Infrastructure funding program sought for small Ontario airports

A plea to the provincial government for a capital assistance program for small airports.

The Airport Management Council of Ontario says they struggle to find funding to maintain runways, lighting and other safety features.

Speaking before a legislative committee holding pre-budget hearings, Chief Executive Officer Laura McNeice would like a program similar to those in some western provinces.

“What we are bringing forward. . . we are proposing the creation of the Ontario Airport Capital Assistance Program,” says McNeice.

“We envision this program would be a $10 million program annually that is set aside by the Government of Ontario.”

McNeice says it would be administered by the Ministry of Transportation, and would be open to small airports and aerodromes that are not eligible for funding under a federal program.

McNeice says those airports are vital for services such as air ambulance, Ministry of Natural Resources wildfire suppression efforts and policing air operations.

McNeice says they are also key to economic development and tourism.

There are over 40 municipally-owned small airports, with another 18 publicly-owned that do not qualify for the federal capital assistance program.

Fort Frances lost its funding when Bearskin withdrew air passenger services.

McNeice says it leaves municipalities with having to bear the full cost of airport repairs.

“The municipalities are becoming more cash-strapped,” says McNeice.

“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 have access to funding through the Northern Ontario Heritage Fund, but the Council says that is geared toward new facilities.