Woodlands County is adjusting some roadways at Whitecourt Airport.
At the County’s Dec. 8 meeting, council voted to close three road allowances on the airport property.
The issue had to do with the roadway’s locations.
As they are within the fenced-off airport lands, there is no public access. Under law, a road allowance must have public access.
Officials say closing the roads is simply a procedural move to reclassify them as taxiways.
As there were no objections from adjacent landowners, council voted to close the road allowances.
The County is also working to bring two major events to the Whitecourt Airport.
At the Dec. 8 meeting, council entertained a proposal for the airport to pursue hosting the 2022 Formula 1 Air Racing event. The event is typically held in Reno, Nevada, and would be the first time it would be held in Canada.
The plan is for Whitecourt to be the first race on the tour, and then have the second in Grande Prairie.
Councillor Alan Deane did raise the issue of liability for the event. Administration assured him that liability would fall under the race coordinator’s insurance.
The second proposal would see the Whitecourt Airport host the 2023 Canadian Owners and Pilots Association (COPA) Fly In Event.
Officials say the event would see between 150 and 200 airplanes converging on Whitecourt air space.
The plan is to have a proposal ready for when COPA starts accepting applications in January.
As hosting the event would be a massive undertaking, County administration recommended they partner with the Town of Whitecourt, the Whitecourt and District Chamber of Commerce, and the Whitecourt Flying Club COPA Flight 185, which is the local chapter of COPA.
County Councillor David Kush enthusiastically supported both proposals, saying they would be great for the community.
“This is good publicity for Woodlands County, the Town [of Whitecourt], Mayerthorpe, and everyone around us,” said Kush.
The County approved both proposals, and directed Administration to send letters to the Town of Whitecourt, the Whitecourt and District Chamber of Commerce, and the Whitecourt Flying Club COPA Flight 185 to canvas support for the COPA Fly In Event.
