For those who have used Claresholm airport (CEJ4) there is trouble brewing as auto racing threatens to take over the only active runway. For further information please "Read More".
November 27, 2017
To: Claresholm Airport Users
As you may or may not know, in mid to late August 2017 the Town of Claresholm closed the only remaining open runway for a full Sunday and rented the runway out to a local drift racing club to race on. Shortly after that it was discovered that the airport land use bylaws provided for “airport use only” on any portion if the land designated as “airport”.
Subsequently, the town made application to the municipality (the airport is located in their jurisdiction) through the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) to have the airport re-designated for airport “and” sports events (including drag racing, drift racing, motocross, bicycle racing, driver training, etc.).
The aviation community’s concerns are that the airport could/would be closed “multiple” days or weekends throughout the year and considerable damage could occur to the runway resulting in potential danger to aircraft using the airport, or worst case, the runway being rendered completely un-serviceable.
At the MPC meeting the users group was successful in getting the application “tabled” until more information could be obtained. After the meeting the M.D. suggested to airport user’s in attendance that they form an informal “committee” or “group” of members that in turn would appoint one or two individuals to act as their representatives with respect to any future changes/proposals/issues that might come up respecting the airport.
You have received this email due to being identified as a “frequent or regular” user of the airport, either as a land/hangar owner, potential future hangar owner, owner of an aircraft at the airport, or use the airport to travel to/from regularly for business or recreation, use the airport as a “sub-base” to your main base or an alternate to your main airport, use it as a fuel or layover stop, or use it for training purposes.
Our original plan was to call a meeting by phone and/or email but we are finding it difficult to get everyone together at once. So, in lieu of this, we are sending out this email with a request for reply on the following items.
To: Claresholm Airport Users
As you may or may not know, in mid to late August 2017 the Town of Claresholm closed the only remaining open runway for a full Sunday and rented the runway out to a local drift racing club to race on. Shortly after that it was discovered that the airport land use bylaws provided for “airport use only” on any portion if the land designated as “airport”.
Subsequently, the town made application to the municipality (the airport is located in their jurisdiction) through the Municipal Planning Commission (MPC) to have the airport re-designated for airport “and” sports events (including drag racing, drift racing, motocross, bicycle racing, driver training, etc.).
The aviation community’s concerns are that the airport could/would be closed “multiple” days or weekends throughout the year and considerable damage could occur to the runway resulting in potential danger to aircraft using the airport, or worst case, the runway being rendered completely un-serviceable.
At the MPC meeting the users group was successful in getting the application “tabled” until more information could be obtained. After the meeting the M.D. suggested to airport user’s in attendance that they form an informal “committee” or “group” of members that in turn would appoint one or two individuals to act as their representatives with respect to any future changes/proposals/issues that might come up respecting the airport.
You have received this email due to being identified as a “frequent or regular” user of the airport, either as a land/hangar owner, potential future hangar owner, owner of an aircraft at the airport, or use the airport to travel to/from regularly for business or recreation, use the airport as a “sub-base” to your main base or an alternate to your main airport, use it as a fuel or layover stop, or use it for training purposes.
Our original plan was to call a meeting by phone and/or email but we are finding it difficult to get everyone together at once. So, in lieu of this, we are sending out this email with a request for reply on the following items.
- Do you agree to become a voting or consulting member of this group (or “no thank you”).
- Do you agree to the list of volunteers to be your representatives (see “volunteers” at end of this email), or do you volunteer or recommend someone else.
- List in point form your top 3 priorities at the airport (see suggestions at end of email).
- What is your specific interest in or use of the airport.
Volunteers - At present myself, Murray Frame (Frame Aviation), Dale Hendrickson (hangar/aircraft owner) and Al Minor (hangar/aircraft owner) have volunteered based on the premise that any (1) or combination of (2) or all (3) would be capable of attending any and all meetings/working groups both with the Town and M.D on an on going basis.
Priority Suggestions – (not in any particular order)
- Do not allow airport closures on a whim to host non-aviation functions.
- Preserve the main runway by restricting use to aircraft and maintenance vehicles.
- Increase security by signage, fencing, gates, etc.
- Open up new hangar lots A.S.A.P.
- (Long term) – Reinstate one or both of the closed runways.
We appreciate your participation in this matter. In the future, as a stake holder, you will receive “updating” emails and if any issue arises that we feel requires your input or vote, you will also be contacted.
All emails will be held in confidence, all “votes” and or “remarks” will be de-identified and after the information is recorded, the email will be deleted.
Thank you,
We await your reply,
Murray Frame/Wendy Harvey
Frame Aviation div. of High River Aviation Services Ltd.