GORE BAY AIRPORT IMPROVEMENTS FINALLY GET GREEN LIGHT
Elliot Lake –– Passengers and businesses that rely on the Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport received some welcome news as the money needed to resurface the aging runway system has been secured.
Initially denied on the first two rounds of stimulus money, the Township of Burpee-Mills continued to request funding to resurface the runways, apron and taxi-ways. They note that the pavement on the existing runway is 28 years old. The airport was acquired from the federal government in 1996, in a state that required repair. The resurfacing was meant to have been done in 1997.
“A lot of credit needs to go to the Township of Burpee-Mills, as well as adjoining municipalities who came on board to support this project,” said local MP, Carol Hughes. “We also have to remember the great job done by the Gore Bay Airport Board and Manager, Robbie Colwell.”
“The news is especially welcome for those who rely on the services of the airport for business, tourism and emergency medical service,” said Ken Noland, Reeve of the Township of Burpee-Mills. “This piece is an integral part of the surrounding communities.
Local businesses are also on board with the project. Manitoulin Transport was so emphatic that the job be done that they offered to contribute to the resurfacing efforts, as well.
The viability of the airstrip is not just important for the local economy, but also for the safety of all as the airport is identified as an emergency landing strip,” said Myles McLeod, President of the Gore Bay – Manitoulin Airport Commission Inc. “Our ability to obtain these funds means that the future of the airport is secure.”
Hughes is glad to see results from her relentless efforts to secure the funding for the project.
“The last time I approached the Minister I told him that if he can find money for a fake lake, surely he can find money for a real airport strip,” said a clearly pleased Hughes. “It’s great to see that with a concentrated lobby effort, we have been able to get tax dollars to flow back into Gore Bay.”
Hughes advised the Township on July 14th that the funding had been approved, after her conference call with Minister responsible for Infrastructure
