Courtenay Airpark 60^thAnniversary – September 20^th, 2024

The Courtenay Airpark, a jewel of the General Aviation community on Vancouver Island, will celebrate its 60^thanniversary on September 20^th, 2024.

The Airpark is a testament to the strength of volunteerism and the love of flying by many aviation and community-spirited enthusiasts in the Comox Valley. It was built by a small number of volunteers who donated money, time and labour to build the initial infrastructure and the airstrip – initially a gravel runway – on city-owned land under a mutually agreeable lease agreement with the City of Courtenay. The first aircraft landed on the 1400-foot runway on September 20^th, 1964.

Located adjacent to the Courtenay River, the Airpark eventually installed a floatplane ramp and docking facilities to enable floatplane operations. The runway was eventually reoriented and paved in 1994, and the City of Courtenay established park facilities and a walking path around the Airpark in 2010. Today, the Airpark has approximately 100 members, 42 aircraft hangars, 29 outdoor parking spots, more than 70 member-owned aircraft and a dozen outdoor parking spots for visiting aircraft. It also has modern aircraft refuelling facilities, a new floatplane dock, and a dedicated pad for Air Ambulance and Emergency Services helicopters. Furthermore, under separate leases with the City of Courtenay, the Airpark harbours an aviation maintenance company (APAS) and a flying training school (Sealand Flight).

Sixty years after its establishment, the Airpark continues to be run by an all-volunteer Board of Directors, assisted by the contributions of time and energy of many dedicated members who help maintain the grounds, the infrastructure, the taxiways, and the runway. It is a favoured destination for many wheeled and float-equipped aircraft across British Columbia and beyond because of its proximity to hotels, restaurants, shopping, and local attractions, as well as the friendly reception that visiting pilots always receive. As a result, the Airpark remains active year-round, promotes tourism in the Comox Valley and contributes to the local economy. The members of the Courtenay Airpark are, therefore, very proud of their ability to promote aviation in the Comox Valley and what they bring to the local community.

In honour of its 60^thAnniversary, the Airpark will open its gates on Saturday, September 21^st, from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM, to welcome visitors to the Airpark and provide access to aircraft on display. Please come and see us to celebrate this proud milestone.

Ray Henault

President, Courtenay Airpark Association