A request has been made to the provincial government for a funding program aimed at small airports.
The Airport Management Council of Ontario indicates that they face challenges in securing funds to keep runways, lighting, and other safety elements in good condition.
During a presentation to a legislative committee conducting pre-budget discussions, Chief Executive Officer Laura Mc Neice expressed the need for a program similar to those available in several western provinces.
“What we are bringing forward… we are proposing the creation of the Ontario Airport Capital Assistance Program,” says Mc Neice.
“We envision this program would be a $10 million program annually that is set aside by the Government of Ontario.”
According to Mc Neice, this initiative would be managed by the Ministry of Transportation and would cater to small airports and aerodromes that aren’t eligible for federal funding.
Mc Neice mentions that these airports play an essential role in services like air ambulance operations, wildfire suppression efforts by the Ministry of Natural Resources, and police air support.
She adds that they are also crucial for economic growth and tourism.
There are more than 40 municipally-owned small airports, along with another 18 publicly-owned ones that don’t qualify for federal capital assistance programs.
The town of Fort Frances lost its funding when Bearskin Airlines discontinued passenger services.
This situation forces municipalities to cover all costs associated with airport repairs themselves.
“The municipalities are becoming more cash-strapped,” says Mc Neice.
“They have tighter budgets, and they are making decisions on what they are going to do with their funds. They may be able to continue with the operational aspect of it, but the safety of the airports is diminishing.”
Northern airports can tap into funding from the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund; however, the Council argues it’s primarily aimed at new facilities.
Randy Thoms is a veteran news broadcaster with over 40 years’ experience. He is based in Fort Frances and covers stories across northwestern Ontario. Contact Randy at thoms. randy@radioabl. ca.
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