MOUNTAIN VIEW COUNTY — The county will recognize both Olds-Didsbury Flying Association (ODFA) and the Sundre Flying Club (SFC) members for their efforts over the years.
The county recently entered into a contract with KS2 Management to manage the airports, replacing the ODFA and SFC in that role.
In formal recognition of the ODFA and SFC efforts, administration suggested that plaques be installed at the airports. The estimated total cost is $2,000.
“Historically, Mountain View County has managed our regional airports through the valuable contributions of the Olds-Didsbury Flying Association and the Sundre Flying Club,” said Chris Atchison, director of legislative services.
“It is evident that both the ODFA and SFC have dedicated countless hours towards the success and development of the airports during their time as the county’s airport management contractor.”
Administration considered a number of ways to recognized the ODFA and SFC, including the creation of external signage at the entrance of each airport. In the end, administration recommended the installation of the plaques.
“It is administration’s recommendation that the installation of a plaque could be an appropriate measure, and consistent with the county’s recognition practices, to commemorate the service of both flying clubs for their activities,” he said.
Deputy reeve Greg Harris called the proposal “appropriate.”
“We need to recognize the tremendous contribution that past and current members of these places (airports) have made,” said Harris.
Reeve Angela Aalbers also called the proposal fitting.
“It is a great idea and I think we can never thank our volunteers enough for all the hours they put into things,” Aalbers said. “I fully support this.”
Coun. Jennifer Lutz called for the plaques to be securely placed at the airports in light of the recent theft of commemorative plaques in Olds.
Atchison said the county will take that under advisement and “see what we can come up with for a secure placement.”
During the Jan. 12 council meeting, councillors passed a motion authorizing the placement of the plaques.
Aviation committee members appointed
Meanwhile, reeve Aalbers and Coun. Alan Miller have been appointed to the county's new aviation advisory committee.
The move came by way of motion during the Jan. 12 meeting and also included the appointment of members at large.
The terms of reference of the new committee were approved by council in December as part of the management transition from the Olds-Didsbury Flying Association and the Sundre Flying Club to KS2 Management Limited.
The committee will provide input and direction into the future growth of the county’s two county-owned airports. The terms of reference seeks a diversity of appointments for representation from both airports and from different components of the aviation industry.
Administration advertised for the members at large appointment through emails to the flying clubs as well as circulation of the opportunity via letters to all hangar owners and/or lessees at the airports.
By way of council motion, the public members appointed to the committee for two-year terms are Glen Bradley, Thomas Thomas, Jim Smith, Corey Aschenbrenner, Mike Kennedy and Robert Jacobs.
