Recent History 1999
April 5, 1999
By Daily News Staff
The federal government handed responsibility for the Fort Nelson Airport to the Fort Nelson-Liard Regional District (FN-LRD) on Thursday.
“Fort Nelson is to be congratulated for stepping forward into a new era of airport management,” said Vancouver South-Burnaby MP Herb Dhaliwal, who made the announcement on behalf of Transport Minister David Collenette.
“Having the airport run by people who know its role in the community — and its potential for growth — will allow Fort Nelson Airport to function in a more commercial and cost-effective manner.”
Fort Nelson is one of 70 regional or local airports with a scheduled passenger service of fewer than 200,00 per year for three consecutive years. Under the National Airports Policy, announced in July 1994, local interests have the opportunity over a five-year period ending March 31, 2000, to assume ownership of regional and local airports.
“The National Airports Policy enables communities to take greater advantage of their airports, reduce costs, and attract new and different types of business,” said Collenette in a news release.
“The better use of transportation infrastructure in this manner will ultimately [provide] a boost to trade, tourism, and job creation.”
Negotiations to transfer Fort Nelson Airport began on October 16, 1996 following the signing of a letter of intent by the Fort Nelson-Liard Regional District and Transport Canada.
The airport will be eligible to apply for capital contributions under the Airports Capital Assistance Program, (ACAP). ACAP assists eligible airports in financing capital projects related to safety, asset protection, and operating cost reduction.
Transport Canada will continue to regulate the safe provision of air navigation services at Fort Nelson Airport and across the country. The department will also continue to ensure safety and security at Canadian airports through aviation regulation and airport certification processes.