New runway access adopted

Merritt City Council has adopted an Official Community Plan amendment to allow runway access from the West side of the Airport.

“Permitting west-side runway access could aid in opening up the parcels on that side to commercial use, but could also limit future opportunities for a unified design scheme performed by the City as the landowner,” wrote Director of Corporate Services Sean Smith.

“In March 2020, the Airport Advisory Committee recommended to Council that Council direct staff to research and prepare an amendment to the Official Community Plan that would allow runway access from properties on the West Side,” added Lowis.

Access from the west side was prohibited back in 2002 at the direction of the local flying club.

Council adopted the amendment unanimously.