Details on airport plan remain up in the air

Food, landscaping likely to improve

Transport Canada is saying little about its plan for a $5-million renovation to Penticton airport.

Bid documents posted online show the federal agency went out to tender in February seeking contractors interested in working on the project, which would result in a complete overhaul of the existing terminal inside and out.

A Transport Canada spokesperson declined Tuesday to comment on the renovation or its timelines.

“More information on this project will be made public in the coming weeks,” Annie Joannette said.

Joannette emailed the identical response to a follow-up question about how the information will be made public.

Assuming the agency goes through with renovations, it would appear to answer questions about Transport Canada handing over the airport to local governments, as had been discussed.

“Their investment of $5 million is really about continuing operating that airport and recognizing the importance the airport has to the community and businesses in the community,” said Penticton Mayor Andrew Jakubeit.

“Hopefully it means better airservices options coming down the pipe for Penticton.”

Jakubeit said Transport Canada has had “high-level” conversations with city staff, but has not discussed its plans in detail.

Scheduled to proceed in six phases, the work would see ticket counters relocated to the centre of the terminal, and new waiting areas constructed at either end of the building, according to the bid documents.

Plans also call for new food services and fresh landscaping and exterior finishings.

The renovation would follow a $900,000 expansion of the departure lounge that was completed in 2016 by Greyback Construction.