Harvey Epp received the COPA Directors Award for his contributions to aviation

COPA's Volunteer Awards Program recognizes exceptional individuals and organizations each year, for their outstanding contributions to the growth and development of general aviation in Canada.

Photo submitted by Henry Vos - Harvey Epp being presented the award by Henry Vos COPA Director retired

Harvey Epp was one of 21 individuals who received the various COPA Volunteer Awards, receiving his for a lifetime of instilling passion for flight and sharing his expertise to support his local aviation community according to copanational.org.

“It takes people like Harvey Epp to build a community, and Harvey has contributed so much to the aviation community in Fort St. John,” said Henry Vos COPA Director retired.

Harvey Epp’s family hosts the annual Charlie Lake Ice-Strip Fly In, with the 3000’ ice runway welcoming all types of aircraft since the event’s inception.

“To our knowledge there has never been an ice strip on our lake, and we believe it to be one ofthe best attended aviation events in our region,” said Kristie Mayer, event organizer and Epp’s daughter. “Although we all help with the event every year, it’s always been his vision.”

The Fly-In brings aviation enthusiasts together at Mayer’s cabin by the lake, where they arrive by car, plane, or helicopter to socialize and raise funds for the local senior community.

Around 150 aircraft have touched down on Charlie Lake so far to attend this event while nearly $15,000 has been raised through donations.