Trail’s airport could be getting a new terminal.
Don Goulard, Trail Regional Airport manager, was at the May 12 Trail City council meeting to submit a Request for Proposals regarding a new terminal at the site, and the process is now moving forward.
“There was a site viewing and information meeting on July 2,” said Goulard. “There were over a dozen architectural and engineering firms in attendance for a tour of the airport grounds.”
Goulard says the reception from the architects and engineers was positive.
“(The tour) created a great deal of excitement and enthusiasm for the project,” he said, adding that final submissions for proposals for the new terminal are due Sept. 12
Along with the RFP submission, Goulard was charged with making sure Trail Regional Airport was up to standards after a Transport Canada audit showed there were a few changes that needed to be made. Goulard has since been putting his nose to the grindstone on his Corrective Action Plan for the facility.
Most recently, chevrons on the runway, discovered through the audit to be incorrect, were covered and are currently being repainted.
“The incorrectly painted stopway markings were covered back in April,” said Goulard. “The correct markings (were) being applied (July 30). This is just one of many activities that we are undertaking to ensure that we are in compliance with Transport Canada regulations.”
Some of those activities Goulard referred to include tree removal, security concerns, changes in fencing to reduce wildlife on the runway and ensuring staff are recording training and daily goings-on in the proper way.
Goulard’s hopes the airport, once the upgrades and changes are complete, will promote expansion and use of the Trail area.
“Convenient access to transportation is essential to the growth and long-term viability of any community,” he said, adding that the airport is a necessity to the city. “The Trail Regional Airport is an indispensable piece of infrastructure and will continue to become an even safer, more efficient, more reliable and sustainable means of transportation for the Greater Trail area.”
The airport, formerly owned by the Regional District of Kootenay Boundary, came into Trail’s possession on Feb. 15 and upgrades to the airport are ongoing.