Aeronautics Act - Wainright Airport Zoning Regulations

Wainright Airport Zoning Regulations

Description of the Objective

Presently, no regulations exist to cover Airfield #21 at CFB/ASU Wainwright. Given that there are plans to increase the number of flights and that the economy in the area is driven by agriculture and oilfields, there is a need to ensure that the airfield be operated safely and be protected from encroachments and future developments (RAIS, June 2009, v.2e).

Description of the Regulation

This proposed Airport Zoning Regulation (AZR) is being created in the interest of flight and air navigation safety. It sets a zone covering non-federal lands (provincial, municipal, private) with height limitations for construction of structures which would constitute a safety hazard in the vicinity of the airport and/or an impediment to visual and instrument approach paths around the airport. The proposed Regulations would provide for the removal, if necessary, of natural growth that exceeds the prescribed height limitations and prohibits certain land uses which would increase attraction of birds and thus increase the bird-strike hazard. It would also prohibit any land uses that could cause interference with aeronautical communications (e.g. operating any kind of radios that would cause interference with Air Traffic Control Frequencies). Establishment of these restrictions is provided under the Aeronautics Act in the interest of air safety” (RAIS, June 2009, v.2e).

Enabling Act

Aeronautics Act s.5.4 (2) (b).

Indication of Business Impacts

“The affected lands are mostly agricultural and therefore the proposed Regulations will have negligible or no impact on land values” (Triage, June 2009). No direct gross costs or savings are expected on industry, consumers or the public.

Public Consultation Opportunities

A copy of the draft Regulations and maps were forwarded to CFB/ASU Wainwright for pre-consultation purposes. Also, pre-consultations have taken place with the military base, the Town of Irma and the Municipal District of Wainwright, the two communities most affected by these proposed Regulations, in January of 2009. These municipalities have been given time to examine the impacts of the AZR and provide comments. Both indicated that they have no objections. Public hearings will take place once the proposed Regulations have been finalized and published in the Canada Gazette, Part I. Aboriginal consultation was investigated and it was determined that Aboriginal consultation was not required.

Departmental Contact

Peter Nielsen, OLS
Manager - Land Registry Office
Directorate Portfolio Planning
National Defence
66 Slater Street
5th Floor, # 508
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K2

Email: peter.nielsen2@forces.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-996-4679
Fax: 613-947-3385