A passenger plane prepares to depart. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)A passenger plane prepares to depart. (BlackburnNews.com photo by Dave Dentinger)
Midwestern

Bruce and Grey Counties look to become regional transportation hub

A study examining the viability of Keppel International Airport in Wiarton continues, with Bruce County councillors recently getting a look at future plans.

Despite Keppel being within the boundaries of Grey County, Bruce County is involved in planning due to a push for the airport to become more "regionalized" moving forward.

Loomex Group is the consultant on the project, with President Trent Gervais presenting information to Bruce County Council during its regular meeting on Thursday, noting Keppel is the only certified airport in Grey Bruce and serves as a transportation hub for both counties.

An ongoing regional study is considering how to more efficiently operate, market potential, as well as how Keppel International fits into the Southern Ontario Aerospace Sector.

At Grey County council back in December, Keepel International was called "one of the top five investment opportunities currently active in Grey County", and a recent pattern of other airports moving to regional models, including Peterborough, Simcoe, Muskoka and Niagara was noted.

One point discussed during Gervais' presentation was the ability for Wiarton to extend its runway from 5,000 feet to 7,000 based on needs and circumstances, meaning it could accommodate a larger airport to support airport activity growth in the future.

Loomex's study is scheduled to be completed on March 31st.

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