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Commercial Leasing 

Yellowknife Airport (YZF) offers leases/licences for commercial and industrial land development on airport properties and in spaces within air terminal buildings. 

We are committed to a strong partnership with our business community and to ensuring local businesses have viable opportunities to build a strong future for the NWT. 

If you're interested in starting or expanding business at YZF, or for more information, please email the YZF Business & Marketing Officer.

Land Development 

Yellowknife Airport (YZF) has an application process for developments and projects located on airport property. This process is specifically intended for construction activities or modifications to existing infrastructure that introduce structures with substantial height within controlled airspace and impact-protected surfaces. A thorough examination of zoning compliance is conducted in accordance with federally established zoning regulations. The monitoring and permitting of construction processes within these areas is a shared responsibility among YZF, Nav Canada, and Transport Canada. 

Not sure where to start? We can help. Contact Sarah Hodgins, Business & Marketing officer.

Processes involving Nav Canada or Transport Canada require applicants (including developers, land owners, airport tenants, etc.) to submit applications through their respective channels.  

Kindly reach out to YZF using the email address provided above if you are uncertain about the requirement of any of these permits for your project. 

Construction within a 4-kilometer radius of the Airport 

The area surrounding YZF is subject to certain height restrictions under federal Airport Zoning Regulations, which may impact construction plans. 

 Did you know? 

  • If you are planning to build near the Airport, the structure may be limited to a maximum height. 
  • Most airports have a protected Obstacle Limitation Surface (OLS) that covers a 4 km radius of the airport. 
  • There is also a protected surface that may go as far as 15 km beyond the of each runway. 

Transport Canada 

Transport Canada requires an Aeronautical Assessment Form to be completed before erecting various structures within a certain vicinity of most airports. 

Aeronautical Assessments Forms are now to be submitted using an online application. 

For further information, contact aviation.pnraaf-rpnfea@tc.gc.ca. 

The Aeronautical Assessment Application can take up to 90 days to process. If TC has to go back to the client because of an error, information missing or additional information is required. It will start back on day 1 of the 90 days. 

Please ensure forms are submitted 90 days prior to the construction date and the form is completed. 

Additional links: 

Canadian Aviation Regulations (CARs): 

Part VI Subpart 1 Division III 

CAR 601.23 – Obstacles to Air Navigation 

CAR 601.24 – Marking and Lighting of Obstacles to Air Navigation 

CAR 601.25 – Other Obstacles to Air Navigation 

CAR 601.26 – Upgrading of Marking and Lighting 

CAR 601.27 – Equivalent Marking and Lighting 

CAR 601.28 – Notification of Deterioration, Failure or Malfunction 

CAR 601.29 – Prohibition 

Standard 621 – Obstruction Marking and Lighting 

Airport Zoning Regulations (AZR) 

NAV Canada 

NAV Canada requires an assessment of 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 may need to be addressed. Aviation-specific regulations, and operational and safety standards may significantly impact a project. 

For a detailed description of NAV Canada’s requirements and forms, refer to the NAV Canada Land Use Proposal website. 

For further information, contact landuse@navcanada.ca.  

Processing times vary and depend on the complete and accurate submission of the respective form and the complexity of the project. Usually, NAV CANADA attempts to respond within 8 to 12 weeks. 

Should you be planning a project in or around an airport, please be aware these times can go up to 12 to 18 months pending necessary mitigations. Let us know about your project as early in the planning process as possible. 

Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board (MVLWB) - Land Use Permit 

When is a Land Use Permit Required? 

The Regulations set out the land use activities that require a land use permit outside and inside the boundaries of a local government. In general, the types of activities that may require a land use permit include: 

  • Using explosives; 
  • Using heavy vehicles and machinery; 
  • Storing large quantities of fuel; 
  • Moving earth or clearing land; 
  • Building and maintaining lines, trails, and rights-of-way; 
  • Establishing campsites outside of territorial parks; and 
  • Constructing buildings. 

For a detailed description of MVLWB requirements, refer to their website.