Stettler town council reviewed operations and future planning for the Stettler Airport during its Aug. 19 meeting, with discussion centred on hangar leases, business fees and security upgrades.

The community airport, located just southwest of town in the County of Stettler, sees about 1,500 flights annually. These include recreational, commercial and medical services, as well as frequent use by flight schools for training. Operations are managed through a partnership between the town, county, the Stettler Flying Club and the Stettler Stitchers.

Director of Operations Melissa Robbins reported that while 19 hangars are currently leased, some are being used for storage rather than aviation, which violates lease agreements. Administration plans to notify owners of the requirement to return to aviation-related use, with follow-up inspections if necessary.  “We will give people time to transition,” said Robbins.

Robbins also raised concerns about declining volunteer numbers at the Stettler Flying Club, which currently maintains the grounds. To address the issue, she recommended changes to Policy X-1(m) that would link hangar fees to volunteer contributions. Under the proposal, hangar owners who contribute 10 hours of mowing annually through the flying club would retain the current rate. Those who do not would pay higher fees — $0.20 per square foot for non-commercial leases and $0.30 per square foot for commercial leases.

She noted the airport does not generate revenue and operates at a deficit, but remains an important piece of community infrastructure. Administration also recommended introducing a $350 annual fee for non-hangar lease businesses using the airport, in line with the town’s business licence fees.

Council also discussed security improvements. Robbins recommended installing an automated gate system, giving each hangar owner a unique entry code and allowing administration to control access remotely in emergencies. Quotes came in at $11,314 from Q and Q Fencing and $12,200 from Command Gate.

An earlier gate system had been installed but required manual closing, which often did not happen. The proposed upgrade would allow the gate to close automatically. Funding would come from unspent dollars in the 2025 operating budget originally allocated for runway repairs.

Mayor Sean Nolls asked if the town would maintain a master list of users and the ability to remove outdated access. Robbins confirmed that it would, noting the system is app-based.

The County of Stettler continues to provide snow removal for the airport, with costs averaging about $27,000 annually. Robbins told council those figures were consistent with expectations, responding to a question from Coun. Gord Lawlor about whether the county might end its snow removal role. She said the matter is scheduled for discussion at the town and county joint meeting on Sept. 3.

Council moved to support the proposed fee changes, enforce aviation-related hangar use and approve the $11,314 gate installation through the 2025 budget.