As one involved with this issue I would like to clarify a few misconceptions that have cropped up on this site plus add a little insight as to what has happened in the past and what we hope to see happen in the future.
Harbour Air and West Coast Air built a temporary floatplane facility for two million dollars seven years ago when they were forced to relocate because the new convention center was to be constructed on their location.
Once the convention was built the government of the day promised a new common use floatplane facility would be built in front of it with costs being kept to reasonable levels and within the parameters of typical common use facilities.
What has happened is that the rights to develop the new floatplane facility have somehow ended up in the hands of the former chair of the YVR airport authority and the largest construction company in BC. Under a backroom sweetheart deal, they entered into an agreement with Pavco (the crown corporation charged with administering BC crown assets) to construct and manage the facility and to receive 15% return on their investment. Under this model they have a huge incentive to build the most expensive and gold plated floatplane base they can because they get a guaranteed 15% return in perpetuity. This is a far cry from what was originally promised.
As a result the current and future potential Vancouver operators banned together a year ago to try and negotiate a more equatable arrangement. We have been met with complete disregard.
You can find all the information on our new initiative at
www.vcsoa.com
By the way, Harbour Air and West Coast Air have in the past entered into reciprocal dock agreements including with Whistler Air my company. The float dock in front of the Bayshore has been available for users as well so the Vancouver Harbour has always been accessible to everyone.