A third runway is part of the airport’s master plan, but it seems Vancouver International Airport (YVR) just got a new set of fuzzy slippers and prefers a nice, long nap instead of launching construction.
In an innovative twist, YVR is not just thinking about runways—oh no! They’re eyeing some lovely businesses right next to the south runway. Imagine the thrill of aircraft services mingling with light industrial and the vibrant ambiance of retail. Ah, the sweet smell of economic progress, or is that just jet fuel?
But wait! Richmond city staff are having a mild panic attack over this proposal. Why, you ask? They worry that the space will magically transform into a crowded retail jungle, leaving Richmond shopkeepers in a retail war while traffic jams are left wondering who’s their real enemy. Get your popcorn ready for this urban drama!
YVR has assured the city that their vision is limited to some “light” retail—think cozy restaurants for hard-working airport employees, because nothing screams fine dining like a greasy burger around the tarmac. However, in a report headed to the planning committee, city staff appropriately point out that the “language is too flexible,” much like an inflatable yoga instructor during a windstorm.
As the saga unfolds, YVR’s changes to the illustrious YVR 2037 Master Plan are slated to dazzle the folks at Transport Canada, who surely have nothing better to do than deliberate. The City of Richmond, meanwhile, is now acting like the concerned parent who just found an empty wrapper in a teenager’s room—anxiously commenting on this daring escapade.
Now, let’s skate back to that elusive third runway, which is indeed floating around in the airport’s grand vision, possibly running parallel to the south runway. Still, with this shiny new commercial concept, it appears that building it is akin to waiting for a bus that only comes on leap years.
Interestingly, Richmond’s zoning laws are already paving the way for this future runway—so hey, why not put up some lovely buildings in the meantime? A YVR spokesperson confirmed there’s no pressing plan, emphasizing that keeping zoning “appropriate” ensures future buildings won’t become aviation’s next obstacle course. Perfect planning; just don’t ask about timelines!
Meanwhile, the south runway has become YVR’s favorite child, while the shorter north runway is like that neglected friend who only gets called when all the cool kids have left the party. Richmond Counselor Bill McNulty humorously lamented that the north runway’s lack of usage was probably due to the superior protest skills of south Vancouver residents. Who knew protests could out-fly airplanes?
To wrap things up with a neat little bow, the YVR 2037 Master Plan suggests we might just have to get used to both runways being equally overworked. Let’s cross our fingers; we might finally see some peak-period magic without any more newspaper headlines announcing that all the cool planes are grounded. Stay tuned, folks!
