Some Niagara-on-the-Lake councillors have concerns about plans to extend the Niagara District Airport’s runway by 2,500 feet in the coming years, as it would take up more space in the protected Greenbelt.
During a discussion about the airport’s draft master plan at its last meeting in June, council heard from town staff about the proposed project to extend the airport runway from 5,000 to 7,500 feet.
“The airport lands are within the Greenbelt,” said Kristen McCauley, the town’s director of community and development services. “Any airport expansion would be within the Greenbelt.”
Some councillors, including Coun. Sandra O’Connor, raised concerns about the runway encroaching further into protected land.
“I’m not supportive of them increasing their footprint to include runway expansion,” O’Connor said. “If they can expand within their current footprint, great.”
The Greenbelt was established by the provincial government in 2005 to protect environmentally sensitive lands in Ontario.
The runway extension was one of several issues raised as the Niagara District Airport works on its draft master plan, which outlines goals to grow the airport and up its services, from 2025 to 2045.
Council reviewed a town staff report and debated which comments to submit to airport staff and the airport commission for consideration in the plan.
Another major topic was the future of the airport’s crosswind runway.
Coun. Gary Burroughs said the runway “has not been in good shape for years.” Town staff mentioned the potential for decommissioning it, although no decision has been made.
Crosswind runways are designed so that wind blows across the tarmac, requiring pilots to use specific landing techniques.
Burroughs questioned whether removing the runway could impact nearby development on Glendale Avenue and Taylor Road, for four highrise buildings, at 17, 18, 21 and 25 storeys.
He referred to an ongoing dispute between the airport, the town and a developer over building height and proximity. The airport has said the proposed buildings violate federal zoning regulations.
Niagara District Airport also voiced concern this June about hotel plans slated for York Road, which would be an extension of the current Staybridge Suites and Holiday Inn hotels, and the planned height of 10 storeys for that building.
McCauley said if the crosswind runway were closed, zoning rules would be reassessed.
“If there was a potential closure of that runway,” she said, “the airport zoning regulations would be reviewed to reflect the operation of the airport, which would then potentially change the restrictions within the Glendale area.”
O’Connor questioned whether the runway should be closed at all.
“I don’t approve of endorsing in any way of a comment saying we should get rid of that crosswind runway,” she said.
McCauley said the airport’s draft master plan will be released “in the next short while.”
Council voted to receive the staff report as information.
