UPDATE: November 7, 2006
Calgary Airport Watch Meeting
October 28, 2006
Executive Boardroom – Calgary International Airport
13:30
Meeting attended by:
Mark McWhirter – Calgary Airport Watch Committee Chairman
Andrew Riedel – Calgary Airport Watch Committee Vice-chair
Jim Edward – Calgary Airport Authority Security Manager
Glen Myers – Investigator, NSIS – RCMP
Terrance Zeniuk – NCO IC NSIS – RCMP
D. Semple – Acting Sergeant, Calgary Police Service
Approximately 27 members of the CAW
Meeting called to order at 13:40 By Mark McWhirter – CAW Committee Chairman
Presentations:
Mark McWhirter –
Explained about the upcoming notebook which will contain The Standard Operating Procedures, logbook etc. This will be distributed to CAW members when it becomes available.
Explained rules and limitations for the newly issued passes.
Explained that the soon to be issued jackets , t-shirts and passes are and will remain the property of the Calgary Airport Watch Program.
Gave a brief background about the program for the benefit of the new members.
Jim Edward –
Explained about the increase in size and volume of business that takes place at YYC, some of the future plans for the airport and how the CAW program can help maintain this growth safely.
Emphasized the importance of not getting actively involved if one sees suspicious activity, but to report it the appropriate authorities.
Glen Myers –
Explained the importance of building the integrity of the program, especially when wearing the CAW jackets or shirts, when spotting around the outer perimeter of the airport.
The behaviour and attitude of CAW members reflect on the program as a whole and is important so businesses in the area see how CAW can benefit their companies and come on board with the program.
D. Semple –
Welcomed CAW to the family and explained that CAW members should not get involved if they see anything suspicious and how they should observe, make notes if possible and contact the proper authorities.
Mark McWhirter –
Explained more about the notebook and the importance that all CAW members keep a monthly log of their hours spent spotting at YYC.
An effort will be made to enable members to report their hours through the website using the number assigned on their passes.
This information is important to the National AW program and the CAA.
Mark McWhirter –
Announced that he is stepping down as Chairman of the Calgary Airport Watch program and that Andrew Riedel will replace him as Chairman.
A form was passed around for members to fill requesting their jacket and shirt sizes so the committee can get an idea of what needs to be ordered. Design and colour has yet to be determined.
New members attending were given Security check applications to fill out and these will be processed by the RCMP before passes are issued.
Discussion:
CAW Committee and attendees open up the floor to discussion.
Meeting was adjourned at approximately 14:20. New members are encouraged to contact us by email for more information.
UPDATE: October 20, 2006
The Calgary Airport Watch Program is having our second meeting. We invite all current members, as well as anyone interested in becoming a member to attend.
The meeting will be held in the Eddie LaBorde Room (in the YYC terminal) on Saturday, October 28th from 1:30-3:30 pm.
It is especially important that anyone who was unable to attend the first meeting is present.
Anyone who submitted a background check form at the last meeting will be issued an Airport Watch ID.
UPDATE: July 13, 2006
We apologize for the delay in posting the minutes from the meeting. However, despite the delay, things continue to progress at an exciting pace. Our amazing turnout has shown the Airport Authority that we are serious, and will continue to take an active role in our advancement.
Calgary Airport Watch Meeting
June 24, 2006
Executive Boardroom – Calgary International Airport
1:30 pm
Meeting attended by:
Mark McWhirter – Calgary Airport Watch Committee Chairman
Chris Sands – Calgary Airport Watch Committee Vice-chair
Andrew Riedel – Calgary Airport Watch Committee Vice-chair
Jim Edward – Calgary Airport Authority Security Manager
Jacques Brunelle, Corporal, NCO IC Civil Aviation Protective Intelligence Unit – RCMP
Glen Myers, Investigator, NSIS – RCMP
Terrance Zeniuk, NCO IC NSIS – RCMP
Approximately 27 members of the CAW
Meeting called to order at 1:35 by Mark McWhirter – CAW Committee Chairman
Presentations:
Jim Edward – Explained the role of different security organizations at Calgary International Airport and the importance of vigiliance. Also outlined how the CAW Program will fit in to the existing structure.
Jacques Burnelle – Explained the National AW program and how programs in Ottawa and Toronto are operated, what they look out for, what some of the benefits of the program are for both AW groups, and local airport authorities. Talked about how the program is gradually expanding nationally and internationally as well.
Passes:
Information will be made available to members shortly for getting their picture taken for their pass that will be provided free of charge by the CAA. The final design is still pending. More information will be distributed as it becomes available.
Volunteer hours:
Importance was stressed to the CAW for tracking the hours that we’re out spotting and doing photography. They are VOLUNTEER hours that both the National AW program and the CAA are interested in tracking. Please forward your hours monthly to the CAW email.
Discussion:
CAW Committee and attendees open up the floor to discussion.
CAW Committee will be pursuing funding for the program from various agencies.
Meeting was adjourned at approximately 2:45. New members are encouraged to contact us by email for more information.
Hi Calgary Aviation Enthusiast,
We have an exciting opportunity that has presented itself at the Calgary International Airport. I have been in talks with the Calgary Airport Authority and the Royal Canadian Mounted Police about starting an Airport Watch program in Calgary. Both parties are very excited about the possibility of setting up the program here in Calgary and are moving forward with it.
For those who are unfamiliar with the Airport Watch program, it is currently operating in Toronto and Ottawa. It was started by the RCMP in Ottawa who felt that they could utilize aviation enthusiasts as an extra set of eyes on the airport perimeter. Spotters know the layout of airfields and what is suspicious, or outside of the usual activities. The program has proved so successful in Ottawa, that it has been adapted to Toronto. Similar programs have been started in England at various airports.
Each spotter will have a background check performed on them and issued a unique Airport Watch ID card. The idea is to be easily identified when spotting at various locations around the airport. This will hopefully mean a better understanding of what spotters are doing and ultimately less hassle.
As a benefit to spotters for their vigilance, the Calgary Airport Authority has suggested ramp tours when unique visitors are in town or other aviation related benefits. These privileges could happen as often as every two months, at the airport authority’s discretion. Although no solid commitments have been made, the Calgary Airport Authority is very excited about the Airport Watch program and our contribution to it and is looking for ways to thank us.
This program is a lot of work, particularly the initial startup and the organizational side. What I am looking for is the names of everyone interested and their mailing address. This will be passed onto the RCMP at a point later in time when we are closer to startup. The RCMP will use the address to distribute the form required to perform the background check.
The hope is to have operations beginning either in late April or early May. The Ottawa RCMP officer who began the program will provide us a presentation. At the first meeting we will elect our executive structure for a predetermined term.
I should also mention that the Ottawa and Toronto Airport Watch programs charge a minimal fee to participate in the program. I can assure you that the program is not designed to generate profits; it is merely there to cover operating fees. The Airport Watch program is run like a small business. I can understand the apprehension of some to pay a fee, but I am hoping the benefits will outweigh the cost. In Ottawa the cost is $30 per year, while Toronto is a one time $20 entrance cost. I would like to assure you that the cost in Calgary will be as small as possible and the bare minimum to cover expenses. With proper planning and having an understanding of the other Airport Watch programs we hope to better understand financial needs.
I hope that all Calgary aviation enthusiasts are interested and willing to participate. This is a great opportunity for a better understanding between all of the parties involved. Please pass this email onto any other Calgary area spotters who you believe may be interested.
If you have any questions, ideas, or concerns please feel free contact me.
Additional updates will be posted at http://www.contrailsphotography.com
Airport Watch Executive Committee,
Mark McWhirter, Committee Chair
Chris Sands, Committee Vice-chair
Andrew Riedel, Committee Vice-chair