Policy & Positions Manual
Provincial Issues - Transportation and Infrastructure
Extension to the Victoria International Airport Runway (2010)
Transportation connectivity is the key to prosperity. Commercial and general aviation is a significant aspect of transportation in BC. Improvements to airport facilities are important projects which will help realize our province’s economic potential.
The Victoria International Airport is Canada’s 9th busiest airport, and has the shortest runway of all major Canadian airports and provincial capitals. The airport has seen year over year growth, averaging 5.7% annually since 2002. The Victoria Airport Authority (VAA) has successfully completed a major terminal expansion and is setting the stage to attract additional international air service.
To promote economic growth and sustainability for Vancouver Island, the VAA is proposing a 1400 foot runway extension. This $41.2 million dollar project will enable non-stop air service to international destinations such as London. A three-way equal partnership between the Airport Authority, Province of British Columbia and the Federal Government would allow this project to begin almost immediately. The project will extend the airport’s main runway from 7000 feet to 8400 feet.
Over the last five years, the provincial government has contributed funding to a number of airport facilities across the province. The most recent contributions include $22 million towards the extension of the main Prince George runway, $1.35 million towards the extension of the Kelowna Airport runway in 2008 and $6 million to help extend the Nanaimo Airport runway. There is also $10 million committed to a taxiway and apron extension project at the Abottsford Airport in 2010. The Province also contributed to the extension of runways in Smithers, Cranbrook, Abbotsford, Terrace and Kamloops.
The Victoria International Airport, in the province’s capital city, has not yet secured a funding partnership with the province to implement its $41.2 million runway extension. The Victoria Airport Authority estimates that the ability to land jumbo jets will add another $37 million dollars to Greater Victoria’s economy annually. Research to date from the Victoria Airport Authority shows a ready market from key European destinations, including France, London and Germany. These markets have some interest in one stop flight packages, but the prospect of direct connections is highly desired. VAA estimates that with the extension, they will see 36,000 new international movements from London in the first year with an increase to 48,000 within five years, and 75,000 movements from France in the first year with an increase to 100,000 within the first five years.
Economic growth, particularly opportunities related to post-Olympic benefits and the provincial goal of doubling tourism revenues by 2015, depend on transportation connections that can host the world. An extended runway at the Victoria International Airport fits is an important part of bringing those provincial goals to fruition.
THE CHAMBER RECOMMENDS
That the Provincial and Federal Governments provide monetary support for the extension of the Victoria International Airport.
