CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS

We’re excited to share that the Runway End Safety Areas (RESA) project at YYJ has been successfully completed on schedule. This project was an important step in meeting Transport Canada’s regulations, which require RESAs at certain Canadian airports by 2024 to improve safety during aircraft landings and takeoffs.

In 2023, we prepared for this work by constructing an embankment at the Runway 27 end to address a steep drop-off. Allowing the material to settle over the past year provided a solid foundation for the final RESA construction. With the project now complete, YYJ’s runway systems meet the latest safety standards, helping to ensure a safer experience for passengers and crew.

This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to safety and to investing in improvements that support the long-term needs of our airport community. Thank you to everyone who contributed to this successful project.

The rehabilitation of Taxiway Echo, the busiest taxiway at Victoria International Airport, is now complete, ensuring continued safety and efficiency for airport operations.

Based on findings from our 2022 pavement assessment and over a decade of monitoring, three sections of Taxiway Echo were identified for upgrades due to significant cracking and rutting. The project addressed these areas with targeted solutions:

East End: A full rehabilitation, including removal and replacement of pavement materials and upgrades to adjacent drainage systems.

West End: A mill and overlay process to strengthen the asphalt pavement and resolve existing issues.

Additional Areas: Smaller sections in the vicinity of Taxiway Echo were repaved as needed.

This project was completed on schedule and reflects YYJ’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the highest standards of safety and operational excellence.

We want to share an update on YYJ’s ongoing efforts to maintain a safe and efficient airport environment through improvements to our stormwater management system.

Our stormwater network includes swales, subdrains, storm sewers, and watercourses, with some pipes dating back to World War II. To keep this system reliable, we’ve been conducting a detailed review and condition assessment of these critical assets.

This work has identified several areas where upgrades are needed, including replacing pipes between Airport Apron IV and ȾEṈTEN (Tenten Creek) and near Willingdon Road and West Saanich Road. Permitting is currently in progress, and construction is expected to begin in 2025.

Thank you for your support as we continue this important work. We’ll share more updates as the project moves forward.

The Apron IV Joint Sealing project at Victoria International Airport is now complete, ensuring this critical area remains safe and operational for aircraft parking, loading, and unloading.

The apron is made up of large concrete sections designed to shift slightly under the weight of heavy aircraft, preventing cracks. However, over time, the seals between these sections wear out, allowing water to seep in and potentially cause damage. The last time these joints were sealed was in 2002, making this update essential.

Work began in 2023 with one half of the apron completed, and the remaining half has now been finished on schedule. This project ensures Apron IV is well-maintained and ready to support safe and efficient aircraft operations for years to come.

YYJ is preparing to enhance a 100-meter section of ȾEṈTEN (Tenten Creek), located between areas upgraded in 2016, as part of our commitment to environmental stewardship. This project aims to prevent erosion, improve habitat, and support biodiversity in and around the creek.

The planned work includes vegetation clearing, realigning the creek, installing riprap for erosion control, and adding habitat features such as riffles, pools, and woody debris. Native species will also be planted to further support biodiversity. The project includes environmental monitoring and construction management extending to West Saanich Road to ensure a careful balance between development and conservation.

Currently in the permitting phase, construction is planned for 2025. We’ll continue to provide updates as we move forward with this important initiative to improve water quality, support wildlife, and enhance the creek’s natural beauty.

Project Overview:
YYJ is set to replace the aging airfield power ductbank that connects the Power House to the airfield. Installed over 50 years ago, this ductbank houses all cabling for airfield lighting and Instrument Landing System (ILS) site power. Its age has led to increased risks of failure, potential operational disruptions, and higher costs during maintenance.

Project Benefits:
The new ductbank will:

• Reduce the risk of power loss to critical systems.
• Allow for efficient future cabling installations without system shutdowns.
• Minimize costly power interruptions to ILS facilities during upgrades.

The design includes a directionally drilled ductbank with concrete manholes for easier access and future maintenance.

Timing:
Construction is scheduled for summer and fall 2025, with completion by December 2025.

We are committed to keeping disruptions to a minimum and will work closely with stakeholders to ensure safe and efficient project delivery. Stay tuned for updates as this essential infrastructure upgrade progresses.

Project Overview:
YYJ is addressing the aging cabling and conduit system for Runway 09-27 edge lighting, which is nearing the end of its 25-year lifecycle. This essential upgrade will prevent potential failures that could disrupt night operations and airport scheduling. The project also includes improvements to power quality, reducing equipment wear and costs.

Project Benefits:

• Ensures reliable runway lighting for safe and efficient operations.
• Enhances power quality, reducing maintenance and power cost.

The project involves replacing aged cabling, conduit, and pull pits, salvaging existing light fixtures, and installing new mounting stakes. Construction will include night-time closures to limit operational disruptions, with parallel installation options to maintain lighting availability until the final switchover.

Timing:
This multi-year project begins with planning and design in 2025, followed by construction in 2026.

We’re committed to keeping disruptions minimal and ensuring the continued safety and efficiency of YYJ operations. Updates will be shared as the project progresses.

Project Overview:
YYJ is committed to ensuring safe, accessible pathways for pedestrians and cyclists. The Flight Path Safety Improvements project addresses key safety concerns, including trip hazards and insufficient guidance, to enhance the experience for all users of the airport’s pathways.

Project Benefits:

• Improved Pedestrian Safety: New signage and pavement markings along Willingdon Road and Electra Boulevard will guide pedestrians to safer routes, reducing exposure to vehicular traffic.
• Structural Repairs: Up to 600-meters of the Flight Path will be repaired to eliminate trip hazards and ensure long-term safety.
• Clear Pathway Guidance: Enhanced signage and markings will clarify shared pathway use for pedestrians and cyclists, ensuring a cohesive and safe experience.

This project offers an efficient solution to safety concerns while maintaining flexibility for future terminal expansion plans.

Timing:
Implementation is planned for 2025, with updates provided as the project progresses.

YYJ is proud to prioritize the safety and convenience of its travellers and community members through these essential improvements.