Airport Commission updates council

By Lori Larsen

During a City of Camrose regular council meeting Camrose Airport Commission chair Barry Graham and member Phil McPhail presented Council with an annual report on the Camrose Airport.

Graham began by thanking City staff, specifically Public Works, for the great work done in maintaining the airport. “It is one of the best airports in the country.”

The Camrose Airport was constructed in the early 1960s initially operated by the Camrose Flying Club, with current operations under the City of Camrose.

The Airport Commission

Airport Master Plan.

“Some of our accomplishments, at least we had input in them, include the runway/ apron resurfacing, new fuel dispensing system and the attraction of two new (aerial applicators and flight school) businesses to the airport,” noted McPhail.

“A lot of people may not be aware of all the benefits an airport brings to a community so I will quickly run through that.

“The annual Fly-In Breakfast and the revenue from that provides funding for Camrose Flying Club, Camrose and District Fish and Game Association, Air Cadets and scholarships for including camping facilities, shower, rest area, USB charging station, fully stocked food/ drink vending machines and vending machines that stock pilot supplies such as oil and windshield cleaner. was established in the early 1980s and is currently comprised of volunteer members at large chair Barry Graham, Blain Fowler, Cliff Denham, Paul Grue and Bill McPhail. young aspiring aviators.”

“We are striving to make Camrose Airport a place where pilots want to stop,” concluded McPhail, adding that when the pilots do stop in Camrose they are likely to use other Camrose businesses and services.

Councillor Don Rosland asked what the goals are with regards to providing more services for pilots, while stopping at Camrose Airport.

Graham explained that during a trip he took across Canada exploring different airports his goal was to camp at the airports.

According to the report presented by the Airport Commission, all members of the Commission are licensed pilots (private and commercial) with backgrounds that include business facility management and aircraft mechanics.

“Camrose allows that but what is really nice is to have a shower facility and maybe a sleeping area or rest area for pilots while they are waiting. We have that on the back burner and will see if we can establish that.”

Alexandra Jean “Jeannie” Sasyniuk, of Tofield, on August 2, at 75 years of age.

Randall “Randy” Thomas Olsen, of Camrose, on August 3, at 73 years of age.

Shannon Lee St. Denis, of Camrose, on August 3, at 55 years of age.

Darrell Ronald Higgins, of Camrose, on August 5, at 78 years of age.

Leona Marlene Capeling, of Camrose, formerly of Red Deer, on August 7, at 73 years of age.

Gerald Joseph Pinkoski, of Camrose, formerly of Edmonton, on August 7, at 75 years of age.

Terry Wayne Ulrich, of Camrose, on August 7, at 65 years of age.

Victoria “Vicky” Marie Sturek, of Camrose, formerly of Daysland, on August 10, at 91 years of age.

McPhail explained the functions of the Airport Commission as follows: advising City of Camrose Council on decisions regarding the airport; advocating for the Camrose Airport which includes encouraging development of new aviation businesses, new hangar construction, sharing information with others in the aviation community about Camrose Airport; ensuring appropriate use of limited airport land, exploring available grants for airport improvements; staying current and sharing information on aviation news (safety, procedures, rules and regulations) and reviewing and modifying the

McPhail continued speaking about services provided by the airport to Camrose and area including: Air Ambulance (med evacs); training facility for Royal Canadian Air Force NDB (Non Directional Beacon); base for aerial applicators who service farmers around Camrose; flight school for future pilots; aircraft maintenance services; long runway that allows CEO’s of major corporations based in Camrose to fly their jets in for meetings; functions as a base for search and rescue activities as required; hosts special events such as the Snowbirds, CF18 Demo Teams, vintage warbird stopovers and the annual Fly In Breakfast and sponsor the Discover Aviation Program taking youth up on their first flight to spark interest in aviation.

Looking forward the Commission’s goals are: to continue exceptional management of the Camrose Airport; increase airport revenue; continue to attract new aviation businesses; develop better facilities for itinerant pilots

Councillor Joy-Anne Murphy inquired as to the success of fundraising initiatives, such as the Fly-In Breakfast and if they were experiencing less success post pandemic.

Graham said that this year’s Fly In Breakfast was successful in that they had close to 2,500 people come out, served 1,200 breakfasts and had approximately 100 aircraft attend, which is about average.

Councillor Agnes

Hoveland asked if the Commission felt that the Camrose Airport Terminal building could in fact accommodate showers and a resting area for pilots.

Graham replied. “I think there is room there. We have a consistent idea that we have got so far but really haven’t looked into it to see if there is a possibility.”

For more information on the Camrose Airport visit the City of Camrose website at www.camrose.ca/en/livinghere/airport.aspx.

Slow to 60, increases roadside safety

By Lori Larsen

Beginning September 1, all drivers in Alberta operating a motor vehicle in the lane closest to any roadside worker vehicle stopped at the side of the road with its lights flashing, must slow down to 60 km/h or the posted speed limit, whichever is lower. Drivers must also move over to the far lane, if it’s safe to do so, and take reasonable steps to allow other drivers to move over as well.

“This is a commonsense rule change,” noted minister of Transportation and Economic Corridors Devin Dreeshen. “If you see any flashing lights and people working on the side of the road, slow down to 60 km/h or move over to make an open lane beside them. We want to protect our police, paramedics, maintenance workers and tow truck drivers so they can get home safely at the end of the day. These people proudly serve Alberta, and we want to make sure we look out for them.”

“Although a law requiring motorists to slow down to 60km/h or move over, has been in place to protect tow trucks and emergency responders for some time, it is now expanding to include all roadside workers such as maintenance and snowplows stopped with flashing lights,” explained Camrose Police Service Chief Dean LaGrange.

Failure to comply with this legislation can result in a fine and demerit points accordingly:

• variable fines and demerit points for failing to slow down to 60 km/h or the maximum speed limit, whichever is lower, when passing stopped roadside workers (the fine and demerits in- crease on an escalating scale, based on how much a driver exceeds the speed limit)

• $243 fine and three demerit points for failing to allow other drivers to move into a traffic lane farther from a stopped emergency vehicle, tow truck or roadside work vehicle,

• a fine of $324 and three demerit points for unsafe passing of snowplows.

“The Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police (AACP) is committed to road safety for all Albertans,” said Alberta Association of Chiefs of Police executive director Leticia Aplin. “ This initiative of Transportation and Economic Corridors is another step towards enhancing these goals. We look forward to working with the ministry and other partners to further the work of keeping Albertans safe on our roadways.”