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Security concerns brought forward by Cold Lake Flying Club

Security concerns expressed by the Cold Lake Flying Club are expected to be brought back to City of Cold Lake council this month.
airplane-graphic
File photo

COLD LAKE - Security concerns expressed by the Cold Lake Flying Club are expected to be brought back to City of Cold Lake council this month, following a February delegation and a couple busy meetings that followed.

On Feb. 28, Cold Lake Flying Club President Vince Pinsky spoke to City council, relaying concerns that exist among members of the club and offering an update on the group. Pinksy noted that during the COVID-19 pandemic, the club was dormant, but members feel it is now time to re-engage with the community.

He noted that one of the main objectives of the flying club is to promote tourism, and last year, the club hosted the Alberta Air Tours on June 4, with a similar event being planned for June 7 of this year. The club is also hoping to come up with a winter fly-in event, similar to what is done in Lac La Biche. 

But the club has also been dealing with challenges after several security issues were reported at the aerodrome. While members of the club have done their best to secure hangers, more help is needed.

"We've done everything we can do," said Pinsky, adding, "It's hard to stop an axe coming through a door."

Six hangers had been broken into, according to Pinsky. Four utility trailers had been reported stolen, and ATVS were also taken from the airport, along with "lots of tools, [and] lots of damage to buildings."

There are concerns that suspects could tamper with aircraft, causing dangerous situations for those flying, heard council.

Kirk Soroka, advisor to the Flying Club executive, also spoke to council during the delegation, expressing the many economic opportunities that exist because of the aerodrome and flying club. During last year's June fly-in, 37 aircraft from across the province arrived in Cold Lake.

He also noted that a potential ice fly-in could be organized alongside other winter festivities in the future, drawing thousands of people out.

But, it is a big concern that there have been break-ins at the facility and one aircraft was reported to be damaged. 

"It is a federal offense to touch an aircraft," noted Soroka. 

The aerodrome brings other potential opportunities to the City of Cold Lake, especially because there is a significant number of people in the community who have a background in aviation due to the proximity of the 4 Wing air base.

Soroka offered that the community has an opportunity in the aviation sector in the form of a potential AME school house and the possible creation of a terminal service. He also spoke about how the Canadian government will be phasing out the CF18s jets and replacing them with F-35s, which will also have future impacts on the area.

Ultimately, Soroka reaffirmed the need for increased security at the airport. He noted that during the day, there is often someone on site, but it is during the night hours that issues arise. Soroka is concerned that members may want to take matters into their own hands, which isn't something he wants to see.

He put forward a request for a site assessment be done by a third party at the aerodrome and asked council to have a member attend meetings with the flying club.

Mayor Craig Copeland asked if there had been any charges laid by police in relation to the break-ins, to which Soroka said he was not aware of any charges.

Not decisions were made following the delegation.

During the March 21 Corporate Priorities Meeting, Coun. Bob Mattice asked when administration intended to follow-up on the Cold Lake Regional Airport Delegation from Feb. 28. CAO Kevin Nagoya advised that the topic would be discussed at the April 18 Corporate Priorities Committee meeting, and it had been bumped from a previous agenda due to how busy things had been.


Janice Huser

About the Author: Janice Huser

Janice Huser has been with the St. Paul Journal since 2006. She is a graduate of the SAIT print media journalism program, is originally from St. Paul and has a passion for photography.
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