Passengers using the Prince George Airport will no longer need to pack their baggage up the stairs from the main parking lot to the terminal by the end of this year.
The provincial government has committed nearly $1.5 million to installation of an elevator between the two levels, local MLAs said Friday.
"It will be welcome addition for all of our travellers, particularly those who have mobility challenges," Prince George-Valemount MLA Shirley Bond said during a media event at the airport. "But also, I don't know if you've ever watched families trying to get strollers and baggage all up and down."
Poor access between the two levels has been the "number one complaint" from passengers for years, Prince George Airport Authority CEO John Gibson said.
The work will include construction of a vestibule to enclose the elevator and the aim is to have everything in place by the end of the year. In all, $1.47 million has been earmarked for the project.
The province will also spend a further $460,000 on a new concrete apron at the terminal.
- During the same event, MLAs said $500,000 will go towards a new bike path along the Highway 16 West frontage road.
To be built this paving season it will stretch one kilometre from Marleau Road to Westgate Avenue.
The city is contributing another $500,000 to the project.
- IDL Projects was awarded a $15.6 million contract to four-lane Highway 16 West for 3.4 kilometres from Bunce Road to Blackwater Roads.
In all, $24 million has been budgeted for the work which will also include safety-related improvements to Buckingham Road, upgrades to intersections along the route.
