By Tom Mark

Vernon Airport Upgrades Into 2nd Phase Design

Apr 16, 2018 | 6:23 AM

The City of Vernon is preparing the next phase of it’s Airport Master Plan.

Phase one was completed in the fall with Vernon airport with runway improvements

Public Works Manager James Rice says it all went well.

“The project that was completed included runway repair and resurfacing, the construction of a turning area on the runway and some electrical improvements on the runway as well.”

The total budget was just over 1.3 million dollars but came in just under budget.

Employee Safety

Employers responsible for worker safety as heat wave hits Okanagan: WorksSafeBC

15h ago

mid- to high 30s

Cooling centres opening in Vernon as heat wave hits the Okanagan

16h ago

Firearm Charges, Vehicle Impounded

Weapon seized from impaired driver asleep in Lumby

17h ago

The city received an 823 thousand dollar grant from the government to help fund the project.

Rice says pilots have noted a major improvement in the runway surface since the work was done.

Design work is now underway on the next phase of improvements.

James Rice says that should take 4 to 6 weeks and actual work will likely begin in the fall.

“It includes some signage and landscaping improvements as well as some improvements to the terminal building. The biggest component is the reconstruction and expansion of our apron area.”

That will allow for safer movement in that area and additional parking for aircraft.

Work currently underway next to the terminal building is construction of a new hangar by one of the airport tenants.

As for the work on the terminal building:

“Really what that includes is minor internal work as well as the installation of a permanent foundation underneath the building. And we’re just kind of working through the details on that.”

Work would begin this fall.

There’s no plan at this time to replace the old building.

The third phase of the Master Plan wouldn’t get underway until 2019 with work taking place over 5 years.

It includes the construction of a helipad.

Currently, helicopters land on a grassed area just south of the fuel tanks.

Other plans include construction of an additional apron near Captain Bailey Way and some landscaping improvements in front of the airport along Tronson Road

by Tom Mark