Government of Canada Supports Airport’s Infrastructure Expansion

Government of Canada Supports Airport’s Infrastructure Expansion

Over the weekend, the Government of Canada announced funding for 26 new infrastructure projects across BC, including the Air Terminal
Building Expansion for the Nanaimo Airport.

The eligible project costs are $7.46 million with the Federal and Provincial Government’s
contributing 2/3 of the funding, $2.48 million each, and the Commission will contribute the
final 1/3 of the project costs.

Record-setting growth of 108% in the past 6 years underscores why the expansion is needed.
“We are 10 years ahead of passenger forecasts and this investment will help us expand to
ensure we deliver a great service to the customers at YCD”, says Lucie Gosselin, Board Chair of
the Nanaimo Airport. “The Nanaimo Airport Commission appreciates the support provided by
the Government of Canada and the Provincial Government for public infrastructure projects,
through Infrastructure Canada and the Small Community Fund.”

The investment will be used for the first phase of the terminal building expansion. This will
include expansion of the departure lounge and passenger security area as well as increased
services.

“This funding announcement allows us to begin to fulfill three critical priorities: regional
economic development; economic stimulus through infrastructure construction; and meeting
escalating demand for air service through the next decade”, shares Michael Hooper, President
and CEO of the Nanaimo Airport. “With a 20-year master development plan for our terminal
building finalized last year, we will use a phased approached as passenger volumes increase”.
The plan was developed through the long-term vision of the community representatives on
the NAC Board and calls for work to be completed in phases to ensure fiscal responsibility.
Each Phase of the project will be completed when passenger volumes demand and when
additional funding is available.

New projections estimate 450,000 passengers annually by 2020. Based on forecasts the
Nanaimo Airport will remain a major economic catalyst for the central Island into the future
and is estimated to contribute 2,000 jobs and $358 million in economic activity annually to the
region by 2021.