The October 23, 2009 opening ceremony of the Kamloops Airport marked the conclusion of a $25 million multi-stakeholder effort by the Government of Canada, the Province of British Columbia, the City of Kamloops, and the Kamloops Airport Authority Society. Originally funded at $18.5 million, the project expanded in scope due to changes required for seismic upgrades, an expanded Canada Border Services Agency program, additional check-in area and upgrades needed to the security and electrical systems. Additionally, dyke construction was necessary to the airfield portion of the project to balance revised river level forecasts.
Completed in three phases, the Kamloops airport has seen enhancements to traveler services, flight capacity and navigation equipment.
The expanded terminal can now accommodate multiple simultaneous flights while provide a high level of service to travelers. Upgrades include:
Artist depictions of local history was an important element in the airport renovations. Displays and materials were included to tell the history and future of the Secwempec peoples of Tk’emlúps Indian Band. Elements such as the Coyote Rock Cairn, the Secwempec prayer, two Petroglyphs which is symbolic of “this is a good place”, two Woven walls which is symbolic of the basket weaving tradition of the Secwempec people and a dugout canoe and fish trap that is to be displayed in the baggage claim area.
The 2,000 ft runway expansion was completed and opened on March 12, 2009, bringing the total runway length to 8,000 ft The improved runway and state-of-the-art navigational aids expands the realm of safe options for aircraft operations and provides more opportunities to the Kamloops air service market.
The Expansion Project marks the culmination of an $25 million multi-stakeholder effort by the City of Kamloops, the Kamloops Airport Authority Society, the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. The Project is funded through Government contributions and airport improvement fees.
