Back to SearchAugust 10, 2023
#23-14
100 Mile House, BC –The Cariboo Regional District is pleased to announce that it has awarded a $6.3 million construction contract for the South Cariboo Regional Airport to Quesnel Paving Ltd., a division of Colas Western Canada Inc. This award follows the conclusion of an open procurement process which resulted in two general contractors bidding on the contract. Quesnel Paving Ltd. was selected as the preferred proponent based on their bid price, prior experience, and capabilities to perform the work.
The project is being funded by extensive grant funding – $1.45 million from the BC Growing Communities Fund, $1.0 million from the federal Community Works Funding, and $2.0 million from the BC Air Access Program. The remaining costs will be financed through short-term borrowing over a 5-year period, and result in increased residential taxation of $10 per $100,000 based on current property assessment values. Industrial and commercial taxpayers will see increases of $34 and $25 per $100,000 respectively.
The airport is scheduled to be closed be closed for eight weeks, with a tentative reopening scheduled for September 30. The project’s scope will include the replacement of the existing lighting system with a new LED lighting system and a repaved runway, apron, and taxiway. Aircraft operators are being advised of the closure through a notice to pilots registered with NAV Canada. The last time the runway was repaved was in 1998, and after 25 years of operation a full replacement is required to maintain a safe landing surface.
“We’re thankful for the provincial and federal funding that has made this much needed project possible, particularly the $2 million in funding from the BC Air Access Program, to ensure that the South Cariboo Regional Airport will be able to continue serving its primary purpose as an essential air services hub” said Al Richmond, Electoral Area G Director and Chair of the South Cariboo Regional Airport Commission.
Residents of 108 Mile are being advised of some disruption due to construction. Gravel will be delivered to the site starting on August 10, 2023, and continuing for several weeks. Efforts will be made to reduce impacts to local roadways because of this project, and updates will be provided to keep area residents informed of possible disruptions. Removal of the existing runway will begin on August 14, 2023, followed by site preparation, electrical installation, and finishing work. The final phase of construction will see an asphalt plant operated at the airport for three weeks starting in early September and remaining on site until the end of the project.
The South Cariboo Regional Airport has been operated by the Regional District since 1981, and serves the BC Wildfire Service, BC Emergency Health Services, RCMP, and private aircraft operators. On average there are 1,000 flights per year served by the airport, increasing to over 2,500 flights during years with significant wildfire activity. The airport is partially funded by residents and property owners in Electoral Areas G, H, and L as well as the District of 100 Mile, along with revenue from airside hangar agreements, landing fees, and fuel sales.
Media Contact
Gerald Pinchbeck, Manager of Communications
Cariboo Regional District
250-392-3351
Subscribe