Vernon Regional Airport (photo credit: City of Vernon)

By Kevin Rothwell

Funding for medevac airports

City lands one time funding for Vernon Regional Airport

Mar 31, 2021 | 8:58 AM

The province has announced millions or dollars in one-time grant funding for inter-city bus services and regional airports, including $360,000 for Vernon Regional airport.

The Province has issued a one-time investment of $6.2 million to a number of inter-city bus operators and $16.5 million for regional airports to support operations between April 1, 2021, and March 31, 2022.

Funding was also announced for other Thompson-Okanagan airports including YLW.

Kamloops Airport: $720,000
Kelowna International Airport: $720,000
Merritt Airport: $90,000
Oliver Municipal Airport: $48,000
Princeton Aerodrome: $48,000
Revelstoke Airport: $180,000
Vernon Regional Airport: $360,000

The grant funding can be used to help maintain air terminals, runways and other operations for the essential movement of goods and people.

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“The City is grateful for the Province’s recognition of the important work that takes place at regional airports such as Vernon’s, and the financial support that is being provided to maintain its operations,” Mayor Victor Cumming said. “The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic have reached every corner of our community – including our airport – so this funding will be well utilized.”

Vernon is one of 55 regional airports that host medevac services throughout BC. Regional airports were asked to submit a letter of interest confirming its role in hosting medevac services, its pre- and post-COVID-19 revenues, and its financial projections for 2021.

“We want to congratulate the Province for showing national leadership in supporting and recognizing the importance of B.C. airports to the global economy,” Sam Samaddar, airport director, Kelowna International Airport said. “This funding will provide a lifeline to YLW to maintain critical airport services that support cargo operations and medevac services while we wait for commercial air service to recover.”

In addition to maintaining air terminals and runways, approved funding may also be used for payroll, rent and other overhead costs to keep these services operating.