12/02/2025
Qualicum Beach residents concerned about airport noise concerns
Published Dec. 1, 2025 — By Michael Briones
Nanaimo News Bulletin
Michael Briones
The Town of Qualicum Beach received a petition calling for the protection of the Qualicum Beach Airport against residents complaining about the noise.
A correspondence from a resident living near the airport was presented at town council’s special meeting on Nov. 26 that included a petition representing almost 3,000 signatures. This opposes the petition received by the town a few months ago, from nearly 90 residents who raised concerns about the noise coming from the airport, calling to restrict flights over residential areas, prohibit helicopter training and to change landing fees.
Angie Roberts, in her letter titled ‘Protect Our Qualicum Beach Airport From Noise Complaints’, points to the petition that urges the town to simply leave the airport alone.
“I urge the council to carefully consider the long history and community value of this facility before making any changes that could jeopardize its operations,” Roberts wrote. “The airport was built in 1954 long before the surrounding residential areas existed. It has served as a vital part of our town’s identity and infrastructure for decades – supporting local businesses, emergency services, and recreational aviation.”
Roberts added, “The current noise complaints come from homeowners who knowingly moved near an established airport. It seems unreasonable to expect the airport to alter its operations to accommodate what has always been part of its nature and purpose.”
Staff recommended council receive the petition. However, Coun. Anne Skipsey felt the special meeting might not be the best place to receive the petition and suggested removal of the letter from the agenda.
She wanted to defer receipt of the petition at a council regular meeting on Dec. 10.
She raised concerns about the title of the petition and the “implications of what that might mean for the town.”
Coun. Scott Harrison, who presided over the special meeting in the absence of Mayor Teunis Westbroek, argued deferring the petition was not necessary as they are only receiving it and that no action will be taken.
CAO Lou Varela presented a comment from staff about the latest petition. It stated the town welcomes a full range of public input on all matters related to the airport, both pro and con.
“Staff note the title of the petition, ‘Protect Our Qualicum Beach Airport From Noise Complaints,’ may infer to some that noise complaints are a threat to the airport, while in reality, noise complaints are only one of the many inputs to council’s decision-making about the airport,” staff pointed out in their letter.
“More importantly, the town recognizes safe, respectful input from any position on any matter of municipal business as being key to the freedom of speech.”
Skipsey’s motion to defer did not pass when the voted ended in a stalemate with Skipsey and Coun. Petra Vander Valk in favour while Harrison and Coun. Jean Young opposed.
