A joint virtual presentation from the Huronia Airport Task Force (HATF) will take place on April 19 at 7:00 p.m., addressing their “Strategic Development Plan - Next Steps” report to the ownership group of Midland, Penetanguishene and Tiny Township municipal councils.
Huronia Airport manager Zachery Premate noted that the HATF, which the three municipalities created last year, was intended to review items, including areas of growth, goals ranging from short term to long term, governance and capital spending.
“The overall objective,” wrote Premate through email, “was to look at ways to drive even greater benefit for the owner municipalities, and in turn, the residents of the three municipalities.”
Hosting a 4,000-foot runway located adjacent to Concession 8 East at 20 Ed Connelly Drive in Tiny, the Huronia Airport (CYEE) was jointly purchased in 1965 by the three municipalities. The airport services a mix of aircraft traffic.
“For example,” wrote Premate, “CYEE provides support/services to local business, Ornge (air ambulance service), Medevac, (Georgian Bay General Hospital), other highly valued emergency services, (spongy moth) control operations, etc. In terms of the airport's physical attributes, the property boasts approximately 350 acres of land which we believe some of which can be strategically developed for aviation and non-aviation purposes should that be the will of council.
“In addition to the aforementioned suite of emergency services which use the airport throughout the year, there are thousands of recreational flights, charter flights, training aircraft, and corporate aircraft which rely on the facility. The types and sizes of aircraft flying into the airport vary from small, single-engine planes to helicopters and jet aircraft.
“The economic impact of the Huronia Airport to the North Simcoe region is estimated to be $3.3 million per year attributing 30 full time positions to the catchment,” Premate added.
Last year, the municipalities invited aviation consultants Loomex Group to conduct a comprehensive business review of the organization, with the first recommendation of better communication leading to the creation of the HATF; three council members and four members from the respective communities comprise the seven-person task force, along with additional staff involvement.
At the upcoming presentation, no municipal business will be advanced. Any subsequent reports on the matter will be presented to the individual councils at their respective council meetings for consideration.
The Huronia Airport Task Force meeting can be viewed on Rogers TV cable channel 53, or through the livestream on the Rogers TV website.
In the event a member of the public wishes to participate virtually, please contact Sarah Marshall at [email protected] to receive the Zoom meeting details.
For more information, please contact:
Town of Midland: David Denault, C.A.O. | 705-526-4275
Town of Penetanguishene: Jeff Lees, C.A.O. | 705-549-7453
Township of Tiny: Robert Lamb, C.A.O. | 705-526-4204
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