YELLOWKNIFE FLOATPLANE PARKING
The Northwest Territories Floatplane Association has made numerous presentations to the City of Yellowknife respecting floatplane parking on Back Bay. Issues include the preservation of docks currently used by resident pilots and the development of parking options for visiting aircraft. Recent updates regarding these issues appear below.
PARKING FOR ITINERANT FLOATPLANES
February 6, 2018
NWTFA has recently reached an understanding for the placement of several docks for use by visiting floatplane pilots. The docks were acquired several years ago with through a grant obtained by the City of Yellowknife from the Government of the Northwest Territories for the purpose of encouraging aviation tourism. Aside from occasional use during the biannual Midnight Sun Fly In, these docks have been held in City storage. NWTFA anticipates receiving and installing these docks on Back Bay in the spring of 2018.
February 6, 2018
NWTFA has recently reached an understanding for the placement of several docks for use by visiting floatplane pilots. The docks were acquired several years ago with through a grant obtained by the City of Yellowknife from the Government of the Northwest Territories for the purpose of encouraging aviation tourism. Aside from occasional use during the biannual Midnight Sun Fly In, these docks have been held in City storage. NWTFA anticipates receiving and installing these docks on Back Bay in the spring of 2018.
CITY COUNCIL VOTES AGAINST VISITING AIRCRAFT AT WILEY ROAD
March 14, 2016
Despite the acknowledgement of several city councillors that creating public parking for visiting floatplanes was a good idea, City Council voted to restrict parking at the proposed Wiley Road Park to non-motorized watercraft. The City has proposed a park at the site, located between the RTL dock and the Great Slave Yacht Club, and to be named after Hank Koenen, a well known bush pilot who operated a charter service on the site.
Whether or not to permit visiting floatplanes to park at the site was a significant issue debated during the public consultation process and among councillors. The Municipal Services Committee recommended that the site be restricted to non-motorized watercraft only. Councillors Konge and Payne voted against the recommendation. All other councillors voted for the recommendation, with the exception of councilor Bell who was in the mayor’s chair.
Most councillors appear to recognize the need for parking areas for itinerant floatplanes but are sensitive to any public opposition. The opposition against parking at Wiley Road came primarily from the adjoining property owners, Great Slave Yacht Club and RTL. City administration continues to defer the issue by suggesting that there are other areas which would be more suitable for floatplane parking. The Director of Planning and Lands suggested to Council that a plan for floatplane parking is actively being developed and will be brought to Council in the near future.
NWTFA will continue to seek input into this issue and promote the need for parking for itinerant floatplane pilots.
March 14, 2016
Despite the acknowledgement of several city councillors that creating public parking for visiting floatplanes was a good idea, City Council voted to restrict parking at the proposed Wiley Road Park to non-motorized watercraft. The City has proposed a park at the site, located between the RTL dock and the Great Slave Yacht Club, and to be named after Hank Koenen, a well known bush pilot who operated a charter service on the site.
Whether or not to permit visiting floatplanes to park at the site was a significant issue debated during the public consultation process and among councillors. The Municipal Services Committee recommended that the site be restricted to non-motorized watercraft only. Councillors Konge and Payne voted against the recommendation. All other councillors voted for the recommendation, with the exception of councilor Bell who was in the mayor’s chair.
Most councillors appear to recognize the need for parking areas for itinerant floatplanes but are sensitive to any public opposition. The opposition against parking at Wiley Road came primarily from the adjoining property owners, Great Slave Yacht Club and RTL. City administration continues to defer the issue by suggesting that there are other areas which would be more suitable for floatplane parking. The Director of Planning and Lands suggested to Council that a plan for floatplane parking is actively being developed and will be brought to Council in the near future.
NWTFA will continue to seek input into this issue and promote the need for parking for itinerant floatplane pilots.
