North Peace Regional Airport fully functional amidst cold weather

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — No cancellations or delays related to airport operations have occurred at the North Peace Regional Airport despite the freezing temperatures.

Manager of operations and emergency services Mike Haggstrom says the airport is “well-prepared” to handle the extreme cold weather conditions.

Haggstrom says the airport has specialized equipment to clear snow and ice from runways, taxiways, sidewalks and parking lots.

The equipment utilized at the airport includes snowplows, snow blowers, sweeps, de-icing trucks, graders, loaders and skid steers.

Haggstrom says the airport also uses specialty sand, called “runway chips,” and de-icing or anti-icing chemicals to improve traction on the runways and taxiways.

According to the operations manager, the department has over 100 years of combined maintenance experience.

The cold weather and fog may impact specific airlines, but the North Peace Regional Airport has had no significant delays.

According to WestJet, the flight to Fort St. John from Calgary and the flight from Fort St. John back to Calgary have been cancelled, but no reason was provided.

WestJet’s website states that the flights to and from Calgary are the only cancellations from February 26th to February 28th, and the YXJ website says it is the only cancellation from Tuesday until Friday.

For Air Canada flight delays and cancellations, residents are advised to contact the airline directly.

Haggstrom says the airport works closely with airlines and other stakeholders to ensure the facility is always fully functional.

Haggstrom says the airport buildings, including the terminal, firehall and maintenance shops, are designed to withstand the cold because they are well-insulated and have efficient heating systems.

All critical equipment is stored inside so it can be used to respond to weather conditions.