Lyle McNish

This Airport Master Plan establishes a comprehensive 15-year strategic vision (2026-2041) for the development of airport infrastructure and operations at Alert Bay Airport, serving Cormorant Island, British Columbia. The plan prioritizes enhancing safety and operational capabilities for medical and emergency flights, enabling nighttime operations through lighting installations, and rehabilitating existing runway, taxiway, and apron infrastructure. It also aims to develop dedicated helicopter landing facilities, upgrade airport building facilities, implement comprehensive security measures including perimeter fencing, and support regional economic development and cultural tourism. Additionally, the plan seeks to preserve Indigenous cultural heritage, establish sustainable funding mechanisms, and position the airport for climate resilience and emergency evacuations.

The economic development strategy emphasizes coordinated investment, promotion, and development to build on the existing economy, culture, history, and infrastructure of Cormorant Island. It focuses on leveraging resource-based, value-added opportunities, seasonal tourism, and marine commerce to improve the business environment and create a solid base for entrepreneurs and small businesses. The strategy aims to improve island vibrancy, attract new businesses and investment, and foster a stronger year-round economy based on community values.

Cormorant Island's long-term economic vision focuses on building upon the existing economy, culture, history, and infrastructure by leveraging resource-based, value-added opportunities, seasonal tourism, and marine commerce. The strategy aims to improve the business environment, support entrepreneurs and small businesses, enhance island vibrancy, attract new businesses and investment, and create a stronger year-round economy based on community values. Key objectives include increasing personal self-sufficiency, attracting new business, creating good jobs, increasing the number of entrepreneurs and managers, diversifying the economy, and attracting/retaining residents.

The joint economic development plan focuses on five key areas: harbour development, business support and entrepreneurship, quality of life, downtown revitalization, and tourism. The plan includes actions such as creating additional marina space, supporting a fuel dock, offering entrepreneurship workshops, reviewing the tax structure, establishing a business incubator, supporting artists, and promoting business networking. It also aims to retain and expand core businesses and services, promote local seafood, and provide assisted living facilities. The plan addresses quality of life by focusing on litter control, historical signage, farmers markets, and retail space. It also includes branding, promotion, a tourism strategy, and cruise ship attraction.

The Active Transportation Network Plan for the Village of Alert Bay focuses on improving the active transportation network to support community health, accessibility, livability, tourism, and greenhouse gas reduction. Key goals include enhancing pedestrian connectivity and safety, integrating different travel options, promoting active transportation in policy, and monitoring progress and maintenance needs. The plan proposes infrastructure improvements such as extending the waterfront boardwalk, upgrading stairways, expanding the sidewalk network, improving safety along Fir Street and at intersections, and providing bicycle shelters and wayfinding. It also emphasizes policy updates to support active transportation in decision-making processes and coordination with the 'Namgis First Nation and BC Ferries.