Williams Lake airport cuts postponed

There won’t be any cuts to the Williams Lake airport until at least the fall of 2010.

NAV CANADA decided to postpone a study that was to look at downgrading service levels at local airports.

The Cariboo Regional District (CRD), its four member municipalities including 100 Mile House, the Cariboo Chilcotin Coast Tourism Association (CCCTA) and Cariboo chambers of commerce all opposed a reduction in airport services.

At their April 30 meeting, CRD directors approved up to $18,000 to appoint consultants to lobby the federal government.

CRD chair Al Richmond says the money was well spent for consultants to put together a report entitled, Not here, not now, to present to NAV CANADA.

“Now is not the time to make changes when we are struggling to diversify our economy and attract new development.”

Richmond says he believes NAV CANADA was surprised at the combined opposition to their plans to operate the airport from a remote location.

“The public has a perception that an unmanned airport is not as safe.”

Richmond says he expects the same problem could arise next year and wants NAV CANADA to agree to a five-year period when no further service downgrades will be considered.

He credited the combined efforts of community stakeholders, including the Council of Tourism Associations of British Columbia (COTA) with the success.

Pat Corbett, The Hills Health Guest Ranch owner, says he was very pleased “the bureaucracy” at NAV CANADA listened to the announcement, but he cautions a one-year timeline is not necessarily acceptable.

“For long-term planning, we need a four- or five-year commitment.”

The lobby group made the difference in “saving our bacon,” he adds.

“It’s my firm belief we would not have this result had we not led the charge and we were the first in B.C. to do so.”

Corbett says the size of the coalition that fought against reduced services showed the strength of coming together with the community and those with aeronautical interests.

South Cariboo Chamber of Commerce (SCCC) in 100 Mile participated in public forums about the airport earlier this year.

SCCC manager Howard McMillan says they are gratified NAV CANADA adopted a proposal put forward by the attendees to consider the softer economy in their assessment of traffic flows at the airport.

He adds the chamber is very supportive of retaining the

current level of services at the airport as local tourism operators and

other important business sectors rely heavily on the access provided to the South Cariboo.

NAV CANADA is the private corporation that owns

and operates

Canada’s civil air navigation service.

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