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"Kincardine must amend its zoning bylaws to protect its airport,"
says Don Jones of the Airport Governance Committee.
Speaking to council Wednesday night (Sept. 3), he said, "A vicinity
protection mapping study was done by the engineering firm Pryde Schropp
McComb Inc. It was reviewed by the committee which now recommends that
Kincardine proceed with the worldwide navigational tool, a Global
Positioning System (GPS) approach for its airport.
Jones explained that, "The $25,000 GPS approach would be funded three
ways: the municipality, Bruce Power and Suncor, and should be in place
by early next year.
Jones also said Council should also amend its existing zoning bylaws,
allowing structures no taller than 896 feet above sea level (equates to
135 feet above ground level) within a designated area of the airport.
"Are we not killing a fly with sledgehammer here?" asked Deputy Mayor,
Laura Haight. "What about the Toronto Island Airport with the CN Tower
and other tall buildings around there? If we change our zoning bylaws
to regulate the height in this area, are we not going to stymie other
development?"
Jones explained that the Toronto Island airport runways are
perpendicular to the major downtown areas so there is no north-south
approach, only an east-west approach.
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(continued)
"I'd like to see these restrictions considered as part of the
Official Plan," Haight said. "I'm not convinced we should go to the
regulated stage right now."
Councillor Gordon Campbell said Enbridge Ontario Wind Power should be
included in this proposal because its projects are closer than Suncor's
wind farm.
Chief Administrative Officer, John deRosenroll, said, "The presentation
by Jones has yet to go to Bruce County planning and, from there, a final
package would be prepared and presented at public meetings. The final
proposal should be ready by February."
"It will provide protection for our airport now and in the future," said
Councillor Ron Hewitt. "Wind towers are already sitting there. If we
allow more towers any closer, then we restrict what the airport can be
used for."
Council accepted the committee's report.
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