Today, the Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Transport, announced an Interim Order that will affect recreational drone operators. Effective immediately, the new rules address the increase of incidents involving recreational drones and will prevent users from putting the safety of Canadians at risk.
“YVR applauds Transport Canada’s continued efforts to address the dangers of recreational drone use,” said Craig Richmond, YVR’s President & CEO. “Safety is our top priority and we are committed to working with our partners to ensure that drone operators understand and comply with the new rules.”
Under the Interim Order, recreational drone operators must mark their drone with their contact information. Operators may not fly drones higher than 90 metres, within 150 metres of buildings, vehicles or people and within 9 kilometres of the centre of any airport, heliport, aerodrome or water aerodrome where aircraft land. Any recreational operator who fails to comply with the new flying restrictions and conditions could be subject to fines of up to $3,000. More information on the new rules is available at www.canada.ca/drone-safety.
“Transport Canada takes very seriously the increased risk to aviation safety and to people on the ground,” said the Honourable Marc Garneau. “I’m concerned that the number of reported drone incidents has almost tripled from 41 when data collection began in 2014, to 148 last year. That is why we are proceeding with this Order, which takes effect immediately—to enhance the safety of aviation and the public while we work to bring into force permanent regulations.”
In 2015, YVR launched its Drone Safety Program, which aimed to highlight the risks associated with flying unmanned aircraft near airports. In addition to installing “No Drone Zone” signage at key locations across Sea Island, YVR will continue to work with Transport Canada and industry partners to ensure the public is made aware of the new drone rules.