Dan Annand a co-owner of Smit Field on Forbidden Plateau Road | George Le Masurier photos
Smit Field owners, neighbours, CVRD rural directors clash over testing of drag racing cars
Does the Comox Valley want to allow the testing and tuning of drag racing cars in a rural residential neighborhood along Forbidden Plateau Road next to Nymph Falls Nature Park? Directors of the Comox Valley Regional District’s three rural electoral areas will answer that question at their next meeting, on Dec. 9.
But it won’t be an easy decision. The case involves neighbourhood concerns about noise, pollution and forest fires, a defiant property owner and a federally regulated airport.
For the past three years, the Vanisle Airfield Society Inc. has tested and tuned their drag racing cars at a 50-acre Forbidden Plateau Road property owned by Dan Annand and Kevin Griessel in contravention of Comox Valley Regional District zoning bylaws.
The property is zoned RU20, which allows several non-residential uses, such as sawmills and dog kennels, but does not allow drag racing or the testing of drag racing cars.
However, the property also contains Smit Field, a private airport registered by Transport Canada with 1,200 feet of concrete runway where the Vanisle Society has been holding its test and tune events.
The CVRD shut down the car club’s activity this summer after some area residents complained.
Now the society has applied for a three-year temporary use permit that would allow up to 50 car owners to test their racing cars over three days, three times per year beginning next May.
Vanisle Society spokesperson Ken Pederson says there is no other site with comparable amenities for car owners on Vancouver Island. Members of the society just “want to have fun,” he says, and tune their cars before entering races.
That hasn’t swayed concerned residents, who say they initially complained about the noise because the cars reach high decibel levels that they say can be heard at homes up to two kilometers away.
But since hearing from the Smit Field owners, and suffering social media harassments from members or supporters of the drag car society, the residents now fear the property owners plan to grow the site into a major event venue and that the drag racing car events will become permanent.
Temporary use permits can be issued for up to three years, and are renewable.
And that, they say, intensifies additional ongoing concerns about air and ground pollution and forest fires.
But principal owner Dan Annand told Decafnation this week that he has no plans to create more large-scale public events on his property, although he does currently host Jeepapalooza, which in its second year last summer drew 700 owners of off-road vehicles.
And if the CVRD Electoral Services Commission doesn’t approve the Vanisle Society’s temporary use permit, a defiant Annand says he might continue to allow the testing of drag cars anyway because he believes the regional district doesn’t have the authority to regulate how he uses his property.
Annand has also hinted that he might turn Smit Field back into a “full-blown airport,” with fly-in gatherings for pilots that could attract more participants and make more noise and pollution than either the drag car testing and Jeepapalooza events.
Plus, he says, he would stop allowing other public service uses of his property.
The following five sections break down this complicated story:
- What is Smit Field
- Why have neighbors complained
- Who is the Vanisle Airfield Society
- Dan Annand’s frustrations
- What is the CVRD recommending
Aerial view of Smit Field courtesy of Transport Canada
WHAT IS SMIT FIELD?
Bert Smit and Dan Annand, who shared a love for flying, have co-owned the 50-acre Smite Field property for many years. Smit owned the property as early as 1977 and obtained classification as a registered aerodrome through Transport Canada sometime in the early 1980s.
The airfield features a grass runway 66 feet wide by 2,663 feet long at the base of the Beaufort Mountains forming Forbidden Plateau and Mt. Washington.
In recent years, Annand has covered 36 by 1,200 feet of the runway with concrete. The drag racing cars use roughly 325 feet of it to test single cars and sometimes side by side.
Smit died on March 3, 2010 when his homebuilt two-seater Jodel aircraft crashed in a forested area just below Forbidden Plateau. Witnesses to the crash say Smit was doing acrobatic maneuvers when a wing appeared to break away.
The airfield is rarely used. As a private aerodrome, pilots must call Annand by phone to request permission to land. Annand has two hangars on the property, one that houses his own Cessna 180 taildragger airplane.
But when Smit and Annand, and others, used the airfield more frequently, Annand said “there were a lot more noise complaints” than there has been recently about testing drag racing cars.
As a result of those previous complaints, Annand changed the circuit pattern for arriving aircraft to approach the runway from over the Puntledge River rather than over residential areas.
A media relations officer for Transport Canada told Decafnation that the federal agency “does not issue an approval to the aerodrome but rather validates the data provided so that it can be published in the Canada Flight Supplement,” which is information for pilots.
Transport Canada does not issue approvals to the aerodrome on the use of runways. It is the responsibility of the aerodrome operator to ensure that the aerodrome is operated safely and to notify Transport Canada of any changes to the flight supplement information.
Annand has not yet notified Transport Canada that he hard-surfaced a portion of the listed runway with concrete or that he plans to extend it to 3,000 feet.
Burned rubber from drag car testing on the Smit Field runway
WHY NEIGHBORS HAVE COMPLAINED
Residents along Forbidden Plateau Road started complaining to the Comox Valley Regional District by Sept. 16, 2017. They say the noise from revving high-performance drag racing engines is deafening in Nymph Falls park and at homes within about two kilometers of the airfield.
Dylan DeGagne was the first neighbor to go public with a complaint. He told the Comox Valley Record last May that while paddleboarding on the Puntledge River near the BC Hydro dam at Comox Lake, “he could hear the cars roaring.”
DeGagne started a petition on Change.org to stop the activity. He immediately became the target of social media intimidation. He has now sold his house and is in the process of transferring to Victoria.
But other residents who spoke to Decafnation on the promise of anonymity, say they have also complained to the regional district. All of these sources purchased their properties before the dragster testing began. They say the noise since 2017 has affected their ability to enjoy their properties and potentially their long-term property values.
They have requested anonymity because of the threats issued through social media posts by either members or supporters of the Vanisle Airfield Society.
Screenshots of two previously public, now private Facebook pages include this post: “Yea, people complain its (sic) too loud. The noise isn’t going away, because I’ll make continuous passes on there (sic) street at 2am if need be, so get over the noise.”
And this reply: “I’ll just put a 353 Detroit in the box of my truck running flat out all night lol.”
Residents say they knew before they purchased their properties that there was an airfield nearby, but not that testing of drag racing cars would occur.
Their complaints include adverse market value impacts to their property, safety concerns to cyclists along Forbidden Plateau Road, forest fire risk, negative impacts to users of Nymph Falls park and wildlife, contravention of CVRD zoning bylaws and “an incongruence with climate change policies” (unnecessary pollution and carbon emissions from fossil fuels).
They say during the most recent Jeepapalooza event, some of the 700 campers set off fireworks during one of the driest periods of the summer.
“Why should we accept the devaluation of our homes, and the risk, to support other people’s hobbies,” one resident told Decafnation.
The concerned residents don’t see the Jeepapalooza and drag car testing events as separate issues.
“It’s not separate for us,” a resident told Decafnation. “The point is, where is this headed? The land owner has poured more than $200,000 into this property without without any approvals. He’s not doing it for three weekends a year that he says doesn’t generate any income for him. There’s a longer-term vision here.”
And they dispute Annand’s claim that the drag car testing events are just for his friends.
“Our complaint was filed only after we discovered that the test and tune events were being advertised on two Facebook pages, totalling more than 3,000 followers.
“This is not strictly a family and friends event,” the source told Decafnation. “All Vancouver Island and BC drag car owners now think there’s a drag strip in the Comox Valley.”
And they have no confidence so far that the CVRD can control these events through a temporary use permit. The regional district does not have a bylaw compliance officer to monitor such permits. It relies on a complaint-driven system.
The concerned neighbours do not understand the purpose of the CVRD’s recommendation to approve a one-year temporary use permit. The staff report suggests that one year would serve as a trial and give staff time to evaluate the events.
“But there’s no objective criteria mentioned how they would evaluate the events,” a resident said. “We already know it doesn’t work. What will they do, planners will drive around in their cars to see how loud it is?”
Concerned neighbors generally feel the CVRD recommendation disregards their concerns, the environment, the park and existing zoning bylaws.
Facebook Post showing cars lined up for testing at Smit Field
WHO IS THE VANISLE AIRFIELD SOCIETY
Comox Valley and Vancouver Island drag racing enthusiasts say they just want a safe place to test and tune their cars.
The Vanisle Airfield Society was formed in January of 2015 after approaching the co-owner of the Smit Field, Dan Annand. They formed the society in order to get insurance coverage, and are the official applicant for the temporary use permit.
“We want to do it right. We’re trying to make it safe for everybody,” Ken Pederson, a society spokesperson told Decafnation.
Prior they located at Smit Field, owners used to test their cars on the Comox Logging Road near Royston or on the lower sections of the Mt. Washington road, which was neither legal or safe.
The group has since purchased an expensive set of lights of the type used to start drag racing events and timing equipment to provide instant, printed feedback on driver response times.
In drag racing, a set of lights similar to street lights illuminate down from red to yellow to green. The driver to most quickly accelerate his car has a considerable advantage.
According to Pederson the test and tune events are really about tuning the driver, not the car. Smit Field is not used for drag racing where cars and drivers compete against each other side-by-side.
“Ninety-nine percent of drag races are won or lost at the starting line,” Pederson told Decafnation this week. “That’s why we need a place to practice. It’s more about tuning the drivers’ reaction time.”
Pederson says there are no other places to practice on Vancouver Island that appeal to his group of members. They tried Saratoga Speedway but the straightaway was too short for the faster cars and they could only get five hours of time. It takes two to three hours to set up their lights and timing equipment, so there wasn’t enough time to warrant the cost of renting the track.
And the Island’s other drag racing sites like Port McNeill and Western Speedway near Victoria don’t allow test and tune events. Drivers say they need the practice team to justify expensive trips to drag races, especially those off the Island.
Pederson says 35 of the 42 cars owned by members that might practice at Smit Filed are street legal.
And, he says, a suggestion to reduce the tuning events at Smit Field to one day, rather than three, won’t appeal to the society’s members. The society charges $700 for an annual membership, which pays for the portable toilets and food sold during events as well as the debt for purchasing the lighting equipment.
“Three one-day events don’t make it worthwhile,” he said.
Pederson said the society hopes to purchase carbon credits to offset the burning of fossil fuels before the CVRD’s electoral directors meet Dec. 9 to decide the issue.
“We’re trying to show we’re not a bunch of hillbillies. We want to do this properly,” he said.
Smit Field co-owner Dan Annand at the site of salmon habitat restoration on the Puntledge River near his property
PROPERTY OWNER DAN ANNAND
Dan Annand has co-owned the Forbidden Plateau Road property for over 20 years. He originally partnered with owner Bert Smit. When Smit died in 2010, Annand took on a new partner, neighbor Kevin Grissel, whose name appears on the title.
Annand says he’s not trying to become another Saratoga Speedway.
“It’s just friends having fun. I could do it every weekend if I wanted,” he told Decafnation this week. “Because of the hassle with the CVRD, I might invite a few friends up here with cars anyway, whether it (temporary use permit) passes or not.”
He says many of the drag car owners in the Vanisle Airfield Society are friends, whose parents were friends with his parents. And they share a love of racing, which he used to do 50 years ago, and flying. Three of the car owners own airplanes.
Annand is a member of the pioneering Piercy family and his wife’s family, the Picketts, were early settlers on Denman, Hornby and Cumberland.
“I probably have 500 relatives in Courtenay alone,” he says.
He doesn’t charge the drag car society or the Jeepapalooza organizers any rental fee. He has offered his property for free as long as the groups raise money for charity.
“That’s what it’s all about,” he says. “If they didn’t raise money for charity they wouldn’t be allowed out here.”
Between the testing of drag racing cars and Jeepapalooza, Annand says $80,000 has been donated to cancer-related non-profits in the last two years, including sending a family to Hawaii through the Help Fill A Dream Foundation, and donations to the local Hospice Society.
But he says the airfield could make money by promoting fly-in events to pilots around BC and beyond.
“If this doesn’t go through, I’ll hard surface the whole runway and start having airshows and fly-ins,” he said.
Annand says the increased air traffic would cause more noise and more pollution than a whole year of drag car testing.
“The stupid part is that the drag cars burn on a 14-1 air to gas ratio. They burn clean. Aircraft burn lead-based fuel. One plane releases more carbon than all the cars on an entire weekend,” he said. “One airshow here would create 10 times more pollution in the air than a whole year of cars.”
And he disputes the claim that any of the events have exploded fireworks. There are two water tanker trucks on the property, so he believes the risk of a fire is next to nothing.
Annand also points to all of the other benefits he offers free of charge to the Comox Valley community.
He allows the military search and rescue squadron to have their year-end party on the property, usually landing a helicopter. He allows the Courtenay Rod and Gun Club and the Department of Fisheries to use his property to stage gravel for a Puntledge River salmon enhancement project in an area called Reach B.
Mountain biking groups use his property to access trails up to the top of the Forbidden Plateau, and have recently rebuilt a bridge using Smit Field access. Mountain search and rescue teams use his site for marshalling and as a launch point for training exercises.
Annand also built a parking lot for access to Barbers Hole, and says he plows snow from neighbors driveways every winter.
“If this TUP gets turned down, all of that goes away,” he said. “The skinny of it is, I’ll stop all public access and all the benefits and the donations to charity go away. Shame on the three neighbors who can shut this all down. The CVRD should represent the majority. It’s no longer a democracy.”
Annand said he went door-to-door asking neighbors about the drag car noise. He says 91 people said they were in favor of it, and some even help volunteer during the events. He believes only three or four neighbors have complained.
Annand says he’s “done just about everything we can to reduce noise.”
“It’s noisy, no question. But we’re asking for 24 hours total per year. If you can’t put up with that then … really?” he said. “I’ve just about had enough of the CVRD. If it doesn’t pass, I’ll go to a full-blown airport. I’m going to do that anyway.”
CVRD’S RECOMMENDATION
Since notifying Annand and the Vanisle Airfield Society that they were contravening Comox Valley Regional District bylaws, planners have met with him and representatives of the Vanisle Airfield Society, and separately with a group of concerned neighbors.
At the Nov. 4 Electoral Services Commission, CVRD staff presented a report that recommended approving a temporary use permit for one year that would allow three, three-day test and tune events for a maximum of 30 cars and 15 campsites.
Staff have recommended allowing car owners to only practice from 10 am to 4 pm on Saturday and 10.30 to 3.30 on Sunday.
The report notes that the test and tune events comply with CVRD’s noise bylaw, which restricts hours but does not regulate decibel levels.
The report said the bylaw compliance department did a full review and determined the past drag car test and tune events were not lawful.
Staff said that noise from the events could not be controlled, but the conditions of the permit were designed to minimize neighbourhood disruption.
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I support these events. Creating or implying that the events will turn into something more in the future is not the application presented to the RD. Be careful….the planning staff use this line to shutter the proposals of everything when they can’t follow their own guiding principles.
Drag racing is an old time sport. However, it is not dying -it will be replaced with electric cars which are faster and quieter. Keep racing on the track -not our roads.
I’m tiring of those that think that they are the only ones who hear noise in Paradise.
Who would complain about the snow birds practicing or the constant drone of glider tow planes? No mufflers on those babies, either.
Electric is the way of the future.
Put my comment in the wrong spot before I was going to add that the Jeepapolooza event seems more fitting for the area – folks that enjoy the wilderness, camping, doing a little off roading (if that’s what they are doing). I don’t hear anyone objecting about that…why not sponsor that and some form of music fest a couple times Spring music, Jeepapolooza summer…these types of events are generally well received and truly do bring folks and money to the community as long as they are well planned/thought out.
Why push something that seems to be fazing out, that most communities don’t seem to want in their “backyards”? Society as a whole is turning toward more environmental friendly/sustainable pursuits.
Bob
– Just as a note they do not want Jeepapolooza event either.
It is always a great thing when groups can support each other for the good of communities, enjoyment, fund raising, education. This facility can do all that, working together for good results rather than draw lines in the sand, we all do better in the long run.
Smit Field and it’s leaders are following the rules, engaging RD and neighbors, well done. We have fully supported this from the beginning and seeing how the property owners continue to take the High Road we will continue.
Last year my family and I brought our car for some testing which allowed my wife and our daughter a venue off the street to safely experience driving a performance car on a safe test facility.
We stayed at a local hotel and had meals at various establishments in the Comox Valley
We heavily contributed to the fund raising at each event that were such great causes.
each was a well ran event, safe, very aware and cognizant of the neighbors and surroundings
Bravo to see this energy and venue in these times
You have our support
This is NOT a dying sport as some make reference to…it is the complete opposite. This is a very popular and expanding sport. A sport that needs positive support and a safe island facility.
It is published that Vancouver Island has had more National Hot Road Association license holders per capita in North America, and they never have –and still don’t – have a facility to service them.
Until this actually and eventually happens, Vancouver Island Airfield Society (VIAS) is merely asking for a temporary usage permit at Smit Airfield, 3 weekends of the year, NOT to race, NOT to draw huge crowds, NOT to disrupt anything more than 4-5 hours of a day. 6 days of the year. That is all, Victoria and Port McNeil 1/8 mile, and Missions 1/4 mile on the mainland is a long and expensive way to travel to race, particularly when your unsure of the performance of motors and components have not been tested and tuned and race ready.
Smit Airfield owners were generously willing to help,out and grant a small membership club consisting of friends and family, capped at 50 members to test and tune their performance cars at their airstrip during the race season. All in good will from Danny and Kevin, in order to help in preparation for large events scheduled at race tracks both on and off the island. We follow protocol of the NHRA rules and regulations which are heavily safety sanctioned, and are responsible for our liability insurances from the start. They spoke with the CVRD and they agreed the activities were in compliance with the noise bylaw requirements. They also forewarned of the scheduled activities to neighbourhood residents repeatedly. They explained (2016) they may be paving the runway for drag car purposes. Not open to public, just private invitation. There was no objections. So a membership was formed, and tuned in on a green light !
Some of the NIMBY land owners proceeded to warrant a dispute, mocking a red light, and falsely stating their own story and raced to the media and report “drag racing” in full effect…”lets put the brakes on drag racing” the articles in the local newspaper and petition to change.org . When the media was told the other side of the story. The published article was removed as the truth was out of context….the truth was published as an “update”, and remains published.
We all know noise is a fact of life, particularly when living by a airfield…which is permitted to make noise…it is zoned for that purpose. Everyone knows that If you choose to live in the area of a airfield….you have accepted that it is going to be noisy …an acceptable factor that comes with the territory …fortunately it is not a daily happening as with the likes of Courtenay Air Park, CFB Comox Airport which freely make noises all hours of the day and night, tuning their engines…burning gazillions of gallons of fuel, to keep the federal budget up. Use it or loose it…..not to mention snowbirds annoyingly buzzing each spring, F18’s visits blasting the sky’s without notice…..get the point? But that’s ok…because it federal…Hmmm…Yes Smit Airfield private federal airstrip, and yes it can be open to the public, commercial, advertised, and a become a very active airstrip if the land owner chose to ….and yes it could legally have a bigger plan….It could be a lot worse.
So realistically a 6 days of the year at most…..temporarily ….each car would be lucky to burn more than 5-10 gallons of clean burning fuels per day. By comparison, is not a huge environmental impact. Right?
In following the neighbourhood NIMBY’s letters, petitions and published untruths. Attempts at setting forth a picture of lawbreaking gangster rebels, bulling and threatening the neighbourhood. All the out of context concerns, the exaggerated speculations, and blowing the truth out of the matter of what was really intended, was and is way out of proportion. This is not a “race track, nor a “speedway” with “thousands of spectators invited” …there is no “smoke n mirrors, commercial enterprises, Sponsors, money being pocketed, advertising, promoting, or have any bigger or permanent plans” than what ever have said we’re doing…we have clarified in writing to the CVRD what we are doing…small club …temporary measure. THAT IS ALL.
A raised eyebrow is upon the NIMBYs ….a couple of very neighbourly letters in support of the test and tune activity, has also been published. Expressing witness to a very small minority of unsupportive land owners that, are and have been, ongoing loud voiced chronic naysayers over the years. That they are against nearly everything that happens in the area, even when its for the positive in helping to rectify problem situations. Surely this small group of negative, neighbourhood group, have gone out of there way to taunt, provoke, initiate, daunt, and put their point out there in a less than neighbourly fashion….there are two sides to the street, and we do beg to differ… their truth has not been presented properly. Within the context of a few submitted negative impact letters, there is no noise conflict with in the zoning….The rest is pretty easy to read between the lines.
We all wish to get along, and be able to tolerate a little of each other in a positive respectable manner.
Thanks to Danny and Kevin for getting the truth be heard, and being the good neighbour and taking the time to fully explain to everyone, the CVRD and the public the truth of the matter. We know the vast majority of them do appreciate what you have done and continue to do for everyone.
Thank you George for taking the time to interview and collect facts and publish a much needed proper and informative article with values to all perspectives and persons involved in regards to test and tune activities at Smit Airfield, and the ability for all to share their comments!
WE CONTINUE TO FULLY SUPPORT
VANCOUVER ISLAND AIRFIELD SOCIETY TEST AND TUNE AT SMIT AIRFIELD
Glad I’m not the only one that takes issue with the tone and content of the negative replies. It especially amuses me when they refer to the positive comments being made by members. It is only reasonable to assume “most” of the support letters would come from people with a vetted interest in the permit being approved and the negative commenters being the few that really can’t come to grips with someone interrupting there peace and solitude with noisy cars a few days a year. The thing I find the most amusing is there biggest argument is the noise which is not the problem the permit is needed for.
I am a Van Isle Airfields member. My family and I attend racing events in Port McNeill, Port Alberni, Victoria and elswhere when opportunity arises. In order for these events to take place a great group of volunteers has to come together and through their hard work and determination a successful event can take place. Those of you who have coached sports, organised tournaments, or worked on political campaigns among other things are very aware of this. Applying for this temporary use permit is not just a quick and easy thing. It requires a group of dedicated individuals giving up their free time to make it happen. I would like to thank that group at this time, you people rock!!
For those of you who don’t know the North Island Timing Association (NITA) This year received the award for Volunteer Organisation of the Year for the North Island/Powell River area. This was from The Honorable Rachel Blaney’s office for their hard work and commitment in organizing the drag racing event at Port McNeill. You people also rock!!
I feel very privileged to have been able to part of these events and to know you is to like you. The nay sayers just don’t know you yet.
Please come out to one of these events and see for yourselves, you don’t have to like drag racing but you will see how a group of mature responsible people can make you feel right at home. Neill Foxcroft, Campbell River
I absolutely support test and tune events at smit field. This provides a safe environment for drivers to test themselves and their cars. Fun to watch and a good time not just for drivers but also their families and anyone else coming out to watch. 3 times per year….it’s not asking for much…
I fully support these events. As a mother of a Jr dragster and a super car enthusiast, I will never forget the smile on my sons face when he got to practice a run as well as meet all the guys and gals, and feel like he’s met his ‘people’. The folks behind all of this are such kind and caring humans! Having a safe place to test and tune the vehicles between races in Port McNeill and all over, is amazing and keeping people off of the streets doing this just makes sense! I can understand if this event happened every weekend, but 3 times a year…. that’s not bad at all. I know some people that live around the area, and as they say, yes it’s a little noisy for a small part of the day, but it’s over by dinner time, and they’ve seen so many people stop to enjoy and watch for a little while. This is nothing but good going on here, from the racing community growing to the charities that are supported with each event.
I support the society and what it’s trying to achieve….a safe and controlled environment to tune the vehicles before going into competition at out if town race tracks.
Let’s let a handful of people run this….. ok then let’s get rid of MUSIC FEST.
You know that 4 day event that runs from early in the day until late at night with sound that travels to the far reaches of south Courtenay.
Oh and don’t forget those 2 seniors homes that are just down the road….. think they’re happy with the noise when they’re trying to sleep at 8pm.
Environmental impact….. out of towners camping for 4 days …. way over the 65 or so members of the society.
THESE out of towners seeking in the near by river causing way more damage to the river bed for fish habitat…. plus all the garbage left behind when they leave town.
As for the people who’ve built 3 million dollar homes in the area… I’m sure they’ve done more damage to wildlife if they’re property wasn’t cleared before the airfield was…. displacing wildlife….
Why are things like Music fest and others like that aloud to continue……PROFIT…..
Let the society do what they enjoy safely with less environmental and noise impact than the previously mentioned events.
My family and I support this place it’s a safe and fun environment for family and close friends to test and tune our vehicles for events safely. We are not out causing trouble we are doing what we love responsibility with all safety precautions taken by everyone who attends has to go thru safety tech inspection before they even start their vehicle. It teaches the kids involved in the sport safety and due diligence how to have fun and be safe in a controlled environment. We need a place the future generations can practice with the jr dragsters and people to allow us to have a spot we can all enjoy a couple weekends a year.
Well being a racer that had to see for my self I stopped by for a visit and have to say I was very impressed with the set up, the professional approach to the testing and tune even I attended. The fundraising effort is second to none I have ever been involved in! Second as for the noise problem when I was there a family of deer where so bothers by the noise that the testing had to stop because the deer where walking up to the track and running cars ??? I find it funny that a music fest or a marching band in a parade is ok or we can disrupt the hole valley for snow to surf with how many potential traffic safety issues and we have a couple of handfuls of people admitting they want to provide a safe , organized program ( not saying any of the other events aren’t organized and done well and safe) can continue to fill a need and make a charitable donation . I really think people should step back and see the forest from the trees !!!
I have previously commented as the Treasurer of VanIsle Airfield Society; I am changing my hat. As one of two Volunteer Coordinators of the Annual Help Fill A Dream Foundation Comox Valley Events I would like to share the following:
Over the past 5 years we have raised over 125,000.00 at our events by bringing the community together, Businesses, individuals and an amazing crew of volunteers make it a success each year.
Our Event sponsors are Georgia Straight Collision, Chances Courtenay, Gateway Entertainment, Audio Xcellence and K’omoks Catering. We are able to provide Help Fill A Dream Foundation all the proceeds raised at our events due to the donations from sponsors.
Help Fill A Dream Foundation is a Vancouver Island and Gulf Island Specific foundation and provides assistance to families in our community who have children with life threatening illness by fulfilling dreams and providing assistance in the way of emergency funding for expenses not normally covered by other means that may cause hardship. Help Fill A Dream Foundation makes the impossible possible.
In 2019 VanIsle Airfield Society was integral in helping us to achieve our goal of almost 25,000. In addition to the funds raised over the course of our test n tune fundraising bbq, many of our members attended the fundraising event and generously bid on items in which contributed more than 10% of the proceeds.
I guess in a nutshell what I am trying to say is we are all good people; the club, individuals and the property owners would do anything to help in our neighborhoods, and community. We are grateful to Mr Annand and Mr Griessel for providing this location. All we are asking for is to be able to come together in a community of likeminded people to do what we love for a moment in time.
The law is being broken, it’s called nuisance it’s a tort. More than one resident has expressed concerns.
If the society and those who support it are such solid citizens and lovely people then who terrorized the young family to such a degree that they sold their home, packed up and moved to Victoria?
Mr. Annand is likely in contravention of his zoning – there is a process of you wish to change the zoning on your property. It’s a public and well known thing. You can’t just do what you please to the detriment of others and their property. Thinking you’re above the rules and the law belies a sense of entitlement. Typical of the boomer generation and so prevalent in the valley.
These folks didn’t move to this nuisance he created it. The residents voiced concerns all along and were tolerant to a degree because they a nice folks. Mr. Annand’s friends started bullying the residents. “You’re either with us or against us” I’ve heard.
Visitors and some residents drive FB road like it’s a highway even passing at excessive speeds. During the summer months I’ve come around the corner to find a young child standing in the middle of the road while one of these events was going on. We’ve got teens practicing skiing…it’s a well known park and recreational area. Not the place for a speedway.
Your talking about bringing increased traffic over and above summer tourists.
During a tinder dry time, already a risk. With no plan how to police and save the residents harm. Just for the sake of one mans profit really. Having a known speedway will likely bring up the community’s home and fire insurance…is the society prepared to offset these costs? One pumper truck will do little, more people = increase in risk.
Seal Bay has a massive swamp which is far enough out of town why don’t back fill this and build a strip there? I know, silly right? What a crazy idea.
I wonder if the deGagnes got fair market value for their property? A known ultralight airport is a lot less intrusive / more desirable than a speedway with engines reving. I wonder what this will do to property values in the area? There’s some beautiful homes up FBP way, folks who have made substantial investments no doubt. Wonder what they’ll all do, what the deGagnes will do, should their property values take a dip with a speedway in their backyard? I think if I were them I’d consider going after the CVRD for mitigated loss should they condon the wrongdoing by issuing a permit. They likely have deep pockets.
If these folks wanted a speedway in their backyard they would have built thee million dollar homes out Black Creek way. Saratoga ringing any bells? Just saying…
Mae:
– First of all how do you know that the young family sold there home and moved to Victoria from being terrorized, what comes to my mind would be a job change, or multi other reasons.
– Excessive speeding on forbidden road way you state visitors and residents, what dose this have to do with the test & tune events.
– Who’s child was out on the roadway?
-As for the skiing we do not test our cars on the roadway.
-Who is profiting from these events, all monies go to local charities.
-This is not a speedway it is a federal sanction airstrip and not a ultralight airfield.
– Fire protection they have a water tanker, fire pumps and heavy machinery on site, and when we are there testing we add a fire tanker and fire extinguishers.
If you would like me to answer anymore questions I would be more than happy to. Thanks Ken
Before going off on a group with random and unwarranted accusations and general rambling one should at least have some of there content correct and on point. First of all the only thing broken was a bylaw on use for automotive purposes. The noise has absolutely nothing to do with any laws broken and is really a mute point by the protesters. The concrete surface is an airstrip and in no way resembles a speedway. What happens on the public roadways has nothing to do with this application. I know of no one within this groups members that would harass any residents in any way. That would harm any chance of the application proceeding and is quite frankly disrespectful to this group. Members of this group have taken all residents concerns into consideration when applying for this permit and have taken all steps to hear neighborhood concerns. It would be nice if the few that are complaining would at least do so in a factual and respectful manner.
Just so everyone knows the deGagnes house sold for 1.8 million, also apperantly comfortably living in merville or black creek for the time being in a very large house/property. I do not sympathize this, 1.8 million for any home in the comox valley is a ridiculous amount of money, so why feel sorry for them or him. If I had a house that I bought for cheaper than what I could sell it for in a high market time, I’d sell too.
I have read the article and all the comments.
To start with this dose not impact my live one way or the other.
But I am wondering is that they are worried about the cars starting are forest fire, the property owners stated that they have a water tanker on site, I would be more worried about a park user or a car driving by and throwing out a lit cigarette butt starting a fire. I have driven past this property many times and I always see heavy equipment in the yard so if a fire did break out I am sure that Danny and Kevin would be the first on the seen to put the flames out. If I lived up there I would make dam sure that they would be one of my best of friends because if my place did catch on fire I know that they would be there in a heart beat. so for the residents that live up there take a moment and think that if you piss off the guys with the fire fighting equipment and your place happens to catch on fire are they going to come and help put it out or are they going to stand back and do nothing, we should be living in a give and take world instead its getting to be all about me me, sooner or later it will come back and bite you in the ass.
I sure hope they get this figured out its sad to see neighbors fighting when they should be supporting each other.
am in support of smit field test and tune events..attended both weekends last year had a great time ,made new friends ,, great bbq well deserving charities , and boys and girls both young and old..having fun
i think this is a great addition to the valley, locals and govt would be foolish to clamp down on this, your giving people A safe, regulated environment to run their cars, off the streets, interest new people into a wonderful sport, bring monies in to our local businesses, and up the local property values, yes up, tracks today are so rare, racers love to live by a local track, high costs of distant travel for race events have soured leaving many to give up the sport they love., living close to a track for a racer/ car guy is hugely sought, ive seen this around many tracks in my 30 plus yrs of racing. the impact a well set up facility to the valley would out weight the negative 100 to 1, jobs, tourism, bragging rights /the only one on the island)
Thanks George for the informative article.
Danny and Kevin need to be supported. They have a property that they have opened to a few local groups. These groups have formed programs to control their numbers, be as least intrusive as possible, and be active community supporters.
Not sure if the noise factor is the actual concern here as the property zoning allows more “noisy” activity on a regular basis than just a few weekends a year.
Between Danny , Kevin and the VAS, there has been alot of effort to address the concerns to local residents and the CVRD. These people are combining significant support for the community while enjoying their hobbies. What is being proposed needs a green light from the RD
I write this in full support of Van Isle Airfield Society’s temporary usage permit at the Smit Airfield. I would also not hesitate to personally support a more permanent test and tune event at this location. This year, while fundraising for Comox Valley Hospice Society, myself and my team (at our request) barbecued at one of the weekends. Because of the most incredible generosity of those attending, our team raised a significant amount of funds for our local hospice society. A society that cares, with respect and compassion, for all the people of the Comox Valley, no matter where they live, or what their background is, or even what their hobbies are. It would be a shame for any charity to miss out on this opportunity. Also as a hiker, biker, trail runner, and an outdoor enthusiast, who uses the Nymph Falls / Forbidden Plateau trails regularly, not once over the weekend did I think that any parkland, property, buildings, or people, were in any way in jeopardy of damage or injury. As for the noise, I find those that run the trails with their music playing loudly, much more invasive and annoying than I would ever find the drag race cars, and I certainly wouldn’t tell the music runner that they couldn’t use the trails just because of their noise. I encourage CVRD to approve the temporary usage permit and allow safe, friendly, and charitable, test and tune events, to take place.
i fully support the test and tune events at smit field. there was never any plan to make this in to a racing event but merely a safe, legal place to test the vehicles and drivers. many thanks to Kevin and Danny for their generous gift of venue and support. to the opposing group, what you are doing is tantamount to honking your horn behind the tour de rock riders as they slow traffic. the society is not asking for the moon here, surely you can compromise considering the short duration of these events.
I am in support of this runway being used for drag cars. As its only 3 weekends a year and provides another option for family oriented fun.
My family’s in full support of the Van Isle Airfield Society’s test an tunes huge thank you goes out to Kevin an Danny for opening there land for us to test are cars. this is great for family’s of all ages an especially for are youth as there’s a great jr dragster program
Danny Annon is doing the right thing not just for himself but for a lot of people and should be supported. It’s too bad there isn’t more people doing things benefitting the majority like Danny. There will always be the NIMBY no matter where or what you try and do. You just gotta push thru when you know your doing the right thing.
Thanks Dan for doing what you do.
Im in total favour of Smit airfield test & tunes , as a mother of jr dragster child having an event weekends to be able to have them learn in a safe environment & being taught by individuals who enjoy the same hobby is win !
I’m in Favor. Great event. Nice clean place and very safe. Great people and I spend the money in courtenay for the weekends. Thanks guys great place. It’s awesome to be able to test the cars
I really support this place and the ideas it poses, it’s a safe place to go, gets these cars off the streets, and you can bring your whole family to enjoy it. For my family it’s fun for all of us, even my 7 year old son gets his chance to “go fast” running a Jr dragster, without a place like this it pretty much kills it for him, it’s too expensive to go to Mission, and McNeil is only 3 times a year. I understand that if you aren’t into racing or cars this event can be annoying, however I think that the small amounts of time being asked for should be a great compromise for those who don’t enjoy it. As a resident of Cumberland I know all about putting up with things I don’t enjoy, I have lived here since before it became a capital for mountain bikers and their events, I have the displeasure of listening to the music festival that happens in the park, I even get to have a naked bike ride event, I’m not interested in any of it but it happens regardless. My point is, I’m not the only one who doesn’t like things and events in my community but there are others who do, it’s a COMPRIMISE. We all need to make them, it’s part of life, you don’t want to live my way, I don’t want to live your way, but we all got to live together, this is all too often forgotten as everyone is so god damn self absorbed these days. Dan has done a great job of keeping the neighbourhood informed about when events will take place and what to expect, he has built a dirt berm to reduce noise, and attended meetings to hear out concerns. As for the negative comments and harassment from some of the group’s supporters, things like “I’ll make a pass at 2am in front of their house”, this isn’t the outlook of the entire group, respect is a 2way street, we need to give respect to the community if we want any in return, and we all know you need to give a lot to get a little back, unfortunately there are still some of us that need to learn this lesson. This is our groups chance for a compromise, let’s not shut it down before it starts
I am in favour of having the air strip hold events for us to test and tune our cars at. All while in supporting our local charities in our communities.
Fully support this event.
I am a 100% in favour of this track It gives the people the chance to enjoy there hobby in a safe manor and could bring revenue to the community not to mention a place for families To get together to enjoy a awesome spectator sport
I strongly support allowing the test and tune events at Smith field. These events are attended and organized by mature respectful people. They spend alot of time and money on their machines and are passionate about their sport. This property could not be much further out of town and for the few hours a year they are applying for it really is a no brainer. The hours are also respectful of residents in the area. There is very little risk in allowing these short infreaquent events to take place.
This is an occasional event and brings so much joy to everyone. Its sad a few people dislike it purchasing a home where there would be noise pollution to begin with. These events attract revenue whether it be food, lodging, or even gassing up. There are thousands of people looking for more events like these. Few want it shut down, I for one say make it bigger. What better place then an air field?
As a young car enthusiast, it is difficult to find a safe and legal environment to test and tune my car, especially on vancouver island.
Although we are willing to spend plenty of money on our cars nonetheless the island makes it difficult to legally enjoy a car designed to go fast or handle better than the average car. Moving and travelling is beyond many peoples pocketbooks.
This air strip is a great opportunity for car enthusiasts of all ages and financial situations to have a chance to test their vehicle free of unnecessary risk and danger.
This airstrip is in my opinion very far away from town, surrounded by dense forest, and free of pedestrians and heavy traffic, the track itself is several hundred meters from the access road and the direction of travel for the vehicles makes it nearly impossible to cause an accident that could hurt bystanders.
To the selfish people who are trying to stop this from happening, if you can deal with the sound of an aircraft engines revving up to take off, I think you can handle a few dozen cars making passes down the strip.
To the people who chose to live in an area near an airstrip, noise is a byproduct of that, once again, the sound of an airplane engine to a car engine is nearly identical.
Stopping these test and tunes would and will only force us back onto the streets, something none of us want to do.
Saratoga speedway for sale, the cowichan race track is thousands of dollars just for a basic membership, victoria has some events usually are “drifting” events which a majority of car enthusiast do not participate in.
I cant stress enough how important it is to have a safe and legal environment for car enthusiasts to use their vehicles that we have so much passion for.
The way enthusiasts have been treated by the general public, thr city, police, and ICBC is appalling.
All we want to do is have fun, safely and legally, but bylaws, selfish citizens and law enforcement make that extremely difficult. And because of all this its only driving tracks to close down because of constant complaints.
It’s your choice people.
Safe Legal Track, or on the streets.
Actually, these folks didn’t move to the “nuisance” it’s been increasing in frequency over the years. Wasn’t a thing until 2 years ago. One owners misplaced sense of entitlement doesn’t trump other residents right to the quiet enjoyment of their property. It is far out of town which why I suspect all of the FP residents purchased in the area. An airfield for occasional use is very different than the level of noise or nuisance created by this event.
I think all, of the supporters would feel very differently if this was in their backyards.
If you’re creating the nuisance you’re in the wrong.If you knowingly move to an area known to have such an event say like Saratoga Speedway well, that’s on you.
Occasionally is fine but a concrete speedway belies a sense of permanence as does a license and that’s just wrong.
If the Regional District doesn’t allow this it makes a mockery of our system. The noise from the Island Music Festival is much louder. I live by Seal Bay Park and have never heard these cars but I have heard the music festival. The members of the regional district have never considered shutting down music fest because of noise.
But let’s address a few issues: These cars are very efficient. They are as efficient as your new car but because they have far more horse power they burn more fuel. Calculating the number of cars, their fuel efficiency, and the distance they run, it works out that they will create less that 1 tonne of green house gasses per weekend. If they buy carbon offsets it will cost them about $20 per weekend. The Regional District has an opportunity here.
Noise wise, these cars are not louder than a chainsaw. When I process firewood for the winter I spend a lot more time with my chainsaw running per day than these cars spend making runs down the track. No one has ever complained about my saw. I also use a leaf blower and weed-whacker all summer long. Combine this with the fact that all my neighbours do the same thing and you have a lot of noise that I never see a complaint about that that the Regional District has to deal with. The noise has been measured in Campbell River when they were trying to get a drag strip. It is minor even for close neighbours. Many of the neighbours here are farmers. Farming equipment, tractors, implements, etc., are as loud, or louder, that these drag cars and are used for longer periods of time.
If these people had of just showed up at their friend’s house and run their cars their neighbours would still be complaining but there would be nothing they could do about it. These people didn’t do that. They formed a club and tried to do everything legally. They are asking for a permit so that they can enjoy an activity they love while still addressing the concerns of their neighbours. It’s the neighbours who are bullies in my opinion. They don’t like what people with drag cars are doing so they will never compromise. They want everybody to have their exact values and will try to crush anybody who doesn’t.
If the Regional District doesn’t approve this permit it will be a sad day for everyone.
A safe place to race
Our cars How can this even be a problem?
Car people are good people.
I support the racers we need a place in the island.
Let them have a one year permit, then monitor the sound, I’m sure you’ll find it nothing like what it’s been described to be, that’s the only reason the NIMBY’s don’t want the one year permit, because you’ll face the fact that noise isn’t the problem.
Let them have a one year permit, then monitor the sound, I’m sure you’ll find it nothing like what it’s been described to be, that’s the only reason the NIMBY’s don’t want the one year permit, because you’ll face the fact that noise isn’t the problem.
I have been a part of this airstrip since day one I have a car and enjoy our family time up there I have 3 generations of my family up there my little girl is goin to start the jr dragster program with Kenny who is the guy that has put this on for all of the kids at his own expense and Danny and kev have opened up there property up to us to use it for a very small amount of time each year so lookin forward to bein there next year and with every one
Totally support this kinda activity , Fast and loud scares some people But !! We must give this a chance! Can only do wonders for the Area . To the Nay sayer’s , give it a chance, the Racing community are Good people !!!!
We NEED this in the area after Campbell River quashed the idea of a drag strip there. I absolutely know it will help the economy and take some, but never all, street racing off the streets.
“The report said the bylaw compliance department did a full review and determined the past drag car test and tune events were not lawful.” Why would the CVRD give another permit to someone who broke the law? The rule of law is essential to Democracy and orderly society. It was not meant to apply to some but not others. The fact that someone is a good neighbour, has a family with generations in the valley or donates to the community should not make a bit of difference. If so, the CVRD is opening a can of worms and those with the most friends, family and community connections wins. Everyone else loses. Good governance does not work that way. If the law was broken, there should have been charges laid. Why reward someone for breaking the law? That is the wrong message to send to the community. I hope the CVRD maintains their integrity so that we all know that we will be treated equally.
Well said.
All I can say is “WOW” to the breaking the law comment and societal order comment. The law that was broken was a zoning bylaw that was not knowingly broken. Events such as Music Fest contravene the noise bylaws every year but they are still allowed to go forward because they apply for and receive permitting. That is the whole point of temporary or special use permits. One can “break the law” at certain places and times to benefit the greater community. Maybe sit down and chat with a few of the members of this group and you will get a better idea of who we are before painting the group as a bunch of law breaking criminals that are out to ruin “society’s rule of law.
Some observations:
Where the money goes is a just a distractor. The issue is not fund raising.
With all the protesting about global warning that we have seen in the valley lately, is this a green event?
Of all the comments made above, it would be interesting to know which people are members of the Vanisle Society. Maybe they could have a star in front of their name.
Comments like “shame”, “shame on”, “only sit at home with nothing better to do but complain” and “the inconvenience of a few residents for a limited period of time” certainly won’t lead to reconciliation. And from the article I don’t know know if a sit down attempt at reconciliation has happened.
I agree with the fellow who said, “I know that the sound of the occasional plane landing or taking off is not in any way comparable to the roar of hours of continuous wheel-spinning.” And I know how disturbing concentrated noise can be – I have to cope with the Folk Festival every year. People say to me it is only one weekend a year. Yet when I offer to exchange residences with them for that weekend they always turn me down.
An airfield yes, drag strip no.
We didn’t buy property at Saratoga, we bought in the mountains. This man has brought this nuisance to our doorsteps.
Did you know one of the developments up here prohibits livestock? Yes, that’s right livestock. Way out here in the country. Weird right? Wasn’t part of the builders vision and it’s what we all knowingly bought in to. I’d like chickens with chickens comes a rooster. If I disregarded the rules of the building scheme which is registered on title and decided to raise chickens and said chickens or noisy rooster bothered my neighbours I’d have to get rid of them. Yup, that’s right I’d be breaking the rules and causing a nuisance with that rooster and my neighbours would be well within their rights to have me get rid of them. I’d be in the wrong and if I persisted in creating a nuisance I’d not only be an a**hole I’d be in contravention of a building scheme I have full knowledge of and persisting with this nuisance, breaking the law…silly as this example seems fact is fact.
There is a process to getting things changed and/or implemented. Mr. Annand could have canvassed his neighbours, he could have applied to rezone the land, get a permit. He chose not to do any of those things. He decided to do as he pleases and at a considerable cost unfortunately, that’s the risk he took. He and his society decided the rules didn’t apply to them. The money, if any, this brings to the community is irrelevant. More than one neighbour has complained about the disruption, “nuisance” and that should be the end of it. It’s not just neighbours either, folks that utilize Nymph Falls, cyclists, recreational enthusiasts don’t love it either.
We didn’t move to a known nuisance it’s come to us. A drag strip is a heck of a lot different from an ultralight airport.
I would like to commend Mr. Annand and Mr. Grissel for their efforts. There are few among us in the Comox Valley that would be willing to donate their property for events that bring enjoyment to organized groups while dealing with the associated problems that usually go with doing so, the added bonus of charity donations shows us what can be accomplished when we all work together, but you can’t please everyone… Thank-you Mr. Annand and Mr.Grissel for your generosity, community spirit and willingness to share what you have with others, I wish those in opposition could understand this.
1) we have canvassed the neighbors, I have personally knocked on every door from peircy to the top of the mountain and this latest time was not the first, to say the antis are in the minority would be a huge understatment, there are currently 5 households against and roughly 140 in favor when carriage homes and rentals are taken into account.
2) we do not want the property rezoned, neither do the neighbors, a TUP gives us the 3 weekends we want. If the property was re zoned in indeed could be turned into a “speedway” which no one wants. Remember zoneing is permanent and a future owner may not be as generous with their usage as we have been.
3)we have not made anyone incure a “considerable cost” 24 hours of noise a year is nothing and we have spent the last 10 years limiting the impact of our airfeild, changeing the flight pattern away from houses, making is prior permission required for landing, and opting not to use our night flight lighting system just a few examples and
4) this is most definetly not an ultralight airport, we are a longer strip then courtenay airpark and as we finish the hard surfacing you will see larger and larger aircraft operating from here, although it can already handle charter planes. no it has never been a private airstrip for 20+ years we could have commercialized it, including being approached twice by city of courtenay to move the airpark up here. We have a full lighting system for nightflights, are able to have customs check in for international flights, are certified for low level acrobatics and airshows
and could have leaded and jet feul sales here the moment we decide that is a better option for raising money for charities but have not yet out of respect for neighbors and keeping the neihborhood generally quiet. Our car weekends have a MUCH lower overall disturbance to the neighborhood then an active airport will.
I would suggest thinking a few of these points over when deciding that you cannot live with 24 hours of noise a year, thats 4 hours a day for 3 weekends, the noise is not at all constant and we run two hours take an hour and a half lunch then run for two hours. Everyone that has complained excluding one household moved here and built homes knowing they were this close to an airport, not doing due dillagence to know what they were moving beside is no ones fault but their own. There most definetly is intolerance and bullying going on in this neighborhood by the few people against us, I would add ignorence and arrogance to anyone that would make a comment on this without the slightest grasp on the facts.
I think it’s a shame Mr. Annand and this Society didn’t take this opportunity to denounce the cyber bullies. It’s a pretty extreme measure to up and move from your family home to escape harassment. Things must have gotten really bad. Rather than address the issue I read threats to pursue even more disruptive activities. Not a great deal of empathy for these folks…how many of you supporters participated I wonder. Be kind, those who live in glass houses, etc.
What the deGages received for their home is irrelevant but I very much doubt they achieved a selling price $700k over list, not in this market. If they did consider it punitive damages, for pain and suffering at the finger tips of cowards hiding behind their keyboards.
The CVRD’s mandate is environmentally friendly pursuits and I trust they will keep to their mandate. Mr. Annand backs onto a Provincial park. A park that is a draw to tourists and the community at large especially during the summer months. A test in tune event simply doesn’t fit in this environment. It’s not in keeping with the CVRD’s mandate, not supported by Mr. Annand’s zoning and the neighbours have complained of nuisance. Should be the end of it. I don’t care how nice of a man he is their is a process and process and neighbour relations from my point of view don’t seem very important.
Also a small recreational airport/ultra light airport is nothing next to the decibel level produced by these cars.
As for contacting all the neighbours. The first I heard of the Van Isle Airfield Society was this article. A letter was attached to my gate last week.
Rob
– As I said in another post how do you know for a fact that they sold there home because of threats & harassment, are you sure they did not move because of a job change ?
– I am not hiding behind any key boards.
– Not sure that you are aware that this is not a small recreational/ultra light airport it can be a full commercial airport, as Kevin has stated in his post.
Nymph Falls Regional Park is a gem of the Comox Valley — usually a haven of peace and quiet for many locals and visitors. Would any Temporary Use Permit require notification in the local press of those Saturdays or Sundays that the park couldn’t provide peace and quiet due to drag-car noise?
As a frequent walker around the Courtenay Airpark, I know that the sound of the occasional plane landing or taking off is not in any way comparable to the roar of hours of continuous wheel-spinning.
100 percent in favor of this use of this property. These events are clearly a net benefit to the entire Valley.
great article. I am 100% in favour of the test and tune at the airfield. using the airfield gives racers a chance to safely test their cars help keep racing off the streets
As a member of the Vanisle Airfield Society I support the application for temporary use
We do understand the neighbours concerns, that is why we limit the hours
I do highly doubt that property values have been affected by our events
I would like to invite anyone with concerns to come and see what we do
Thanks for publishing all sides of this issue
I am all for it awesome job by everyone
I am in favor for the permits to be approved. I have been taking my kids with me to the race track to help me for 20 plus years and now they have their own cars. As a family it is awesome that I get my whole family to the track and we help out everyone with the cars and each other. I have been to 2 test and tunes at the Smit airfield and I am a member. I also donated money to the charities on both weekends. Without the test and tune weekends I would not have been able to donate and help out a family fill out one of their dreams. We also helped the Local Hospice society. For those of you who only sit at home with nothing better to do but complain have a look at all the charities that have benefited from the events that happen on a property that is supplied for free. No money goes to Dan or Kevin. We all earn our own money by working hard and showing our kids there is more to life than social media. For 3 weekends a year it is a lot of work for volunteers to do and then turn over all the money made to charities. This shows you what kind of people are running these events. They are awesome people.
Full disclosure:
I am currently the Treasurer of VanIsle Airfield Society, I have been since its inception. I’ve thoroughly read through the article and appreciate that everyone has had their say. It is important to note that the applicant for the Temporary Use Permit is VanIsle Airfield Society, and is a separate entity entirely from the property owners. We the Applicant are very aware of the safety and environmental concerns of the neighborhood and the property owners. We have policies and procedures in place to mitigate danger and attend to emergency situations should they occur. We appreciate that the space is very appropriate for our activities and the activities of other organizations as listed in the article. It is also extremely important to note that the property owners go out of their way to accommodate all the groups that use the property. Mr. Annand himself has previously been very integral to the success of many a skydive summer party in the past hosted by my husband and I. In addition, many years ago, about 20 Mr. Annand dropped my brother from his Cessna into Crown Isle from 3500′ to deliver my wedding ring into the ceremony. (yes he was wearing a parachute) Of course I am in favour of the Temporary Use Permit Application going forward.
As someone who visited the site last year, I saw several people who had parked the vehicles with the intent of going down to the river walk over and watch the cars race down the track. The spectators had smiles on their faces. It looked to me like they really enjoyed the entertainment. I would think this brings in money to local hotels, restaurants and other stores in the Valley. It would be a shame to see that all go away.
I definitely support the test and tune events. This is a safe and great spot for a great group of responsible enthusiasts to gather and enjoy their hobby. I am hoping that somewhere on the island there will eventually be a permanent facility where everyone’s desires can be accommodated but for now this is great.
I think the Vanisle Society is awesome and gives people of all ages a chance to enjoy drag racing. They especially focus on safe operation of the vehicle and that in itself is an excellent way to give youngsters, interested in racing, an insight into the best way to get into it. The people who run this event are the most amazing and inclusive group you’d ever meet. Like it’s been mentioned, you can’t please everyone. The best you can hope for us that everyone can reach a compromise
Noise, that is about the only negative, if you want to call it that, thing about this event and these people! Drag racers are THE MOST generous friendly and supportive people I know! I have been part of this sport for about 15 years, supporting my husbands passion of racing, and I would not trade a moment I have spent with these people for anything! A few hours over a few days over a couple weekends in the summer seems like a little drop in the bucket to the amount of money that is spent in Courtenay on event weekends, and the amount of money this group has contributed to charity since its short inception. To those that are not happy, to those that have never been to an event at ANY of the few tracks on the island I say you should come out…you will be welcomed with a smile and a hand shake and leave hopefully feeling different, and maybe one day to you will see the Racing community not like a bunch of people racing cars and making noise, but for the FAMILY that we truly are!
Great article George well written and stating the facts from all sides, there were a few topics not mentioned in the article that I would like to point out, this TUP venue that we are asking for at Danny’s is temporary as we are looking for a place to have a proper racing facility close to the Comox Valley, also people are saying it’s a dying sport I disagree, Port McNeill started holding 3 racing events a year a few years back they never had a full field of cars and they limit there car count to 130 cars, last year all 3 events were sold out in four days and they had to turn people away so the sport is on a up turn not a down turn, so the people that are against us having this venue at Danny’s help us get a place for a proper race track.
I will start by saying you spelt my last name wrong but that happens all the time its not Pederson its Petersen.
A bit about who I am
I am currently the Vanisle Airfield Society president, I have lived in the Comox valley since 1969 and starting racing on the logging road back in 1977 with a street driven 1967 Nova Chevy II I built the motor for the car when I was in high school and working at the Comox Chevron gas station which ended up being taken over by a marine shop which I ended up being a marine tech for. I have known Danny since the 70’s as my dad flew out of the Courtenay airpark and the love of cars, some of the cars Danny has painted have won shows all over the states and Canada. I bought my first real race car in the mid 80’s a 1968 Acadian where I toured the NHRA division six super street class with the late Craig Bickle in his 1967 Camaro also running in super street , we toured all over western Canada and the united states, we had no place back then to test our cars so we would try and get as many run’s as we could at the different tracks we went to so we would get seat time and hope to go some rounds and win a race, this took a few years and a lot of time and money for traveling but started to pay off as we started to win races, if we would have had a proper place to run with a timing system and starting lights back in the day it would have made a huge difference in our performance as a driver.
Thanks and lets make this happen at Danny’s and lets get a drag strip built in the Comox Valley for all to enjoy.
Hey Ken, sorry about the spelling of your last name. On the supplement letter to your TUP application submitted by you and Tania Woodbeck, your name is spelt Pederson. I’ll correct it on the website.
I fully support this event and all the volunteers that help to put it together and raise money for charities. 3 weekends a year… really that’s it. I’ve watch this event with my son and it was awesome to see, all the people all the cars ,everyone enjoying their cars in a safe place
First of all i would like to thank Dan Annand for allowing this to take place on his property, 2nd many thanks to all people involved to make this happen . I’m 100% in favor of this small group of family ,friends to take part in ONLY 3 weekends a year to run their cars . SHAME on those very few people that are trying to stop this from happening . There are are so many positive things to follow with allowing these few weekend events to take place .
Coming from Port McNeill I can tell you with all honesty that the racing community is a very heartfelt and generous community . To allow these events in our community has resulted in many spin offs with tour guides . Hotels and eating establishments . Not even mentioning the donations we give to many community groups during the year . As per the noise I respectfully find it hard to believe short smooth blasts during the day would disrupt anyone lives . I would encourage the groups to work this out as the benefits to the community are endless .
I totally support this event
I support Smit airfield. It a safe controlled environment for families to test and tune there cars . As well as a teaching area for the younger generation to learn ie. Junior dragsters.. But most importantly it gives us a chance to give back to the community by fund raising at each event.I have a street car . My husband owns a classic street car. My son has a street car . My 3 grandchildren are equipped and ready to learn how to run a junior dragster. We are a racing family and enjoy the sport together.
Great article . This really is a family event for what i see as just a really large racing family this is great keep fighting for what we know is right .
i think this is a great addition to the valley, locals and govt would be foolish to clamp down on this, your giving people A safe, regulated environment to run their cars, off the streets, interest new people into a wonderful sport, bring monies in to our local businesses, and up the local property values, yes up, tracks today are so rare, racers love to live by a local track, high costs of distant travel for race events have soured leaving many to give up the sport they love., living close to a track for a racer/ car guy is hugely sought, ive seen this around many tracks in my 30 plus yrs of racing. the impact a well set up facility to the valley would out weight the negative 100 to 1, jobs, tourism, bragging rights /the only one on the island)
I too am completely in support of this family orientated enterprise, one that is not meant to be a money making business, just a place and time for those families that enjoy getting together with others who have a like interest in cars. A place where younger car enthusiasts can learn the proper ways to look after their cars, and carry on the tradition of the muscle car era.
What a great article, I love how all sides of the story are told, I am also in favour of the permit being accepted. You’ll never be able to please everyone .
I 100% support the test and tune events, as a volunteer to help get this going. Meany hours spent by great people to bring a positive thing to the community. Sure it might be a bit noisy at times but for a few weekends a year its not to much to ask.
I myself am a business owner of 15 years family man 50 years old I have grandkids four kids and I kind of come to the conclusion that no matter what you do in life or what you try to do in life there’s always gonna be someone who doesn’t like what you do and it’s sad that a group of people can’t go out with their families and have a wonderful weekend RacingI have tried a lot of things to involve my family in whether it be camping RCA race cars mountain biking but the people that are doing this drag racing or any time of type of racing are people that I don’t even know how to say it there unbelievable they grouped together help each otherSpend countless hours and years working at trying to get these types of places where we can go and test and tune keep it off the streets and when there is a main event our cars are ready to race there safe yes they make noiseI guess all of us drag racers just have to go out when they’re cutting a new walking trail through places that shouldn’t be disrupted environmentally when people throw their dog poop bags up in the trees drink boxes garbageWater bottles toilet paper which is biodegradable but disgusting we don’t complain we don’t stick her nose in everybody else’s business it’s just sad that we Seem to forget that once the houses are built that the dump trucks and the heavy equipment and all the stuff that made just as much noise built the places that they We live in some of us own it some of us don’t in the airplanes and the vehicles that we drive in the chainsaws we used to cut our firewood they all make noise a few weekends out of the year is it really that badThat we show our youth and other people that were out to play safe and try not to endanger other people In what we do so if the people that are complaining about us could just see that we’re just normal people we’re not out there just to make noise and annoy people with it we’re out having fun our kids are having fun our grandkids are having fun and yeah maybe they might might not like what we do just as if we may not like what they do just think of our familiesIf it’s the noise that’s bothering you that much I’ll give you a couple hundred bucks a day to go have lunch and enjoy yourselves doing something you might like to do
Mark me down as another supporter of the Smit airfield racers. Yes they will make a bit of noise. Under a strict set of guidelines, within certain hours of daylight, on three weekends a year. A small price to pay to allow a pretty large group of people get together and do something that brings them joy. Not only that, but a lot of these boys and girls have extended families, who watch and learn, that a bit of hard work can develop work habits and skills many employers find valuable today. Much better than ending up on the street with no prospects and little hope.
There are several other events held in and around the Comox Valley that are far more disruptive to far more people yet they are “mainstream” so they continue to happen with any complaints getting poo pooed away. Based on the the schedule mentioned it is 33 hours a year this group is asking for. 24 hours in a day 365 days in a year the math equates to less than 1% of the year .38% rounding to two decimal places. All this group is asking for us a safe legal place to test their cars before spending a lot of time and money to travel to communities that host actual races. Hopefully everyone can come to an amicable solution that allows them to continue practicing and fundraising for charities that help people of the Comox Valley.
I am thinking if I lived there I would be happy to put up with a test and tune a few days a year. I would be pleased that he was not putting in the saw mill he is allowed too. I think he would legally be allowed to operate it 365 days a year 16 hours a day.
There are many sports or events that may in some way inconvenience residents or neighbors in every community. What they will also do is benefit their community in terms of business income from those that travel to get here and charitable donations as well in this case. There is also personal benefits to the neighbors and the general community from this particular land owner. What the CVRD needs to decide is do the benefits out weight the inconvenience of a few residents for a limited period of time. I hope they will decide in favor of staff recommendations and let the first permit be approved.
I agree that this is also a sport for the up and coming generation, as well I am eager to have some fun before time passes me by. At 72 yrs. old and I know there are older racers, this track is maintained in the safest manner possible ! The only people allowed at the track are local neighbors, even the afore mentioned 3,000 supporters would probably be more than willing to attend if allowed ? It is family oriented and yes we do try to raise moneys for various charities.
I am also completely in favour of these events at Smith field. I’d rather have the younger generation practice in a controlled environment than on the street. Be taught that racing on the street isnt the right way to go about it. Street racing in youths can lead to devistation in a family or families. Plus the money raised is all for a good cause. It’s a no brainer, really.
People were aware of the airfield before purchasing their home… Complain about noise…. Makes sense….
For those who don’t know , a temporary use permit can be continuously applied for. This has been confirmed by the CVRD. Calling this a temporary use permit is very misleading.
I’m not sure you have a proper grasp of the purpose of this permit. The key word is “temporary”. The permit is for specific dates within a certain time frame. Yes you can re apply but it requires the same amount of work and money to do so and that you meet the conditions and restrictions set out in the permit. You don’t just walk into the office and drop $50 on the desk and it’s party time. Your statement is actually the misleading one.
A permit temporary or otherwise implies a sense of permanence they would be permitting “allowing” the behaviour in contravention of the zoning that runs with the land. He knows what he’s doing is wrong, got called out on it and is seeking permission after the fact. Bleeds entitlement. As does building a concrete race track.
The residents moved to this area with a know ultralight air strip. Not a drag race track. As respectful as the racers are most the time who cares?
He’s infringing on his neighbours right to the quiet enjoyment of their property. He’s creating the nuisance..these folks didn’t move to it. If it was in your backyard or mine I’m sure I’d feel exactly the same.
Whose intending to police the double parking, children wandering on the road, driving like you’re on a highway. If the CVRD was willing to police the 33 hours maybe the residents would feel differently.
Let’s be clear on a few things first off we the Vanisle Airfield Society applied for the temporary use permit to make sure CVRD had some control on what we are doing and set up some guide lines we had to follow, in the beginning was not wrong the CVRD new what we were doing and approved it, it was not until they received some complaints about the noise that we were asked to shut it down and apply for the permit, we did so willing as we are trying to do this in the best interest for everyone involved.
As you may not know it is a federal sanction runway not a ultralight air strip meaning it can be a full blown airport planes flying night and day.
This is not a race track and never will be a race track it is a concreted airstrip that still is not finished to date.
Where are we double parking, all the parking for anyone involved is on the property.
Who’s children are wandering on the road? all the children that are involved with our group will be on the property.
Where are we driving like we are on the highway? we are driving like everyone else to the property.
If you have anymore questions I would be happy to answer them for .
Thank you Ken
I am total in favour of these events held at smit field, we are trying to do our sport as safe as can be and teaching the younger generation racing is meant to be done at a safe place and not on the street.
I totally support this test and tune event. These drivers need this kind of facilitys to make sure their cars are as safe as posible not only for themselves but also for the other competitors. This is not a drag strip, it’s a testing strip. It would be a mistake to let a handfull of complainers ruin it for a group of people that bring a lot of money and exciting entertainment into the communitys they race in,not to mention the money raised for different charities. Let these people have the opportunity to make their cars as safe as possible
This is a great event. My family circles these days on the calendar every year. I see nothing negative here. It’s a great thing that many benefit from. Dont let a few negative people ruin a great thing.
Fully support this event
Nuisance classified under torts, yes he’s breaking the law in this regard.