The Town of Collingwood, located in the southern shore of Georgian Bay, Ontario, has recently announced the sale of its airport (NY3) for $4.1 million. Winterland Developments Ltd. was the winning bid of three submitted after the town call for proposals in May for its lease or outright sale. The proposed closing date for the sale is September 25, 2018.

The airport sits on 159 hectares (392 acres) of land and has a 5000-foot paved runway with two instrument approaches and a 2450-foot grass strip. It is home to North 40 FBO, who operate the fuelling facility. Included in the sale to Winterland is the airport terminal.

After years of financial losses by the vendor amid accusations of mismanagement and failure to act on development opportunities, the town council finally decided to sell. Says mayor Sandra Cooper, “The airport is on the cusp of greater things and exciting opportunities in the future, and I believe there are others that are more knowledgeable about airports than the municipality to be able to do that.”

Kevin Elwood, COPA Director for Southern Ontario and resident of nearby Stayner says “While I had hoped it would be sold to Clearview Township so as to remain in public ownership, I am not disappointed that the buyer is an aviation supporter, aircraft owner, hangar owner, pilot and solid businessman with the financial resources to invest in the growth of the airport along with recognizing the fiscal barriers faced by GA aircraft operators.”