Airport Expansion Set For Takeoff!
The long awaited expansion of the airport in Nanaimo could begin as soon as February. It is expected that tenders will be finalized and the contract to begin construction will be awarded by the end of January with work to begin shortly thereafter. The end of Phase 1 should be completed by November 2009. Phase 1 includes lengthening of the runway by 480 metres, improving the airport’s apron for improved aircraft parking and adding high-intensity lead-in lights. Instrument approach technology will also be added, enabling aircraft to get much closer to the runway before relying on visual references. Upon completion of the Phase 1 improvements larger aircraft will be able to take passengers to Hawaii and Mexico as well as the Pacific Northwest and western Canada. Phase 2 will include terminal expansion, upgraded water & sewer systems and improved parking and roads.
This expansion can do nothing but continue to bolster the already strong fundamentals of real estate in Nanaimo.