Photo courtesy: Vanderhoof Airport Society
VANDERHOOF

Drainage still a problem at Vanderhoof Airport

Sep 9, 2021 | 3:21 PM

VANDERHOOF- The Vanderhoof Airport plays an important role for many reasons, including emergency healthcare needs, being used as a base for aircraft fighting forest fires, and more.

When the apron and taxiways needed to be repaved that importance was recognized to fix the old one that had its own issues including a major uneven section dangerous for aircraft.

“We’re really pleased with all of the repaving here, seeing the public and the District of Vanderhoof investing in the airport,” says Dr. Paul Collard, President of the Vanderhoof Airport Society.

There are still some issues though that are dampening the mood, including water seeping through the asphalt in some of the newly paved areas.

Dr. Paul Collard says water getting through a newly paved section is a great concern for the lifespan of the new apron and taxiways. Collard added he’s not an expert on the topic but seeing something similar on a highway for example would be concerning.

Photo courtesy: Vanderhoof Airport Society

Aside from it coming through the pavement, water has also found its way back into the runway lights.

Without working runway lights, the region runs the risk of seeing a repeat of what happened back in March when a patient could not be transported via medivac following a serious accident.

The District of Vanderhoof says they are working on a solution, and continue to look for the best direction forward to address the issues on the airport grounds.