Sarnia airport charts new course: From passenger hub to economic engine

The City of Sarnia is looking to secure the future of Chris Hadfield Airport following the loss of commercial passenger service. CTV’s Gerry Dewan explains.

Sarnia’s Chris Hadfield Airport (YZR) is embarking on a significant transformation, seeking to redefine its role and secure its future as a vital community asset.

Following the suspension of commercial passenger flights in 2020, the airport, which has operated at a deficit, is now set to be governed by a new Municipal Services Corporation (MSC) tasked with fostering growth and ensuring long-term sustainability.

The central question that has fueled months of debate among city officials and community advocates is whether airports can continue to serve as effective community hubs in the modern era. The departure of Air Canada’s passenger service in 2020 marked the end of federal infrastructure funding tied to passenger operations, placing the airport, transferred to municipal ownership in 1997, in a challenging financial position.

City council recently opted to establish a Municipal Services Corporation (MSC) to oversee the airport’s operations, a decision championed by Coun. Adam Kilner.

“If you’ve got a community of experts, use them,” Kilner stated, advocating for the MSC model. “City councillors probably should not be operating an airport.”

This approach aims to leverage specialized expertise for the airport’s governance, moving away from direct city council management.

Coun. Terry Burrell had previously expressed concerns about adding further costs without securing substantial revenue sources, saying at a Feb. 9 council meeting, “Until we can secure a reasonable revenue source to look after substantially all the costs bringing on more costs, and that’s what the MSC will do, is suicidal.”

The new vision for YZR looks beyond its former role as a passenger terminal. Council members have reviewed successful models of airports operating without commercial airline service.

Kilner pointed to St. Thomas’ airport as an example, which has established itself as a significant centre for aircraft repair and maintenance, housing numerous mechanics working on diverse aviation needs.

Furthermore, the airport’s strategic location as a border city presents potential opportunities aligned with federal initiatives, such as enhanced border protection strategies.

“Defense Canada is wanting to do more things. Well, we’re a border city and we’re a pretty critical border crossing,” Kilner said, while also emphasizing the importance of a vibrant airport in sending a strong economic development message to multinational companies operating within Sarnia’s Chemical Valley.

In line with this strategic shift, the City of Sarnia has issued a call for applications to form the Sarnia Chris Hadfield Airport Municipal Services Corporation Board of Directors. Incorporated under the Ontario Not-for-Profit Corporations Act, 2010, the MSC will assume full operational responsibility for YZR by June 30, 2027. Its primary mandate is to ensure safe operations, achieve long-term financial sustainability, promote growth, and enhance the airport’s economic impact for Sarnia and Lambton County.

The city is seeking four to six voting directors with diverse expertise to shape the airport’s future.