Chamber backs airport improvement fee

The Greater Vernon Chamber of Commerce is supporting an increase to the airport improvement fee at Kelowna International Airport.

The fee will go from $20 to $25 per passenger as of March 1, 2020, to allow for 220 million dollars in upgrades the next ten years including a larger terminal building.

Chamber general manager Dione Chambers says YLW is critical to the North Okanagan’s economy as it allows investors and visitors to access the region, while providing local businesses the opportunity to compete globally.

“The team at YLW provide a tremendous service but passenger numbers climbed 38 per cent between 2013 and 2018 and that has led to capacity challenges. There is no question that the Soaring Beyond 2.5 Million Passengers Capital Program will ensure that YLW continues to be an important economic catalyst for the entire Okanagan,” said Chambers.