The Town has installed a new jet fuel system at the Qualicum Beach Airport (CAT4) with the assistance from B.C. Air Access Program (BCAAP).

The new storage system and the dispensing unit is an above ground double-walled containment tank that provides a safe and reliable storage option that safeguards against leakage and environmental damage and expands storage capacity to meet growing needs.

The replacement of the tank became increasingly urgent in 2022 when the obsolete dispensing system failed and was unable to be replaced. The capacity was also grossly under-performing to meet the demand, which had tripled since its installation 40 years earlier.

This prompted staff to approach the Province for assistance outside of a grant cycle. The Town gratefully received $159,000 in funding from B.C. Air Access Program (BCAAP) to help cover the $240,000 cost of replacement.

Jet fuel is used by critical services such as medivac, wildfire suppression, and other emergency services. The airport is also experiencing an increase in traffic both locally and travelling through, as well as firefighting season seeing the airport serviced by several helicopter companies and the Comox military base.

Contact:

Kevin Goldfass

Acting Operations Manager

Town of Qualicum Beach

250-752-6921