Georgina grounds plans for new aerodrome in Pefferlaw -- not quite

Federal government has final -- and only -- say on aerodrome plans in Georgina

Yorkregion.com
Dec. 23, 2021
Amanda Persico

Many hope the plans for an aerodrome in Pefferlaw will leave on a jet plane and not come back again.

Recently, Georgina council opposed the construction of a privately owned, two-lane airport suitable for single- and twin-engine planes during a recent special council meeting.

But that’s not the end for the mile-high plan.

New Aerodrome Ontario 2021 proposed for 7818 and 7486 Old Homestead Rd., is subject to federal regulations, not municipal or provincial policies.

Instead of marshalling on the tarmac, the town is left watching from the gate.

“This makes no sense,” said Karen Wolfe with the Pefferlaw Association of Ratepayers.

“Our concerns have now turned to dread.”

A number of red-flag issues were raised during the special council meeting, including land use, amount of fill and transparency.

“We’re not here to be judged or criticized,” said one of the investors/developers listed for New Aerodrome Ontario 2021, Maurizio (Mauro) Marchioni, a lawyer from Vaughan.

The project also lists Wilf Goldlust of Triwaste Services, a waste disposal company in Toronto, and Harvey Frisch of Toronto as part of the investor/developer team.

“It’s our right to criticize development ... to find the best option for the town and residents,” said Ward 3 Coun. Dave Neeson.

“There’s quite a bit of anxiety among residents from the lack of information.”

Neeson continued to probe proponents on business or future plans for the aerodrome.

“I don’t feel our business plan is relevant to the town,” Marchioni responded.

“We are private investors. Whether we’re profitable or not, is a risk we’re willing to take.”

According to the aviation engineer retained for the project, Bernhard Schropp, about 1.2 million cubic metres of fill is required to build the aerodrome.

That amounts to about 120,000 dump trucks over the course of the three-year construction period -- slightly more than 100 dump trucks a day.

The property is protected in various degrees by municipal, regional and provincial planning policies as Greenbelt countryside, prime agricultural land and as significant wetland, woodlot and aquifers.

“There is a short list of uses,” said Georgina’s development services director, Harold Lenters.

Certainly “not a significant or urban development,” he added.

While consulting with local land use authorities is not required by Transport Canada, it is "highly recommended."

“All of a sudden, we see a sign and we get a letter that’s basically a picture of the sign,” said Mayor Margaret Quirk. “I am very concerned about the lack of transparency and lack of consultation.”

The same sentiment was echoed in a letter by Chief Donna Big Canoe of the Chippewas of Georgina Island.

The project will support small and medium-sized recreational and private planes as well as helicopters, small jet aircraft and single- and twin-engine planes, with about 50,000 to 60,000 in- and out-flights annually.

Following the federally regulated consultation process, engineering and environmental work can continue and construction can start mid-2022.

For more information, visit newaerodromeontario2021.ca.