Brian Grant, the longtime Chief Executive Officer of the Grande Prairie Airport, is retiring this April after an extensive 42-year career in the aviation industry.
Grant began his career in 1982 as a seasonal equipment operator for Transport Canada at the Grande Prairie Airport. Over the decades, his leadership has played a defining role in the facility’s development. Most notably, he led the successful transition of the airport from federal control to municipal authority in 1997. By 1998, he guided the facility through its move to become an independent airport commission, the governance structure that continues to manage the site today.
As the largest airport in the Peace River Country, the facility serves as a vital connection point for residents of northwestern Alberta and northeastern British Columbia, offering daily flights to Edmonton and Calgary through partners like WestJet and Air Canada Express. The airport is overseen by the Grande Prairie Airport Commission, which includes up to three city council members and several public appointees.
Beyond his local responsibilities, Grant was a founding member and past chair of the Regional Community Airports of Canada. In this role, he became a prominent voice for regional aviation, helping to secure a $55 million funding increase for the federal Airports Capital Assistance Program in the 2025 federal budget. This marked the first significant boost to the program in over 25 years, providing essential support for safety and infrastructure at smaller airports across the country.
Grant leaves behind an experienced leadership team, including Director of Finance and Human Resources Terri Tattrie, who has been with the airport since 1990, Director of Operations Todd Carter, and Director of Terminal Services William Stewart.
