‘Constant deluge of airplanes:’ airport noise concerns continue in Qualicum Beach

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Willis cited the addition of flight schools and helicopter training greatly increased the noise, specifically when pilots perform ‘touch-and-go’ landings, where they immediately take off after landing for training purposes.

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'Constant deluge of airplanes:' airport noise concerns continue in Qualicum Beach

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Complaints surrounding airport noise have been ongoing in the Oceanside community for years, with residents in 2024 describing the sound as “a lawnmower in the sky.”

Recent online chatter related to the airport and the committee of the whole meeting prompted the Town to release a statement on Tuesday, July 7 stating they’re “aware of misinformation circulating,” and “there is no intent to close the Airport.”

Airport manager Kevin Goldfuss presented the report to council, and spoke on their efforts to expand noise-sensitive areas (NSA) and create a procedures chart to define circuit routes over lower density areas.

Goldfuss said those changes are expected to be included in the Canada Flight Supplement (CFS) this fall, published by NAV Canada, which works as a guide for pilots, including information on runways, fuel available, operating procedures and more.

“One thing that we’re trying to do is we’re trying to move air traffic away from the highly densely populated areas within the Qualicum Beach area.”

A draft plan including a new training circuit, and current and expanded NSA’s, including north towards the shoreline.

He said they’re willing to work with residents when they can, pointing to an area along Gilbert Rd. asked to be included in the NSA zone, due to a request from an area resident with a noise-sensitive special needs child.

Goldfuss said they believe they’re making strong progress addressing those issues, with 46 public inputs from 22 unique addresses received from Jan. 1 until June 19 of this year, with only seven of them related to noise within the Town’s authority.

That’s compared to the 120 public inputs from 32 addresses received last year.

Council is currently collecting data on the number of aircraft departures and arrivals, with a report expected next spring.

The report stated around 20 hours’ worth of helicopter training occurred over 25 days this year, training to support air ambulance operations during the day and night.

The airport also assisted with four patient transfers through BC Emergency Health Service and was used to station helicopters during the Wesley Ridge wildfire last summer.

Several bylaws reflecting airport fees were also amended this year, including increasing airport fees 6.5 per cent as of July 1, and a three per cent increase each year until 2030.

The airport unsuccessfully applied for two federal grants worth over $4.7M combined for runway, taxiway, and apron overlay improvements, and to replace a loader, snow blower and related attachments.

Those grants are expected to be reconsidered next year.

Goldfuss said an airport master plan needs to be established as they look ahead, including infrastructure to support electric airplanes, which he said is “the future.”

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