BUSINESS AFFAIRS

SEAN PERCY

Airport gets $8M upgrade

The City of Powell River has received a $8,025,527 grant from the federal government to invest in critical improvements to the airport (CYPW).

Powell River is one of eight BC communities to receive funding.

“This ensures the long-term viability of the airport and expands on opportunities to attract further investment in the lands surrounding the runway that is already underway,” said then-mayor Dave Formosa. “Our airport is crucial to the city’s economic development given Powell River’s location. We are fortunate the grant covers 100% of the project cost.”

The existing runway pavement is almost 40 years old, and rehabilitation and re-profiling is required to meet the latest certification and safety standards.

The major improvements will be a renewed surface and the extension of runway 09-27 to a possible 1,219 metres (4,000 feet), along with replacement of most of the runway lighting.

“The funding will also address the slope issue that will allow commercial passenger carriers and cargo planes to run at a higher capacity,” said Manager of Transportation, Cam Reed. Other works include improving the centreline crown for better drainage.

The cost estimate includes construction, civil and electrical works as well as engineering and construction administration, and a 10% contingency.

“Work is tentatively expected to begin in 2023,” said Cam. “Significant disruption to airport operations and extended runway closures can be expected during construction. However, engagement with agencies and companies has already begun to ensure those are mitigated and service to the community is accommodated to the greatest extent possible.”

Handyman ready to help

After moving from France a year ago, Bryan Rebhuhn has mostly worked as a roofer. Back in France, he did renovations and landscaping. Now he has launched his own business, qathet Handy. If you need help to complete a project, or someone to do it, Bryan may be your guy. You can reach him at 778-775-2107 or by e-mail at qathet.handymens@gmail.com. qathet Handy does landscaping, garden maintenance, yard projects, moving, wood chopping, painting, easy repairs and building and more – just ask.

Gutter Guy does gardens, too

Tyson Wilson, 23, is giving up roofing to live on the edge instead.

For the last year and a half, Tyson has been working as a roofer, and on almost every job, he saw how badly gutters are neglected. His new business hopes to change that. Tyson purchaed a gutter rake and ladders and a vehicle and is now offering gutter cleaning with his business Gutter Garden Guy – Gx3. In addition to removing gutter debris, Tyson will do basic yard work. It’s best to find him on Facebook and message the business, but you can also email wysontilson@gmail.com or call or text 604-578-1075.

Painter comes home

Kyra Liddle has over 15 years of experience in professional residential and commercial painting. She has travelled across Canada perfecting her craft, taking on contracts as large and complicated as BC Place and the Vancouver Airport. She held an upper management position with a globally recognized company where she managed and coordinated many projects throughout the lower mainland.

To get some much-needed work/life balance, Kyra decided to move home to Lund, where she was raised. Here she has put her passion, entrepreneurial drive and industry skills together to create VinnCity Painting, offering a wide variety of services including interiors, exteriors, stairs, decks and more. You can reach Vinncity Painting on Facebook or at vinncitypainting@gmail.com.

Modern draws the line

Modern, best known for its windows, doors and vinyl decking, is adding a somewhat unusual new division. They’re offering line painting as a seasonal service. Since the factory already deals with paint products, and there’s demand for local parking lot painting, the company invested in machinery for painting lines and curbs. “We have three employees trained now to run the machine,” said general manager Dan Agius. Contact Modern at 604-485-2451 or email dan@modern.ca.