Fund airport

Fort Frances has been forced to try Plan ‘B’ in its efforts to garner district funding to help operate the local airport—and that’s disappointing.
The logical course, as was suggested initially, would have seen municipalities and area First Nations help shoulder the airport’s annual operating deficit on a per capita basis. That would fluctuate from year to year, of course, because the airport shortfall is not constant—ranging from $155,000-$200,000 annually of late.
To their credit, Emo and Chapple were willing to sign on. Other municipalities declined to participate, however, while the First Nations could not commit to cost-sharing that fluctuated, although at least expressing a willingness to discuss the issue further.
With Plan ‘A’ torpedoed, Fort Frances had little choice but to now request funding help through a fixed contribution of $5 per capita over a five-year period, which then would be reviewed and adjusted accordingly. The hope is that being able to budget a fixed amount each year is more palatable to municipalities and First Nations. And as Coun. Paul Ryan reasoned, any contribution is better than getting nothing.
True. But the point is Fort Frances should not have to go cap in hand looking for help to operate the airport. It clearly serves the entire area, especially those who travel frequently on private or government business. More important, though, is the life-saving medevac service available to residents no matter where they may live.
As well, closure of the airport could slam the door on future growth and development, which would have a negative economic impact right across the district.
Every municipality is facing a budget crunch but it’s not right that Fort Frances is left holding the bag to keep the airport open.
The town’s new request for a fixed contribution over a five-year period is more than reasonable—given it doesn’t even take inflation into account, as Coun. Ken Perry argued—and district municipalities and First Nations are urged to step to the plate with their support.