Ontario airports are in critical need of government funding.
That’s the main finding in a new report prepared for the Airport Management Council of Ontario.
It makes several recommendations including implementing a new provincial airport capital funding program similar to models utilized by over provincial governments.
The document also suggests restoring the joint industry and government Ontario Air Advisory Panel to address issues of concern and set priorities.
The study highlights the importance of provincial airports as economic drivers and critical social assets.
At the federal level, to following recommendations are made to the Government of Canada for target supports to ensure the continued availability and safety of airports:
-Permanently increase the budget of the Airports Capital Assistance Program (ACAP) to $95 million per year to in order to appropriately address the needs and costs associated with implementing safety-related projects at the airports
-Recapitalize the Regional Air Transportation Initiative to support the community airports not eligible for ACAP funding
