The City of Richmond is saying no to a new proposal for a third runway at Vancouver International Airport, which has been identified as a potential need in the next three decades.
City council is asking Transport Canada to reject the Vancouver Airport Authority’s application, citing issues such as long-term noise concerns and negative impacts on building heights and future development in Richmond.
Transport Canada handles airport rezoning regulations for areas under runway flight paths.
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“The airport authority has unilaterally proceeded with its application to Transport Canada without directly consulting the residents and property owners who will be profoundly impacted by these changes,” Richmond Mayor Malcolm Brodie said in a release.
“There is no valid reason for pushing these changes through without due proper process, particularly given that the proposed runway is not anticipated to be built for decades.”
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One of the city’s main concerns is the airport authority’s decision to go ahead with its application to Transport Canada without any previous public consultation with the residents and property owners that would be impacted by the new plans.
In an attempt to decrease noise from the planes, the city requested the proposed Close-In south Parallel Runway be used for landings only (except under limited circumstances). The airport authority rejected this request which, the City says, leaves open the possibility for the runway to be used for regular takeoffs.
The city says this decision would also limit building height in parts of Richmond’s city centre, which goes against existing local and regional plans for the area.
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In a written statement, the city said it has had “extensive discussions with Vancouver Airport Authority about the proposed new regulations” and “made its best efforts to reach an agreement with the airport authority that protects the needs and interests of the community, and minimizes the negative impacts on development, while also supporting the continued evolution of the airport.”
But the airport authority has rejected the city’s proposed amendments and instead told the city it is proceeding unilaterally to seek approval from Transport Canada for its plans.
Along with bringing their concerns and opposition to the airport authority and Transport Canada, the city will also speak with the federal minister of transport.
In a statement, the Vancouver Airport Authority said it has identified additional runway capacity as a need “within the next 30 years.”
It went on to say that this need has been reflected in its external land use plans for over a decade, including in “Master Plan 2027 and the current consultation process for Master Plan 2037.”
Notifying Transport Canada of its intention to apply for changes to zoning regulations is a “first step in protecting for its future runway options,” the authority said.
“This is the beginning of a robust, federally-mandated process governed by Transport Canada which includes a detailed consultation schedule,” said a statement.
If the authority ultimately decides to build a third runway, then a “lengthy and comprehensive multi-year process of environmental, noise, community and construction consultation will take place,” it added.
“All affected stakeholders will have the opportunity to voice their thoughts and give their input.”
- With files from Aaron McArthur
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