NANAIMO – Developing the commercial potential of Nanaimo Airport will provide economic benefits to Central Island Vancouver Islanders for decades to come. And to fulfill that potential, the airport has partnered with an industry expert in aviation-related development to help attract business investment.
EFC Developments, which has led many projects in Western Canada that have been welcomed by communities and spurred economic growth, is working with the airport to promote a multi-phase YCD Aviation Gateway.
The project supports Nanaimo Airport’s initiative to increase passenger handling capacity and operational efficiencies.
Airport operations already inject an estimated $100 million annually into the local economy. Bringing new commercial ventures to the site will create jobs directly and indirectly, while boosting regional spending on goods and services and generating significant local tax revenues.
The ongoing spin-off benefits will be felt throughout the region today and for future generations.
Importantly, the airport is committed to ensuring all development meet strict guidelines for sustainability, environmental impact, and community benefit.
As an example of how it will manage development responsibly, EFC Developments has carefully shaped architectural design guidelines for any new facilities and landscapes. The guidelines will ensure the airport maintains a cohesive community of consistent high quality aviation related businesses.
The first phase of YCD Aviation Gateway focuses on developable land fronting both the main airport roadway and the primary taxiway. The land is ideally suited for any of five prime commercial development sectors tied to existing activities at the airport:
- Hangars for private and corporate users
- Fixed Based Operators, who provide a variety of aviation services
- Aircraft sales
- Aerospace businesses
- Maintenance, repair and overhaul services, which could include aircraft conversions to extend their lifetimes
The project’s later phases would cover other areas in the airport’s extensive inventory of land.
For more information on Nanaimo Airport’s economic contribution to the region, see the 2015 annual report.
