GORDON/BARRRIE ISLAND—While all the work taking place at the Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport will not be entirely complete until this fall, the new terminal is expected to be open and operational by the end of this month or soon after.
“It will be a showpiece to welcome all aviators and visitors to Manitoulin Island,” stated Lee Hayden, reeve of Gordon/Barrie, which, along with the Town of Gore Bay and Burpee and Mills Township, own and operate the airport.
“It’s very welcome news that the terminal and the entire project is nearing completion,” said Reeve Hayden. “I’ve been in the terminal building, and it is going to be very nice.”
Airport Manager Robbie Colwell said, “Nearly five years have passed since approval for funding from the Rural and Northern stream of the Investing in Canada Program (ICIP) was received for improvements to the Gore Bay-Manitoulin Airport. The construction project included a new air terminal building, helipad and emergency stand-by generator.”
“Excitement is now brewing at the airport as the finish line for the new air terminal building is now in sight,” said Mr. Colwell. “The modern, bright and spacious new building will soon be the headquarters for airport operations as well as many other airport support services and client amenities.”
Mr. Colwell explained the building will house the region’s Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) office, a pilot fatigue management/flight planning area and a food server. “The large centre core is the focal point of the building which connects to all components, presenting amazing views airside through the full-span glass wall. Sufficient washrooms, a small meeting/day rental office and space for the Gore Bay Flying Club complement the facility.”
“The structure is built to post-disaster structural standards and can be used as an emergency/crisis management centre,” said Mr. Colwell. “The terminal has adopted the latest in technology, energy efficiency and functionality that will better serve the aviation community.”
“It’s said that anything that is worthwhile takes time,” said Reeve Hayden. “The biggest delay in this project has been COVID-related inflationary costs that prevented us to get construction started earlier.”
“Robby Colwell is expected to be moving over to the new airport terminal building in mid to late June,” said Gore Bay Mayor Ron Lane. He noted the entire airport project will not officially be done until September with the demolition of the current airport terminal, landscaping and fencing to take place.
“This is a $4 plus million project and will not only benefit the aviation community, staff and visitors to the airport, but will provide a helipad that will provide safety,” said Mayor Lane.
“Our airport can handle just about anything in terms of aircraft, is a fully operational municipal airport and provides weather service as well,” said Mayor Lane.
As was reported previously, in early June 2023 a $4.3 million contract was awarded by the owners of the airport, Gore Bay, Gordon/Barrie Island and Burpee and Mills township to Lignum Builders of Espanola for the construction. Funding for the projects is coming from FedNor, the owner municipalities, the Airport Commission and private donors.
“The future of the airport looks much brighter as we put our upgrades into action to infuse optimum customer experience, strengthen aviation safety and offer much improved service deliverables to our users,” said Mr. Colwell. “The aviation community already loves our airport, and this relationship will intensify once people start flowing through this magnificent facility that will form a key role in expanding our airport as an aviation hub.”
