The Westlock Airport Advisory Board has big plans, and is looking to ultimately take over operations of the facility.
Board members made a presentation to Westlock County council at its May 27 meeting, updating council on its activities and suggesting a future that would see the airport become self-sufficient.
“We would propose that you allow this board and our manager to manage the day-to-day operations of the airport,” board member Larry Strilchuk said. “Our goal would be to be self sufficient as an airport, and be an economic driver for the county and town.”
Under the current agreement, the town and county are co-owners of the airport and are committed to a maximum of $28,000 per year to cover any operating deficit. It has been several years since the full amount was required, and the board suggested in the future there would be no need for input from the municipalities.
Rather, the tax revenue from hangars and operating revenue from landing fees and services like fuel sales could fund the entire airport’s operations — and even help to finance the capital costs of a new $2 million taxiway.
Councillors suggested that although the county is currently the managing partner in the airport, the town also has a vested interest and no changes could take place without approval from both councils. A presentation to both, along with a proposed budget, will be scheduled for a future date.
Board member Larry Price explained there is a great deal of development happening right now, with much more on the horizon.
There are several existing lots that have been sold to private individuals and companies, with many more lots to be developed in the near future: the JSP Developments project will have a total of 24 lots, with another 18 at the Crosswinds Landing development.
Right now there are 29 hangars on the site, with at least one more expected this year.
“The Westlock Airport is an active and thriving airport. The future looks excellent,” Price said. “With the continued positive commitment of previous councils and board members, the Westlock Airport will be an example that other municipalities throughout Alberta will look to for guidance.”
Councillors did express some concerns about the state of the airport, and the potential for development given what’s already there.
Coun. Dennis Primeau said he’s heard concerns from residents that the airport development amounts to a housing development, and is basically a private club.
Al Christou, a board member and owner of Edmonton Skydive, said that’s not the case, but rather there is a great deal of commercial activity at the airport.
“There are six commercial operations out of the Westlock Airport,” he said. “There is recreational, but there’s also commercial activity.”
Primeau also suggested he’d heard the presence of a skydiving club at an airport means further commercial development is “done like dinner.”
Christou said that’s not the case at all, as there are many large municipal airports around the country where skydiving clubs and commercial operations coexist without any problems. He added the Edmonton Skydive drop zone is to the south of the airport, while approaches are to the north — meaning any conflicts would be minimal.
“There are so many false ideas about airports, and most of them are generated by people who have no experience at all,” Strilchuk added. “I think that’s exactly what you’re hearing.”
Councillors suggested to the board they would be willing to listen to further presentations, including a proposed budget.
