COPA Flights NewsFlash

February 01, 2007

Transport Minister is considering bowing to Not-in-my-backyards' Demands

It was good news recently to learn, after general aviation was chased out of Shearwater airport and the Trenton Nova Scotia airport was sold to private interests with the possibility that restrictions will be put on its use

www.copanational.org/non-members/Newsletter/2006/newsSep06E_d.htm

that a development was in the works for a new aerodrome in Belnan, near Halifax. As sometimes occurs, the local residents strongly opposed the development because of mis-guided concerns about pollution and other not-in-my-backyard matters. The local municipality, bowing to strong opposition, refused to approve a plan to sub-divide the property for residential development, which they are entitled to do, and the owner decided to proceed with the aerodrome anyway, which he is entitled to do.

Strong opposition remains such that the local MP, Scott Brison got involved and promised to take it to the Minster of Transport, Lawrence Cannon. A press report quotes Minister Cannon on 31 January as saying "The question is how can I intervene," he said. "I mean, that is the issue here so we're looking at that." meaning that he is weighing his political options. While he is contemplating his next move, COPA members should flood Cannon's and Brison's offices with their concerns by email, fax and phone, about the Minister of Transport considering stepping in to stop an aerodrome from being constructed at Belnan.

The issue is a person's right to establish an aerodrome when it is not in the built-up area of a city or town, and we understand that this aerodrome is not in a built-up area. Local and provincial authorities cannot, through bylaws, building permits or other mechanisms, stop an aerodrome from being established or support facilities from being constructed. However, the Minister can, in the public interest (read votes) or for safety reasons, do virtually whatever he wants. We need to impress upon him that there is a lack of airports in Nova Scotia and in particular in the Halifax area. Any initiative to develop a reliever general aviation airport for Halifax should be strongly supported by the government and citizens for the economic value that they bring to the region.

This is a national issue because the Minister's decision could set the stage for many more denials of aerodrome development in Canada. COPA President Kevin Psutka is working the issue in Ottawa but cannot win this one alone, given the strong push against this from area residents. Please get the word out now and encourage everyone to take the time to comment. Post this at local airports and distribute it as far as you are able.

Here is the contact info:

The Honourable Lawrence Cannon
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Telephone: (613) 992-5516
Fax: (613) 992-6802
EMail: Cannon.L@parl.gc.ca
Web Site:  www.lawrencecannon.com/
Preferred Language: French


The Honourable Scott Bryson
House of Commons
Ottawa, Ontario
K1A 0A6

Telephone: (613) 995-8231
Fax: (613) 996-9349
EMail:  Brison.S@parl.gc.ca
Web Site:*  www.brison.ca/
Preferred Language: English

Constituency Offices

360 Main St, Suite 12
Wolfville, Nova Scotia
B4P 1C4

Telephone: (902) 542-4010
Fax: (902) 542-4184