Exploring the potential for a motorsports park near the airport in Campbell River will begin with a noise study this spring. The Airport Commission demonstrated their support in principle for the proposed project by agreeing to pay for up to half of the $9,000 noise assessment and control study through its business opportunity fund.
Last year, the Airport Commission reviewed a proposal by the Vancouver Island Motorsports Association to build a $5 million motorsports park drag racing strip on the northern half of the Campbell River Airport lands.
“The City has determined that several issues would have to be addressed prior to consideration of this request. These include the effect on other tenants, from noise and parking, as well as potential environmental impacts and more regulatory considerations such as zoning and utility servicing,” explains Dave Morris, the City’s general manager of facilities and supply management.
Because the potential use appears to be compatible with the surrounding uses, the Airport Commission asked the proponents to prepare a feasibility study and business case, including a noise study.
“Council and the Airport Commission consider this proposal an opportunity worth exploring, and we want to be fully aware of potential impacts of a motorsport park on the surroundings,” says Mayor Andy Adams. “The proposed motorsports park would be in the same area as the planned future expansion of the commercial and industrial lease lots in the Master Airport Plan, which means Council will have to consider how best to use these lands.”
Find out more about the Vancouver Island Motorsport Society at vimsa.ca