The qathet Regional District is seeking public feedback on two proposed upgrades to Gillies Bay Airport on Texada Island.
The projects include rehabilitating the runway and installing LED lighting on the apron to support nighttime medical evacuation helicopter flights.
The regional district plans to apply for provincial funding to cover 75 to 90 per cent of the project costs. The remainder would come from airport reserve funds. The district said local taxpayers would not face additional taxes.
“The Runway Rehabilitation project would involve placing a 50mm hot mix asphalt overlay on the existing surface while preserving the underlying structural base, providing a significantly more cost-effective alternative to a full runway reconstruction,” said the qRD. “This approach is expected to extend the useful life of the runway by several decades, helping to maintain safe and reliable airport operations while allowing time to build adequate reserve funding for a future full restoration.”
The proposed lighting would help pilots and ground crews transfer patients at night. If lighting cannot be installed on the existing apron, the regional district may consider building a dedicated helipad.
“The Medevac helicopter lighting would involve installing LED lighting on the apron area to provide illumination for helicopters coming to the airport to transfer medical patients,” said the qRD. “Enabling more convenient night operations of medevac flights will reduce response times and improve patient safety. The lighting would be controllable both from the ground as well as by pilots.”
Residents can submit survey responses until Nov. 20.
