The Town of Qualicum Beach is looking for ways to improve its municipally owned and operated airport.
Consultant Operations Economics Inc. has been retained to conduct a multi-phase consultation and assessment/strategy to consider challenges and opportunities for the airport.
The goal of a 2023 council initiative is to better understand how the airport is used, how it is viewed by the local and regional community, and to identify council decision making opportunities beyond the regulations of Transport Canada and the guidance of NAVCANADA.
The Qualicum Beach Airport is a certified site with daily scheduled air service to Vancouver International Airport, provided by Iskwew Air. It also boasts a restaurant and serves as an active general aviation community that accommodates helicopter operations and training, medevac services and more.
Like many other airports, while recognized as an important regional amenity, the town’s facility also faces challenges such as increasing noise complaints from residential areas, increasing complexity of regulatory requirements, staffing needs and more.
By exploring the opportunities and challenges the airport presents, council will be better informed to make decisions regarding its operations and services. This information could also be used to support an Airport Masterplan in 2024.
READ MORE: Qualicum Beach mayor wants noisy helicopter training to be conducted somewhere else
Process Overview:
• July - Stakeholder Engagement: Consultation and interviews with key stakeholder, including airport users, leaseholders, aviation organizations, regional partners and regulatory bodies.
• September - Situation Briefing: Council will be presented with a situation briefing at an open Council meeting.
• Fall - Public Engagement: A public engagement program will invite the public to discuss the situation briefing and to present their opinions on opportunities and challenges associated with the airport (dates to be determined).
• Winter – Final Report: All the information collected will be provided to Council as a final report for consideration.
The town said to stay tuned for more information on the Qualicum Beach Airport Consultation Plan as it becomes available.
— NEWS Staff