TimminsToday received this letter from both the president and the CEO of Airport Management Council of Ontario in response to 'A little concerning': Kirkland Lake airport mostly used for medivacs, report shows.
The Airport Management Council of Ontario (AMCO) is the senior advocate of airport owner and operator organizations focused on the promotion of safe and efficient operation of airports across Ontario. We routinely monitor news and developments related to the provincial airport environment; therefore, we were rather disheartened to read the messaging shared in the article, 'A little concerning': Kirkland Lake airport mostly used for medivacs, report shows, published on June 21, 2024.
From our perspective, the messaging and viewpoints shared by some Kirkland Lake councillors over the municipal airport being mostly utilized for medical evacuation flights (medivacs) are more than “a little concerning.” Registered aerodromes and small airports typically highlight their ability to facilitate quick, efficient transfers connecting patients to critical care as an element demonstrative of their role as critical municipal infrastructure, so it was an odd angle to read that some councillors have a contrasting view on this matter. The fact that Kirkland Lake Airport is used routinely for such an essential service, transporting local citizens for critical and/or life saving care, is something that should be praised.
Further, it is concerning that discussions over the future of the airport emerged during this council meeting. AMCO acknowledges that municipalities must reach sound financial management decisions based on the best interests of taxpayers; however, we believe that airports are critical municipal infrastructure, and that viewpoint should be considered. Divestment of a municipal asset to a private entity appears to be an attractive short-term solution, but it has consequences. There are no guarantees that the airport would remain publicly available once sold to a private entity as the new ownership could choose to use the airport solely for their own transportation needs. Additionally, there are no assurances that the airport would even remain air infrastructure, as other types of land development could be pursued.
These factors touch on the stance that the “the province [Ministry of Health] could figure out other alternatives for the region” too. It is common knowledge that northern Ontario communities are already underserved by health care services and the region typically does not garner the same level of attention when its needs are expressed. Therefore, it would be incautious to assume that the province and relevant stakeholders would quickly strategize to address the needs of the local community and direct alternate routes linking patients to the care.
In conclusion, libraries, community centres, outdoor sports venues and other types of municipal assets do not generate substantial income for municipalities (and in some cases, none), but they are not held to the same standard to “make money” like small airports and aerodromes. In this case, Kirkland Lake Airport provides an essential service to the community, that should be viewed positively, by municipal politicians and citizens.
AMCO is always available to discuss these topics as we continue to advocate for Ontario’s airports.
Chris Wood
President, Airport Management Council of Ontario
Laura McNeice
CEO, Airport Management Council of Ontario
