I recently attended the first of three YVR 2037 Master Plan Workshops at YVR. I view the 2037 Master Plan mainly from a plane spotter/aviation enthusiast point of view with an interest in the airport providing more plane spotting amenities. Here are a few thoughts:
The YVR Master Plan and workshops cover more than just plane spotting. They cover 6 key components; terminals, airside and airspace, ground access, environmental, amenities and land use. Creating new plane spotting areas touches on several of these areas. The airport had many top level people at the session actively involved in the discussions including Craig Richmond CEO of the airport, as well as people in charge of or with solid knowledge in the above 6 key areas. There were about 6 groups of a half dozen or so people in each group participating in the workshop. If we had questions, most if not all, got answered. If questions couldn’t be answered on the spot they would follow up at a later time. No concrete time lines are in place for any of the topics covered. These are sessions to discuss ideas for the near and medium future and give feedback about current and future aspects of the airport. The discussion guide is an interesting document to read. It can be found here:
http://www.yvr2037.ca/our-futurist/documents/3856/download
Plane spotting is specifically mentioned on page 27:
“Plane Spotting Platform: Design and construct a viewing area, just west of the Canada Post building, including parking, path and a covered plane spotting deck.”
And here:
“Plane Spotting Platform: Design and construct a plane spotting platform in the grassy area just north of the jetSet parking lot and west of the future North-South Taxiway.”
When plane spotting was brought up in our group here is some of what was brought up:
Provide a shuttle or some other means of transport to get to and from the spotting locations. Dedicated shuttle similar to the south terminal shuttle, or transit or maybe partner with the Canada Post Shuttle (that runs almost empty most parts of the day).
Connect spotting locations with bicycle paths and other Sea Island amenities.
Make the spotting locations camera friendly (no chain link fencing or glass to shoot through)
Have a covered area included in the spotting location.
Include toilet facilities at the spotting locations.
Put in a sidewalk to Larry Berg Flight Path Park from BCIT.
There is another opportunity to get involved and learn more about the future at the airport at the upcoming open house on Wednesday October 12, from 4pm to 8pm. It is being held at the Observation Area in the Domestic Terminal at YVR.
It was an interesting event to attend. Below are a few photos taken at the event. And here is a link so some of my aviation related images: https://www.flickr.com/photos/zorro1968/albums/72157646707011000
Creativescans 