A number of unauthorized uses at the Elk Valley Airport are creating serious safety concerns and may result in restrictions to facility access.

“We are seeing some members of the public using the airport as a sort of recreation facility,” explained Chris Bosman, Regional District of East Kootenay (RDEK) Recreation and Control Services Supervisor. “While the airport is not heavily used, it is maintained and operated solely for purposes of air traffic and people need to respect that.”

One of the biggest issues at the airport has been the use of all-terrain vehicles. Snowmobile, quad and dirt bike enthusiasts have been regularly using the facility, kicking gravel onto the asphalt runway which poses a threat to aircraft propellers and fuselage.

“One recent incident is particularly distressing,” said Bosman. “A pilot had to abort his landing attempt when an ATV was driving down the middle of the runway, unaware of the aircraft’s attempt to land.”

RDEK staff have also witnessed people hunting for gophers, riding horses and walking dogs in the airport.

“These types of uses in airport are just not compatible with air traffic,” Bosman stressed.

Vandalism of perimeter fencing and a front gate, which is regularly being left open, may be linked to these unauthorized uses.

The RDEK has also spent considerable resources herding elk out of the airport this past year, many of which were able to walk through open gates.

“Presently, access to the airport is open to all but this may change in light of recent activities,” said Bosman. The RDEK encourages anyone observing unauthorized use within the airport to contact their office at 1-888-478-7335.

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