Record infrastructure funding for Kelowna

Kelowna International Airport in British Columbia, Canada, has announced the next phase of its capital development program.

Kelowna City Council has approved C$67.3m (US$51.2m) for the construction of the airport’s largest expansion to date. In addition, as part of its Soaring Beyond 2.5 Million Passengers program, Kelowna will make the biggest financial investment in its 72-year history, plowing C$69.9m (US$53.2m) back into the airport over the next three years.

“Today marks the next step in our plan to expand the airport to ensure it meets the needs of our region now and well into the future,” said Sam Samaddar, airport director. “With this investment, we can begin construction in the spring of 2020 to better serve more passengers.”

As part of the expansion, Kelowna will expand the terminal by doubling the size of the existing departures area, expanding security screening, and providing more retail, food and beverage options; and undertake a consultation on the viability of a self-serve bag drop. New airside equipment will be bought and the apron expanded to accommodate larger aircraft, and upgrades made to airside lighting and the supporting infrastructure.

Starting in March 2020, the terminal expansion construction is expected to begin and continue until 2023.

Kelowna Airport is the busiest municipally owned airport in Canada and it is funded entirely through its own revenues.