History

Pitt Meadows Regional Airport (British Columbia)

In May 1961, the Department of Transport announced its decision to build a new airport at Pitt Meadows that would serve as a satellite to Vancouver International Airport . It would also have a seaplane base on the adjacent Fraser River . The site was 754 acres [283 hectares] in area and, initially, the airport was to have two graded landing strips, 2,500 by 50 feet, one gravel and the other grass.

The airport opened on July 20, 1963 . Pitt Meadows is thirty-two kilometers northeast of Vancouver International Airport and serves the area north of the Fraser River from Mission to and including Vancouver . It is a general aviation satellite airport, catering to flying training, aircraft maintenance businesses, and commercial charter operations. A new parallel asphalt runway, 08R-26L, was opened in June 1970, and today, the airport has three asphalt runways: 08L-26R, 2,500 by 75 feet, 08R-26L, 4,300 by 100 feet (extended in 1986, 400 by 100feet) and 18-36, 2,500 by 75 feet. A portable control tower began operations in September 1967, and the permanent tower was opened in August 1969. In 1975 a new seaplane ramp was built providing access to the airport for float aircraft.

Travelers on a Canadian or U.S. registered private, company-owned, or small charter aircraft carrying no more than 15 passengers have to use a telephone reporting system to get permission from a customs or immigration officer to enter Canada . However, there are different benefits for CANPASS permit holders and travelers without CANPASS permits.