Texada / Gillies Bay Airport (CYGB) Runway Rehabilitation and Medevac Helicopter Lighting
Project Overview
The Regional District intends to apply to the British Columbia Air Access Program (BCAAP) 2027/2028 Funding Stream for funding for the Texada / Gillies Bay Airport (CYGB) runway rehabilitation and Medevac helicopter lighting projects. The Regional District is seeking feedback from residents of Texada Island (Electoral Area ‘D’) to determine the level of support for the proposed projects at the Texada / Gillies Bay Airport (CYGB), located at 4482 Airport Road.
BCAAP is a project-based, cost-sharing grant program administered by the Ministry of Transportation and Transit that provides funding for eligible airport infrastructure projects covering 75% to 90% of project costs. The balance of funding for these projects would come from Non-Statutory Reserve Funds from the Texada Airport Service, without requiring additional taxation of local taxpayers. If the applications to BCAAP for grant funds to complete these projects are unsuccessful, the projects would not proceed until adequate funding is secured through other means.
The Runway Rehabilitation project would involve placing a 50mm hot mix asphalt overlay on the existing surface while preserving the underlying structural base, providing a significantly more cost-effective alternative to a full runway reconstruction. This approach is expected to extend the useful life of the runway by several decades, helping to maintain safe and reliable airport operations while allowing time to build adequate reserve funding for a future full restoration.
The Medevac helicopter lighting would involve installing LED lighting on the apron area to provide illumination for helicopters coming to the airport to transfer medical patients. Enabling more convenient night operations of medevac flights will reduce response times and improve patient safety. The lighting would be controllable both from the ground as well as by pilots.
The Texada Island Airport provides an important transportation link that supports residents, businesses, visitors, and emergency services. Your feedback will help inform the funding application and future decisions regarding this infrastructure investment
Have Your Say
A survey will run on Texada Island between November 1 and 20, 2026. You can respond to the online survey by clicking the link below beginning November 1, 2026.
Paper surveys will be available at the Gillies Bay General Store and Texada Market on Texada Island.
Contact Us
Mik Drosdovech, AScT, EIT
Manager of Assets and Capital Projects
Email: capitalassets@qathet.ca
Phone: 604-485-2260