First LEED-Certified Facility in the Works for 2027 Opening

Canada's air regulator NAV CANADA and the Airport Authority of Victoria Airport have announced the groundbreaking of their new control tower, which is expected to enter service in 2027.

The final tower will sport a height of 90 feet and more than 8,500 square feet of floor space for operations, providing operators there a decided improvement in keeping the Victoria show running safely. The new tower will sport NAV CANADA's first 'Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design or LEED certification, thanks to drawing its power from local British Columbia Hydro. Aside from its hopefully-dormant emergency power generators, the Airport Authority says it won't create any emissions at all when meeting its daily operations.

Taking a style page from the green folks, the new tower will make the most of indigenous shrubbery, grasses, and wildflowers to restore the Garry Oak Meadow in the local landscaping. It's a sweet sentiment, but those planning out the overhaul have already said they have to plant things that lack berries or fruits in order to prevent the colonization of birds so close to the runway. Water wastage should remain low thanks to all that thought, in any case, since they'll equip the local property with permeable masonry in order to minimize ground water runoff and prevent flooding.

“NAV CANADA is consistently working to update its essential infrastructure. The new tower will enhance service delivery with improved control tower sight lines over the airfield,” says Raymond Bohn, President and CEO, NAV CANADA. “Additionally, to support our net-zero goals by 2050, we are adopting comprehensive strategies to ensure the sustainability of our new facilities”.

“The services that NAV CANADA provides for the complex airspace in our region is essential for the safe operation of the Victoria International Airport (YYJ) and this investment will enhance air navigational services for years to come,” says Elizabeth M. Brown, VAA President and CEO. “This new state-of-the-art facility will not only improve aviation safety and efficiency but will also highlight the many ways thoughtful and sustainable design can be employed in non-traditional developments and facilities that serve unique functions. The various design elements that have been incorporated align with many of the goals in YYJ’s Sustainability Plan and we look forward to seeing the building in operation.”

FMI: www.navcanada.ca