Peace region airports receive provincial funding

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C – The province is doling out funds to keep Peace Region airports in service.

The $16.5 million for regional airports includes the North Peace Regional Airport in Fort St. John ($720,000), Northern Rockies Regional Airport in Fort Nelson ($360,000), Dawson Creek Regional Airport ($360,000), Tumbler Ridge Airport ( $34,000) and Chetwynd Airport ($90,000).

“Our government is working to keep vital services operating during this unprecedented time, and this funding will help British Columbians – especially those in rural areas of the province – have a safe and reliable way to travel to essential appointments,” says Rob Fleming, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure in a statement Tuesday.

The Managing Director of the North Peace Regional Airport, Mike Karsseboom, told Energeticcity in January that airport passenger traffic for 2020 was down around 55 per cent. In 2019, the airport saw passenger traffic of over 278,000, while in 2020, it was over 114,000.

A $6.2 million investment for inter-city bus operators across the province was also announced Tuesday, including $102,060 for Cold Shot Bus Service in the north.

The funding will be used for operating costs, maintenance expense for buses, air terminals and runaways.