5.5 million dollars in funding from the Harper government, a 2000 foot addition to the runway, and increased safety equipment is going to extend the reach of the Grande Prairie Airport in the coming months.
The runway will be extended from 6500 ft to 8500 ft, and an aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle has been purchased.
Peace River MP Chris Warkentin says the Harper government understands the role a regional airport plays in a booming community.
“We know that regional airports often struggle to keep up the infrastructure, but they are the vital lifeline to the rest of the world. We know that they really are the economic drivers in our region. A region like the Peace Country wouldn’t have the success that it does without this airport.”
Without a customs office, the airport will still be limited to destinations within Canada, but Airport CEO Brian Grant says they hope to eventually start offering direct flights to Toronto and even the Maritimes.