A major milestone in the survival of these
important, life saving airstrips occurred when a meeting was held in Calgary on
March 17-18. A brief history is in order so that the meeting can be put into
context.
COPA has been fighting to retain these airstrips for many years. A major setback
occurred, however, in 1996 when Parks Canada removed their exempt status from
the National Parks Aircraft Access regulations, which prohibit landing aircraft
in all National Parks except for seven remote ones, and announced their plans to
close Banff and Jasper. The exclusion of aircraft in Banff and Jasper Parks was
a political decision; to be seen to be taking positive action to address
environmental concerns in the Parks. Simply put, aviation was considered to be a
pushover.
There was some confusion after the revision of the regulations as to whether or
not the airstrips were in fact closed and this resulted in charges being laid
against some pilots for landing.
COPA pushed back by assisting in the defence of the pilots and we succeeded in
convincing the court that Parks Canada could not enforce the regulations and
truly close the airstrips until it conducts a comprehensive environmental
assessment (CEA). In the meantime, the airstrips remain in place and useable.
COPA considers the CEA as an opportunity to yet again make our case for
retention of the strips. After a lengthy investigation, in which COPA provided
extensive input, a draft CEA report was prepared by a consultant who concluded
that the airstrips could be closed but due to COPA’s concerns regarding safety
there should be a separate air safety risk assessment.
The assessment was conducted by a consultant hired by Parks Canada. The March
17-18, meeting included representatives from several stakeholders. General
aviation representatives included COPA President Kevin Psutka and Directors
Sherry Cooper and Bob Kirkby, Bill Clark from the Banff Flying Club and Bryn
Thomas and Tom Bell from the Jasper Flying Club, as well as Terry Jackson from
the Alberta Aviation Council.
In preparation for this meeting, Bob Kirkby conducted a study of diversions and
emergency landings, thanks to the response that was received to an appeal for
reports from members. We found that there have been a significant number of
incidents in recent years where pilots encountered un-forecasted deteriorating
weather and used the airstrips as a safe harbour. This information was used to
establish the risks and consequences that would result from closing the
airstrips and several options were developed to mitigate the risks, including
the preferred option by the aviation community, which continues to be retention
of the airstrips.
At the end of the meeting, the COPA representatives were not confident that
retention of the airstrips was a sure thing. The consultant’s report of the
assessment exercise will be included with the CEA and then released for a public
consultation phase in the near future. The public consultation phase is a very
important point in the battle because Parks Canada will consider the number of
letters received from individuals for or against the chosen course of action.
When COPA receives the report, we will prepare a response in a continuing effort
to retain the airstrips and we will submit this as part of the public
consultation. But unfortunately, our input will only count for one “vote” in
favour of retention.
In order to ensure that our point of view gets maximum attention, it will be
necessary for each and every member, plus family members, friends, etc., to
write individual letters of support.
This is a David and Goliath issue. There have been several conflicting views
about the management of National Parks over the years, and frankly it is the
squeaky wheel that gets the attention. There are well-organized groups who have
achieved success in a number of Parks management issues and we expect that they
will do so again.
The public consultation phase is our final chance to demonstrate through an
overwhelming number of letters of support that our concerns must be addressed.
The issue goes beyond simply these two airstrips and the VFR corridors through
the mountains.
If the government can dismiss general aviation so easily, it is likely that
there will be repercussions in other areas of the country. We need to make our
voices heard.
In the coming weeks as the dates are set for public consultation and documents
are released by Parks Canada, we will prepare suggested wording for your letters
of support. Check our Web site and watch for updates in COPA Flight. We need
every member plus families, acquaintances and your contacts to write in. Stay
tuned!