Major investment continues at the Pitt Meadows Regional Airport, and a new waterfront commercial development is back on the table.
Airport manager Guy Miller updated both Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows councils, with the latter presentation on March 31.
A new 12-acre waterfront development is again being planned, which may include a boardwalk, specialty retail businesses, micro breweries, eateries, a seaplane terminal, green spaces, and a float plane docking area.
“This has been a really exciting project for us,” said Miller, noting the “entertainment district” has been a lot of work to get approvals, because it on the banks of the Fraser River, and not protected by a dike.
He said the airport has spent close to $400,000 on consultants, and the development is ready to be “activated.” The airport board needs to partner with an investor.
“We’ll be looking for potential suitors who would like to develop this property,” he said.
He explained an earlier project there was lost due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“The evolution of the airport has been quite remarkable over the last eight years, the airspace community actually wants to be here,” Miller told council. “We are on the map in the regional community, and in B.C., and in Western Canada.”
The airport has invested $10.5 million in capital improvements since 2019, including $2.8 million on runways and taxiways, $2.4 million for aprons and helipads, $2 million on new parking lots and public parks, and $1.3 million for buildings and upgrades. Other improvements include fencing, lighting, and the floating dock and ramp.
He said the upgraded airport has attracted investment.
“We have right now about $100 million in waiting for new development, new commitments, and new leases signed,” said Miller, and he listed some of them.
Liberty Inc. will build up to 80,000 square feet of commercial hangar units, and an equal amount of space for light industrial units.
“What we’re looking to get there are maintenance-repair-overhaul facilities,” he told council. “These are companies that come in and bring jobs.”
The Golden Ears Airpark will see up to four more hangar buildings.
Golden Arrow Airport is also building a 45,000 square foot commercial hangar development.
Pacific Aircraft services is putting up 30,000 square feet of commercial hangar units.
Rowen Industries has 16,000 square foot commercial hangar units built, which was a legacy to the late David Mussalem.
“I would love to have had him see this building,” said Miller, noting Mussalem was the oldest surviving member of the airport.
There is also an 18-acre commercial airpark at the corner of Baynes and Ford Roads, that will be home to “bigger players” and employers.
A 2024 economic impact study found the airport generates 490 direct jobs, and 840 jobs including indirect employment, bringing $60 million in wages.
Air traffic is increasing, as the number of aircraft movements has risen from 150,000 in 2023, to 209,000 in 2025.
It makes Pitt Meadows comparable movements at other regional airports at Boundary Bay (261,000) and Abbotsford (196,000).
He said there is increased traffic from private and business jets, and it’s “just beginning.”
“People from all over the continent pass through this airport now,” he said, noting 123 arrived from Canada, the US and Mexico in 2025.
He said the airport used to get only three or four jets per year.
He noted the airport has 10 flight schools of varying sizes – some with just two or three aircraft, and others with 10-15 aircraft.
“Flight training is a core mandate of this airport,” said Miller. “That’s a big part of what we do.”
There have been 710 noise complaints or safety concerns made to the airport in the past year, and 494 were from one civic address in Pitt Meadows, and another 79 were from another civic address in Maple Ridge.
Miller noted the airport’s hours are in line with other communities, and there are no training flights after 9 p.m., or before 8:30 a.m. on weekdays.
He is having discussions with Nav Canada and Transport Canada regarding noise abatement procedures.
Councillors voiced their overall support.
“I’m such a big fan of the airport, and what a night and day difference,” said Coun. Tracy Elk, remarking on the growth and professionalism.
“I’m so proud walking through there now.”