Grey County Council is contributing $10,000 toward a regional airport study following a report from staff calling The Wiarton Keppel International Airport (CYVV) one of the top five investment opportunities in the County.
The airport includes 420 acres of potentially developable land and a 5000 feet runway which could be expanded to 7000 feet
A report to council says the airport offers a competitive advantage for commercial aircraft maintenance and repair services, and for tourism.
Loomex is currently operating the Airport on a short-term contract for Georgian Bluffs, and the county says their knowledge and track record means they are in the best position to conduct the study.
The Regional Tourism organization is putting $20,000 toward the study, and $10,000 will come from Georgian Bluffs.
The report points out Georgian Bluffs has also been clear that it is not interested in continuing leadership of the Airport. Regionalizing the Airport could allow the economic opportunities to be realized, whereas one municipality will have difficulty bringing the asset to the next level.
It is the only Transport Canada Certified Airport in the region. That should help attract business and investment as it provides a base standard of safety that is expected within the aviation industry
