A tiny airline based in Qualicum Beach on Vancouver Island is asking for public support to get the local town council to withdraw an eviction notice. Oceanside Air has been building a business at the town-owned airport with charter and scheduled service to Vancouver and other destinations. But last week the council, in an in-camera session, voted to terminate the contract effective March 3. Gord Gauvin, a spokesman for the Qualicum Beach-Parksville Aerospace Industry Association told NanaimoNewsNow the termination was apparently the result of a small after-hours birthday celebration for a pilot featuring beer and cake at the company office on Nov. 11.
“It’s dumfounding as to how someone sharing some birthday cake and a couple of beverages in their office space after hours could result in the Town deciding to terminate a contractor, a brand new company that’s been showing great promise in developing air travel within the Parksville-Qualicum Beach area,” said Gauvin. Apparently someone spotted the revelry and complained to the city. The owner apologized and promised to take any further socializing off the airport but that wasn’t enough for the council. “After careful deliberation and consideration, Town Council has directed staff to cancel the existing terminal lease for Oceanside Air with 90-days notice, as per the existing lease agreement,” said a city spokeswoman. A petition is circulating to get the decision reversed.