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Annual General Meeting 2009
April 17, 2009 will mark the fifth anniversary for YYZ Airport Watch. A lot has happened since the first informal meeting among a few local enthusiasts who went on to form the
original committee. Since April of 2004, our group has come together to create a respected and dedicated organization. Over the past 5 years members have participated in a number of tours and events in the Toronto and surrounding areas. Due to space restrictions and logistics, a number of tours and events are often limited in the number of members that can participate. The one event though that has no such limitation is the Airport Watch annual general meeting.
Our 3rd annual AGM was held at the Canadian Air & Space Museum on Saturday February 7th. A record number 82 members came out to make this years AGM the biggest yet. This attendance figure represents just under two-thirds of our membership. A great showing by all.
Proceedings got underway with a look back at the 2008 highlights at YYZ in the form of a slideshow by member and photographer extraordinaire, Tom Kim. Tom works at YYZ and is never far behind with camera in hand to capture new, unique, or rare visiting aircraft. Judging by early visits this year of an Air Bridge 747F and Etihad A-340 in special Formula 1 colours, Tom will have plenty of subjects for next years show.
Our first speaker this year was National Airport Watch Coordinator Jacques Brunelle. Many will also recognize Jacques as the founder of the airport watch concept and it is because of his vision that we all owe him a great deal of gratitude. A little more on that in a minute. Jacques gave a presentation on the status of future airport watch chapters that have recently started, YUL & MSP, and those that are in the organizational stages, YVR, SEA, and SYD. Jacques also revisited the subject of suspicious activities and the various schemes that members can and should keep an eye out for.
 As mentioned, it was through the vision and foresight of Jacques Brunelle that Airport Watch was born. Jacques, who is also an aviation enthusiast saw a need for a means by which enthusiasts can enjoy the hobby while using their knowledge to the benefit of all.
It was with a lot of assistance and guidance from Jacques that we here in Toronto were able lay the foundation for what is now YYZ Airport Watch.
Prior to this years AGM, the committee agreed that formal recognition of all that Jacques has done not only nationally, but locally, that we honour him in some way.
It was decided that we would present Jacques with a plague to honour and thank him for all he has done to help us here at YYZ.
To see a full size image of the plaque, please click the thumbnail image below.
 This years guest speaker was Air Canada Vice President of Flight Operations, Captain Dave Legge. Captain Legge has been with flying for Air Canada since 1986 and has flown the B-727, B-747, DC-9 & CRJ. Captain Legge currently flies the Airbus 319/320/321 family of aircraft.
Captain Legge's presentation focused on the progress and status of Air Canada following its emergance from bankruptcy protection and how the current global ecomonic situation impacts the airline.
Following Dave's informative presentation the floor was opened for a Q & A from a rather expert audience. The Airport Watch committee would like to thank Captain Legge for taking time out of his schedule to come and speak at our AGM.
Photos courtesy of Michael Baker
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