Nanaimo Airport building on foundation for tomorrow

The terminal is one of the pillars of Nanaimo Airport Commission’s five-year Strategic Plan, which charts the flight path for the next generation of air service in Central Vancouver Island. The plan guides decision-making at one of B.C.’s fastest growing regional airports. It, in essence, builds YCD’s future.

Infrastructure such as the terminal building plays a major role in the vision for today and tomorrow. Construction of the $14.2-million terminal expansion provides immediate benefits, giving passengers more room and comfort while helping them to move through the airport more efficiently.

The new building also ushers in the future, thanks to the Commission’s 20-year plan for terminal expansion. The plan uses an innovative modular design. Each stage is designed to connect seamlessly to the one before and after it.

In the years ahead, infrastructure improvements create potential for a sizeable return on investment. The enlarged terminal building, coupled with enhancements to runway aprons, makes Nanaimo Airport even more attractive to airlines. And that could lead to new routes based here. There’s plenty of room and other amenities necessary to accommodate the large jets that fly to sun destinations such as Hawaii and Mexico.

Investment has also created additional airport parking to meet demand. Passengers now have 1,200 stalls to choose from.

Another pillar that supports the airport’s operations today and in the future is a Climate Change Action Plan. Work began last year to assess and plan for the impact of climate change, to ensure the airport’s sustainability for generations.

Sustainability is also the driving factor in the airport’s land use planning – another piece of the foundation for tomorrow. Land development on vacant areas will provide economic benefit to the community while diversifying the airport’s revenue stream.

As all the foundation pieces are put in place, safety remains the airport’s priority. One of the latest initiatives was the purchase of a second Air Rescue and Fire Fighting vehicle, increasing the capacity for emergency response.