Due to the generosity of the Airports Canada Assistance Program (ACAP) through the federal government, the Kamloops Airport Authority Society (KAAS) purchased two new runway sweepers for the Kamloops Airport last summer.
These new sweepers provide snow clearing services to allow flights to land at the Kamloops Airport in winter conditions.
The new equipment resulted in the retirement of two sweepers that no longer met the snow-clearing needs for the Kamloops Airport.
The Cariboo Regional District (CRD) heard about the surplus equipment and asked if it could be secured through a donation.
The KAAS agreed to donate a sweeper to its northern neighbour, whose airport allows for medevac flights and tourist visits to the region.
"The Kamloops Airport Authority Society was very fortunate to receive funding last year from the federal government’s ACAP program, and purchased two new sweepers to replace aging equipment,”
says Kamloops Airport Authority Society vice-chair Peter Milobar.
“We heard South Cariboo Regional Airport was in need of one and are pleased to support our northern neighbour with a donation of one of our retired sweepers."
South Cariboo Regional Airport Commission chair Mitch Campsall says the airport at the 108 Mile Ranch has a really old sweeper, but we need something that would maintain it better than what we have been doing.
"It's far bigger, far better and far newer than our old one and it will help us keep the runway clear for all of the Medevac that we have coming in, so we can get the runway cleared better and quicker. When you're fighting Mother Nature, the quicker you can get it done, the better it is for everyone."
Campsall says the new sweeper will be a great benefit to the community, and it's great that a larger community would give a helping hand to a smaller community.
“The Cariboo Regional District is extremely grateful to the Kamloops Airport Authority Society for this generous donation. This is a welcome addition to our airport and will be extremely helpful in ensuring we continue to provide the best possible services to our airport and the South Cariboo communities.”
Campsall says they expect the sweeper to arrive sometime this week.
