Overview
The Town became aware of a proposed general aviation aerodrome located at 7486/7818 Old Homestead Rd. as a result of a sign posting at that address. The property where the aerodrome is proposed to be built is in the heart of Georgina’s Greenlands System, which contains prime agricultural lands and provincially significant wetlands and woodlands. A watercourse runs northeast and southwest across the southeastern portion of the lands. The Town is concerned with the environmental effect of this proposed Aerodrome on these and the surrounding lands.
On March 1, 2023 Council passed a motion asking the Town of Georgina staff to prepare and provide submissions to the Minister of Transport requesting that he prohibit the development of the Aerodrome, and to request whatever support may be available for this purpose from other governmental authorities.
On Jan. 11, 2023, Letter from FCM (Federation of Canadian Municipalities) to the Minister of Transport, Honourable Minister Alghabra, urging that the Canadian Aviation Regulations be updated to include an extensive consultation process surrounding aerodromes.
On Nov. 30, 2022, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities made a response to Council's resolution submission about Aerodrome Approvals Changes.
On Nov. 18, 2022, Mayor Margaret Quirk made a statement regarding the proposed aerodrome in Georgina.
On May 30, 2022, the proponent submitted a final report to the Minister of Transport. The proponent has established a webpage with information related to the proposed aerodrome.
Council briefing note
Request to the federal government to review and update Aerodrome approvals legislation – briefing note – April 13, 2022.
Statement of facts
The Town prepared a statement of facts on the matter.
Special Council meeting
On Dec. 15, 2021, a Special Council meeting was held to discuss the proposed general aviation aerodrome. Council received a briefing note on the proposed aerodrome planned for 7818 and 7486 Old Homestead Rd. A presentation from the proponent was also presented and received by Council.
View the Dec.15, 2021, Special Council meeting.
At this meeting, Council endorsed the following resolution:
Resolution
Whereas the construction of a general aviation aerodrome has been proposed by “New Aerodrome Ontario 2021” for the property at 7818 and 7486 Old Homestead Rd.;
And Whereas the Town is not a decision-making body under federal legislation in this proposal;
And Whereas the provisions of Canadian Aviation Regulations Part III, Subpart 307 require that any new aerodrome proposal engage in a consultation process with the local community;
And Whereas it is recommended that any proponent seeking a new aerodrome engage in a non-mandatory pre-consultation process with the key stakeholders, including local municipalities, in advance of the required consultation process;
And Whereas “New Aerodrome Ontario 2021” did not engage with the Town in any recommended non-mandatory pre-consultation process in advance of the required consultation process;
And Whereas Town Council convened a Special meeting of Council during the consultation process, the purpose of which was to receive information from representatives of “New Aerodrome Ontario 2021”, Town staff and members of the community so as to enable Town Council to determine its position in respect of the proposed aerodrome;
And Whereas Town Council has received and considered presentations from representatives of “New Aerodrome Ontario 2021”, Town staff and members of the community;
And Whereas Town Council is now in a position to consider and determine its position in respect of the general aviation aerodrome proposed by “New Aerodrome Ontario 2021” for the property at 7818 and 7486 Old Homestead Rd.;
Now be it resolved that:
- Town Council oppose the construction of the general aviation aerodrome proposed by “New Aerodrome Ontario 2021” for the property at 7818 and 7486 Old Homestead Rd.
- The Chief Administrative Officer of the Town be authorized to make submissions within the prescribed time in opposition to the general aviation aerodrome that has been proposed by “New Aerodrome Ontario 2021” for the property at 7818 and 7486 Old Homestead Rd.
- The opposition to the general aviation aerodrome proposed by “New Aerodrome Ontario 2021” for the property at 7818 and 7486 Old Homestead Rd. be based upon:
a. Land use planning concerns;
b. Environmental concerns;
c. Traffic concerns;
d. Noise concerns;
e. Such other concerns as Town staff identify as appropriate for consideration in the consultation process.
A recording of the Council meeting is available.
Submission
On Dec. 21, 2021, the Town made a formal submission regarding the proposed general aviation aerodrome on Old Homestead Road.
The submission follows a special Council meeting on Dec. 15, 2021 where Council discussed the aerodrome and passed a resolution.
Frequently asked questions
Why can’t the Town stop the proposed aerodrome from being built?
Aerodromes are federally regulated and approved. Local municipalities have limited jurisdiction in regards to the development process. The Town does not have the legal ability to prevent the aerodrome proposal from proceeding.
Does the Town have any authority when it comes to the proposed aerodrome?
Municipal jurisdiction is essentially limited to the quality of fill placed at the site. The Town remains committed to enforcing its Site Alteration By-law to the fullest extent possible with respect to the quality and placement of fill.
What is Council’s position on the proposed aerodrome?
Council does not support the proposed aerodrome and has expressed many concerns with the proposal, including environmental impacts, traffic, excessive noise and land use planning issues. Please see the Town’s formal submission to the Federal Government.
What testing will be done on the soil and groundwater?
Testing must be done in accordance with Ontario regulation 153/04 and Ontario regulation 406/19.
Samples would be tested for concentrations of contaminants of potential concern, which can include but not limited to
- Chlorophenols
- Volatile Organic Compounds
- Pesticides
- Petroleum Hydrocarbons
- Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons
- Metals and Inorganics
If concentrations of any chemical are found to exceed the prescribed limit under the regulations, the soil or groundwater is considered to be contaminated. The exact location of samples, number of samples and contaminants for which the samples would be tested would be determined by a Qualified Professional, which under the regulations is defined as a licensed Professional Geoscientist or Professional Engineer.
What other by-laws and restrictions must the proponent abide by?
In addition to the site alteration by-law, the proponent must also adhere to the Town’s noise by-law and road half-load restrictions.
What are the next steps?
The proponent must submit the required documentation prior to commencing any construction activities including but not limited to:
- Soil management plan
- Soil and groundwater testing
- Grading plan
- Sentiment and erosion control plan
- Dust control plan
- Fees and securities
What can I do?
You can share your comments or concerns with the Honourable Omar Alghabra, Minister of Transport at: Omar.Alghabra@parl.gc.ca