Satellite station boss opposes proposal for second facility
Company calls potential competition 'disruptive'
Sarah Ladik
Northern News Services
Thursday, May 5, 2016
INUVIK
The current managers of the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility are raising objections to a proposal for a second facility.
The manager of the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility is taking exception to a proposal for a second facility. - NNSL file photo
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MDA Geospatial Services Inc. sent a letter to Inuvik's town council last week outlining its concerns, including that the second facility would "set a precedent that may encourage more disruptive activity of this kind."
"These disruptions may discredit satellite facilities in Inuvik in general and thus adversely impact the reputation that the town of Inuvik is trying to build as community with a world-class satellite ground station," stated David Belton, vice-president of geospatial services.
He cited things like confusion in the marketplace leading to delays or negative decisions on the part of satellite operators, putting local employment opportunities in jeopardy, and the reduction in market potential for the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility.
The letter also says the facility has been a draw for investment in the community and that the commercialization of the government-dominated site will lead to greater growth for the community.
The Drum tried repeatedly to contact Belton, whose office is located in Richmond, B.C., but did not receive a reply by press time.
Tom Zubko was before town council earlier last month asking for approval to purchase land for a second site, one that would be private.
He said then and re-iterated last week that a second facility would help Inuvik develop into a centre for science, technology and innovation in the territory and the country.
"Inuvik has a real opportunity here," he said.
"I'm pleased the town is able to get a couple more customers here."
Zubko had previously told the Drum that the companies for whom he is doing consulting work on this project had run into problems getting into the Inuvik Satellite Station Facility for several reasons, including engineering requirements and being hampered in their ability to raise capital.
He said that while the federal government owns the facility and many of the dishes on it, the game is changing as more private companies are breaking into the aerospace market.
"This is just one more step," he said.
"And there will be more."
