Airport plan panned by Beardsell

By RICHARD ROLKE Morning Star StaffOct 13 2006 http://www.vernonmorningstar.com/
The Vernon Airport’s strategic plan has run into some turbulence. The plan was presented to city council Tuesday but not without it generating some questions from Coun. Barry Beardsell. “It’s such an open-ended statement it’s frightening,” said Beardsell of a section in the report that states financial support for initiatives will be sought from council when either a significant new business proposes to locate in Vernon on the basis of the airport being improved. Besides a lack of clear language, Beardsell also took issue with a suggestion that the airport would work to create a service niche in which private resorts are serviced by airline charter operators. “It sounds like we’ll spend a bunch of money so the rich and famous will come in and out,” said Beardsell. Ian Hawes, Vernon Airport Corporation president, agreed the plan needs to be clear and improved communications with the city and residents are vital. In terms of tapping into charter business for resorts, Hawes disagreed with Beardsell’s assessment. “A lot (of visitors) are rich and we want them here spending money. There’s an opportunity there,” he said. Concerns also came from Coun. Juliette Cunningham, who doesn’t support a possible runway extension to 4,000 feet. “We’re trying to be something we shouldn’t be,” she said of trying to bring passenger flights into Vernon when Kelowna International Airport is just down the highway. That was also the view of Coun. Pat Cochrane, who is adamant that regular jet service is not required. “We will face an uphill battle with the Kelowna Airport and its management.” Hawes says the ultimate runway extension is a long-term project, and the corporation is not actively seeking a passenger service. “If we had 30,000 people come in every year, the $105,000 subsidy (from the city) disappears. The only way to make money is a passenger service but I won’t lie awake at night trying to figure out how to get a service,” he said. The other issue is taking the runway from 3,600 to 4,000 feet could cost $4 million because Vernon Creek needs to be relocated. “Before we consider spending the money, we have to make sure there is a return to the city,” said Hawes.