By Kim Hutchison
Staff Reporter:
The town of Ponoka is inviting proposals for the removal of approximately 190 mature spruce trees that are situated along the East fence line between the runway and Highway 2A. The trees currently hinder the approach of incoming aircrafts using the newly installed Global Positioning System (GPS). The navigation system was funded by the Town and a number of Airport users and both sources believe these trees are causing numerous problems.
The pilot of an aircraft must be physically able to see the runway at the minimum elevation of the approach and the trees prohibit this meaning there is no other solution to this matter aside from their removal. Not only does it affect personal aircraft use but more importantly, it has medical consequences as well.
When skies are overcast this means flights such as Medi-vac aircraft would not be able to pick up patients from Ponoka. Also, if patients needed to be taken to Ponoka by air, pilots would be forced to land elsewhere and this cannot be the case.
The Town of Ponoka would consider all materials to become property of successful submitter for the project. The closing date is Dec. 31, 2008. Submissions can be mailed or faxed to: Town of Ponoka, Attention: Director of Property Services. 5102 48 Ave. T4J, 1N4
The town realizes that it is very unfortunate that these mature trees are going to be removed and advises that a replacement plan for trees that would grow to a maximum height that does not hinder the approach is currently being considered.