Penticton Regional Airport terminal being expanded in $6.5M project

Improvements underway at Penticton Regional Airport will enhance much more than passenger comfort, federal Infrastructure Minister Amarjeet Sohi promised Wednesday during a tour of the facility.

“This airport has seen phenomenal growth in recent years. With our $6.5-million investment into expanding the terminal, it not only provides jobs during the construction phase but it will act as a catalyst for further growth and build the economy,” said Sohi.

Transport Canada owns the Penticton airport.

The federal government spent $7.5 million repaving the runways in 2014, doubled the area of the boarding lounge for about $1 million in 2016, and has now invested the $6.5 million to expand the terminal to accommodate growth in the region, said Sohi.

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 coincided with WestJet beginning service to Calgary, according to an earlier press release.

The airport terminal was built in the 1960s, and was partially renovated and expanded in the 1990s.

Ledcor Construction was awarded the contract for the most recent airport expansion.

“The expansion is taking place over six phases to minimize disruptions to the airport,” noted Ledcor project manager James Derkson.

The first of the phases will be complete this September. The north end of the terminal is being pushed out about six metres to accommodate a new visitors’ viewing area, larger baggage area and carousel and washrooms.