Qualicum Beach Airport addition was a finalist for the VIREB 2021 Awards
QUALICUM BEACH – The Qualicum Beach Airport addition and alterations project was named a Finalist in the 14th Annual Vancouver Island Real Estate Board Commercial Building Awards May 7.
Ingleton Construction Inc. was the General Contractor, and Carsten Jensen Architect Inc. was the Architect/Designer for the project, which involved an addition to the restaurant, some interior alterations, and a thorough updating of the exterior appearance of the airport, which dated from the 1970’s, and was showing its age.
It now has an appearance which is more appropriate to the air gateway to a dynamic small community. Local stone masonry, cedar soffits, silver fascia, a larger restaurant with a generous patio, more spacious seating and better airside views are featured in the new look.
The Qualicum Beach Airport has been in existence since 1954 and serves Qualicum Beach, Parksville and the surrounding area. With full fuel service, paved runways, and good parking availability, the airport provides a transportation gateway that is both accessible and convenient.
Operators based at the airport include Sunwest Helicopters Ltd. – a commercial helicopter company, SkyDive Vancouver Island – a sky diving enterprise, Sealand Flight – a flight training, flight seeing aircraft charter and rental company, and the Final Approach Restaurant. Over 45 private aircraft and members of the Qualicum Beach Flying Club frequently use the airport, at 1000 Ravensbourne Lane.
The Qualicum Beach Airport was built by volunteers of the Qualicum Beach Rotary Club, beginning in 1954. In 1957, the province transferred 160 acres of Crown land to the Town of Qualicum Beach for airport purposes.
In 1986, the runway was widened to 75 feet and in 1989, the runway was extended to its current length of 3,564 ft. In1996, runway lights were installed to permit extended hours of operation in the summer and winter.
The airport has provided scheduled passenger service since 1975 and in 1991, the airport terminal was constructed. The airport serves a “niche” market offering passenger service to Vancouver, Tofino, Texada/Gillies Bay and Powell River.
In 2007, the town installed sewer and water service to the airport providing support to both hangars and future development. The airport also provides a location for 24-hour Medivac services.
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