In a letter to the council, Brackendale resident Martin Fichlt is urging the District of Squamish to address growing concerns about aircraft noise from Brackendale Airport.
While acknowledging the airport predates his residency, Fichlt emphasizes that evolving community standards require updated responses. He proposes introducing a per-takeoff fee, escalating with frequency, to deter excessive flying while sparing infrequent users. Enforcement could involve audits or remote camera monitoring.
Read the entire letter below:
I would like to express my gratitude to Armand and John for their prompt response to my concern regarding the noise generated by aircraft taking off from the Brackendale Airport. Specifically, my inquiry was about whether a meaningful plan exists to address and reduce the level of noise caused by these aircraft operations.
I fully recognize that the airport predates my residence in Squamish, and that there are competing interests between those who seek quiet enjoyment of their homes and those who wish to operate aircraft. However, I believe it is important to acknowledge that societal standards evolve over time. What may have been deemed acceptable in the past may no longer align with the expectations of the community today. Numerous examples exist of the District of Squamish implementing policies that balance individual rights with the broader goal of enhancing the livability of our neighborhoods.
It is clear that airport noise is an issue of concern for many residents of Brackendale, and I am confident that this is a matter that can be effectively addressed at the municipal level. This presents an opportunity for the District to demonstrate leadership, especially when considering the broader environmental impacts related to climate change and pollution from leaded gasoline.
In terms of practical solutions, one approach could involve implementing a fee system for aircraft departures. For example, a per-takeoff fee could be introduced, with an escalating rate that increases based on the number of takeoffs a pilot makes in a given day. This would help to curtail instances where a single pilot is flying continuously for extended periods. An initial takeoff could be exempt from the fee to ensure that infrequent users are not unduly burdened.
The fee system could be administered via the District’s website, operating on an honor system with random audits to ensure compliance. Non-compliance could result in significant penalties, such as a $10,000 fine or a suspension of airport privileges for a period of one year. Alternatively, installing a remote camera system to track departing aircraft and their call signs could be a viable solution to monitor activity.
I am confident that there are numerous potential solutions, and I encourage you to consider the concerns of Brackendale residents as you move forward.
David J Lassmann says
I have been living in Brackendale, on Judd Road, for many years and spoke in opposition to a proposal to turn the airport into an international airport with scheduled flights. I mentioned that the so-called Noise Reduction Flight Plan went right over top of a Squamish Nation reserve. I am still opposed to that idea. The normal procedure for a takeoff would be to fly the runway heading, which would take flights right over the part of Judd Road that is west of Government Road. I have not noticed an excess or even an increase in air traffic in recent years. There does seem to be more helicopter traffic, especially during the summer fire season. I see no need to curtail current usage of the airport by punishing users with extra fees. However, the maintenance of the airport is a separate matter and it might be reasonable to expect more frequent or commercial users to bear the expense.