Message From Graham Clarke

CHAIR
Vancouver Airport Authority

My message to you this year is particularly personal for me, as it is my last as Chair of Vancouver Airport Authority.

While I have been Chair since 1997, and a member of the Board of Directors since YVR became Canada’s first community-based airport authority in 1992, my connection with this remarkable organization dates back to the 1980s when a number of individuals and organizations in our community went to work to devolve YVR from the Government of Canada.

At the time, we were convinced that a local airport authority could unlock the tremendous potential of this unique domestic and international gateway to British Columbia. Today, as I look back over the past 18 years, I believe that Vancouver Airport Authority has delivered on that vision, creating a truly outstanding airport with a distinctive corporate culture, one in which British Columbians can take a great deal of pride.

As someone who has watched the growth and evolution of this airport for nearly two decades, I am deeply proud of its accomplishments and the team of people responsible for its ongoing success and commitment to our community, province and country. You see, YVR counts on the talent and expertise of its board, senior management, employees and volunteers each and every day, allowing us to deliver a genuinely west coast passenger and visitor experience.

While each year has its own particular milestones, 2009 is memorable for the preparations we made to welcome the world to the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. The time and effort that went into getting us ready for the busiest days in YVR’s history culminated in a truly gold medal performance by the entire airport team.

The critical role YVR played in the 2010 Games reminds me of the even larger role the airport plays in the economy of British Columbia and Canada. As one of our province’s largest and most efficient economic engines, the economic impact of this airport amounts to more than $3.1 billion annually.

As I prepare to wrap up my time as Chair, I want to thank my colleagues on the Board of Directors for their inspiration, dedication and friendship. I also want to acknowledge the daily leadership shown by our President and CEO, Larry Berg. Over the years, Larry has put together a first-rate management team, and together, with all of the employees and volunteers at YVR, they operate one of the world’s great airports.

Looking ahead, I believe that the Airport Authority, like all successful organizations, will always be a work in progress. For me, that constant striving to improve is at the core of our achievements. And it’s one of the reasons why it has always been an honour and a pleasure for me to serve our community and province as part of the airport family.