The City of Cold Lake is discussing how to properly inform residents that the city falls under a no drone zone.
During their regular council meeting on Tuesday, July 11, council decided to wait on making a decision on whether to allow 4 Wing Cold Lake to post no drone zone signs along the highway and at the entrance of the base.
These signs would be paid for and maintained by the 4 Wing Real Property Operations, however the city is concerned that by allowing these signs to be posted, it could be misconstrued that unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) or drones are allowed to fly elsewhere, when that is simply not the case.
“In Cold Lake, the control zone is about 11-miles. That covers the City of Cold Lake, all the way to the Saskatchewan border,” explained Azam Khan, general manager of infrastructure services for the city.
The request was made in anticipation of Transport Canada regulations through the Aeronautic Act and the Canadian Aviation Regulations. Working with UAV enthusiasts, they're coming up with policies that will help keep airports, residents, and the environment safe.
Some of the regulations are based on size, weight, and whether it is for recreational or non-recreational use.
If a drone weighs more than 250-grams or is up to 35-kilograms, pilots must remain within 90-metres above the ground or lower, and a minimum of 30-metres away from vehicles, vessels and the public depending on the weight of your drone. Pilots must also be at least 5.5-kilometres away from any airport, seaplane base, or areas where aircraft frequently take off and land, and can only be flown during a clear day when there are no clouds, among other regulations.
Drones must remain within 500-metres of the pilot, remain within their sight at all times, and be clearly marked with their name, address, and telephone number.
It's the pilot's responsibility to be aware of all regulations and laws in the community before flying. For recreational drone users, the fines go as high as $3,000. For non-recreational or commercial users, they could face up to $25,000 in fines.
The signage requested is available in a variety of formats, and although it is not required at this point, it's a reminder to drone users of the rules surrounding drones for the area.
The City of Cold Lake in particular is identified as a control zone. This means that even recreational flying is prohibited.
Khan explained, “To fly in a control zone, you need to have a Special Flight Operations Certificate.”
These certificates are available through Transport Canada.
CAO Kevin Nagoya was concerned that by posting signage along the highway, drone users may believe that it's the highway itself that is a no drone zone.
“Those are the confusions that we feel may be attached to some of these issues. Does it have merit? Maybe,” Nagoya said.
His suggestion was signs along the highways clearly indicate the City of Cold Lake is a no drone zone community.
Because regulations are moving so quickly, the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA) has recommended municipalities wait and see before moving forward with any signage or local policy.
Coun. Bob Buckle wondered why it was council who was approached by 4 Wing about signage instead of Transport Canada.
“If the city puts up signs that are going to be non-regulatory, then the city is going to be getting the calls as to where residents can use their drone,” Buckle expressed. “We're going to be the focal point of the Q and A from the citizens because they're going to assume we're the drone authority within the City of Cold Lake.”
The signs provided by Transport Canada include a small logo, however that may not be enough for residents.
Nagoya said because they are not regulatory signs, they don't have a contact number for Transport Canada in the case of a complaint.
“These are more of a proactive or preventative measure for people,” he added.
Council agreed to wait on a decision until more information is available. The topic will be discussed again at their next corporate priorities meeting in September.