The Town of Oliver is exploring the feasibility of establishing a residential airpark in the southeast quadrant of the municipal airport.
Last week council directed staff to seek written consent from the province to have a residential airpark considered an airport use.
In addition, council passed a resolution to modify the 2014 airport budget to provide up to $8,000 from airport reserves to explore the proposal.
The idea stems from the Airport Advisory Committee looking at long-term development goals for the airport.
The southeast quadrant was identified as best suited for an airpark consisting of homes and hangars at different elevations.
However, it was noted the development would be incompatible with the existing fire training facilities located there.
Residential lots are envisioned whereby the leaseholder would have airplane access via a taxiway to the rear of the property and normal vehicular access to the front of the property.
The Town prefers that residential development be located as far south as possible, preserving lands in the area of Oak Avenue for possible commercial/industrial uses.
Councillor Larry Schwartzenberger said the proposed airpark could generate significant revenue for the airport that could be used to pay for needed improvements.
But he admitted there are a number of hurdles to overcome before the airpark is feasible. First is getting approval of the provincial government.
“This will be a lengthy process with council debating the merits and weaknesses of this proposal at each step along the way.”
He noted that council will meet with the fire department to determine its training needs and where that training can be facilitated.
Mayor Ron Hovanes said there are no plans to take the practice space away from the department at this time.
He noted the council of the day did not offer the fire department a lease to use the former rodeo grounds for practice purposes.
Hovanes confirmed the Town will work with the department to satisfy its training needs if the airpark is a go.
But he admitted that he’s not totally sold on an airpark at the moment.
“I would like to see how it may be used to provide capital to make needed improvements to the airport.”
The mayor said the feasibility will look at a number of things, such as hangar location, commercial space, and how much of an area should be considered for terminal space.
