Transport Canada has awarded a $6,447,000 contract to Ledcor Construction Ltd. to modernize and enhance key areas of the Penticton Airport terminal building.

The Penticton Airport has experienced significant growth in air traffic over the past three years as more people make their homes and do business in the region. The project will be to accommodate increased traffic and improve safety, security and the overall passenger experience.

In 2016, the Penticton Airport handled 26,893 aircraft movements, an 18 per cent increase in air traffic since from 2014. The passenger volume in 2016 has increased 64 per cent since 2014.

The project will reconfigure the main concourse; create space for an expanded arrivals hall, baggage claim area and new food service space; build new airline check-in counters, offices and new rental car kiosks; and add an additional set of washrooms. In addition, the existing pre-board screening room, holdroom and baggage storage areas will be expanded.

This project builds on the recent holdroom expansion during spring 2016 that doubled the seating capacity, accommodating the significant growth in aircraft movements. The holdroom seating capacity will again be expanded during this project, making it more wheelchair accessible.

The construction work is anticipated to begin in spring 2018 and will take two years to complete.