Future of Nelson’s airport questioned

By Elliot RobinsStar Correspondent Jun 14 2007 http://www.kootenaywesternstar.com/

A flat 27 acre parcel of land on Nelson’s waterfront has been the subject of some debate over the past few months. While some believe that the Nelson Airport should remain and is the best use of the land, there are those who question whether the area should be used differently. “It really needs to come to the table,” said councillor Gord McAdams concerning the issue of exploring airport alternatives. “I’m just disappointed that we haven’t had that dialogue yet. This is 27 acres on the waterfront that only generates about $80,000 a year.” Nelson mayor John Dooley, however, is a staunch and passionate advocate of the airport. “The airport is crucial and will continue to be crucial,” Dooley said firmly. “I like the airport and it needs to stay.” Dooley said the airport serves as a crucial link for search and rescue services in a community isolated by severe geography.

“It also acts as a huge buffer zone between the community and the lake,” Dooley said. “With the airport there, it will always restrict the height of buildings,” he added, citing the height restrictions on the proposed Kutenai Landing development as an example. According to the May 2007 airport business plan, the airport generates direct revenues and expenditures close to $2.7 million annually and creates 12.75 direct jobs. The business plan also reveals that the airport currently generates $70-80,000 annually, mainly from land leases and fuel sales and the airport is not presently served by scheduled commercial air service. ‘Nelson airport is one of the most difficult airports to land at in the province,’ the business plan states. ‘The mountain terrain limits the effectiveness of traditional navigational aids and restricts operations in bad weather. The runway is short and unsuitable for medium to large sized aircraft.’ McAdams doesn’t appear to have a specific alternative use for the land in mind, but rather wants to open the door, at least, to the potential of exploring new options. “I have no trouble with the airport if that’s what the town wants,” McAdams said. “I see my role as helping citizens get what they want.”
McAdams then asked, somewhat rhetorically, “how many towns in B.C. have less flat land than Nelson?” No matter what, Dooley wants to see the airport remain. “It’s an important piece of the community and we need to protect it.”