A demand to help safety take flight at the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook has landed.

On July 21st, Kootenay-Columbia Member of Parliament David Wilks announced the Government of Canada will be investing $1,027,052 through Transport Canada’s Airports Capital Assistance Program to cover the cost of highly anticipated safety upgrades at the Canadian Rockies International Airport in Cranbrook.

Upgrades will include the airport’s airfield lighting, electrical distribution systems, runway guard lights for Taxiways A and B, and airfield apron flood lights.

“The Canadian Rockies International Airport is a key hub in southeastern British Columbia,” said Wilks. “This investment promotes the safe and efficient movement of passengers and cargo, which will help ensure the right conditions for job creation and economic growth in Southern British Columbia.”

The upcoming work is expected to help ensure safe airfield visibility, runway conditions and aerial firefighting.

In addition, the conditions on the runway and taxiways for flight crews, passengers, and employees may be improved — along with air ambulance operations.

“The City of Cranbrook is pleased to be proceeding with this much needed and important project, which will improve safety and reliability of operations at Canadian Rockies International Airport thanks to the investment of the federal government through the Airports Capital Assistance Program,” said Lee Pratt, mayor of Cranbrook. “This airport connects us to world and supports local businesses in Cranbrook and region. This is an investment not only in air safety, but in the economic foundation and potential of the East Kootenay.”