Permits and Zoning
The TBIAAI has implemented a permitting process for developments and projects situated on airport lands and within a 4-kilometer radius of the aerodrome's center. This process is specifically designed for construction activities or modifications to existing infrastructure that involve the introduction of structures with significant height to federally enforced surfaces within controlled airspace. A thorough examination of zoning compliance is conducted in accordance with federally established zoning regulations. The monitoring of permitting and construction processes within these areas is a shared responsibility among TBIAAI, Nav Canada, and Transport Canada. For the areas under TBIAAI's jurisdiction, the coordination of permits is overseen by TBIAAI's Permits Coordinator or an assigned Project Manager, who manages the applications and associated technical details of each project.
Not sure where to start? We can help. Contact the TBIAAI Permits division: permits@tbairport.on.ca
Please take note of the following:
Thunder Bay International Airports Authority Inc. (TBIAAI) is committed to protecting the privacy of individuals. To provide you with a safe, secure and innovative customer experience, we sometimes need to collect, use and disclose your personal information. To learn more, please refer to the following link:
https://www.tbairport.on.ca/page/privacy
Processes involving the City of Thunder Bay, Nav Canada, or Transport Canada necessitate that applicants (including developers, land owners, airport tenants, etc.) submit applications through their respective channels. If you are uncertain about the requirement of any of these permits for your project, kindly reach out to TBIAAI using the email address provided above.
TBIAAI has instituted a fee structure for projects that demand TBIAAI project management and oversight, especially when aviation safety and regulatory compliance are impacted. Following the review of the completed application, the applicant will be notified of the pertinent fees associated with the project. A link outlining the TBIAAI project fee structure is provided below.
Fees associated with TBIAAI Project Management of FAP projects.
TBIAAI Facility Alteration Permit (FAP)
https://yqt.vortexcms.com/facility-alteration-permit-application
This application must be completed for any project that alters any existing facility planned to occur in any buildings on airport property by any tenant or airline. This process applies regardless of who owns the facility.
TBIAAI Assessment for Crane Use
https://yqt.vortexcms.com/temporary-crane-assessment
This application provides the TBIAAI with the information required to assess a project against airport's Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) or Obstacle Identification Surface (OIS) for all construction projects outside airport property within a 4KM radius from the airport center reference point. This permit must be approved by TBIAAI in advance of any project that involves the use of a boom truck, elevated lift device, or any type of crane being lifted around the airport property or within a 4 Km radius, or up to 15 Km from specific runway thresholds.
The TBIAAI has authority under the Aeronautics Act to approve or decline crane lifts within the footprint area shown in the map below. The City of Thunder Bay's building permit application also incorporates TBIAAI's involvement in an established review processes where these surfaces may be impacted.
Airport Dig (excavation) Permit Application
Please read TBIAAI's Excavation Guidelines here.
https://yqt.vortexcms.com/dig-permit-application
This application is required for any project or planned activity that requires ground excavation on airport property. The processes in the form allow TBIAAI to ensure that the protection of the vast underground airport network is protected at all costs. Final approved permits must be printed and kept on site at the location of the excavation at all times, and no digging is permitted without an approved permit.
TBIAAI Building Permit Application
https://yqt.vortexcms.com/building-permit-application
This application is required for all NEW building construction, or any construction that includes the addition of any new facility build on or off airport property. Due to the complexities of what is involved in all new builds, it may be necessary to complete multiple permit applications, depending on the nature of the construction. For more information contact the TBIAAI permitting division.
TBIAAI Special Event Permit Application
https://yqt.vortexcms.com/special-events-permit
This application is for parties seeking permission from the Thunder Bay International Airports Authority to host an event on the airport lands. All applicants must seek permission from the Authority before hosting any event on airport lands by completing and submitting this application. The applicant must agree to the terms and conditions contained in the permit.
NOTE: Flying of unmanned air vehicles (UAVs) or drones are NOT PERMITTED within 5.6 km of the airport without express written permission from the TBIAAI in accordance with the TBIAAI RPAS Management Plan.
OTHER relevant processes
The following processes may be applicable to your project, and are owned by parties other than the TBIAAI.
The City Of Thunder Bay (Municipal building permit and zoning compliance)
Building permits are subject to "applicable law." Proposals that do not follow applicable law will not receive a building permit. These proposals may need to go through more processes to become permitted. For example, if your proposed use for your building is not permitted by the Zoning By-law, you will require a Zoning By-law Amendment through Planning Services. This can extend timelines and increase costs. Consulting with the City ahead of time can help you avoid these extra processes or help you plan for them early.
City of Thunder Bay Building Height Restricted Area Feature Layer (Open Data Portal)
Transport Canada (Obstacle review and AZR compliance)
Not sure where to start? We can help. Contact the TBIAAI Permits division: permits@tbairport.on.ca
When is an object an obstacle?
According to the Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs) 601.23 an object is an obstacle if:
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- higher than 90 meters above ground level (AGL) and located within 6 kilometers of the geographical centre of an aerodrome
- higher than 90 meters AGL and is located within 3.7 kilometers of the centreline of a recognized VFR route
- higher than 150 meters AGL
- in the case of any catenary wires crossing over a river, any portion of the wires or supporting structures is higher than 90 m AGL
- An object may also be an obstacle if it penetrates an airport Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) or Obstacle Identification Surface (OIS) as detailed in Aerodrome Standards and Recommended Practices (TP 312). Further, an object may also be deemed an obstacle, if so determined by Transport Canada. Refer to CAR 601.25.
Putting up an object?
If you are putting up an object that will be an obstacle, you must:
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- notify the Regional office of Transport Canada by filing the Aeronautical Assessment Form for Obstacle Evaluation for obstruction marking and lighting (PDF, 784 KB)
- notify NAV CANADA's Land Use Program, primarily for communication and radar interference concerns
- mark and light the object in accordance with the requirements of Standard 621
- a notification is required to Transport Canada Marine Administration when the object is to be located offshore or on navigable waterways.
Aeronautical Assessment Form for Obstacle Evaluation
Reference: Standard 621 - Obstruction Marking and Lighting - Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs)
NavCanada - Land Use (Obstacle review and other aeronautical interferences)
Not sure where to start? We can help. Contact the TBIAAI Permits division: permits@tbairport.on.ca
NAV CANADA assesses all land use proposals near airports and air navigation infrastructure before construction begins to ensure that safety and efficiency are not compromised. Some development uses may not be permitted even if other permits have been obtained.
As soon as you start to conceptualize or plan a project, contact the NAV CANADA Land Use Office. Consulting with the Land Use Office often reveals issues that need to be addressed. Aviation-specific regulations, operational, and safety standards may significantly impact a project.
Toll-free number: 1 800 876 4693
General Enquiries Email: service@navcanada.ca
Land Use Proposal Submissions: landuse@navcanada.ca