NANAIMO – Nanaimo Airport hosted Terry Beech (MP Burnaby-North Seymour), parliamentary secretary to the federal minister of transport, for a tour of the airport’s newly-completed aircraft rescue firefighting vehicle (AARF) shelter.
The shelter was funded with the assistance of the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP), a Government of Canada program to help local airports get the safety equipment they need and to make safety-related infrastructure improvements.
The building will “help to enhance safe and efficient transportation operations,” said Beech, visiting the airport on behalf of the Honourable Marc Garneau, the Minister of Transport.
“We offer our sincere thanks to our Federal government and the ACAP program for the funding that has been provided to build this shelter,” said Nanaimo Airport Commission chair Lucie Gosselin.
“At the Nanaimo Airport, safety is our Number 1 concern,” added airport CEO Mike Hooper. “Ongoing funding through ACAP allows us to maintain our commitment to providing a safe and secure gateway for travellers. As we grow, we will continue to invest in projects that ensure safety of the public.”
The shelter houses Nanaimo Airport’s ARFF vehicle, firefighting chemicals, and personal protective devices such as face masks, oxygen tanks, and fire resistant clothing.
The airport’s trained fire fighting staff has a three-minute response time to handle on-site emergencies. Additional assistance would be provided by the Cranberry Fire Department and other local fire departments as required.
“We recognize the important role played by Canada’s local airports in supporting jobs and tourism, enabling investment and facilitating trade,” Beech said during his visit. “Our investments are helping airports increase safety and accessibility for travellers, while supporting the growth of local and regional economies.”
Nanaimo Airport is on pace for another year of record-setting passenger volumes. A major economic driver for the region, it is forecast to generate $358 million and 2,000 direct and indirect jobs by 2021.
The airport is currently expanding its Air Terminal departure lounge as part of a 20-year, $55-million development plan that will proceed according to demand and availability of investment.
