Vermilion Airport Advisory Committee Provides Key Updates And Operational Concerns To Town Council

A piece of farm equipment volunteered to help the Vermilion Airport Advisory Committee to clear snow and ice from the runway during a work bee. Photo Lorna Hamilton

Vermilion Town Council received a comprehensive update on the state of the Vermilion Airport (CYVG) during its March 11 council meeting. Geoff Hancock, a 40-year commercial pilot and aircraft mechanic, and the current chair of the Vermilion Airport Advisory Committee, provided insights into the airport’s activities, maintenance needs, and its significance to the community.

Hancock highlighted that 2024 was an eventful year for the airport, with increased aircraft movements largely due to fuel availability provided by Belairus Fuels (Darcy Balaneski). Several aircraft en route to and from Alaska stopped at CYVG, with at least two crews overnighting in town, contributing to the local economy. He noted that pilots and aircrews frequently utilize bicycles provided by the Vermilion River Flying Club to visit local retail businesses and other commercial establishments, emphasizing the airport’s convenient proximity to downtown.

Educational initiatives were also a notable success, with 69 students from Vermilion Elementary School and St. Jerome’s participating in school education days on June 7 and 10. These events provided students with the opportunity to see fixed-wing planes and speak with pilots, introducing them to potential careers in aviation, including aircraft mechanics, pilots, instructors, and air traffic controllers. Other successful events included the Father’s Day Fly-In and Antique Car Show, which, despite strong winds, still saw the Knights of Columbus serve 175 breakfasts. Additional community engagements featured a summer barbecue at Hancraft Aero, which welcomed overnight campers, and the Flying Club’s efforts in May to repaint the “Vermilion” letters on the ramp. The airport also played a key role in agricultural spray operations, including several aircraft from Wetaskiwin, and saw increased aircraft maintenance activity at Hancraft Aero, demonstrating its importance to regional commerce.

A special event, organized by Darcy Balaneski and assisted by the Vermilion River Flying Club, involved picking up letters to Santa from Vermilion Elementary School during the postal strike to ensure they reached the North Pole, preventing disappointment for local children.

Following significant snowfalls and thaws that caused a buildup of snow and ice on the runway, the administration issued a NOTAM temporarily closing the airport. Concerned members of the Flying Club attended a council meeting to educate councillors on the runway conditions and the airport’s importance for medevac services. As a result, a successful snow-clearing event was held in December, with tremendous engagement from the Vermilion River Flying Club, town, and area volunteers. This effort led to the reopening of the airport.

“We are very appreciative of the involvement from Councillors Whitlock, Conlon, and Pulyk,” said Hancock.

Hancock also emphasized the most critical service the airport provides to the Vermilion community: emergency medical services.

“Emergency medical services relied heavily on CYVG, with steady medevac flights throughout the year. One resident who lives close to the airport reported counting 10 flights within a two-week period,” said Hancock.

Moving on to operational improvements and maintenance concerns, Hancock acknowledged a productive meeting between airport businesses, user members, and the Town of Vermilion Administration.

“In the meeting, we discussed improved communication regarding airport closures and NOTAM procedures, and we appreciated the Town’s engagement and willingness to collaborate on operational improvements. However, there are immediate maintenance concerns,” noted Hancock.

One of the most pressing maintenance issues is the need for crack filling on the pavement this spring to prevent water ingress during the summer, which could lead to freeze-cracking deterioration. Hancock also stressed the urgency of a resurfacing project, as outlined in the Town Airport Master Plan, emphasizing that CYVG is overdue for upgrades.

“We are past the projected time for resurfacing. It is attainable and the only way to maintain this critical piece of the Town of Vermilion’s transportation infrastructure,” said Hancock.

Additionally, the City of Lloydminster’s airport management has offered to present maintenance protocols to Vermilion’s crews, thanks to coordination efforts by Darcy Balaneski.

Hancock also discussed the potential implementation of a GPS approach system, which uses satellites to guide aircraft along a specific path to the runway.

“The GPS approach is completely engineered, and Nav Canada is moving forward quicker than anticipated,” explained Hancock. “The committee is working hard to raise the estimated $15,000 needed for the initial capital cost of the setup and approval. However, ongoing costs will require further funding, with projected expenses of $4,000 in years two and three and $9,000 in year four and then the billing cycle repeats consecutively in year 5 back at $4,000 and so on.”

Hancock expressed the desire to obtain camera statistics and maintain continued engagement with Council, the administration, and the Economic Development department regarding business opportunities at the airport. He voiced disappointment over a missed opportunity last summer when drone activity at the airport led to temporary closures, affecting two businesses without prior notice or coordination. Additionally, he noted that Bradley Airspray chose to establish operations in Lloydminster instead of Vermilion due to uncertainty about CYVG’s future, despite the airport’s strategic location and potential to host additional aviation-related businesses.

Hancock reminded Council of the valuable expertise within the airport community, emphasizing the experience available in aviation operations, flight training, and airport infrastructure. He urged Council and administration to utilize these local experts when making decisions about the airport’s future.

“I don’t know how many times I’ve heard Council members and administration say, ‘We’re just not sure where to get the correct information,’” said Hancock. “We have a group of knowledgeable individuals who are eager and willing to help.”

Hancock concluded by leaving his contact information and encouraging ongoing communication between the Town and the airport community to maximize the value of this critical transportation asset.

Deputy Mayor Joshua Rayment thanked Hancock for his presentation.

With continued collaboration and investment, CYVG has the potential to remain a vital hub for aviation, business, and emergency services in the region. The Airport Advisory Committee looks forward to working with the Town to ensure its longevity and success.