 743 projects at 174 airports.