Stratford is holding onto its municipal airport.
In a seven to four vote at their meeting on Monday night, Stratford City Council voted to retain ownership of the airport despite a recent report that found the annual tax-supported operating deficit for the facility will soar to close to $300,000 over the next ten years.
The financial sustainability study on the airport was put together by HM Aero Aviation Consulting Inc. and it recommended, despite the deficit, that the city keep its airport because of its benefits including its use by Ornge Air Ambulance to transport patients.
Stratford Mayor Martin Ritsma was one of those voting to keep the airport.
“It’s 480 acres of land that’s owned by the City of Stratford, 160 of those are workable airable lands for cropping, I see it as a great investment in Stratford.”
As part of next year’s budget, council voted to increase its contribution to the airport from capital reserves to $207,000 from $100,000 while also searching for other ways to increase the revenue the facility brings in.
