Aviation Zoning initiatives planned for April 2021– April 2023

You can use this page to find information on planned regulatory initiatives that Transport Canada expects to bring forward over the next two years. The full versions of each plan are published in the Canada Gazette. It also lists public consultations that might interest you and departmental contact information for each planned initiative.

On this page

Initiative(s) planned for Canada Gazette, Part I

Regulations amending the Vancouver International Airport Zoning Regulations

Enabling act

Aeronautics Act (R.S.C., 1985, c. A-2)

Description

This proposed regulatory amendment to the Vancouver International Airport Zoning Regulations would update current zoning protection, which would restrict the heights of buildings and certain land uses near an airport for the protection of safe aircraft operations and provide protection for development and operation, based on the Vancouver Airport Authority’s 20 year Master Plan, of a potential future runway.

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

Given how close the airport is to the cities of Richmond and Vancouver, Vancouver International Airport contributes directly to commercial activity and services in the area. The airport expects that both cargo and passenger traffic will increase, so the airspace needs to be protected from developments that wouldn’t work with the airport (like a skyscraper located “next door”). The proposed amendment is intended to protect the current and future usability and accessibility of the airport and protect for the possible expansion of the airport to meet demand.

Any increase in air traffic will result in an increase in the activities and services required. Vancouver International Airport is the major international airport in western Canada, provides thousands of jobs (both directly and indirectly), and contributes to the local and national economies.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

Transport Canada expects that this proposal will not affect regulatory cooperation efforts.

This initiative is not part of formal bilateral agreement. Due to the site-specific nature and scope of the regulation, there is no need to coordinate regulations within or outside of Canada.

Consultations

The consultations include:

  • early notice to stakeholders and indigenous groups of Transport Canada’s intention to make amend existing regulations
  • discussions with local land use authorities
  • a 60-day formal public consultation where interested parties can submit their feedback in writing to the Minister, and
  • a notice when the Airport Zoning Regulations have been approved and deposited on record in the office of the provincial registrar of lands

Transport Canada plans to pre-publish the proposed changes in the Canada Gazette, Part I, in early 2022 with a 60-day comment period.

Departmental contact information

Jamie Johnson
Regional Director Civil Aviation
Pacific Region
Transport Canada
Telephone: 604-666-5861
Email: jamie.johnson@tc.gc.ca

First included in Transport Canada’s Forward Regulatory Plan: October 2018