Waterville Airport Relocation

As Councillor for District 3, I've developed a strong position on the relocation of Kings County's Municipal Airport.  This was briefly stated in the September edition of the Centrepost and is enlarged upon and updated here.

1. Greenwood is not where a new municipal airport should go because close proximity to major markets, defined as within an hour’s drive of Halifax, is key.  
2. A new municipal airport located in Eastern Kings will provide additional jobs and bring new investments. Research and the experience of other jurisdictions proves that.

Several councillors are seeking to create a win-win situation for both big (Michelin) and smaller businesses (several are already located at the current airport). The work to strike a transition team capable of bringing the right skills to the table is being spearheaded by Councillor Winsor, whose professional experience is closely linked to this type of project.  By making smart decisions, based on evidence, Kings County can arrive at an ambitious but doable, go-forward plan.

It is my position that any delay in getting this in place puts current airport-related businesses and their investments at risk. That is why this motion passed in October is so important:

"Establish a Waterville Airport Relocation Project with a supporting Project Committee... with parameters outline due by no later than November 19, 2013."

We have a new provincial government with a focus on small business.  Here are some key points I believe the county needs to keep in mind as negotiations and partnerships proceed:

1. The airport’s current location does not permit the creation of the type of general aviation service that a municipality of our size needs and deserves. 
2. A location east of the current Waterville site, with the potential for a longer runway, needs to be identified and secured.
3. Kings County has collaborated with the Province of Nova Scotia to set in motion Michelin's requirements for airport land. It is now time for the Province to help us address the risks this creates for current airport-related businesses and to create a new municipal airport.
4. The Municipality of the County of Kings can take the lead and embrace the opportunities presented by this necessary move of the airport.  
5. Relocation can be seen as a plus, not a negative.  It allows the need for a longer runway to be addressed and this will give the airport a sharper competitive edge. (It's unlikely that without Michelin's need for additional land there would have been action on the Waterville's airport needs).

I'm thrilled that this relocation puts us in the frame for significant commercial growth in our county. Council is poised to take another step forward on November 19.  I hope residents will be there to learn more about council's activities on this important file.

Please do not hesitate to be in touch to discuss your views on any topic.  I can be reached at 902-670-2949.