ECONOMIC IMPACT OF A POTENTIAL NIGHT RESTRICTION AT THE WINNIPEG INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

The Winnipeg International Airport (YWG) has been an important part of Manitoba's transportation network since 1928. Part of the economic benefits that accrue to Winnipeg are a function of its 24 hour operating status. Three courier operations (Purolator, UPS, FedEx) now use Winnipeg as a hub for their Canadian operations. As the level of airport operations has increased, the management of aircraft noise has become more critical. Some of the local residents have suggested that the airport should be closed to night-time activities. This article reports the results of a study that was commissioned to determine the economic consequences, if a night restriction was imposed on operations at YWG. The first section presents a description of night-time activity at YWG. This includes a trend analysis of movements by month and by night-time hours. The second section presents the results of the economic impact study. The final section outlines the efforts to mitigate the noise problem and to assure compatible land use planning.