Airport Planning

Over recent years, the Village of Pemberton has seen a marked increase of interest in the Pemberton Regional Airport (PRA). Originally started as an initiative of the Pemberton Flying Club in the 1970s as a base for the club's activities, the Crown subsequently granted the airport land to the Village of Pemberton in 1985, and a plan was put forward by the federal government for navigational aid installation in anticipation of regular Dash 7 service. The service failed to materialize, but interest in developing and expanding operations at the PRA has continued to be expressed by aviation enthusiasts and businesses throughout the years.

Currently, the airport exists as a 3917 ft (1194m) long by 100 ft (30m) wide runway which carries the designation 06-24. The runway is limited to day time VFR activity because of the lack of landing aids, airport lighting, as well as the challenge of the surrounding terrain. Read more about airport specifics at "Flying into CPYS-Pemberton".

Airport Documents by Year

2009
Ongoing Public Consultation:

2008

2007

2006

2005

2004 - 2007

In 2004, YVR (Vancouver) Airport Services (YVRAS) was retained by the Village to assist in reviewing issues related to airport operations and investigating opportunities for development. Through this relationship, the Pemberton Airport Land Use Plan was completed in 2005.

In September of 2006, also with the assistance of YVRAS, the Village of Pemberton finalized the Land Development Manual for the airport, a resource document with the purpose of informing lessees and their designers as to the requirements for development of property at the Pemberton Regional Airport.

Along with assisting the Village in the development of the Land Use Plan and Land Development Manual, YVRAS identified the following issues that would need to be addressed for the airport to grow and develop in an efficient and effective manner:

  • visibility and ceiling data
  • obstacle zoning
  • governance
  • strategic planning

GOVERNANCE & STRATEGIC PLANNING

Governance is recognized as an important component to ensuring that the airport is operated at a level that will encourage appropriate development as well as respect community desires.

In March of 2007, after exploring several models for airport governance, the Pemberton Regional Airport Authority (PRAA) was incorporated as a society under the Society Act of the Province of British Columbia. More information on the PRAA, including documents such as minutes, agendas, and the society's constitution, can be found here.

Once the PRAA governance model for the airport was established, it was charged with the undertaking of initiating a Strategic Planning process to look at capital and operational requirements, marketing forecasts, economic impacts and ultimately the development of a business case/plan. In 2007, the PRAA initiated and participated in the following activities, including:

  • A strategic planning workshop to draft a vision and goals statement and conduct a SWOT analysis for the Pemberton Regional Airport Strategic Business Plan, and the completion of this plan (more info below);
  • Surveys of airport stakeholders in three forums: via telephone interviews and two public meetings;
  • The completion of an Archaeological Overview Assessment of the airport property by the Land and Resources Department of the Lil'Wat Nation.

It is important to note that the Mount Currie Band/Lil'wat Nation has two board members on the PRAA and has been active in all discussions.

PEMBERTON AIRPORT STRATEGIC PLAN - 2007

First component of overall Strategic Planning process

In the spring of 2007, funding in the amount of $100,000 was granted from the Province of British Columbia's Ministry of Transportation, Ministry of Tourism, Sport and Arts and the Ministry of Economic Development to be used specifically for the purposes of defraying eligible costs incurred in carrying out and completing the Strategic Plan for the Pemberton Regional Airport ("the Plan"). The purpose of the Plan is to provide a vision for the future of the Pemberton Regional Airport as well as provide a process for implementation.

Industry experts, InterVISTAS: Strategic Transportation and Tourism Solutions, were retained to help create the Plan.

Part of the process in developing and finalizing the Plan was to gain input from the public and users of the airport, and to incorporate these local opinions and priorities gathered through this public consultation process in the development of the Plan.

All residents of Pemberton and surrounding area were invited to join the PRAA Board of Directors and Village Council at a presentation and Trade Show which took place on Monday, July 30, 2007. Local airport businesses and operators were on hand to provide information on the services offered at the Pemberton Airport. Download comments from the July 30, 2007, Public Consultation.

During the development of the Strategic Plan, Pemberton area residents expressed general support for the airport and its development. Airport users strongly expressed desire for improvements at the site. Concerns regarding potential noise, air navigation, the feasibility of airport development and potential First Nation conflicts were raised.

As a result of the completion of the Strategic Plan, InterVISTAS recommended that the PRAA proceed with a Project Definition Report (PDR) in order to define the structures, systems and operations that would be optimum for the airport. A Request for Proposals was issued in October of 2007, and the contract for the completion of the PDR awarded to PDK Airport Planning, www.papi.ca.

ARCHEOLOGICAL OVERVIEW ASSESSMENT - 2007

Second component of overall Strategic Planning process

PROJECT DEFINITION REPORT - 2008

Third component of overall Strategic Planning process

The Pemberton Airport Project Definition Report (PDR) that reviews options for expansion of the airport facilities was completed in summer 2008. The report was commissioned by the Pemberton Regional Airport Authority and addresses the questions of airport development.

The PDR provides information to assist the community and local government in deciding the best direction for the Pemberton Regional Airport. The report examines the potential demand for air passengers and aircraft activity while analyzing constraining factors that prevent demand from being realized as well as solutions to address the constraints. A financial plan to support specific recommendations is also included.

The report provides options that are economically viable and include caps to ensure environmental and social impacts are acceptable to the community.

Said Mayor Jordan Sturdy in a July 2008 press release: "The completion of the Pemberton Airport Project Definition report provides a picture of what options exist for the airport. It is a positive first step along a road that will include extensive community consultation". Further community consultation recommended by the PDR includes a series of open house meetings, telephone surveys and presentations at various community organization meetings in 2009.

See also: "Beyond the Project Definition Report", originally a power point presentation by PDK Airport planning summarizing the PDR and the recommended next steps.

PUBLIC CONSULTATION PROCESS - 2009 & beyond

In August 2008, Village of Pemberton Council authorized the PRAA to move forward with a Public Consultation Process to roll out through 2009. The purpose of this process is to:

  • Communicate results of airport planning and analysis undertaken to date
  • Gauge interest and community support
  • Highlight next steps and areas for further study

Interpretive storyboards summarizing the process to date and the PRAA's recommended go forward strategy were posted in the Village (New Community Centre) and Mount Currie (Ts'zil Learning Centre), and on this website. Surveys were also provided on location and on this website.

It is important to note that no decisions have been made regarding airport development and that the purpose of the storyboards is to ensure the community is well informed as well as gauge community support and feedback.

An Open House is being planned for the spring of 2009 and details will be available soon. Please contact Sheena Fraser via 604.894.6135, or sfraser @ pemberton.ca for more information.

Last Updated on Thursday, August 26, 2010