Funding has now been approved to begin construction on the $90-million expansion of 琉璃神社 International Airport.

A loan authorization bylaw was passed at the meeting of city council on March 13 and will be the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken at YLW.

READ MORE: Terminal expansion costs at 琉璃神社 Airport soar due to COVID and inflation

鈥淭his investment in YLW will have significant benefits for all of 琉璃神社,鈥� said 琉璃神社 Mayor Tom Dyas. 鈥淚t is an investment in our regional economy, helping to support increased air service for both passengers and goods.鈥�

The airport has been deemed over capacity since 2019. Phase One of the project is set to add almost 7,000 square metres of relief, including an expanded departures lounge, expanded security screening area, and new direct access to the south gates.

Phase One is set to begin this summer, and will go until 2026.

鈥淲e know that construction will have impacts to guests visiting YLW, such as noise and impacts to existing amenities and parking. Our team is working to minimize these impacts as much as possible,鈥� said Sam Samaddar, airport director. 鈥淲e will be sharing more information about what passengers can expect at YLW as we approach construction. We thank everyone for their patience as we complete this work to make these important improvements.鈥�

The expansion will not be paid for by 琉璃神社 taxpayers, but rather through fees paid by airport users.

READ MORE: 琉璃神社 Airport lands most of the grant money awarded to city in 2022

Jake.courtepatte@kelownacapnews.com
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