The Cariboo Regional District will be applying to Northern Development Initiative Trust (NDIT) to help finance a 1,000-square-foot expansion of the Anahim Lake Airport terminal building.
The grant funding available through NDIT’s economic infrastructure project supports the investment of funds into projects capable of generating economic activity and supporting community development. A total of $132,691 in funding is being sought from NDIT, representing 20 per cent of the estimated $663,456 necessary for the expansion. The remaining funds are being sought from the Province of B.C.’s Rural Economic Diversification Program, which could supply the remaining $530,765 of project costs if it is successful. The CRD would be responsible for contingency costs and internal project management as needed.
The Anahim Lake Airport is owned by the CRD and receives about 3,000 passengers through scheduled flight services from Pacific Coastal Airlines. The airport also receives 50 charter flights from Bella Coola Heli Sports each year which supports the regions tourism sector and operators. The completion of this project would recognize the airport’s increasing role in providing air access to the Chilcotin and its growing role in the regional economy.