Pilots had an opportunity to discuss the future of the Ponoka Industrial Airport during an open house last week that considered the future growth at the facility.
The event was held Thursday, April 16 at the Kinsmen Community Centre by MMM Group, the consulting firm hired by the Town of Ponoka and Ponoka County, to receive feedback from pilots on the property.
The most important aspect of the effort is to set an area structure plan and a land-use bylaw that will help the Town of Ponoka with its goals for the airport, explained consultant Philip Van Manen.
He told pilots and leaseholders that development and expansion will help bring interest and buyers, which will help pay for improvements.
“If we don’t have enough commitment, we don’t have enough to do any of this,” said Van Manen.
He added that there is a small base of revenue at the airport and while there is an annual deficit – the 2015 budget forecast a deficit of $8,800 – Van Manen said there are some airports in the province in worse shape.
If development does grow, there are 10 to 11 acres that could be developed to help expand the airport. Van Manen suggests this growth could come in the next 10 to 15 years if there is enough interest.
He added many nearby airports are at full capacity and Ponoka is in a position of growth. There is also one other strength at Ponoka’s airport: “There’s an economic advantage to this airport. We have a CANPASS (Canadian Passenger Accelerated Service System) facility,” said Van Manen.
CANPASS allows streamlined customs and immigration clearance for low-risk, frequent travellers. Ponoka is an approved airport of entry for private and corporate permit holders and could be used to garner growth.
“There’s a nice niche market for this airport,” he said.
Van Manen added the additional land development will come at a cost. Infrastructure for services such as sewer, water and gas would need to be constructed and with the Battle River close by, that could create some extra costs. He suggests it is a necessary step.
“The only way to cover that (cost) is potentially to sell some lots,” said Van Manen.
There are some risks, however, to selling lots to users who may not have any plans for the near future. Van Manen says there needs to be guidelines for buyers that ensures progress and development.
If those rules are not in place, the town could face a struggle if developers wanted to build and a land owner had no desire to do so. “Future development is not just about aviation,” added Van Manen.
He suggests the Town of Ponoka, Ponoka County, the Ponoka Flying Club and the Ponoka Airport Commission have an opportunity to align their service offerings to see growth at the airport.
An economic impact study was not conducted on the airport as it was not part of MMM Group’s mandate, said Van Manen.