Project: Parkland Airport - West of Edmonton

[Cessna driver]

Flew over today, its like an army of trucks. Good on em! Looks like about half the runway is done

[Prodriver]

Can't wait!! What a great asset for the Edmonton region!!

[Tom H]

Sorry for double posting, please remove if you must mods, but this really, really raised my ire.

Notice from AAC on another thread
viewtopic.php?f=54&t=92703

This is the way to work isn't it

Closed meeting and the ultimate insult...on Remembrance Day!

A day when we are supposed to be remembering those that have sacrificed their youth, their health and in many cases their lives to take a stand for others and the freedom of others.

In Bomber Command alone (you know those guys that flew big airplanes) over 10,000 Canadians were lost in service between 1939 and 1945, plus all the other areas of the RCAF, the Royal Canadian Navy and of course those of the Canadian Army.

Nice AAC real Nice, couldn't have waited a day?

In my highly biased personal opinion

[Flightfan151]

Another closed meeting....I wonder if they will let their media liaison and ring leader attend? She lives in Edmonton...where is her proof of residency? But wait Tom...I am sure they will have a minute of silence...out of respect...before they stomp on the graves of those who gave their lives for our freedom. Agreed, They should have waited a day...poor taste.

[slowstream]

I am still at a loss for this plan, it does not make any sense what-so-ever!

Generally I am all for development and growth but this project just seems out there from a business perspective, in my humble opinion. If you guys are planning it for a training airport okay but for a Corporate/charter airport, it makes no sense at all. For a corporate or charter airport its too far away from town, there are no services and so on. I suppose I could go on pointing out all the reasons, bottom line to me it still does not make sense and I don't see that companies or people will support it when it comes right down to it.

Its not my intention to be negative or wish the project bad luck but it sounds to me like someone did one heck of a sell job on some people with money.

[Schooner69A]

Slowstream:

Here in the lovely Okanagan, I am situated within spittin' distance of the local airport (about 700 feet from the button of one of the runways) on which are based dozens of small aircraft - literally: there are fifteen to eighteen RVs alone. There are two small corporate jets based here, frequent visits from the provincial medivac aircraft, and we see three or four other corporate/charter aircraft operate in and out of here also. As the runway is just over 3500 feet, the length is a restriction for most corporate flight departments which use a cut-off of around 4000 feet. So, the airport primarily services the light GA traffic on the field.

The airport is situated on the western outskirts of the city, but is surrounded by houses, schools, mini-malls, etc. However, the two jets leave at 0700 most days, the medivac aircraft is an infrequent visitor, and the corporate/charter and light GA aircraft are mainly weekend warriors. So, there is minimal intrusion into the lives of the city folk. (Although, we do have a Cessna 185 on amphibs that is universally "fingered" every time he departs... (;>0)

I guess what I'm trying to say is that a small airport out in the country similar to what we have here on the outskirts of a city is not going to have much of an impact on the local population. From the sounds of it, there are some folks in Parkland area who are adamantly opposed to anything that impinges on the enjoyment of "their situation" and have beat the drums, banged the cymbals, and created fear and furor amongst their neighbours. It is indeed unfortunate, for five years down the road, most will welcome the airport in their midst. Further, by having closed meetings whereby fear-mongering and scare tactics will be the game of the day, more consternation and angst will be created amongst people who, down the road, will find that the airport next door will have little impact on their day-to-day living.

I moved to my present abode because there WAS an airport nearby. At the time - nearly ten years ago - we stood on the site and watched jumpers drifting down, gliders overhead, and light aircraft come and go. You could sit on your deck and be entertained for hours! I have attached a picture of our little slice of heaven to give a sense of the airport and surrounding area. You are looking west.

John

[Flightfan151]

Progress, progress! Check out Friends of Parkland Airport on Facebook!

[Cessna driver]

Runway paved, windsock is up, numbers and lines painted on the runway...looks great!

[farm friend]

When I initially posted this blog on the AAC website in mid-October right after the fly in, I had no intention of posting it here; however, I encourage you to give this some thought, given what is at risk. I am surprised that this comment was not posted on the sandhills aerodrome blog despite another comment being posted after this was submitted. I am not certain why that would be.....

When I was a kid, my dad had been flying often out of Blatchford field to far off places in northern Canada since the 50’s. He would tell us hair raising stories of the navigation, the cold and a multitude of adventures of the flights and was among the first to design and build a hanger on the permafrost. How he would have loved to go down to the field on October12th for the fly. In and to give his respect to this field that opened up Edmonton and the North in a way that it would never have otherwise. The stories would have gone on for hours and I wish I could remember the names and the stories in detail now. Blatchford closing leaves behind a world of memories.

I know my dad would have been amazed and appalled at the development by the PADC here near the land he and mom decided to raise their family on. It would not been a reaction devoid of understanding of the importance of aviation or of the need for responsible development of aerodromes in strategic locations to provide necessary services or of entrepreneurship. It would not been devoid of understanding of the importance of community, solid planning principals, safety or the need for due diligence on the part of the developers but also on the part of Transport Canada and the need in a country that purports to be a democracy to have systems in place to allow for due process.

The Public Interest test is significant. Why hasn’t Transport Canada intervened to date – at minimum to clarify jurisdiction during development. If jurisdiction truly rests with Transport Canada, where is the due diligence and due processes in place at this point before irreparable harm is done?

I see the scars on the land, see the gravel trucks on the road, see the arrogance of the developers as they defy the stop work orders and show their disrespect for the land, the wildlife, the livelihood and life style of the locals, and the authority of the municipality – and even the safety of the pilots who may one day legitimately fly in and out of the aerodrome if the Public Interest test and accountability to uphold the sanctity of the factors is only to be found in the Act and not exist in reality.

COPA (Canadian Owners and Pilots Association), if in support of this project, is sadly making a mistake despite its belief in the freedoms to fly; rather the association should be challenging the PADC for putting all they stand for at such risk by backing such a poorly thought out plan and blindly moving forward at a precarious pace in the race against time and the reality November 30th will bring; reflecting poorly on pilots and the proponents of aerodrome development in Canada. I’m sad that Blatchford Field, honoring the last days and the many decades of service, is juxtaposed against the PADC development and their processes which will harm the aeronautical world far more broadly than the closing of the field ever could by putting many future well planned, necessary aerodromes at risk. Our history has shown, regulation becomes more stringent and detailed when irresponsible individuals proceed in irresponsible ways. My dad would have been saddened to see this poorly planned development cropping up under the veil of the tradition of the Blatchford Field – how sad to see such a poor cousin trying to capitalize on such an honorable field being plowed under.

My dad taught me well. You don’t tromp all over the land, the people, the community, ever …. You never back a horse that isn’t sound in the big race. I suggest the investors, COPA, the blind supporters wading in on the AVCANADA forum should consider if they truly want to back a permanently lame horse. If they were to truly examine the project in relation to the public interest, they would likely join the community in their opposition to the project rather than to have this the test case relating to jurisdiction, public interest and the freedom to fly. Blatchford Field may be lost, COPA and aerodrome proponents should be wisely be considering if this is the horse they want to back in this big race.

As a community, we have weathered the test of time and challenge, we are strong, we are determined, we are organized and we are right. COPA I challenge you to consider how much you and your community are willing to lose – perhaps a critical peer review of the project relative to the Public Interest might be in order.

In my highly biased opinion

[Flybabe]

I must admit, I still find it humorous that a field being plowed under (not really, but I will use the phraseology already present) for an aerodrome is vile and repulsive, while a field being plowed under for an acreage subdivison is not. There is more of an opportunity to carry on farming in the vicinity of an aerodrome than between boulevards and lanes.

farm friend there are so many holes in your argument it's ridiculous. I am sure your father was a wonderful man, but this issue is based on facts, not emotion. I see, though, that you are very happy with putting words in other people's mouths as you did on my thread.

And, again - my opinion isn't highly biased. I see both sides.

[farm friend]

I must admit, I still find it humorous that a field being plowed under (not really, but I will use the phraseology already present) for an aerodrome is vile and repulsive, while a field being plowed under for an acreage subdivison is not. There is more of an opportunity to carry on farming in the vicinity of an aerodrome than between boulevards and lanes.

farm friend there are so many holes in your argument it's ridiculous. I am sure your father was a wonderful man, but this issue is based on facts, not emotion. I see, though, that you are very happy with putting words in other people's mouths as you did on my thread.

And, again - my opinion isn't highly biased. I see both sides.

Your understanding of the land clearly is limited - development in some areas makes logical and environmental sense and some it doesn't. Sometimes things are far less obvious than meets the eye such as this situation. A well developed project should welcome scrutiny on many levels ...Transport Canada, CEAA....perhaps even COPA given what is at the aviation community has at risk.

Food for thought if you see both sides. In my highly biased opinion - based on looking at the facts.

[Flybabe]

My understanding of the land is perfectly fine, thank you. There are facts on all sides. I encourage you to look outside of the facts that you present as opposed to PADC.

Regarding areas that are suitable or development and those that are not, I encourage you to look at historical developments. The area which PADC is located in is not unique.

I am not anticipating that occurring, though, "friend"

[Beefitarian]

Runway paved, windsock is up, numbers and lines painted on the runway...looks great!

Where's the pictures?

[Schooner69A]

Have a look at:

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Friends- ... 1538470933

John

[Beefitarian]

Looks good. What font are those numbers?

I wonder how long before someone builds a good coffee shop? Truck in some water and make friends with the neighbors.

[Hipster Exterminator]

After much reluctance I broached this subject with my sister's in-laws who live in the area, and their reaction was "they sure are getting riled up about those silly little planes aren't they?" They didn't understand why they didn't build closer to the city, but didn't have any particular objections or even understand the ones raised by their neighbours.

I don't think what has occurred here is terribly positive, but it didn't occur in isolation. The City of Edmonton started this process when they decided that YXD would be a great place to purposely build what will inevitably become among the worst slums in North America (if anything is ever built there at all).

Take your grievances to city hall, not the people who are just trying to survive after twenty years of abuse by the City of Edmonton and ERAA who would settle for nothing less than their total annihilation.

[Schooner69A]

Beefitarian: the numbers appear to be be "Verdana"

[Beefitarian]

The o, 8 and zed are ok, I don't love the six.

[YQLRookie]

As per the Edmonton Flying Club twitter feed, they are reportedly moving to Parkland Airport, with more details to come.

[Prodriver]

That is great news!

[rac007]

Thomas Aircraft Maintenance is also relocating to Parkland from the muni. The flying club and Thomas Aircraft will be operating out of separate temporary hangars until permanent construction begins.

[Anti-Aunty]

OMG - What's Next A Harlequin Romance Novel Publishing Agreement?

November 29, 2013
Re: Legal Proceedings
As thick snow blankets the region, development of the aerodrome on Sandhills Road continues to move ahead to remove any signs that at one time a beautiful, quiet piece of land once existed there. The usual tracks of deer, porcupines, and other wildlife that in the past could be seen wandering aimlessly across the snow covered field are absent this winter. The crackling sounds of airplane engines can be heard echoing off into the distance, with no leaves providing insulation from the noise pollution that is invading the once quiet and peaceful surroundings.

As the airport developers erect unsightly masses against the natural backdrop of the surrounding fields, the almost unbearable clanking sounds of metal on metal cuts through the quiet from daybreak to dusk, drowning out voices of opposition. As darkness falls on the construction of unwanted hangers, spotlights cut through the night. Neighbouring residents are blinded by the desecration of the neighbourhood they have called home for generations.

Somehow, amidst the spotlights, a new light shines that fills residents with a new hope. From the television in the corner comes word that the neighbouring Enoch Cree Nation is also suffering disrespect. The nightly news reports that they too were not consulted, and that they share concerns of safety and preservation of the environment.

Similar to how the existence of an airport amidst agricultural activities allows the Federal government to restrict the livelihoods of farmers, the neighbouring Nation will have their traditional way of life adversely impacted as migratory wildlife are forced away from their Traditional Lands. It is ironic that those displaced from the Municipal Airport in Edmonton cited concerns of preserving aviation history and culture, and yet do not appear to recognize that their actions are putting at risk the history and culture of other groups of people.

Transport Canada’s deadline of November 25th has been and gone. It has been reported that Transport Canada received a package from the developers as requested. CEAA has also requested documentation which includes public consultation. No deadline was given by CEAA however, so we would advise the public not to hold their breath.

In the meantime, there is hope that the developers will be held accountable for their lack of consultation, lack of consideration for the environment, and lack of basic human respect for all who share this region, regardless of ancestral background.

The AAC Committee

[Cessna driver]

Enoch is only angry because they at one point wanted their own airport. Parkland just built it first

[azimuthaviation]

the neighbouring Nation will have their traditional way of life adversely impacted

So are they talking about the casino or the golf course?

[Anti-Aunty]

They seem to be worried about their "Traditional Way of Hunting",..... traditionally at 7-11 stores, the casino and Federal Government $$$$.