Pitt Meadows airport is looking for a new person to take charge of operations after the sudden dismissal of general manager Glenn Ralph on Friday.
Ralph was surprised by the airport board’s decision to remove him, saying only it was “without cause.”
He added it was too early to comment further.
In a statement, the airport’s board of directors linked Ralph’s removal to the implementation of a new strategic plan.
Key to that plan is the creation of an airport master plan, which will guide development of the facility in the future.
“The board has decided CYPK requires new leadership to execute and champion this critical project,” said the statement.
“The board has advised Glenn Ralph of this decision and has agreed to part ways effective immediately.”
The board thanked Ralph for his commitment to the airport over the past four years.
They “recognized that he brought administrative organization and established financial stability for the airport” and wished him the best in his future endeavours.
The board has assigned staff to run the airport in the interim until a new general manager has been appointed.
The Pitt Meadows Regional Airport Society took over the airport from the federal government in 1997.
The society is currently run by a board of directors appointed by Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows municipal councils. The mayors of both council sit on the board as non-voting directors.
Pitt Meadows Mayor Deb Walter said she has been made aware of the changes at the airport.
The airport board is chaired by Murray Day. Other board members include vice-president Mark Miller, treasurer Greg Andrew, Michael Pierce, Dr. Ann McAfee, Geoffrey Johnston, Jim Barrett and RCMP Supt. Dave Walsh.