BONNYVILLE – The MD of Bonnyville is hoping to soar to new heights.
Council voted in favour of submitting an offer to the Town of Bonnyville to take over ownership of the Bonnyville Regional Airport, located north of town off Hwy. 41.
According to Reeve Greg Sawchuk, the topic came up at an airport committee meeting after feedback was received from those who use the airport.
“It was put across by the town that they would be willing to pass off ownership of the airport to the MD,” he told council during their May 6 committee meeting. “This was brought about by a letter from the airport users requesting some work be done out there and they felt that maybe the MD might be better suited to get the work done.”
Sawchuk noted he saw some advantages to the municipality taking responsibility for the facility.
“The location of the airport is very close to our main hub for that sort of work, so it works out well because we have people out there that are close by. The fact that the users currently out there or the charters that are out there, they’re mainly supporting businesses that are operating within the MD as well. On this, I feel that perhaps it was a better match for us to look after the operation and the maintenance of the airport,” he detailed.
Before administration could move ahead with the possibility, CAO Luc Mercier said they needed confirmation from council that taking over the airport was something they were interested in.
"We will bring back a summary of costs and pros and cons to council to make a final decision,” he stated. “Of course, the Town of Bonnyville council will also have to give approval to that first.”
Coun. Marc Jubinville was in favour of the MD taking over the airport.
“I think it’s a good fit and it’s something that probably should have been looked at a long time ago. But, I think we just need to get the information to move forward and go with it.”
When council passed the motion, Coun. Ed Dechesne wasn’t in favour after Sawchuk mentioned the town may still want to be included in discussions surrounding the airport.
“If the Town of Bonnyville can’t meet their commitments to the airport, which they benefit greatly from, not just us, I don’t think they should have any input into the airport after we take it over.”
MD administration will reach out to the town to discuss the matter before they bring it back to MD council with more information.
