Flight Path Protection

Trees growing into the flight path were topped or removed. Thirty-three property owners were approached, and alternatives to tree removal were identified on 11 parcels. Members of the NAC team met with owners of the remaining 22 properties, and agreements were reached. Several neighbours donated their trees to charities for firewood auctions, while most would not accept compensation for the removal of trees, as they wanted to assist the airport in this task.

The project was completed in record time due to tremendous cooperation from all government agencies. The staff at Transport Canada, Department of Fisheries & Oceans, Department of Highways, Ministry of Forest, Ministry of Environment, Regional District of Nanaimo, City of Nanaimo, Town of Ladysmith, and the Cowichan Valley Regional District were all responsible for making this project happen.

In order to ensure fish habitat was protected the NAC worked with the Malaspina University-College and planted 3 trees for each tree topped along Haslam Creek.

In cooperation with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the NAC will complete in-stream work during the summer of 2007 to further enhance fish habitat.

Below is a Picture of Reg Brady (Manager of Operations & Maintenance) & Lance Hawthornthwaite (TGH) donating a tree to the North Oyster Area Historical Society.