Calling it a 鈥渂ig day鈥� for YLW, provincial Jobs Minister Ravi Kahlon has announced $500,000 in funding for the airport terminal building expansion.

The money is coming from B.C.鈥檚 mass timber demonstration program.

鈥淭his project showcases what is possible when we promote innovation in the construction sector and support the development of mass timber in large infrastructure projects in B.C.,鈥� said Kahlon during a media event at the airport on July 11.

The use of prefabricated mass timber panels will reduce construction time for the terminal expansion and result in less construction traffic at the site, Kahlon added.

鈥淔or those of you who are not familiar with the use of mass timber, it鈥檚 low carbon, high-value wood products. This is changing the way we build our homes and changing the way we felt around the world.鈥�

Mayor Colin Basran noted the city expects YLW will continue to see significant increases in air traffic and passenger numbers.

鈥淚鈥檓 confident this expansion will address that growth,鈥� said Basran. 鈥淯sing mass timber for the terminal expansion allows for flexibility for future reconfiguration.鈥�

The airport terminal building expansion project is expected to start in 2023 and will add nearly 8,000 square metres of space. Kahlon also announced an additional $ 2 million for another intake of the mass timber demonstration program, which begins immediately.

Read More: $18M in federal funding for infrastructure and operational costs at YLW

Read More: Spike in domestic flight delays, cancellations as global gridlock continues

gary.barnes@kelownacapnews.com
Like us on and follow us on and subscribe to our daily and subscribe to our daily newsletter.