The District of Sechelt is working hard to secure $3.1 million needed to improve the airport, before the timeline to use $1,002,839 in funding received from Island Coastal Economic Trust (ICET) runs out.
The District was given the funds by ICET in September 2010 for their $4.1 million airport project, with the stipulation the money be used by December 2010.
When it became apparent the remaining $3.1 million could not be secured by that time, ICET gave the District of Sechelt a timeline extension to the end of 2011.
The airport, which sits at the top of Field Road in Wilson Creek, needs repairs to the existing runway and taxiways and an extension of the runway to 1,200 metres, as well as proper lighting of the airstrip.
Once those repairs and improvements are finished, the airport could be certified for scheduled flights to Vancouver and Victoria, and it could be used for medical evacuations in the event of an emergency.
The District of Sechelt has been trying to improve the airport for more than 15 years, according to Coun. Ann Kershaw, who holds the airport portfolio for the District.
The announcement of funding from ICET last year moved the District one step closer to their goal, but securing additional funding has been difficult.
With the end of the year deadline looming, Sechelt Mayor Darren Inkster said he has been doing everything he can to try to get the money needed without going to the public to foot the bill through taxation.
"I went to talk to the premier about it in June. I heard she was going to be at an event on Vancouver Island and I flew over to talk to her about it," Inkster said.
He said the District is now working to set up a meeting with provincial officials to add to the ICET funding.
The District is also working with West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea to Sky Country member of Parliament John Weston to secure funding before the year-end deadline.
"We consider it our job to support local initiatives like this," Weston said. "We're working with the local government. They're identifying certain avenues and we're going to be exploring those with the local government. I've also suggested that the Sechelt government look at some of the best practices of other local governments across Canada in building airport infrastructure and obtaining the funds necessary to do that."
Weston recently brought a cheque for $1.6 million to Powell River for their airport infrastructure upgrades and Inkster hopes he will do the same in Sechelt soon.
"All four governments on the Sunshine Coast indicated support for airport development in recent discussions on regional economic development," Inkster said. "When additional senior government support is confirmed, Sechelt looks forward to working with our neighbours on this priority project that will improve the Coast's transportation options. Better transportation will benefit existing residents and businesses and help our region attract new investment, diversify our economic base and create more local jobs."
