Airport Upgrades Aim to Improve Traveler Experience

Washrooms, parking and water services are receiving upgrades at the Lethbridge Airport.

City Council voted to approve funding to immediately upgrade a number of infrastructure items at the airport as the City gets ready to take over operations from the County on July 1.

"Upgrading some of these basic facilities within the terminal will improve the travel experience in the short term," says Mayor, Chris Spearman. "We know that our airport is continuing to see increased air passenger traffic and we want to ensure we do everything we can to keep that growth moving in the right direction."

Air passenger traffic has increased by 80 per cent in the last 12 months, due in part to the addition of services from WestJet Link and Air Canada utilizing larger aircraft to service their routes. The renovation design list aims to build on that momentum and improve the traveler experience. Upgrades include increasing the size of the secure hold room, upgrades to make the current washrooms accessible and the addition of accessible washrooms in the pre-boarding area, parking upgrades, water service updates and furnishing modernization.

"City Council committed to investing in the airport as we know it's a major economic driver for our city," says City Manager Bram Strain. "These infrastructure improvements prove that commitment is still strong and it shows that we're thinking ahead for the future needs of our city and region."

The total estimated cost for the design of the phased upgrades is approximately $700,000.00 and will be funded through the Pay-as-You-Go Community program. Actual construction costs will be identified and an upgraded request for funding will be made once they are known.

Preparations will begin on the airport renovations as soon as the City assumes operations of the facility on July 1.