Construction of a new air traffic control tower at Victoria International Airport (YYJ) will begin in the spring of 2023 with completion expected in 2026.

The new energy efficient LEED certified tower will include a control cab with a 360-degree view of the airport and have the most modern air traffic management, communications, and aviation surveillance systems to ensure safety of operations.

With a height of six storeys and a total floor space of approximately 969m2, the new structure will stand several metres taller than the current tower, providing air traffic controllers with improved sight lines over the airfield.

“While the new tower will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology to safely and efficiently manage growing air traffic demand, it will also be LEED certified, which is an investment in energy efficiency and sustainability and demonstrates NAV CANADA’s commitment to its net-zero goal by 2050,” said Raymond G. Bohn, president and CEO, NAV CANADA.

NAV CANADA’s decision to replace the existing tower, built in 1958, was based on the need for an upgraded facility to better support airport and aircraft operations and future years of continued uninterrupted service in the area.

“We are pleased to see this new state of the art control tower being constructed at Victoria International Airport. Aviation is a critical industry for economic prosperity and this project will help facilitate continued growth in the region,” said Geoff Dickson, president and CEO, Victoria International Airport.

Employees of NAV CANADA will continue to work at the existing facility until construction is finalized, at which point air traffic control operations will transition to the new tower.