Delta residents will have an opportunity to get information and provide input on NAV CANADA’s proposed plan to change aircraft flight movements over residential neighbourhoods.
In collaboration with the Vancouver Airport Authority, NAV CANADA recently launched a public consultation process on its proposal for airspace modernization surrounding Vancouver International Airport (YVR).
NAV CANADA is proposing changes to approach procedures at YVR including the addition of new satellite-based procedures, known as Required Navigation Performance Authorization Required (RNP AR), and changes to existing arrival routes and procedures.
According to NAV CANADA, the more efficient arrival procedures will reduce an aircraft’s flight time resulting in reduced greenhouse gas emissions and some avoidance of residentially populated areas.
In some cases, aircraft arriving using the proposed RNP AR approach procedures from certain directions are estimated to fly over as many as 61,000 fewer people.
It was back in 2018 when NAV CANADA announced that it was launching the Vancouver Airspace Modernization Project (VAMP) to review aircraft approach and departure operations in the Greater Vancouver and Southern Vancouver Island regions.
The project was initiated, in part, to address the significant forecasted commercial air traffic growth for YVR, which will result in increased future noise over Delta.
The City of Delta at the time conveyed several concerns and suggestions, including creating routes over unpopulated areas like oceans, highways, industrial/commercial areas, as well as focus the airspace design on the areas that are most impacted.
The YVR 2037 Master Plan, approved by the federal government, projects aircraft movements over Tsawwassen would increase by more than 430 per cent.
According to a YVR report, Tsawwassen had 58 daily aircraft movements over the community in 2015, but by 2037, that number is expected to increase to 312 daily aircraft movements.
Meanwhile, North Delta would experience a 154 per cent increase by 2037.
Information sessions for Delta residents:
Several NAV CANADA information sessions are taking place throughout the Lower Mainland including one for the New Westminster/ North Surrey/North Delta areas on Jan. 17 at the Surrey Libraries - City Centre Branch (10350 University Dr., Surrey) from 5 to 8 p.m.
Another session for the Ladner/ Tsawwassen areas will be held on Jan. 18 at Delta Secondary (4615 51 St., Ladner), also from 5 to 8 p.m.
For more information about the proposed changes and how to provide input at an event or online, check https://www.navcanada.ca/en/air-traffic/airspace-reviews/vancouver-airspace-modernization.aspx.
