Dawson Creek, Chetwynd airports see upgrades via provincial grant

DAWSON CREEK, B.C. — Dawson Creek and Chetwynd airports will both receive funding for airport upgrades, the province announced.

According to a news release from B.C.’s Ministry of Transportation and Transit (MOTT) on May 27th, 18 communities across the province will receive more than $8 million to upgrade both land and water airports through the B.C. Air Access Program. 

Chetwynd and Dawson Creek airports will receive a combined $596,508 through the B.C. Air Access Program. 

The release said Dawson Creek will be given $293,194 to purchase an aircraft de-icing vehicle. In 2025, Dawson Creek received $90,153 in funding to repair airfield lighting and $403,750 in 2024 to replace fuel pumps and upgrade a fuelling terminal.  

Chetwynd will receive $303,314 to upgrade the airfield lighting at the Chetwynd Airport.  

The B.C. Air Access Program is a project-based, cost-sharing grant program administered by MOTT. The program supports eligible aviation facilities across the province with planning and infrastructure investments.

“The B.C. Air Access Program strengthens local economies and supports good jobs, while improving safety for people living in and travelling through rural and regional communities,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Transportation and Transit. 

“This program recognizes that smaller airports help connect communities and are essential for people throughout B.C.”

“This program has a significant positive impact for communities throughout the province,” said Cathy Press, Chair of the BC Aviation Council. “It provides funding for a variety of projects from lighting improvements to facility expansions, which will benefit communities and residents for  years to come.”

Intake for eligible applicants is open from November to January each year. 

According to the release, applicants must operate a public airport, heliport, or water aerodrome and be the operator of the air facility, such as a local government, a non-profit operating society or a contracted operator. The program is also open only to facilities that serve fewer than 1 million passengers annually. 

Since 2017, the province said the program has committed more than $80 million worth of grants for infrastructure projects at 83 air facilities.