Plane (Image from Tobermory municipal website)
West Grey is going to confirm its stance on the Saugeen Municipal Airport this week.
Council will be going over a correspondence from Mayor Kevin Eccles on where the municipality stands on the future of the facility before it meets with its partner municipalities, Brockton and Hanover, in a couple weeks.
The statement from Eccles says, “on behalf of West Grey council, we feel that the Saugeen Municipal Airport brings economic advantages to the residents and businesses in the partner municipalities, however, privatizing the airport could open up new opportunities for growth and innovation.”
The statement adds if the airport falls under private ownership, it could potentially attract more commercial flights, resulting in higher revenue and job opportunities in the area.
“This change could also attract new investments to enhance airport infrastructure and services,” says the statement. “It could result in more sustainable and efficient operation, benefiting both the local community and airport users.”
Additionally, it the airport were to become privatized, the statement says it is unlikely it would have any impact on existing services, like the flight school and air ambulance operations.
“West Grey is open to exploring all possibilities and we are looking forward to gathering more information to make a well-informed decision,” says the statement.
West Grey will be meeting with the other municipalities on April 17 from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Elmwood Community Centre and will have cameras set up to allow for remote participation if needed.
Council will review its stance at its meeting on April 2 at 9 a.m.