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It was estimated that over 200 people attended the public meeting of the airport Task Force on Jan 14/08. The vast majority were business people in support of investing in the airport.

The facts indicated airports are attacked all across Canada even though the number of aircraft in Canada over the past 10 years has increased by 13% totalling 31,700, and the vast majority of the increase has been private aircraft. When properly-conducted economic impact studies are done, as was recently the case in Oshawa, they show that airports are an essential service to any community and definitely should be supported and developed. The Economic Impact Study June 14, 2007 of the City of Kawartha Lakes Municipal Airport concluded that in 2006, it supported an estimated 45.1 person years of employment and generated total gross revenues during 2006 of $5.5 Million.

Brian Payne, CEO of Ross Memorial Hospital showed that fixed wing patient transfers are a significant number and that the number of Medevac patient transfers has doubled in the past few years. At present helicopters are available only 60% of the time and cannot fly in bad weather when many car accidents happen, so fixed wing aircraft and the airport are required.

Dr. Alan Konyer added “it is very important for patient care and physician professional satisfaction to have the option of fixed-wing aircraft transportation when helicopter transfer is either impossible due to weather or impractical due to distance.” He concluded with ”The existence of a well- maintained, active municipal airport in our community will help to attract and retain medical professionals and sends a clear message that our City of Kawartha Lakes is vibrant, progressive and growing.”

Gayle Jones of The Chamber of Commerce presented a survey of its over 600 members and the majority of respondents were in support of investing in the airport. They recognize that it is an economic generator and that it is an important infrastructure that needed to be further developed. Letters were read from various businesses in Lindsay such as Giant Tiger, T.S. Manufacturing, Eganridge Country Club and Spa, Nahma Lodge, Bert’s Appliances, various doctors, dentists, chiropractors and more; all clearly showing the benefits to attracting businesses, business and tourist dollars and needed professionals to the community.

Neil Kelly mentioned that “if you build it, they will come”. When the aircraft parking area was doubled in size, it was full within a year and when the hangars were built, they were full within two months. He discussed the strategic location of the airport under the major airway and the vicinity of the holding pattern making this an ideal stop-over for corporate aircraft especially with Very Light Jets coming into the market which will be the new corporate taxis. Many businesses have been interested in locating at the airport, and the city needs to attract and encourage development of industry and business at the airport and in the region.

The 2007 Airport Service Review for the City of Kawartha Lakes conclusion was read: “The decision should be clear, operate as an airport and make the necessary capital investment required to do so.”

Due to the overwhelming support for the Airport, the Airport Task Force has decided to put off a report to council until June and will set another public meeting likely in April now due to the CUPE strike.