The City of Merritt is looking to put together an advisory committee to provide recommendations and direction for the Merritt Community Airport.
The Airport Advisory Committee would consist of 5-7 voting members, including one member of Council appointed by the mayor. Non-voting advisory members will also include the CAO, Tourism and Economic Development Manager and the Superintendent of Public Works.
Following the election of a Chair, the committee would meet a minimum of 4 times per year and carry out specific duties such as: researching and developing ways to increase self-sufficiency and revenue and decrease expenses; to act as airport ambassadors; advise and work with Council to ensure timely maintenance of existing facilities and advising Council on an annual plan to prioritize capital and maintenance issues at the airport.
In July of 2019, George Miller, an aviation consultant, was brought in by citizen supporters of the Merritt Airport. Miller presented a list of recommendations he believed would make the facility a profitable and attractive airfield. There has been much discussion following his presentation about improving and investing in the airport as the city of Merritt continues to grow and draw more people from the Lower Mainland.
Manager of Economic Development and Tourism, Will George says that there have been other reports brought forward that reiterate the findings of Miller’s presentation, and that the potential for the Merritt airport to grow and attract visitors is there.
“There’s some vacant land both City owned and privately owned near the airport so there’s lots of room for expansion and we’re looking for community members who are aviation minded to help contribute to that growth,” says George.
Commercial users of the airport, recreational and commercial pilots, and those members of the community who have an interest in expanding and improving the airport are encouraged to fill out an application for a volunteer position on the committee.
Application forms are available online. Interested parties can also send a letter indicating their name, address, telephone and email contact and the reason they would like to serve on the committee. The application deadline is January 31st, 2020.
