BC Government to provide COVID related funding towards Air, Ground Transportation in BC

The runway side of the Digby Island Airport in Prince Rupert

It's shaping up as a breakthrough day for the Prince Rupert Airport Authority, in addition to word of the return of Air Canada service to Prince Rupert as of June 22nd, today also saw the Province of British Columbian announced some additional funding towards airports in the province to assist towards the challenges of the COVID pandemic of the last year.

In a statement accompanying today's announcement the Provincial government outlined some of the concerns the funding hopes to address.

Airports have experienced a significant decrease in operating revenues that, without financial help, could affect their ability to support and sustain fire suppression and essential medical evacuation services. This grant will provide regional airports the necessary funds to maintain air terminals, runways and other operations for the essential movement of goods and people.

The BC Aviation Council applauded today's announcement from BC and called for a similar form of assistance from the Federal Government as well.

“Undeniably, aviation has been among the hardest hit sectors of the pandemic. The BCAC applauds this announcement from the Province, and we see it as a clear sign that our government understands the vital role our airports play in our transportation system and provincial economy.” --  Heather Bell, chair, BC Aviation Council (BCAC).

Towards the funding the province will direct $16.5 million for regional airports to support operations between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022. 

There was no breakdown provided today as to how much each Regional Airport receive out of the 16.5 million dollars in funding.

The money that comes the way of the Prince Rupert airport will be a most welcome stream of cash, with the local airport authority being hit particularly hard by the pandemic with the suspension of Air Canada service twice in the last year, drying up a valuable form of cash flow and making for layoffs at the Digby Island transportation hub. 

As well the revenue hit has made for a reported need to work with the City of Prince Rupert when it comes to a loan payment.

The other side of today's announcement was 10.7 million dollars for inter-city bus operators in British Columbia, it was not immediately clear if the BC North Bus system is included in today's funding program.

More on today's Provincial statement can be reviewed here.

You can review the full press conference below, hosted by Premier Horgan and Transportation Minister Rob Fleming today.

For more notes related to the Transportation Sector see our archive page.