The District of Vanderhoof will install lighting and navigation system at the airport to increase economic and tourism opportunities, thanks to two investments by the Government of Canada, through Western Economic Diversification Canada.

Federal funding of more than $599,000 was announced today by Dick Harris, Member of Parliament for Cariboo – Prince George, on behalf of the Honourable Rona Ambrose, President of the Queen’s Privy Council for Canada, Minister of Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of Western Economic Diversification and the Honourable Gary Lunn, Minister of Natural Resources. Funding is provided under the Community Economic Diversification Initiative (CEDI), a component of the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program.

“Developing increased economic opportunities is a renewal option for Mountain Pine Beetle affected communities that need to diversify their local economy,” said MP Harris. “With this investment in the airport, the District of Vanderhoof will strengthen its economy by creating ease of access to the area and its tourist facilities.”

"The projects announced today are an example of how the Government of Canada is addressing the needs of communities affected by the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation," said Minister Lunn. "Through this support, our government is helping impacted communities turn challenges into economic opportunities."

The Government of Canada’s $550,000 contribution will help the District of Vanderhoof install new runway lighting and a navigation system, airport improvements that are designed to attract more visitors and provide greater access to the area for businesses, charter and recreational flights. The improvements will also result in 24-hour access to emergency medevac services for residents. Goods, services and people will be able to travel more freely and more frequently to the area, creating increased economic opportunities. 

"We appreciate the support that the Government of Canada has shown for this extremely important project," said Mayor Len Fox. "Airport Lighting will improve the quality of health in our community making Vanderhoof and area a more desirable place to live for existing and new residents. The potential for business expansion and creation for aviation related businesses will help diversify our local and regional economy and make Vanderhoof a better place to live, work and play."

Additional funding of $49,298 will help the College of New Caledonia assess the viability of a Professional Pilot Program at their Nechako campus. The study will establish an Industry Steering Committee consisting of persons from local small businesses, Carrier First Nation, School District #91, heavy industry, regional government, and local aviation partners. It will also provide long-term financial forecasts, identify program and activity opportunities and identify demographic marketing opportunities.

"CNC is very excited to move forward on determining the viability of offering a Professional Pilot Program in Vanderhoof," said Maureen Mallais, Interim Regional Director of the College of New Caledonia-Nechako. "This is a great opportunity for the community and CNC to investigate economic activity that supports the continued diversification of our local economy."

Managed by Western Economic Diversification Canada, CEDI will invest more than $33 million over two years towards projects in communities most at risk from the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation. The program supports a wide range of projects that further economic growth, job creation and future community sustainability.

The CEDI program is part of the Government of Canada’s $200 million comprehensive response to mitigate the short- and long-term effects of the Mountain Pine Beetle infestation on B.C.’s forestry sector. This federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program is led by Natural Resources Canada, in collaboration with Western Economic Diversification Canada (WD) and Transport Canada.

Western Economic Diversification Canada is a department of the Government of Canada that works in partnership with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy and to represent the interests of the West in national decision-making.

For more information on the federal Mountain Pine Beetle Program, please visit: http://mpb.cfs.nrcan.gc.ca/

For additional information, contact:

Pierre Floréa      
Director of Communications    
Office of the President of the Queen’s            
Privy Council for Canada, Minister of   
Intergovernmental Affairs and Minister of
Western Economic Diversification   
Tel:  (613) 943-1838     

Mrs. Maureen Mallais
Program Developer
College of New Caledonia
Tel: (250) 567-3201

Kathie Laforge
Economic Development Offier
District of Vanderhoof
Vanderhoof, BC
Tel:  (250) 567-4711