Oshawa approves airport business plan

Oshawa Council approved the 2008–2012 Oshawa Municipal Airport Business Plan. The business plan identifies several key initiatives including a commitment to operate the airport for a minimum of 25 years.

“The 25 year commitment opens the door to new investment opportunities and allows the airport to fulfill its supporting role as an economic driver of the City, Regional and East GTA economies,” Cindy Symons-Milroy, director of economic development said.

The business plan provides a solid strategy for maintaining the airport infrastructure in a safe and responsible manner, minimizing airport costs, maximizing the airport’s relevance to a large business community while maintaining a balance which allows it to be a good neighbour to the surrounding community.

“The business plan was put together with broad consultation from a number of stakeholders including aviators, airport tenants, government organizations and members of the community with an emphasis on building consensus throughout the process,”

Airport Manager Stephen Wilcox said.

The Oshawa Municipal Airport, located east of Toronto, Ontario is an executive level regional airport that functions as a key component of the Regional transportation infrastructure and has a significant total economic impact estimated at 430 jobs, $12.3 million in annual taxes and $57.8 million in annual value added gross domestic product.

“The Oshawa Airport is an economic driver contributing to the local economy and serving Durham business,” Councillor Louise Parkes said.

Flight training, air ambulance, passenger charter services, freight services, aerial police operations, aircraft maintenance and aircraft restoration services are all provided at the airport.