District receives $601,615 in funding for Squamish Municipal Airport - Don Patrick Field Runway Reconstruction

“Our airport is a critical piece of emergency response infrastructure and one that we would rely on heavily in the event of a major emergency or evacuation," says District of Squamish Mayor Karen Elliott. "Having a well-functioning airport is also essential, and this project will ensure a safe and efficient airport environment for all of our airport users and passengers. We wish to thank the Province for this funding to support for these much-needed upgrades that will improve both the quality of our airport and our long-term resilience in the wake of an emergency event." 

Work is expected to be completed in Spring 2021. This project is 75% funded by grants; the total cost of the project is $802,153. 

Identified in the Sea to Sky Multimodal Evacuation Plan as critical emergency infrastructure, the Squamish Municipal Airport is a general aviation airport that supports medevac and wildfire operations and response, flight tourism, and emergency operations including the transportation of emergency personnel, supplies and those who are injured or at immediate risk. 

The Squamish Municipal Airport was renamed Squamish Municipal Airport - Don Patrick Field on June 16, 2020 to commemorate the extraordinary community service and contributions made by Squamish resident and Don Patrick. Mr. Patrick is a 50-year Squamish Flying Club member who led the airport's operations until its transfer to the District of Squamish in 2002. This year marks the 50th year of airport operations. 

The BCAAP provides funding to assist B.C. aviation facilities in order to improve infrastructure and environmental performance. For more information about the BCAAP visit www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/funding-engagement-permits/funding-grants/aviation-infrastructure-funding.