Big news today from the Wiarton Keppel International Airport where there could soon be a change in ownership.
It’s been over two years in the making but the councils of South Bruce Peninsula and Georgian Bluffs have agreed to a land swap that would see the airport owned solely by Georgian Bluffs.
Currently the two municipalities are co-owners of the 800-plus acre facility.
In return for the airport land, South Bruce Peninsula would get Georgian Bluffs land that houses their lagoon system, cemetery and works department, along with both sides of Highway 6 for future development.
Mayor John Close says no money will be exchanging hands at this point and it shouldn’t affect taxpayers.
Georgian Bluffs Mayor Alan Barfoot says he believes the deal is a benefit to both municipalities.
He says it should be easier to get provincial and federal grants for renovations to the airport in the future under one owner–something that Barfoot says was frustrating in the past with two owners applying for the grants.
Barfoot says it still could be a couple of years before the deal is finalized but both municipalities will start the process next year with public meetings, looking for input.
Approvals also must come from Bruce and Grey county councils and from the senior levels of government.
