CHAAPS YEAR END PAGE A3
SIMON MOFFATT AIMS HIGH PAGE A12
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OBSERVER QUESNEL - CARIBOO
SINCE 1908
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
VOL. 100 NO. 9
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Airport set to expand runway apron AUTUMN MacDONALD Observer Reporter
With a cash infusion of close to $250,000, the Gold Pan’s airport is looking at an apron increase of 42 per cent. Northern Development Initiative Trust’s board of directors has approved a $244,815 grant to support a major apron expansion at the City of Quesnel’s airport. “The City of Quesnel and council are very excited to have the opportunity to receive the funds, allowing us to expand the apron at our airport,” Mayor Mary Sjostrom said. “This will assist with economic development potential and growth. Northern Development trust is a great partner with the city which we greatly appreciate.” The current apron is 52,500 square feet and is one of the smallest certified airport aprons in B.C., which means it cannot accommodate multiple aircraft effectively. The city plans to expand the apron by an additional 22,500 square feet (a 42 per cent increase in size), which will provide access to a new multi-use hangar. The apron expansion is needed to connect the new hangar to the airport’s existing apron and runway. The hangar is expected to generate new economic development for the city, attracting aviation related businesses such as flight schools, technical training, logistic and cargo support and aircraft maintenance. “We welcome this expansion as it will increase the apron area extensively, allowing users more aircraft parking options and easier access to on-site ser-
Wheels over Moffatt As summer fades to fall, the days of skateboarding over the Moffatt bridge are limited. This skateboarder will soon have to pack away the board in favour of winter boots. Karen Powell photo
20th Annual
DESIGN B&W 2 (black and white)
2013
Quesnel Women’s Fall Challenge Sunday, October 6, 2013
Start: from the Dragon Lake boat launch Time: 8:30 am for ½ Marathon, 9:00 am for 5 and 10 km Register: Quesnel Arts and Recreation Centre or online at http://qwfc.wordpress.com
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vices,” the city’s transportation manager Harlene Hunt said. “As well, it will provide airport maintenance personnel with more maneuvering room for operating large equipment – especially in the winter for snow removal.” The apron expansion and development of the new hangar facility is expected to generate additional lease revenue and stimulate increased air traffic movements. The grant is being provided through the Trust’s Economic Diversification Infrastructure program, which provides up to $250,000 in funding to municipalities, regional districts, First Nations and non-profit organizations in Northern Development’s service area for projects that significantly strengthen the local economy via a major capital investment. The airport apron expansion is a product of Quesnel’s Airport Land Development Plan, which was developed with the goal to make Quesnel Regional Airport a leader in general and small commercial aviation in Northern B.C. Northern Development helped fund the plan with a $9,500 grant through its Feasibility Studies program. “Investing in our airports to improve access to the region is a key driver for economic growth in Northern B.C. – and that’s what makes this a worthwhile project,” NDIT chair Evan Saugstad said. “The trust is proud to support this exciting project through both our feasibility studies and economic diversification infrastructure programs.” The project is expected to kick off in 2014.
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