Saltspring Air lands a long shot
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Updated: November 25, 2009 1:01 PM
The federal government announced on Wednesday that it will provide Salt Spring Island with a security screening station in time for the 2010 Olympics.
Having a temporary security station installed on the island means passengers aboard float planes travelling from Salt Spring to Vancouver will not have to be rerouted through Nanaimo or Sidney during the 2010 Olympic Games.
Security requirements surrounding the event require that all aircraft entering the airspace in and around Vancouver between Jan. 29 and March 3 obtain prior security clearance.
“It’ll be here and it means we can fly direct,” said Philip Reece, co-owner of Saltspring Air. “It’s great news.”
The decision comes after a months-long campaign conducted by Saltspring Air’s owners and employees.
Reece said the federal government’s announcement means Salt Springers and off-island visitors alike will not have to endure the extra hour of travel time detours would have caused.
Having quick and convenient access to downtown Vancouver, Reece added, means island businesses stand a better chance of attracting some of the tourists anticipated to visit the province during the Olympics.
“Hopefully we’ll be even busier than usual,” he said.
Reece thanked the more than 2,000 people who took the time to sign the airline’s online petition.
More information about Salt Spring’s temporary security checkpoint will be available in the Driftwood’s print edition on Dec. 2.
