Turbulence coming to Penticton’s airport
2-year renovation project expected to start this spring, but Ottawa says it will be phased to reduce disruptions
Fresh details of planned improvements to Penticton Regional Airport — the first in nearly 30 years — were greeted with mixed reviews by travellers Monday.
Seated in the cramped, dated lounge area before going through security, Penticton native Jennifer Thorsteinson welcomed news of the renovations.
“It’s well overdue,” she said while waiting for an Air Canada flight to Vancouver.
“I used to be in air cadets and we used to do gliding here, and I don’t think I’ve noticed a change since I was 14; I’m 35 now, so I think it’s very much time.”
Thorsteinson, a stay-at-home mom who now lives in Edmonton, was in Penticton for a quick visit — her first in eight years.
“I’m impressed they have a restaurant, though, for how small (the airport) is,” she added with a laugh after admiring the dusty, faded blinds covering a window beside her.
But an Osoyoos geologist who passes through the airport several times a month while travelling to jobs believes the terminal functions OK as it is.
“It’s not Vancouver or Toronto,” said Seymour Isles. “It’s a little regional airport. It’s fine. It does the job.”
Transport Canada announced Monday that renovations are expected to begin this spring and take two years to complete in phases designed to minimize disruptions.
The work will be performed by Ledcor Construction under the terms of a $6.4-million contract. The company did not respond to a request for comment Monday, but it appears no part of the airport will be untouched by its staff.
“The project will reconfigure the main concourse; create space for an expanded arrivals hall, baggage claim area and new food service space; build new airline check-in counters, offices and new rental car kiosks; and add an additional set of washrooms. In addition, the existing pre-board screening room, hold room and baggage storage areas will be expanded,” Transport Canada explained in a press release.
“This project builds on the recent hold room expansion during spring 2016 that doubled the seating capacity, accommodating the significant growth in aircraft movements. The hold room seating capacity will again be expanded during this project, making it more wheelchair accessible.”
The press release also quoted federal Transportation Minister Marc Garneu, who noted the renovations are “important for improving airport safety and security at this busy airport that services communities within the South Okanagan.”
Passenger volume at YYF increased by 64 per cent between 2014 and 2016, while aircraft movements were up 18 per cent over that same period, which coincides with WestJet beginning service to Calgary, according to the press release.
The airport terminal was built in the 1960s, and was partially renovated and expanded in the 1990s. It’s built on land expropriated from the Penticton Indian Band during the Second World War.
As recently as 2014, Transport Canada discussed handing over ownership of the Penticton airport and six others across the country to local governments, but the agency has since backed away from the idea.
“These discussions were exploratory only,” spokeswoman Marie-Anyk Cote said in an email Monday.
“Transport Canada does not have a dedicated program to support the transfer of airports.”