Pemberton Airport Planning

In recent years, the Village of Pemberton has seen a marked increase in interest for the Pemberton Regional Airport (CPYS). Originally proposed in the 1970’s by the Pemberton Flying Club, who needed a base for their club activities, the airport started becoming a reality in 1985 when the Crown granted the airport land to the Village of Pemberton.

A plan was put forward by the federal government for navigational aid installation in anticipation of regular Dash 7 service. The service failed to materialize, but interest in developing and expanding operations at the PRA has continued to be expressed by aviation enthusiasts and businesses throughout the years.

Currently, the airport consists of a 3,917 ft (1,194 m) long by 100 ft (30 m) wide runway, which carries the designation 06-24. The runway is limited to daytime VFR activity because of the lack of landing aids or airport lighting, in addition to the challenge of the surrounding terrain. Read more about airport specifics at “Flying into CPYS-Pemberton”.

In 2004, YVR (Vancouver) Airport Services (YVRAS) were retained by the Village of Pemberton to assist in reviewing issues related to airport operations and investigating opportunities for development. Through this relationship, the Pemberton Airport Land Use Plan was completed in 2005.

In September of 2006, also with the assistance of YVRAS, theVillage of Pemberton finalized the Land Development Manual for the airport, a resource document with the purpose of informing lessees and their designers as to the requirements for development of property at the Pemberton Regional Airport.

Along with assisting the Village in the development of the Land Use Plan and Land Development Manual, YVRAS identified the following issues that would need to be addressed for the airport to grow and develop in an efficient and effective manner:

• visibility and ceiling data
• obstacle zoning
• governance
• strategic planning