MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY – County council has approved the administrative prioritization of items identified in the recently completed Olds-Didsbury Airport development plan.
The move came by way of motion at the recent regularly scheduled council meeting, held by teleconference.
The plan and related report was completed to “identify short-term items that need further attention, such as safety concerns and administrative efficiencies, and for the long-term guidance options for the county to consider if further development of the airport is warranted or desired,” council heard.
The Olds-Didsbury airport is owned by Mountain View County and is located west of Highway 2A between Didsbury and Olds.
With the completion of the plan and report, administration reviewed the various priorities and outlined priorities in a briefing note presented to council (quoted below).
• Priority 1: Safety concerns/airport management – These must be completed first to mitigate any existing or potential safety issues and to ensure the airports can be effectively marketed to potential pilots and businesses.
Examples would include enhanced security procedures, formalized operational and training manuals, and joint purchasing for both airports.
• Priority 2: Showcase existing infrastructure and operations – Ensure the existing developments are fully utilized prior to the development of new lots.
Examples could include ensuring that existing lots are developed appropriately to maximize marketability, increase marketing for each airport (Olds-Didsbury and Sundre) on the county economic development website and a marketing plan to seek out potential owners and businesses, and reviewing the county’s current real estate approach for selling and leasing airport lands.
• Priority 3: Further develop existing land opportunities – Review lands currently designated for airport development to further expand the airport.
Examples could include further land development, enhancement of existing roads and taxiways to provide greater access to existing lots, and capital projects that benefit the existing airport operations.
• Priority 4: Future development and airport expansion – As existing development land nears capacity, new lots can be established by using underdeveloped land that exists within the airport boundaries or enhancement projects undertaken. This may require infrastructure upgrades and larger capital expenditures.
The complete Olds-Didsbury Airport development plan is available for viewing on the county’s website.
