New airport master plan discussed at committee

The City of Merritt’s Airport Advisory Committee met on Thursday to discuss the ongoing goal of improving the City’s aging airstrip.

During his presentation to the committee, CAO Sean Smith brought up the idea of drafting a new master plan.

“I know that there has been some hesitance around a formal airport master plan because there has been a ton of plans that have been done. But having reviewed them I really don’t think they go to the degree that I would like to see, and I think Council would like to see. What types of business are we trying to attract, how are we going to improve the layout of the parcels if needed, should there be sub-divisions of certain parcels? Those types of questions are largely outstanding at this time,” said Smith.

No formal motion was created concerning a master plan.

Ahead of any possible master plan, City Council is considering creating a plan for both lighting and fencing at the airport in the 2021 budget.

The plans would be drafted using municipal funds to therefore allow the City to apply for grant funding to complete the projects.

The committee also discussed a fuel pricing strategy and a plan for the rental of t-hangers.